Merrimack Valley Newsmakers

If there was any reason to doubt it, the upcoming Topsfield Fair is a sure sign of fall.

America’s oldest county fair, having started in 1818, opens Friday, Oct. 4, and runs through Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14. Although he hasn’t been around since the beginning, Bill Fitzgerald of Methuen’s Mann Orchards is as knowledgeable as anyone about the longtime tradition.

“I actually have my 50-year pin being involved with the Topsfield Fair. Started as quite a young guy, displaying apples and whatnot in the fruit and vegetable building.”

Fitzgerald sits on the Topsfield Fair board of directors and previously served as its president. He was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program and said Mann Orchards will again have a display, but he’s also looking forward to some of the other attractions.

“Well let me tell you, does it get any better than Three Dog Night and .38 Special, right in our own back yard? Honestly, and what we need is great weather those nights. And, then on Friday night that week, we have a couple of young ladies, Maddie and Tae. I think that will be an interesting show as well,” he explains.

One of the highlights at the beginning of the fair is the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, Friday, Oct. 4, at 4 p.m. Fitzgerald says it is not uncommon to find pumpkins exceeding 2,000 pounds. “Now, with the summer we’ve had, hot dry weather, a little bit more of a challenge, I think, for these big pumpkin growers. It’s going to be very interesting to see how they’ve put their minds together and what they’re going to have for a big pumpkin this year. I think we might be surprised with what we see for a great big pumpkin.”

Many days at the Fair have their own theme, including Monday, Oct. 7, which actually has two major features. “Senior Day and also, at the same time, we have what we call Sensory Day, and that is for people who like things a little bit quieter. A lot of the sound systems are turned way down, the lighting is dimmed a little bit, so people who like things a little bit calmer can come to the fair and enjoy that as well,” he points out.

The Topsfield Fair is owned and operated by the Essex Agricultural Society, a nonprofit which states its purpose as “encouraging, promoting and preserving Essex County agricultural activities, and to educate the general public regarding their importance.” There is more at TopsfieldFair.org.

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The banking business in Greater Haverhill has seen a many changes over the years and, similar to the person hawking programs at a sporting event, Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer knows “you can’t tell the players without a program.”

Serving as a local banker for more than 40 years, Mortimer is the “go-to” historian for the local banking scene, you can’t tell the banks without a seasoned veteran. He shared some of his memories recently with listeners of WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. He starts with Haverhill Bank, which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in a couple of years.

“Haverhill Bank was founded on Aug. 13, 1877 and the very first meeting was at the Good Templar’s Hall at 53 Merrimack St., and, also at the very first meeting, the first loan was made to an F.S. McKenny for the sum of $400. Back then, when they used to make loans, they would discount the loans, so you would ask for a loan of $400 but you get $320, but you would have to pay back $400. Those are usury type interest rates that are not allowed today,” he explained.

Mortimer quipped he has been involved with Haverhill’s banking landscape “so long that he can give directions by referencing landmarks that no long exist.” He named some of the other financial institutions while speaking of the growth of Haverhill Bank.

“Haverhill Bank in the 70s merged with Citizens Cooperative Bank. In 1982, they merged with Whittier Cooperative Bank. In 2008, they merged with Northeast Community Credit Union and then in 2012 they merged with Economy Cooperative Bank in Merrimac. And, all that today is Haverhill Bank.”

Mortimer also explained that in the early days, bank presidents usually had other full-time jobs, considering the bank as a part-time position. They also took great pride in having modest working conditions.

“I think at one time Haverhill Bank shared office space with Haverhill National Bank. Haverhill National Bank was where Bank of America is today, right at the corner of Merrimack and Emerson. And, then the Gleason Law Offices, that was Bay Bank Merrimack Valley on Merrimack Street right across from Haverhill Bank. Back in the 70s, I believe, the former CEO, chairman and president of Pentucket Bank, Ed Cote, was the president of Bay Bank Merrimack Valley. When they were consolidating Bay Bank, he became president and CEO of Pentucket Bank.”

Mortimer’s first job in Haverhill was in 1985, at Family Bank, formerly Haverhill Savings Bank and now TD Bank on Merrimack Street, across the street from where he works today.

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Those who expect Haverhill’s annual Restaurant Week this time of year are in for a treat if their taste buds can hold out.

Up until now, Haverhill’s Restaurant week immediately followed L’Arche Boston North’s Longest Table event, which took place last week. During a recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, Haverhill Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Alex Eberhardt says Haverhill restaurant operators says resident most need a treat in the winter.

“So, it’ll be in February, during the slower season, to really help boost attendance in restaurants during the winter months and really start showing how amazing it can be to go and eat special awesome warm food and drink delicious drinks in February when we aren’t sure if there will be a blizzard or not,” she explains.

