Van Weelden’s Boosters in Business and Community Give Him a Heartfelt and ‘Groovy’ Send-Off

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Mark Van Weelden, the well-known face of Reworld Haverhill, formerly Covanta, hasn’t gone far, but his fans working in charities, business and government want him to know he’s appreciated…but they still have more work for him to do. When WHAV asked the community about Van Weelden, responses ran the gamut from heartfelt emotions about him coming to the rescue at a critical moment to anecdotes that bordered on preparations for a roast. Take this one from Haverhill City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan for example. “The guy who has single-handedly tried to bring the word ‘groovy’ back into our vocabulary,” Jordan joked. The 54-year-old Van Weelden frequently turned to the word to describe achieving milestones at the Haverhill YMCA’s after-school programs, bringing smiles to students at school spaghetti suppers and fundraising goal successes at myriad charities—all of whom he, himself, made possible through donations and hands-on volunteerism.

Women’s Business League & 411 Cares Hosts Glow Golf Fundraiser Thursday Night

The Women’s Business League and 411 Cares host the Third Annual Glow Golf fundraiser Thursday, offering participants a night golf experience with glow-in-the-dark balls and illuminated fairways. There will also be raffles, door prizes and an auction with items valued up to $6,000. Food will be available and there will be a cash bar. Spectator tickets are $25 each. As part of the event, attendees are invited to contribute to a diaper drive supporting 411 Cares, a local charity aiding veterans, elders, the homeless and families in need.

Merrimack Valley Credit Union Names Harrington as Vice President of Finance and Treasury

Brian Harrington has been named vice president of finance and treasury at Merrimack Valley Credit Union. “I am excited to be part of an institution that is active in my community because I feel like there’s a lot more that I can personally do to help my community by working here,” says Harrington of Amesbury. “And with recent mergers and the announcement of the credit union’s new name, it’s really exciting to be at a growing credit union that still embraces a supportive, neighborhood feel.”

Harrington earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance at Suffolk University in Boston. He began his career in banking at State Street and subsequently held roles at other large financial institutions including Liberty Mutual, Citizens Bank and Amundi US (formerly Pioneer Investments), where he developed skills in financial planning and analysis, budgeting and strategic planning. He joined the world of community banking at Newburyport Bank, where he worked as a senior financial analyst, assistant vice president and vice president, director of financial planning and analysis.

MakeIT Haverhill Job Fair Thursday Includes School, Sales and Home Visitor Posts

Haverhill Public Schools, Reverie 73 and Healthy Families are among employers participating in MakeIT Haverhill’s next job fair this Thursday. The school department is seeking bilingual tutors, Haitian Creole translators, teachers, substitutes and paraprofessionals, among other positions, while Reverie 73 seeks cannabis sales agents and Healthy Families is looking to recruit home visitors to work with families and children through age 3. Other employers are Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, Opportunity Works, Covenant Health’s Penacook Place and Mary Immaculate, Vinfen, Northeast Independent Living Program and Home Instead. The job fair is Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4-6 p.m., at 301 Washington St., Haverhill.

Haverhill’s Broco Energy Providing Emergency Hurricane Response from North Carolina to Florida

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Haverhill-based Broco Energy is on the front lines providing vital diesel and gasoline deliveries to areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The veteran-owned and operated fuel delivery company was contracted by various Federal and state government agencies from North Carolina to Florida. Broco Energy’s Priority 1 Emergency Response division deployed 50 diesel tankers and service trucks to key disaster areas in Asheville, N.C., and along the Florida west coast. It is also coordinating the efforts of 10 other oil companies in the Boston area. With local fuel supply chains disrupted, the trucked-in fuel is used to power generators and ensure that hospitals, shelters, water pumps and emergency services remain operational at total capacity.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Women in Business Networking at China Blossom

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce plans a Women in Business Networking lunch next Monday. Michaud Insurance Vice President Tricia Sabulis leads the event taking place Monday, Oct. 21, from noon to 1:15 p.m., at China Blossom, 946 Osgood St., North Andover. Admission is $30 per person for members and $40 for non-members and includes a lunch buffet and soft drinks. Register online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or call 978-686-0900.

Haverhill’s Carbone Brings CiderFeast Back to South Boston in November

Haverhill’s Jimmy Carbone brings his CiderFeast to South Boston early next month for the third year. CiderFeast Boston celebrates hard cider’s traditions, extensive history and future. “The sheer selection of amazing ciders sets CiderFeast apart,” says Carbone. “At CiderFeast, you also get the chance to meet each cidermaker as you experience what they created. To have all of that in one place is an incredible opportunity for both experienced cider fans and those just getting into the cider world.”

More than 20 New England regional cideries and select international producers bring their best to, what is described as, “the uniquely New England experience of CiderFeast Boston.” Participants include Artifact Cider Project, Berkshire Cider Project, Far From the Tree Cider, High Limb Cider, Hilltop Orchards, JMASH Cidery, Marzae Wine, Stormalong Cider and West County Cider, all of Massachusetts.