Merrimack Valley Magazine

Baker Not Considering Remote Option Amid School Outbreak

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By: Matt Murphy

Melrose said this week, barely into the new school year, that it had quarantined at least two classrooms for a COVID-19 outbreak, but Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday a return to remote learning as an option for school districts is not under consideration.

“Schools have a certain number of days baked into their calendar that they are allowed to miss and I think our view at this point is in-person learning is where we should be and where we should stay, and anybody who isn’t vaccinated who’s eligible should get vaccinated and take advantage of these clinics we’ve put up,” Baker said.

Baker responded to questions about the situation in Melrose from Gloucester, where he was celebrating the opening of new lab space to be used to train people for jobs in marine and life sciences. The governor said his administration continues to work with school districts about how to respond to positive cases in schools, and encouraged schools to take advantage of the on-site vaccine clinics that the state has offered to set up for students and staff. More than 100 clinics in schools around the state are up and running through October, he said.

 

Melrose officials did not say how many students or staff had tested positive for COVID-19, if they were vaccinated, or specify the grade level of the classrooms that were put into quarantine. “As long as there are unvaccinated people in Massachusetts, there will be COVID cases,” Baker said.

The Department of Public Health on Tuesday reported 5,484 new cases of COVID-19 over the long Labor Day weekend, and 4,415 cases over the past week in individuals fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The newly-reported breakthrough cases raised the state’s total as of Sept. 4, to 23,858, or 0.53 percent of the 4.52 million fully vaccinated Bay Staters. Breakthrough infections have led to 762 hospitalizations and 162 deaths.

“When you have 5 million people at this point in time in Massachusetts who are basically vaccinated you can’t count cases anymore and assume that means hospitalizations and deaths. The vaccines work,” Baker said.

Taxpayers Keep Cash Rolling In On Beacon Hill

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By Michael P. Norton

As legislators sit on surpluses and federal aid tied to pandemic recovery, taxpayers last month delivered money to state government at an even more accelerated pace than last fiscal year when they contributed to a cash windfall on Beacon Hill.

Department of Revenue officials late Friday afternoon reported that tax collections just two months into fiscal 2022 are up $639 million, or 15.6 percent higher than in the same two-month period of fiscal 2021. August collections of $2.49 billion were up by nearly 27 percent over August 2020.

“August revenue included increases in all major tax types relative to August 2020 collections, including increases in withholding, regular sales, meals tax, and ‘all other tax,'” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said. “The increase in withholding is likely related to improvement in labor market conditions. The increase in regular sales tax reflects continued strength in retail sales, and the increase in meals tax reflects the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The increase in ‘all other tax’ is primarily attributable to estate tax, a category that tends to fluctuate, and room occupancy tax.”

Income and withholding tax collections, the two largest pots of revenue, were up 25 percent and 20.5 percent, respectively, above August 2020 totals. Snyder’s assessment of improving labor market conditions comes as employers scramble to fill open positions and as 300,000 state residents over the weekend lost federal enhanced unemployment benefits when COVID-19 programs ended on Saturday.

Last month, after revenues beat expectations for fiscal 2021 by roughly $5 billion. Gov. Charlie Baker proposed legislation to spend almost $1.57 billion while substantially bolstering the state’s cash reserves and offsetting some of the long-term unemployment insurance cost increasing facing businesses. The Massachusetts Legislature last held formal sessions in late July. When formal sessions resume, lawmakers face decisions about how to allocate the fiscal 2021 surplus, ways to spend $4.8 billion in federal aid, as well as policy choices in the areas of sports betting, voting law reforms, and redistricting.

Baker Flags Housing as “Highest Priority”

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By Colin A. Young

His mind is apparently not made up about reelection next year, but Gov. Charlie Baker this weekend ticked off a handful of priorities that he could see topping a list of goals for a third term, suggested he’s not burned out from the job, and said he hopes the Republican Governors Association would support his campaign. That is, if he decides to run again.

