Endicott College’s Misselwood Events to Host Area Chambers of Commerce

Area chambers of commerce are getting together for a free, joint networking event in June. Members of the Greater Haverhill and Merrimack Valley Chambers join Beverly, Cape Ann and Salem for appetizers, conversation and mingling with Endicott College and Misselwood staff Wednesday, June 12, 5-7 p.m., at Misselwood Events at Endicott College, 407 Hale St., Beverly. Registration takes place online here. There is a registration link within this story at WHAV.net.

Zeigler Turns in More Than 1,000 Signatures to Qualify for 5th District Governor’s Councilor Ballot

Former Methuen City Council Chair Eunice D. Zeigler says she has turned in more than 1,000 certified signatures to become the first candidate to qualify for the ballot to be the 5th District’s next Governor’s Councilor. Zeigler is seeking the seat following five-term Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff’s decision to run instead for Essex County Register of Deeds. “There are 36 cities and towns in this district and I have been to every single one of them because I know you cannot represent people without listening to them first. I’m excited to be on the ballot and look forward to talking more about the importance of the Governor’s Council in Massachusetts and what I want to bring to the table,” Zeigler said in a statement. Zeigler served as a member of the Methuen City Council from 2018 to 2023.

Emmaus Spring Gala, Sip, Sample & Support, Set for May 16

The third annual Emmaus spring gala, “Sip, Sample & Support,” kicks off May 16 with its signature event—the cocktail contest—overseen by WMUR-TV anchor Katherine Underwood, master of ceremonies. Local restaurants will create samples of their signature cocktails and compete for attendee votes as the “Best Cocktail in Haverhill.” Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the cocktail hour

Also under the main tent will be live music, a heads and tails game and opportunities to sample wine and food pairings from four different countries. The night concludes with dessert, a live auction hosted by City Councilor Timothy J. Jordan and more. The 21+ Sip, Sample & Support, benefitting Emmaus, takes place Thursday, May 16, from 5:30-9 p.m., at Bradford Country Club, 201 Chadwick Road, Haverhill. Business casual attire is recommended, with purple color preferred.

Pentucket Regional School Plans Learning Collaborative With Various Classes for All Ages

Pentucket Regional School District has opened registration for arts; cooking; conversational Spanish; Digital Literacy for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers; and other classes starting in May. The Pentucket Learning Collaborative, geared toward adults and people of all ages, is taught by Pentucket educators. Classes run Wednesdays from May 1-29, from 5-7 p.m., at Pentucket Regional Middle High School. “Our classes are a collaborative in the truest sense of the idea,” Pentucket Schools Executive Director of Operations Jonathan Seymour said. “We’ve known for a while that creating communities where people of different generations can share experiences can lead to positive learning outcomes.”

During the five weeks, students may master skills or knowledge in everything from food preparation and greetings in Spanish, to social media etiquette, painting and illustration and caring for school-age children.

Councilors Honor Outgoing Haverhill Conservation Commissioner LaCroix; Two Partners Join Board

As city officials celebrated filling the new volunteer Conservation Commission partner role, outgoing Commissioner Phillip LaCroix received an official citation for his 20 years of service at last week’s City Council meeting. “This is the first time we have conservation partners, who will help do the work that the conservation commission just can’t get to, or do some digging on things that are upcoming for them,” Mayor Melinda E. Barrett said. In February, as WHAV reported, city councilors considered creating the partner role to help the board keep up with its growing responsibilities, particularly guiding the city on how to use its open spaces. “It is not a commission post that you mail in,” Barrett said of LaCroix’s job. “It is a lot of work, a lot of study and a lot of effort, and Phil has exhibited all during his 20 years, and the city is grateful for his work and efforts.”

Environmental Health Technician Robert E. Moore Jr., who works closely with the commission, said it usually takes three years to train new commissioners due to the complexity of the regulations they navigate.

Haverhill Rotary Club Seeks Grants Applications from Nonprofits

The Haverhill Rotary Club is seeking applications for its annual grant program. Internal Revenue Service-recognized 501 (c)(3) organizations providing services to the Greater Haverhill community are welcome to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who are providing services in one of Rotary International’s seven key focus areas: Saving Mothers and Children, Supporting Education, Growing Local Economies, Fighting Disease, Supporting the Environment, Providing Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and Promoting Peace. Applicants may request up to $5,000 to support their operations or programs.

Those interested are advised to email Rotary Club Secretary John Cuneo at [email protected] to receive a blank application form. Completed applications are due by Tuesday, April 30.

River Run Bancorp Promotes Wilson to Executive Vice President

Carol Wilson was recently promoted to executive vice president, operational excellence and performance management at River Run Bancorp, MHC, parent of Pentucket Bank and Newburyport Bank. In her new capacity, officials said, Wilson assumes responsibility for spearheading organizational efficiency, streamlining processes and nurturing a culture of continuous enhancement. “Carol’s keen focus on data and metrics makes her the ideal individual for a role that will have a significant impact on the operational excellence of River Run and our banks, particularly as we continue to grow,” said River Run CEO Lloyd Hamm. Wilson, of Bedford, N.H., brings more than 25 years of experience in the banking sector, having most recently held the position of senior vice president and chief experience officer at Pentucket Bank. She earned her bachelor’s from Bethel University and also studied at Massachusetts School of Financial Studies and New England College of Business and Finance.

Methuen Seeks Volunteers for Annual Flag Replacement at Veterans’ Graves

Methuen is seeking volunteers to help with the student-led annual flag replacement next month. Every year around Memorial Day, the Methuen Veterans Office coordinates replacement of the flags on graves of all veterans. Volunteers will join students from St. Monica’s School Saturday, May 18, from 8:30 a.m.-noon, at Elmwood Cemetery, rain or shine. Breakfast will be available.