Merrimack Valley Newsmakers
227 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -Thought-provoking words from the Merrimack Valley's most influential voices in education, politics, environment and more, as heard exclusively over 97.9 WHAV FM.
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Episodes
Riding with MeVa Regional Bus Regulars and Driver Larry Corcoran
April 22, 2024 20:00 - 5 minutes - 4.1 MBThe sky is still dark when Larry Corcoran, a bus driver for Merrimack Valley Transit, starts his route outbound from Haverhill at six a.m. For the few who ride this early in the morning, the transportation is essential. When MeVa leaders went before state lawmakers to request more money early this month, Chief Communications Officer Niorka Mendez said, for some of the people they serve, “This is the only way to get to food access, to get to medical care—even in the social aspect of visiting...
Haverhill Native McGravey Releases New Album, ‘Feather in the Wind’
April 17, 2024 04:00 - 14 minutes - 9.7 MBWhen it comes to making an impact in the world of music, it often takes a lot of time to become an “overnight” success, and success knows no zip code. But, when you love to play, you play! Haverhill native Brian McGravey has released his new album “Feather in the Wind.” McGravey was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. McGravey has been playing in bands and composing music for the past 20 years—some of his work is in the form of production music that can be heard on dozens ...
Haverhill Mayor Barrett Brings Listeners Behind the Scenes on School Decisions
April 12, 2024 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.8 MBIn a wide-ranging interview with WHAV this week, Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett took listeners behind the scenes on recent moves affecting the futures of both the “big” and “little” Whittier schools. Barrett, in her fourth month working out of the corner office at City Hall, took some time Wednesday to appear on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. The mayor said she spoke with Gov. Maura T. Healey recently as plans took shape to explore a shared campus for Whittier Regional Vocational T...
On 50th Anniversary of Federal Program, Trahan Touts Local Decision-Making Benefits
April 08, 2024 04:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBFrom firefighters to fresh lettuce, Congresswoman Lori Trahan discussed local advances made possible with federal dollars on the 50th anniversary of Community Development Block Grants. During a visit Wednesday to WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, she told listeners she is impressed with how the YMCA used CDBG funds to help with its Freight Farm project, saying it’s helping young students develop unexpected skills at school. “Highly interactive, experiential learning, biology, chemistry a...
Merrimack Valley Chamber to Host National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in May
March 28, 2024 04:00 - 7 minutes - 5.46 MBSmall business owners from around Massachusetts are making plans to attend the annual National Small Business Week Awards ceremony, which is coming this year to the Merrimack Valley. This year, Merrimack Valley Chamber member Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows and Exteriors in Beverly will receive the Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year award, earning her an invitation to the White House with other winners from around the country. The awards breakfast is being hosted...
Haverhill Bank’s Temple Pruyn Offers A Word About Retirement Accounts Before Tax Day
March 07, 2024 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.28 MBFederal and state tax returns are due in a little more than a month, and for people with retirement accounts, such as a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA, it also means a deadline is approaching for making contributions that count for the 2023 tax year. It also means, for some, a deadline to start taking money out. The heads up comes from Haverhill Bank Assistant Vice President and Mortgage Officer and Originator Sherry L. Temple Pruyn, who stopped by WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. She spo...
Haverhill Chamber Readies for 26th Annual Winning Opportunities for Women Conference
March 01, 2024 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.8 MBThe Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for its 26th annual Winning Opportunities for Women conference in April. Chamber President and CEO Alex Eberhardt said the conference—called WOW, for short—is expected to draw more than 200 people and feature speakers discussing professional and personal development. Speaking on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast,” Eberhardt said this year’s venue takes place at a woman-owned business in Lawrence. “This year it is at a new event space, owne...
Pentucket Bank Closes Main Office Today in Prep For Redevelopment, Reopens Riverside
February 21, 2024 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.38 MBPentucket Bank closes its main branch today and opens a temporary downtown office as well as a revamped Riverside branch—all in preparation for a $160 million downtown Haverhill redevelopment. The long-considered plans, first reported by WHAV more than two years ago and confirmed last year, are now taking shape following developer Salvatore N. Lupoli’s closing on city and bank land. The mixed-use housing and retail project covers White’s Corner through the entirety of what is known as the H...