Eberhardt says the exact start of Haverhill’s Restaurant Week hasn’t been decided, but the concept remains the same.

“I tell people, please be as creative as possible, because having the same burger special that you typically have a few times a year, or every week, isn’t as enticing as having something really whacky and fun, or just a really great special for that week, that entices people to come and try new things, because you want them to choose you even over the other restaurants,” she adds.

Eberhardt says having Restaurant Week in February help keeps the attention on Haverhill’s food scene, following a busy summer and fall season.

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Greater Haverhill service clubs help a variety of organizations, individuals and causes, but one is paying particular attention to older residents taking on unexpected tasks and responsibilities.

Judith Riopelle, president of the Breakfast Exchange Club of Greater Haverhill, recently told listeners of WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program about the club’s work with grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren.

“They’re so used to having things a certain way, and now they have this young child with them. Not only do they have to take care of them, they have to feed them, they have to put clothes on them, and we know how kids can grow. So, it makes it more difficult for them. It’s been a really great thing we’ve done to help them,” Riopelle says.

She adds it’s a situation that is often overlooked. “Especially one thing that is truly near and dear to my heart are the grandparents that have been tasked with raising their grandchildren. They need a lot of help sometimes, because we usually have children when we’re younger. They are on a fixed income. We help them financially, we’ve sent kids to summer camp, we’ve bought school supplies.”

Riopelle says the Breakfast Exchange Club also helps with buying grandparents gift cards that can be used for purchasing snacks for the youngers during school vacation in February and April. They also lend a helping hand in assisting the elderly in signing up for fuel assistance, and they help with veterans’ support.

“And the other thing, a new initiative that we’ve begun, is a thing called Happy Rides, where we provide taxi vouchers for folks to help get over the social isolation from the Covid crisis. They get these taxi vouchers to go do something fun, not a doctors appointment, not going to the hospital, but maybe going to the beauty salon to have their nails done, or to go shopping or to the library, and it’s become very successful, and we’re in the process of expanding that to the Groveland community as well.”

The Breakfast Exchange Club of Greater Haverhill meets on the second and fourth Tuesday mornings at the Citizens Center on Welcome Street in Haverhill, and new members are welcomed. There is more on its website at becgh.org.

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Haverhill police and schools and health representatives are among those joining Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett Tuesday for a free community dinner focused on available mental health resources.

Mental wellness professionals will be available to answer questions about help and support available for adults, young adults, children and teen. YMCA Regional Executive Director Tracy Fuller told listeners of WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program how the event came about and what to expect.

“Earlier this spring, the mayor had a community breakfast over at Somebody Cares to really look into identify pockets in neighborhoods of those that may need some support. So, she had identified and asked if the Y was willing to host, kind of, in the Acre neighborhood. We’d love to have people come and have some dinner. We’ve asked a few mental health professionals to come. Haverhill Public Schools will be there, Beth Israel Lahey Health will be there, NFI will be there, and a few others will be there as well.”

Fuller said the free event takes place Tuesday, Aug. 13, starting at 5:30 p.m., at the YMCA, 81 Winter St., Haverhill.

“I think it’s one of the things we hear often at the Y, and we want to make sure we connect the constituents of Haverhill and the resources together and make sure for those that have questions and are looking for support can get them. This is the mayor’s initiative. We are just happy to be a host for this and we’re hoping lots of people come and take part and, if they have questions, feel like they can get some answers, and have a little dinner too.”

Fuller says the YMCA will have a bouncy house and other activities for children, to allow adults time to get the mental wellness information they are seeking.

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The new MassReconnect program, which encourages students 25 and up to complete their degrees for free, is credited with increasing community college enrollment. One local student taking part tells WHAV about how going back to school shattered some myths and gave him confidence.

Thirty-nine-year-old Pedro Rentas is taking advantage of the program to attend Northern Essex Community College and was surprised to learn there are students older than him taking part.

“Yes! I was happy about it. When I got to my first class, accounting, I was surprised. I wasn’t expecting that, I was afraid of my age, and being around kids and teenagers, but not at all. It was pretty good. It was comfortable,” he says during a recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program.

A recent report on MassReconnect, introduced by Gov. Maura T. Healey’s administration, shows enrollment by students ages 25 and older increased nearly 45%, and pushed overall enrollment up 8% during its first year, reversing a decade of decline.

Rentas, who moved here from the Dominican Republic nine years ago years, says Northern Essex Community College makes it easy for people going back to school.

“People like me, that are coming from different countries, maybe you need your high school diploma. They also have a system that they can get your diploma from your country. So, it’s not excuse for you to not go back to school. They are doing everything, and helping in every way for people to come back to school, and be part of the community, and bring more to the community,” he explains.

Rentas had some college experience in the Dominican Republic, but was not able to complete his degree. He says he wouldn’t have gone back to college without the MassReconnect program.

