A regional approach for Merrimack River cleanup is the aim of a nearly $200,000 state grant recently awarded to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. The Haverhill-based Commission, serving 15 communities, was awarded a $198,500 Community Compact Efficiency and Regionalization Grant in December for a Merrimack River Cleanup Project involving Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and Tyngsborough. According to the Commission, the program includes regular cleanup of floatable debris during the recreation season, piloting an annual shoreline cleanup event in each community, improvements to the Early Alert Tool model, production and circulation of outreach materials to community-based organizations and installation of informational signage at Merrimack River landings to promote awareness of Merrimack River water quality. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will manage the Merrimack River Cleanup Project and take advantage of regional efficiencies to procure equipment and services and coordinate with participating communities to host pilot shoreline cleanup events. A project website is expected to launch in the spring.
Community Spotlight
Lithuanian Independence Day Ceremony Takes Place Feb. 16
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A Lithuanian Kugelis dinner with entertainment by baritone Josh Shilo provides the backdrop for the 107th Lithuanian Independence Day ceremony this Sunday. The celebration takes place Sunday, Feb. 16, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at Holy Rosary Shrine Center, 34 Common St., Lawrence. Admission donation is $18 for adults and $6 for children under 13. Those wishing to purchase tickets or obtain more information are asked to call Jonas Stundzia at 978-685-4478.
Business Bulletin
Donation of $25,000 Helps AgeSpan Provide Restaurant Vouchers, Reduce Isolation
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A $25,000 donation to AgeSpan from Mi Casa Adult Day Health Center and Affable Care’s Adult Foster Care program will help ease hunger and social isolation with restaurant vouchers for older Latino adults in Lawrence. AgeSpan’s Reconnecting Elders Underserved through Nutrition Interventions with Restaurants—REUNIR, for short, offers two monthly meal vouchers for participants to dine at local, minority-owned cultural restaurants, including El Taller & Café Azteca, Sazon Peru and Bocao. The donation enables the program to continue through the year, benefiting 150 low-income Latino older adults. “We are grateful for Mi Casa and Affable Care’s generous support,” said Joan Hatem-Roy, AgeSpan CEO. “By connecting older adults with their community over a shared meal, REUNIR fosters belonging and well-being while supporting local businesses.”
Vlad Vilkomir, co-owner of Mi Casa Adult Day Health Center and Affable Adult Foster Care, said “We serve older adults every day and understand the importance of providing opportunities for them to go outside of their home to enjoy a meal with a loved one or friend.”
Haverhill
MeVa Buses to Remain Free Following Study Showing $2 Million Positive Economic Impact
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Taking a Merrimack Valley Transit—or MeVa—bus will remain free for riders after the public authority’s board Thursday compared the small amount of net income from past bus fares with a $2 million boost in regional economic benefit today along with doubling of hospital access and other advantages since fees were eliminated in 2022. MeVa Administrator MeVa Administrator Noah S. Berger told advisory board members a vote for permanent free service now gives riders confidence in having continued access to rides. With an increase in passengers—and a study showing nearly 40% of them making less than $25,000, Berger said riders have expressed concern about having to pay. “Are we going to have to go back to collecting fares—are you going to go back to collecting fares? There was palpable anxiety,” he said during the online meeting.
Community Spotlight
Essex National Heritage Area Offers $2,000 Partnership Grants Aimed at History, Culture, Nature
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Essex National Heritage Area is offering grants of $2,000 for projects that preserve and enhance the historical, cultural and natural resources of Essex County. Essex Heritage Partnership Grants program are reimbursable matching grants for communities and qualified nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects should focus on one of four categories: education, interpretation, preservation or access and inclusion. The $2,000 grants are awarded upon project completion. Each project must have a minimum total cost of $4,000.
Region
Atkinson, NH Fire Reports Pedestrian Struck by Snowplow
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A pedestrian was taken by ambulance early Thursday afternoon to Lawrence General Hospital after being struck by a snowplow truck on Pope Road in Atkinson, N.H.
Atkinson Fire Department said dispatchers received a 911 emergency call at 12:42 p.m. Fire Capt. Jeffrey Douphinette requested a box alarm and the unidentified person was found under the plow truck. Firefighter Medics Douphinette and Jason Landry worked with PrideStar Trinity EMS to free the patient along with other Atkinson firefighters. Atkinson Police are investigating.
Haverhill
Industry Peers Welcome Lawrence General Hospital’s Agrawal to State Association Board
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Dr. Abha Agrawal, the president CEO of Lawrence General Hospital who last fall successfully brought Holy Family Hospital under the institution’s fold, is being welcomed by her peers as a trustee of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association. Agrawal was elected to the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association board of trustees Jan. 30. The organization serves as the voice for the Commonwealth’s hospitals, health systems and health care providers. “Dr. Agrawal has already made an immeasurable impact on her community just one year into her time at Lawrence General, and we know she will bring the same changemaking spirit to our board’s mission,” said MHA President and CEO Steve Walsh.
Haverhill
Haverhill Women Among Those Taking Top Prizes in Essex National Heritage Photo Contest
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(Additional photographs below.)
Two Haverhill woman again took away top prizes in photography for capturing “the living landscapes, unique places and vibrant communities of Essex County” during Essex National Heritage Commission’s 2024 Photo Contest. Kathy Diamontopoulos was awarded first place in the “Go Coastal” category for her “Sharing is Caring” image, while Alison Colby-Campbell scored the “People’s Choice Award” for her “Sunflowers” photograph. Both artists found their winning settings in Ipswich. The Grand Prize went to Carin Macnamara of Wakefield for “Egret Fan Dancers in a Peeking Dawn,” taken on Cape Ann. First, second and third place winners in the category, “Picture Perfect Places,” were “Spiraling in Time (PEM)” by Franco Cutietta, taken in Salem; “Rockport Peonies” by Jason Kennedy, taken in Rockport; and “Beaver Moon Rising Over Salem Harbor” by Joyce Wood, taken in Salem.
Education
State Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show Feb. 10 Promotes College Aid Application
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What’s being billed as a “Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show” comes to the area Monday. Officials are stopping at high schools across the state to encourage students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and apply for nearly $400 million available in state financial aid. Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega and other state and local education leaders will meet with students Monday, Feb. 10, from 1:30-2:15 p.m., at Lawrence High School. “We want to spread the word and let students know there’s a historic level of financial aid available right now in Massachusetts,” said Tutwiler.