Merrimack Valley Newsmakers
237 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsThought-provoking words from the Merrimack Valley's most influential voices in education, politics, environment and more, as heard exclusively over 97.9 WHAV FM.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Valley of the Poets’ Kline Provides an Update Poet Laureate Effort
February 17, 2021 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.9 MBLocal poet Karen M. Kline, discusses the latest efforts of The Valley of the Poets. Support the Show.
Veterans Age 50 and Up Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccinations Through VA
February 12, 2021 20:00 - 13 minutes - 9.57 MBProblems receiving the COVID-19 vaccine have been well documented, and right now the focus is on individuals age 75 and older, but many military veterans qualify right now. Haverhill’s Veterans Service Officer Luis Santiago, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, said veterans may be able to get vaccinated sooner. “If you’re a veteran and you’d like to get the vaccination and you are 50 plus, the Bedford VA in Bedford, Mass., is actually having everyone get vaccinated, if you would like...
Pandemic Challenges Again Stress Haverhill Graduation Plans, Impact Enrollments
February 09, 2021 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MBWith the global pandemic entering a second year, it’s not just students having to cope with new school realities. Administrators are likewise finding themselves facing challenges such as the prospect of another unusual graduation day. Haverhill School Superintendent Margaret Marotta, a guest recently on WHAV’s morning program, says with Haverhill High School’s graduation coming up in less than four months, thought is already going into the graduation ceremony for the class of 2021. “We’ve ...
Despite Pandemic Rules, Haverhill Drop-In Center Continues to Serve Those in Need
February 06, 2021 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBDespite changing state rules throughout the pandemic, Haverhill’s Community Action has been able to continue serving homeless and near-homeless residents with its Drop-In Center inside Haverhill’s Universalist Unitarian Church. Longtime Drop-in Center Director Pat Dennehy says the early days of the pandemic created great difficulties because of the then-state limitation of serving just 10 individuals at a time. “Usually we served about 75 people a day and we had to cut down to 10 which was...
A Virtual Meeting with New Haverhill Chamber CEO Irene Haley
January 31, 2021 17:00 - 11 minutes - 8.06 MBThe new president and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce will be “Guest of Honor” at tomorrow’s Virtual Leads Lunch hosted by the organization. Irene Haley took over job last month. Speaking recently on WHAV’s morning program, Haley praised her predecessor Dougan Sherwood “Dougan did some excellent work with support, of course, of the board and I am very interested in keeping a lot of the programs going and making sure our members and stakeholders—people who have faith in the...
Move and Expansion of Haverhill Veterans Clinic Will Bring Additional Services
January 28, 2021 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBMonday marks the opening of the Haverhill veterans clinic’s new downtown Haverhill location. In the first of a two-phase plan, primary care associated with the VA Bedford Healthcare System’s Haverhill Community Based Outreach Clinic moves from Merrimack Street to the Medical Arts Center building at 209 Summer St. Chief of Public Affairs Kat Bailey says phase two comes later this year when additional specialties become available. “In the second phase, coming this summer, we’re going to take...
Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Studies COVID-19 Impact on Business Internet Use
January 26, 2021 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.86 MBThe Merrimack Valley Planning Commission is looking at how COVID-19 is impacting businesses and internet usage. Nate Robertson, a planner with the Haverhill-based agency, is working with the Essex County Community Foundation. He says the pandemic has forced more businesses to rely on the internet, but some need added help. “We’ll be setting up our Small Business Technical Assistance Program over the next month or two, and in that process we’re going to be reaching out to small businesses a...
Haverhill’s Ruth House Reminds Residents in Need of Availability of Free Clothing
January 20, 2021 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.96 MBHaverhill’s Ruth House is reminding residents that free new clothing is available for seniors and others in need. Recently, the Lafayette Square nonprofit began a streamlined clothing referral program, allowing persons to obtain help directly rather than having to go through a social service agency. With photo identification and proof of receiving assistance, residents may receive up to 10 articles of clothing, four times a year. Ruth’s House Executive Director Amy Smith-Boden, a recent gu...
Veterans Northeast Outreach Center Names Forbes as Interim Director
January 18, 2021 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBScott Forbes has been named interim director of Haverhill-based Veterans Northeast Outreach Center. Forbes takes over from Executive Director Edward V. Mitchell. He is no stranger to the organization, as he explained in a recent appearance on WHAV’s morning program. “Five years ago I kind of lost my way in terms of being able to figure some things out and I came to VNOC for support and services, and they helped me be able to get myself on the right path, and that was back in 2016. I always...