Mason Expresses Thanks as Haverhill School Crossing Guards Receive $2 Raise
February 19, 2024 05:00 - 6 minutes - 4.53 MBCrossing guards in Haverhill will receive a wage increase from $15 to $17 per hour effective Feb. 5. Thanks to the raise, crossing guard Debbie Mason told WHAV she will not have to find more hours as a lunch monitor or a similar position in the district. It would have been disruptive to work more because, on top of the 15 hours a week at an intersection near the Golden Hill and Dr. Paul C. Nettle Schools, she said she spends the bulk of her time taking care of people. “I take care of my hu...
In Advance of 50th Anniversary Celebration, ‘Spike’ Sprague Reveals Little Known Facts
February 05, 2024 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.01 MBIt won’t be long before members of Haverhill High School’s 1973-74 hockey team gather for the 50th anniversary of the program and one of the organizers is revealing decades-old details. The celebration takes place Saturday Feb. 17, at Haverhill High School’s Veterans Memorial rink with a game against Shawsheen. Richard “Spike” Sprague, who scored Haverhill High’s first varsity goal, gave away some secrets during a visit last week to WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “I guess you’re going...
MakeIt Haverhill’s Boucher Tells of Motivation by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
January 18, 2024 05:00 - 11 minutes - 8.06 MBThis week’s observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day brought back memories for some and reinstilled long held values motivated by the slain civil rights leader. Among them, Keith Boucher, founder of MakeIt Haverhill, who first became aware the concept of equity when he was a child. “When I was young, back in the early 60s, we used to eat a lot of grapes during the summer, I don’t know why, but my mother, one time just said we can’t have grapes. We said ‘Why, where are the grapes?’ She ...
Community Colleges are ‘Hot’ Right Now; Dolan-Wilson Explains How to Avoid Debt
January 16, 2024 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.47 MBCommunity colleges are seeing enrollment growth with new state initiatives and are poised for more if the state Senate is successful in providing free community college for everyone. Northern Essex Community College Vice President of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, is delighted with the focus. “First and foremost, community colleges are so hot right now. I love that. I love any attention because it is absolutely well des...
Whittier School Drama Club Readies for Disney ‘Descendants: The Musical’
December 29, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.72 MBA new theatrical season is about to open at the John Greenleaf Whittier School in Haverhill with the production of Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical.” Music teacher and JGW Drama Club Executive Director Robert D. “Bobby” Gariepy III explained how to audition for a part during a recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “Jan. 8 is vocal audition. Come prepared to sing 30-seconds of your favorite song. Tuesday, Jan. 9, is acting auditions. So be prepared to read from the scri...
Haverhill Bank’s Liz Cronin Gives Tips on Protecting Yourself Against Holiday Fraud
December 18, 2023 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.37 MBThe potential for fraud, especially around the holidays, is a prime concern and a local banker recently provided tops on staying safe. Haverhill Bank Vice President of Compliance Liz Cronin appeared recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “Most importantly, my message today is to put everyone on awareness that especially during the holiday season—in particular, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the fraudsters really amp up their efforts to scam us all out of money,” she said. Su...
Coach ‘Spike’ Sprague Prepares to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of HHS Hockey Team
December 18, 2023 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.02 MBThis season represents a milestone for the Haverhill High School hockey team. It was 50 years ago that the first Haverhill High Varsity team hit the ice. For those oldest enough to remember, Gerald Ford was sworn in as vice president in December, the film “The Exorcist” made its debut and Richard “Spike” Sprague scored the first goal for the Haverhill Hillies hockey team. “I was fortunate enough to be on the ice for the first shift, and I got lucky enough to score the first goal, and the o...
Looking Back, Fiorentini Details 20-Year Path to Haverhill’s Turnaround
December 11, 2023 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBHaverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini was sworn in almost 20 years ago against the backdrop of the largest municipal debt in state history, downtown buildings that had been mostly vacant for decades, the recent layoffs of 43 city workers and even a ragged carpets in City Hall held together with duct tape. The downtown commercial district had been in decline for decades, worsened by such efforts to prop it up as the federal urban renewal demolition program. It was the financial collapse of the...
