Merrimack Valley Newsmakers

WHAV Staff
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Thought-provoking words from the Merrimack Valley's most influential voices in education, politics, environment and more, as heard exclusively over 97.9 WHAV FM.

  1. 1d ago

    Haverhill Readies for Greek Festival This Saturday and Sunday

    Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Haverhill Greek Festival returns this Friday and Saturday with homemade Greek food and pastries, music, Greek products, raffles and more. One of the festival organizers, Ted Vathally, gave WHAV listeners a preview during Monday’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “The food is just spectacular. It’s all homemade. Nothing’s bought,” he said. He explained the menu includes baked lamb dinners, chicken souvlaki, pork souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita, Greek grape leaves and desserts such as baklava. Very popular are gyros, which he explained, is a word often mispronounced. “A very big seller—the gyros. Of course, people pronounce them gyro (JIGH-roh), but it’s gyro (YEE-ro).” Vathally gave a shout out to festival Chair Ari Pardales. “He is there morning, noon and night weeks in advance getting this thing ready. It’s setting up the hall. It’s getting the chairs, setting up the tray line. He is so dedicated,” he said. While Vathally was on the air, he spent time reminiscing about earlier connections to WHAV, including visits with former owner Edward Cetlin and legendary News Director Edwin Johnson, and his family’s Vathally Drug Store and Coffee Shop, operated by his father, former Haverhill Mayor Thomas Vathally, that later became A-1 Deli on Merrimack Street. The Greek Festival takes place Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 154 Winter St., Haverhill. Support the show

  2. 5d ago

    Both Sides Appeal to Voters on Haverhill’s Unique Question 10

    While voters in most Massachusetts cities and towns see nine questions on their ballots, Haverhill residents see 10—an extra one that could allow onsite cannabis consumption at a downtown lounge. Those who haven’t already voted early or by mail will see the 10th question when they go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3. In recent weeks, both a proponent of the idea and an opponent took their arguments live on WHAV. Caroline Pineau, owner of cannabis retailer Stem, 124 Washington St., and physician John L. Maddox made their cases on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Pineau helped organize a Haverhill Cannabis Walk Oct. 17 that urged a no vote on statewide question 8 that would end legal cannabis use, and yes on the local question 10. She also brought former NFL star Ricky Williams to Haverhill the next day. Williams, who with other former NFL players, launched Project Champion, which advocates nationally for the healing powers of cannabis. Maddox, a practicing physician for more than 25 years and who has served as the public school’s pediatrician, became the face of those opposed, speaking in his capacity as a private citizen. Pineau said voter approval will allow Stem to open the first public cannabis lounge in the state. “I’m in a unique position to open a really cool space in downtown Haverhill. It will discreet. It will have the proper air ventilation systems required by the state,” she said. Pineau said the lounge will also help the local economy and contribute more to local taxes to the city. She noted her effort to put the question on the ballot attracted 5,200 signatures in support. “It will create local jobs and investment in the community and it’s the safe and responsible way to do this. Right now, there’s no legal space where people can consume cannabis,” she added. Maddox compared examples of impaired driving when the person behind the wheel has consumed alcohol and the one who consumed THC, the active ingredient in cannabis. “The police don’t have any way to monitor that. With alcohol, there’s breathalyzers and you can monitor the condition of somebody and whether they’re safe to drive. There’s no tool to do that, and police will tell you that if they pull somebody over and they have a concern, there really isn’t any way to prove it. But, unfortunately, if you look at statistics, 42% of car fatalities, the driver tested positive for THC,” he said. He also discussed his fear of a delayed impact from another form of cannabis. “With a marijuana edible, the person can get into the car and look fairly sober, and they’re going to become increasingly intoxicated on the drive home,” he said. Maddox also raised concern about Haverhill being branded as a “marijuana mecca,” saying the scent of cannabis is “pervasive” from Washington Square to Columbus Park, and he said he worries about the effect of the product on young people whose brains are still developing until about age 25. Support the show

