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.
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Episodes
Topsfield Fair Moving Ahead with Fall Plans, New Coalition Forms
June 10, 2020 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.01 MBThis years’ Topsfield Fair is still on, despite COVID-19 concerns. Bill Fitzgerald, of Mann Orchards in Methuen, the current president of the Topsfield Fair board of directors, says organizers are forming coalitions to ensure safety. “Topsfield Fair is partnering, in some respects, with the Big E out in Springfield, to form a little bit of a coalition, so we can trade ideas back and forth, and hopefully live up to what the guidelines may be come this fall,” Fitzgerald says. Fitzgerald was...
Haverhill Chamber: Restaurants Ready to Hit the Ground Running When Reopening Comes
June 01, 2020 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBHaverhill restaurants are hoping to hit the ground running when Gov. Charlie Baker gives the green light to reopen—possibly as early as June 8. Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dougan Sherwood, appearing recently on WHAV’s morning program, says the initial phase will be for outdoor dining following the COVID-19 pandemic. “What I have heard is that six feet of distance is going to continue to be the standard for distance between tables. But, the city right now and th...
Haverhill Library Director Moser Discusses Curbside Pickup
May 27, 2020 15:00 - 13 minutes - 9.61 MBThis week marks the beginning for some businesses and government buildings to open to the public, including the Haverhill Public Library. Library Director Sarah Moser, a guest Wednesday on WHAV’s morning program, said the first phase of the reopening allows for curbside pickup. “It’s a lot like doing something like DoorDash, or Instacart, where you’re calling us and you’re telling us what books you want, and we’re getting them ready for you. We have some designated spaces in our parking lo...
Northern Essex President Glenn Says Coronavirus Opens New Field of Study, Career Path
May 21, 2020 23:00 - 11 minutes - 7.65 MBIt has been said every cloud has a silver lining and Northern Essex Community College President Lane A. Glenn said that’s been true of the coronavirus cloud. Glenn, a recent guest on WHAV’s morning program, and said the coronavirus has opened a new field of study and career path for recent graduates. “A lot of colleges—and we’re starting to eye this—are looking at how to train people to be contact tracers. We already train a lot of first responders, so we’ve heard from a few businesses tha...
Sen. Diana DiZoglio Wants More Legislative Input into Baker Business Plans
May 21, 2020 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBWith legislation moving forward in the state Senate to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, state Sen. Diana DiZoglio says she and other legislators felt cut out of Gov. Charlie Baker’s recovery program. DiZoglio made the revelation Thursday when she appeared as a guest on WHAV’s morning program. “It’s not a situation where we have been able to participate in those discussions, necessarily, you know. When this thing is planned, which is rolled out by the lieutenant governor ...
Rep. Minicucci: Help Available for Unemployment Claims
May 16, 2020 13:00 - 13 minutes - 9.13 MBTypographical errors and missed callbacks are among the reasons some residents are having trouble receiving unemployment checks. State Rep. Christina Minicucci, a guest on WHAV’s Friday morning program, reminded listeners she and other lawmakers offer can help. “A lot of times when people have been hung-up on their unemployment, for some reason, or it’s just not going through, they’ll call our office and we’re able to help move it along more quickly,” she says. Minicucci says many times, ...
Corr Explains Need Behind Saturday Food Drive for Area Pantries
May 14, 2020 22:00 - 8 minutes - 5.54 MBNeighbors helping neighbors. The Greater Haverhill Service Clubs are holding a food drive tomorrow, from noon-2 p.m. to fill the food pantries at Sacred Hearts Parish and the Salvation Army in Haverhill. Lisa Corr, a member of the Haverhill Exchange Club who was a guest Thursday on WHAV’s morning show, says the donations will be helping fill a severe need. “The pantries are really suffering. Sacred Hearts last week, I spoke with Father Delaney, they serviced over 2,000 people. So, they rea...
Supt. Margaret Marotta: 2020 Graduation Need Not Be Completely Impersonal
May 05, 2020 18:00 - 10 minutes - 6.93 MBAlthough different and less than ideal, this year’s Haverhill High graduation may not be as remote and impersonal as first feared. Appearing on WHAV’s morning program Tuesday, Haverhill school Superintendent Margaret Marotta says the coronavirus has upset classes, modes of study and will mostly derail the scheduled June 5 graduation. She said, however, not all is lost. “We hope to be able to have a graduation ceremony where we can hand each student their diploma with appropriate masks and ...
