Haverhill

MeVa Buses to Remain Free Following Study Showing $2 Million Positive Economic Impact

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Taking a Merrimack Valley Transit—or MeVa—bus will remain free for riders after the public authority’s board Thursday compared the small amount of net income from past bus fares with a $2 million boost in regional economic benefit today along with doubling of hospital access and other advantages since fees were eliminated in 2022. MeVa Administrator MeVa Administrator Noah S. Berger told advisory board members a vote for permanent free service now gives riders confidence in having continued access to rides. With an increase in passengers—and a study showing nearly 40% of them making less than $25,000, Berger said riders have expressed concern about having to pay. “Are we going to have to go back to collecting fares—are you going to go back to collecting fares? There was palpable anxiety,” he said during the online meeting.

Haverhill

Haverhill’s Woofstock, Celebrating Dogs and Local Farms, Returns Sept. 27

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Haverhill’s Woofstock, a Haverhill celebration of dogs and local farms alike, returns for its second year this fall. Woofstock, inspired by Cyndie Morgan and her dog Nigel, is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Chris’s Farm Stand on Salem Street, in Bradford. “This event not only honors our passion for dogs but also aids our local farms and nonprofits,” Morgan says. “It promises to be a day full of joy, and we are excited to unite the community in making it a success.

Business Bulletin

Hamilton Talks Student Financial Literacy at Haverhill Chamber’s Eggs and Issues

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State Rep. Ryan Hamilton, representing Haverhill and Methuen, discusses financial literacy for high school students during the next Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce “Eggs and Issues” breakfast. Hamilton meets with Chamber members and guests Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 7:30-9 a.m., at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill. Admission is $25 each for members and $35 each for non-members and includes breakfast. Reservations may be made at HaverhillChamber.com.

Haverhill

Industry Peers Welcome Lawrence General Hospital’s Agrawal to State Association Board

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Dr. Abha Agrawal, the president CEO of Lawrence General Hospital who last fall successfully brought Holy Family Hospital under the institution’s fold, is being welcomed by her peers as a trustee of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association. Agrawal was elected to the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association board of trustees Jan. 30. The organization serves as the voice for the Commonwealth’s hospitals, health systems and health care providers. “Dr. Agrawal has already made an immeasurable impact on her community just one year into her time at Lawrence General, and we know she will bring the same changemaking spirit to our board’s mission,” said MHA President and CEO Steve Walsh.

Education

National Organization Gives Leadership Award to Northern Essex Community College’s Glenn

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Lane A. Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College, was named Wednesday as this year’s recipient of Campus Compact’s Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership. Glenn was recognized as Massachusetts’ longest-serving community college president, selected in 2011, where “his leadership and dedication to equity have made an indelible mark, not just on the communities NECC serves, but across Massachusetts and its educational institutions.”

“President Glenn’s longtime leadership at Northern Essex Community College clearly demonstrates the unique and vital contributions that civically engaged community college leaders can make toward community development and wellbeing,” said Bobbie Laur, president of nonprofit Campus Compact, the largest and oldest higher education association dedicated to higher education civic and community engagement. The Eduardo J. Padrón Award for Presidential Leadership is presented as part of Campus Compact’s Impact Awards, which recognize shining examples of meaningful, impactful higher education civic and community engagement work. Awards recipients will be recognized at Compact25, Campus Compact’s annual conference, which takes place March 31 to April 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. Allison M. Dolan-Wilson, the college’s vice president of institutional advancement, nominating Glenn for the award.

Haverhill

Haverhill Women Among Those Taking Top Prizes in Essex National Heritage Photo Contest

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(Additional photographs below.)

Two Haverhill woman again took away top prizes in photography for capturing “the living landscapes, unique places and vibrant communities of Essex County” during Essex National Heritage Commission’s 2024 Photo Contest. Kathy Diamontopoulos was awarded first place in the “Go Coastal” category for her “Sharing is Caring” image, while Alison Colby-Campbell scored the “People’s Choice Award” for her “Sunflowers” photograph. Both artists found their winning settings in Ipswich. The Grand Prize went to Carin Macnamara of Wakefield for “Egret Fan Dancers in a Peeking Dawn,” taken on Cape Ann. First, second and third place winners in the category, “Picture Perfect Places,” were “Spiraling in Time (PEM)” by Franco Cutietta, taken in Salem; “Rockport Peonies” by Jason Kennedy, taken in Rockport; and “Beaver Moon Rising Over Salem Harbor” by Joyce Wood, taken in Salem.

Community Spotlight

Valentine’s Dance for Veterans to Take Place in Haverhill Feb. 13

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Veterans Northeast Outreach Center is hosting a Valentine’s dance with music, hors d’oeuvres and mocktails. Veterans attending an organization event for the first time must provide a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and an identification or VA card. The dance is Thursday, Feb. 13, from 3-6 p.m., at 10 Reed St., Haverhill. For more information or to register, email [email protected] or call 978-971-1162.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Garden Club Offers Tips Feb. 12 on Starting Summer Plants by Seed

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Those wishing to get an early jump on growing vegetables and flowers this summer are invited to attend a free presentation by the Haverhill Garden Club on how to start plants from seeds indoors. The presentation takes place Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 p.m., in Haverhill Public Library’s Johnson Auditorium, 99 Main St., Haverhill. Presenters are master gardener candidate Dustin MacIver and professional flower grower Jane Langlais, who are both members of the garden club. The library, which is home to the club’s seed library, is co-sponsoring the event.