Special to the Record
Nominations are currently being solicited for the Ninth Annual “All-Chelsea Awards.” The awards are given to recipients who have distinguished themselves, improved the lives of local residents or enhanced the city’s overall civic standing. Ten individuals and entities will be recognized in a variety of categories.
“There are so many working so tirelessly in our community to advance our mutual goals for our residents and our city. This award program allows us to recognize the best among us as we celebrate the contributions made by individuals and organizations that continue to make Chelsea the special place that it is,” said City Manager Jay Ash, a founder of the ACA Program.
Three residents, one each in the categories of “under 21 years old,” “21-64” and “65 and older” will receive awards. Also to be recognized will be a “Public Official of the Year,” who may be an elected or appointed member of government; a “Business or Businessperson of the Year,” and a “Community Based Organization or Person of the Year.” The latter distinction will recognize a local non-profit organization, staff member or volunteer who is typically engaged in human services, cultural or recreational programs, civic betterment, or the like.
Other awards will go to a “Project of the Year,” which can recognize either a new or existing program or development that has had a substantial impact on the quality of life enjoyed by local residents, and a “Contributing Stakeholder of the Year,” which will recognize a non-community person, business or organization that has made a recognizably positive local contribution.
For the aforementioned awards, distinguished service over the previous twelve months will be the key criteria for recognition. Two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” will also be given out annually to recognize a resident, business or organization for extended outstanding service to the community or unparalleled individual accomplishment.
Last year’s recipients were: Public Official – Chief Brian Kyes of the Chelsea Police Department; Community Organization – Barry Berman of the Chelsea Jewish Foundation; Business – Robert Cashman of Metropolitan Credit Union; Youth Resident – Molly Bourque; Resident 21-64 – John Kennard; Resident 65 and older – Judith Dyer; Contributing Stakeholder – Bob Hildreth, Chelsea Public Schools benefactor; Project – Market Basket, and Lifetime Achievement – the late John Donovan, a former State Representative, House Counsel and Red Sox General Manager, and the late Paul “Choc” Glazer, the former director of the Chelsea YMHA and a member of the School Committee.
“This award program is an important statement about a great community,” said Councillor President Leo Robinson, a former award winner. “I am continually impressed with the work so many are doing. It’s great that those champions among us get recognized.”
The ACA Committee, comprised of residents and leaders from government, business and community based organizations, will seek nominations from the community and make nominations on their own. An ACA Selection Committee, comprised of ACA Committee members and their appointees, will determine the award winners.
Nominations are due by September 10 to the City Manager’s Office. Nomination forms can be found online at www.chelseama.gov, or at the City Manager Offices. Forms will also be emailed by request to [email protected] or mailed by calling 617-466-4100.
“Each and every day, someone is making a difference in our community,” suggested Joe McNamee, the Chamber of Commerce President and former award recipient. “I encourage those being touched by a selfless individual or a terrific program to let our committee know by submitting a nomination form.”
Winners will be announced in the September 30 edition of the Chelsea Record and recognized at a City Hall event the evening of October 28th.