WHAV News: Merrimack Valley Hope Mission Turns Out 2,600 Masks
May 04, 2020 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.05 MBEach day, 97.9 WHAV FM has been setting aside time to highlight good deeds from community heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic. When public gathering rules stopped the Merrimack Valley Hope Mission from providing bagged lunches for the needy at Haverhill’s G.A.R. Park in March, the group quickly switched gears, recruited “sewing angels” and so far has turned out 2,600 facial coverings. Merrimack Valley Hope Mission founder Joseph D’Amore of Groveland and collaborator Robin Hudson of Merrimac...
Rep. Campbell Briefs WHAV Listeners on Veterans Programs During Pandemic
April 27, 2020 23:00 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MBState Rep. Linda Dean Campbell of Methuen says veterans are among those being especially hard hit by the coronavirus. Campbell, who serves as chair of the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, spoke recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, and said she was surprised at what has come to light. “Getting food to veterans has been a big issue, and there have been a lot of groups that have stepped up to the plate. Mass. Military Friends Foundation, Mass. Mi...
Parolisi Discusses Simple Concept Behind Mutual Aid Society of Haverhill
April 26, 2020 22:00 - 12 minutes - 8.46 MBThe Mutual Aid Society of Haverhill, otherwise known as MASH, is busy helping Haverhill residents dealing with lifestyle changes due to the coronavirus. Appearing live over 97.9 WHAV FM Friday morning, Anthony Parolisi explained how the effort came together and how it uses the city’s 3-1-1 call center to link residents with needs with those who can help. “We started reaching out to other groups like the Latino Coalition, Greater Haverhill Indivisible, The Merrimack Valley Project, the YMCA...
Rep. Christina Minicucci Highlights Community Efforts During Pandemic
April 26, 2020 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.73 MBIndividuals, groups and businesses have been getting the attention of 14th Essex District state Rep. Christina Minicucci for their help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just one of many examples, she noted during a recent interview with WHAV’s Win Damon, Groundwork Lawrence was able to contract with eight local restaurants to make “grab-and-go” meals a couple of nights a week for those in need. The effort kicked off thanks to seed money donated by New Balance. Minicucci also offered praise fo...
Haverhill Bank’s Tom Mortimer Says $15 Million Aid is a Lifeline for Small Businesses
April 17, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBHaverhill Bank has stepped up with millions of dollars in funding aimed at supporting local businesses and reducing employee layoffs during COVID-19-related lockdowns. As a longtime participating lender in U.S. Small Business Administration programs, the bank was ideally prepared to help when Congress approved the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPP as it is known was the centerpiece of a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus package and converts many loans into outright grants. Appearing live o...
Temple Emanu-El Cantor Vera Broekhuysen Previews Holocaust Remembrance Day
April 16, 2020 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBCantor Vera Broekhuysen of Temple Emanu-El of Haverhill discusses a variety of topics with WHAV morning personality Win Damon, including remote meetings such as the upcoming Yom HaSho’ah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day. Author Helen Epstein and interfaith clergy help Haverhill’s Temple Emanu-El hold its annual service commemorating Yom HaSho’ah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, this Friday night, online. Epstein is a veteran arts journalist and the author, coauthor or translator of 10 works of ...
U.S. Rep. Trahan Says Nation Needs Second Federal COVID-19 Help Bill
April 15, 2020 22:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBCongresswoman Lori Trahan says the federal government is likely to provide aid above the recently passed $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act—known as CARES for short. Appearing live over WHAV recently, Trahan said, more financial aid is needed to help people pay for health insurance after they’ve lost their jobs and communities and hospitals meet their obligations. “The idea is to make sure none of our businesses fail and that we’re just getting people through t...
Nurse Katie Vozeolas Discusses Her Experience with the Coronavirus; Offers Tips
April 15, 2020 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBBack to work after recovering from her own bout of the coronavirus, Haverhill Public Schools Director of Health and Nursing Services Katie Vozeolas talked about her experiences during a live interview yesterday over WHAV. Vozeolas, who appeared by telephone, noted her initial symptoms March 17 were not what one would expect. “My symptoms were really gastrointestinal and headache and I really didn’t have any of the respiratory systems until several days into this process,” she said. She sa...
