Merrimack Valley Magazine

Family of Lawrence Marine Killed in Afghanistan Seeks Support from Community

August 31, 2021 by Kristin Cole

Last Thursday, Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo was killed in a suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan. The 25-year-old, one of 13 U.S. service members killed in the attack, grew up in Lawrence and attended Lawrence High School, where she participated in the Junior ROTC program.

According to the Boston Globe, Rosario was volunteering to help women and children evacuate Afghanistan. Rosario Pichardo was on her second tour, her first one beginning when she was just 18-years-old. This time, she was assigned to the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Naval Support Activity in Bahrain and was deployed to Afghanistan on Aug. 15.

Rosario Pichardo is remembered for her dedication to service and community, and volunteered at Lawrence’s Cor Unum Meal Center as a JROTC cadet. She was also recognized with “Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals, two Marine Corps Good Conduct medals, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and two letters of appreciation,” the Globe reported.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help provide financial support for Rosario Pichardo’s family. So far, the fund has already tripled its goal of $20,000.

The page described Rosario Pichardo as “a selfless Marine helping desperate people fleeing away from a life under Taliban [who] held the torch for her family in Lawrence” and “the steady force that the family looked up to for strength and moral support.”

Please visit here to contribute and support the loved ones that Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, a local and national hero, left behind.

NoteWorthy – 8/29/21

August 29, 2021 by Kristin Cole

AROUND THE VALLEY

EforAll Celebrates Winners of Foodie Venture Pitch Contest

The EforAll Lowell team hosted their first in person event, the “Foodie Venture Pitch Contest” on Aug. 11 at the UML Innovation Hub. During the contest, pre-selected local entrepreneurs presented their ideas in a two-and-a-half-minute pitch to a panel of judges, shared their food business concepts and offered guests samples of foods, drinks and treats.

The judges awarded three cash prizes: $1,000 for the grand prize winner, $750 for second place, and $500 for third place. The audience also participated by voting for fan favorite who won $500. The grand prize went to Whitney Wilson of Whitney’s Kitchen. Taking second place is Yesenia Melo of Jessy’s Clean Meals, and the third place winner was Sandra Okiror of Wham’s Cafe. Salina Anderson of Sally J’s Cupcakes took home the fan favorite prize.

MVM recently profiled Yesenia Melo of Jessy’s Clean Meals. Click here to check out our feature story about this unique initiative.

RTK in Lawrence Gets Complete Makeover to Support Food Entrepreneurs

The Lawrence Partnership has announced a new approach to the Revolving Test Kitchen (RTK) that will expand the number of businesses that can take advantage of its shared commercial kitchen and support services.

The newly renovated space, which opened this month, is located at the Northern Essex Community College’s (NECC) Lawrence campus. Featuring shared culinary workspaces with multiple prep and cook spaces with dry and cold storage, RTK will accommodate a range of food businesses, including food trucks, catering companies, small batch manufacturers and food delivery companies, while offering its members access to culinary and business experts in the food industry.

“Our mission is to provide programming and strategies that create an inclusive, equitable approach to economic development that serves the entire community in Lawrence,” said George Ramirez, executive director of The Lawrence Partnership.

RTK will be open for food production from 4am to midnight, with 24-hour access for its members. Space is booked on a first-come, first-served policy.

UML to test COVID-19 Diagnostic Methods; Requires All Employees to be Vaccinated

UMass Lowell Nursing Associate Professor Ainat Koren, who will be leading the project.

UMass Lowell (UML) researchers and students will help evaluate the effectiveness of new, rapid methods to diagnose COVID-19 through a program overseen by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The NIH awarded $935,000 to UML’s Solomont School of Nursing for the project as part of the federal agency’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative, created last year to help private industries develop affordable and accurate COVID-19 screening tests that can be administered and analyzed within minutes at home and at doctors’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and community testing sites.

AT UML, nursing faculty and students will oversee RADx clinical trials that assess the viability of new products to help diagnose COVID-19 that are being developed by established and startup medical device and biotech companies. Products to be evaluated could be anything from more comfortable nasal swabs to the machines that analyze samples. The initiative will also involve community partners that can offer COVID-19 testing sites for the study.

The trials will be conducted in partnership with a medical group that offers drive-through testing, UML’s own testing clinic and possibly mass testing events.

UML also announced that all employees working on campus will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or be approved for a medical or religious exemption, following agreements finalized in the last week with its unions.

The university informed non-union and part-time employees Aug. 12, as well as contractors and vendors who work on campus, that they must be fully vaccinated. A survey of all employees conducted the first week of August indicated that more than 95% of employees are or will be fully vaccinated before the semester begins.

Enterprise Bank Celebrates Opening of 26th Branch

On Thursday morning members of Enterprise Bank’s senior leadership team, along with community and civic leaders, celebrated the opening of the bank’s newest branch located at 247 Chickering Road (RT 125) in North Andover, Mass. Led by Branch Relationship Manager Therese Leone of Methuen, the branch offers a full suite of banking services, including commercial lending.

