Education

Former Gov. Baker Urges Northern Essex Grads to Learn from Mistakes

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Former Gov. Baker Urges Northern Essex Grads to Learn from Mistakes as He Did

Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker drew on his own experiences after he lost his first bid to be governor in 2009 to encourage new Northern Essex Community College grads to embrace failure, move out of their comfort zones and learn from their mistakes. “Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t ever be afraid to stretch yourselves. Growth often comes from failure and adversity. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, your family, your friends and your colleagues.

Haverhill

Haverhill Police Give Tribute on National Peace Officers Memorial Day

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The Haverhill Police Department paused Friday to honor and recognize officers who came before them during a short ceremony in observation of National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Officer Kaylee Sarfde, president of the Haverhill Police Relief Association, served as master of ceremonies. “Each year on Peace Officers Memorial Day we gather to honor and remember the law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while also recognizing all officers who have served including members of the Haverhill Police Department who are no longer with us. Today we honor their service, sacrifice and their lasting impact on this department,” Sarfde began. National Peace Officers Memorial Day was established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to honor law enforcement officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty.

Education

Haverhill School Committee Balks at Rental Fee Increases

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Members of the Haverhill School Committee generally agreed Thursday night the school department must raise fees it charges outside groups that rent out its facilities. By how much, however, is proving to be a sticking point. As WHAV previously reported, Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta is proposing to increase fees in order to balance her proposed $137 million budget. This year, the schools brought in just under $100,000. Marotta said she believes a modest fee increase could double the amount.

Haverhill

Haverhill Council Approves Extra Unit; Hears Bureaucracy Concern

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The Haverhill City Council unanimously approved the addition of an extra unit at a 40-unit apartment complex on South Grove Street and noted a suggestion for streamlining development applications from the project’s attorney. At issue was the procedure for making a change in the special permit that already governs the apartment complex at 2 S. Grove St. The project came back before city councilors because the developer seeks to convert a storage shed and little-used community room into a two-bedroom rental. Haverhill attorney Robert D. Harb, who represented the Lawrence-based company, argued the city needs more residential units and the proposed addition would have minimal impact on the neighborhood. However, he said, said he doesn’t believe adding a single unit to an unfolding 40-unit project should trigger a “major site plan” review and add mounds of paper.

Business Bulletin

Health Scare Prompts Search for New Benedetti’s Deli Owner

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Benedetti’s Deli, Haverhill’s oldest, continuously operated and family-owned restaurant, is for sale. Edward Benedetti, who owns and operates the Mount Washington landmark with his sister, Mary DiBartolomeo, said a health scare last year prompted the move. “I had open heart surgery for a quadruple bypass and, after being out for three months, it occurred to me that it was time,” Benedetti, 59, told WHAV. “The full weight of the restaurant fell to my sister when I was sick. I just realized that working 12-hour days had gotten too much for us.”

The pair’s grandparents, Molly and Marcy Benedetti, bought the building at 350 Washington St.

Haverhill

Ripple Fiber to Offer Low-Income Internet Discount in Haverhill

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Low-income residents will be able to purchase fast internet for $30 a month through Haverhill’s newest provider. Stephen Maher, the director of government affairs for Ripple Fiber, made that commitment during a presentation Tuesday before Haverhill’s City Council. Furthermore, Mayor Melinda E. Barrett estimated the city will save in excess of $2 million as the company has offered to provide high-speed internet to all city buildings as well as replace the private network which links city buildings. Currently, she said, Comcast provides the so-called iNet loop, but Barrett said Comcast is ending the service by 2030. Barrett added she is also in negotiations with other internet vendors.

Education

Discovery Club Students Pepper Haverhill Seniors with Questions

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Nicholas Gama, a member of the after-school Discovery Club at Golden Hill School, had a burning question for Dianne Moonoogian, a resident of Bethany Communities’ Phoenix Row in downtown Haverhill. “Why,” the third grader politely inquired, “did you move here?” Moonoogian wasn’t annoyed by the inquiry and, in fact, relished giving her answer. “I knew that as I got older, I needed a smaller place, an apartment by myself, and that I needed neighbors,” Moonoogian explained. “And I just love living here. Everyone is so friendly.”

Gama and 19 classmates were on a field trip last Thursday to hear about the seniors’ lifestyles and their former careers as part of a unit on Haverhill history called “The Heart and Sole of Haverhill.” They came with prepared questions and spent an hour interviewing eight residents at Phoenix Row.

Haverhill

Haverhill Officials Delay Release of Mill Demolition Bidder Names

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Haverhill officials are delaying the release of names of bidders seeking the work of demolishing the what’s left of the Stevens Street mill. In an emergency session Friday, the City Council voted to allow Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett to spend up to $5 million to take down the building due to safety concerns. Barrett said she asked the state for financial assistance. If help is not forthcoming, the city will borrow the money, she said. City Council President Timothy J. Jordan told WHAV he also has not seen the bids and he doesn’t believe other councilors have either.