Baker joined WBZ-TV’s Jon Keller for an interview that aired Sunday and talked about some of the things that could shape Republican gubernatorial primary and general election contests that may unfold over the next 14 months. Baker maintained that he’s not focused on 2022 and qualified his remarks in basically every case. Still, he provided an early sketch of a campaign that could be to come.

“I think certainly the housing crisis would have to be right near the top of the list,” Baker said when Keller asked what his goals for a third term would be if he opts to run. The governor added, “You talk to anybody who’s a working person about what the hardest and most difficult part about living in the commonwealth is and almost all of them will talk about how expensive it is to live here. The average price of a house in Massachusetts is now around $500,000, right. Rentals in many cases for one bedrooms are somewhere in the vicinity of $1,500 to two grand in many parts of Massachusetts. This is, in some ways, an existential challenge for us … We’re going to drive a lot of what our next generation is all about out of here. I happen to think that probably should be and would be our highest priority.”

The governor told Keller he’s “very excited” about the chance to put about $5 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act money to use in Massachusetts and pushed back when Keller asked if the stress of the last year and a half has him feeling “burned out” from the job of governor.

 

“Actually, I have been incredibly blessed to be governor of a state with people who really tried all the way through the pandemic to do the right thing. And I’ve constantly been amazed by the kindness and the generosity and the resilience of the people in Massachusetts have shown,” he said. Baker added, “I’m very excited about this opportunity to put the $5 billion-plus that we’ve received in federal money to work to do some very transformational, important things around infrastructure, around housing, around job creation and economic development.”

When Keller asked if a recent meeting with the Republican Governors Association included a promise of support from the organization, Baker said only that he enjoys the diversity of opinions within the group and that “I would certainly hope that if Lieutenant Governor [Karyn] Polito and I were to run again, that they would support our efforts.”

But when it came to whether another Republican — former President Donald Trump — might support former state Rep. Geoff Diehl over Baker in a 2022 Republican gubernatorial primary, Baker said a campaign isn’t on his mind.

“Look, that’s so far down the road it’s not even on my radar at this point in time,” he said. “When I think about 2022, at this point my primary thoughts are about some of the stuff you and I talked about — putting the federal money to work in a way that can do good things for the people of Massachusetts, and continuing to be a fiscally disciplined state that generates a surplus and doesn’t spend more than it brings in, which is what we’ve been doing, and getting as many of those people are still on the sidelines back to work.”

He added, “There’ll be plenty of opportunities to talk about campaign 2022 if it becomes something that the lieutenant governor and I are part of. But no, I’m not focused on that stuff at this point.”

NoteWorthy – 8/8/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Baker Sets Vaccine Mandate for Long-Term Care Staff

Under a new mandate rolled out by the Baker-Polito administration, Massachusetts long-term care workers will be required to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 10.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services announced that skilled nursing facilities and the two state-run soldiers’ homes must ensure that all personnel, including those employed directly or by contract, are fully vaccinated to help protect older residents.

Massachusetts has 378 level one to level three skilled nursing facilities and two soldiers’ homes, who serve older adults more vulnerable to COVID-19, that will be covered by the mandate. The administration said Wednesday that 155 of those facilities had less than 75 percent of their staff fully vaccinated as of Monday.

Workers who are not yet vaccinated must receive a first dose by Sept. 1 and be fully vaccinated by Oct. 10 to comply with the new requirement. Anyone with medical restrictions or with sincerely held religious beliefs that prevents them from receiving vaccines will be exempt from the mandate.

The Edge Group Announces Merger with Lawrence’s Bell Tower Management

The Edge Group Inc. announced a merger with Bell Tower Management of Lawrence and will be expanding its services, staff and coverage area. The following statement was issued by Fred Faust of The Edge Group and Gary Sidell of Bell Tower Management LLC:

“This consolidation of our companies will enhance our services, from property management to brokerage and consulting. In terms of areas of service, we will now be able to work together in a coordinated fashion to cover the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire. On a personal basis, we have worked together informally for over 15 years and appreciate each other’s skills, experience and care for community.”

