Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Plans Ongoing Merrimack River Cleanup with Grant

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.

Bagnall School Students Learn About Disabilities and Similarities

Students at Groveland’s Dr. Elmer S. Bagnall School last week took part in Northeast Passage’s Similarity Awareness program which teaches students about disabilities and helps foster a culture of inclusivity. Bagnall students participated in activities such as handball, “Taco Tag” and “Banana Tag” while using wheelchairs. They experienced what using a wheelchair involves, including challenges, and learned activities can still be collaborative and fun. They also took part in discussions led by representatives from Northeast Passage, a nonprofit program of the University of New Hampshire. “This was a wonderful and engaging experience for students in all grade levels, as they were able to learn and collaborate with their peers through a unique exercise that fosters an inclusive and accepting environment for everyone,” said Principal James Day.

YWCA Northeastern Mass. Plans Dominoes Tournament

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts plans to let the dominoes fall later this month as it raises money to support its mission. The first YWCA Dominoes Tournament invites teams of players to compete in support of families, survivors and children in the Merrimack Valley. There will be a top game prize of $500, but also prizes for best team name, best team uniform and most money raised. It takes place Friday, Feb. 21, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., at YWCA’s main site, 38 Lawrence St., Lawrence.

Plaistow Police, Fire Marshal’s Office Arrest Man Alleged to Be Connected with Condo Explosion

A 40-year-old Plaistow, N.H., man was arrested yesterday in connection with an explosion at a Westville Road condominium complex last Nov. 10. Derek John Blanchette was arrested and charged with alleged reckless conduct, use of a deadly weapon; endangering the welfare of a child; falsifying physical evidence; acts prohibited, involving ketamine; and acts prohibited, involving methylenedioxymethamphetamine. According to a release from Plaistow Police Chief John J. Santoro, the Plaistow Police Department with investigators of the Office of the State Fire Marshall served the arrest warrant. It followed their investigation of an explosion last Nov.

Lawrence Mayor, NH Governor Seek Ways to Attack Illicit Drug Trade Together

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte met Monday with Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña to discuss how the city and the State of New Hampshire can work together to combat cross-border crime and drug trafficking. After the meeting, Ayotte previewed additional resources in her proposed budget to target the criminal pipeline between Lawrence and New Hampshire alongside law enforcement officers from both New Hampshire and Massachusetts, including Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker. “I am thankful for Mayor DePeña’s willingness to address the dangerous flow of drugs and criminal activity occurring between Lawrence and our state,” Ayotte said. “The more we work together, the safer all our communities will be. With additional resources targeted at this pipeline, we will strengthen our fight against the trafficking of deadly drugs like fentanyl and lock up those who are bringing this poison and crime to our communities.”

DePeña added, “The crises of drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human exploitation and gang violence continue to devastate families across both Massachusetts and New Hampshire—threats that recognize no borders and spare no community.

Lithuanian Independence Day Ceremony Takes Place Feb. 16

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.

Donation of $25,000 Helps AgeSpan Provide Restaurant Vouchers, Reduce Isolation

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.”

MeVa Buses to Remain Free Following Study Showing $2 Million Positive Economic Impact

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.