Jewett Becomes Groveland Police Lt.; Department Now Fully Staffed

Michael R. Jewett was recently named a full-time lieutenant in the Groveland Police Department, bringing the department up to its full complement of sworn officers. Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen said Monday Jewett brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and extensive training and experience in a variety of police operations. “His experience, leadership and knowledge will be a tremendous addition to our department. He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit our officers and the community we serve, and I look forward to working with him as he begins this new chapter in his career,” said Gillen. According to his LinkedIn profile, Jewett previously served as security operations and executive protection leader at Massachusetts Port Authority and chief of police in Newton, N.H.

The chief said Jewett earned the respect of fellow law enforcement professionals throughout his career and brings a strong background in leadership, supervision and community policing to Groveland.

Aroma Joe’s Plans National Coffee Day Giveaways Tuesday

Aroma Joe’s Plaistow Road and South Main Street locations in Haverhill are taking part in National Coffee Day next Tuesday with free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee while supplies last. Those who are AJ’s Rewards members are eligible to receive a free 24-ounce size anytime from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5. “National Coffee Day gives us the opportunity to highlight our amazing beans and celebrate our awesome communities,” said Aroma Joe’s Chief Marketing Officer Carrie Riley.

Haverhill High Class of 1976 Reunion Oct. 9

Members of Haverhill High School’s Class of 1976 plan to reunite early next month. The class, known as “The Spirit of 1976,” in recognition of the nation’s bicentennial the same year, is noting many milestones during its time that still resonate with the community today. A year before graduation, classmates were among the first to enjoy the high school’s expansion and dedication of new named wings with then-Sen. Edward M. Kennedy serving as guest speaker. On June 14, 1975, the library was named for School Committee member Manuel L. Epstein; academic wing, former Superintendent Donald C. Freeman; Natatorium, Charles C. White; student lounge, Edward Kimball; cafeteria, John Coppola; and study center, Alice Garland. In a yearbook statement, then-Haverhill High Principal Sotiris Katsaros formally declares the Class of 1976 as “the Bicentennial Class of Haverhill High School.”

Class President Mark Anderson will serve as master of ceremonies.

Haverhill Police Believe ‘Rogue Coyote’ Dead, but Urge Caution

Haverhill Police say a coyote that approached at two-year-old and bit an adult defender Friday night is likely dead, but a search using a drone was unable to confirm the animal’s state and officials continue to urge caution. Police issued a warning via social media Friday night and update Saturday that a “rogue coyote” was in the area of Forest Street and Broadway, Route 97. “The coyote was initially observed approaching and closely watching a two-year-old child when a neighbor intervened. During the intervention, the coyote bit the neighbor on the arm. The neighbor was able to fend off the attack using a shovel, and the coyote went down,” a police statement said.

Final Haverhill Art Walk of the Season Set for Sept. 26

Live music, pop-up exhibitions, interactive programming and an alleyway art market are coming the last weekend of the month to downtown with the final Haverhill Art Walk of the year. The seasonal event takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the downtown Riverfront Cultural District, incorporating Washington and Wingate Streets and bounded by Railroad and Washington Squares. Railroad Square will see Haverhill High School Coffeehouse kick off the lineup, followed by Tom Jordan and The Daydrinkers and Autumn Hollow; art making with Hill View Montessori Charter Public School; hands-on printing with the Museum of Printing; and interactive spray painting with mural artist Manny Mateo. At 90 Washington St., artist Deyaniera “DeyCloud” Claudio presents “Cloud of Thorns,” a pop-up exhibit that delves into mental health and identity.

Northern Essex Uses Closed Haverhill Operating Rooms to Launch Surgical Tech Program

Northern Essex Community College launched a new degree program for the fall semester aimed at helping students earn a degree while gaining hands-on, paid experience in a hospital operating room. The Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology program is offered in partnership with Merrimack Health Haverhill Hospital through an apprenticeship supported by a Massachusetts Skills Capital Grant and contributions from the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation and Accelerate the Future. “Surgical technologists are in high demand across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, but training pipelines have been limited, especially in the Merrimack Valley,” said Northern Essex Dean of Health Professions Kathy Hudson. “NECC’s Surgical Technology program was built to close that gap—and in a striking, concrete way: Merrimack Health–Haverhill contributed its closed operating rooms to become classrooms and labs for the program. That’s a rare kind of investment/opportunity—a hospital repurposing its own clinical space so the next generation of surgical techs can train in an environment that looks and functions like a real OR, not a simulated one.”

Students develop the knowledge and technical skills needed to provide safe, effective patient care before, during and after surgical procedures while eventually working alongside healthcare professionals.

U.S. House Approves Bill that Could Pay for Haverhill, Methuen Water and Sewer Projects

Congresswoman Lori Trahan Thursday said she backed the bipartisan 2026 Water Resources Development Act that, if all other pieces fall into place, could provide Haverhill $50 million toward water and sewer projects. The House action follows an amendment vote in July, supported by Trahan and 6th District Congressman Seth Moulton to increase federal aid Haverhill could receive from $40 to $50 million. As Moulton pointed out earlier, a future appropriations bill would also be required before the city can draw on the money. Aid could be used to tackle the estimated $26 million cost of replacing a failed force main sewer, that caused millions of gallons of untreated sewage to flow for a few days into the Merrimack River.. “For too long, Washington has passed the buck on costly water upgrades to communities like ours that can’t afford them.

7th Annual Hillie Hunt Seeks Sleuths to Send All Over Haverhill Oct. 30

Those who can follow perplexing clues, uncover hidden surprises and triumph over competitors are wanted by the Haverhill Exchange Club for its seventh annual Hillie Hunt, a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. The Hillie Hunt features teams spread throughout the city following clues, taking challenges, sharing laughs and engaging in friendly competition. Win or lose, participants get together for an after party when it’s over. The seventh annual Hillie Hunt takes place Friday, Oct. 30, starting at 6 p.m., at Roma Restaurant, 29 Middlesex St., Haverhill.