Community Spotlight

Tribute to Artist ‘Tomaso’ Schena with his Work Saturday at Plaistow Historical Society

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A beloved local artist, who passed away this spring, will be remembered tomorrow with an exhibit at the Plaistow Historical Society. Thomas Schena, better known as Tomaso, died following a brief illness in May at the age of 43. Many of his works of art, on loan from his fans, will be on display Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m.at the Historical Society, 127 Main St., Plaistow, N.H. Historical Society volunteer Samantha Subatch was a guest recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, and said Schena met his subjects at local restaurants. “It’s so special because you didn’t really ask for a drawing.

Haverhill

Family of Drowning Victim Simard, Formerly of Haverhill, Begin Online Fundraiser for His Children

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The family of a 44-year-old Methuen man, who drowned Wednesday while trying to save a child, has launched an online fundraiser to help pay for arrangements and meet the needs of his four children. Gary M. Simard, formerly of Haverhill, was identified Thursday as the drowning victim, but his child was successfully rescued from a rip current at Salisbury Beach. “Gary lived his whole life for his family, his partner Alexis and their four children Gary, 13, Matthew, 11, Olivia, 8, and AJ, 6. Gary’s children all survived but sadly Gary did not. Gary truly was a hero who not only dedicated his life to his children but literally gave his life for them,” organizers wrote.

Haverhill

Haverhill Council Grants Approval for Eight Senior Apartments in Riverside Area

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Eight units of much-needed senior housing got the green light from the Haverhill City Council on Tuesday. A proposal by Shoe City Development Corporation, owned by the Haverhill Housing Authority, to convert the building from four to eight units received enthusiastic support from councilors. The property, at 335 Groveland St. and 0 Katsaros Drive, was purchased by the Housing Authority earlier this year for $883,000 and is adjacent to its Kennedy Circle senior complex. Attorney Robert D. Harb, told councilors the addition will be in the back of the building and, for the most part, will not be noticeable.

Going Out

River Ruckus Saturday in Haverhill Rain or Shine; Music, Classic Cars, Kids’ Fun, Fireworks Too

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Team Haverhill’s annual River Ruckus takes place Saturday in downtown Haverhill with live music, classic cars, children’s activities, local food and more topped off at night with fireworks over the Merrimack River. The festival takes place between noon and 8:30 p.m., at Riverfront Park and Washington Street in downtown Haverhill, but the Haverhill YMCA unofficially launches with its “Run to the Ruckus” 5K Road Race starting at 9 a.m. in Washington Square. The River Ruckus stage opens at noon with the national anthem performed by the Haverhill High School Chorus. Choral Director John Salvi then leads between 25 and 30 Hillie singers through music by the band Queen. WXRV 92.5 the River takes over the stage at 12:30 with a performance by Frontwoods, followed by The Far Out, 1:45 p.m.; Life of the Party, 3 p.m.; Joe P, 4:15 p.m.; and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips headlining at 6.

Haverhill

Feds Award Haverhill $1 Million to Restore Tree-Lined Streets in Inner City Neighborhoods

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Haverhill is receiving $1 million for its tree program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. The city’s “Investing in Haverhill’s Urban Forest with Equity and Resilience” project was recognized by the competitive grant program designed to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat and climate change and improve access to nature in communities across the country. Haverhill joins eight other communities across the state sharing in $22 million in grants. “This is going to restore tree-line streets to our inner city neighborhoods, which has been a goal for some time,” said Mayor James J. Fiorentini. He credited the city’s federal grants consultant Merchant McIntyre & Associates for its successful application.

Haverhill

Podcast: Haverhill Author Releases ‘Killer Dreams’ Novel Even as he Gives Life Himself

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A Haverhill author’s latest novel focuses on loss of life following an accident even as he regains his strength in real life after personally giving the gift of life. Vincent Donovan has two stories to tell. His new book is called “Killer Dreams,” while his kidney is helping someone fulfill their own dreams. He talked about both during his recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “I just sat down to watch the Patriots game last fall and saw a post from my neighbor about her cousin who is up in New Hampshire—a dad with a 9-year-old daughter. I stepped forward, start the long journey.

Education

Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame Honors 10 as Part of 50th Anniversary Launch

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Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School celebrates its 50th anniversary next month with the first induction class into the Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame. The Athletic Hall of Fame was established to honor the school’s 50th anniversary. The school received more than 100 nominations, but with the help of the Selection Committee, the field was narrowed to 10 honorees, including two teams—the 1979 football team and the 2005 girls’ basketball team, two coaches—Denis Cronin and Denise Woodcock, significant contributors Ed and Patricia Penny and five former student-athletes—Stephen K. Jayne ‘80, John Campbell ‘88, Scott LaValley ‘87, Alicia Cook ‘02 and Amanda Dennis ‘05. “Operating for 50 years is an outstanding accomplishment, and all of us at Whittier Tech are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone with the first induction class of the Whittier Tech Athletic Hall of Fame,” said Superintendent Maureen Lynch. “All of the individuals who have been inducted embody the values of Whittier Tech, and we cannot wait to celebrate with them and the members of our community at our upcoming celebration!”

An induction ceremony and celebration take place Friday, Oct.

Haverhill

Haverhill Board of Registrars Sets Mayoral Vote Recount for Next Wednesday

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The Haverhill Board of Registrars of Voters met yesterday and, as expected, formally accepted both the recount petition filed by mayoral candidate Guy E. Cooper and the withdrawal of Scott W. Wood Jr.’s candidacy in the mayoral race. City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright said a recount for the preliminary election in the mayoral race is scheduled to take place next Wednesday, Sept. 27, beginning at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until completed, on the main floor of the Citizen Center, 10 Welcome St. She said all those who are interested are welcome to attend. Cooper petitioned for the recount after falling short just 10 votes behind Wood.