While keeping his existing role with current clients, Sidell will also assume overall responsibility for property management and administration, while Faust will now focus on brokerage and consulting. The Edge Group staff will remain in their current positions in the Lowell office.

 

Inspiring the Art of Community with ‘Imagina Arte’

Saturday, Aug. 21, marks the the grand reopening of Essex Art Center (EAC) under the new leadership of Monica Manoski. In celebration of the event, the street will close down for a block party featuring over 180 local works of art on display, live performances and activities.

To celebrate EAC’s work and highlight Lawrence’s creative community, Creative Collective and MassDevelopment TDI are hosting “Imagina Arte,” a collaborative after-party and pop-up art gallery.

This after-party is the third installment in the “Imagina Essex” series that features immersive exhibitions intended to inspire both residents and property owners of the possibilities that lie within vacant spaces in Lawrence’s downtown. To learn more about Imagina Essex and Creative Collective, click here.

GLCF’s Women Working Wonders Fund Awards More Than $56,000

The Women Working Wonders (WWW) Fund, a permanently endowed fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF),  has announced the recipients of $56,800 in grants. These grants will support local nonprofit programs that empower women and girls to effect positive change in the community.

WWW provides annual grants in three key areas: assist women in transition, provide leadership development, and contribute to the beautification of the environment.

Recipients of 2021 WWW grants include:

  • Budget Buddies for New Workshop for Women: Financial Health for Families with Children
  • Challenge Unlimited for Equine Encounter: Healing to Leadership for Girls and Women
  • Coalition for a Better Acre for Sewing Training Program
  • Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell for Leadership Academy
  • Refuge Lowell for Girls and Young Women Creating Community Through Public Art
  • International Institute of NE for Creating New Avenues for Success (CNAFS)

Jaffarian Volvo Cars Awarded 2020 Volvo Excellence Award

Jaffarian Volvo Cars received the Volvo Excellence Award from Volvo Cars USA in 2020. The award, which Jaffarian has won this four out of the last five years, recognizes those who deliver exceptional results in all aspects of a dealership’s operations.

The award qualifications include exceeding sales expectations, customer satisfaction for sales and service, achieving outstanding parts and accessories sales, and ensuring that each employee meets Volvo’s training requirements.

Beyond Walls in Search of Lowell Artists

This summer, Beyond Walls and Project LEARN are planning site-specific street art installations in Lowell and are calling for local, regional, national and international artists who are interested in collaborating with them for this project. Artists will have the opportunity to be a part of prioritizing Lowell’s creative and culturally enriched ecosystem.

Those interested in applying to join the initiative should fill out this form by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MCC Professor and Alumna Awarded for Public Health Nursing

Gail Johnson, a public health nurse at the Westford Health Department and instructor of nursing at Middlesex Community College (MCC) received the Presidential award from the Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses (MAPHN). Johnson, who began her nursing education at MCC and earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2014, worked as a registered nurse at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn for 22 years. For the past seven years, she has been working at the Westford Health Department. Johnson became an adjunct professor at MCC in 2017 where she works with students in the simulation lab. After working at the bedside of her patients for over 20 years, she is happy to now educate her community about the importance of health in all different aspects.

The Edge Group and Bell Tower Management Hire Sales Associate and Property Manager

Vladimir Saldana of Lowell was recently hired as by the Edge Group and Bell Tower Management as sales associate and property manager. Saldana graduated from University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) with a B.S. in business finance and management. He recently earned a certificate in project management from UML and graduated from the LEADS Fellowship Program. He is also a former staff member to U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan and was previously employed by Lawrence Community Works.

 

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Amesbury’s Shop Local-Opoly

Amesbury businesses and non-profits have teamed up to organize “Shop Local-Opoly,” encouraging the community to shop local. For the entire month of August, community members can participate in this game, where thirty-two businesses and nonprofits each signed up for a space — called a “property” — on the monopoly-like game board. While the game supports many local businesses, each category also has a property that can only be earned through a $5.00 donation to a particular nonprofit. Click here to access the game board.