Temple Emanu-El’s Rabbi Stevens Discusses Hanukkah, Which Begins Thursday
December 02, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBThe Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah, begins Thursday. Rabbi Ashira Stevens, of Haverhill’s Temple Emanu-El, speaking on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, discussed the historical significance of the holiday. “When the Jews won against their enemies, back in those days, back in the days of the Maccabees, they then rededicated their temple. The word Hanukkah itself actually means dedication, or rededication, and when they did that, they cleaned everything up. The temple had been made i...
As Dice Retires, Pentucket Regional High School Plans to Recruit New Service Dogs
November 10, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.65 MBA retirement is on the horizon one of the beloved members of the Pentucket Regional High School staff, who offers comfort to both students and staff. Pentucket Regional School Superintendent Justin Bartholomew, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, talked about the service dog named Dice, who is coming up on his 10th birthday. “That is about the age when you retire a service animal from a public space like this, so we have spent, at the end of last year and this summer, we ...
Haverhill’s Mayoral Candidates Favor Route 97 Fire Station, Share Other Views
November 01, 2023 04:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBHaverhill’s two finalists for mayor approach the city’s problems in different ways, but both agree construction of a new Broadway-area fire station is a top spending priority. Councilor Melinda E. Barrett and retired Police Officer Guy E. Cooper both took time to visit WHAV’s downtown studios to detail their positions—including capital priorities, taxes and housing costs. Both vie to succeed outgoing, 20-year Mayor James J. Fiorentini during early voting this week and next week’s final elec...
Haverhill Exchange Club’s Annual Hillie Hunt Sends Teams Scurrying Next Week
October 20, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBAn old-fashioned scavenger hunt, using modern technology, sends teams traveling around town next week in search of the most clues to win. Haverhill Exchange Club’s annual Hillie Hunt offers prizes for first, second and third place as well as for best Halloween costume. There’s also an after-party and 50/50 raffle. Exchange Club member Michael Joy, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program explains participants will be using a phone app. “You just log into the app and then the qu...
Sixth Annual Methuen Day Saturday Brings Bands, Organ Concert, Food and More
October 06, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.13 MBA community celebration is set to take place tomorrow in downtown Methuen with the observance of the sixth annual Methuen Day. Methuen City Council Chairwoman Eunice D. Zeiger was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program and outlined what to expect. “We have the police station open house from 10-2 and the fire station open house from 10-2 and the Methuen Memorial Music Hall is doing open console which is similar to an open house, but if you are a trained pianist, you can go to ...
Trahan Says Programs Like Haverhill Fire Staffing Grant at Risk with Federal Shutdown
September 29, 2023 04:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBEyes are on Washington to see how Congress deals with a budget deadline and looming shutdown of the federal government. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, went live Thursday on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, noting the Haverhill Fire Department recently benefited from an operating federal government. However, she said, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy now has to choose between the country and those Republicans who would take away his leadership position. “The House could put that bill on the floo...
Rocks Village Memorial Association’s Yard Sale This Weekend Offers Bonus Tours
September 27, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.89 MBFurniture, vintage items and modern kitchen tools, hand-sewn quilts, artwork and more are among the finds when the Rocks Village Memorial Association’s yard sale takes place this Saturday and Sunday to support restoration of the Hand Tub House. Association member Christine Kwitchoff, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, says the yard sale features items donated over the summer including such oddities as the 16-foot metal and wood sign from the former Haverhill Music Center....
Haverhill Author Releases ‘Killer Dreams’ Novel Even as he Gives Life Himself
September 19, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 7.7 MBA Haverhill author’s latest novel focuses on loss of life following an accident even as he regains his strength in real life after personally giving the gift of life. Vincent Donovan has two stories to tell. His new book is called “Killer Dreams,” while his kidney is helping someone fulfill their own dreams. He talked about both during his recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “I just sat down to watch the Patriots game last fall and saw a post from my neighbor about her...
Back to School and Back to Work are Related at Haverhill’s Leaving the Streets Ministry
September 11, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 7.77 MBLeaving the Streets Ministry in Haverhill is finding jobs for youth that help them stay in school and out of trouble. The nonprofit, which placed teens into 286 jobs so far this year, is also building a new relationship with Haverhill Public Schools’ enlarged Gateway Academy in the former St. James School on Primrose Street. Founder Jesus Ruiz told listeners of WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, said jobs he and his wife Wanda find for the youth are tailor made for unusual student schedule...
