Haverhill

Haverhill-Based Nonprofit Arc Receives $100,000 Cummings Grant

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The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation. The Arc, which services Merrimack Valley individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, was issued the money through the foundation’s “100k for 100” initiative and was one 574 applicants. The grant money is to be focused on the Arc’s Community Opportunities for Meaningful Employment and Training, or COMET, representatives tell WHAV. This initiative seeks to provide disabled individuals with job opportunities across the region.

Community Spotlight

Save the Date! Ozzie’s Kids Plans October Sign Ups for Christmas Gift Distribution Program

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Haverhill-based charity Ozzie’s Kids has announced dates for city residents to sign up for the organization’s annual Christmas gift distribution, the first since the spring 2019 deaths of founders Officer Osmond “Ozzie” Hardy and wife Gayle. Sign ups take place on Wednesday Oct. 9 from 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., organizer Khristina Hardy tells WHAV.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Art Walk Comes to Downtown Sept. 14

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The Switchboard is hosting its first Haverhill Art Walk on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5-8 p.m., with events scattered throughout downtown. The art walk, which was made possible by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, is set to feature multiple local artists and performers at businesses throughout downtown. So far, Shoe Town Art Center, Merrimack Valley Music and Arts, Creatorpult, The Winged Rabbit, and Battlegrounds Coffee are confirmed venues. Guests should stop by the Switchboard, 45 Washington St., Haverhill, to pick up a map of entertainment spots of the night of the walk.

Education

PHOTOS: Fiorentini Welcomes Haverhill Students Back to School on First Day of Classes

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Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini welcomed students back to classes on Tuesday’s first day of school across the city. Fiorentini visited Pentucket Lake Elementary and Walnut Square Schools, taking pictures with students and their families ahead of the first bell. As is tradition, Fiorentini passed out what he calls ‘magic’ pencils to students so that they can complete their assignments on time, study hard and obey their teachers and parents throughout the academic year. Members of the Haverhill Police Department also fanned out throughout the city Tuesday to greet students and parents on the first day of school, as they’ve done for the past several years. “It’s one of our favorite days.

Region

Methuen Takes Precautions After Upgrade to ‘Critical’ EEE Risk, Other Local Communities on Watch

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Methuen’s local leaders are taking steps to keep residents safe after upgrading the city’s risk level for the mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. Mayor James P. Jajuga announced a series of measures late Monday, including a mandatory end time of 7 p.m. for all public events on city property until Sept. 30. In addition, the Methuen Health Department is providing staff to answer resident questions daily starting at 8 a.m. Methuen Public Schools are expected to release a revised schedule of outdoor events in the coming days. The city plans to spray for mosquitoes in areas west of Route 93 on Thursday Aug.

Haverhill

Sherwood Reflects on Merrimack River Voyage, Discusses Upcoming Chamber Events

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Listen to the full interview below. Shortly after returning from a four-day journey down the Merrimack River, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President Dougan Sherwood reflected on his experiences from the voyage, which he described as, “wonderful.”

Sherwood, who joined WHAV’s Win Damon on “Win for Breakfast” on Monday, Aug. 19, discussed the journey that commenced in Franklin, N.H., and concluded at Plum Island. Sherwood talked about the difficulty of the trip, commenting that, “these were long, long days on the river.” Nonetheless, Sherwood asserted that the trip was valuable for all those who participated

“We go to know a number of different people from communities in the greater Merrimack Valley…We really got a better understanding of what this river is all about,” he said. Many community leaders joined Sherwood on the trek, including politicians state Sen. Diana DiZoglio, and state Reps.

Haverhill

Haverhill Chamber Hosts Annual Golf Tournament Sept. 9

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The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce hosts their annual golf tournament on Monday, Sept. 9, at Haverhill Golf and Country Club, 58 Brickett Lane, Haverhill. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m., and includes a hole-in-one contest, swag bags, auctions, raffles, and an awards ceremony with prizes. Golfers pay $200 per person, or $800 per foursome, to participate, with lunch and dinner included. To register, call 978-373-5663.

Region

Methuen Firefighters Save 8-Year-Old Who Suffers Head Injury While Swimming

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Methuen firefighters to the rescue! On Monday, Aug. 19, the crew of the Methuen Fire Department’s Ambulance 1 saved the life of an eight-year-old boy who struck his head in a swimming pool. According to the department’s social media team, Firefighters Luis Nigaglioni and Brian Wolfendale were dispatched to Conrad Street and met with the boy’s father, who had pulled his son from the pool after he hit his head while diving. The crew performed CPR on the boy, causing him to cough up water and breathe again.