During Tour of Covanta, Haverhill Rotarians Learn of Company Plans for a Carbon-Negative Future

Haverhill Rotarians came away from a recent tour of Covanta in Ward Hill understanding the company is a major recycler and power provider that is not only reducing carbon emissions now, but plans to lead a carbon-negative future. Covanta Area Asset Manager Mark Van Weelden told club members during a lunch and tour the Haverhill operation processes 602,000 tons of trash per year that otherwise would have been landfilled with zero energy or recycling recovery. He said the plant generates enough electricity to power 32,000 homes for one year and separate more than 16,000 tons of metal that is sent to a recycling facility. “We wish to thank the many Haverhill Rotarians and city leaders who visited us to ask questions and tour our facility for several hours. Their outstanding questions about our facility allowed us to explain our past and future sustainability goals coupled with a continued high level of environmental leadership,” Van Weelden said.

Merrimack Place, Haverhill’s First Major Water Street Housing in 50 Years, Opens in 2024

Merrimack Place, the first large scale housing development on downtown’s Haverhill Water Street in more than 50 years, is officially underway. Bethany Community Services, the nonprofit that already owns and operates nearby Merrivista, Mission Towers and Phoenix, ceremonially broke ground Friday for 48 new, affordable senior apartments adjacent to its Merrivista building. Bethany President and CEO Jered Stewart welcomed the approximately 75 guests and highlighted the need for affordable senior housing and collaboration of various public and private partnerships that made the building project possible. State Rep. Andy X. Vargas and Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini spoke about their longstanding support, while Sens. Pavel Payano and Barry R. Finegold and state Auditor Diana DiZoglio presented citations.

Newly Relocated Haverhill Businesses Laud City and State for Success; Others List Needed Fixes

Additional photographs below. A cross section of businesses credited state and local incentives and guidance Thursday in helping them set up shop in Haverhill. At a roundtable in downtown Haverhill, Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll and Community Development Undersecretary Ashley Stolba listened to stories about what works, but also heard suggestions for making improvements. She called Haverhill’s success during the pandemic a model for the state. “We’re not quite sure, 100% what the new, post-pandemic economy looks like so we’re in the transition phase.

Merrimack Valley Chamber St. Patrick’s Business Networking Mixer Monday Night

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is having its annual St. Patrick’s Business Networking Mixer Monday night. Besides networking with other businesses, the event features complimentary appetizers and door prizes. It takes place Monday, March 13, from 5-7 p.m., at DoubleTree by Hilton, Andover, 123 Old River Road, Andover. Those interested may make reservations online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or call 978-686-0900.

Lt. Gov. Driscoll in Haverhill Today for Small Business Roundtable

Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll plans to meet with Mayor James J. Fiorentini and select business leaders today during a previously unannounced “Haverhill Small Business Roundtable.”

Driscoll and state Community Development Undersecretary Ashley Stolba are expected to attend the discussion at noon at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 2 Merrimack St., in downtown Haverhill.

Monogram Loves Kids Foundation Seeks Applicants to Share $60,000 for Children’s Programs

Monogram Foods’ Monogram Loves Kids Foundation plans to award $60,000 to charitable organizations that sponsor programs benefiting children and their families in Greater Haverhill community. Monogram, which operates a food manufacturing plant and warehouse in Haverhill’s Broadway Industrial Park, is making donations to IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations within a radius of 100 miles. Through the annual grants program, Monogram Foods Loves Kids will donate more than $650,000 total to charitable organizations in the communities in which Monogram has operations. A committee of Monogram team members in each city will select recipients of the grants ranging from $500 to $10,000. An application is available online at monogramfoods.com/what-we-value/community-outreach/ The application deadline is May 31, by 4 p.m. Applicants will be notified of awards by email by Friday, Sept.

Lupoli, Joni and Friends Collecting Wheelchairs and Related Mobility Devices for Those in Need

Riverwalk Innovation District and developer Salvatore N. Lupoli are partnering with Joni and Friends to collect wheelchairs during March, which is Wheelchair Collection Month. Joni and Friends, located at Lawrence’s Riverwalk, is a global ministry that has served people impacted by disability for more than 40 years. “If you have a used manual wheelchair, please don’t throw it out,” said Joni and Friends New England Area Director Maria DeGenova “By donating your used manual wheelchair, you can change a life physically, spiritually and emotionally.”

More than 75 million people worldwide are in need of a wheelchair, yet only 5-15% have access to one. Throughout the month of March, Joni and Friends New England is collecting wheelchairs and other mobility devices for its Wheels for the World program. They are seeking manual wheelchairs, aluminum walkers, crutches and canes and wheelchair parts such as footrests, trays, and seat cushions.

Bethany Community Services Plans Ceremonial Groundbreaking for 48 Senior Apartments

Bethany Community Services formally kicks off construction of its 48-apartment Merrimack Place on Friday. A ceremonial groundbreaking for the affordable apartments for seniors takes place Friday, March 10, at 10:30 a.m., at 98 Water St., in downtown Haverhill. As an extension of the Merrivista building at 100 Water St., the new development features a health and wellness center and through a connected covered walkway access for all residents to a full-service dining room, library, hair salon and support services. Invited guests will hear from Jered Stewart, president and CEO of Bethany Community Services, and selected speakers who will highlight the importance of this development in addressing a critical need for affordable senior housing. According to a release, speakers will also note construction of Merrimack Place increases the availability of supportive services offered to the growing population of seniors hoping to age-in-place and remain at home for as long as possible.