Haverhill’s Christmas tree in Washington Square is lit for the season. The tree was illuminated following a brief ceremony Friday night, highlighted by carolers and the arrival of Santa Claus by horse-drawn carriage on loan to him by Haverhill’s own Kimball Farm. Mayor James J. Fiorentini, state Rep. Andy X. Vargas and city councilors were among those in attendance. Santa stayed behind awhile to pose for photographs with children.
Now that the new southbound bridge along Interstate 495 is open in Haverhill, crews from SPS New England turn their attention to dismantling some materials used during construction and adjusting other elements. Both the north and southbound bridges are complete, but work continues through next spring to, among other things, remove the temporary crossover that allowed cars and trucks to share the new northbound bridge and clean up the median. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reports there will be a single left lane closing Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec.
Michael Arpino takes over as Haverhill’s highway superintendent next Tuesday as the city gears up for snowplowing. Arpino is leaving a similar job as superintendent of the City of Newton’s Streets Division where he has served since 2011. He replaces Brian Zaniboni, who retired last month, and will earn $110,000 annually.
Haverhill’s recently created Department of Public Health has a new director as the office focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis as the two most important health issues facing Haverhill residents. The appointment of current Public Health Nurse Mary Connolly to the new job by Mayor James J. Fiorentini was endorsed by the City Council Tuesday night by a vote of 8-0 with Councilor Michael S. McGonagle absent. The mayor told councilors Connolly will also receive some help.