All Five Haverhill Mayoral Candidates Answer Questions About Pressing Issues
September 08, 2023 04:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBAll five candidates running to become Haverhill’s next mayor have spoken directly to listeners during a series of live interviews with Win Damon, host of WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. All interviews, running about 10 minutes each, are now available to be heard on demand at WHAV.net and all popular podcast sites. Arranged in ballot order, the candidates are Melinda E. Barrett, Scott W. Wood Jr., Guy E. Cooper, Debra M. Campanile and George Eleftheriou. Instead of generic questions, WH...
Community Celebration This Saturday Celebrates 30 Years of Methuen Festival of Trees
September 05, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 9.51 MBOver the past 30 years, historic preservation around the region has received a $2 million boost thanks to the Methuen Festival of Trees. To celebrate its first three decades, thank supporters and usher in this year’s effort, the Methuen Festival of Trees is having a Community Celebration with tours, food, children’s activities and more this Saturday, Sept. 9. Among the organizers who were there at the beginning were former state Sen. and Methuen Mayor Sharon M. Pollard and her husband, for...
MeVa Transit Extends Six Bus Routes Two Hours Later Into the Night with Added State Money
September 04, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBMeVa Transit’s six highest bus ridership routes will be running two hours later starting tomorrow thanks, in part, to a $56 million statewide budget increase for regional transit authorities. MeVa Transit Administrator Noah Berger, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, said he also has more drivers, helping support extended hours. “With our September schedule, we’ll be extending service on six routes, including two in Haverhill, to 9 at night. One of the areas we’ve heard a...
Pentucket Bank Stadium Branch Renovations in Progress; 24 Operations Offices to Move There
August 24, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 8.84 MBThose traveling along Lincoln Avenue by Haverhill Stadium may have noticed some changes taking place. The stadium branch of Pentucket Bank, at 120 Lincoln Ave., is undergoing renovations that take into account the times as well as plan for the future. Recent guests on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, Pentucket Bank CEO, and River Run Bancorp President Jonathan H. Dowst and Pentucket Bank President Eric G. Leurteritz discussed the project. Leurteritz said the outside of the building is in...
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center to Rededicate Intake Center to Late Leader Forbes
July 19, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBVeterans Northeast Outreach Center is Haverhill is ready to return to its home base, recently damaged by a burst water pipe, and will honor its fallen, former leader during a rededication early next month. The Scott Forbes Memorial Intake Center is to be dedicated at the 10 Reed St., Haverhill, building. Veterans Northeast Outreach Center Outreach Coordinator Jim Behen discussed the reopening during an appearance Tuesday on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “Our event that’s going on, on...
Cameron ‘Cam’ Davidowicz Talks Pro Rugby on WHAV’s ‘Win for Breakfast’
July 18, 2023 15:00 - 12 minutes - 8.67 MBThe New England Free Jacks, with Haverhill’s own Cameron “Cam” Davidowicz, took the first Major League Rugby title in franchise history after facing the San Diego Legion for the Major League Rugby championship July 8 in Chicago. Support the show
North Andover’s Johnson Discusses his ‘Window Seat on the World’ with John Kerry
July 18, 2023 04:00 - 14 minutes - 9.73 MBNorth Andover’s Glen Johnson has truly had a “Window Seat on the World,” witnessing alongside former Secretary of State John F. Kerry, the unfolding of history. Four years ago, Johnson, who now serves as chief of communications and external affairs to Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, committed his adventures—from the Vatican to the Kremlin and London to Baghdad—to his book, “Window Seat on the World: My Travels with the Secretary of State.” The book remains topical and fascina...
Haverhill’s L’Arche Boston North Opens Fifth Home; Program Gets Support from Longest Table
July 07, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBHaverhill’s L’Arche Boston North recently opened its fifth “forever home” for those with intellectual disabilities, continuing to fulfill a mission it launched 40 years ago. Executive Director Jennifer Matthews, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, says the new additional home is the organization’s first in 20 years. It took two years to complete the project, from purchase to welcoming four residents. The new home, a renovated two-story house, is one of the accomplishments...
Haverhill Veterans Eligible for Gifts of Free Electronics at Aug. 5 ‘Give Back’ Day
July 03, 2023 04:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBAll Haverhill veterans attending a free event next month will walk away with electronic gear and, possibly, a grand prize of a flat screen television, sound bar, laptop computer or other top gift. Veterans now have until Friday, July 14, to register for what’s being called a “Give Back” day sponsored by the Haverhill Veteran Services Office and iPods for Wounded Veterans. Despite the name, Veteran Services Director Jeffrey C. Hollett, who appeared on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” show, says th...
