Groveland – Page 2 – Pentucket Portal

Groveland Police Warn Community to Secure Valuables for Sale Following Theft from Farm Stand

pentucketporta on July 27, 2022

GROVELAND 一 Chief Jeffrey Gillen and the Groveland Police Department are reminding community members to secure valuables for sale and be vigilant following a theft from a roadside farm stand yesterday.

On Tuesday, July 26, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Groveland Police were dispatched to the area of King Street for a report of a theft.

Upon arrival, police learned that two individuals traveling in an older model red Honda Odyssey allegedly stole a red cooler containing chicken eggs and expensive cooler packs from an unstaffed farm stand.

Through the subsequent investigation, police also learned that the suspects allegedly attempted to steal a metal lockbox containing money from the stand.

Community members are encouraged to keep an eye out for the older model red Honda Odyssey, which is believed to have a loud, defective exhaust system.

Anyone with information on this incident or anyone who observes suspicious activity in town should call the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.

“There are many small farm stands in Groveland, and we urge the owners of these stands to secure all items of value in the hopes of preventing any future property loss,” Chief Gillen said.

The incident remains under investigation by the Groveland Police Department.

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Groveland Police are searching for two suspects who were traveling in an older model red Honda Odyssey following a theft on Tuesday, July 26. (Photo Courtesy Groveland Police Department)

Groveland Police Department Launches New Website

pentucketporta on July 19, 2022

GROVELAND 一 Chief Jeffrey Gillen is excited to announce that the Groveland Police Department has launched a brand new website.

The website, grovelandpolice.com, offers a modern design and user-friendly features, which includes a department news blog and an interactive home page.

On the site, residents can learn more about the department’s divisions including Traffic Safety, School Resource Officer, Emergency Management and Animal Control.

The site provides easy access to safety resources, including domestic violence information, firearms safety and medication disposal services.

Residents can also access an anonymous tip service, a public records request form and a compliment/complaints form about officers in the department.

The website is linked to the Groveland Police social media platforms to ensure consistency of information. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the site to receive email alerts about the latest department news.

The new website was designed by John Guilfoil Public Relations.

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Groveland Fire Department Debuts Website Redesign

pentucketporta on July 15, 2022

GROVELAND 一 Chief Robert Valentine is excited to announce the redesign of the Groveland Fire Department’s website.

The website, grovelandfd.com, has a modern look and a user-friendly design, which includes information about the department’s history, a news blog, and access to fire safety and prevention resources.

The site also features information about the department’s emergency medical training services, as well as fire education and CPR training courses.

Along with these features, the site allows residents to easily access open burn permits, child safety seat installation requests and fire inspection applications.

Additionally, members of the community who are interested in joining the Groveland Fire Department can find an application form on the site.

The website is connected to Groveland Fire’s social media platforms to keep residents up to date on the latest department news. Residents also are encouraged to subscribe to the site to receive email alerts and community updates.

The website was designed by John Guilfoil Public Relations.

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Groveland Fire Department Battles Fatal Three-alarm Fire

pentucketporta on June 24, 2022

Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine, Groveland Police Chief Jeffrey Gillen, State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey, and Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett said today that a three-alarm fire on Manor Drive has claimed one person’s life.

Chief Valentine said that on Friday, June 24, at 3:01 p.m., the Groveland Fire Department received a 911 call reporting fire in the building at 2 Manor Drive, a 4-unit apartment building.

The nearest Groveland engine, stationed nearby on Main Street, was on a medical call at the time, so Groveland Fire immediately requested a mutual aid response from the West Newbury and Georgetown Fire Departments.

Groveland Police responded as well, and were first to arrive on scene. Police immediately reported people trapped in the rear of the building on the second floor.

Groveland Police and Firefighters worked together to rescue two people from the second floor using a ground ladder.

