SALEM, N.H. — The Southern New Hampshire Chamber of Commerce celebrated four years of Haus of Beauty by HS-Artistry on Nov. 16.
Heather Schofield, founder and owner, is a multi-award-winning master makeup artist with more than four licenses and countless certifications.
She has had the opportunity in her career to practice various aspects of the beauty industry including education, film, commercial, editorial, fashion, pageants and weddings.
Schofield has been one of the leading beauty experts in New England for over a decade and has curated a team of talented professionals.
Haus of Beauty by HS-Artistry’s mission is to make clients feel like their best version. They take pride in continuing their education in the various types of hair services, skincare treatments and makeup applications for any skin type, texture, age, ethnicity, or culture.
Director stepping down
HAVERHILL — After three-and-a-half years serving as executive director for Ruth’s House, Amy Smith-Boden announced she is stepping down from this role at the end of the month.
“Ruth’s House is stronger now than it ever has been,” she said. “We have strong partnerships with organizations and with individuals. Some are new, and many are long-time partners. We have an increased client and customer base; and of course, Ruth’s House operates with the help of dozens of dedicated volunteers. I am pleased to say that Ruth’s House is well-positioned for the next ED to serve the community well into the future.”
Ruth’s House Board of Directors issued a statement commending Smith-Boden’s tenure. “During the last three years, Amy has helped to elevate Ruth’s House services and presence in our community. Her empathy and compassion for the community and our clients have touched everyone she met.”
The board announced that Barbara Canyes will serve as Interim Executive Director. Canyes has part of Ruth’s House for the last three years and alongside Smith-Boden has been instrumental in creating a new culture of “thrifting,” with a focus on clothing and textile recycling.
Previously, Canyes served for over 15 years as the executive director of Massachusetts Campus Compact, a nonprofit that works to improve community life and educate students about civic and social responsibility.
Networking opportunities
The Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce will hold two holiday-themed events in the upcoming week.
Business Networking Mixer on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Buono Bistro, 220 Sutton St., Andover.
Cost is $28 for members and $38 for future members and includes a choice of chicken Parmesan, penne puttanesca or chicken Caesar salad.
On Wednesday, Dec. 6, the chamber will hold a holiday-themed Business Networking Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. at Stone Hill at Andover.
Cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members and includes holiday themed appetizers and beverages and business card drawings for door prizes.
To register for either event, or for more information, visit merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.
Credit Union honored
LAWRENCE — Bridgewater Credit Union, a division of Merrimack Valley Credit Union, was honored with an Economic Impact Award from the Metro South Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s 110th Annual Meeting Expo on Nov. 15. The award honors “significant investment and contribution to the economic development of the region.”
BCU was recognized for its investment in a new branch that opened on Washington Street in Hanover this summer. The branch held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Sept. 9 that included tours of the building, food trucks, live music and lawn games.
“Thank you to Chris Cooney and the Metro South Chamber of Commerce for recognizing our credit union, to our team for their hard work in creating, designing and opening our newest branch in Hanover, and to our terrific Hanover staff led by Branch Manager Marcello DiVincenzo,” said MVCU CFO/COO Michael Valley.
“Opening this branch was critical for us to better serve our members in Hanover and the surrounding communities, and to increase access to financial services for those who are not yet our members.”
Following a merger with RTN, Federal Credit Union and the opening of the Hanover location, MVCU now operates 19 retail branches from southern New Hampshire through eastern Massachusetts.
Thanksgiving donation
METHUEN — Borislow Insurance of Methuen delivered their annual Thanksgiving dinners to the Fina House, operated with the help of the Lawrence YWCA, on Monday, Nov. 20.
Fina House was established to expand critically needed housing opportunities and social services for some of the most vulnerable women and families in our community: survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence and their children and homeless teen pregnant or parenting mothers.
In these apartment-style units, women participate in skill-building activities that are designed to help them identify and achieve personal and professional goals. Professional staff assist them in developing their own goals for employment, education, housing, financial security, parenting, custody issues, personal growth and more.
Sam Hernandez, housing and stabilization director, said she was very appreciative of the support from Borislow Insurance to help the families.
Borislow Insurance donated 26 oven roaster chickens as well as 26 meal packs of onions, carrots, green beans, potatoes, butter, Stove Top stuffing, gravy, Jiffy corn bread, cranberry sauce and a brownie mix.
The company also donated 4 Market Basket gift cards for new families expected at the Fina House in the next few weeks.