Community Spotlight

Ozzie’s Kids to Provide School Supplies to Haverhill Students; Donations Sought for Aug. 11 Drive

By |

Ozzie’s Kids, the charitable organization founded by the late Haverhill Police Officer Osmond Hardy, plans to distribute school supplies to Haverhill students starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11 at City Hall, 4 Summer St. Families must be Haverhill residents and will be asked to provide their child’s report card and enrollment papers in order to choose supplies, which are in limited supply, organizer Khristina Hardy tells WHAV. Donations are being sought to make the distribution a success. Ozzie’s Kids is in need of backpacks for boys and girls of all ages, crayons and markers.

Haverhill

Vargas Budget Amendments to Bring Haverhill Thousands More in State Aid

By |

State Rep. Andy Vargas introduced several amendments to Massachusetts’ state budget for the 2020 fiscal year this week, which stands to bring thousands of state dollars in state aid back to the City of Haverhill. Vargas’ amendments include $250,000 to assist paying off the Hale Hospital debt; $65,000 to benefit emergency shelter services at Emmaus; $80,000 for the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, also filed in the Senate by Sen. Diana DiZoglio; and $25,000 for the Mount Washington-area nonprofit Power of Self Education. In addition, Vargas cosponsored several amendments to help benefit other Haverhill organizations, with $300,000 for Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, co-sponsored by Rep. Linda Dean Campbell, and $2.2 million for the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, which benefits the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club. The budget also contains $1.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund, which was created by Vargas’ civics education bill passed last year. Haverhill also sees increases to other state-funded programs from the new budget, with an additional $3.7 million earmarked for education funding and $300,000 in unrestricted local funds.

Community Spotlight

American Legion Post 4 Plans 3-Day 100th Anniversary Bash Aug. 2-4

By |

Haverhill’s American Legion Wilbur M. Comeau Post 4 is planning a three-day celebration for the group’s 100th anniversary, with festivities taking place from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4. A cookout, raffles, and games are set for each evening. Music is also a large part of the celebration, with 33 Northside appearing on Friday, Stumpy Joe Band and Bite the Bullet appearing on Saturday, and karaoke planned for Sunday.

Community Spotlight

Golf Tournament to Benefit Whittier Tech Planned for Aug. 15

By |

The Whittier Tech Educational Foundation is hosting a golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 15, at Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. The tournament is devoted to benefiting Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, by providing more financial resources and community support to the students and faculty of the district. Golfers may contact Tia Roy at 978-373-4101, extension 327, or by emailing [email protected]

Election Central

Macek Intends to Make Haverhill History by Using Nickname on City Council Ballot

By |

City Councilor William J. Macek, the longest currently serving member of the City Council, has become the first candidate in Haverhill election history to use his nickname, Bill, on the ballot, City Clerk Linda L. Koutoulas confirmed to WHAV. Macek explained to WHAV that a candidate can use a nickname if his or her voter registration reflects that name prior to pulling nomination papers. When asked about his rationale for using a nickname, Macek explained, “I have been known as Bill since I was a child. People know me as Bill.” Macek further emphasized the need to create a “better connection” between what voters see on the ballot and the name he is known by. “Every vote counts,” he added.

Region

Merrimack Valley Chamber Holds Networking Mixer in North Andover Thursday

By |

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts a business networking mixer at Onepath, 56 High St., North Andover, Thursday, July 18 from 5-7 p.m.

The mixer provides an opportunity to meet local professional and businesspeople. Complimentary appetizers and beverages are to be served and door prizes are on hand for attendees. The cost for Chamber members is $10, and prospective members can enter for $20.

Region

Groveland Lifts Temporary Water Restriction After 2 of 3 Wells Go Offline

By |

Groveland has lifted a temporary water restriction which took effect Monday morning, as a result of two of the town’s three wells malfunctioning. Superintendent Colin Stokes of the Groveland Water and Sewer Department said Monday two of the town’s three wells were out of order due to electrical and mechanical problems. By Tuesday, one of the two wells had been repaired, ending the need for the restriction. “We want to thank residents for their cooperation during our period of water restriction. At this time we are pleased to say outside watering can be resumed,” Stokes said. Repairs continue on the second well, but water use can return to normal with the repair of the other well.

Haverhill

NECC Welcomes Prospective Students to Athletic Information Session Monday

By |

Northern Essex Community College is hosting an athletic information session, geared towards students who have yet to make college plans, Monday, July 22, from 9:45 a.m. to noon, in Room 106 of the Haverhill Campus, 100 Elliot St., Haverhill. The session is for students who have attended another school or are new to college, Northern Essex’s Enrollment Services Meredith Gagnon-Dube tells WHAV. At the session, prospective students are introduced to the varsity sports the college offers, and learn about enrolling at the college, applying for financial aid and more about the athletic program and wellness center. Those interested may sign up in advance at necc.mass.edu/athletic-info.