“The school is really good. Northern Essex Community College, and I know for a lot of people my age going back to school is a little bit scary, but not at all. They make you feel comfortable. The whole staff at Northern Essex is great.”

Rentas made the Dean’s List last semester and has one more to go before he earns his associate degree in Business. He’s doing more than just taking classes. He’s enjoying the complete college experience. He was elected to serve on the Student Government Association, assuming the marketing chair.

“Right now we are taking classes. They’re getting me ready. So, I’m going to be supporting the students with all the events—all programs they have. Sharing all the information on social media. Sharing pictures, sharing stories about all our students,” he notes.

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Essex County Habitat for Humanity is at work developing a duplex with affordable three-bedroom units in Haverhill’s Mount Washington neighborhood, but has hope for another local project as well.

Habitat for Humanity’s Director of Charitable Giving Kevin Hudson appeared Monday on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program to discuss plans for the 41-43 Curtis St., Haverhill site.

“We will start excavation over the summer and get the foundation in and, once we do that, we’ll start building the home and volunteers can help us frame,” he says.

Both units, valued at $245,000 each, have approximately 1,200 square feet with three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a single-car garage. Those interested in getting one of the sets of keys must be first-time homebuyers, have a qualifying household income and be willing to contribute 240-360 hours of “sweat equity.” Applications are due by Friday, Aug. 16, at noon. There will be both an in-person and a remote information session for those interested and wish to learn about the Habitat Homebuyer program process. The in-person session takes place Thursday, July 18, 6 p.m., at Haverhill Public Library’s Johnson Auditorium 99 Main St. A remote session takes place Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m., via Microsoft Teams. More information is available at essexcountyhabitat.org/applying.

Hudson adds the search is on for more land in Haverhill.

“We are currently looking at a couple of properties in the Mount Washington-area. Stay tuned. The site is secured for one of them, and we are just trying to figure out if it’s monetarily feasible and if we can afford it.”

Habitat for Humanity relies on donations. Stepping up for the Haverhill project is Reworld, formerly Covanta. Area Asset Manager Mark Van Weelden says, “The Essex County Habitat for Humanity has many home projects planned in and around Haverhill this year. These underfunded projects deliver positive results in our community and are most worthy of our participation and financial support. I encourage others to work alongside a future homeowner and to financially support these projects.”

Hudson says volunteers are also critical for success. He credits students from Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.

“Absolutely, you have to be 16 to be on the job site and then you have to be over 18 to use any of the power tools, but we definitely welcome them. There’s plenty of other stuff to do.”

Hudson finds he doesn’t have to start from the beginning when he talks about his organization.

“I think the Habitat for Humanity name is well known. A lot of people associate it with (former U.S. President) Jimmy Carter. Our vision is that someday everyone will have a safe place to live. It had been around, but Jimmy Carter really put it front and center. He was a volunteer up until about two years ago.”

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Clean River Project founder Rocky Morrison seeks to redouble his organization’s efforts to keep the Merrimack River free of discarded mattresses, syringes, cars and mountains of trash.

Appearing last week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, Morrison says his group is the only one undertaking this kind of work below the water’s surface and communities should help pay for it.

“We started 20 years ago cleaning up the Merrimack River, back in Methuen, as a scavenger hunt and it grew into a nonprofit. Here we are 20 years later. We pull about 100 tons a year. We have 86 vehicles pulled from the Merrimack River so far—our goal is 100. We’ve been in Haverhill waterways for several years and we are hoping to get a contract back with the City of Haverhill,” he tells listeners.

Morrison says the Clean River Project had a contract with Haverhill in the past, but was unable to reach a renewal agreement. Morrison points to a federal government settlement with pharmaceutical companies that gives communities a source of money to attack the job.

“Lawrence, Haverhill and Lowell and the cities and towns that are receiving this opioid money settlement, and it’s supposed to be going towards cleaning up the hypodermic needles, parts, stuff like that. I know Lawrence is using it to clean up the Merrimack River. Methuen is looking at it. Haverhill received over $400,000 for the past four years, combined. So, they could actually use some of this money to clean up the Merrimack River, and Haverhill really needs it.”

Besides government grants, Morrison gets volunteer help from small civic groups as well as large corporations such as Watts Water Technologies of North Andover, 3M and Keurig Coffee. Morrison says Haverhill is at the receiving end of items put into the Merrimack from upriver. Longtime sponsor Reworld, formerly known as Covanta, recently pledged continuing support.

“Rocky Morrison and his crew are relentless each year in their commitment to keep our Merrimack River watershed free from trash. We look forward in expanding our partnership and participation in the river clean ups each year,” said Reworld Area Asset Manager Mark Van Weelden.

