Department of Public Works Director Mike Stankovich has the most interesting collection of job titles in the city. Last year, Mayor James Fiorentini named Stankovich the city's stimulus czar, an impressive title to be sure. But did you know he is also the city's tree and forest warden as well as its gypsy moth control superintendent? Now you do.
There was quite a commotion in Washington Square on Tuesday morning, when police were alerted to a "suspicious" suitcase near the Washington Square bus terminal. The area was cleared as police checked on the suitcase. When they X-rayed the case, all police found was a solitary automobile license plate. Nothing dangerous there.
Haverhill Mayor James Fiorentini told attendees at a recent Chamber of Commerce breakfast for the region's leaders that "you wouldn't know there's a recession if you visit Haverhill — unless you go to City Hall." He was remarking on the 29 jobs that have been cut since the economic downturn. The rest of the city, Fiorentini said, is in the midst of a "renaissance."
Are you missing a snow tube? Early last Friday morning, a neighbor was driving down Washington Street off of Lowell Avenue when a rubber inflatable snow tube blew onto the road. The driver didn't want anyone else to hit it, but wasn't sure who it belonged to, so she put it in the trunk of her car. Now she is looking for the tube's owner so she can return it. Please call the Gazette at 978-556-8525 to get connected with the driver.
While some folks are still enjoying the recreational opportunities of winter, others can't wait to celebrate spring. Haverhill's Brightside is already preparing an event for Earth Day that will involve the whole family. Called Haverhill Goes Green, it will be at Winnekenni Castle on April 25 from noon to 4 p.m., featuring speakers and vendors from the area. If anyone is interested in helping at the event, they are invited to the next Haverhill's Brightside meeting on Thursday, Feb. 18t, at 7 p.m. in Room 205, City Hall.
It's almost time for the annual Haverhill Day Reunion in Palm Harbor, Fla. The reunion brings together city residents who are visiting the Sunshine State for the winter and those who have relocated after retirement. Former residents George Constantine and Wayne Grazio plan the annual event. This is the 27th year that Haverhill Day will be celebrated in Florida. This year's celebration is Saturday, March 13, in Chestnut Park on Lake Tarpon in Shelter No. 10. The festivities start at 10:30 a.m. If you'd like to let Constantine know that you'll be there, contact him at 352-726-2275 or e-mail grcbac@tampabay.rr.com.
Monday, Feb. 15, is Presidents Day. Banks and post offices are closed, trash pickup is delayed a day and there will be no mail delivery. The MVRTA does not provide local bus service or EZ Trans Service on Sundays or holidays.
News flash: Local boy comes closer to home. Well, he's a boy no longer, but the Rev. Richard Burton is local. The priest and Haverhill native is being transferred closer to his old stomping grounds. Burton has been assigned to St. Lucy Church in Methuen, much nearer to his parents, Lewis and Hortense Burton, than his previous assignments in Salem, Mass., and Peabody. Burton, 50, was ordained in 2003 and said his first Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Haverhill.
