Community Spotlight

Lithuanian Cultural Association Plans Memorial Today for Football Player Dick Butkus

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The Lithuanian Cultural Association invites the public to a memorial this afternoon for Dick Butkus, described as football’s fiercest linebacker. Visitors are asked to sign a memorial book for Butkus, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973 and who died Oct. 5. The book will be presented to the Dick Butkus Foundation. “The Butkus Takes Heart” is an initiative of the Butkus Foundation to encourage early cardiovascular screening and scans among American adults.

Business Bulletin

Merrimack Valley Credit Union Completes Food Drive, Now Collecting Toys

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Merrimack Valley Credit Union recently conducted its annual food drive, supporting charitable organizations from southern New Hampshire to the south coast of Massachusetts. Participating branches collected nonperishable food items from members and staff. The Plaistow, N.H., branch donated food to the Providence Baptist Church food pantry in Epping, N.H.; North Andover branch, North Parish Church People’s Pantry; Tewksbury branch, Tewksbury Community Pantry; Hanover branch, Hanover Food Pantry; and Bridgewater branch, Bridgewater Food Pantry. North Andover Branch Manager Lina Quijano said “Food pantries like the People’s Pantry play such an important role in providing families in our community with food during the holidays and we are so happy to be able to support their hard work.”

The Bridgewater, Hanover and North Andover branches paired the food drive with a Shred-It Day on Saturday, Nov. 18, where, in addition to food donations, credit union and community members brought documents to be shredded as a guard against identity thieves.

Region

Plaistow, N.H., Conservation Commission Continues Prime Wetlands Public Hearing Thursday

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The Plaistow, N.H., Conservation Commission continues its public hearing on prime wetlands Thursday. Commissioners are proposing to designate some wetlands greater than two acres in size as prime wetlands. The definition of a prime wetland and the criteria used to make such a designation will also be discussed at the public hearing. It is a chance for residents to attend, ask questions and learn about prime wetlands and what they mean to Plaistow. The hearing began Nov.

Education

Pentucket Regional High’s Drescher and Friend Earn Spots to Perform Next Month

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Two Pentucket Regional High School students were accepted recently into the 2023-24 Massachusetts Music Educators’ Association Northeastern Senior District Music Festival and will perform next month. Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, Principal Brenda Erhardt and Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair David Schumacher said seniors Ben Drescher of Merrimac, playing guitar, and Lily Friend of West Newbury, playing horn, competed against students in Grades 10-12 from across the northeast corner of Massachusetts to earn their spots. Drescher was accepted into the jazz band and Friend into the orchestra. They will participate in the Senior Festival Saturday, Jan. 6, at Lexington High School.

Education

Whittier Tech to Discuss Building Project at Upcoming Meetings in Merrimac, Haverhill

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Information about the proposed $445 million replacement of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will be presented during meetings this week in Merrimac and next week in Haverhill. As WHAV reported at the time, the Whittier School Building Committee voted last February to build a three-story, W-shaped building that would contain almost all vocational, specialty, support and community programs on the first two floors and academic classes on the third floor. After reimbursement by the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the 11-member cities and towns would share the balance of what was then estimated to be $286.1 million. The Merrimac Select Board hosts a public forum Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6-8 p.m., at Merrimac Town Hall, 2 School St., Merrimac, while the Haverhill City Council hears details Tuesday, Dec.

Community Spotlight

MeVa Plans ‘Stuff A Bus’ Toy and Clothes Drive Dec. 12

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Merrimack Valley Transit is collecting new, unwrapped gifts during its “Stuff A Bus” Toy and Clothes Drive. Santa Claus will also be present during the drive taking place Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 9-11 a.m., at Target, 67 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at North Andover Mall, 350 Winthrop St., North Andover; and 2-4 p.m., at Westgate Plaza, 400 Lowell Ave, Haverhill. Toys and clothes will be turned over to Debbie’s Treasure Chest which services families in need.

Region

MassDOT Plans Public Meeting Thursday on Planned Route 114 Improvements

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Those interested in planned Route 114 highway improvements in North Andover and Lawrence have a chance to learn more when the Massachusetts Department of Transportation hosts what is described as an “open house-style” public meeting Thursday. The meeting focuses on the proposed Route 114 corridor improvement project between Waverly Road and Willow Street/Mill Road in North Andover and Lawrence. It takes place Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., at Merrimack College, Crowe Hall, Crowe Hall Executive Room, 315 Turnpike St., North Andover. Work along the 2.2-mile stretch includes roadway widening, geometry and traffic signal improvements, continuous sidewalks and bicycle accommodations separate from automobile traffic.

Region

Methuen Police Raise $3,690 for Dana Farber Cancer Institute with Pink Patch Project

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Methuen Police topped the leaderboard of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Pink Patch Project this year, raising $3,690 for the charity. Police Chief Scott J. McNamara said the department provided pink Methuen Police Department patches throughout the month of October in exchange for $10 donations to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Members were also authorized to wear the pink patches themselves in exchange for making a $10 donation to Dana Farber. “It is an honor to have finished first in Pink Patch Project fundraising, and it’s a feat I hope that we can accomplish next year as well,” McNamara said, thanking Methuen Police Superior Officer’s Association, Police Patrolman’s Association and officers and staff who wore pink patches. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the initiative raised both money for research and recovery at Dana Farber, as well as awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.