Rescuers located an adult male in a first-floor apartment who was pronounced dead at the scene. His name is not being released pending a formal identification by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The point of origin and cause of the fire are being jointly investigated by the Groveland Fire Department, Groveland Police Department, the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police detectives assigned to the Essex DA’s office.

The West Newbury, Newburyport, Newbury, Merrimac, Georgetown, Amesbury, Methuen, and Rowley Fire Departments provided mutual aid, and the Andover Fire Department sent its air trailer to the scene. PRIDEStar EMS and Cataldo Ambulance also responded to the scene.

The Boxford and North Andover Fire Departments covered Groveland stations. This is the first fatal fire in the Town of Groveland since 1966.

Firefighters at the scene of a three-alarm fire at 2 Manor Drive, Groveland, on Friday afternoon. (Photo Courtesy Groveland Fire Department)

Pentucket Regional School District Announces Leadership Appointments for 2022-2023 School Year

pentucketporta on June 15, 2022

WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew is pleased to announce several administrative changes for the 2022-2023 school year.

Stephanie Dembro will become Principal at the Donaghue and Sweetsir Schools. She has served as Assistant Principal at both schools. She replaces Ken Kelley, who has served as a principal in the Pentucket District for more than a decade and is leaving for a position in another district. “Mr. Kelley has been absolutely fabulous as a school leader,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Ms. Dembro and Mr. Kelley have been an incredible tandem. We are very excited to continue the stability in leadership that the Donaghue and Sweetsir communities deserve.” A search committee will be put together to find a replacement for a new Assistant Principal.
Tara Ellis, currently Special Education Coordinator, will assume the position of Assistant Principal/Special Education Coordinator at Page School.
Brandon Bates will become Assistant Principal at the Middle-High School. Bates comes to the District from the Lawrence Public Schools, where he worked as Ninth Grade Dean of Students at Lawrence High School.

“These changes will help us better provide quality education and support for all of our students,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “They are passionate about education and improving our District, and I look forward to seeing what our new leadership team will achieve.”

Groveland Council on Aging Encourages Community Members to Attend Weekly Fitness Classes

pentucketporta on May 11, 2022

GROVELAND – COA Director Amanda Fisher encourages community members to attend weekly fitness classes hosted by the Groveland Council on Aging.

The Groveland Council on Aging hosts the following classes each week:

Get Movin’ with Leah!

When: Mondays at noon

Where: Center meeting room at Town Hall, 183 Main St.

What: Instructors Leah Miller and Susan Tribble lead strength training for seniors.

3B Fitness (Brains, Bones & Balance)

When: Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

Where: Tent at Town Hall, 183 Main St. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be held at the Fire Station, 181 Main St.

What: Instructor Brian Coyne walks participants through balance exercises to help prevent falls, strength training to improve bone density, and trivia and brain games to help with cognition.

Walking Club

When: Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

Where: Haverhill Stadium, 155 Lincoln Avenue, Haverhill

What: The walking club promotes physical activity while socializing with others. To learn more about the walking club, please call Paola Hussein at 978-374-2390 ext. 3916.

Virtual Reiki and Meditation

When: Wednesdays at 4 p.m.

Where: Online. Please email Nisha Burk at NBurke@grovelandma.com for the link.

What: Instructor Sue Cullen of High Vibration Wellness, who has been practicing Reiki for over seven years, leads a class that promotes restful healing.

Yoga

When: Fridays at 10:45 a.m.

Where: Front lawn at Town Hall, 183 Main St. In the event of inclement weather, the class will be held in the center meeting room at Town Hall.

What: Instructor Mary Van Abs leads a one-hour yoga session.

All classes are $5 each, excluding the Walking Club, which is free. Drop-ins are welcome at all classes, but those who wish to reserve a class spot or who have questions should call the Council on Aging at 978-372-1101.

“Exercising is an important part of staying healthy,” Fisher said. “Classes like these are a great way to foster both mental and physical health, while having fun and socializing. Classes are geared to seniors, but are open to all, and community members are encouraged to attend with their family and friends.”

