Haverhill

Haverhill High Grad and Cancer Survivor Lemieux to Run in Boston Marathon to Raise Research Money

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A Haverhill High School graduate aims to raise $10,000 for cancer research ahead of next year’s Boston Marathon. Jillian Lemieux, a lifelong runner and cancer survivor turned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute employee, has raised more than $2,500 of her $10,000 goal for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for research and development on new treatments for the disease. During high school, Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare cancer that affects the lymphatic and immune systems.

“I received six months of treatment at Dana-Farber,” she told WHAV. “That led me back to why I started working there too because I received such amazing care there and the doctors and everyone were genuinely so nice. It’s just a special place so it all came full circle, so this feels like the right time to try to take on the marathon.”

Paired with her experience, Lemieux said her late mother’s experience in the 1980s with the same type of cancer and later breast cancer inspired her involvement in helping cancer patients.

Business Bulletin

Aspen Hill Rehab and Healthcare Launches ‘Operation Santa Paws,’ Accepting Donations of Pet Supplies

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Aspen Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Haverhill, where residents often benefit from animal-assisted therapy visits, has launched “Operation Santa Paws” to collect pet supplies and donate them to MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen. Through Sunday, Dec. 22, the skilled nursing facility at 190 North Ave., in Haverhill accepts donations of blankets and towels, dog and cat beds, unopened pet food/treats, pet toys, grooming products, collars and leashes and food/water bowls. Aspen Hill notes therapy animals play a vital role in long-term care residents’ lives, particularly those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Benefits of animal therapy for seniors include emotional uplift, increased self-esteem, improved social skills and reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

Citizens Center
Community Spotlight

Estate Planning Lecture Wednesday at Haverhill Citizen Center

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Attorney Gerald L. Shyavitz discusses estate planning Wednesday, covering topics such as living trusts, avoiding probate court and protecting assets. The lecture takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, in room 45 at the Haverhill Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. The presentation will also include handouts and information on free office consultations. For more information or to register, call Paula at 978-374-2390, ext.

Haverhill

Haverhill Firefighters Return to City Council Tonight with ‘Positive’ Staffing Progress Report

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Five years ago, the Haverhill firefighters’ union told city councilors about the need for more staffing, and Tuesday return to the legislators with a “mostly positive” progress report. Haverhill Firefighters Local 1011 President Tim Carroll and Secretary Ryan Fairbanks return to what is now an enlarged City Council as well as an expanded fire department. Both are now stepping down from the union’s local executive board and, Carroll told WHAV, this is a good time to update everyone. “Talk about where we are from where we were in the five-year plan that we had, versus where the staffing grant got us and where we need to be once the staffing grant’s gone,” he said. Last fall, thanks to firefighters’ own grant writing, Haverhill was awarded $4.1 million federal grant to hire 16 firefighters and permanently add a second ladder truck.

Haverhill

Barrett Offers Free Downtown Parking Through Christmas Day to Support Haverhill Businesses

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Haverhill is bringing back free parking downtown through Christmas to give local merchants a boost before the holiday. Mayor Melinda E. Barrett said Friday free parking in the various city-owned parking lots and along streets in the central business district is in effect through Christmas day, Dec. 25. “It’s my hope that this will make it easier for residents to shop, dine and celebrate locally with family and friends. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to support our local businesses and enjoy the festive decorations, events and activities throughout the season,” the mayor said in a statement.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Council on Aging Brings ‘Trivia and Tunes’ to Seniors

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The Haverhill Council on Aging is offering “Trivia and Tunes,” a free program combining trivia questions tailored for seniors with musical clues from artists such as Frank Sinatra, the Beatles, Rosemary Clooney and Elvis Presley. “Trivia and Tunes” takes place Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St. The event is sponsored by Estate Law and Elder Care attorney Mark Armstrong. Reservations are requested by calling Paola at 978-374-2390, ext.

Haverhill

Giving to WHAV Means Supporting Local News Everywhere

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There are only a few weeks left to ensure local news coverage in the year ahead. Until Dec. 31, new or increased contributions to nonprofit WHAV are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000 by NewsMatch. What’s more, new monthly donations are matched 12 times! If you’ve been putting off a donation, consider this: WHAV breaks stories first that are later picked up by newspapers, online sites and other media.

Haverhill

Haverhill Fire Blames Light Fixture for Silver Street House Fire Friday

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(Additional photographs below.)

A faulty ceiling light fixture is blamed for a fire that broke out early Friday afternoon in Haverhill. Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien told WHAV at the scene the fire in the home at 74 Silver St. began in the ceiling of a second-floor bedroom and extended into the attic. “The crews went up through the attic area, put the fire out, really kept the damage limited. We have water damage throughout the building right now unfortunately, but the house is in good shape,” O’Brien said.