Haverhill Promise on Campaign to Promote Good School Attendance
January 07, 2021 21:00 - 10 minutes - 7.57 MBThe grade level reading program known as Haverhill Promise is promoting good school attendance habits as a means to bolster all forms of learning. Haverhill Promise Campaign Director Jenny Arndt, who recently appeared on WHAV’s morning show, said attending every day of school is critical. “Good attendance habits, and this is something we are trying to help parents of young children understand. They start in pre-school. Start those good attendance habits right away. Don’t let your kid make ...
Leaving the Streets Ministry Saw Success Finding Jobs for Youth at Risk in 2020
December 30, 2020 23:00 - 11 minutes - 8.05 MBThe year 2020 was a good one for a relatively new, independent, social service organization focused on helping Haverhill youth at risk. Leaving the Streets Ministry, founded by Chaplain Jesus Ruiz and his wife Wanda, is working to redirect young people in danger of becoming high school drop outs, or choosing a life of gangs and drugs that could lead to prison. “All we really want to do is serve the community, serve the broken, serve the youth that have backgrounds, that have records, kids ...
Perry Identifies Affordable Housing as a Top Concern as She Takes Over at Community Action
December 29, 2020 18:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBAffordable housing is one of Kerri Perry’s top priorities as she takes the helm of Haverhill’s venerable Community Action. Perry recently succeeded John Cuneo as chief executive officer of the anti-poverty agency. Perry, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, says the need for affordable housing is an issue that has been around for many years—and one that continues to outgrow the supply of public housing units. “But, a lot of people won’t qualify for that and the wait list (for public h...
Trahan Looks Beyond the Pandemic, Promotes Worker Training Opportunities
December 22, 2020 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBCongresswoman Lori Trahan says she is looking beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, working to expand worker training opportunities. Trahan, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, discussed the National Apprenticeship Act she helped pass in the House. She calls it a framework to restart the economy. “The passage of this legislation will expand access to apprenticeships and will definitely aid in our economic recovery. And I think we do have to think about this sequentially. We have to think abo...
Haverhill Garden Club Says There is Still Time to Show Your ‘Holiday Doors of Haverhill’
December 18, 2020 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.78 MBWith guidance urging people not to congregate this holiday season, the Haverhill Garden Club has found a socially distant way for people to enjoy each other’s creativity. The Club’s first “Holiday Doors of Haverhill” celebration encourages residents to decorate their front doors and then send in photographs for online sharing. Haverhill Garden Club member Kathy Fitts, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, explains. “Well our group was thinking about what a difficult year this is, and, ...
Merrimack Valley Hope Mission, Community Action Handing Out Grocery Gift Cards to Needy
December 16, 2020 19:00 - 13 minutes - 9.56 MBWith poverty rates climbing in Greater Haverhill, the Merrimack Valley Hope Mission is partnering with Community Action of Haverhill to put grocery gift cards in the hands of families that need help most. The Christmas project, says Merrimack Valley Hope Mission founder Joseph D’Amore involves collecting donations of $25 Market Basket gift cards from that are then distributed by Community Action. “So I decided to partner with Kerri Perry, the new executive director at Community Action. Wha...
Time Running Out for Those Seeking January Health Insurance Coverage
December 08, 2020 19:00 - 12 minutes - 8.83 MBFor those that need health insurance in 2021 or already buy from the state’s marketplace for health and dental insurance, the open enrollment period is ending shortly. A recent guest on WHAV’s morning program was Audrey Morse-Gasteier, who serves as chief of policy and strategy for the Massachusetts Health Connector. She reports many people are looking to pick up, expand or replace coverage due to a job loss, life-changing event or rate increase. “And this is the time of year when any resi...
Common Ground Café Outlines Plans to Provide Meals and Gifts to Homeless this Christmas
December 04, 2020 22:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBThe holiday season brings out the best in people and organizations who are interested in helping others. Among the many groups in Haverhill is Common Ground Café and food pantry at 194 Winter St. Founder Ron Mills, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, says Common Grounds’ plan for Christmas is to provide homeless individuals a gift, along with a meal. The women will be getting a purse, while the men will be receiving a drawstring bag. “In that bag will be personal hygiene items, socks...
