Community Spotlight

Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff Saturday in Haverhill

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Haverhill’s first Household Hazardous Waste Day of the year takes place Saturday. Haverhill residents with proof of residency may drop off items such as oil-based paints, pool chemicals and brake fluids Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, 40 S. Porter St., Bradford. Limits are 25 gallons of liquid chemicals and 25 pounds of dry chemicals. Residents are advised not to bring ammunition, fireworks, explosives, asbestos, commercial hazardous waste, construction waste or building materials, empty aerosol cans, gas cylinders, radioactive materials and smoke detectors.

Community Spotlight

Disability Groups Plan Legislative Reception, Centered Around Workforce Challenges

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Disability advocates from the Merrimack Valley are having a legislative reception to recognize and celebrate inspiring personal stories, thank local legislators and address critical issues facing our most vulnerable citizens. This event offers a forum for legislators to hear from constituents about critical issues facing the community of people with disabilities, especially around workforce challenges. It is sponsored by The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport and the Merrimack Valley Citizen’s Advisory Board to the Merrimack Valley Department of Development Services area office and supported by organizations serving people with disabilities. “This year more than ever, we need a strong and powerful presence from the community to help our new legislators to better understand the challenges and workforce crisis people with disabilities and their families are experiencing as well as find solutions that prioritize their needed support,” said Joyce LaBelle, chairperson, Merrimack Valley Citizen’s Advisory Board. The Merrimack Valley Legislative Reception takes place Thursday, April 3, from 10-11 a.m., at Northern Essex Community College Hartleb Technology Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Downtown Boxing Helps Kids Have a ‘Fighting Chance,’ Plans Open House Saturday

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Haverhill Downtown Boxing, a nonprofit club that provides services to inner city youth, will host an open house this Saturday at its new River Street location. Raymond Hebert, founder of Haverhill Downtown Boxing, aims to provide city youth a “fighting chance through the sport of boxing,” encompassing physical and mental training and mentorship. Hebert at Tuesday’s City Council meeting jokingly called the event a “grand opening,” but also a fundraiser for the gym’s free programming. “But, I want the city to see inner city youth, kids that need help. They’re coming in.

Community Spotlight

YWCA Names 22 Tribute to Women Nominees; Honors Lunch Takes Place May 15

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The YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts has named the 22 women it will honor this year at its annual Tribute to Women awards lunch. Honorees are Marina Acosta, Mary-Jo Anderson, Deirdre Budzyna, Alison Burns, Waleska Caceres, Luz Frazier, Kim Hearst, Edith Joyce, Zoe Larsen, Cynthia Masai, Lorie Mendoza, Isis Ortiz-Belton, Dawn Palmer, Linette Perez, Peggy Pistone, Peggy Ready, Luz Rodriguez, Kretcha  M. Roldan, Wanda Santos, Kathy Sherman, Diane Shikrallah and Arleen Zorrilla. “We were overwhelmed with the number of nominees this year,” YWCA Executive Director Susan Staples said in a release. “Clearly, there is no shortage of talented and committed women in the Merrimack Valley.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Yvonne Castaneda, director of Community Based Initiatives School of Social Work at Boston College. Castaneda has worked closely with many of Lawrence’s businesses and nonprofits over the past few years.

Community Spotlight

City Seeks Volunteer Trail Stewards, Plans Two Upcoming Information Sessions

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Haverhill’s Conservation Department and Haverhill Trails Committee are looking for volunteer “trail stewards” to help maintain existing trails, improve access and support the responsible and safe use of Haverhill’s trails and recreational areas. Those interested in becoming stewards are asked to attend either of two upcoming informational sessions Sunday, March 30, from 1-2 p.m., or Wednesday, April 2, from 6-7 p.m., both at Haverhill Public Library’s Johnson Auditorium, 99 Main St., second floor, Haverhill. “Trail Stewards are vital for our city’s open space experience—from cleaning litter and fallen trees to improving blazing and building new paths, there are plenty of ways to give back to nature and improve the outdoor experience for everyone,” reads an informational flyer. According to the department, Haverhill has approximately 25 miles of trails across a number of conservation areas, parks and other open spaces. Trails are used year-round for walking, running, biking, dog walking, cross country skiing and birding with the majority of the land owned by the city o and Essex County Greenbelt Association.

Community Spotlight

Cogswell ArtSpace Campaign Plans Second ‘Spring Has Sprung’ Floral-Themed Brunch

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Creative Haverhill’s Cogswell ArtSpace will benefit a second year in a row when Stephen Janavicus of Flowers by Steve presents “Spring Has Sprung,” a floral-themed brunch fundraiser. There will plant sales, live floral arrangement designs, curated raffle baskets and live music to support Creative Haverhill’s Cogswell ArtSpace Campaign Sunday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Indian Ridge Country Club, 73 Lovejoy Road, Andover. Creative Haverhill’s Cogswell ArtSpace Campaign is working to convert the former George S. Cogswell School on South Main Street in Haverhill into a community arts center. Plans call for gallery space, versatile classrooms catering to all ages, individual artist studio rentals and a collaborative workspace equipped with ceramics labs, printmaking studio and woodshop. Tickets are $100 each and may be reserved online at springhassprung2025.cheddarup.com.

Community Spotlight

Hometown Heroes Banner Program Expands to Include First Responders as well as Military

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Families of first responders may now have their loved ones honored among military veterans on colorful, outdoor banners as part of the Haverhill Exchange Club’s Hometown Heroes program. As WHAV has reported, the fifth annual Hometown Heroes program displays 160 banners along the city’s central business district from Memorial Day through Veterans Day.  First responders include past and present police officers, firefighters and emergency medical service personnel as well as military veterans, active duty, reserve and National Guard members. The last in-person registration session takes place this Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at River Street Café, 558 River St., Haverhill. Members of the Hometown Heroes committee will be available to help register military and first responder heroes.

Community Spotlight

Ruth’s House Holds Trivia Night with Food and Prizes March 21

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Ruth’s House, a popular Lafayette Square, Haverhill, thrift shop with a charitable mission, plans a fundraising Trivia Night. Organizers say door prizes will be awarded throughout the night as well as a prize to the winning team. The event takes place Friday, March 21, from 6-9:30 p.m., at Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence. Admission is $50 per person and includes pizza, salad and dessert. Reservations may be made online here.