Hayes Building dedicated at LCHC

LYNN – Gone from the workplace, but not forgotten.That’s the message delivered during Monday’s dedication of the Stephen D. Hayes Building at the Lynn Community Health Center.Hayes, 64, of Salem, co-founded the 269 Union St. health center and worked 40 years carrying out its mission.He retired last year. Health problems kept Hayes from the ceremony, but his wife, Clare, spoke on his behalf to a crowd of colleagues and well-wishers gathered inside the construction site.”What a fitting day to share our love and heartfelt feelings to one another. On this Valentine’s Day, I feel very privileged to speak on behalf of my husband, Steve Hayes,” she said.She thanked everyone for attending and signing the sheet of gypsum board that will be affixed to the metal studs once the interior finish work commences.”It means so much to Steve, knowing that your thoughts and well wishes, as well as his memory, will be carried on in this wonderful new building,” she said.Among those singled out for special thanks were Health Center Executive Director Lori Berry and co-founder William Mantzoukas.”Without Bill Mantzoukas, there would be no health center. His remarkable fortitude and generosity has been the stabilizing influence here the past 40 years,” Clare Hayes said.As for naming the three-story building after him, the ailing Hayes in a prepared statement said he is both deeply humbled and honored.”He extends his love and appreciation to all the health center’s staff for their dedication to serving those in need and for remembering him as one of them,” Clare Hayes said.Dozens of colleagues signed the gypsum board. “Dr. Hayes, you are a living legend. It has been a great honor to work with you,” wrote Thyda Dos.Co-worker Angela Wilbur put it this way, “Thank you Steve for all you have done for me. Thank you for being such a wonderful role model. It has been an honor to know and work with you.”Longtime health center administrator Robert Dempkowski offered similar words. “To Steve Hayes, thank you for being an excellent friend and colleague, a source of humor and wisdom, and a generous and compassionate leader,” he wrote.Denis Keaney, project manager for Bond Construction, explained the next phase involves adding a brick exterior and aluminum-framed windows.”This is a three-story structure with a basement that will be built out,” he said. “We will be starting the first-floor interior finish in mid-March or April , and it should be completed by the end of July,” he said. “At that point, we’ll move to the basement and to the second floor.”