Haverhill

Children Take Part in Trout Restocking at Haverhill’s Plug Pond; Would-Be Diners Ready Too

By |

(Additional photograph below.)

About 450, two-year-old brown trout were unceremoniously dumped from buckets in twos and threes by children and adults alike at the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s trout restocking event Thursday, at Haverhill’s Plug Pond. The noontime occasion, which attracted 75 to the pond, which is also called Lake Saltonstall, showcased the state’s recreational fishing programs. The young 12- to 14-inch-long trout released into the fresh water by enthusiastic releasers are headed eventually for the dinner plate, noted MassWildlife spokesperson Emily Stolarski. “When people see the stocking trucks rolling, their first thought is that we are reintroducing the trout. It’s a common misconception people have but we just want to underscore that this is for folks to enjoy,” she said. The enjoyment began as the stocking event brought out fish lovers of all ages.

Haverhill

Predicted Rain Causes Haverhill’s Earth Day Cleanup Delay; Now Takes Place May 3

By |

The prediction of a rainy Saturday has forced city leaders to postpone Haverhill’s Annual Earth Day Cleanup a week. Haverhill’s Brightside Annual Earth Day Cleanup had been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, but organizer David LaBrode said his group, after consulting with Haverhill Recreation Director Ben Delaware, decided the delay was prudent. “Because the weather forecast looks less than ideal for outdoor activities this Saturday, we decided to postpone until Saturday, May 3,” LaBrode said. “Mother Nature always finds a way of throwing us curves here in New England, especially in the spring, but we do need the rain.”

The base of operations will also move from the Citizen Center to Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, behind Haverhill High School at 137 Monument St. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Delaware said 200 people have signed up so far and that he is hoping the extra week will increase participation.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Boys & Girls Club Back-A-Kid Donors Have Chance to be Listed on T-Shirts

By |

Those who contribute $125 to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill might just find their names on the backs of T-shirts the club is handing out at its Walk-A-Palooza. The social services organization is asking for $125 donations for its Back-A-Kid fundraiser in honor of its 125th birthday providing recreational activities and support to children in Greater Haverhill. The first 125 donors will be listed on the event tee for the club’s Saturday, May 3, Walk-A-Palooza through downtown Haverhill. Contributions in any amount up to $25,000 made by June 1 will be matched by the Amelia Peabody Foundation. The club notes three quarters of children served are from low-income families and 40% are led by one parent.

Haverhill

Juror Shortage Prompts Delay of Haverhill School Committee Member’s Trial

By |

A shortage of jurors delayed the trial Wednesday of first-term Haverhill School Committee member Cheryl A. Ferguson, charged with alleged indecent assault and battery on a teenage boy. The trial is now scheduled for Tuesday, June 10, after Haverhill District Court Judge Cesar A. Archilla was unable to seat a full jury of six and one alternate. Archilla spent more than four hours training and certifying a pool of 17 potential jurors, but after 12 were excused for various reasons, he announced the trial could not proceed. “We can go forward with six but not with five so I thank you for your service,” Archilla told the two men and three women who were successfully seated. Fifty-nine-year-old Ferguson, who represents Ward 3 on the School Committee, was arrested last Oct.

Education

Haverhill Commission on Disabilities to Award Two $7,500 Scholarships   

By |

Graduating high school seniors with disabilities who live in Haverhill and are planning to pursue a career in a health care or disability-related field may apply for one of two $7,500 scholarships offered by the Haverhill Commission on Disabilities. “We believe these scholarships often make the difference in whether non-traditional students are able to attend college and further their education,” said Frances (Hogan) Lamb, commission chair. “We look forward to having these students return to the community and tell us how furthering their education has made a difference to them and to those they are helping.”

The application is one-page form available from both the Haverhill High School and Whittier Regional Vocational Technical School guidance departments, by emailing [email protected] or by calling the Commission at 978-374-2387. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 6, she said. Applicants are advised to be prepared to describe their disability as well as their high school activities and community-based volunteer work, any employment or internships and what they most enjoyed about high school.

Haverhill

Haverhill Mayor Assesses City’s Health in Address; Says New Fire Station Can Be Regional Hub

By |

Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett assessed the high points of her last 16 months in office and looked to the future in her first State of the City address Tuesday delivered in the City Hall auditorium. Against a backdrop of city, state and the America flag and with her department heads, city hall staff and members of the public cheering her on, Barrett reflected on the successes of her administration, priorities for the future and gave a warning about city finances. Preceding her at the podium was Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll who praised Barrett and other city leaders for their willingness to serve the public and make the city and state a better place to live. Driscoll, the former mayor of Salem, pointed out the challenges inherent in the position that Barrett holds. “It’s a job that is one of the hardest jobs in America, serving as a mayor, particularly of what I consider to be medium-sized cities where you don’t have ton of staff writing press releases and doing the communications, doing all the work you might have in a larger city but you have all the same the challenges.

Education

Haverhill Plans Alternative Elementary School While Adding Pre-School Slots

By |

Haverhill school administrators are exploring the creation of an alternative elementary school to better serve some of the neediest students and help reduce classroom disruptions while freeing up pre-school slots at the same time. Currently, the system operates Greenleaf Academy, an alternative program for middle and high school students, at 58 Chadwick St., in Bradford. The proposed program for younger students struggling in a traditional classroom setting has been dubbed Greenleaf Academy Lower. School Committee Vice Chair Richard J. Rosa said the district’s plan is to lease a larger space for the (William H.) Moody Preschool Extension, now at Crowell School, 26 Belmont Ave. Then, the new alternative program for students in first through fourth grades would move into the empty Crowell classrooms.

“The potential plan for a Greenleaf Academy program for younger students will have a positive ripple effect throughout the Haverhill Public Schools starting with creating much-needed space for additional pre-k students.

Haverhill

Haverhill’s Brightside Seeks Additional Volunteers for Annual Earth Day Cleanup Saturday

By |

Volunteers are sought to help during Haverhill Brightside’s Annual Earth Day Cleanup Saturday. Organizer David Labrode says he expects 50 sites will be cleaned, including traffic islands, neighborhood pocket parks and other recreational spaces from Bailey Boulevard and the Buttonwood Trail to Windsor and Wysocki parks. “Last year we had 440 volunteers and we are hoping for 550-plus this year,” Labrode says, adding, “We will supply trash bags, gloves and a limited number of trash grabbers.” Volunteers are asked to bring rakes and other gardening tools from home if they have them. Those interested is helping spruce up the city are asked to meet Saturday, April 26, any time after 8:30 a.m., at Haverhill Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. Volunteers will check in and pick up snacks, coffee, water, an event t-shirt and clean up supplies.