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Pentucket Regional School Committee Approves 2022-2023 Budget, Shares Information About Cuts, Additional Fees

pentucketporta on May 11, 2022

WEST NEWBURY – Superintendent Justin Bartholomew and the Pentucket Regional School Committee wish to share an update about the District’s 2022-2023 budget, and the impact it will have on students, staff, and faculty.

The School Committee unanimously approved a budget of $47,846,000 for the coming school year on Tuesday, May 9. The Committee had requested an additional $1.34 million in spending to cover an ongoing structural deficit between state funding and the actual cost of services.

The District sought increased funding through a Proposition 2 ½ override, which voters in Groveland and Merrimac did not approve.

To close a $1.34 million gap, the School Committee approved Superintendent Bartholomew’s recommended cuts:

General expenses ($528,364)

Reduce HS/MS supplies, $45,864
Stop paying for field trips in Grades 6 and 7, $28,000
Reduce Paraeducators positions by two, $40,000
Reduce athletic teams to two male and two female teams per sport, $25,000
Discontinue a percussion contract, $24,500
Do not hire a human resources manager, $115,000
Reduced the number of special education teachers from six to four, $120,000
Do not hire Tech Repair or Tech Theater support, $85,000
Eliminate special education coordinator days during the summer, $45,000

Increased fees ($325,950)

Increase before-school and after-school program fees by $50 per session, or $110 for both sessions, $160,000 (estimate)
Double athletic fees in effect in the 2020-2021 school year, and eliminate family cap, in the 2022-2023 school year only, $105,950 (Students who have an economic hardship would still be eligible for a waiver.)
Eliminate one bus route, $60,000

Staff reductions ($485,686)

Eliminate one nurse position
Eliminate 1.2 English Language Arts positions (Middle-High School)
Eliminate one Math teaching position (Middle-High School)
Eliminate one Science teaching position (Middle-High School)
Eliminate one Visual Arts teaching position (Middle-High School)
Eliminate a .7 Performing Arts teaching position (Middle-High School)
Eliminate one Physical Education/Wellness teaching position (Middle-High School)
Reduce Art teaching position at Page Elementary School from 1.0 to 0.6
No Library/Media Aide at Bagnall Elementary School
Eliminate one elementary teaching position each at Bagnall Elementary School and Sweetsir Elementary School

“None of this is fair. None of this is good, but it’s where we are,” Superintendent Bartholomew said.

Increased fees and staffing cuts were spread across the District, while attempting to protect elementary grades where development of health, wellness and interpersonal skills are especially critical.

Committee members concurred with the recommendation to not seek a smaller override. A second override would mean a larger number of teachers would receive notification of possible non-renewal on Friday, and create great uncertainty across the District into July.

The spending gap is being driven by a series of factors, including a significant decrease in state funding:

Student transportation costs will increase by more than $500,000 next year. The state does not follow its obligation to fully funding regional school transportation, and actually is cutting Pentucket’s allocation by $144,000 next year.
Pentucket will receive just $67,500 in additional Chapter 70 funding.

While the state promotes its $1.5 billion Student Opportunity Act, the District will receive only $58,000 from the Act next year.

Superintendent Bartholomew and Committee Chair Christopher Markuns of Merrimac recommended that residents and town officials begin working together immediately to find funding solutions for the 2023-2024 budget.

“The state is swimming in extra money, and we’re cutting $1.34 million,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “The funding formula does not work.”

To see Superintendent Bartholomew’s presentation to the School Committee, click here.

Groveland Council on Aging Invites Residents to Senior Day

pentucketporta on May 9, 2022

GROVELAND – Council on Aging Director Amanda Fisher wishes to invite the community to COA Senior Day later this month to learn more about the COA and services available to the senior community.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Activities will take place at Groveland Town Hall, 183 Main St., in the center meeting room, hallways and outdoor tent.

