LYNN — One hundred and fifty people packed the Lynn Museum Tuesday evening to honor eight people who made their marks on their communities.
Essex Media Group’s second annual Persons of the Year event honored those who have gone above and beyond to make their communities a better place.
Lynn’s David J. Solimine Sr., Lynnfield’s Lauren Maney George, Marblehead’s Patti DiCarlo Baker, Nahant’s Calantha Sears, Peabody’s Martha Holden, Revere’s Rachid Moukhabir, Saugus’ Elizabeth Marchese, and Swampscott’s Jo Ann Simons all embody the idea of community, according to Ted Grant, publisher of EMG and The Daily Item.
“In October 2014, we formed Essex Media Group and purchased The Daily Item,” said Grant. “We did it to maintain a community newspaper. I believe we are meeting that goal. There is nothing we are more proud of than this event and our honorees embody our mission to celebrate community.”
Grant and EMG Community Relations Director Carolina Trujillo introduced the honorees to the stage, where they accepted their awards with brief remarks. The Persons of the Year also received citations from state Sens. Brendan Crighton and Joan Lovely; state Reps. Dan Cahill, Pete Capano, and Tom Walsh; and City Councilors Brian Field of Lynn and Tom Gould of Peabody.
With his heartfelt words, Solimine encouraged everyone in the crowd to be good to their coworkers, friends and family.
“Tell people how you feel,” said Solimine. “That will get you a long way.”
Of all the recipients, 97-year-old Sears stole the show. In her speech, she insisted the honor should have been bestowed upon the younger generations of Nahant. The crowd gave her the only standing ovation of the night.
“This was wonderful,” said Sears. “I’m just so pleased that my family was able to be here with me, even down to my youngest great-grandchild.”
Crighton said great things are happening all across the North Shore and sometimes the people behind them don’t always get recognized.
“Essex Media Group went above and beyond to find great people doing important things,” said Crighton. “Hopefully, it inspires more people to do the same.”
