Joe Rizzuti, an active member of the Certified Peer Support Specialist Team serving police officers and first responders in Massachusetts, took the time to sit down with Kane to provide information on the history and development of the rise of peer support networks throughout the Commonwealth. Support comes in many forms, including critical incident support, […]
By: John Cuddy – 02-23 US Navy Seabee Veteran and Andover resident Robert “Bob” Brown is the son of a US Military Veteran and Massachusetts firefighter. The Valley Patriot first met up with Bob Brown last year at a Chamber of Commerce function at Salvatore’s in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Bob and his staff helped write […]
By: Brian Genest – 02-23 It’s been a hell of a week for new MassGOP Chairman Amy Carnevale. A hell of a bad week. Carnevale, the party establishment’s darling du jour who squeaked out a 37-34 win over conservative Jim Lyons, has already stepped in more piles of crap than a dog walker in […]
By: Philippe Thibault Did you ever take a Myers Briggs Personality Test? I have been intrigued by the sixteen personality types and the associations of one type working with another. It would be amusing to have the Dracut Board of Selectmen fill out the survey and see what dynamics are at work between the members. […]
A close race, a recount, a court challenge and legislative action, resulted in the 1st Essex District State Rep. Lenny Mirra winning his reelection by 100 votes then losing by one vote. Mirra appeared on the Paying Attention! Podcast last week (iTunes, iHeartRadio, YouTube, PodBean) to give us the exclusive on how the entire apparatus […]
Sheriff Coppinger cites critical staffing challenges as reason for new policy MIDDLETON — The Essex County Sheriff’s Department is lowering its minimum age for correctional officers from 21 years old to 19 years old to help address a critical shortage of officers. With staffing shortages being what they are, the Essex County Sheriff’s Department is […]
By: State Rep. Ryan Hamilton ~ 02-23 It has been a busy month in the 15 Essex District. My office officially submitted seven bills for this legislative session. These bills address issues such as veteran and active-duty military benefits—mental health resources for those in our schools, and electrifying the Haverhill Commuter Rail line by the […]
The following is a summary of findings from the investigation conducted by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, detectives from the Andover Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. About 3:09 a.m. on Feb. 9, 2023, the Andover Police Department received a 911 call from 48 […]
$16M Coming to the City of Lawrence, MA. LAWRENCE – Mayor Brian A. DePeña gave his 2nd State of the City Address, alongside members of the Lawrence State Delegation, and members of the community. Mayor DePeña gave an update on the issues facing the City of Lawrence, along with his early priorities and efforts to address […]
The long-time Executive Director & CEO of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc., plans to retire and will be succeeded by Lawrence’s Vilma Martinez-Dominguez. Evelyn Friedman, Executive Director & CEO, has announced plans to retire in July, and the GLCAC Board of Directors has selected Martinez-Dominguez, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), to […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino As a state representative, I am deeply dedicated to fighting for equity in my community. Equity is not just about treating everyone the same, but it is about addressing the systemic barriers and inequalities that prevent certain groups from having the same opportunities for success. The difference between equality and […]
Hello Valley Patriot Readers, Last Wednesday, surrounded by family and friends, I was sworn in as your State Auditor at Methuen High School, my alma mater, where I had the opportunity to share my audit plan. As Auditor, I am excited to collaborate with communities and stakeholders to increase access, accountability, and equity for […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano ~ 02-23 My first month as a state Senator has been eventful both in the district and on Beacon Hill. I have been joined by an amazing team who work diligently to help me serve the First Essex District. They assist me with everything from policy research to responding to […]
Joyce and Gracemarie Tomaselli ~ 02-23 On January 20, 2023, Joyce and Gracemarie Tomaselli, petitioned two bills to the state senate. Through years of experiences and research we found that we all seek and deserve the right to justice when relying on the court(s) to render an accurate decision based on honest and true facts […]