The City of Haverhill Web site, www.ci.haverhill.ma.us, has been awarded a 2008 E-Government Award by Common Cause Massachusetts. The city was recognized at a Statehouse event honoring the 90 out of 351 Massachusetts municipalities whose Web sites met this threshold.
Haverhill was recognized for its leadership as part of Common Cause's ongoing Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government. The organization conducted and reviewed audits of all the municipal Internet sites in the commonwealth to determine if citizens had access to essential public information. The city's site was recognized for having its board and committee agendas, committee minutes, fiscal year budgetary information, bylaws, codes, ordinances and other pertinent data all posted online.
"One of my first goals as mayor was to ensure that our city's Web site become a more useful and dynamic free tool that residents and visitors could use to obtain critical information about our city," Mayor James Fiorentini said. "I am pleased that we have been rewarded for our quality Web site, which is in keeping with my goal of bringing city government out of the shadows and into the 21st century."
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April cooking classes offered
The Children's Department at the Haverhill Public Library will present Katie Wilton in Cooking Class I! on April 5 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. or April 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Cavallaro Room (children's program room). Registration is required. Choose one class only.
Author Wilton will offer hands-on cooking classes where students will make recipes from her cookbook, "You're the Cook!" Participants will make one recipe and will sample all of the food. Wilton's cookbook will be available for sale at the event for $13.95 plus tax.
This program is for ages 10 to 15.
For information or to register, call Leslie Todd, head of youth services, at 978-373-1586, ext. 630, or Alissa Lauzon, young adult services, at ext. 607. Register online at www.haverhillpl.org.
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Wellness initiative set to start in April
Mayor James J. Fiorentini will begin a citywide wellness initiative for city employees starting April 30.
The Take a Walk During Lunch program will also start April 30. The health initiative will include periodic free blood pressure checks for employees, education programs for employees on changing lifestyle, cancer screenings, and other means of promoting wellness.
The mayor said he was doing so at the request and urging of City Firefighters Union 1011.
"Having well-educated, fit employees is the most important thing we can do in the long term to lower health care costs for all," Fiorentini said. "No group is more aware of the importance of keeping physically fit than firefighters."
Antiques appraisal a success
The Haverhill/Merrimack Valley Soroptimist club hosted an antiques appraisal with an appraiser from Skinner Auctioneers and Appraisers. The program was held at the Pentucket Bank, Merrimack Street, on Friday, March 14.
This event attracted residents who brought their treasures to be admired and appraised. Items displayed represented many mediums, wood, silver, glass, prints, photos and were primarily from the late 19th and early 20th century. Kerry Shrives, from Skinner, gave a talk, elaborating on information provided by the items' owners, and on care and collection of antiques.
The money raised will be used by the Soroptimist club to continue its work within the Merrimack Valley Community and in the international setting. The Haverhill/Merrimack Valley club is a member of the Northeast Region and the club from which the new governor, Pattie Shea, will be installed in April.
The focus of this international, nonprofit women's organization is to strive to improve the lives of women and girls throughout the world. It is recognized in more than 120 countries. The local club is known in the community for its work with Ruth's House, Rebuilding Together, the Pregnancy Care Center, local food pantries and Images at Timberlane, which aids young women in improving their self-esteem.
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