Haverhill city councilors last night approved city government’s $262 million spending plan plus water and sewer expenses for the year starting July 1. The average single-family homeowner should expect a $444 increase in property taxes, roughly double previous hikes, as WHAV previously reported. Water rates will also increase by 17% and wastewater by 11%, driven by increased environmental quality standards. “It is not where we all want to be, but it is where we find ourselves, and I think this is the step we have to take to correct that deficit we have in free cash and funding ongoing items with free cash,” Mayor Melinda E. Barrett said.
Laura Klain, a certified life coach and therapist will lead a workshop on mindfulness at the Haverhill Public Library. The practice is a way to find relaxation, peace of mind, and stress relief using the breath, mind and body as tools to help focus on calming inner turmoil. It can be added to any lifestyle and performed anywhere.
Evelyn Friedman, former executive director and CEO of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, will be awarded the David Tibbetts’ Economic Impact Award when the Lawrence Partnership meets next week for its 10th annual meeting. Friedman was named for her “unwavering commitment to inclusive economic development and her tireless efforts to advance Lawrence’s prosperity,” according to an announcement. The award will be presented during the annual meeting taking place Tuesday, June 18, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., at Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St., Lawrence.
Seven local artists have created a new black-and-white photography exhibit titled “Encounter the Real—Emotive Reflections at Northern Essex Community College’s Lawrence campus. The exhibit focuses on the conveyance of emotions and spirituality through the artists differing perspectives, influenced by their identities as women, non-binary people, LGBTQ and people of color. Two of the artists Kat Almonte and Mahli Rivera, owners of Grainy Daze Studios in Lawrence, organized the exhibit with a grant from the Lawrence Cultural Council.