Lynn singing sensation gives VP tough act to follow

LYNN – Amanda Mena captivated Lynn by winning Telemundo network’s “La Voz Kids” competition, but the chance to sing in advance of Vice President Joseph Biden’s Wednesday appearance at the Lynn YMCA left her “feeling so blessed.””I never thought I would get to sing at this amazing event,” the 12-year-old singer said.Mena sang “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to one of her favorite singers, the late Whitney Houston, and “Because Of You” and “Hero,” as well as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” She said Tuesday’s election matters to young people.”It’s important to care,” Mena said.Local elected officials warmed up more than 200 people packed into the YMCA gym in advance of Biden and Democratic congressional candidate Seth Moulton’s appearance, but politicians were not the only speakers.Lynn resident Kevin McCarthy, South Essex field director for the Moulton campaign, spoke to the crowd along with Moulton campaign staffer and Saugus resident Jennifer Migliore, who urged audience members to tweet about the Biden event with the hashtag “standwithSeth.”Cullen Dunnigan led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The son of Lynn Police Lt. Glenn Dunnigan and Liz Dunnigan ran the Marine Corps Marathon last Sunday and raised more than $3,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.The Lynn police and fire departments were well represented at the event, led by the respective chiefs, Kevin Coppinger and James McDonald. Coppinger said Deputy Chief Leonard Demarais coordinated the Lynn department’s role with the Secret Service. Deputy Chief Michael Mageary was also on hand, while Capt. Christopher Reddy was stationed in the command center that was set up elsewhere in the YMCA. Sgt. Ned Shinnick was in the motorcade that escorted Biden from Logan Airport to the Y.The fire department honor guard that presented the colors consisted of: Capt. Rob McIntosh, Lt. Marc Adrien and firefighters Dan Zagdan-Gross, Robert Miele and Aaron Bradbury.Bruce Macdonald, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North, which includes the Lynn branch, was all smiles after the event concluded. “The whole thing was a blast,” Macdonald said of all the logistical planning that went into it. “This was fantasy world for us.”