Van Weelden’s Boosters in Business and Community Give Him a Heartfelt and ‘Groovy’ Send-Off

Mark Van Weelden in his office at Reworld Haverhill. (WHAV News photograph.)

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Mark Van Weelden, the well-known face of Reworld Haverhill, formerly Covanta, hasn’t gone far, but his fans working in charities, business and government want him to know he’s appreciated…but they still have more work for him to do.

When WHAV asked the community about Van Weelden, responses ran the gamut from heartfelt emotions about him coming to the rescue at a critical moment to anecdotes that bordered on preparations for a roast. Take this one from Haverhill City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan for example.

“The guy who has single-handedly tried to bring the word ‘groovy’ back into our vocabulary,” Jordan joked.

The 54-year-old Van Weelden frequently turned to the word to describe achieving milestones at the Haverhill YMCA’s after-school programs, bringing smiles to students at school spaghetti suppers and fundraising goal successes at myriad charities—all of whom he, himself, made possible through donations and hands-on volunteerism.

Van Weelden was recently named vice president of business development for G. Mello Disposal Corp. of Georgetown, one of the few locally owned and operated disposal firms in the area. He said the job brings him back to his roots, explaining he grew up in his family’s trash hauling business outside of Chicago. He went on to join Republic Services in a variety of roles from operations to sales; Interstate Waste Services; and, then, Reworld 10 years ago.

While Van Weelden, who began in Haverhill as business manager, eventually became area asset manager overseeing Haverhill, Southeastern Massachusetts Resource Recovery facility in West Wareham and plants in Preston and Bristol, Conn., as well as taking on stints at operations in Indianapolis and Niagara Falls.

He told WHAV he is proud of his local work where Reworld provides energy for 22,000 homes, metal recycling and processing of non-hazardous wastewater. He has given tours for Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, but particularly enjoyed hosting neighbors and school children who previously knew the business as only a landmark along the highway.

“When we bring them in, it’s kind of funny—the ‘ah ha’ moment. I enjoy those—especially the young kids and the older residents that take the opportunity to come to see what we actually do,” he said.

Van Weelden wins wide praise for his community involvement. Through which, he explained, brought him close to those who get things done. “I think it continues to be interesting with all of the people I meet—the politicians, the unsung heroes that are out there every day helping those in need, the YMCA, Haverhill YMCA, as you know is something that’s near and dear to my heart. I don’t live in Haverhill, but I’ve spent the last 10 years here. I probably spent more time in Haverhill, in the Merrimack Valley area, than I have in my home.”

Regional Executive Director Tracy Fuller recalls introducing Van Weelden to the Haverhill Y shortly after he arrived in town, pointedly noting “he was shocked at how bare the space was, compared to the number of youths who came to the Y after school. He jumped in after the tour with a significant gift to the YMCA, and since then has provided turkeys, gloves, and hats for families in need.”

Visible and Involved

Going beyond donations, Van Weelden went on to serve on the YMCA Advisory Committee and will continue to serve on the steering committee planning a new Haverhill YMCA. “He embodies strengthening community,” Fuller said.

Jordan agreed Van Weelden gives more than money.

“Beyond just being a guy that would get checks written, he was involved. He just seemed to be a lot more involved. He was very involved and very supportive of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. He was very involved and supportive of the YMCA, of the Haverhill Rotary Club, of Team Haverhill…,” Jordan said.

That service also included being a director of the Northern Essex Community College Foundation and serving on the boards of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and Environmental Business Council of New England, among others. Northern Essex Community College President Lane A. Glenn recalled how Van Weelden never hesitated to help.

“Mark was one of several community leaders who played an active role in responding to the Columbia Gas explosions that wreaked havoc in the Merrimack Valley in 2018, and more recently he helped secure a major gift from Covanta that, with matching funds it attracted, completed our $1 million Haverhill Early College Promise campaign, guaranteeing full NECC scholarships for Haverhill students for years to come,” Glenn explained.

Van Weelden said, however, he carefully chooses how he can best help. “It’s not about joining the boards; it’s can I add value to it? If I can’t add value to it, there’s no sense in doing it,” he explained.

One person who saw Van Weelden from several vantage points is former Haverhill City Councilor and Merrimack Valley Chamber President Joseph J. Bevilacqua.

“It’s not something that we talk about all the time, but trash collection for a city is a major environmental issue and it’s a major issue to homeowners and businesses alike, and Covanta was a real resource to the city. Costs would have been tremendously greater if we didn’t have Covanta working to address this issue,” Bevilacqua said.

Environmental Business Council of New England President and Executive Director Ann K. Gisinger agreed Van Weelden’s expertise is invaluable. “Over the years he has dedicated his time, energy and thought leadership toward EBC’s Solid Waste Management Committee and has shown time and again his commitment to the organization,” she told WHAV.

Van Weelden discussed another lesser-known aspect of that work. “We have a good relationship with our host community, Haverhill. We’ve always been open and honest about what we’re doing. We invite them in. We have the Fire Department—every year they get new probies (probationary firefighters) coming in. The Fire Department conducts drills here.”

A U.S. Navy veteran, Van Weelden has been married 32 years to his “high school sweetheart,” Tracy. They have four children ages 26, 22, 18 and 10.

Mark Van Weelden, center, during a recent Haverhill YMCA Legacy Gala. (YMCA courtesy photograph.)

At a recent Haverhill YMCA Legacy Gala, Mark Van Weelden and Elaine Barker take time to dance. (YMCA courtesy photograph.)

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