In this edition of the Mayor’s Corner, Mayor Reardon begins with the sad news that Reverend Helen Murgida, Affiliate Community Minister at the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist on Pleasant Street, was fatally struck by a car on Green Street on her way to deliver a prayer at his State of the City Address on Wednesday, February 28th here at City Hall. A mental health professional was on site at City Hall in the days that followed to assist with city employees and community members who witnessed the incident and its immediate aftermath. Tonight (Thursday, 3/7) there will be a vigil on the City Hall steps at 6:30 p.m. to remember Reverend Helen and her remarkable life, work and the causes she stood for. The Mayor’s State of the City Address included information on projects, initiatives and budget. He also delivered his annual Public & Community Service Awards to employees, individuals and businesses. More information will be shared on these awards at a later date. There was a Community Services Subcommittee meeting this week focusing on the NBPT Rec building at 59 Low Street. The next meeting will be on March 18th at 5:00 p.m. and will focus on engineering and finances. All are invited to attend. The Emma L. Andrews Library & Community Center will host its annual Souper Saturday on Saturday, March 9th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Newburyport Senior Community Center on 331 High Street. Soup, bread and homemade dessert will be available for $7. All proceeds fund Emma in the Backyard 2024 Summer Programs. Mayor Reardon updates us on a fantastic winter season for NHS athletics. Many teams have made the state tournaments. Go Clippers! There was a School Committee meeting on Monday night. Four fantastic candidates for the Whittier School Representative were interviewed and one will be selected at the next meeting. Superintendent Sean Gallagher also presented on his proposed budget. Finally, the School Committee, family members and faculty were there to honor Robbie Edwards, a 3rd grader at the Bresnahan Elementary School for excelling on the MCAS Alternate exam!