GWL Greenway 5k

This year’s Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) Greenway 5K walk/run event will happen both remotely and in-person. Remote runners can register for the GWL Boundless 5K and run anytime between Aug. 8 and Aug. 15. Those interested in participating in the in-person event will run on Sunday, Aug. 15, at the Spicket River Greenway. Click here to register.

2021 Summer Theater Workshop

Registration is open for the Academy of Creative Arts at Trinity’s for the 2021 Summer Theater Workshop. Open to kids ages 6 t0 16, the program will be held  August 9 through 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a 5 p.m. show on Friday, August 13. Participants will learn, rehearse and perform Roald Dahl’s beloved musical “Willy Wonka” kids version. No child will be turned away for financial issues. For details and access to the registration form, contact Janet King at jking@urbanbridgesinc.org.

Lazarus House Ministries Food & Clothing Drive

Help support a local cause and donate to the Lazarus House food and clothing drive on Saturday, Aug. 14. The event will be held at Central Catholic High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and participants will also have a chance to win one of three draw prizes by registering their donations. Visit here for details.

The Longest Table

Don’t miss Haverhill’s most exciting inclusive dining event. The Longest Table will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This a 21+ event, and participating restaurants include 110 Grill, The Barking Dog, Casa Blanca, Essex Street Grille, The Hidden Pig, Krueger Flatbread, Battle Grounds Coffee, and more. Visit here for more information.

Diamonds & Pearls, Cash & Kings Fundraiser

Visit Blue Ocean Music Hall on Friday, Aug. 20, for Jozay and Patti, Diamonds & Pearls, and Cash & Kings, who will perform a benefit concert for the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley. Accompanied by a 7-piece band, they will bring you the sounds of artists like Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Cher, Roy Orbison, Carole King and more. Visit here for more information, or click here to purchase tickets.

MVFB 27th Annual Golf Tournament

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s 27th Annual Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner will be held on Monday, Sept. 13, at Indian Ridge Country Club, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m. The tournament will honor the heroic staff at Lowell General Hospital, and your participation directly supports the MVFB’s mission. Visit here to register.

25th Annual Elder Services Golf Classic

Bring out your inner Phil Mickelson and support a good cause during the 25th Annual Elder Services Golf Classic on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Haverhill Golf & Country Club. The event features contents, raffle prizes, a luncheon, a $10,000 putting content, and more. This event sells out on a regular basis so visit here to save your spot today.

19th Annual Mill City Mentors Golf Tournament

Enjoy a day of golf while supporting a good cause during the 19th Annual Mill City Mentors Golf Tournament. The event supports Community Teamwork’s Mill City Mentors program, and takes place on Thursday, Sept. 16, at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. Click here to learn more.

Tour de Greenbelt: Cycle for Land Conservation

For beginner riders to seasoned cyclists, Essex County Greenbelt’s annual Tour de Greenbelt: Cycle for Land Conservation offers a variety of courses to fit all abilities. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 18, the ride benefits Greenbelt’s local land conservation work, and cyclists will enjoy routes that wind through the scenic landscapes of Essex County. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

Emmaus Annual Cycle for Shelter

Registration is now open for the 2021 Cycle for Shelter. Join the ride to help raise money to defeat homelessness. This year riders have the option of riding virtually or joining in-person on Sunday, September 19, if COVID restrictions allow. If the in-person ride is limited in numbers due to state restrictions, the event will operate under a “first-come, first-served” model and those who registered first will have the opportunity to participate. Click here to register.

LGH TeamWalk for CancerCare

Last year, Lowell General Hospital transitioned their annual TeamWalk for CancerCare to TeamWalk on your terms, and the will be continuing this tradition this year. TeamWalk on Your Terms allows you to hold TeamWalk on your turf and on your time. When it is safe and you feel comfortable, simply choose when and where you want to walk. Get your team together for a three or six mile walk on the date and time of your choosing. You can walk anywhere between May 23 and September 1. For details, click here. 