NECC’s Life Long Studies Program is Back

Northern Essex Community College’s (NECC) Life Long Studies Program, which is open to adults 18 or older will return this fall, after a year-long hiatus due to COVID-19. The program is especially popular with seniors.

Back by popular demand are “Let’s Talk Current Events,” led by Frank Baggs, and “Tai Chi,” taught by octogenarian Allen Drelick, a certified Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi instructor, who has been teaching at NECC for six years.

New this fall are “The Journals of Lewis and Clark” and “Creative Poetry Writing,” taught by Mary-Ellen Morris, and “Water Collage/Three Dimensional Paper” and “Book-in-a-Box,” led by artist Sandra Golbert.

NECC history Professor Richard Padova is teaching “The History of Catholic Worship in Lawrence, Mass.” which will explore Catholic churches in the city over the years, starting with Immaculate Conception, which was the first Catholic Church in Lawrence.

Life Long Studies Programs will be taught in a classroom this fall, and everyone will be required to wear masks and socially distance. Programs meet once a week during the day and last for the entire semester or half the semester.

Horseshoe Grille Sold after Over 30 Years of Ownership

Last week, Pat and Kathi Lee announced that they have sold Horseshoe Grille. In a Facebook post via the Horseshoe Grille page, the former owners wrote: “First and foremost, we want to thank all our current and past employees who have helped make the Horseshoe what it is today. You are family to us and we will miss you all more than you know. To our valued customers, thank you for your continued support over the past 95 years. The Horseshoe will still remain as the Horseshoe, including the staff. The new owners are three outstanding gentlemen from Reading.”

The Horseshoe has evolved since its beginnings in 1926 as an apple cider stand. In 1955, the building was purchased by Pat Lee Sr. and his wife, Veronica, who built the “old” Horseshoe Lounge. Years later, Pat Lee Jr. and his wife, Kathi, took over the family business and helped transform it into the “polished casual” restaurant that remains popular today.

Be sure to check out our Generations profile on the history of the Horseshoe Grille, here.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Creative Haverhill Director Selected for LEADS Cohort

Erin Padilla, director of Creative Haverhill, has been selected to serve in the Merrimack Valley’s final LEADS 3.0 cohort, a program that expands leadership capacity, connectivity and social capital in gateway cities. Padilla has spent the past eight years working in arts administration for nonprofit community organizations, including Creative Haverhill, of which Padilla is the single staff member. She has previously worked as an arts education coordinator, exhibition curator, a programs and festivals curator, and an arts administrator. The Oregon native moved to Haverhill in 2017 and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew, taking hikes with her dog, whiskey and wine tasting with friends, and traveling with friends and family.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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 until Sept. 1. For details, click here.

Bethany Communities’ Celebration of Innovation and Integration

Support Bethany Communities’ development of Merrimack Place, an extension of the Merrivista campus, by attending the Celebration of Innovation and Integration on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bradford Country Club. The event will include dinner, raffles and a live performance by local band Three Part. Visit here to reserve your spot at the event.

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.

Save Our River Festival

Join the Merrimack River Watershed Council for the first ever Save Our River Festival at the Newburyport Elks Lodge on Sept. 18. This family-friendly event will feature a giant cornhole tournament, barbecue food, a cash bar, live music, an art show, games and more. Click here to RSVP.

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, Sept. 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.

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.

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.

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.

PoF 2021 Spread the Joy Luncheon

Join the Power of Flowers Project for their annual Spread the Joy Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Four Oaks Country Club. The event includes a basket and gift card raffle, a silent auction, a wine pull, and a golden ticket drawing to win a $500 Visa gift card. All proceeds to benefit the Power of Flowers Project, a non-profit organization assisting seniors, veterans and those living in care communities. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

E for All Lowell’s Winter Accelerator Program

Looking to launch a business but in need of some guidance? Join E for All’s Winter 2022 Accelerator Cohort. The one-year program provides immersive business training, mentorship and access to an extended professional network. Online classes begin Nov. 30, and applications are due on Oct. 14. Visit here to learn more.

NILP 40th Anniversary Gala

Join the NILP as they celebrate 40 years of helping people with disabilities reach their independent living goals. The NILP’s annual gala — which features a silent auction, raffles, dinner and dancing — will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Blue Ocean Event Center. Click here to purchase tickets.

YWCA 4th Annual Fall Fest with a Twist

Join the Northeastern Mass. YWCA for the 4th Annual Fall Fest with a Twist. The evening of wine tasting, music and raffles will take place at the North Andover Country Club on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 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.

Wellness Wednesday – 8/18/21

August 18, 2021 by Kristin Cole

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Travels to Local Health Centers to Encourage Vaccinations

On Tuesday, Aug. 17, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra traveled to the Merrimack Valley to engage with local health centers, highlighting the fight for health equity and the Biden-Harris administration’s progress vaccinating vulnerable communities. Becerra’s first stop was at the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC), where he joined U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan, GLFHC President and CEO Guy Fish, Mass. Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders for a tour and a roundtable discussion.