Nurse Katie Vozeolas Discusses Her Experience with the Coronavirus; Offers Tips
April 15, 2020 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBBack to work after recovering from her own bout of the coronavirus, Haverhill Public Schools Director of Health and Nursing Services Katie Vozeolas talked about her experiences during a live interview yesterday over WHAV. Vozeolas, who appeared by telephone, noted her initial symptoms March 17 were not what one would expect. “My symptoms were really gastrointestinal and headache and I really didn’t have any of the respiratory systems until several days into this process,” she said. She sa...
Mayor Fiorentini Discusses Continuing COVID-19 Precautions
April 13, 2020 18:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBHaverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini says nothing compares to the coronavirus outbreak in the city’s recent history. Appearing on 97.9 WHAV FM’s “Win For Breakfast” last Thursday morning, the mayor discusses current and continuing COVID-19 precautions, including a ban on 10 or more people gathering publicly and Haverhill businesses that are helping out. Fiorentini also heaps praise on city Public Health Nurse Mary Connolly. The entire interview with the mayor is available on WHAV’s “Merrima...
Rep. Andy Vargas on Haverhill Chamber Retail Relief Effort
April 07, 2020 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBFollowing on the success of its Dollar-for-Dollar Gift Card program for restaurants, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is helping retailers give customers 25 percent off future purchases. The “#HaverhillLocal” program is open to Haverhill stores whether or not they are members of the Haverhill Chamber. The group will reimburse participating businesses 25% of total purchase prices, up to $100 per customer. For example, stores may sell a $100 gift card for only $75. Appearing live Fri...
Supt. Marotta: Haverhill High Graduation and Senior Activities
April 07, 2020 20:00 - 13 minutes - 8.97 MBIf social distancing is still in effect when Haverhill High School seniors are scheduled to graduate, June 5, a special celebration will still take place as well as formal summer event. While May 4 is still Gov. Charlie Baker’s official day for returning to normalcy after COVID-19, Superintendent Margaret Marotta says she is “suspicious” of the date. Appearing live on 97.9 WHAV FM Tuesday, Marotta says special events such as senior activities, the prom and graduation will be observed one wa...
Mayor James Fiorentini’s Special Message on COVID-19
March 29, 2020 18:00 - 4 minutes - 2.9 MBIn a special message, Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini says “community spread” of the CORVID-19 virus is taking place in Haverhill and urges residents to stay home “whenever possible.” The mayor says community spread means “you have to treat every person you meet as if they have the virus.” He asks residents to stay indoors, limit grocery shopping to one or two days a week and stay home at all times if they have cough or cold. He said the city is operating with skeleton crews, but remai...
U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan Invites Residents to Attend Tele-Town Hall Meeting
March 20, 2020 18:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIn an interview with WHAV’s Win Damon this morning, Congresswoman Lori Trahan discussed the federal government’s response to COVID-19 and invited residents to participate in a Tele-Town Hall this afternoon to learn more. Joining Trahan will be Jody White, president and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health and chairman of the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association; Dr. Dan Berlowitz, chair, Department of Public Health at UMass Lowell and professor of Medicine at Boston Uni...
Sen. Diana DiZoglio on COVID-19
March 20, 2020 18:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBState Sen. Diana DiZoglio discusses COVID-19 and the senator’s efforts to help small businesses during this time. Support the Show.
Crescent Yacht Club Looks Beyond Gathering Restrictions
March 20, 2020 01:00 - 12 minutes - 8.63 MBLisa Corr of the Crescent Yacht Club talks about the effects of Covid-19 on the club’s scheduled fundraisers. She also previews upcoming events. Support the Show.
School Nursing and Other Student Support Continues Even as Buildings Close
March 17, 2020 22:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBAs a continuing public service, 97.9 WHAV FM has made its facilities fully available to local, state and federal officials to provide information about precautions surrounding coronavirus disease—COVID-19. The public has heard of home-based learning, “grab and go” breakfast and lunch pickups and myriad “social distancing” measures, but recent closures have also raised questions about how to provide continuing medical and emotional support for students. Haverhill Public Schools Director of ...