‘Revitalize Buttonwoods’ Aims to Renovate Local Museum, Include Diverse Audiences
June 23, 2023 04:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBHaverhill’s keeper of history, Buttonwoods Museum, plans a building renovation project and greater inclusion of Haverhill’s diversity in its collections. Buttonwoods Executive Director Jan Williams calls the effort “Revitalize Buttonwoods—Restore the Past, Shape the Future.” Appearing on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program Thursday, she details what is a two-pronged approach, starting with renovation of the main visitor center and gallery space. “But, the other part, and the most important ...
Haverhill Promise Promotes Summer Reading Options
June 17, 2023 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.3 MBWith the first day of summer Wednesday, educators are looking to keep the learning going. Haverhill Promise has a mission of developing reading proficiency for all Haverhill students by the end of third grade. Haverhill Promise Executive Director Jessica Kallin recently appeared on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program discussing a few of the summer learning options. (CUT:Kallin-under resources.wav) “We are very lucky to be partnering with the YMCA this summer and incorporating reading the ...
WHAV’s Friday Night DJ Porter Focus of ‘Behind the Mic’ Segment
June 09, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.16 MBWHAV disc jockey Chris Porter eats, breathes and sleeps radio even as he works a “day job” with Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in Boston. Porter was the focus Thursday of the latest “Behind the Mic” segment on the “Win for Breakfast” program. His “All Request Friday Night” show features listener-favorite songs and classic sounding jingles reminiscent of earlier age “I’m a jingle fanatic so I just had to get jingles. I plan on getting some more. You never know,” he said. Listeners...
Haverhill Proclaims Pride Month; Students Share Experiences and Police Introduce Liaison
June 05, 2023 04:00 - 27 minutes - 17.7 MBHaverhill launched LGBTQ+ Pride Month Thursday with a flag raising at City Hall, students speaking of their experiences and quests to make a difference and the launch of a Haverhill Police liaison unit. Haverhill City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan served as master of ceremonies outside of City Hall where Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini read his proclamation, declaring Pride month in Haverhill. The event observes a tradition commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. This...
On WHAV, District Attorney Tucker Names Mental Health Among First Responders, Public a Top Concern
June 01, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.83 MBEssex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker has made taking care of first responders one of his office’s priorities. The district attorney, appearing on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program Wednesday, discussed the importance of paying attention to mental health issues, saying he looks at it in two ways. “I will say Chief (Robert P.) Pistone in Haverhill has does an excellent job with a very, very good department. I look at the mental health issue through two lenses…when I was the police c...
Haverhill to Honors its Fallen Heroes, Preserve History on Memorial Day
May 24, 2023 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MBHaverhill honors its fallen heroes with its Memorial Day Parade and ceremony Monday morning that recognizes the sacrifices of Gold Star families and fallen veterans, promotes military heritage and history and supports the mission of civic and Veterans organizations dedicated to the betterment of our community at large. Parade organizers are Haverhill AmVets Post 147 Commander Richard Burnell; Past AmVets Commander Gerard Marchand; Haverhill War Veterans Commander and AmVets member Russell C...
WHAV Goes ‘Behind the Mic’ with Community Spotlight’s Jenifer Cosgrove
May 18, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBThe announcing staff at WHAV is more than a collection of voices. They are a gathering of individuals who care about serving the community. On a recent “Win for Breakfast” morning segment—the first of series featuring those “Behind the Mic—Jenifer Cosgrove stopped by to share her story. She began volunteering at WHAV in 2019, reading Community Spotlight messages, heard at quarter past every hour, 24-hours a day. Hearing Cosgrove’s voice over the radio still catches some of her Holy Family H...
Organizers of Cogswell ArtSpace Plan 21+ Party to Light up the Building From the Inside Out
May 08, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.3 MBIt’s not finished yet, but those working to transform the former George F. Cogswell School into Cogswell ArtSpace plan to bring the property alive and celebrate anyway. The creative community and friends alike plan a party to, as organizers say, literally light up the building from the inside out! Creative Haverhill Operations Director Erin Padilla gave a sneak preview of the upcoming event during an interview last week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “We’ll have live music, cocktai...
