Haverhill

Haverhill Public Meetings: Week of Aug. 5

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The public has opportunities to shape policy this week as various Haverhill boards meet. In the interest of transparency in government, WHAV provides this list of upcoming meetings every week. Monday, Aug. 5

The City Council’s Administration and Finance Committee meets at 7 p.m. in Room 204 of City Hall, 4 Summer St., Haverhill. The committee plans to discuss zoning for solar energy systems and regulations pertaining to the use of billboards to advertise marijuana and vaping within city limits.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fundraiser Takes Place Aug. 21 at Garibaldi Club

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The Haverhill Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission is planning a Tour of Italy fundraiser on Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 6-8 p.m.

The fundraiser is at the Garibaldi Club, 86 Washington St., Haverhill. Tickets start at $25 and proceeds fund upcoming upgrades to the memorial at Mill Brook Park. A catered Italian dinner from Mike’s Famous Pizza and Roast Beef is planned, along with raffles. Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs Francisco Urena is expected to deliver remarks.

Methuen Police’s National Night Out Is Tues., Aug. 6: Here’s How to Take Part

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Listen to the interview below. Merrimack Valley police departments are preparing to take part in the community policing effort known as National Night Out and Methuen’s Chief Joseph E. Solomon tells WHAV spots are still available for residents to host National Night Out block parties. On Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 6-8 p.m., members of the police department will fan out across the city. Solomon and Capt. Kevin Mahoney joined WHAV’s Win Damon Thursday to discuss the event, which has a format that differs from other communities.

Crime

Haverhill Police Seize Fentanyl, Knife During Drug Arrests of Out-of-Town Duo

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Haverhill Police seized suspected fentanyl, a crack pipe, a knife and other paraphernalia when arresting two men at the River Street Dunkin’ Donuts this week. Twenty-eight-year-old John Clarke of Ipswich, and 29-year-old Brian Dow of Amesbury, were taken into custody just after 6 p.m. July 29 after narcotics detectives working in uniform in unmarked cruisers saw Clarke park and enter the shop while Dow waited outside in the car. According to Det. Dana Burrill, Clarke appeared nervous when approached inside the coffee shop, making furtive eye movements “as if looking for an opening to run.” When searched by police, Clarke was found to be in possession of a knife and two bags of suspected fentanyl. Passenger Dow initially refused to give police his name—perhaps due to an outstanding drugged driving-related warrant—but later complied.

Haverhill

Pentucket, Salem, N.H., High to Use Haverhill’s Trinity Stadium for Fall Home Football Games

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Two area high schools, Salem, N.H., High and Pentucket Regional High School, plan to use Haverhill’s Trinity Stadium for home football games in the fall, WHAV has learned exclusively. Haverhill High School Athletic Director Tom O’Brien confirmed the news to WHAV, stating the city was pleased to be of assistance. “We’re happy to help,” O’Brien said, “We would hope another school would do the same for us in this situation.” O’Brien also emphasized how busy the Lincoln Avenue stadium may be in coming months, saying, “There could be a weekend with three home games this fall.”

The Salem High School superintendent’s office told WHAV the Salem Blue Devils are expected to play five games at Trinity Stadium, due to construction at the school’s Grant Field during the football season. Pentucket Regional did not return multiple requests for comment about their reason for relocating to Trinity. Salem’s first home game is scheduled against Londonderry, N.H. on Saturday, Sept.

Haverhill

Input Needed on Haverhill’s Master Plan—Take the New Survey!

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Haverhill residents have an opportunity to shape the city’s upcoming master plan via an online survey. The master plan, known as Vision Haverhill 2035, is currently in formation. The master plan’s Boston-based consulting firm, Utile, has created a survey asking for residents’ input on the city. Residents can respond to questions on Haverhill’s culture, economy, transportation, and changes they would like to see. That feedback assists the 13-member master plan committee, appointed by Mayor James J. Fiorentini, in their work.

Haverhill

Fiorentini Highlights Upcoming Riverside Park Improvements

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Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini appeared at Riverside Park Thursday afternoon to highlight the upcoming improvements being made at the recreation site, which is also home to nearby Trinity Stadium. Joining Fiorentini were City Councilor Melinda E. Barrett and Conservation Commission Vice Chairman Ralph Basiliere, as well as representatives from the construction firm working on the project. Fiorentini touted the improvements of which the largest is a new, longer, walking trail along the river, replacing the current one which begins at Nettleton Avenue. The trail is slated to include new bike racks, benches, picnic tables, and ornamental fencing. Trees will also be planted to increase shade along the path, allowing for continued use in warmer weather.

Haverhill

Northern Essex Appoints Ryll New Veteran Services Coordinator

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Northern Essex Community College has appointed Kalyn Ryll to be the school’s new veteran services coordinator. In that capacity, Ryll will oversee Northern Essex’s Veterans Center and work with the more than 200 veterans or military connected students enrolled at the school. Ryll, a Haverhill native who graduated from Haverhill High School in 2003, is a federally certified career coach and job search trainer who has extensive experience work with the U.S. Army. There, Ryll worked with the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program. After returning home in 2015, Ryll worked in career-cultivating roles in various schools, including Curry College, Northeastern University, and Simmons College.