Rep. Vargas, Chamber’s Sherwood on COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts
March 16, 2020 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBHaverhill state Rep. Andy X. Vargas and Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President Dougan Sherwood each discussed the unprecedented measures being taken in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Vargas and Sherwood appeared live, but separately, on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Support the Show.
Northern Essex’s Glenn Says Students Can Earn a Bachelor’s Degree for Under $30K Total
March 13, 2020 04:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIt’s possible for students to receive an excellent four-year education and receive a bachelor’s degree all for less than some universities charge a year. Appearing on 97.9 WHAV FM this week, Northern Essex Community College President Lane A. Glenn explains the college has prepared a “roadmap,” showing the way for a quality education at relatively affordable prices. “The short version of all this is come talk to us and we can show you how you can get a bachelor’s degree for significantly le...
Holy Family Hospital’s Dr. Lee Lane on WHAV with COVID-19 Facts
March 12, 2020 16:00 - 13 minutes - 9.24 MBWhat are the symptoms of Coronavirus disease and who’s most at risk in case of a local outbreak? Dr. Lee Lane, chief of Emergency Medicine at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and Haverhill, answered these questions and others during a live appearance on 97.9 WHAV FM. He says most people just experience cold symptoms, but most at risk are those 65 or older or have “compromised” health conditions. He also offers advice on how to protect oneself. Support the Show.
Margot Regan: Stepping Out with the Valley Stars
March 10, 2020 18:00 - 12 minutes - 8.7 MBEmmaus’ Margot Regan appeared on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” Monday to preview one of the community housing organization’s major fundraising events, sixth annual “Stepping Out with the Valley Stars” coming up in April. Regan explained seven local celebrities appear with professional dancers during the competition. “They do different style of dancing. There up there for a couple of minutes at a time and we have judges and the audience votes…It’s just a real fun event,” she said. Participan...
Bill Fitzgerald, Mann Orchards, Talks Topsfield Fair Scholarships
March 07, 2020 16:00 - 12 minutes - 8.94 MBThe annual Topsfield Fair doesn’t open until Oct. 2, but it isn’t too early for area high school students to apply for available scholarships. Mann Orchards’ Bill Fitzgerald, president of Topsfield Fair, stopped by 97.9 WHAV FM recently to make sure students know $57,000 in scholarships was awarded last year and applications are available now. Fitzgerald also provided a sneak preview of the 2020 fair. Scholarships are available to 45 local high school seniors, and the money isn’t tied to a...
Marotta: Haverhill Schools Taking Coronavirus Precautions
March 03, 2020 23:00 - 12 minutes - 8.81 MBWith coronavirus taking nine U.S. lives as of Tuesday, Haverhill Public School Superintendent Margaret Marotta appeared live on 97.9 WHAV FM to discuss precautions the schools are taking, including possibly calling off foreign field trips. Marotta said the School Department is in touch with the state Department of Public Health as well as the Department of Education to implement best practices should there be a local outbreak. “Certainly, in other countries where schools have been closed f...
Ralph Basiliere, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission
February 24, 2020 20:00 - 12 minutes - 8.51 MBThe Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission has made substantial progress in building a new memorial at Mill Brook Park, near the entrance to Plug Pond. The public is being asked to help finish the job by entering a raffle with a $5,000 grand prize. Chairman Ralph. T. Basiliere discusses the new fundraiser with WHAV’s Win Damon. He said the raffle will help to cover the final phase of construction at the new memorial site. “We are on our way and the Vietnam veterans need to know that this is ...
NECC President Lane A. Glenn
February 21, 2020 00:00 - 14 minutes - 9.92 MBLane Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College, visited with WHAV's Win Damon Feb. 3, 2020. Support the Show.
Haverhill School Supt. Margaret Marotta
February 21, 2020 00:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBHaverhill School Supterintendent Margaret Marotta visited with WHAV's Win Damon Feb. 4, 2020. Support the Show.
Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch
February 17, 2020 14:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBSupport the Show.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini
February 17, 2020 13:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBWHAV’s Win Damon interviews Haverhill’s longest serving mayor, James J. Fiorentini. Topics include renovation or replacement of the Dr. Albert B. Consentino, John Greenleaf Whittier and John C. Tilton Schools; competition for Comcast cable; public safety; the city’s new master plan; housing; and more. The mayor said crime is generally down, but he is worried about, what he called, the regional gang problem. Support the Show.