By: Dani Langevin – April, 2021 As a result of the current social climate in America (and the one that has existed since its birth), many friends and colleagues have been asking my advice on how to talk to or “handle” difficult conversations with a gay person. What do you say when they come out? […]
By: Rep. Linda Dean Campbell The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed numerous bills last year to support small businesses and hard-hit industries like our restaurants. We have continued that work by sending to Governor Baker’s desk a financial relief bill to help businesses and employees most affected by the pandemic. The bill, which passed the […]
METHUEN – (Grassroots Newswire) – Janet McLennan, broker/owner of CENTURY 21 McLennan & Company is pleased to announce that in recognition of outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently honored Trevor Gearin, sales associate with CENTURY 21 McLennan & Company with the 2020 CENTURY 21(r) President’s Producer Award. The […]
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced yesterday in relation to the seizure of over 10 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin in December 2018. Carlos Soto-Villar, 34, a Dominican national formerly residing in Lawrence, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release. […]
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing global franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced its new club in Methuen is now open. It’s located in The Loop shopping center at 90 Pleasant Valley Street, recently relocated from the 40 Jackson Street location. Planet Fitness […]
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 […]
The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. is now accepting students for enrollment in its Head Start programs. All of GLCAC’s centers in Lawrence and Methuen are open for in-person and virtual education. The centers serve families in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover and North Andover. “Research shows children who receive early learning do better in school,’’ […]
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 […]
12/23/20 Methuen Mayor Neil Perry has put Police Chief Joe Solmon and Captain Greg Gallant on leave after a scathing report was released today by the The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding the passing of the controversial 2017 Police Superior Officers’ Contract. In the 153 page report the Inspector General cites a “a […]
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 […]
Nov. 16, 2020 Since being taken over by former North Andover Veterans’ Services Officer (VSO) Ed Mitchell, Veteran’s North East Outreach in Haverhill has come under fire for neglecting and turning away local vets, firing veterans and hiring friends who are not veterans. Mitchell took over after the passing of VNOC’s founder John Ratka last year when […]
The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. is accepting fuel assistance applications for the winter heating season now through April 30, 2021. Funding is available to help pay a portion of winter heating bills for income-eligible households in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Reading and North Reading. Residents are encouraged to apply even if they […]
By: State Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Oct. 2020 The 2020 general election is fast approaching, with November 3 as the last day to vote. The State Legislature has passed a law to give citizens options to vote safely and securely during the pandemic, including (1) voting by mail, (2) voting in person at an […]