Beacon Hill News

Senate Committee to Hear Finegold’s Plan to Regulate Use of ‘Deepfake’ Political Photos

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State Sen. Barry R. Finegold’s legislation to restrict fraudulent “deepfakes” in election communications will be heard today by the Joint Committee on Election Laws. This proposal would require synthetic media, or “deepfakes,” depicting a candidate or political party to include a disclaimer that clearly identifies the media as artificially generated or modified. Candidates could seek civil damages of up to $10,000 against those who post deep fakes in violation of this law. The hearing will be overseen by Joint Committee on Election Laws Senate Chair John F. Keenan and House Chair Daniel J. Ryan, beginning at 10 a.m., at the State House.

Haverhill

Haverhill Receives Largest Share of Road Money in Area as State Rolls Out Allocations

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Haverhill was awarded about $1.6 million in road improvement money along with allocations to surrounding communities as Gov. Maura T. Healey signed the seasonal state allocation. The money is part of $200 million statewide for bridge and road maintenance and other infrastructure projects under what is known as the Chapter 90 program. Haverhill received the largest amount in the area because of a formula that takes into account total square miles of streets and other criteria. Other area awards were Lawrence, $1.4 million; Andover, $1.3 million; Methuen, $1.2 million; North Andover, $809,565; Georgetown, $306,938; Groveland; $226,403; and West Newbury, $212,580. “We know that residents’ quality of life and our state’s economic strength depends on people being able to get where they need to go safely and on time,” said Healey in a statement.

Haverhill

Groveland to Study What is Needed to Buy Drinking Water From Haverhill to Comply with Fed Regs

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Groveland is investigating what it will take to bring drinking water from Haverhill to the town should it decide such a purchase is the best option to comply with new federal drinking water standards. The Groveland Water and Sewer Commission said it and the City of Haverhill would first have to approve any purchase, but notes Groveland purchased water from its neighbor before drilling wells and building water towers in the 1960s. The town is reviewing required engineering and equipment needed, according to Superintendent Colin Stokes, Groveland Water and Sewer Department and the Board of Water Commissioners. As WHAV previously reported, Groveland Water and Sewer is researching options to ensure the town meets a new water quality standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which tightens restrictions on “forever chemicals” known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl—or PFAS—chemicals. Once the new regulations are accepted by the State, Groveland will be expected to take immediate action.

Business Bulletin

Fashion Trendsetters Yolanda Cellucci and Sondra Celli to Address Women in Business Lunch

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Fashion icons Yolanda Cellucci and Sondra Celli, mother and daughter, are scheduled to address members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce as well as the public at the end of the month. Cellucci created a successful fashion house and bridal center in 1967, which continues as an online store, while Celli has been featured in TLC’s “My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding” and its spinoff series “Gypsy Sisters.”

They’ll share their stories during a Women in Business Lunch, Thursday, May 30, from noon-1:15 p.m., at the Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village, 17 Via Toscana, Salem, N.H. Admission is $35 per person. Registration is accepted online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Haverhill

State Rep. Hamilton Speaks Monday About Benefits of Students Learning Early About Personal Finance

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State Rep. Ryan Hamilton will be among officials Monday discussing the long-term benefits of having students receive personal finance lessons in while in school. Hamilton joins state Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, Deputy Treasurer Alayna Van Tassel, Sen. Patrick O’Connor and representatives of the state Office of Economic Empowerment for “Empowering Massachusetts through Financial Education: A Briefing” at the State House. The program includes a presentation by John Pelletier, director of the Champlain College Center for Financial Literacy. The center is nationally recognized for its extensive research on financial education and innovative training programs helping K-12 educators effectively teach personal finance in classrooms.

In the Champlain College 2023 National Report Card on High School Financial Literacy, Massachusetts was one of only five states to receive an “F” grade. Hamilton represents Haverhill and Methuen.

Region

AgeSpan Celebrates 50th Birthday with Tributes, Talk by WCVB’s Harvey Leonard

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(Additional photograph below.)

AgeSpan celebrated its 50th anniversary with a lunch Thursday honoring 53 people over the age of 60 and presenting a talk by WCVB-TV’s Chief Meteorologist Emeritus Harvey Leonard. AgeSpan CEO Joan Hatem-Roy was brought to tears herself discussing milestones over the past 40 years she has served with the organization formerly known as Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore. One particularly emotional moment for her was saluting her predecessor Rosanne DiStefano who retired in 2017. “Roseanne was my mentor. She’s the one who paved the way and made my path so much easier.

Election Central

Podcast: Groveland Voters Go to the Polls Monday, Decide Which 2 of 6 Should be Selectmen

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Groveland voters go to the polls Monday to choose two candidates from a field of six for Groveland’s Board of Selectmen. Edward H. Watson is seeking re-election to one of two available seats. Daniel MacDonald holds the other seat, but does not appear on the ballot. Challengers are, in ballot order, Steven F. Baker, Rebecca Megan Beaucher, William F. Dunn, Adam J. Haywood and William G. O’Neil. All but Dunn talked live during WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program and their interviews may be heard on the “Merrimack Valley Newsmakers” podcast.

Education

In Time for Prom Season, Pentucket Students Witness Aftermath of Mock Car Crash Scene

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Pentucket Regional High School students witnessed and participated in realistic accounts last week of a car crash with help from the West Newbury, Groveland and Merrimac police and fire departments who demonstrated with a mock car accident. Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and Principal Brenda Erhardt said high school students viewed the aftermath of a multi-vehicle crash with a fatal injury and arrest, highlighting the dangers of driving while distracted or while under the influence. “We hope this experience will help drive home with students the importance of making good decisions this prom season,” said Bartholomew. “Drinking and driving and driving distracted can have life-changing consequences, and we want all of our students to understand that sober reality.”

Police and Fire Departments used two vehicles donated by Salisbury Auto Salvage to stage the mock crash. The event was organized by the Pentucket Regional High School’s chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions, or SADD, for short, led by teacher John Honer.