By: Linda Dean Campbell The State Legislature extended its two-year session past the usual July 31st end date in order to continue legislating during the pandemic. While we have accomplished a great deal, so much remains to be done to continue state funding of critical services related to the pandemic, pass important legislation, support cities […]
Hello Valley Patriot Readers, 2020 was a challenging year to say the least, with our communities facing hardships that COVID-19 brought to our economy, families, health care system and many other facets of our lives. At the same time, it was amazing to see the people of the Merrimack Valley come together during an unprecedented […]
METHUEN REPORT CARDS With a new mayor and city council in Methuen taking the reins of power in January, The Valley Patriot has been keeping track of who is serving the people of Methuen and who is there to serve themselves. Below is our objective evaluation of each councilors for 2020. Our editors, staff and […]
Methuen Mayor Neil Perry is pleased to announce that the City has received state funding to further enhance the economic development of the downtown area by improving the transportation and parking infrastructure on Charles and Lawrence Streets. Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Secretary Mike Kenneally of the Executive Office of Housing and […]
BOSTON – A Methuen man was indicted on Monday, Jan. 11 by a federal grand jury on charges of armed bank robbery. Caio Costa, 25, was indicted on one count of armed bank robbery and one count of using and carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. According to charging documents, […]
1/11/21 Methuen Police Chief Joe Solomon has notified Mayor Perry this morning that he has put in for his retirement papers after 35 years on the police department, and 18 years as police chief. Sources close to Solomon said that he made the decision after watching Mayor Perry on the Paying Attention! Podcast last Thursday. […]
Clear Path for Veterans New England would like to congratulate our Volunteer of the Month for November 2020, Randy Carter. Thank you to WPKZ Radio for hosting our Volunteer of the Month Awards, along with the following sponsors: Olympic Trophy (Worcester) and Harvard Outdoor Power Equipment. Randy will receive a gift and a plaque for […]
December – Year in Review As I write this article, it is hard to believe that more than a year has passed since I was elected Mayor. As end of 2020 approaches, it’s a good time to take a look in the rearview mirror and highlight some of our accomplishments together over a very difficult […]
Hello Valley Patriot Readers, The Legislature recently passed a budget for Fiscal Year 2021. The package includes important investments in sectors impacted by COVID-19, including public health, education and childcare, food security and housing supports. Locally, the budget includes $200,000 toward the establishment of a first-ever Methuen Youth and Community Center, bringing us one step […]
By: Rep. Linda Dean Campbell As we continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains a tremendous need for food assistance in Massachusetts, as our economy has been particularly hard hit and unemployment numbers are through the roof. If you are in need of food assistance, the Project Bread Hotline can connect you to […]
Today the Merrimack Valley Chamber recognized Holy Family Hospital for its 2020 “Top General Hospital” with a special citation. Chamber President & CEO Joe Bevilacqua and Vice President Michael A. Bevilacqua said they were “very proud of the work the hospital is doing and the excellent staff that helps to achieve such high levels of excellence.” HFH […]
Interactive Map Highlights Festive Locations and City History METHUEN — Mayor Neil Perry is pleased to announce that Methuen’s Historical Holiday Light Tour is underway and will run through the rest of the month. The City has created an interactive map that pinpoints the historic city buildings that have been lit up for the holidays, […]
Every year the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley organization hosts a Christmas party for local foster children to raise their spirits and remind them that their community is behind them. In the past, toys were collected through numerous avenues and each child received a special package of age and gender appropriate toys. The children […]
By: Joel Faretra – Nov. 2020 As we settle into fall and get ready for another New England winter, our local restaurants are scrambling to come up with plans to continue to stay open as outdoor dining becomes less and less desirable. Please continue to support our local restaurants by going out if you are […]
November, 2020 By the time you read this article, the presidential election will be finished, hopefully. Regardless of who you supported, and whether that candidate won or not, here’s hoping we can learn to dialogue respectfully about our issues, and work towards improving our city, state and even our country. Know that if you are […]