Haverhill

I-495 Bridge Replacement Project Prompts Nightly Lane Closings

By |

Drivers can expect lane closings along Interstate 495, between Haverhill and Methuen, over the next two weeks as steel goes up on the first of two replacement bridges over the Merrimack River. Temporary nightly lane closings begin Monday, Sept. 28, as needed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., between Exit 105, Route 213 in Methuen, to Exit 106, Ward Hill Connector. Long steel beams have appeared in the median between the northbound and southbound lanes in anticipation of construction. Current activities include bridge substructure construction on the Ward Hill Connector, formally, Industrial Avenue, over I-495, and structural steel erection at the I-495 stage one bridge.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Chamber Names Damark Woodcraft Business of the Month

By |

Damark Woodcraft of Haverhill is the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s September business of the month. The company, formed more than 35 years ago, makes hand-built custom furniture, kitchens, doors and more. It helps clients design homes, offices, restaurants and other settings. Mark Brady, owner and president, incorporated the business with his father in 1991. Damark Woodcraft is located at 115 Hale St., Haverhill.

Haverhill

Storm Delays Single Lane Basiliere Bridge Plan in Haverhill

By |

Stormy weather is giving a bit of a reprieve to those who drive over the Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge, along Route 125 over the Merrimack River. The state Department of Transportation says it is delaying planned single lane traffic, alternating between northbound, toward downtown Haverhill, and southbound, toward Bradford, that was to begin Monday, Sept. 28. The temporary configuration now is scheduled for Thursday, Oct.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club Holds Open House Oct. 4

By |

The Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club is planning its annual, drop-in open house. The Club invites the public to see its property that offers rifle, archery and indoor ranges, along with monthly safety classes, kayak access for fishing in Chadwick Pond and other activities. There will be hot dogs and other refreshments. The free open house takes place Sunday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 10 Larch Road, Haverhill.

Crime

State Grand Jury Indicts Lawrence Mayor DePeña in Connection with Secret Recordings

By |

Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s legal troubles are growing with word Thursday a statewide grand jury returned 15 indictments against him in connection with the use and distribution of surveillance footage at Lawrence City Hall. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office said DePeña is charged with 14 counts of distribution of a wiretapped communication and one of witness intimidation. He will be arraigned in court at a later date. The new charges come five weeks after DePeña was federally charged with wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 small-business loans. The state attorney general’s investigation revealed that, beginning in 2023, DePeña requested and installed a security system for his office, separate from security cameras that were already installed and maintained in City Hall.

Business Bulletin

BrightBridge Staff Take Part in Lazarus House, Sickle Cell Awareness Causes

By |

BrightBridge Credit Union staff supported two causes last weekend—the 2026 Walk for Hope Fall Festival, benefiting Lazarus House Ministries, and Walk for Sickle Cell Disease, benefiting the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association. On Saturday, the credit union was a $2,500 Walking Partner Sponsor of the Walk for Hope Fall Festival, an annual fundraiser supporting the work of Lazarus House Ministries throughout the Merrimack Valley. The organization serves more than 2,000 individuals and families weekly with programs addressing homelessness, food insecurity, housing instability and other needs. “These events exemplify what community partnership is all about,” said BrightBridge Vice President of Workplace Member Growth and Financial Wellness Glenn Prezzano, adding, “Our team is honored to be a sponsor and to show our support through participation in events that directly support people served by these wonderful and impactful organizations.”

Members of BrightBridge’s Dorchester branch team also took part the same day at the Walk for Sickle Cell Disease in Boston. Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association uses the event to raise awareness of the disease and support for programs and services for individuals and families affected by the condition.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Annual State Representatives Lunch Oct. 5

By |

Area state representatives are asked to weigh in on current issues when the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its Annual State Representatives Luncheon in October. The lunch kicks off with state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Among those invited to attend are Reps. Andy X. Vargas, Ryan M. Hamilton, Frank A. Moran, Tram Nguyen, Francisco E. Paulino, Adrianne P. Ramos, Estela A. Reyes and Dawne Shand. The annual forum takes place Monday, Oct.

Education

Machado, Murphy and Pelich Join NECC Foundation Board

By |

Jonathan Machado, Karen Murphy and Joseph Pelich recently joined the Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board, which helps the college and students with additional resources. Machado, of Melrose, is a senior vice president and commercial lending manager at Rockland Trust. As a board and executive committee member of Lawrence Community Works, he has also been actively involved with the Lawrence Partnership and the Lawrence Venture Loan Fund. He has a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Finance from Bryant University and an MBA from Suffolk University. “I have always been impressed by the school’s commitment to its students and community.