Haverhill

Haverhill Author Releases First Book, Plans to Attend Upcoming Author Expo

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Haverhill’s Brennen Smith tells WHAV he has authored his first book, “Rise of the Patriots.”

Smith’s novel is a fictional piece, centering on the storyline of a Russian invasion of New England. The book focuses on one platoon of soldiers and is meant to show the heroism of those soldiers. Smith emphasized this point to WHAV. “This isn’t a book about one hero and 10 backup characters. All soldiers are heroes, and I tried to make this book portray that,” he said.

Featured in Category

Jajuga Not Seeking Reelection for Second Term as Methuen Mayor

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After 18 months in office as the Mayor of Methuen, James P. Jajuga told WHAV Wednesday he will not seek a second term. “I have been focused on leading and managing the city we all love through unprecedented challenges…and now that this is complete, I have taken some time to look to the future,” he told WHAV. A former City Councilor, state Senator, U.S. Marine, Massachusetts State Police trooper, Jajuga calls his 50 years of public service an “honor,” telling WHAV the decision not to run again was not one he made lightly. “I will always be grateful for the people of Methuen for their trust and confidence in me. Eight times I placed my name on the ballot, and eight times the voters gave me a chance to serve.

Education

Northern Essex Students Benefit from Cummings Foundation Grant

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With a donation from the Cummings Foundation, Northern Essex Community College is able to assist more students in obtaining an associate’s degree from the institution. Earlier this month, the Cummings Foundation announced the college would receive a $25,000 donation to enhance its Promise Program, which assists students in achieving a degree from the school. In order to be eligible for the money, students must be a part of NECC’s early college program, which allows high school students to accumulate college credit, and have at least 12 credits by graduation. The students must also reside in Essex County to be considered. With this grant, students receive help purchasing textbooks and a laptop for their time at the college.

Mass. State House

Greater Haverhill Arts Association Hosts Exhibit at State House

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The Greater Haverhill Arts Association is hosting an exhibit at the State House in Boston, featuring a variety of Haverhill artists. The exhibit, residing in the Senate Lobby Gallery, contains art from more than one dozen Haverhill creators. The opportunity for this exhibit was provided by state Sen. Diana DiZoglio and State House Director of Administration Debra Woodman. The exhibit is open to the public each weekday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Friday, Aug. 23.

Business Bulletin

Align Credit Union Supports Child Homelessness Prevention Program

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Align Credit Union has taken several steps to help combat child homelessness through the program “A Bed for Every Child,” an initiative by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. These steps include employee volunteership with the program, such as having employees partake in one of the group’s Build Days to help lessen homeless situations, and collecting member donations. Align, with branches in Haverhill and Methuen, has also given a donation to “A Bed for Every Child,” totaling $10,000. The donation was presented to the group’s volunteers and director on May 31. “Most of us take for granted the bed we sleep in each night but there are thousands of Massachusetts children growing up in poverty who have no bed of their own,” said Robyn Frost, A Bed for Every Child executive director.

Haverhill

Haverhill Fire Lieutenant Completes Advanced Fire Investigation Course

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Haverhill Fire Department Lt. Michael Picard completed an advanced, six-day course on fire investigation at the end of last month. Picard was one of 23 law enforcement officials from throughout Massachusetts, representing 19 agencies, who completed the program, offered by the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. The course focused on investigating fires, including how to determine intent, examine a situation for possible arson, and determine if a criminal act has occurred. The program is longstanding, having been offered for over 20 years.

Community Spotlight

Buttonwoods Museum Shows Haverhill Election-Oriented Documentary June 25

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Buttonwoods Museum will hold its annual meeting Tuesday, June 25. The meeting will take place HC Media’s studios, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill, starting at 6 p.m.

The first hour of the meeting will be devoted to museum business, while starting at 7 p.m., the public is invited to watch the Haverhill-based documentary “If It Fits.” The documentary focuses on Haverhill in the late 1970s, most especially the mayoral election between Mayor George K. Katsaros and Fire Chief Lewis C. Burton. The showing is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Linda Greenstein at 978-390-2425, or visit buttonwoods.org for more details.

Vargas to Appear on Educational Television Sunday, Detailing Political Ascendancy

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State Rep. Andy X. Vargas appears on television this weekend, where he discusses his story of grassroots political activism that compelled him to seek public office. The video is called “Stand Up,” and is part of a World Channel series called “Stories from the Stage,” which uses the storytelling technique to present new ideas and faces to the community. “Personal stories rich in human experience and emotion can create understanding, empathy and appreciation for people very different from us,” said Liz Cheng, the channel’s general manager and co-executive producer of the series. “With Stories from the Stage we hope to prove how much we all have in common and inspire community dialogue about our differences.”

Vargas’ installment airs Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m., and can also be viewed on the “Stories from the Stage” Facebook page.