The Lamp Post
Sep. 1—What are those green bags?
If you've passed by White's Park on Mill Street, opposite Mill Brook Park, you may have noticed green plastic "gator bags" wrapped around the base of six young trees. The bags were provided by the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation and each one provides slow watering. They get refilled weekly by Ralph Basiliere, chairman of the Vietnam Memorial Commission, which maintains Mill Brook Park. Basiliere works with DCR to maintain 31 street trees in and around the two parks.
Cruising the river
A variety of city officials were scheduled to take a ride on the new tour boat run by Yankee Clipper Harbor Tours in Newburyport and based at the city docks behind the Tap restaurant on Washington Street. Those who were scheduled to board the Rachel Carson included the mayor and his wife, members of the city's Conservation Commission and Harbor Commission and City Council. The Rachel Carson is now in operation and tickets for 60- or 90-minute river tours can be ordered online at www.harbortours.com.
No boarding without permission
Talking about the Rachel Carson, apparently a group of teenagers recently boarded the boat without permission while the captain was downtown having a meal. The captain returned to the boat and had to shoo the teenagers away, including one who was very rude to him.
School Committee public comment police tightened
After a number of School Committee public comment sessions went over the allotted time and varied from the agenda, the School Committee recently voted to announce the rules at the start of each meeting. Parents and others who wish to address the committee will be limited to three minutes, unless additional time is allowed, and the topic must relate to the published meeting agenda. Improper conduct or abusive remarks will be called out of order.
Straw poll results
The Haverhill Democratic City Committee held its annual Roz McKeon breakfast Aug. 27 at Maria's Family Restaurant, during which a straw poll for Democratic candidates in the Sept. 6 primary was held. Here are the results: Governor, Sonia Rose Chang Diaz 14% vs. Maura Healey 86%; For Lt. Governor, Kimberly Driscoll 79%, Tami Gouveia 12% and Eric Lesser 9%; Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell 49%, Shannon Erika Liss-Riordan 17% and Quentin Palfrey 34%; Secretary of State, Francis Galvin 69%, Tanisha M. Sullivan, 31%; Auditor, Christopher S. Dempsey 16%, Diana DiZoglio 84%; State Senator First Essex District, Pavel Payano 21%, Doris V. Rodriguez 11% and Eunice Zeigler, 64%; District Attorney, James P. O'Shea 11%, Paul F. Tucker 89%; For Sheriff, Kevin F. Coppinger 75%, Virginia Leigh 25%.