Haverhill Schools Look to Hire Permanent Substitutes for Each Building
November 24, 2020 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.28 MBIf you’re thinking about a career change, Haverhill Public Schools may have an opportunity for you. School Superintendent Margaret Marotta, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning show, is expanding the use of substitute teachers and many people qualify for the job. “We desperately need substitutes. We could use this opportunity to say anyone who is out there that’s interested in teaching, that may not have a background in teaching, but an interest, and a Bachelor’s degree, we’d love for people t...
John Greenleaf Whittier School Finds Way to Feed Thanksgiving Dinners to 150 Families
November 18, 2020 20:00 - 11 minutes - 7.76 MBHaverhill’s John Greenleaf Whittier School plans to feed 150 families again this Thanksgiving week despite obstacles created by the coronavirus outbreak. Whittier middle school Principal Tim Betty said the staff was disappointed there could not be a sit-down turkey dinner again this year, but were inspired by a similar effort by their counterparts at Haverhill High School. “Covanta and Ocasio Martial Arts studio have donated gift cards to Market Basket to our school. We are able to purchas...
Emmaus Goes Virtual Wednesday with Annual ‘Paving the Road Home’ Event
November 16, 2020 17:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBThe coronavirus pandemic has not been kind to charity fundraising efforts, and organizations have been turning to virtual efforts, such as one taking place this week. Emmaus’ “Paving the Road Home” breakfast was an annual staple in Haverhill. Emmaus Director of Philanthropy Gretchen Arntz, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, said the organization serving the homeless has made a transition this year. “Our Paving the Road Home breakfast was a tradition in Haverhill for the past 17 year...
Affordable Housing Dedication Ceremony Remembers Veteran Norman Gerson
November 12, 2020 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBNorman H. Gerson’s Haverhill story and legacy will go on with the dedication one day after Veterans Day of a new 44-unit veterans housing complex that bears his name. Gerson, who rose to first lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II, operated the Gerson Furniture Co. until 2007 on the site of the new veterans’ development at 181 Washington St. At a ceremony Thursday morning, Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini thanked the Coalition for a Better Acre of Lowell and Veterans Northeast ...
Haverhill Honors Those Who Served During a Veterans Day Observance at Mill Brook Park
November 11, 2020 19:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBHaverhill formally observed Veterans Day Wednesday, placing extra attention on those who served in Vietnam at the new city memorial in their honor In lieu of a traditional parade—cancelled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic—a brief ceremony took place at the recently relocated Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Mill Brook Park. Acknowledging the modest observance, City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan, who served as master of ceremonies, said the event still allows everyone to “remember, a...
Porcelli Details Kiwanis Club’s 5th Annual ‘Turkey Drop’ This Weekend
November 09, 2020 18:00 - 8 minutes - 6.12 MBKiwanis Club of Haverhill’s Fifth Annual Turkey Drop, modeled after a Thanksgiving episode of the television series “WKRP in Cincinnati,” takes place this Saturday, Nov. 14. Haverhill Kiwanis’ Rich Porcelli, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, discusses how the fundraiser works. “We hire a helicopter and he flies over a grid of 400 squares, about two-foot square, and all the squares are numbered. When you buy a ticket, you get a corresponding square. So, if you buy ticket number 101,...
In Era of COVID-19, Salvation Army Offers Alternatives to Red Kettle Donations
November 03, 2020 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBWith the calendar flipping to November, more people are starting to think about preparing for the holidays—and that includes the organizations that work hard to make sure those who are less fortunate have gifts under the tree. It also means changes in the era of COVID-19. At the Salvation Army in Haverhill, Major Walter Rivers, a guest recently on WHAV’s morning program, says this Christmas season will have a different look for shoppers who like to put coins and bills in the Salvation Army ...
Former Haverhill Mayor Rurak Publishes ‘The Rosary: A Tract for Catholic Misfits’
October 29, 2020 15:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBFormer Haverhill Mayor James A. Rurak has written a book he hopes will help people along their spiritual path. Rurak recently published “The Rosary: A Tract for Catholic Misfits.” Appearing recently on WHAV’s morning program, the former mayor talked about driving his father—the late state Sen. James. P. “Jake” Rurak—to medical appointments in Boston. During the ride, his father, who was being treated for a brain tumor, would recite the Rosary to himself. As his condition worsened, the two o...
