WHAV (https://whav.net/category/localnews/haverhill/page/38/)
Editor’s note. This is a rare request, but rather than reading this story, how about listening to it during Monday’s newscasts? The audio transcripts below don’t do justice to Jack’s delivery. Send your memories of the “Open Mike Show” to [email protected]. Today, WHAV takes time to remember former WHAV “Open Mike Show” host John P. “Jack” Bevelaqua, who died last week at age 72.
(Additional photographs below.)
Local veterans had the opportunity to learn about services and resources, connect with old friends and even get a free haircut at the 2026 Merrimack Valley Stand Down hosted Friday by the New England Center and Home for Veterans in Haverhill. Twenty-seven vendors ranging from the Bedford Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the state Department of Telecommunications and Cable to Charles River Recovery in Weston and AgeSpan in Lawrence were on hand to explain to those veterans who stopped their tables the special programs their agencies offer. There was also a chance to get a free haircut provided by barber Jennifer Nowak, pick up a free pair of socks, a T-shirt or sneakers and enjoy a hot dog or hamburger. “Today is a veteran’s stand down and essentially it is an opportunity to bring a number of providers together in a sort of one-stop forum so that veterans who are seeking services are able to access them all at once and in one location,” explained Andrew McCawley, president and CEO of the New England Center and Home for Veterans. The Haverhill site on Reed Street is one of two the organization operates.
Musician and storyteller Tim Van Egmond entertains during a free, “Hats Off to Seniors” program Tuesday. A resident of Montague, Van Egmond celebrates the wit, wisdom and spirit of oldsters in song and stories. He has been touring around New England for more than 40 years, making appearances at senior and community centers, libraries and schools. He accompanies himself on guitar, hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer. “Hats Off To Seniors” takes place Tuesday, Aug.
The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s new downtown Haverhill storefront is being transformed into a shared resource for members. Chamber board Chair Allison Heartquist says entrepreneurs and small business owners now have the opportunity to use the 29 Washington St. space as a collaborative work environment, while a new rotating Pop-Up Shop program provides local businesses and makers with a storefront to showcase products and services. “This is an exciting time for the Greater Haverhill Chamber,” said Heartquist. “We’re creating new opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and grow while making the Chamber more accessible and engaged than ever before.
A WHAV legend, former “Open Mike Show” host John P. “Jack” Bevelaqua died this past Wednesday at age 72. Bevelaqua was known for many things, including serving as an aide to former state Sen. Sharon M. Pollard, longtime project manager at the state Department of Energy Resources and a 34-year member of Groveland’s Board of Health. He may have been best known, however, for his two stints as provocative host of WHAV’s “Open Mike Show.”
Haverhill-born Bevelaqua first came to WHAV in 1990 after the station searched for a host to revive the popular “Open Mike Show” after the show languished in the years following the retirement of William “Bill” Pike. Bevelaqua guided the show until the AM radio station was sold in 1995. He agreed to revive the show in 2008—four years after WHAV returned to Haverhill.
Haverhill-based Sarah’s Place Adult Day Health Center is facing a potential shortfall in state Medicaid reimbursements. In a letter to caregivers and supporters, Executive Director Amy Anwyl told WHAV she received notice from the state that beginning next Jan. 1, Medicaid reimbursement rates could fall by as much as 34%. She said, currently, the state has two levels of care for its adult day health clients—basic and complex. Sarah’s Place receives $99.42 a day for basic clients and $136.72 for complex clients.
Haverhill Public Schools are in line for $1.3 million in continuing state grants for literacy instruction and improve reading outcomes. Through several Partnership for Reading Success–Massachusetts, or PRISM, grant programs, Haverhill Thursday was awarded $822,200 to literacy programming that helps students read at or above grade level by third grade and another $467,685 for resources, targeted coaching and professional learning support to evaluate, select, purchase, launch and implement high-quality instructional materials for grades four to 12. In the latter category, Lawrence Public Schools were also awarded $500,175 and Methuen Public Schools, $221,445. All told, school districts statewide were awarded nearly $24.7 million, spread over 71 school districts and one educational collaborative,
“Reading is the foundation for everything students do in school and throughout their lives,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “That’s why we’re making historic investments to strengthen literacy instruction, support educators and help every student build the skills they need to succeed.”
Referring to multiple rounds of PRISM grants, Education Secretary Steve Zrike, explained, “Improving literacy outcomes takes more than a one-time investment—it requires sustained commitment to high-quality instruction.”
Four different PRISM grant programs support school districts at every stage of implementing high-quality literacy instruction, from building strong early literacy systems, to adopting new instructional materials and expanding evidence-based practices through grade 12.
The annual Massachusetts sales tax holiday takes place Saturday and Sunday across the state. The state House and Senate came to an agreement back on June 11 that allows buyers to avoid the 6.25% sales tax on most items that retail for less than $2,500. Purchases such as motor vehicles, motor boats, meals, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cannabis products and telecommunication services like prepaid calls, natural gas, steam and electricity are not included in the holiday. “This year’s temporary suspension of the sales tax will bring consumers needed economic relief while boosting revenue for small businesses and retailers,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano. The Senate Press Room said the holiday comes at a time when many consumers are looking forward to a much-needed economic break due to stores raising prices as a result of federally imposed tariffs.