  3. Aug 25

    YWCA Introduces 1892 Club to Celebrate Tribute to Women Event Honorees

    The YWCA of Northeastern Massachusetts is introducing its 1892 club to honor past and present Tribute to Women honorees. YWCA Director of Advancement Nicole Sammartino, speaking recently on WHAV’s morning show, says it’s up to about 900 women in the 43 years the Tribute has been held. Sammartino outlined the goals of the club named in honor of the year of the local YWCA was founded. “We’re creating this club for women to come together and talk about the larger issues of the community. How else can we work together? So, we’re looking for ways to deepen the work that these women do, and we know that, some of these women, when they come together, the work that they can get done is really unmeasurable,” she says. Sammartino says the club’s annual donation goal is $18,920. Money will be allocated annually and directed to the best use that year. According to Sammartino, the donation pool is just under $15,000 for this year. The first gathering of the 1892 club is Thursday, Sept., 17, at Double Tree Hilton in Andover. Details will be announced. The YWCA is also holding Fall Fest, Thursday, Oct. 8, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St, Haverhill. It features food, live band, games and a raffle with prizes from local artists and businesses. This year also features the presentation of three YWCA community service awards including an individual award, a business award and a YWCA staff member of the year award. Tickets are $100 each and available online at givebutter.com/2026YWCAFallFest. The YWCA is supporting families with children returning to school by working with businesses to make sure children have the school supplies they need for the upcoming year. Sammartino suggested any families with unnecessary or extra school supplies, leave them at the Haverhill or Lawrence YWCA buildings. Support the show

  4. Aug 11

    Woofstock’s Morgan Previews September Plans

    Haverhill’s Woofstock is returning next month for its third year, and event organizer Cyndie Morgan says the visitors can expect even more. Last year, Woofstock brought 1,100 people and 400 dogs. During a recent appearance on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, Morgan explained why she expects increased participation this year.   “We know this year it’s absolutely going to be a higher number. I know for myself, personally, when I’m out in the community. I was at Canobie the other day with my T-shirt on that says Haverhill’s Woofstock and I actually had two people stop me, and tell me that they came to the event and that they loved it. So, that tells me the word is getting out about the event, and that just made me so happy to hear that,” she said. She explained the event is at full capacity for vendors and this year the sit-stay-eat-area moves to the middle of the farm space between the main area and the field. Other activities at Woofstock will include a 5,000-ball, ball-pit for the dogs to play in, and mental health discussions with Ellie Mental Health. The creative corner of Woofstock features Team Stella where children can read with a French Bulldog named Stella, along with Haverhill Promise that will hand out books for a third-grade reading level. Author of Benji and Maverick’s Brave Adventure Michael Mulkern of Mulkern Consulting, who based the children’s book of his son and his dog, will also be present. Sweet Paws Rescue plans live adoptions and fundraising for its building project. The band Rear Window will also be back to perform. Haverhill Police’s comfort dog Max will also be present along with Haverhill’s Sparky the fire dog. Morgan said to make the event more exciting than the last two, she plans to bring in a Swift Paws lure course—a 30-foot by 50-foot lure course in which a game of chase is simulated for dogs to take part. Swift Paws will bring photography and all safety equipment required so that the dogs may run and play. Morgan has been working with a local group called Business Insiders to fundraise for the course. A recent fundraiser at Garrison Golf helped raise money. Haverhill’s Woofstock 2026 takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Chris’ Farm Stand, 436 Salem St., Haverhill. In the event of rain, Woofstock takes place Sunday, Sept. 20. Support the show

