Community Spotlight

Low-Income Seniors May Collect Farmers Market Vouchers Friday A.M.

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Low-income Haverhill residents, 60 and over as well as disabled residents living in supportive housing, can pick up a $25 farmers market voucher at the Haverhill Council on Aging. Vouchers, provided by Lawrence-based AgeSpan will be distributed on a first come, first served basis Friday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Those interested must bring proof of residence and income. Low income is defined as 185% below the federal poverty level, currently $29,526 for a single individual living alone.

Business Bulletin

Sanchez Joins Institution for Savings as Residential Lending Vice President

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Joshua Sanchez of Haverhill recently joined Institution for Savings as vice president of residential lending. With more than 20 years of banking and mortgage lending experience, Sanchez will work closely with homebuyers and homeowners guiding them through every step of the mortgage process from application to closing. The bank noted he has extensive experience helping first-time homebuyers, as well as individuals and families purchasing or refinancing a home. “We are delighted to welcome Josh to our residential lending team,” said Institution for Savings President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Jones. “His knowledge of the local housing market combined with his commitment to exceptional customer service makes him a tremendous resource for our customers and addition to the team.”

Beyond his professional experience, Sanchez is volunteers with Emmaus House, serves on the board of directors of Haverhill Day Care and is a member of the Haverhill Exchange Club.

Haverhill

New Northern Essex Head Baseball Coach Plans to Continue Knights’ ‘Blue-Collar Attitude’

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(Additional photograph below.)

Northern Essex Community College’s newly hired Assistant Athletic Director and Head Baseball Coach Dan Briand not only brings experience to a competitive Knights squad, but he plans to continue, what he calls, “that same tough, gritty, aggressive mindset.”

Briand said he accepted the job and completed all necessary paperwork last week, the team was informed Sunday night and the college announced it this past Monday. Briand is set to start as the Knights assistant athletic director and head baseball coach on Monday. “What we’re going to do is optimize everything that we’re doing, and function at the highest level possible, and continue that same tough, gritty, aggressive mindset that these guys have, that blue-collar attitude,” Briand said. “Those are the guys that I resonate with, because I’m one of them,” he said. He said “keeping the train rolling” is the number one goal.

Business Bulletin

Wellness Hot Yoga Closes Over Haverhill Parking and Bridge Woes

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To submit Business Bulletin announcements, click on image. Parking issues and the reconstruction of the nearby Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge recently prompted the owner of Wellness Hot Yoga at Harbor Place in downtown Haverhill to close her studio. Teri Almquist told WHAV she and her partner, Michael Gu, couldn’t see a way to keep their business growing with the financial pressures they are facing. “First, we lost our free parking with the construction of new parking garage, and then we knew with the bridge construction, getting here was going to be all the harder,” Almquist said.

Beacon Hill News

Cheers Drown Out Healey as She Signs Immigrant Protection Bill

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Governor Says Massachusetts is ‘Standing Up for What’s Right’ As Republicans Argue It Undermines Cooperation with Federal Authorities
By Katie Castellani

It was hard to tell whether Gov. Maura Healey hosted a party or bill signing ceremony when she signed legislation Wednesday that the governor and lawmakers say provides the strongest immigrant protections in the country. The new law, known as the PROTECT Act, arose as a top priority for lawmakers and the governor amid intensified immigration law enforcement efforts led by President Donald Trump. The law expands protections against warrantless civil immigration arrests at courthouses as well as public schools, childcare centers and healthcare facilities. “I think we can agree that we need immigration reform in this country. We can agree we need controls at the border.

Community Spotlight

Joni and Friends Plan New England Golf Invitational in Haverhill to Support Those with Disabilities

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Joni and Friends New England, an organization that seeks to “bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world,” is holding its annual Golf Invitational fundraiser at Renaissance Golf Club. According to its website, “Each golfer is invited to approach the day not simply as a tournament, but as an opportunity to make a significant and generous investment in transforming lives with the hope of Christ. After your round of golf, we will kick off the evening with dinner followed by an inspiring program featuring stories of families whose lives have been forever changed through this ministry.” Joni and Friends New England Area Director Maria DeGenova describes the organization. “Joni and Friends New England is an area office of a larger international organization called Joni and Friends,” DeGenova said. “It’s our vision to see a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity and their place in the body of Christ,” she tells WHAV.

Education

Haverhill Plans Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics

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The Haverhill Public Health Department plans two back-to-school vaccine clinics overt the next few weeks to meet immunization requirements. Clinics are scheduled Thursday, Aug. 20, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, both from 1-3 p.m., at Haverhill Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., Haverhill. Those with health insurance are asked to bring their cards, but uninsured children are also welcome.