Peabody welcomes new COA director

PEABODY – She may have strayed for a little bit, but she’s certainly found her way back home. As of Jan. 7, former volunteer coordinator Carolyn Wynn will take over the reigns as the new director of the Peter A. Torigian Life Community Center.Her new role was announced Wednesday during the center’s annual holiday party.”It gives me great pleasure to introduce the new director,” said the Rev. Andrew Demotses, who has been with the center since 1972. “She is someone near and dear to so many of you.”The audience of 325 Christmas sweater-wearing members welcomed Wynn with loud cheers and a standing ovation as she approached the podium. State Rep. Joyce Spiliotis and City Councilor Ted Bettencourt were there to celebrate.”I enjoyed my time here before,” said Wynn with a smile across her face. “Coming back today feels like I’ve never left.”Mayor Michael Bonfanti said Wednesday was a “happy-sad day.” He’s thrilled to have Wynn as the new director, but saddened because it “marks the end of an era.”Denis Coleman will be stepping into retirement after 25 years as the center’s director.”It makes my leaving so much easier to know that Carolyn is coming up,” said Coleman, adding that she has compassion and deals with people with admirable respect.Wynn first worked with Coleman for 15 years as the center’s volunteer coordinator. She left five years ago to work as the director of a senior center in Plymouth, N.H.When Coleman announced his retirement, a search committee was formed with members from the Council on Aging to find his replacement. Over 20 resumes came across their desks. On Dec. 3, after narrowing down their options, Wynn was the chosen one and the mayor accepted.”I felt it was the right move,” said Wynn about coming back to Peabody. “I couldn’t think of working with any other group of people.” She also stated earlier that her only regret is that Coleman won’t be working with her.Members of the center were more than happy to see their old friend return.”She’s one of the greatest,” said Josephine Magesky, who made her away across the room to give Wynn a hug. “We hated to see her go, but I think it’s better now to have her back.”