  5. Jul 27

    Moulton Spells Out Differences in U.S. Senate Run, Says Feds Can Help Haverhill

    U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton says he believes the federal government will come through for Haverhill to fix infrastructure and, with his help, continue to make good on health and education. Moulton, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for Senate against incumbent. Edward J. Markey, expressed his confidence and answered questions during a live interview Friday on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. Following Haverhill’s force main sewer failure, Moulton and 5th District Congresswoman Lori Trahan, proposed raising the ceiling on federal money to upgrade Haverhill’s wastewater infrastructure from $40 million to $50 million. Moulton said he is confident the federal government would come to the rescue. “Haverhill residents can’t take care of this on your own. You need help. This is exactly what you should expect the federal government to do,” Moulton said, adding this situation is proof Congress “can get things down” even in a “divided environment.” Moulton, 47, is pitching himself as the young progressive choice against Markey, who is 80. On a question about what he would do as a senator to ensure Haverhill gets its fair share of federal help for healthcare, schools and other social programs, Moulton touted his success in bringing $2 billion in federal funding to the city of Lynn. “Well, you know I’ve already delivered $2 billion to the City of Lynn. Imagine what $2 billion would do for Haverhill. That’s the kind of hard work that I’ve been putting in in Washington for 10 years. So, I know how the system works,” Moulton argued. Moulton added, in his opinion more money must be earmarked for vocational education because the jobs are waiting and students are clamoring for seats in vocational programs. “A lot of kids, for example, want to go to vocational school right now because they know that being an electrician or plumber is not a job that will get automated out of existence by AI. But we’re not giving enough opportunities for kids to get a vocational education,” he observed. Asked whether terminology he used in 2024 to describe transgender individuals was insensitive when he said he doesn’t want his daughters “getting run over by on the playing field by a male or formerly male athlete,” Moulton said the quotation was taken out of context. “I have a 100% voting record on this issue. And I recognize that a lot of transgender people are getting attacked right now by this administration. But in fairness you cut off half my quote. What I said is that as a Democrat we’re not even allowed to discuss these issues and that’s wrong,” Moulton fired back. Moulton said he thinks it is healthier for the party to raise contentious issues and not be afraid to debate them, that in those discussions, support emerges. “We ought to lead that discussion as Democrats. We should not cede that territory to the Republicans which is what we have been doing for far too long,” Moulton argued. Moulton was first elected to the House of Representatives from the 6th Congressional District in 2015 and is in his sixth term. Markey was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1976 following a stint in the state Legislature. He was elected as one of Massachusetts’s two senators in 2013. He is in his third term. Moulton faces Markey in the Tuesday, Sept. 1, state primary. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail in ballots may be requested by calling the Haverhill city clerk’s office at 978-374-2312. The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Tuesday, Aug. 25.  In-person early voting at Haverhill City Hall begins Saturday, Aug. 22, and runs through Friday, Aug. 28. The full schedule is available on the city website at HaverhillMA.gov. WHAV is reaching out to all candidates to outline their positions in advance of their respective, contested elections. Support the show

  6. Jul 17

    Haverhill Police Uses 3 Drones to Better Move Traffic, Possibly Save Lives

    Haverhill Police are using drones to assist traffic navigation and these could also soon be used to quickly get life preservers to potential drowning victims. Police Capt. Garrett Sarfde, appearing recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” show, shared what three new drones will achieve for the department. Haverhill Police first used the drones for the fourth of July fireworks ceremony, July 3, to monitor traffic and public safety. He explained how the drones helped ease the flow of traffic leaving the show. “Logistically, getting everybody out of the area when the fireworks end has always been a little bit of a challenge. This year was probably the fastest that we got people out of there because we were able to put the drone above the intersections and determine the best route to send people and make sure that people were getting onto the rout that they needed to get to,” Sarfde said. The drones, which are approximately 24 to 30 inches across, are the same type used by the U.S. military. Capabilities include thermal heat sensing, speakers that can sound pre-recorded messages and carry on one-way communication. Additionally, drones will soon be fitted with self-inflating life preservers to stop potential drowning accidents. Sarfde is one of eight trained drone pilots at Haverhill Police. He discussed the how the department plans to keep drone operators safe. “We’ll have continuing practice, continuing training, quarterly trainings with all the drone operators. Making sure that their skills are up to date, making sure that they know what they’re doing from day to day, Sarfde said. “It’s a perishable skill so if you’re not using it day to day to day, it can become a little more challenging,” he added. Sarfde explained Haverhill Police have been in communication with Amesbury and Merrimac Police for direction on how to best use the drones as they also have similar technology. The police department also communicates with Lawrence Municipal Airport when the drones are in use to ensure no interference in flights. Support the show

