State Closes Haverhill’s Hidden Pig Over Taxes; Owner Promises to Reopen

(Additional photograph below.)

The owner of downtown Haverhill’s Hidden Pig restaurant promises to reopen by early September after the state issued a seizure notice for nonpayment of taxes. In a social media post, The Hidden Pig yesterday confirmed the big orange “Seized” notice in the window at 130 Washington St. and said they are working to resolve the issue. “Before everyone runs off with their own thoughts, I’m writing this post to share briefly what’s happening and how we will handle it. The business/property was closed today by the state for having outstanding tax obligations not fulfilled,” the business confirmed.

Whitcomb to Speak at WOW Women’s Series Lunch

Tricia Whitcomb of Whitcomb Consulting will discuss Cybersecurity Skills at the upcoming Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s Winning Opportunities for Women Series lunch. “What’s The Cloud? Cybersecurity for All” addresses the question, “How do I protect myself online? And what *is* the cloud? Whitcomb defines cyber terms and concerns and provides basic fundamentals and a framework to follow with specific step-by-step instructions.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Offers Cedar View Rehab Networking Breakfast

The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce is planning a networking breakfast at Cedar View Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Methuen. The Chamber calls it an opportunity for individuals to make connections and build business relationships while enjoying breakfast. It takes place Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8-9:15 a.m., at Cedar View Rehab, 480 Jackson St., Methuen. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers.

Verani Realty Celebrates New Offices in Familiar Haverhill Location

(Additional photograph below.)

Verani Realty Thursday celebrated its move across the Merrimack River in Haverhill, opening in a familiar real estate broker venue on Kenoza Avenue. In a ribbon-cutting ceremony overseen by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, officials of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty celebrated with food, beverages and ice cream outside its 40 Kenoza Ave. offices. “We’re just so very excited to find an office and be in a location like this in Haverhill. This is amazing,” said Verani Realty President Giovanni Verani.

Methuen Grocery Store Adds U-Haul Moving Services

Liban D’Or, a family-owned grocery store in Methuen, recently signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. U-Haul Co. of Massachusetts and Ohio said Liban D’Or will offer U-Haul trucks and moving supplies and be staffed by Spanish-speaking employees. Liban D’Or owner Eli Merheb said he is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet local demands. U-Haul says it has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945.

Aroma Joe’s Van Plans Tours in Haverhill, Amesbury

The Aroma Joe’s van will be at events in Haverhill and Amesbury next month, giving away free samples, prizes, surprise giveaways and more. Vans make tour stops during Caiden’s Crusaders Eighth Annual Going GOLD September, Thursday, Sept. 3, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Gametime Lanes & Entertainment at 84 Haverhill Road, Amesbury, and Haverhill Friday Night Lights Football Game, Friday, Sept. 11, at Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St., Haverhill. Aroma Joe’s also plans to offer photograph opportunities, swag, music and more.

Merrimac Sweetsir School Playground Project Receives $10K Boost from Haverhill Bank

A planned playground on the grounds of the Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School in Merrimac recently received a boost with a $10,000 donation from Haverhill Bank. The donation was accepted by the Merrimac Commission on Disabilities and advances plans for a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant playground. The Commission said the proposed inclusive playground will ensure all children, regardless of physical, cognitive, sensory or developmental abilities, have equal access to safe and engaging outdoor play. “Watching parents, teachers and students get excited about bringing a new fully inclusive playground to Merrimac is amazing to see. We look forward to watching this project come to fruition,” said Merrimac Commission on Disabilities Chairman Chris Gaudet.

Rutko Joins River Run as Senior Vice President, Senior Risk Manager

Holly Rutko was recently named senior vice president, senior risk manager for River Run Bancorp, affiliated with Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank and Rollstone Bank & Trust. Rutko has been in banking for 20 years, previously serving as vice president, compliance manager. She will work in developing, implementing and overseeing the Bank Secrecy Act, Community Reinvestment Act and compliance programs.

“Strong compliance programs protect the bank, but more importantly, they protect the people we serve,” said Rutko. “That’s what drives the work.”

Meaghan Lally-McGurl, executive vice president, chief enterprise risk officer said “Holly’s depth of knowledge in BSA, CRA, and compliance—combined with her two decades of hands-on experience—make her exceptionally well-suited for this leadership role.”

Rutko earned a Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, from Elms College as well as a Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, from New England School of Law.