Bill Manzi.com

I joined the Methuen City Council in recognizing Methuen High School students Rachel Sterner, Jenna Fabrizio, and Lauren Loffredo, along with teachers Dave Lacroix and Carol Guselli, for their tremendous effort in putting together Methuen’s Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. This year the Methuen Relay raised over $214,000, well over the initial goal of $171,000. Congratulations.

Methuen Artist’s Work on Display in the Mayor’s Office & Mann Orchards

Mayor William M. Manzi has named Allison Fitzgerald as July’s Artist of the Month. Allison is an expert photographer and artist. She has recently returned to Methuen after working in the Bio-Tech field in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree at Delaware Valley College. She is now pursuing a career in professional photography. Allison’s family owns Mann Orchards, the oldest business in Methuen. Local artist Merry Beninato mentored her through grade and high school. During her education she focused on oil paints and graphite. Currently, her photography includes landscapes, pets and wildlife. To view a portion of her portfolio you can visit http://www.c2hdesigns.com and visit the gallery on display at the café of Mann Orchards.

Mayor Manzi stated, “Allison is one of the many talented artists living and working in our community. It is an honor to display her artwork and photography. I am glad that she has returned to her hometown and is continuing the Fitzgerald tradition of giving back to her community. I encourage people to come to my office and view Allison’s fine work.”

The Methuen Artist of the Month Program was created by Mayor Manzi four years ago in order to give members of the Methuen Arts Community a forum to display their work and to encourage participation in Methuen’s growing and vibrant creative economy. Methuen artists interested in being considered as Artist of the Month should contact the Mayor’s Office.

My thanks to Governor Deval Patrick and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, as well as Reps. Linda Campbell and Barbara L’Italien, as well as Senator Steve Baddour.

$668,071.00 Grant Will Be Used To Fund Several Programs

Mayor William M. Manzi, III announced today that Methuen has received a $668,071.00 federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The grant will enable the City to continue several programs that aid Methuen residents and social service organizations.

The Community Development Block Grant, provided through the federal government and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, provides services to Methuen residents, particularly low and moderate-income elders, persons with disabilities, and low and moderate-income households.

The CDBG grant provides residents of Methuen with a housing rehabilitation program to assist with safety/code improvements, and accessibility improvement to elderly and disabled residents when necessary. The grant also supports a full time Code Enforcement Officer, providing daily monitoring and enforcement of code violations within the City’s target area.

Grant funds also allow the City to provide important youth services through the Methuen Arlington Neighborhood Community Center, child care services through the Merrimack Valley YMCA, adult literacy training through the Nevins Memorial Library, and transportation assistance through the Council on Aging.

“This grant will enable Methuen to preserve many valuable housing and social service programs,” said Methuen Mayor William M. Manzi, III. He also thanked the Rep. Niki Tsongas, Governor Deval Patrick, and Methuen’s Legislative Delegation for securing the grant. He credited the hard work of his staff and the Methuen Community Development Department for completing and tracking the grant application.