Education

Haverhill Schools, Merrimack College Receive Grants to Support Life Science Careers

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Haverhill schools scored more than $100,000 in grants from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, while Merrimack College took away $375,000 as part of a program to strengthen the state’s life sciences talent pipeline and prepare students for careers in the life sciences. Haverhill Public Schools was awarded $81,823 in the category of Elementary and Secondary Education Grants and $25,164 in Out-of-School Time Grants. Merrimack College in North Andover received $375,000 in Post-secondary Education and Training Grants. “The life sciences are foundational to Massachusetts’ economy, and maintaining our leadership in this ecosystem depends on building a strong, skilled workforce,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, co-chair of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center board of directors. “These investments strengthen the connection between education and industry, ensuring residents across the Commonwealth have the opportunities and resources they need to pursue rewarding careers while helping Massachusetts life sciences companies meet the workforce demands required to drive the next generation of groundbreaking discoveries.”

Haverhill’s Elementary and Secondary Education Grant was among 23 totaling more than $2.4 million to provide hands-on/applied learning for students in grades three to 12 while supporting professional development for approximately 680 teachers.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Shoreline Cleanup Seeks Volunteers; Ends with Sunday Cookout

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The Haverhill Conservation Commission, working with Crescent Yacht Club, plans a shoreline cleanup along the Merrimack River Sunday. Volunteers in their own boats will remove floating litter between Crescent Yacht Club and Marianne’s Marina. Those on foot will work from the shoreline and on the nearby rail trail. The Commission will provide trash bags and grabbers. Boaters must be equipped with lifejackets for anyone in the boat.

Haverhill

Haverhill Youth Football and Cheer Looks to Become a ‘Culture, a Family’

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The Haverhill Youth Football and Cheer Junior Hillies program is underway with active training camps, practice set to start Monday, Aug. 10, and registration to play ending Aug. 1. Director of Football Operations Christian Foresta says the program seeks to, “Empower young men and women” and “prepare these kids for life.” Foresta outlined the program’s future goals for WHAV. “Our goal is to evolve this thing into something that is a year-round thing, not just football.

Haverhill

Haverhill Presbyterians Plan to Sell Church Building

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The First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill is selling its church building at the corner of Broadway and Carleton Street to another faith community in the Merrimack Valley. Josiah E. Morrow, chair of the church board of directors, told WHAV he isn’t at liberty to name the new owner just yet, but the sale closing date is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 31. The First Presbyterian congregation will continue normal operations, including Sunday worship services, at its current location at least through November, Morrow added. Beyond that, the congregation is still deciding whether to find a new meeting space, join another congregation or disband.

Business Bulletin

Greater Haverhill Chamber Members to Network at Skyline Social

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Members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce plan to take it to the top literally at a Back to Business Networking gathering at downtown Haverhill’s Skyline Social. The free mixer, which features appetizers and chances to win door prizes, introduces members to the revamped, 10th floor rooftop lounge. Last fall, the lounge and related first-floor restaurant changed its identity from Bosa Restaurant and Bosa Bar respectively to Bosa Restaurant and Skyline Social. Manager Phillip McCabe told the Haverhill License Commission explained the reason for the name changes, saying patrons were sometimes confused when making reservations because the two floors offer different menus. Back to Business Networking takes place Wednesday, July 29, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at 160 Merrimack St., top floor, Haverhill.

Haverhill

Northern Essex Knights Soccer Season Approaches, Roster Spots to be Filled

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Northern Essex Community College’s soccer team is set to start preparation for the season early in August. With the team having about 24 or 25 players, nine spots left and only eight of those players returning from last season, there are still roster spots to fill. Coach Eusebio Marote, entering his seventh season as coach of the Knights, says the first practice, scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 4, is “more to get everything situated” and fill the last few roster spots. Marote says he’s expecting many players to come to tryouts, and that some are close to making the team, but still have a little more to prove.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Pride Collective Plans Volunteer Info. Meeting

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The Haverhill Pride Collective is looking to share its mission and attract volunteers. The nonprofit, which organized Haverhill’s Pride parade and other activities, is hosting a no-commitment meeting that will help those interested in learning more about Haverhill Pride, its mission and goals for the next year. Chairs of the group’s subcommittees will be on hand to share information about volunteer opportunities and the time commitment expected. The prospective member meeting is Monday, July 27, 6 p.m. at Pinnacle at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. Pizza, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.

Haverhill

Amazon Grant Puts Haverhill Community Playground Drive Near the Top

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Thanks to a $150,000 gift from Amazon, the proposed Haverhill Community Playground is closer to reality. On Tuesday, officials from Haverhill’s Amazon distribution center presented the playground’s organizers with the single largest check they have received towards the $450,000 project. The plan is to replace an aging play area at Golden Hill School, 140 Boardman St., with what is being billed as  “destination” play structure that will be welcoming to children of all ages and abilities. Martin Beck, station manager at the Amazon at the Broadway Business Park, pointed out many of the employees who work in the building grew up on Haverhill playgrounds. “A lot of our work staff have been locals of Haverhill their entire life.