Hello Valley Patriot Readers, During the COVID-19 pandemic, 77 residents of the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragically died of the virus – the deadliest outbreak at a long-term care facility in the United States over the course of the pandemic. In late March 2020, there had been 230 residents at the home. By the end of […]
March in State Representative Marcos Devers’ office began with a change of scenery. With the reopening of the State House in late February, Rep. Devers moved into the office space of the Transportation Committee, where he serves as Vice Chair. Rep. Devers continues to assist constituents with issues such as housing, unemployment, and transportation. For […]
By: Jerry Flynn, NEPBA Executive Director Last night I received a phone call which every parent, spouse or a family member of a police officer hope to never receive, but knows it is always a possibility. The call was from a Police Lieutenant Chris Ryan with the Massachusetts Port Authority Police Department who woke me […]
By: Brian Genest – April, 2022 Don’t be fooled by the company name. At Lazy River Products in Dracut, there’s a strong current of ongoing activity, focused on both the growth of quality cannabis and the blooming business. From retail sales and cultivation to R&D and wholesaling, things are on fire at the company […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell The Massachusetts House of Representatives has passed legislation to invest $350 million in key transportation improvements across the Commonwealth – a necessary investment for economic growth and quality of life in our communities. The bill includes $200 million for the Chapter 90 program, which provides funding to cities and […]
The Valley Patriot BASH Scholarship and Award night supporters donated $3,775 to Briana Tratchenberg of Methuen. Flanked by her family, Methuen School Committee member Jana Zanni Pesce and Methuen City Councilor Eunice Zeigler, and former councilor Ryan Hamilton, Tratchenberg was presented a check by Valley Patriot publisher, Tom Duggan. The scholarship was started this year […]
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking activities involving fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jose Martinez, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Sterns to 66 months in prison and four years of supervised release. On Aug. 31, 2021, […]
BOSTON – An alleged member of the Trinitarios street gang was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with trafficking firearms, ammunition, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine in the Greater Lawrence area. Jose Omar Hernandez-Aragones, 24, of Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 70 months in […]
In 2018, (then) Lawrence City Councilor Brian DePena supported a small group of volunteers called TMF, or “The Movement Family”. TMF had started setting up weekly dinners for the homeless at the Buckley Garage on Common Street, taking advantage of the overhang there, they were able to not only set up a buffet style full […]
April, 2022 Every year The Valley Patriot holds an annual BASH Scholarship and Award Night where we give out college scholarships to high school students and awards for community heroes. Last week’s BASH was the first event in three years because of the COVID hysteria and lockdowns. Titled “The Official Kickoff of the Return to […]
During the Valley Patriot’s 18th Anniversary BASH Scholarship and Award Night, and only a minute after TMF leader Michael Gorman’s mom received an award for Community Service, Gorman himself took the microphone to thank Mayor DePena for helping the group to feed the homeless. But, before he could finish speaking, Darlene Ford from AAA of […]
AMESBURY – Sophorn Phy was a high school student when she got her first job working in a nail salon. “I was always attracted to the self-care industry,” explained Phy. “I was still a teenager but ended up getting my Manicurist license so that I could work in a salon setting.” Phy’s interest ran […]
LOWELL – PRIDEStar EMS is proud to share that two paramedics from its Trinity EMS Division were honored by the Haverhill City Council on Tuesday night for reviving a Haverhill resident. The Haverhill City Council and Mayor James J. Fiorentini presented Paramedics Samantha Kuenzler and Bobby Thorne with a certificate recognizing their quick response and […]
By: Kane Peaslee Merrimack Valley Food Bank is a 501c-3 Regional Food Distribution Center in Lowell, Massachusetts that provides nutritious food and freedom from hunger to the low income, homeless and the hungry. The MVFB distributes food to many of the local food pantrys, senior citizen complexes, shelters, school department, and group homes in […]
The Merrimack Company Focuses on Eco-friendly Manufacturing and 1% for the Planet LAWRENCE – The Merrimack Company launched their first collection of sustainable, eco-friendly apparel and accessories designed in the heart of the Merrimack Valley. With a mission to help people “Stay Adventurous,” the Lawrence-based brand offers a collection made from organic and recycled materials […]