Watch for a robust series of summer events this year--including familiar celebrations like KidsFest and the River Run Boat Races--promoted under the title, " Haverhill 's RiverFest." The centerpiece of the RiverFest Series will be a brand new event called "River Ruckus," tentatively scheduled for August 14. Activities will be located near the newest section of boardwalk (behind The Tap restaurant) and extended along Washington and Wingate Streets. Planners for River Ruckus are considering such components as a classic car show, an art show, varied street entertainment, and a lighted boat parade or laser light show over the river in the evening. Committee Chairs are Warren Gerety and Leota Sarrette, and the next meeting is scheduled for March 22, 6:30 pm, at the Pentucket Bank community room.

Team Haverhill salutes Mayor James Fiorentini, Public Works Director Michael Stankovich, and trash-hauler Capital Waste for concluding agreements that will allow citywide pick-up of mixed recyclables to begin this summer. Since community residents first raised the recycling issue at our Possible Dreams event in January 2008, Team Haverhill has been promoting this important change through effective partnerships, fact-based research, workable goals, and a can-do attitude. But there is still plenty of work ahead to inform residents and motivate broader participation; Team Haverhill's recycling team will be meeting weekly to prepare for an effective summer roll-out, with plans for an improved brochure and promotion through the public schools as a key link to households.

Team Haverhill is working with the City plan initial clearing of the Bradford-side rail trail, part of a continuous recreational loop envisioned for both sides of the river, connected by the bridges. The Rail Trail project team will meet on March 19th at 6:30pm, City Hall, Room 301.  

Community residents and groups are signing up now to create squares for a 16'x 32' banner to hang on Wingate Street . The theme is "Connecting the Community through the Arts." Canvases will be distributed over the next few weeks, and painting will begin soon under the guidance of professional artist Emily Boulger.

On Monday, April 26th, the Farmers' Market will launch a monthly lecture series with a talk from David Ross, local beekeeper, who will discuss beekeeping and colony collapse. Market organizers are currently booking musicians and other events for the 2010 season, to begin July 17. New start time will be 9 am. The Market will join Haverhill 's Brightside at the "Haverhill Goes Green" Earth Day event, April 25th. Check the Market websitewww.haverhillfarmersmarket.org for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.

The Haverhill Youth Mentoring Network will launch a pilot project in October 2010 with 25 children at the Tilton School . Efforts are underway to raise $25,000 for this project, which is being designed with the support of a regional organization called Mass Mentors.

New Sculpture Downtown: While the Shoe-la-bration is taking a summer off, work on public art projects continues. Plans will be announced soon for a new commissioned sculpture downtown.
Support for Haverhill Athletics:  In 2010, Team Haverhill has already sponsored Hillie Pride Night at a home basketball game, and supported

the Boosters' Comedy Night last week. Team Haverhill is proud to be a lead sponsor of the Golf Tournament Fundraiser this spring-stay tuned for the date.

Swazey Field: Playground renovation will also continue in 2010, in partnership with the City. Team Haverhill will recruit 20 volunteers for this work once a date is set.