  7. Jul 7

    Police Capt. Landry Speaks on Often-Overlooked Summer Dangers

    Haverhill Police Capt. Jamie Landry urges people to be safe especially with an influx of e-bikes and scooters and extreme heat are presenting dangers. Appearing live recently on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” morning show, Landry says he’s seen many more e-bikes, scooters and other recreational vehicles on public ways. He calls for people to tell their kids about the dangers of riding in traffic. “Kids, they just don’t get how dangerous it can be weaving in and out of traffic, and whether they just don’t get it or whether they don’t care, we need to start getting serious about educating these kids and coming up with a plan with the legislature and the city to up with some enforcement options for this,” he says. He suggested that children stay to the side of the road and wear protective equipment when riding. He offered further advice. “Be aware of everything around you, the cars the pedestrians, you have to be careful out there. Follow the intersections. If there’s a stop sign you should stop. If there’s a red-light you should stop. If you’re at a crosswalk and there’s a no-walk sign you should stop. We all have to watch out for each other and be as safe as we can be out there on the roads,” Landry adds. Landry discussed the Haverhill Police Department’s efforts to create a safer city, listing Plug Pond as another activity closely monitored this time of year. He explained what often leads to people falling into trouble at Plug Pond. “Especially this time of year when it’s super hot, people want to get in the cool water to refresh whether they can swim or not,” Landry said. “Make sure that you’re paying attention to each other, and make sure that there’s a lifeguard on duty, watch out for each other,” he added. He discussed the dangers of fireworks and sparklers adding, “We want to remind people that fireworks are not legal in the state. Please don’t use them.” Suggesting that people go to local events in the Merrimack Valley to see firework displays, instead of using them at home. Support the show

  8. Jun 25

    Stem Haverhill’s CEO Marches on Following Cancer Scare

    Caroline Pineau, owner and CEO of Stem, a Haverhill cannabis retailer, recently shared her story of navigating the struggles of breast cancer, while managing a company. She appeared on WHAV’s morning program. Pineau explained, after being diagnosed last October, she underwent a double mastectomy to avoid chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She was encouraged by medical professionals to have an early mammogram due to breast cancer running in her family. Pineau said her thankfulness in catching the cancer early saying, “I was grateful that early detection allowed me to have more options in my treatment,” said Pineau. “If there’s one thing that I could empower women to do more is to be more on top of early detection when it comes to your breast care health,” she added. Despite Pineau’s cancer scare, she continues her work as Stem launched a campaign to collect signatures to allow on-premise cannabis consumption in Haverhill. Explaining, Stem will need 4,700 signatures from registered Haverhill voters in order to get its question on the November ballot. Stem was looking to collect signatures at CiderFeast last Thursday, June 18, and again Wednesday night at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, where Stem had a “community education evening” to answer question from potential supporters. Stem is also hosting its fifth annual Green Goddess Invitational golf tournament on Oct. 26, at Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill to support early detection breast cancer advocacy and support for women facing cancer diagnoses. Pineau described how Stem sees itself contributing not just to the community of marijuana users in the city but to Haverhill as a whole, “We have a vision for Haverhill as a thriving community where small businesses can flourish and contribute to the local economy. So, we really see social consumption as a way to create more jobs, boost local businesses and foster a sense of community here in Haverhill.” She added, “We really believe this can help bring more vibrancy to Haverhill’s downtown.” Pineau remarked on Haverhill’s desire to have a 18-hour economy, believing that Stem can be a contributing factor in this endeavor. Currently, Stem is breaking ground on phase two of its construction to turn its 124 Washington St. building’s third and fourth floors and roof into a cannabis lounge. The building within the Washington Street Shoe District, was built in 1876, prior to the Great Fire of 1882. Pineau said she believes the location was “born to be a cannabis building.” Stem has hearings scheduled Wednesday, July 8, before the Planning Board and Tuesday, July 14, before the City Council. Support the show

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About

Thought-provoking words from the Merrimack Valley's most influential voices in education, politics, environment and more, as heard exclusively over 97.9 WHAV FM.

Information

  • Creator
    WHAV Staff
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Public Media of New England Inc.
  • Show Website
    Merrimack Valley Newsmakers