SCORE Seminars Aim to Help Local Businesses Thrive This Holiday Season
October 20, 2020 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MBThe upcoming holiday shopping season is a crucial one for businesses affected by this year’s COVID-19 pandemic, and a group of business veterans is offering free tips on to make it a better season. The nonprofit organization SCORE, which operates out of the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill, matches experienced business mentors with entrepreneurs. SCORE volunteer Michael Thompson was a guest this week on WHAV’s morning program, and explained upcoming online seminars offers timely hel...
For Fire Prevention Month, Haverhill Firefighting Museum Provides Children’s Packet
October 14, 2020 04:00 - 12 minutes - 8.88 MBWith this month being Fire Prevention Month, the Haverhill Firefighting Museum is issuing a new Home Fire Safety Activity Packet to help families learn important lessons. The museum’s Cindy Graham and Maria Fontaine were recent guests on WHAV’s morning program. Graham says the idea for the fire safety activity packet came about because the museum, at 75 Kenoza Ave., is closed for the season due to COVID-19. As Graham explains, the packet includes 10 tips for fire safety, a smoke alarm safet...
Community Action’s Early Head Start Program Works In-Person and Virtually Due to Virus
October 12, 2020 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.49 MBMuch attention has been given this year to how COVID-19 is affecting school systems., but it’s also having an effect on younger children too. Haverhill-based Community Action’s Early Head Start program serves around 300 children, from birth to five years of age, between its Haverhill and Newburyport Centers. Community Action Director of Family Services Patty Sargent, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, says the program has limited in-person openings now, but due to COVID-19 a number o...
Rep. Campbell Details Unfinished Work Remaining Before the State Legislature
October 05, 2020 20:00 - 14 minutes - 9.94 MBSetting the state budget for the current year, police reform and votes on other major bills remain to be completed during this year’s unusual extended formal legislative session. The state Senate and House traditionally would have closed out the formal session last July 31, but agreed to a rare extension because of COVID-19. Rep. Linda Dean Campbell, a recent guest on WHAV’s Morning Show, discussed some of the state’s progress during the pandemic “The Massachusetts House was the first legi...
Encouraging and Rewarding Teachers Aim of U.S. Rep. Trahan’s Proposed STRONG Act
October 01, 2020 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.78 MBThe teaching profession may be in line for some help from federal lawmakers. Congresswoman Lori Trahan, a guest earlier this week on WHAV’s morning show, is in Washington for the introduction of a bill that would authorize $6 billion in spending programs, including teacher residencies, to help support teachers during the coronavirus pandemic. Trahan describes what the proposed “Supporting Teachers with Residency Opportunities and New Grants”—known as STRONG—Act. “It amends the Higher Ed Ac...
Mount Washington Alliance Begins Final Push Today for Residents to Complete Census
September 18, 2020 17:00 - 14 minutes - 9.67 MBA final push for filling out the 10-year federal census form is underway in Haverhill. Community Action’s Christine Soundara, who heads up the Mount Washington Alliance, was a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program. She explained a mobile unit will be out today and next Monday to help residents complete the census. “We got approval from the U.S. Census Bureau. We will be stationing a mobile questionnaire assistance van at 375 Washington St. That’s right in Currier Square, in the parking lo...
Veterans Advocate Seeks Volunteers to Prepare Civil War Graves for Wreaths Across America Day
September 13, 2020 17:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBPreparations are underway at the Hilldale Cemetery in Haverhill for this December’s Wreaths Across America Day, in which remembrance wreaths are placed at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at events coordinated at more than 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad. Veterans advocate Donald Jarvis of Haverhill was a guest last week on WHAV’s morning show. He’s using his expertise in gravestone restoration, along with the help of volunteers, to help prepare the area....
Haverhill Superintendent Answers Commonly Asked Questions About School Opening
September 02, 2020 22:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBHaverhill school faculty are expected to return to school buildings in large numbers next Tuesday to continue preparing for the beginning of online classes Wednesday, Sept. 16. School Superintendent Marotta answered many commonly asked questions—from social distancing to school bus rides—during an appearance Tuesday on WHAV’s morning program. While state guidance, for example, allows for only three feet of space between students, she confirmed Haverhill is taking a more cautious approach. ...
Haverhill Superintendent Answers Commonly Asked Questions About School Opening
September 02, 2020 22:00 - 12 minutes - 8.95 MBHaverhill school faculty are expected to return to school buildings in large numbers next Tuesday to continue preparing for the beginning of online classes Wednesday, Sept. 16. School Superintendent Marotta answered many commonly asked questions—from social distancing to school bus rides—during an appearance Tuesday on WHAV’s morning program. While state guidance, for example, allows for only three feet of space between students, she confirmed Haverhill is taking a more cautious approach. ...
