Special to the Record
The City Council honored two women who have dedicated their lives to making Chelsea a better place with resolutions at its meeting on Monday night.
For over two decades, Nicola Richardson has called Chelsea home, and currently serves as the president of the tenants’ association at 260 Clark Ave. She has dedicated her career to elder services, having worked at nursing homes such as the East Point Soldier’s Home, Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home, and the Lighthouse Nursing Home.
“Despite the physical challenges she has faced, including the need for a shoulder replacement due to the strains of her demanding work, her spirit has remained unbroken and her resilience and determination to continue making a difference in the lives of others serves as an inspiration to us all,” the resolution stated.
The council also praised Richardson for her love and pride of Chelsea and her ability to bring people together.
Cara Cogliano was on hand to receive her resolution from the council. Cogliano is resigning after more than a decade as the director of Chelsea Community Connections to become the director of U-ACCESS at UMass-Boston.
“From its deceptively small office on Hawthorne Street, Chelsea Community Connections helps nearly 500 families per year overcome barriers to acquire homes, jobs, healthcare and many other necessities,” the resolution stated. “The severe socioeconomic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic put a heavy strain on nonprofits across Chelsea, but Cara and the volunteers at Chelsa Community Connections managed the massive influx of those in need and have continued to assist residents to this day, while never losing sight of their core values: collaboration, compassion, diversity, empowerment, and respect.”
District 8 Councilor Calvin Brown thanked Cogliano for her work and her dedication to the city.
“I have been in awe of working out of a tiny, tiny space and serving so many in our community, always with a smile and always thinking of every little thing,” said District 5 Councilor Lisa Santagate.
District 4 Councilor Tanairi Garcia said she worked with Cogliano during the pandemic and was impressed by her hard work and dedication.