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December 17, 2009

The Lamp Post, published Dec. 17

Shakala Alvaranga, 17, and Maeve Hess, 6, of Haverhill just returned from the Miss American Coed Pageant and, although they didn't win the national title crowns in their respective divisions, they came home with some serious hardware. Shakala, in the teen division, finished in the top 15 and walked away with seven trophies. She won the National Speech title and the National Model title. She was second runner up in the talent competition and third runner up in the actress competition.

Maeve, in the princess division for girls ages 3 to 7, also made the top 15. She was the National Photogenic winner and first runner up in the cheerleading competition.

Maeve was crowned Miss New England American Coed Princess in September and Shakala was crowned Miss New England American Coed Teen at the same pageant.

A domesticated white duck who has enjoyed the hospitality of students and neighborhood residents at the pond at Zion Bible College since early summer — and whom fans named "Aflac" and "Herbert" (The Lamplighter wonders if he answered to either!) — has been rescued from his chilly hangout. One of the folks who had been feeding the duck saw a local farmer taking him to warmth and safety for the winter. A flock of wild ducks had spent the warmer months at the pond, but have since left for a more hospitable climate. Neighbors say they hope all the ducks will be back next spring, including their friend Herbert.

Trevor and Tyler Langlois, students at Ocasio's True Martial Arts in Haverhill, have the spirit of giving this season. They've decided not to ask for birthday gifts when they have their birthday party at the martial arts school on Merrimack Street on Jan. 9. Instead, they'll ask their guests to give a donation to Ocasio's Turkey Brigade, which provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need.

Service, it appears, runs in the Johnson family. Becky Johnson, daughter of Denise Johnson, former Brightside director who is now Haverhill's aide to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, gave a presentation to the Haverhill chapter of Soroptimists on Wednesday about her work with the Peace Corps on issues of preventing human trafficking, bride kidnapping and women's leadership.

If you weren't rich enough to bid on one of the big Shoe-la-bration shoes at the auction this fall, but you'd like a keepsake from this year's biggest event, stop by the Friends Shop at the Haverhill Public Library for this year's holiday ornament, a depiction of a shoe against a backdrop of the city. Sales benefit library services. The Friends' annual calendar, full of historical photos, is on sale, too.

Normally, signs in the windows of downtown Haverhill businesses are placed there in order to lure customers here. It seems a recently placed sign is trying to send them over the line to Plaistow, N.H. In the other half of the Washington Street building that houses Salon 1712, a sign urges patrons to visit Granite State Poker, located on Route 125 in Plaistow.

Speaking of downtown windows, The Lamplighter notices that brown paper is covering the windows of the former Casey Paper store, leading to speculation that a new tenant is moving in. That would be great news for the Merrimack Street half of the downtown.

The Haverhill Council on Aging has planned a New Year's party for those who'd rather sleep than watch the famed Times Square glitter ball drop. The party, at DiBurro's in Ward Hill, begins which begins a half-hour before noon, not midnight, will be just as festive as those held later in the day. There will be a nice meal, music, noise-makers, hats, dancing and entertainment. Tickets are $48 per person.

More evidence that Haverhill native Tom Bergeron is in line to follow Jerry Lewis as the face of the national Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon and fundraising effort? The Lamplighter received an e-mail from Bergeron, in concert with Lewis, seeking holiday donations to the organization.

Former Haverhill resident Al Basile is having impressive success with his latest CD, "Soul Blue 7," which, according to the blues musician charted at Nos. 12 and 18, respectively, for October and November on the Living Blues radio chart. More reason for pride could come later this year if a CD by Duke Robillard, "Stomp! The Blues Tonite!" wins the Grammy for which it is nominated. Basile played in the horn section on that recording — the third time a CD with which he has been involved has received a Grammy nomination. The first two did not win. The Lamplighter is sure that Basile has his fingers crossed for friend and collaborator Robillard.

Julie Varney of Methuen, the Gazette's tireless intern this summer who is also the current editor of the Observer, Northern Essex Community College's student newspaper, is one of just 75 students from around the country selected to receive a full scholarship to participate in the Campus Coverage Project, a three-day campus investigative reporting workshop. In addition, she will participate in a yearlong program that offers ongoing training and opportunities to learn from top reporters from throughout the country. The Campus Coverage Project will take place at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University in January.

A Methuen High graduate, Varney will receive an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts with a Journalism/Communication Option from Northern Essex in May and she plans to transfer to a journalism program at a four-year college or university in the fall.

Varney is a temporary member of the Gazette's staff while reporter Joni Quinn is on maternity leave.

Seems Paper Potpourri owner Elaine Barker has discovered the fountain of youth. The Haverhill businesswoman was "carded" three times while at a recent business workshop, because workers at the facility did not believe she was entitled to "senior citizen" discounts.

Now that winter has arrived, members of the Boys and Girls Clubs all over the country are concentrating their efforts on getting "clunker" donations. People wishing to donate their cars as a way to help the club raise money are urged to call 800-246-0493. Cars are sold at auction and donors may take the selling price as a tax deduction. Haverhill residents who have been considering donating an old car to such a program might be swayed by the recent passing of Boys and Girls Club benefactor Richard Wysocki to do something good for the organization.

There are some changes in the Washington Street restaurant scene to report. Cheerleader's Bar is gone, and in its place, Archies on the Waterfront is set to open. Hans Garden has opened its doors to a restaurant and lounge next door to the Tap.

Some lucky children are going to receive hand-crafted toys, thanks to a donation by William Honor of Little River Kid Kraft. Honor donated handmade toys at Raff's Cafe on Primrose Street during a collection by the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Raff's is a drop-off location for the holiday toy drive.

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