“Basically anything that comes out of Lawrence, like the Spicket River in Lawrence, they throw everything down there—tires, TVs, mattresses, and it washes to Haverhill. It goes onto the shoreline and sits there. We had the booms out there and were collecting all that. Then, we had the boat with the hydraulic arm that would grab the mattresses off the bottom. They weigh 1,000 pounds when they are on the bottom of the river. You have to have the right equipment, and that’s what we are doing out here. We are putting the booms in and collecting the stuff,” Morrison says.

There’s more information about Clean River Project online at CleanRiverProject.org.

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The Groveland Council on Aging’s “EngAGEment Celebration and Symposium” this Saturday, features an address by Dr. Katharine Esty, author of “Eightysomethings,” workshops and connections to community resources.

Groveland Council on Aging Director Alyssa Lee visited WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” show recently to welcome attendance at the free event and explain its purpose.

“That is an opportunity to celebrate and promote community engagement and well being among older adults. It’s an opportunity for the community to connect with local organizations as well as community members and just have general resources of the wealth of information that is around in our community to support our older adults in our community as well as care partners,” she said.

Lee emphasizes the event is not just open to seniors and Groveland residents, but also to caregivers and those in surrounding communities.

Esty talks about finding unexpected happiness in aging. Conversations and interactive workshops also center on aspects of aging, including community living, caregiver support, understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia and exercise.

The EngAGEment Celebration and Symposium takes place Saturday, June 29, from 10:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Pentucket Regional High School, 24 Main St., West Newbury. Lunch will be provided.

After the event, Groveland’s Council on Aging won’t be slowing down this summer. Lee encourages everyone to read its newsletter online.

“So in July and August, our newsletter comes out next month, which is on the town of Groveland website, there are lots of great trips, we have a van trip going out, we have lots of educational programs, including a transportation seminar where there’s an opportunity to learn about all of the free, and paid for, services to make sure older adults can stay connected to their community.”

Staying active is another important aspect to aging. She said there is a yoga program held outdoors on days when the weather is nice. There is also an exercise program that is a little more active, in addition to some social activities.

“We do have cornhole and ping pong and we will have those as drop in opportunities starting in July, I think 11 a.m. to  1 p.m.”

Before becoming Groveland’s Council on Aging Director, Lee was involved on the arts. “Before that my professional career was focused on arts administration in the classical arts world. I had spent my career in Boston, most recently as executive director of Project Step, located in Symphony Hall, which was an amazing experience. Also, there is a big overlap between the classical music constituents and older adults, and I’m really glad to be where I am now.”

Those interested in attending Saturday’s EngAGEment Celebration and Symposium are advised to register by calling 978-372-1101 or visiting here.

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School graduation season offers a time for reflection, planning and often some heartwarming stories, but it was considerably more for 82-year-old Jean Spurr of Groveland.

Spurr was awarded an honorary diploma June 1 from Georgetown High School where she was a member of the class of 1959 at graduation ceremonies on Saturday morning. She recently told WHAV listeners the unusual and heartfelt experience of how she came to finally don cap and gown and participate in high school graduation.

Spurr and her companion, Steven D. Sardella of Haverhill, were guests on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Earlier this year, Sardella had an idea about a special birthday gift for Spurr. He asked the Georgetown School Committee to grant her an honorary diploma based on her life experience. The School Committee unanimously agreed and everything fell into place.

“They gave me a cap and gown and a flower. The superintendent, everyone, was just so nice to me there. They treated me with so much respect. They were just awesome,” she said. “(The ceremony was) in back at the Perley High School—the Perley Elementary now, but it was the Perley High School where I went to school.”

Spurr explained how she had an excellent attendance record, but fell just a few credits short of graduating. Instead of attending an extra year of school, as was the case back then, she married and moved to Groveland where she raised a family, waitressed for 30 years and eventually came to own the Groveland Square Diner. She also drove a school bus for nearly 20 years, worked for the Groveland Highway Department and currently volunteers at the town clerk’s office.

Spurr earlier considered attempts at earning her diploma earlier. “I had all my books for the GED, and I tried at different times during my years to try it. For some reason, I just couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do it!”

She said the diploma will have a special spot in her home.

“Yes I do, I have it home. I’m going to put it right in my living room where everybody can see it and I can look at it every day. It’s beautiful. I can’t describe how I feel! It’s just mind boggling to me how nice everyone was. My family was there. I’m very grateful.”

Spurr was joined by family as School Committee Chairman Michael Hinchliffe presented her with a diploma during this year’s Georgetown graduation ceremonies. Spurr strode across the stage to accept her diploma, share hugs with School Committee members and administrators and briefly thanked all those in attendance.

“Jean your journey is one of unwavering spirit and love for your community. You have served with grace, faced life’s challenges head on, and now you come before us a graduate,” Hinchliffe said in remarks during the ceremony. “This diploma is a symbol of your life long journey of learning and service.”

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