Education

Haverhill’s Nettle Principal, Doherty, to Take Over at Consentino as Careers Advance

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Haverhill’s Dr. Albert B. Consentino School, currently in the midst of building a replacement, and another middle school, Dr. Paul C. Nettle, will be getting new leadership for the next school year. In an email to staff, students and families at the two schools, school Superintendent Margaret Marotta said Nettle School Principal Eileen Doherty is moving to Consentino and a search is beginning for her replacement at Nettle. The shuffle follows Consentino Principal Richard Poor leaving for another position and Assistant Principal John Mele planning retirement. As WHAV reported at the time, the two leaders traded jobs in 2020. “After careful reflection and deliberation and with full awareness of the critical time ahead—including the construction and opening of the new school building—we recognize that this moment calls for a leader with deep experience in school leadership and a strong understanding of Haverhill Public Schools,” Marotta said in naming Doherty.

Business Bulletin

Stem, Haverhill Cannabis Retailer, Plans Historic Building Rehab, Possible Consumption Site

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Haverhill’s first adult-use cannabis store, Stem, is parlaying its status as a social equity and economic empowerment entrepreneur to bring transformation of its historic Washington Street building and possibly become one of the state’s first on-site consumption sites. Stem owner Caroline Pineau says the business is using a $500,000 Massachusetts Cannabis Social Equity Grant to develop the rooftop and second and third floors of her 6,400-square-foot, Washington Street building into “a state-of-the-art cannabis-themed destination and education center.”

“This is a fabulous, historic building in the core of Haverhill’s downtown and we’re ready to open a new, exciting chapter with new, exciting uses reflecting the new cannabis economy,” Pineau said.  “From day one we have prioritized creating new jobs, new tax revenue and new philanthropic partnerships for Haverhill, and this next phase will further those goals.”

Pineau said she relayed her interest to the state Cannabis Control Commission in hosting on-site consumption once the state completes its social consumption pilot application process. She said she would use a portion of her 1882 building for educational programming, golf simulators, a rooftop lounge and a juice and smoothie bar as part of the development project. Stem will install an elevator and a new staircase to bring the building into compliance with Americans with Disability Act codes. Pineau gave a sneak preview earlier this month to state Rep. Andy X. Vargas, state Sen. Pavel M. Payano, city officials, acting Cannabis Control Commission Chair Bruce Stebbins, Commission Executive Director Travis Ahern and some members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

Region

Merrimack River Watershed Council Says 2024 Results Show Untreated Sewage 30% Above Average

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The Merrimack River Watershed Council says 896 million gallons of untreated sewage were released last year along the Merrimack River—about 30% above the average amount in the previous 10 years. In a statement, Watershed Council Executive Director Curt Rogers reported Tuesday the amount does not account for additional partially treated sewage discharged and street sewer overflows. While Massachusetts law requires sewer treatment plants to publicly report when they release sewage into the river, “the river’s complex flow and currents can make that advisory inaccurate.”

CSO testing last year by the Merrimack River Watershed Council showed that while 48 hours was more than enough time for the plume of bacteria to flow downstream, the plume often persisted longer than the recommended window and flowed further downstream than expected. Jose Tapia, the Council’s water quality project manager, says they are working to better understand the overflows’ effect on the river. “Questions asked this year will include how long do plumes of bacteria survive in the river following a CSO and for how many miles downstream can they pose a risk to people’s health?” He says.

Community Spotlight

Bethany Plans Golf Outing to Support Care, Meal, Rides for Seniors on Fixed Incomes

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Bethany Community Services, which owns and operates a series of affordable senior apartment buildings, is planning its second annual Golf Outing to help raise money for supportive resources for the more than 400 seniors who call Bethany home. The Golf Outing, which supports the Friends of Bethany Fund, features a buffet lunch, golf tournament, “Beat the Pro” contest and awards, dinner and raffle. “Many of our seniors are on fixed incomes and rely upon our services every day often to meet their basic needs. This may be direct assistance with personal care, daily meals or transportation to get to doctors’ appointments,” said Jered Stewart, president and CEO of Bethany Community Services. The event takes place Monday, May 19, beginning at noon, at Atkinson Resort and Country Club, 85 Country Club Drive, Atkinson, N.H. Registration takes place during lunch and gold commences with a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.

Haverhill

Haverhill Lead Water Pipe Replacement Program at Risk by Federal Grant Delay

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State leaders say Haverhill’s plans to tackle lead pipe replacements could be delayed by the Trump Administration. As WHAV reported a year ago, Haverhill was awarded a three-year, $2.4 million federal Lead Hazard Reduction Grant to remove lead paint from at least 75 homes. Gov. Maura T. Healey, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said Tuesday a nationwide delay poses health threats. “The Trump Administration has delayed more than $50 million in federal funding for lead service line replacement in Massachusetts,” said Healey. “Funding local projects is vital to get lead out of our drinking water.

Business Bulletin

March MakeIT Haverhill Job Fair Takes Place Thursday

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The Massachusetts Trial Court and Northeast Independent Living Program are among those hiring during this Thursday’s MakeIT Haverhill Job Fair. The courts are looking for a maintenance technician, custodian and associate court officers in Haverhill, Newburyport Lowell and other locations, while Northeast Independent Living seeks a personal care assistant skills trainer. The aim of monthly job fairs are to provide an opportunity for individuals in the community to connect with local employers in a welcoming environment and allow employers to engage with potential job seekers and network with potential partners. Other employers are Cedar’s Foods, Community Action, Covenant Health and Haverhill Public Schools. The job fair takes place Thursday, March 27, from 3-5 p.m., at MakeIT Haverhill, 301 Washington St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

SEPAC Online Meeting Discusses Transition to Adulthood for Students with Disabilities

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Parents have an opportunity Tuesday night to learn about the process students with disabilities follow when transitioning to adulthood. Matthew Scanlon, Haverhill Public Schools special education supervisor and transition specialist, and Andrea Morris, director of Family Support Center and Advocacy at the Arc of Greater Haverhill, Newburyport, address the online information session Tuesday, March 25, from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration takes place online at haverhillsepac.com. Questions and requests for information to be covered may be submitted in advance and registration is required. Translation is available if language requests are submitted ahead of time.

Region

Groveland Hydrant Flushing Runs April 1-16; Schedule and Streets Detail Here

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Groveland Water and Sewer plans to begin annual hydrant flushing Tuesday, April 1. During flushing, officials said, residents may experience low pressure and/or temporary discoloration. They added, Water pressure should return to normal once flushing is complete. The process is conducted twice a year to help ensure sustained water quality and support the longevity of the system’s infrastructure. Hydrant flushing will continue through April 16 and is subject to change.