While remarking on how the GLFHC felt “like home,” Becerra applauded the work of the GLFHC and emphasized the important role of community health centers. The roundtable discussed the GLFHC’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, and health equity as it pertains to promoting access to necessary health services — namely telehealth — in low-income communities.

“Institutions like [the GLFHC], are indispensable in making sure we have healthy families,” Becerra said. “It is great when you walk into a facility like this, and you know they are dispensing life saving care, but you feel like you’re at home. Everyone should have a medical home.”

In a Q&A discussion following the roundtable, Becerra was asked about the third booster shot that has been widely discussed in the media reports since the FDA approved a booster shot for certain immunocompromised individuals. Becerra stood by the FDA’s current guidelines and reiterated that the federal government “will be guided by the science” and “what the medical experts are telling us.”

When asked about increasing the vaccination rate, Becerra said: “We are going to continue to go where Americans are and, for those who have not yet been vaccinated, we’re there. We want to reach you and we will work with great institutions like [the GLFHC]. … We want people to know that if you are prepared to get the vaccinations … it’s going to be available.”

Becerra also toured Lowell General Hospital, following his tour with a discussion of the importance of getting vaccinated. He concluded his tour by holding a roundtable with UTEC Inc., an organization dedicated to reducing recidivism and supporting youth in Massachusetts.

Helpful Resources

After rearranging our lives for well over a year, news of the delta variant has been both stressful and disheartening, especially after things began to look up when vaccinations began rolling out. As we grapple with this new variant, many questions arise, especially for those who are vaccinated. Below are resources that may answer your questions about how to proceed in public safely as we prepare to transition into fall.

Did I already have COVID? Are you one of the many people who wonder if they had contracted COVID-19 and didn’t know it? You’re not alone. Check out this article that discusses possible signs that you may have already had the virus. According to the article, eye symptoms such as pink eye, dry eye, swelling and eye secretions may be post-COVID symptoms. Other “long haul” or lingering symptoms include chronic fatigue, trouble breathing, brain fog or cognitive impairment, chest, joint or muscle pain, and heart palpitations.

I’m vaccinated. Should I go out? Though vaccination numbers are on the rise, news of the delta variant is still encouraging people to proceed with caution. This Healthline article gathers advice from experts on going out in public when vaccinated. The article stresses that its important to assess your personal risk factors, the cases in your area, and whether or not you will be interacting with someone who is young or immunocompromised — for extra steps might be to necessary safeguard their health and minimize risks of contracting the virus.

The article also notes that if you are vaccinated and generally healthy (meaning you have no significant underlying medical conditions) activities such as eating out, hosting small gatherings, traveling and going to the movies are relatively safe. One important thing to note is that outdoor concerts and sporting events are considered much safer than indoor crowded events.

Will I need a booster? As noted in this article from the Wall Street Journal, the FDA approved vaccine booster shots for those with compromised immune systems. The article also notes that according to FDA commissioner Janet Woodcock, “other people who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and don’t need an additional dose at this time. The agency is reviewing whether an additional dose may be needed.”

Will children be safe returning to school? In just a few weeks, the new school year will be underway. Read insight from experts on how the school year will look for students at Today.com. In general, practices like masking, washing hands, social distancing and staying home when ill have all proven to be helpful in creating a safe in-person learning environment. Click here for more information on Massachusetts-specific mask mandates and guidelines.

In times like these, even having a vaccination may not relieve pandemic-related anxiety. I highly recommend this article, “What to do if You’re Fully Vaccinated and Feeling Helpless Right Now.” It offers advice on interacting with unvaccinated individuals, setting boundaries for yourself, being flexible, and more.

For up-to-date information from experts, keep up with the CDC’s delta variant informational site, here. And remember that when venturing into public, it is important to make decisions based on your comfort level!

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GOOD READS

Healthy Barbecue. Just because it’s August, doesn’t mean that summer is over! Call your family and friends and fire up the grill and enjoy the last few week before fall sets in. Save this article for healthy alternatives for the ten most popular barbecue dishes. Included are alternatives to hamburgers, corn on the cob, potato salad, chips and dip, and more!

Plank Position. When it comes to exercising, most of us have a love-hate relationship with planking. Despite being a pretty demanding exercise, there are many benefits of planks that go beyond building core strength, such as improving posture, decreasing back pain, enhancing your balance, and more! Click here to learn more.

Roll Over. Are you a stomach or side sleeper? It might be beneficial to try sleeping on your back! According to Healthline, sleeping on your back may improve breathing, reduce back and neck pain, prevent wrinkles, decrease breakouts and puffiness, relieve sinuses and more.

NoteWorthy – 8/8/21

August 8, 2021 by Kristin Cole

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

25th Annual Elder Services Golf Classic

19th Annual Mill City Mentors Golf Tournament

Tour de Greenbelt: Cycle for Land Conservation

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.