Nick Maccario Breaks Own Record, Sets Course Record at Bradford Country Club
August 27, 2020 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.04 MBLast Sunday was a record-breaking day at Bradford Country Club as Haverhill-native Nick Maccario set a course record, shooting a 56 and breaking the previous course record, that he also held. Maccario, now of Waltham, told WHAV listeners Tuesday morning that he didn’t begin the day with any expectations. “I’ve grown up at Bradford and Garrison, and just have played a ton of rounds of golf there. So, didn’t feel anything necessarily special going into it. A couple of years back I shot 63 wh...
Last Vietnam Veterans Memorial Elements to be Installed Wednesday at Haverhill’s ‘Miracle on Mill Street’
August 17, 2020 21:00 - 11 minutes - 8.08 MBRalph T. Basiliere calls it the “Miracle on Mill Street”—that is, the conversion of the pyramid-shaped lot near Plug Pond into Haverhill’s expanded Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Last week, a new granite monument dedicated to the 13 Haverhill veterans who gave their lives during the Vietnam War, went up at the park. Basiliere, appearing yesterday on WHAV’s morning program, said all remaining granite elements will be installed tomorrow morning. “Wednesday’s a big day. Wednesday, Granite Industr...
Haverhill Native Barr, CEO of Graham Media Group, Becomes Broadcaster of the Year
August 15, 2020 17:00 - 13 minutes - 9.45 MBA Haverhill native has been named Broadcasting and Cable’s 2020 Broadcaster of the Year. Emily Barr, president and CEO of Graham Media Group of Chicago, formally receives the prestigious award Oct. 1 during the Television Bureau of Advertising virtual Alt Forward Conference. Barr was a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program where she spoke of her Haverhill roots. “I did grow up in Haverhill and I went to Walnut Square Elementary and Whittier Elementary School. Then, I spent a couple of yea...
Haverhill Chamber Names WHAV as August Business of the Month
August 11, 2020 20:00 - 9 minutes - 6.87 MBWHAV has been named the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s August Business of the Month Chamber President and CEO Dougan Sherwood cited the public radio station and nonprofit news service’s expanded local news coverage during the coronavirus pandemic. “WHAV is really where I get most of my local media, local news coverage, and we’re just so grateful. So, we were happy to recognize you our August Business of the Month,” he said. Sherwood also recognized the significant fundraising cha...
VNOC’s Executive Director Mitchell Previews Affordable Housing Drawing
August 10, 2020 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.19 MBA long-awaited drawing takes place today for the 44 affordable units being made available on the site of the former Gerson Furniture Co. in Haverhill. The project, at 181 Washington St., was developed by the nonprofit Coalition for a Better Acre, associated with the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center. Veterans Northeast Executive Director Edward Mitchell, a guest yesterday on WHAV’s morning program, explains how the units are broken out. “Eight one-bedroom units, 31 two-bedroom units and f...
Feaster Five Road Thanksgiving Day Race Goes Virtual with New Challenges This Year
August 10, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBThe Feaster Five Road Race, a Thanksgiving Day tradition presented by the Merrimack Valley Striders with as many as 10,000 participants annually, is going virtual this year. As a virtual race, Feaster Five is now open to anyone anywhere who can complete a 5K or 5-mile course of their choosing. There will also be a 1K option for kids. For the most adventurous runners, there’s a new virtual 13K challenge—a 5K and 5M together. Chairman Tom Licciardello, who was a recent guest on WHAV’s morni...
Haverhill’s Northpoint Bible College Opens Wednesday to In-Person Classes
August 09, 2020 14:00 - 12 minutes - 8.42 MBNorthpoint Bible College and graduate school in Haverhill begins in-person classes for its first day of school this Wednesday. Dean of Enrollment David Munley was a guest recently on WHAV’s morning program. He explained that like other schools, Northpoint switched to remote learning in the spring. He talked about some of the precautions the school is taking to bring everyone back in person. “It will be seated classes. We have followed all of the CDC guidelines, Mass.gov guidelines. Since w...
Boutwell Shares Philosophy in Advance of Tattersall Farm Nature Walk Sunday
July 23, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBA nature walk takes place this Sunday morning in Haverhill. Naturalist Roland “Boot” Boutwell is leading a group around Tattersall Farm, beginning at 9, at 542 Broadway. Boutwell, a retired teacher, leads classes and nature walks for a variety of organizations, including the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Appalachian Mountain Club. He was a guest earlier this week on WHAV’s morning program “I think it’s very important for us, at the best of times, to reconnect with nature. I think i...