Haverhill Firefighting Museum’s Annual Kentucky Derby Gala Fundraiser this Saturday
May 01, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 7.97 MBThe Haverhill Firefighting Museum is at the starting gate for a new season and holding its annual Kentucky Derby Gala Fundraiser this Saturday. Co-chair Cynthia Graham gave a preview on WHAV’s “Win For Breakfast” program. “We have a lot of fun surprises this year, but we are sticking with some of the tried and true things like a nice Southern styled dinner. The Chicken Connection in Plaistow caters that and it’s always delicious. We have a live streaming of the Derby. It starts at 5. We ha...
Local Banking Picture Thankfully Differs Greatly From National Attention-Getters
March 28, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 9.08 MBWhile problems at a few high-profile national and international banks have garnered attention lately, it is quite a different story locally. Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, points out the differences between the national and local stages. “It appears that Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in New York were the canaries in the coal mine. So, you had the rise in interest rates that basically pointed out the weakne...
Groveland Native Says Her Oscar-Winning ‘Navalny’ Aims to Bring Justice
March 17, 2023 04:00 - 11 minutes - 8.19 MBA Groveland native, who picked up an Oscar Sunday for the documentary “Navalny,” said her larger goal is to help secure justice for the Russian dissident who survived state-sponsored poisoning and now is jailed in solitary confinement. Geralyn White Dreyfous, who went to Pentucket Regional High School before attending Harvard, was part of the team that won an Academy Award for the film Navalny. Appearing Wednesday on WHAV’s morning show, “Win for Breakfast,” she says the film tells the stor...
Howard Details Plans to Merge Merrimack Valley and RTN Credit Unions; March 29 Vote
March 16, 2023 04:00 - 10 minutes - 7.56 MBMerrimack Valley Credit Union members are being asked to vote in about two weeks to approve a merger with RTN Federal Credit Union. Members will cast votes at a special meeting to approve the merger and update the bylaws to reflect RTN’s field of membership, which covers those who “reside, work or attend school in Worcester County…and immediate family members.” Merrimack Valley Credit Union President and CEO John J. Howard, appearing last week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, said the...
In Time for St. Patrick’s Day, Haverhill’s O’Malley Discusses ‘So Far from Home…’
March 09, 2023 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBSt. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, but many arriving Irish in the late 19th century had to cope with loneliness. Retired professor Patricia Trainor O’Malley, who spent years teaching at the now-closed Bradford College in Haverhill, reflects on the times in her book, “So Far from Home: Letters from Ireland to Family in America.” It is based on more than 200 letters sent to her grandparents in the 1880s and 90s when they first emigrated to Haverhill. The letters tell wonderful stories...
Haverhill Chamber’s Eberhardt Says Getting Down to Business Means Able to Get to Work
March 03, 2023 05:00 - 12 minutes - 8.75 MBThe business of “taking care of business” is wide ranging and one aspect is actually getting to the workplace. Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Alexandria Eberhardt said businesses are on the same page as employees when it comes to making sure people can get to their jobs. Eberhardt, a guest this week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, said she found Congressman Seth Moulton in agreement during a recent business summit at Salem State University Enterprise Center. ...
One Month Left to Order During Third Annual Hometown Heroes Banner Program
March 01, 2023 05:00 - 14 minutes - 9.95 MBThe third annual Hometown Heroes banner program is underway with a request residents identify and honor loved ones and friends who served their country. The program, organized by the Exchange Club of Haverhill, places two feet wide by four-feet tall banners on poles throughout the city’s central business district. Last year, 156 banners appeared along Essex, Washington, Merrimack, Main, Water and South Main Streets; Bailey Boulevard; and Basiliere and Comeau Bridges. Hometown Heroes Banner...
Haverhill Exchange Club Plans 21st Annual Rick Barry St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast
February 22, 2023 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.12 MBThe wearing of the green and all things Irish will be on display when the Haverhill Exchange Club holds its 21st Annual Rick Barry St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. Exchangites Ron Carpenito and Kerrianne Petalidas discussed the upcoming fun for a good cause during a live appearance last week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Carpenito says a lot of work goes into the event. “Probably the biggest highlight of this event is the continuing saga of St. Patrick’s and this special super-secret ...