Merrimack Valley Hospice’s Virtual Silent Auction

This year, Merrimack Valley Hospice’s annual food, wine, beer-sampling and silent auction is going virtual. Enjoy a snack and your favorite beverage browsing their auction items from the comfort of home. Proceeds will benefit Merrimack Valley Hospice’s comfort care and supportive services for patients nearing the end of life and bereavement services for their families and loved ones. The auction will run from Thursday, Sept. 23, to Saturday, Sept. 25. Click here for more information.

The Wish Project: Backpack Attack

July 1 through mid-September. New, filled backpacks are distributed to children in need in the Merrimack Valley. For a $60 donation, The Wish Project can provide a complete backpack filled with all of the school supplies that a child needs to begin school. Learn more here.

2021 October Fun Fest

Support the Community Giving Tree and have some fun at the October Fun Fest on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This event will feature True North Ales beer truck, the Urban Epicurean mobile pizza oven, and music from the local band RevelUp. All proceeds from this event will support Community Giving Tree’s programs that provide everyday essentials to local children in need. Visit here to find out more.

29th Annual Trot for Special Tots 5K Road Race

The Professional Center for Child Development, a local non-profit, will host its 29th Annual 5K Road Race – Trot for Special Tots, on Saturday, Oct 2, at 32 Osgood Street in Andover. The event spreads awareness for the programs they offer, such as early intervention, special education school and child care, and raises funds to support children and families throughout the Merrimack Valley. Click here for more information.

Smiles4Families Dental Fund

The Lowell Health Community Center (LCHC) is looking for support for the Smiles4Families Dental Fund. Dental care can be very expensive, and many procedures are not covered by insurance companies. By donating to the Smiles4Families Fund, you will help the LCHC assure that every patient has access to exactly the dental care they need — regardless of ability to pay. Visit here to donate.

Greater Lawrence Summer Fund

Consider providing opportunities for thousands of children this summer by donating to the Greater Lawrence Summer Fund. The fund gives children from low-income families a chance to experience life-changing summer activities that not only keep them safe but provides them with opportunities that open doors for a promising future. Click here to consider helping this community organization.

NoteWorthy – 7/18/21

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AROUND THE VALLEY

MRT Appoints Malika Oyetimein to Artist in Residence 

Malika Oyetimein, director of Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s (MRT) critically acclaimed video production of “Fannie Lou Hamer: Speak On It!” last fall, will serve as the company’s artist in residence for the 2021-22 season. Her role will include the direction of a new play workshop, season planning support, artistic hiring and community engagement consulting.

Oyetimein’s directing credits include “Bootycandy” and “Barbecue” at Intiman Theatre Festival; “Hoodoo Love” at Sound Theatre Company; “And In This Corner … Cassius Clay” at Seattle Children’s Theatre; and “The First Deep Breath” for the National Black Theatre. A member of the Directors Lab at Lincoln Center Theater, she is also the co-adapter and director of  Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and a graduate of the MFA program at The University of Washington’s school of drama.

Baker-Polito Administration Kicks Off Statewide Small Business Tour in Lowell

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and local business, community and municipal leaders on the first stop of a statewide small business and downtown conversation tour. The purpose of the tour is to celebrate the commonwealth’s reopening and discuss the administration’s $2.9 billion proposal for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to jumpstart the commonwealth’s economic recovery.

The tour will continue throughout the summer and will stop at approximately two dozen city and town centers across Massachusetts. Each stop will include a tour of downtown and main street businesses and a roundtable conversation with business owners, community leaders, and state and local officials to engage directly on how the administration can continue to offer necessary support for economic recovery.

While Massachusetts is known as a global leader in industries such as life sciences and the innovation economy, research conducted by the US Small Business Administration found that prior to the pandemic, more than 45% of the entire commonwealth’s workforce was employed by a small business.

 

NECC Prepares for a Fall Return to Campus

Northern Essex Community College’s (NECC) COVID response team has been working with college maintenance staff for months to prepare the campuses so that faculty, staff, students, and the community can safely return. This fall, at least 25% of classes will be taught on campus, and it’s expected that most employees will be on campus by September as well. Classes for the fall semester begin Sept. 8.

