Going Out

‘Rite of Passage’ Play This Summer in Rockport to Feature Haverhill Native Greenstein

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Noah Greenstein of Haverhill will be featured in the role of Harold during the production of “Rite of Passage,” this summer in Rockport. The play is a new semi-autobiographical production by 25-year-old Izzy Salant. “In this true story, a tragic secret haunts Harold while he is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah,” explained Myriam Cyr, Punctuate4 artistic director. “He wants to know why his mother suddenly died and what are others not telling him. Written with a mixture of love, faith and humor, ‘Rite of Passage’ is a touching story of a young man and his father coping with loss as they rebuild their family and hope for the future.”

Greenstein is a graduate of Northern Essex Community College and Northern Vermont University.

Going Out

Bradford Village Square Tries New Approach to Adding Brunch Cocktails; Back to City Hall in May

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(Additional photograph below.)

It may soon be possible to order a Mimosa or Bloody Mary with Sunday brunch at a longtime dining spot in Central Square, Bradford, despite a hiccup along the way. Earlier this month, Bradford Village Square Manager Robert LaPierre’s idea to simply add beer, wine, cordials and liqueur to his menu was put on hold for further review. He initially sought just a limited license with the additional drinks as other communities allow. Haverhill License Commissioner Laura Angus, however, delivered sour news. “The cordials and liqueur addition is not available in the City of Haverhill because we never accepted that provision of the chapter (of state law),” she said.

Going Out

New Napoli’s Pizza Owner Wins Full Liquor License for Cedar Street Napoli’s Tavern

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During the 77 years of Napoli’s Pizza’s existence, its new owner says, people have not been able to eat sitting down on site. Richard LeClaire said that will change in a sense when he begins serving the independent pizzeria’s offerings at his just-approved add-on, Napoli’s Tavern, at the corner of Cedar and Eighth Avenue, Haverhill. Neighbors, however, expressed concern, recalling problems when a barroom called The Other Place was there. Martha Meads opposed the License Commission’s approval of full liquor and food licenses. “I had hypodermic needles.

Business Bulletin

‘Loaded,’ New Downtown Haverhill Restaurant, Formally Opens

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Officials were on hand Wednesday to officially launch “Loaded,” a new downtown Haverhill eatery described as “fast-casual restaurant with a menu focused on loaded comfort food.”

Loaded is owned by husband-and-wife team Anthony and Katrina Tomacchio, who previously helped found STACKS, directly behind the new establishment at 120 Washington St. Explaining the restaurant’s name, they said, meals are “loaded to the max.” Dishes include loaded Korean Corn Dogs, loaded mac and cheese, loaded fries, loaded mashed potatoes and loaded baked potatoes. The entrance is behind STACKS and between the back entrances to Stem and Hans Garden. Among those attending a ribbon cutting ceremony were Mayor James J. Fiorentini, state Rep. Ryan Hamilton, City Councilor Joseph J. Bevilacqua and Michael Bevilacqua of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Business Bulletin

Haverhill Restaurant Family Hits the Bullseye at Par 28 Complex with Golf Simulators and Axe Throwing

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A family, well-known in Haverhill and Merrimack Valley dining circles, is tying together food, drinks, golf simulators and axe throwing in an expansive entertainment complex in nearby Salem, N.H.

Jim Tomacchio and his sons, who own and operate STACKS in downtown Haverhill, developed PAR 28 two months ago at the former Coca-Cola bottling plan at 23 S. Broadway, in Salem, N.H. Tomacchio tells WHAV they actually stumbled on the idea while searching for a warehouse for another family business—21-year-old Stat Delivery Services. While looking at spaces, his son thought one spot might be more suitable for golf simulators. “Then, we got a consultant from Trackman, who makes these, come in, look at the whole site and say, ‘Yes, this is doable.’ So, we ran with it and then my boys started talking about other things we could do in here. One was, obviously a bar, then a coal-fired oven and kitchen and then the axe throwing,” he explains. They went on to build out the space in three and a half months.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill’s Sons of Italy Presents a Masquerade Ball to Benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation

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The Sons of Italy in Haverhill is hosting a masquerade ball to raise money for the Parkinson’s Foundation. The ball takes place Saturday, Oct. 8, starting at 6 p.m., at the Phoenician Restaurant, 12 Alpha St., Haverhill. All ages are welcome and tickets are $60 per person. A buffet dinner is being served and prizes are going to be given to the best male and female outfits.

Going Out

58th Annual VFW Santa Parade Picks Hometown Rugby Pro ‘Cam’ Davidowicz as Grand Marshal

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Cameron “Cam” Davidowicz, the professional rugby player from Haverhill’s Ward Hill neighborhood, will serve as grand marshal when the 58th Annual VFW Santa Parade kicks off on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. During a live appearance last week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” show, parade Chairman Daniel Plourde Sr. said Davidowicz, a member of the New England Free Jacks professional rugby team, accepted the ceremonial post. “One of the committee members is a huge rugby fan and he had already been talking about it early in the season. It just all kind of fell into place and we’re very happy that it did,” he said. Davidowicz, son of Michael Davidowicz and Deborah DiBurro of Haverhill, was a 6’1″, 225-pound back row player and on the training squad when he signed a contract last year.

Going Out

Haverhill, Methuen Plan ‘National Night Out’ Activities Tuesday, Aug. 2

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Haverhill and Methuen are both celebrating “National Night Out” Tuesday with outdoor events. Haverhill Police are teaming up with Massachusetts State Police to host National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 5-8 p.m. at Swasey Field, on Blaisdell Street. The event includes free food, games, entertainment and other activities. Specific activities include face painting, a magic show, basketball tournament and water park.