Merrimack Valley

Quick Hits


Published: February 24, 2008

Boomer school back in session

ANDOVER — Time for new classes for the baby boomers in town from its BoomerVenture program.

Starting next month, the following classes will be offered:

- Learn to play the famous card game during Boomer Bridge, beginning April 3. The course will cover the basics and participants will get plenty of opportunity to practice. That course is free, but a manual is available at an additional cost.

- Energize with Exercise and Serenity Yoga start on March 13 and go through May 1. It costs $45 to join the groups that run from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

- NOW (New Opportunities for Women) features a series of free lectures for women nearing or over the age of 50. The first will be a workshop offered by a life coach, Alexandra Mezey, on approaching retirement and a post-career life. It takes place on April 10.

Registration for all courses takes place on Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., on the first floor of the School Administration Building, Whittier Court. For details, call 978-623-8321 or visit www.boomerventure.com.

City gets $18,540 federal grant

METHUEN — A grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay for new fire-proof gear for 11 Methuen firefighters.

The Fire Department received $18,540, including a $1,854 local match, to buy new "turn-out gear" — the jackets, pants, helmets and gloves that are essential for firefighters. Fire Chief Cliff Gallant had hoped for more money, but said the grant will help the department stay on track with its uniform replacement program.

"We'll be replacing the worst worn turn-out gear that's out there," Gallant said. "We do buy new gear every year, but that money has been cut (from the city's budget) and we're falling behind. Every little bit helps."

The clothing is expensive: The jacket and pants made of fire-proof material like Kevlar costs $1,600.

"It's not cheap; but it's vital," Gallant said.

Weather causing street mess

METHUEN — A stretch of Pleasant Street is starting to look like one big pothole.

The fluctuating temperatures — from freezing to warm and back again — caused a break in the road on Pleasant Street, leaving about 100 feet of crumbled roadway a couple of inches deep.

And the city's public works crews can't completely fix it until the spring.

"When it freezes and thaws, the road heaves up and peels off," said Department of Public Works Director Ray DiFiore. "It's one of the worst areas we have."

The area is patched regularly and DiFiore said his staff is monitoring it to make sure it doesn't get any worse. The break in the roadway is on the eastbound side of Pleasant Street, heading toward the Loop and Route 113 intersection.

When local asphalt companies reopen in March, DiFiore said that section of road will be completely repaved.