U.S. Rep. Trahan Says Congress Must Do More to Help with School Reopening Costs
July 21, 2020 21:00 - 11 minutes - 8.25 MBCongresswoman Lori Trahan is back in Washington this week on a mission to help with the reopening of schools this fall. Trahan was a guest yesterday on WHAV’s morning program. She says she believes federal lawmakers have to do more than what they have already done. She says it shouldn’t fall exclusively on cities and towns to foot the bill for reopening the schools with COVID-19 protocols in place—she feels the costs need to be shared across all levels of government to keep students safe “...
Paul Ryan Shares Memories of Mike Ryan, Red Sox ‘Impossible Dream’ Season Catcher
July 14, 2020 14:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBWHAV Sports Director Paul Ryan recently shared family memories of his cousin, Mike Ryan—the Red Sox “Impossible Dream” season catcher who passed away July 7 at age 78. He said his cousin had a “modest start” in baseball. He explains there was no baseball program at St. James High School, but he was asked by Irving “Sheik” Karelis to play for Karelis Jewelers at Cashman Field in Haverhill. When he was 18—as a member of the Northeast League, a semi-pro league—Mike was invited to play in the a...
Haverhill Superintendent Marotta Says All Students Return This Fall Under Current Guidance
July 09, 2020 20:00 - 11 minutes - 8.01 MBSchool classrooms in Haverhill will look different this fall, but not as unusual as officials first feared. Haverhill Superintendent Margaret Marotta, a guest Wednesday on WHAV’s morning program, says it appears all students can return at once, according to updated guidance from the Department of Education. “Providing nothing changes, or gets worse, at this point we’re planning for a sort of a full socially distance return to the school in the fall. So, for us, that’s meant a lot of work....
Regional Planning Commission Brings Communities Together for Common Good
July 03, 2020 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.05 MBPlanning offices for the cities of Haverhill and Methuen and other communities throughout the Merrimack Valley are called upon to look into the future, and work out visions for growth, the environment and transportation. Communities receive support from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, led by Executive Director Theresa Park. She was formally appointed in January, but had served on the Commission as Lawrence’s representative. Park said the Commission offers needed help for each of t...
Rep. Campbell Says COVID-19 Fears Driving Mail-In Voting Legislation
June 29, 2020 17:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBA deal was reached yesterday between leaders in the House and Senate on early voting and vote-by-mail legislation that should pave the way for a major expansion of voting options ahead of the 2020 election. State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell, who appeared recently on WHAV’s morning program, says one of the driving forces behind the bill is “safety concerns” due to the coronavirus. “We do know that there are a number of our elders that have said that they wanted to vote, but this time they’re n...
Sen. DiZoglio Files Bill to Make Juneteenth a Formal State Holiday
June 23, 2020 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.41 MBLast Friday was the observance of “Juneteenth,” commemorating the day in 1865 when Texas became the last state in the nation to be notified of President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation to free its’ slaves. State Sen. Diana DiZoglio wants to make the date a formal holiday. Appearing on WHAV’s morning show, DiZoglio said is co-sponsoring legislation to officially recognize Juneteenth in Massachusetts. “You know, I believe this legislation is a testament to the importance of this ...
Rep. Mirra Says Business Reopening Schedule Entirely up to Gov. Baker
June 22, 2020 18:00 - 11 minutes - 8.12 MBPhase Two of Gov. Charlie Baker’s re-opening plan is underway—part of which includes restaurants being able to offer inside seating. The speed of reopening Massachusetts during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a matter of debate. State Rep. Lenny Mirra, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, however, says the pace is all at the governors’ discretion. “The governor is in control of it. These are executive orders. These are not things the legislature is voting on. The governor is pretty muc...
Rep. Minicucci Reminds Residents Jobless Claim Help Still Available
June 15, 2020 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBThe filing of new unemployment claims is dropping off, but state Rep. Christina Minicucci, reminds residents help is still available for those who have lost their jobs. Minicucci, whose office was involved in helping people file early claims, says the initial wave as has settled down quite a bit. “At one point we had 68 active cases in our office, and now, we are down to two, maybe, and we can get them resolved pretty quickly,” she said. Minicucci reminds people there is still help availa...