LYNN — The North Shore Adult Day Health Care celebrated its 17th anniversary with a movie-themed party, live music and dance performances, and a ceremony, which was mostly held in Spanish, while Mayor Jared Nicholson, District Attorney Paul Tucker, and Lynn City Council members were there to honor them.

The center on North Common Street was decorated for the occasion with red, gold, and black balloons, star streamers, and even a life-sized Oscar trophy. They even put on a fashion runway-style show featuring flags from around the world, including Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Peru, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States. 

It was Tucker who not only praised North Shore ADHC for their work, but also reassured everyone in the room, most of whom were elderly patients and staff members, that they were welcome in Lynn. 

His statement was a timely one, given the federal political unrest, violence, and mass deportation initiatives going on across the country.

“I have been here several years, and every year I come, I have such a nice, warm feeling when I’m here around so many wonderful people,” he said. “It is so beautiful to see those wonderful flags of so many nations, all together; it means so much to all of us here. I know times have been very difficult, but I want you to know that me, the Mayor, and all these other folks here, we want to make sure that you know that we support you and we love you being here in this place at this time. It’s all of us together that make it so that we have such a wonderful country.”

Afterward, Amari Gaston, the legislative aid to Sen. Brendan Crighton, then presented them with a citation on behalf of the House of Representatives, signed by State Reps. Sean Reid, Daniel Cahill, and Jenny Armini and Crighton. Lynn Ward 4 Councilor Natasha Megie-Maddrey and Ward 5 Councilor Cardeliz Paez were also there to present an official citation from the Lynn City Council for North Shore ADHC’s “accomplishments, dedication to the community, and overall excellence.” 

Founded in 2008, North Shore ADHC officially opened the doors to the center on North Common Street in 2009. For over a decade, they’ve provided health services, food and activities to elderly in Lynn, as well as activities, shopping trips and a space inside the center itself for seniors to socialize. 

Right now, the center has a capacity of 95, says Marketing Director Yoleny Ynoa, but plans are in place to expand the center so that it can serve even more people. The renovation, which he says should be done by the summer, will increase that capacity to 125. 

“We’re doing a good service here,” Ynoa said. “Experience will tell you, we’re always full, we always have people here. Many people call me because they want to come.”

As they look ahead at the future, Ynoa says their goal is to continue to provide the best service for their clients. “We try to do our best, and every year we try to be better.”

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Whacky waving inflatable arm tube men greet attendees of the 17th anniversary celebration of North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center in Lynn on Friday.

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Barbara Murphy, of North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center in Lynn, holds the Guatemalan flag to represent attendees of the care center during the 17th anniversary celebration on Friday.

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People cheer and applaud as they celebrate the 17th anniversary of North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center in Lynn on Friday.

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Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson commends North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center in Lynn on 17 years in business.

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Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson presents North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center's Yoleny Ynoa, center, and Program Director Javier Marquez with a citation, commending the center on it's 17th anniversary.

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Essex County District Attorny Paul Tucker congratulates North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center's Yoleny Ynoa on the center's 17th anniversary.

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Amari Gaston, legislative aid for state Sen. Brendan Crighton, presents North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center's Yoleny Ynoa, left, and Program Director Javier Marquez with citations from the Lynn delegation in celebration of the center's 17th anniversary.

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Lynn School Committee member Tristan Smith commends the North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center on 17 years of business.

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Lynn City Councilors Cardeliz Paez and Natasha Megie-Maddrey present North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center's Yoleny Ynoa, left, and Program Director Javier Marquez with citations celebrating the center's 17th anniversary.

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North Shore Adult Day Health Care Center attendees are treated to a dance during the celebration of the center's 17th anniversary on Friday.