Haverhill

Haverhill Receives $4 Million Federal Grant to Fully Staff Bradford Fire Station Ladder Truck

By |

A long-sought second Fire Department ladder truck to be based in Bradford will become a reality thanks to a $4 million federal grant. The Haverhill Firefighters Grant Writing Team said yesterday it secured a SAFER—Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response—grant that will pay for 16 additional firefighters over the next three years. As late as this past spring, Fire Chief Robert M. O’Brien made the case that Bradford requires its own ladder in light of plans to replace the Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge over the Merrimack River. He was thankful for a budget that allowed for four-person crews at Water Street, but called for more help.

Education

Sullivan: Increased Competition or Bringing Services In-House May Resolve Haverhill School Bus Issues

By |

At least one member of the Haverhill School Committee says increased competition or bringing some school transportation in-house could be the answer to late buses and a shortage of buses and drivers. Responding to parents last week, Committee member Gail M. Sullivan said the problem centers on the lack of competition. Local provider NRT Bus, for example, was purchased in recent years by national chain Beacon Mobility. Parent James Salerno said the whole ridership program is rife with problems.

“Here we are in the third week of school and bus 11 is still repeatedly 20 to 40 minutes late on a daily basis. My child does not get picked up until 8:50 to 9:05.

Education

‘Vaping 101,’ First in Haverhill Schools’ Current Health Series, Takes Place Online Tonight

By |

The first in a series of Haverhill school health talks, “Vaping 101,” takes place tonight to help caregivers, the community and families understand the negative effects of youth e-cigarette use. Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a Stanford University professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine, conducts a webinar tonight, from 7-8:30 p.m., as part of the Haverhill Public Schools’ Wellness Committee and Wellness Department. Halpern-Felsher’s research has focused on understanding and reducing adolescent and young adult tobacco use, alcohol and marijuana use and risky sexual behavior. Her research, including about 200 publications in journals such as JAMA Network, Pediatrics and the American Journal of Public Health, as well as her committee and policy work, have helped set policy at the local, state and national levels. She has been an active member on several national campaigns to understand and reduce adolescent tobacco and e-cigarette use.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill River Bards’ Fall Poetry Nights Begin Tonight with Paulette Demers Turco

By |

Tonight marks the start of Haverhill River Bards’ series of fall poetry nights with poet Paulette Demers Turco reading from her newly released book “Shimmer.”

Published poets begin each night with a reading followed by an open mic where audience members may sign up to share their own poetry, prose and other literary arts. The event is sponsored by Creative Haverhill and takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at HC Media Studio 101, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. The select Wednesday poetry series is free and registration is not required.

Haverhill

Haverhill Democrats to Honor Governor’s Councilor Duff at Roz McKeon Annual Breakfast Oct. 14

By |

Governor’s Councilor Eileen Duff is being honored next month as the Haverhill Democratic City Committee’s Distinguished Democrat. Duff, who is running for Southern Essex District Register of Deeds next year, will be honored during the Roz McKeon Annual Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Maria’s Restaurant, Galleria Banquet Room, 85 Essex St., Haverhill. Duff has served on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council since being elected in 2012 and is being honored for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Democratic Party and the City of Haverhill.  Democratic candidates in the upcoming municipal election for mayor, City Council and School Committee, have also been invited to say a few words and all candidates will be recognized. The Committee will also be conducting its popular straw poll for the Nov.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Credit Union Team Builds Children’s Beds For Lynn-Based A Bed for Every Child

By |

Merrimack Valley Credit Union team members last month joined the Metro Boston Chapter of the Cooperative Credit Union Association to build beds for Lynn-based A Bed for Every Child that builds and donates new beds to children in need. Credit Union staff organized two teams, each working together to construct a wooden twin sized bedframe. Participating team members included Aamir Chougle, Joel Rojas, Mikaela DeOliveira, Pam Stamp, Paula Kerwin, Glenn Prezzano and Sarita Ledani, who also serves on the board of directors for the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s Metro Boston Chapter. In addition to building a bed, teammates brought pillows, bedding, books and stuffed animals to personalize each bed. “Your unwavering support in sending a dedicated team to aid in the construction of 15 beds for local children on our waitlist is truly amazing,” said Tina Baptista, program director of A Bed for Every Child.

Haverhill

Groveland Police Cite Haverhill Man in Accident Involving Woman and Child Crossing Street

By |

A 51-year-old Haverhill man was cited for failure to slow down for pedestrians after a 67-year-old Groveland woman and 7-year-old juvenile were struck Monday morning while crossing a street near Groveland’s Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School. Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen said a Groveland police officer stationed near the Bagnall School received a report at 8:30 a.m. that two pedestrians had been struck by a car while crossing the street. The pedestrians were evaluated on scene by Groveland Fire and Trinity EMS and suffered what are believed to be minor injuries. Both were taken to a local area hospital for further evaluation. The Groveland Police Department said the driver stayed on scene, cooperated and was issued a citation.

Haverhill

City Council Tonight Considers 10 New Haverhill Apartments, Including Elderly Units

By |

Ten apartments—four public for seniors and six private units—are before the Haverhill City Council tonight for special permits. The Haverhill Housing Authority proposes to build its first new apartments in years by expanding an existing four-unit building that it recently bought into eight units in the Riverside neighborhood. The Housing Authority bought the property at 335 Groveland St. and 0 Katsaros Drive earlier this year for $883,000 from Pilgrim Lanes. It is just adjacent to its Kennedy Circle development and opposite Holy Family Hospital’s Haverhill campus.