Community Spotlight

‘Battle of the Badges:’ First Responders Compete for Most Blood Donors

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The Battle of the Badges 2024, Haverhill edition, renews a friendly rivalry among the city’s first responders to see which group can recruit the largest number of eligible donors for an American Red Cross blood drive. Those who wish to help swell the ranks of Team Police or Team Fire can call 1-800-REDCROSS or RedCrossBlood.org, enter “Haverhill” and register with one of the groups to schedule an appointment. This procedure allows prospective donors to complete paperwork before the day of the collections. The actual Battle of the Badges takes place this Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Battle of the Badges is an annual, nationwide event that employs local public servants in a quest to replenish blood and platelet stocks used in lifesaving efforts across the U.S.

Cannabis

Councilors Approve Policy Aiding Some Cannabis Applicants, Confirm Deliveries Possible in Haverhill

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Last night, Haverhill city councilors approved their version of a state-mandated policy that aims to get cannabis store licenses in the hands of business owners incarcerated due to the federal government’s so-called “War on Drugs” or otherwise negatively impacted by it. People who fall into this category do not automatically get permits and must still go through an application process. Assistant City Solicitor Matthew D. Provencher informed councilors Haverhill previously opted in to cannabis delivery services, answering a question raised at a subcommittee meeting where the final policy was drafted, as WHAV reported. Brick-and-mortar businesses operating in Haverhill—there are currently four and none of them deliver—must renegotiate their licensing agreements with the city if they want to start. Council Vice President Timothy J. Jordan protested that cities do not receive tax revenue from deliveries brought in from outside.

Haverhill

Haverhill Mayor and Council Will Share Official Authority to Appoint Outside Lawyer

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After city councilors expressed concern a new ordinance would reduce their powers, the mayor agreed to share the authority to appoint outside legal counsel with the body. Councilor Colin F. LePage and Council Vice President Timothy J. Jordan requested the ability be explicitly granted at a subcommittee meeting last week, while councilor Melissa J. Lewandowski said the change was unnecessary because the ordinance already grants the council sufficient rights, which she also raised earlier this month, as WHAV reported. City Solicitor Lisa L. Mead, who drafted the ordinance and Mayor Melinda E. Barrett made similar points. Jordan said, “In my six plus years on the council, I was always led to believe that it was the mayor [who] had all of that authority and the rule we’re looking to change, makes it read like the council actually had the authority to get outside council. At least on a couple occasions when I was on the council, myself and others wished to get an outside opinion and we were told we could not.”

Councilor Shaun P. Toohey noting a precaution against potential mayoral overreach, reassured the mayor, “I don’t think it’s about you.”

Barrett responded, “I know.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill & Plaistow Community YMCA Auction Live Online Through May 12

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The Haverhill & Plaistow Community YMCA Legacy Gala online auction is live

Bidding takes place online through Sunday, May 12, at noon, with items and experiences up for grabs, including tickets to popular local summer events Ciderfeast and Tattersall Farm-to-Table; tickets to the Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins; scratch tickets and overnight stays in the heart of Boston and historic Salem, Mass. The YMCA Legacy Gala takes place Saturday, May 11, beginning at 5 p.m., at Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. The sold out event features two signature cocktails and a photo booth for guests to take home memories. All proceeds support the YMCA’s work in fighting food insecurity, sending children to summer camp and educational programming for individuals and families in need of financial assistance.

Haverhill

U.S. EPA Thanks Merrimack River Watershed Council, Others for Roles in Water Quality Testing

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday joined safe water guardians, including the Merrimack River Watershed Council, along the banks of the Merrimack River to acknowledge their water quality protection efforts and share results of water sampling data. Those who participated in the routine monthly water testing included scientists, stewards and students from Lawrence High School. “Without good science, how can we protect human health and the environment? It’s an extraordinary effort to collect water samples, take field measurements, and get the samples to EPA’s North Chelmsford laboratory within six hours for accurate analysis, all under strict quality assurance protocols every month,” said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “The collaborative efforts of all the volunteers and the Merrimack River Watershed Council are invaluable.”

Sen. Ed Markey added, “We can’t manage what we don’t measure, and we can’t treat what we don’t know.

Community Spotlight

River Bards Spotlight Teen Poets Tonight in Downtown Haverhill

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Haverhill High School Poetry and Spoken Word Club students will share their talents at a special open mic event hosted by the River Bards poetry group. The teens, who write poetry and prose, are the featured performers at the May meeting of the River Bards, a group of local poets who delight in shining a light on literary arts. Twice a year, the Bards gather at HC Media, which records the night’s performances for broadcast. On Wednesday, May 1, the Poetry Club students will open the meeting with readings. Those who are interested in sharing during the open mic portion of the event can sign up on a sheet that will be provided, then wait for their names to be called.

Cannabis

City Lawyer: State Law Allows Cannabis Deliveries to Haverhill Homes from Out-of-Town Outfits

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Delivery of cannabis to Haverhill homes from out-of-town is allowed under state law, the city solicitor says, but local stores may not make such deliveries until they first negotiate terms in their host community agreements with the city. At least that appears to be the opinion of City Solicitor Lisa L. Mead in a letter to the Haverhill City Council dated last Thursday. Councilors will formally hear the view during talks tonight on a state-mandated “social equity” policy that promises added benefits for shop applicants “disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.” The state requires the city to have a policy in place by May 1 or face penalties. Councilors are expected to hear recommendations from its Administration and Finance Committee that suggested changes to a draft policy during a meeting last week. One of the provisions, that qualifying applicants have “exclusive access” to delivery licenses for three years, brought concern by Councilor Melissa J. Lewandowski.