As local government meetings go, the first week of fall is a relatively quiet one for officials with the exception of the Haverhill City Council and School Committee. While not quite a meeting, officials invite residents to take part in Haverhill’s second annual Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup, Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Merrimack River Park, 1318 River St., Haverhill. Residents are asked to help to protect wildlife and keep the river healthy by removing one bag of trash at a time. Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy, close-toe shoes; long pants; and thick gloves and bring a reusable water bottle.
Groveland’s Langley-Adams Library this Friday is hosting the release of local author Jolene Grace’s new book, “The Wrong Wife.”
The launch party features cake, a raffle, question-and-answer session and free copies of “The Wrong Wife.” It is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, 2 p.m., and open to the public.
Michael R. Jewett was recently named a full-time lieutenant in the Groveland Police Department, bringing the department up to its full complement of sworn officers. Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen said Monday Jewett brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and extensive training and experience in a variety of police operations. “His experience, leadership and knowledge will be a tremendous addition to our department. He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit our officers and the community we serve, and I look forward to working with him as he begins this new chapter in his career,” said Gillen. According to his LinkedIn profile, Jewett previously served as security operations and executive protection leader at Massachusetts Port Authority and chief of police in Newton, N.H.
The chief said Jewett earned the respect of fellow law enforcement professionals throughout his career and brings a strong background in leadership, supervision and community policing to Groveland.
Aroma Joe’s Plaistow Road and South Main Street locations in Haverhill are taking part in National Coffee Day next Tuesday with free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee while supplies last. Those who are AJ’s Rewards members are eligible to receive a free 24-ounce size anytime from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5. “National Coffee Day gives us the opportunity to highlight our amazing beans and celebrate our awesome communities,” said Aroma Joe’s Chief Marketing Officer Carrie Riley.
Haverhill is moving ahead with regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices with a newly revised proposed ordinance formally appear on city councilors’ desk Tuesday. A draft ordinance by City Solictor Lisa L. Mead recognizes certain existing provisions in state law that allow, but also limit, city regulation of the vehicles. Mead told Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and City Council President Timothy J. Jordan in a Sept.11, memorandum that city authority is expected to expand if the legislature passes Gov. Maura Healey’s proposed “Ride Safe Act.”
“The draft revised ordinance…mimics the applicable statutes which require operators to use a helmet and follow traffic safety laws and imposing fines and operational restrictions, and adds language specific to your requests restricting use of such vehicles on public sidewalks, bike paths, bikeways and trails, playgrounds and public property,” she wrote. Mead pointed out areas where city authority is currently limited, citing, for example, “Driving under the influence and impoundment of vehicles cannot be addressed by ordinance as these areas are preempted by statute and specific to motor vehicles.” Further, she said, under current state law, “The city may not, however, prohibit their operation on public ways.”
Mead also noted proposed state legislation would allow further city regulation depending on speed tier classifications, but the current bill doesn’t allow those provisions to become effective until Jan. 1, 2028.
One could say Haverhill’s Woofstock was unleashed Saturday as an extended community took part in demonstrations, contests, dog fun and games, shopping on behalf of beloved pets and more. This year, Woofstock also celebrated seven-year-old Pax Harris of Rhode Island with its first Youth Entrepreneur Spotlight. Founder and Producer Cyndie Morgan explained Pax’s mom reached out to her. “She says, ‘My son is seven years old. He has started his own dog treat business called Pax’s Barkery and he would like to come in as a vendor.’ And, that mom in me and producer in me said, ‘Oh, no, no, no.
Members of Haverhill High School’s Class of 1976 plan to reunite early next month. The class, known as “The Spirit of 1976,” in recognition of the nation’s bicentennial the same year, is noting many milestones during its time that still resonate with the community today. A year before graduation, classmates were among the first to enjoy the high school’s expansion and dedication of new named wings with then-Sen. Edward M. Kennedy serving as guest speaker. On June 14, 1975, the library was named for School Committee member Manuel L. Epstein; academic wing, former Superintendent Donald C. Freeman; Natatorium, Charles C. White; student lounge, Edward Kimball; cafeteria, John Coppola; and study center, Alice Garland. In a yearbook statement, then-Haverhill High Principal Sotiris Katsaros formally declares the Class of 1976 as “the Bicentennial Class of Haverhill High School.”
Class President Mark Anderson will serve as master of ceremonies.
Former Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon will begin serving 30 days in jail after, as expected, he pleaded guilty Friday to 17 charges, including hiring part-time intermittent officers and unlawfully appointing them to full-time jobs. As WHAV reported earlier this month, Solomon entered into a plea deal where he would plead guilty in Essex Superior Court to two counts of perjury by written affidavit, seven counts of obtaining unwarranted privileges in violation of the civil service laws, six counts of civil service law violations, uttering a forged document and procurement fraud. Solomon was sentenced to two and a half years in prison with 30 days to serve and lose his city pension, license to carry a firearm and private investigator’s license. “Massachusetts communities rely on their police chiefs to make the best decisions for the safety and security of residents. Former Chief Solomon broke that trust by misusing his authority to elevate unqualified officers, putting residents’ wellbeing at risk,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who brought the case with Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.