CARES Act Investments
Approximately $1.4 million in CARES Act funding has been invested to make the campus safer and help prevent the spread of the virus. With this funding, the college has purchased 96 air scrubbers—stand-alone virus killing machines— and the ducts on all campus buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and outfitted with MERV filters that capture mold, pollen, and more.

Mask Requirements
At this time, anyone who has been fully vaccinated is not required to wear a mask, unless they are in a classroom. Those who have not been vaccinated are asked to mask-up indoors, unless eating or in their offices alone. Anyone who wants to wear a mask, whether vaccinated or not, is encouraged to do so, and the college has masks, including N95 masks, available upon request for free to faculty, staff, and students.

Haverhill Mayor Announces Re-Election Campaign

Mayor James Fiorentini has announced his intention to seek re-election and continue leading the city of Haverhill. He began his campaign in June with a fundraising event at The Tap in downtown Haverhill.

Fiorentini’s new budget, which was approved by City Council on June 29, provides school funding, resources for the police department and a local health department.

According to the mayor, the city has an opportunity to further revitalize and grow downtown by remaking the Merrimack Street entrance. He also said that guiding the Consentino School project will be a focus of his next term.

Essex Art Center Installs Art Along Lawrence Canal

Essex Art Center announced “Gateway to the Arts,” a public art installation along the city’s canal from Union Street to the bridge between Island Street and Canal Street.

Gateway to the Arts is a temporary multimedia public art piece that will include painting the city’s sidewalks and installing plants and lights will the goal of highlighting Lawrence’s canal way and establishing a vibrant arts and culture district.

The painting of the sidewalks along the canal will start in mid-July. The installation will be complete in time for Essex Art Center’s grand reopening celebration and block party on Saturday, Aug. 21. This free, community and family-focused event will run from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and include art activities, live music, and an exhibition of the region’s diverse artistic talents.

Andover Community Blood Drive to Honor ‘Jamesy’s Journey’ on July 24

In July 2020, 3-year-old James Lino of Dracut was diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Although he is now in remission, the treatment protocol — which includes supplemental blood as well as chemotherapy — will continue through November 19, 2022.

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, a community blood drive in honor of “Jamesey’s Journey” will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Andover Town Hall. The event was coordinated by Phil Liaboe, James’s grandfather, to raise awareness of the impact of the nationwide blood shortage on many different kinds of patients: a young child with a rare blood disorder, a family member fighting cancer or a friend involved in a car accident.

Click here schedule an appointment and enter Jamesy’s Journey.

Trahan, Donoghue, UML Leaders Highlight American Rescue Plan Funding

U.S Rep. Lori Trahan and Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue participated in a briefing with University of Massachusetts System President Marty Meehan, University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, and other UML officials on how the university will put relief funding from the American Rescue Plan to work.

UML was recently awarded $27,551,474 in higher education relief funding from the American Rescue Plan to address severe financial challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and continue serving their students safely. UML officials said the funds will help strengthen the university’s programs for first-generation students, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

The American Rescue Plan allocated a total of $36 billion for nearly 3,500 public and private, nonprofit colleges and universities nationwide. Colleges and students in Massachusetts’ third congressional district received a total of $81,819,954 of that emergency funding. At least half of the funding will be distributed in the form of emergency cash assistance grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardships.

Feaster Five Thanksgiving Returns to Andover for In-Person Race

The Thanksgiving Day Feaster Five Road Race announced its return to downtown Andover with an in-person race this year.

Registration for the 34th Annual Feaster Five Road Race is now open and race day is November 25 in downtown Andover, with a three-day race expo beginning November 22 at the Merrimack Valley YMCA.

Over the last 30 years, thousands of people have gathered their families together to run or walk the 5K or 5-mile route that weaves through downtown Andover, finishing at Andover Landing at Brickstone Square. All race finishers receive a Table Talk Apple Pie — a Feaster Five tradition. Click here to register for the race.

Essex County Sheriff Department Celebrates Inmates Who Completed Educational Programming

On June 29, a recognition ceremony was held at the Middleton House of Correction for Essex County Sheriff Department (ECSD) inmates who have completed educational programs. Students were recognized by Education Director Darla Lamanna and the Northern Essex Community College (NECC) staff for successfully completing programs offered by the college.

