HAVERHILL — Ruth’s House in Lafayette Square has named Claire McManaman-Hailson of Haverhill as its new executive director.
Her work will include community involvement, grant acquisition, fundraising and strategic planning for continued growth of the organization.
“I am excited to have been selected to join this outstanding and dedicated team of staff and volunteers,” McManaman-Hailson said. “Ruth’s House is a long-respected organization rooted in a commitment to our community’s most vulnerable citizens and I am honored to now be part of that history.”
McManaman-Hailson takes over from former executive director, Amy Smith-Boden, who was in charge for three and a half years then stepped down late last year.
McManaman-Hailson has an extensive background in the nonprofit sector having worked in the administrative office of Thom Pentucket Early Intervention of West Newbury, founder of the Anchor of Hope Diaper Bank and 27 years as an adult foster care provider.
She is a graduate of Bradford College and a longtime resident of Haverhill, where she and her husband David raised their three daughters.
“We are delighted to introduce Claire McManaman-Hailson as the new executive director of Ruth’s House,” said Suzanne Gates, Ruth’s House board chair.
“With a proven track record and a wealth of experience, we look forward to the professionalism and passion she will bring to our organization. Building upon the incredible work of our dedicated team and supporters, Claire will lead us in our mission to provide essential support and services to those in need in the Greater Merrimack Valley. We are confident that she will guide us towards even greater impact and growth.”
Ruth’s House provides clothing and employment opportunities to individuals and families in need throughout the Greater Merrimack Valley. Visit ruthshouse.org.
Planning Commission to meet
HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will hold its next monthly meeting at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18.
The agenda includes updates on the commission’s activities and is available online at mvpc.org.
For more information contact Jodie Furey at jfurey@mvpc.org
Women’s Networking Reception
HAVERHILL — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold a Women’s Networking Reception from 5 to 7 p.m. April 23 at the Renaissance Golf Club, 377 Kenoza St.
Cost is $10 for members and $20 for future members and includes appetizers and a cash bar.
To register or for more information, visit merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.
Golf tourney for affordable housing
MIDDLETON — Essex County Habitat for Humanity will hold its third annual Golf Fore Homes golf tournament May 20 at the Ferncroft County Club.
Shotgun start is at 1:30 p.m. with a scramble format. The day begins with lunch, and finishes with a cocktail reception and an awards ceremony at the clubhouse following the tournament. Proceeds support building more affordable homes throughout Essex County.
With the lack of affordable housing at crisis levels, taking part in Golf Fore Homes is a fun way to be part of the solution. As last year’s winner, Stephen Zamierowski, said, “It’s a fun round of golf with friends and colleagues while helping our neighbors struggling with housing insecurity, now that’s a WIN WIN!”
One in four families in Essex County pay more than 50% of their income on housing and are considered severely cost burdened.
“Playing in this tournament gives me the opportunity to spend time with friends while contributing to a great cause that is close to me, home ownership,” said Mary Marengi, a local real estate agent and a member of the planning committee.
“Playing in Golf Fore Homes allows me to give back to a very worthwhile cause,” said Brian Brown from corporate supporter SPS. “For every swing of the club, I know I am helping a deserving family achieve their dream of owning their first home.”
Registration and sponsorships are available at essexcountyhabitat.org/golf_fore_homes/.
Small Businesses Week program
ANDOVER — The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2024 National Small Businesses Week Massachusetts Awards Ceremony from 8 to 11 a.m. May 10 at the DoubleTree Andover, 123 Old River Road.
Awards are as follows: Small Businessperson of the Year, Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors; Minority Owned Business of the Year, Jose Perez, CEO of Roads Consulting Group; Veteran Owned Business of the Year, Jason Dyer, owner of Freedom Fuel LLC;
Also, Woman Owned Business of the Year, Dr. Gisela Velez, owner of Central Mass Retina and Uveitis Center; Youth Entrepreneur of the Year, Callie Mignault, owner of Callie’s Creations; Homebased Business of the Year, Natasha Goldman, president of Wissen Inc.; Financial Services Champion of the Year for Massachusetts and New England, Matt Collins, vice president of Granite State Economic Development Corporation;
Also, Exporter of the Year, Massachusetts and New England, Region 1 Subcontractor of the Year, Michael Montemagno, president of Diamond Antenna and Microwave Corporation; Small Manufacturer of the Year, Dr. Aaron Birt, CEO, and Dr. Sean Kelly, COO of Solvus Global;
And, The Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year, Matt Collins, vice president of Granite State Economic Development Corporation, and Microenterprise of the Year, Kim Meninger, leadership coach and consultant for Executive Career Success.
This event is co-sponsored by the SBA Massachusetts District Office and the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Cost is $45. To register or for more information, visit merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.
Business ‘listening tour’
LAWRENCE —The Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses, chaired by State Sen. Pavel Payano, D-Lawrence, and State Rep. Paul McMurtry, D-Dedham, held a listening tour in Lawrence on April 8.
The event, part of a series aimed at engaging with small business owners across the state, focused on addressing the needs and challenges of businesses in the Merrimack Valley, according to a statement released by Payano’s office.
George Ramirez of the Lawrence Partnership moderated the forum, with notable contributions from Joe and Michael Bevilacqua of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Director of Small Business Development at the Executive Office of Economic Development Deeqo Jibril.
Participants highlighted several pressing issues, including access to capital, navigating the complexities of licensing and permits, and the need for proper training and mentorship. Entrepreneurs spoke about the obstacles in obtaining grants comparable to those offered in other cities, and the challenge of accessing certifications and technical assistance for grant applications, according to the release.
Payano said the forum highlighted the challenges and resilience within our small business community.
“It’s clear that navigating access to capital and the costs of regulatory requirements is a significant hurdle for many,” Payano said. “These insights help us be better equipped to consider how state support can be most effective, focusing on realistic steps to aid our small business community.”
The event was also attended by State Rep. Estela Reyes, D-Lawrence; State Rep. Francisco Paulino, D-Methuen; Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña; and Lawrence City Councilors Stephany Infante, Wendy Luzon and Celina Reyes.
Gala raises $360K for Catie’s Closet
DRACUT — Catie’s Closet announced that its 2024 Gala, “A Night to Open Doors,” raised $360,000, making it the organization’s most successful Gala in its 14-year history.
These critical funds will allow the organization to expand support to 100,000 children experiencing poverty, homelessness, and other crises throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
On March 23, nearly 400 individuals filled the ballroom at Andover Country Club dressed in cocktail attire and sneakers to commemorate the evening’s theme, Every Step of the Way.
Catie’s Closet held a special sneaker collection as part of the event. The organization collected 677 brand-new pairs of sneakers, and more donations are still rolling in. New Balance, Puma, and Prime Time Sports were among the donors, contributing more than 100 pairs.
“As we reflect on the truly incredible outcome of our 2024 Gala, we recognize that it was all made possible by our extremely generous and compassionate community of supporters,” said Mickey Cockrell, CEO & Co-Founder of Catie’s Closet.
“Every individual and company that gave to this year’s Gala was a part of this milestone which will impact thousands of children in a life-changing way. We are so grateful for everyone who helped us exceed our goal.”
Every dollar raised will be used to fund the organization’s In-School Closet Program and SOS Urgent Response Program.
Both programs give children in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities so they can thrive in school and life. Children served by Catie’s Closet may be homeless or living in poverty, transitioning between stable living conditions, or experiencing other crises.