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Essex Media Group honored its 2025 Persons of the Year at Lynn Museum Thursday night. Receiving recognition was, front row from left, Anne Quagrello, Axel Pineda, Lisa Mattuchia, and Charles J. Gaeta, and back row, from left, Cely Rosario, Dave Aldrich, and Julie Tarmy. (Spenser Hasak)

Community heroes honored

Essex Media Group celebrates 2025 Persons of the Year

Briana Alvarez

by

LYNN — On Thursday evening, Essex Media Group hosted its 2025 Persons of the Year. The award ceremony was not just a celebration, but it was a living portrait of the North Shore at its best.

“This is an extremely special night, not only for our community, but for Essex Media Group as well. This is one of our favorite nights,” opened Sophia Harris, who co-hosted the evening alongside Elizabeth Della Piana, both news editors for Essex Media Group.

“We have wonderful communities, and we deserve a media that can show that and tell us that. And ask the hard questions, but also highlight the positive and amazing strengths that we have, the people we have. And tonight’s a great example of that.” Mayor Jared Nicholson said.

Town by town, that example unfolded distinct stories bound by a common thread of service.

The night began in Lynn with Charles “Charlie” Gaeta, honored for more than four decades leading the Lynn Housing Authority. 

Nicholson called him “just the prime example of a public servant,” adding, “Charlie is the exception that proves the rule. He is always a man of deep integrity.”

“I receive a lot of credit for a lot of things… going on, and I accept that, but without the staff that I’ve had, both before now and in my present staff, totally committed to the community, totally committed to the residents that we serve. And I couldn’t be prouder to lead that organization for the last 42 years,” Gaeta said.

He also emphasized the importance of local journalism. “We’re fortunate, in this area, that we still have a print newspaper… And I think it’s essential.”

From decades of housing advocacy, the evening shifted to a moment measured in minutes.

In Lynnfield, security guard Axel Pineda responded to a radio call about someone in medical distress. He ran toward the emergency and performed CPR for more than two minutes until first responders arrived, helping save a man’s life.

“Good evening,” he began. “I want to thank the Essex media group for having me here today. I’m grateful to receive this award tonight. And be grateful for making an impact on a family’s life.”

In Marblehead, David Aldrich was recognized for founding Grab the Bagel, a nonprofit social enterprise that returns proceeds to the community.

“When I got the call, in the spirit of full disclosure, I was napping, I thought I was dreaming, and I said, ‘Are you sure?’” He joked.

But his work is rooted in lived experience. “I do what I do not for this. I do what I do because I know what it’s like to be left behind and discarded and pretty much left for dead. And my lifelong mission is to be able to transform the life of one person.”

What began as a simple gesture has grown into a symbol of generosity. “I’m just so totally blessed to be able to serve you… and to serve the surrounding communities.”

“This is a little bittersweet for me because I appreciate being recognized, but I also know why I’m being recognized,” Cely Rosario stated.

After losing her 14-year-old brother, Jason Bernard, to suicide, Rosario committed herself to mental health reform and anti-bullying advocacy.

“Not knowing enough about something is not a good enough reason not to support.”

She issued a direct call to action. “I am here. My name is Cely Rosario. Ask me how you can help, and I can give you a list of 10 things you can do.”

“So just remember my face because I’m not going anywhere.”

From youth advocacy, the focus turned to animals in need.

Lisa Mattuchio founded Eddie’s Ranch, a nonprofit rescue for senior and disabled dogs, after adopting a dog named Eddie who had been returned multiple times.

“When he passed away, I wanted to honor him, and I created Eddie’s ranch,” she said.

“My rescue is set up so that if nobody adopts them, they live with me permanently. I’m at 13 animals right now.”

“So Eddie did change my life, and he changed my life for the better… And also, please remember to adopt your next family member.”

The evening then highlighted advocacy for older adults.

As executive director of Seaglass Village, Anne Quagrello works to help seniors remain independent while staying connected to their community.

“This recognition, really, belongs to a group of hardworking, dedicated, selfless people who did all of the heavy lifting and got Seaglass Village up and running,” she said.

“This job has been a gift to me, honestly. It came at a time in my life when I actually needed it the most.”

The night concluded with a focus on preserving the region’s history.

Julie Tarmy, executive director of the Nahant Historical Society, has worked to turn local history into a living narrative.

“I am a newspaper brat,” she said.

“But it has made me realize just how important the stories of the people are.”

Inspired by a mentor who volunteered until age 103, she continues working to ensure younger generations understand not just dates and facts, but the people behind them.

“That inspired me to make sure that the children in the heart, and in the surrounding communities, know what the history, what the stories are.”

By the end of the celebration, a clear continuity emerged: housing advocates, first responders, entrepreneurs, reformers, rescuers, senior advocates, and historians each answering a call in their own way.

Different towns. Different missions. One shared commitment.

The 2025 EMG Persons of the Year celebration did more than honor individuals. It revealed the connective tissue of the North Shore — the hard work, courageous moments, and persistent hope that make it not just a collection of towns, but a community where people show up for one another, again and again.

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