Haverhill launched LGBTQ+ Pride Month Thursday with a flag raising at City Hall, students speaking of their experiences and quests to make a difference and the launch of a Haverhill Police liaison unit. Haverhill City Councilor Thomas J. Sullivan served as master of ceremonies outside of City Hall where Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini read his proclamation, declaring Pride month in Haverhill. The event observes a tradition commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. This year, the ceremony rose above mere talking points with the introduction of Haverhill Police Departments’ LGBTQ+ Liaison Unit, led by Officer Desiray Caracoglia.
Methuen is planning a second Field of Honor to recognize veterans, show patriotism and help raise money for veterans’ events. Flags wave during the Second Field of Honor, beginning Friday, June 9, and continue for a week, at Nevins Memorial Library. A dedication ceremony takes place Saturday, June 10, at 9 a.m., at the library.
University of Massachusetts’ early college initiatives are projected to increase enrollment to 913 high school students this fall—a 50% increase in the second year of the pilot program. Students earn UMass course credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college educations, acquainting them with college-level work and saving money on college tuition. UMass Lowell, for example, piloted, what the system calls, Commonwealth Collegiate Academy initiatives at Methuen and Greater Lowell Technical High Schools.
The Merrimack Valley String Orchestra presents a free spring concert, conducted by Joy Schuetze with players from the Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire. The family concert includes a movement of the Telemann Viola Concerto with soloist Hannah Longo; arrangements of other classics by Mozart, Haydn, Dvorak; and pops such as Star Wars, Beach Boys and The Magnificent Seven! The concert takes place Saturday, June 10, at 7 p.m., at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 16 Ashland St., Haverhill.