WHAT:

The Groveland COA is hosting a Senior Day, which will feature family-friendly activities, including raffles, fitness demonstrations, snacks and refreshments, artwork and music.

Attendees will have the chance to view artwork created by seniors hung in the hallways of Town Hall.

Thomas Rull will perform his show “A Musical Journey Through the Years,” sponsored by the Groveland Cultural Council. The performance will feature songs by Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Elvis, Perry Como, Lou Rawls, Engelbert Humperdinck, and more.

Lunch from Panera Bread will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of COA, Anita Wright, and Dot Dichiara.

Sign-up is required to attend the musical performance and lunch. To sign up, please call the COA at 978-372-1101.

Additionally, members of the Groveland Fire Department will be on hand to provide information about a File for Life, which is a card that enables first responders to quickly obtain a person’s medical history, including allergens and medications, in an emergency situation.

The Northern Essex Elder Transport, a non-profit volunteer driver program serving seniors in 14 communities of the Merrimack Valley, will have forms for seniors to apply for services. Attendees interested in becoming volunteer drivers also will have an opportunity to apply.

Representatives from AgeSpan, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting residents of Northeast Massachusetts as they age, will showcase the resources that they provide to residents ages 60 and up.

Caption Call, a federally-funded program that provides captioned telephone services to people with hearing loss, will demonstrate its services.

Friends of the Groveland COA will be recruiting those interested in helping to fundraise for the COA.

“We encourage residents to join us for the Council on Aging’s Senior Day later this month, and hope to see a big turnout. The event will serve as a great way for the community to come together and connect with our seniors, learn more about what the COA has to offer, and to have fun,” Fisher said.

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Town of Groveland Invites Residents to Provide Input on Priorities as New Comprehensive Plan is Prepared

pentucketporta on April 29, 2022

GROVELAND — Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham wishes to remind residents that they can complete a survey to help the Town understand their priorities as a new comprehensive plan is prepared.

The Town of Groveland is planning a series of discussions to gather input from residents, and the town has also made an online survey available for residents who want to provide input on their priorities.

Friday, April 29 is the last day to reply to the survey. To complete the survey, please click here.

The plan will focus on three geographic areas — Elm Square to Town Hall, Bagnall Elementary School to the Georgetown Line, and 150 Center St. to Veasey Memorial Park — and explore planning issues required by the state including: economic development; housing; open space and recreation; natural, cultural, and historic resources; town services and facilities; circulation/mobility; and land use.

Residents are invited to take part in the following discussions:

Elm Square to Town Hall: Tuesday, May 10, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Bagnall Elementary School to the Georgetown Line: Thursday, May 12, from 6-7:30 p.m.
150 Center St. to Veasey Memorial Park: Saturday, May 14, from 10-11:30 a.m.

All meetings will take place at Groveland Town Hall, 183 Main St.

A draft of the plan is expected to be finished by summer 2022.

Town of Groveland Highlights May Events at Langley-Adams Public Library

pentucketporta on April 28, 2022

GROVELAND — The Town of Groveland and Langley-Adams Public Library Director Darcy Lepore are pleased to share scheduled programming for children, teens, and adults throughout May.

All Ages

Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Spring Book Sale

The Friends of the Groveland Library will host a book sale under a tend in the Langley-Adams Public Library’s parking lot, with all proceeds benefiting the library’s programming, passes and more. Book donations will also be accepted at the event. For more information, email: grovelandlibraryfriends@gmail.com.

Adult Programs

Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. — Virtual Program — The Museum of Bad Art Presents “Dopplehangers”

The MOBA (Museum of Bad Art) is back! Thanks to the Groveland Cultural Council we are able to bring you this special zoom program. Curator-in-Chief Michael Frank will share this collection of efforts that capture (or try to capture) the likenesses of politicians, favorite entertainers, or historic figures. Some of these pieces have accidentally ended up portraying faces we recognize. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Groveland Cultural Council, a local council that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, as well as the Town of Groveland.