Merrimack Valley

News in brief

By Courtney Paquette
Staff Writer
Published: April 20, 2008

Financial reports get glowing review

ANDOVER — For four years in a row, financial reports here have added up to high honors for the town.

The town's comprehensive financial report earned a certificate of excellence again this year in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. It's the highest honor for governmental accounting and financial reporting, according to the association.

According to a press release from the association, "Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management." The town's accounting department is headed by Rodney P. Smith.

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving 17,000 government finance professionals.

Cable show celebrates five years

METHUEN — "Call To Serve," a locally run television show on Methuen Community Television, celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special show taped last week.

"Call to Serve" has interviewed 56 veterans as part of its effort to preserve oral history of Methuen veterans. The show is hosted by Kathleen Corey Rahme and co-produced by Albert Grant and Corinne LaCharite. The show won third place in the 2004 Alliance for Community Media annual northeast fall video festival.

The fifth anniversary special is a look back at the show and its local impact. It will air on MCTV.

"The series has had the effect of giving visibility to the veterans, letting people know who the veterans are rather than being just another face at the supermarket," Grant said in a statement. "One of the comments (we) often received from family members is 'In all these years I have never heard that story.'"

Streets will come clean this week

LAWRENCE — The city has started its spring cleaning.

Streets throughout the city are being swept throughout the week. Here's when public works crew will be sweeping your neighborhood:

r Monday — Tower Hill area

r Tuesday — South Lawrence west

r Wednesday — South Lawrence east

r Thursday — Prospect Hill

r Friday — Arlington District

Main streets and the downtown area are being swept on a regular basis. If you spot an area that needs immediate attention, contact the Lawrence DPW at 978-620-3090.

Rogers honored for service to museum

NORTH ANDOVER — The American Textile Museum in Methuen honored Samuel Rogers with its President's Distinguished Service Award on March 28.

Rogers, of North Andover, served as a member of the board of trustees from 1969 to 2006. He is still on the board of advisors and honorary co-chairman of the campaign that raised $3.9 million to renovate the museum's core exhibition. Rogers is the son of the founder of the museum, Caroline Stevens Rogers.

"Samuel S. Rogers stands out among us for his unwavering enthusiasm, leadership and generosity over a period of more than 39 years," said museum President and CEO Jim Coleman when he presented the award. "He is very deserving of this recognition, and we thank him for his invaluable service."

Chris Rogers, son of Samuel Rogers and a member of the board of advisors, said the museum is growing and evolving because of the commitment of the staff and volunteers.

"This is a lovely honor to my father for all his time and effort, from chairing committees to museum board president, from funding to fundraising, all in support of a very special institution," Chris Rogers said in a statement.

Volunteers needed to help seniors

LAWRENCE — Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Inc., 360 Merrimack St., is looking for volunteers for a variety of services.

Volunteers are needed to drive elders to medical appointments, keeping elderly who live alone company, helping them with day-to-day chores, providing health insurance options and being an advocate for patients in nursing homes.

Elder Services offers training, orientation and support, along with mileage reimbursement.

For details, call 800-892-0890, ext. 445.

Health summit to be held Friday

LAWRENCE — The Mayor's Health Task Force hosts its annual health summit April 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Lawrence High School Auditorium, 95 North Parish Road.

"The Tapestry of Public Health in Lawrence: Past and Present" includes a panel discussion followed by workshops. City physician Dr. Joel Gorn is moderator, speakers and panelists include Eugene Declercq, Dr. Patricia Jaysane, Dr. William Cohn, Dr. Mariana Costelis and Dr. Dean Cleghorn.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.