NECC has been offering educational programming for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department since 2019 when the college was selected as part of a competitive grant process. Programs included preparation classes for students taking the HiSET (high school equivalency) exam; three-credit college courses; and a week-long peer class leading to certification as a peer tutor.

NECC maintains a staff at the Middleton House of Correction, including on-site academic and career advisors; learning specialists; law librarians for the inmates’ library, which NECC manages; and a program director.

GLCF Announces LHS Scholarship Established in Honor of Gabriel Cuevas

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) announced the establishment of the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund. This new scholarship fund honors Gabriel’s spirit of giving by annually awarding a Lowell High School (LHS) senior up to $1000.

Gabriel Cuevas passed away unexpectedly in August 2020, just before beginning his senior year at LHS. Cuevas, a beloved son, brother, and friend, used his voice to lift those marginalized and excluded in school and society. Additionally, Cuevas was also a dedicated member of Aaron’s Presents, an organization that provides opportunities for young people to build community and care for others. Aaron’s Presents founder Leah Okimoto established the Gabriel Cuevas Memorial Scholarship Fund through GLCF to honor his memory.

Whittier Birthplace Reopens for Tours

This month, the Whittier Birthplace in Haverhill has reopened for in-person tours after months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The historic Whittier Birthplace was originally organized over a century ago, in December 1892, in order to preserve the historic landscape, house, and other buildings in the same condition as when John Greenleaf Whittier lived on the farmstead. The building is now a tour site maintaining the legacy of Whittier’s literary and abolition.

Whittier, born and raised in Haverhill, Mass., in the 19th century, was a bestselling poet who was active in the abolitionist cause. Visit here to book a tour of this local site.

NMYO Announces In-Person Rehearsals & Concerts

Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO) is back for in-person rehearsals and concerts. Now accepting video auditions, NMYO is looking for young musicians to join its ensembles for the 2021-2022 academic season.

The NYMO offers a space to play your instrument, perform in concert, and socialize with other young players. String, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion students, at all levels of playing, are invited to audition. Musicians new to NMYO and returning students who wish to move to a different ensemble, are required to submit a video consisting of two scales and a piece of your choosing. Returning musicians who wish to remain in their current NMYO ensemble simply need to register.

NMYO offers seven ensembles including two beginning string. Small chamber music ensembles are also offered as part of the Symphony program. These ensembles perform two major concerts and several smaller concerts annually.

Windrush Farm Announces Scholarship for Therapeutic Horseback Riding this Fall

Windrush Farm in North Andover announced that they will offer a new Kathy Blanton Memorial Scholarship to provide an opportunity for a child adolescent, or adult with disabilities to partake in a therapeutic riding session this fall.

The scholarship is for a participant over the age of six, with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges whose family qualifies on financial need and consideration of circumstances. The scholarship is for an individual who has not previously participated in a therapeutic riding program.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Haverhill Police Chief Sworn-in at City Hall

Robert Pistone was officially sworn-in as Haverhill’s new police chief at a City Hall ceremony on Friday, July 16. Pistone is a 22-year veteran of the Haverhill Police Department.

 

 

 

Haverhill Bank Promotes Employee to Branch Manager

Alison Barker was recently promoted to branch manager of Haverhill Bank’s Salem, N.H., branch. Barker has 18 years of banking experience and joined Haverhill Bank four years ago, working as a universal banker and assistant branch manager. Barker is a resident of Atkinson, N.H., and graduated from Winnacunnet High School, in Hampton, N.H.

 

 

New Executive Director Heralds Bread & Roses’ Reopening

Jessica Perrault-Gordon has extensive experience with individuals facing addiction, incarceration, homelessness, and mental illness, and remains steadfast in her passion for social justice and economic equality. Her first initiative at the helm of Bread & Roses will be bringing mobile vaccine stations to Newbury Street in an effort to boost vaccination rates community wide.

 

 

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