LYNN — The YMCA of Metro North will honor Joel Abramson of Swampscott and Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan as part of its Annual Meeting Thursday at its new Demakes Family facility.
In addition, the meeting, which will be live streamed, will recognize its 2020 outstanding partners, volunteers and Y Champion Scholarship winners.
The Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Beverly will be given the Partner of the Year Award. Abramson will receive the Ethel Leonard Service Volunteer Award, and Hogan the YMCA of Metro North Branch Volunteer of the Year Award.
“We are so grateful for our partnership with the Y,” said Dr. David Longworth, president of Lahey. “Its ‘Enhance Fitness’ program for seniors is part of our community benefits program, which is committed to supporting community needs.
“Although it was put on pause during the course of the pandemic, we were delighted that the YMCA could continue (the program) virtually, touching the lives of many seniors at a time when loneliness was pervasive, when people couldn’t get out and when fitness and health became increasingly important.”
Abramson of Swampscott will be honored for his contribution in spearheading the Lynn Education District partnership, his support in the YMCA’s response to COVID-19, and for his leadership in securing commitments to complete the third-floor rooftop garden and wellness space at the new Demakes Family YMCA.
“Ethel Leonard was the epitome of what volunteering is all about and continued as a volunteer at the Y into her mid-90s,” says Abramson. “I’ve been working for more than 30 years to enrich the lives of kids and families in Lynn, and like Ethel, I will continue this mission as long as my body and mind allow me to do so.”
Hogan will be honored with the Branch Volunteer of the Year award for his work collecting diapers and infant supplies for families who could not afford them.
“I can’t say enough about the Lynn YMCA staff and their help and commitment during the pandemic,” says Hogan. “Receiving this volunteer award is an honor, but none of our response to supplying families with needed diapers and infant supplies would have been possible without them.”
The YMCA of Metro North will also present its Y Champion Scholarship winners Kacey Rouse of Lynn, Alexis Papamechail of Peabody, Brooke Heidebrecht of Melrose, and Tyler Dugan of Lynn.
