Alana Melanson

1 month ago | lowellsun.com | Alana Melanson

By Alana Melanson Hundreds of Greater Lowellians packed the Lenzi's function hall in Dracut Saturday morning for the annual St. Patrick's Breakfast presented by state Rep. Rodney Elliott and The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell. The celebration of Irish heritage and friendly roasts honored Tom Shanahan, owner of the Four Sisters Owl Diner and organizer of Owl Diner Charities, and raised funds for The Bridge Club.

1 month ago | lowellsun.com | Alana Melanson

DRACUT — At first glance, the space at 1242 Lakeview Ave. that houses Longevity Strength & Conditioning doesn’t look big enough for a fitness studio. But when you realize that Longevity’s whole purpose is small-group and one-on-one personal training, it all makes sense. “We like to call it a ‘gym boutique,’” said co-owner Erin Gannon, who, along with partner Josh Valdez, opened Longevity on Jan. 6.

1 month ago | lowellsun.com | Alana Melanson

LOWELL — The Sun Santa elves have been busy at work completing the tallies for this winter’s campaign, and we’re almost to the end. Thanks to our longtime friends at the Polish American Veterans of Lowell and Dom Polski Club — along with others from both near and far — our total has now surpassed $167,000 raised. We so appreciate everyone who has opened their hearts and wallets to help us provide a wonderful Christmas for local families in need.

1 month ago | lowellsun.com | Alana Melanson

THE LYRICS from the song “How Ya Gonna Keep ’em Down on the Farm (After They’ve Seen Paree)?” come to mind when thinking about the stalled development on the five Hamilton Canal Innovation District parcels that local real estate developer and pizza chain owner Sal Lupoli optioned in 2020. The city transferred ownership of Parcels 1 through 5 to Lupoli for just over $2 million with a six-year construction completion timeline. He built a 500-space garage on Parcel 1 that opened last year.

1 month ago | lowellsun.com | Alana Melanson

LOWELL — Gabriella Santos, an 11th grade Air Force Junior ROTC cadet at Lowell High School, has received a scholarship to attend an accredited aviation university participating in a private pilot license training program this summer. Cadet Santos is one of 194 Air Force Junior ROTC cadets around the world to receive the scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC, Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama. More than 1,200 cadets applied.