Cable viewers’ input needed for future funding

Dear Editor,

Every five years, Verizon FIOS must renew their contract to provide cable television services in the city of Methuen. Why is this important to our residents?

First, Verizon is one of two providers servicing the city, so for residents to continue to have choices, it is important to discuss and renew this license. During the renewal process, Verizon FIOS customers can publicly and officially share their experiences with the company. This information is invaluable to guaranteeing a favorable outcome for the city.

Second, this license provides funding which goes to the broadcast of City Council and other meetings, Methuen news and election coverage, Santa Parade, Methuen Day and other events, Ranger High School sports, and other local programs unique to the city. These are seen on the FIOS system on channels 31, 32 and 33 as well as HD channel 2133, and these programs are stored on demand.
If you value these local programs, or wish to makes comments about Verizon’s service, you can attend the Verizon License Renewal Public hearing Thursday, Feb. 20 at 7pm in City Hall, Great Hall, third floor. This hearing, conducted by the Cable Advisory Board, welcomes citizens to make brief comments during public participation.

If you are unable to attend, please contact Methuen Community Studios about submitting written comments at info@methuentv.org. There is also a survey that you can take (by Feb. 22) available online at www.methuentv.org or with paper and pen at the Methuen Senior Center and Nevins Public Library.

Thank you for your support,

Karen L. Hayden
Executive Director
Methuen Community Studios

Thank you for bringing magic to foster kids

Dear Editor,

On behalf of the officers and board of directors of the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley, I say Thank You. With so many families experiencing financial difficulties themselves, it was evident we could once again count on our tremendous supporters to help provide for the foster children in the Merrimack Valley ensuring each of them has a memorable holiday season. From our supporters who donate to our annual appeal, to the participants in our Santa’s Helpers program and the many volunteers who come and help wrap all the gifts, we couldn’t do it without you.

To our partners at the Methuen Fire Department who donate their time helping us move the gifts for hundreds of children and the Methuen Police Department who help with traffic so that the gift pick-up goes smoothly, we say thank you.
FKMV is so grateful to the pastor, priests and parishioners of St. Lucy Parish who graciously give up their hall for an entire week so that we have a place to store, wrap and eventually give out large bags of gifts to each child. Thank you to our new community partner, Launch of Methuen, who helped us host the foster children and their families for a party at their location that was memorable and magical for the children, families and the board of FKMV.

We are grateful to all our volunteers and those who donate to support our many events year-round. Truly, we are humbled by your ongoing generosity!

Finally, the officers and the board of directors of the Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley are an amazing group of giving individuals, who for over 19 years, have been volunteering their time organizing events for the kids and fund-raisers to ensure our support to the children of the Greater Lawrence, Greater Haverhill area is steady. Their commitment to our mission is heartwarming to be sure. I am proud to say we have a generous and giving community and so blessed to be part of it.

Many thanks to all! Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year!

Larry F. Giordano
Founder and President
Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley, Inc.