HAVERHILL — U.S. Marine and Haverhill City Councilor Ralph Basiliere was honored at the annual Veterans Recognition Breakfast Forum, hosted by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce at Maria’s Family Restaurant, 81 Essex St., on Nov. 1.
The breakfast included an award ceremony where Basiliere received the MV Chamber US Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo Memorial Award.
Sgt. Rosario Pichardo, a Lawrence native who served in Afghanistan, was one of the 13 American service members killed in the Kabul Airport attack in 2021.
The Abbey Gate operation at Kabul Airport was led by former Marine Corps Gen. Frank McKenzie Jr., whom Basiliere also served under.
“To receive the award in honor of her name humbled me to silence,” Basiliere said. “I was very surprised, I was very flattered, but above all, I was humbled.”
Basiliere was joined on stage by Merrimack Valley Chamber President Joe Bevilacqua, last year’s award recipient John Howard, and Mayor Melinda Barrett.
Toyota dealership hosts flag football
HAVERHILL — Jaffarian Toyota recently hosted a special event on Oct. 24 for SYFFL Triton Youth Flag Football, celebrating the league’s athletes and Toyota’s integral role as the official sponsor of NFL FLAG.
Through this sponsorship, Jaffarian Toyota provides support to nearly 200 youth players in the area.
The Haverhill event offered players and their families a chance to enjoy pizza, music, games and connection in a lively and supportive atmosphere.
Jaffarian Toyota’s sponsorship reflects a longstanding passion for fostering youth development and teamwork by dealership owner Gary Jaffarian, a former flag football player himself.
Awards dinner with Gov. Healey
HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Awards Dinner with Gov. Maura Healey at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Michael’s Function Hall, 12 Alpha St.
Healey will be the keynote speaker at the event. Award recipients include Dr. Abha Agrawal, president & CEO of Lawrence General Hospital; Salvatore Lupoli, president & CEO of Lupoli Companies; and Mark Alaimo of LCW CPA’s.
Tickets are $135 per person or $1,299 per table. To register or become a sponsor, visit www.merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.
Networking in North Andover
NORTH ANDOVER — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Thursday at The LeadHumano Collective, 800 Turnpike St.
Join the chamber for breakfast, prizes and more.
Cost is $10 for chamber members and $20 for future members.
Register for the program at merrimackvalleychamber.com.
Benefit Advisors Group is sponsoring the event.
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