LYNN— James Cowdell, Lenny Peña, Adelle Abdallah, and Lisa Tobin were the honorees at the 28th Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon.

Almost 200 people filled the community room at LHAND’s 10 Church St. headquarters for the annual event, which raises funds for scholarships LHAND will present later this year. State Rep. Dan Cahill and retired LHAND accountant Joe Scanlon shared emcee duties, while LHAND Executive Director Charles Gaeta welcomed guests, and Mayor Jared C. Nicholson gave the greetings of the city.

Cowdell was presented with the Buzzy Barton, Jimmy Lyons, and Tom Muldoon “Irish” Person of the Year Award. He is the executive director of EDIC/Lynn and a former Ward 5 city councilor. Peña, a member of the Lynn School Committee, was given the John Sullivan & Ralph Cronin  Community Service Award in recognition of his work in the recovery community. 

Abdallah, a 23-year LHAND employee, was presented with the Laurie Walsh Memorial Commissioner’s Service Award. Tobin, a former LHAND employee who serves as the city’s director of public health, received the Executive Director’s Service Award, given to someone who helps build a healthier community.

“We are pleased to honor people who play such an important role in trying to make life better for those who can use some help,” Gaeta said. “This is an event that our staff takes great pride in every year, and it shows. We appreciate the support of all the sponsors.”

Major sponsors included Jimmy Connors of McGrath Enterprises, EDIC/Lynn, Obtek Services, Armstrong Real Estate, LLC, SalemFive, Element Care, Lynn Economic Opportunity, Capano & McGloin, LLP, Newhall Real Estate, and Mayor Jared C. Nicholson.

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Joe Scanlon co-hosts the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon held at Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development on Tuesday.

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State Rep. Dan Cahill co-hosts the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon held at Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development on Tuesday.

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State Rep. Sean Reid laughs as state Rep. Dan Cahill does and impression of President Donald Trump during the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon hosted by LHAND.

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Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson laughs as he speaks during the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon hosted by LHAND on Tuesday.

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LHAND Executive Director Charlie Gaeta speaks during the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon held at LHAND on Tuesday.

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People gather at LHAND in Lynn for the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon on Tuesday.

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People gather at LHAND in Lynn for the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon on Tuesday.

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Michael Lucerto wears a festive hat as he enjoys the annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon hosted by LHAND on Tuesday.

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Boiled dinner is served during the St. Patrick's Day luncheon at LHAND on Tuesday.

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Joe Scanlon holds up a childhood photo of EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell as he names him the Buzzy Barton, Jimmy Lyons, & Tim Muldoon "Irish" Person of the Year during the St. Patrick's Day Luncheon at LHAND on Tuesday.

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EDIC/Lynn Executive Director Jim Cowdell speaks after being named the Buzzy Barton, Jimmy Lyons, & Tim Muldoon "Irish" Person of the Year during the St. Patrick's Day Luncheon at LHAND on Tuesday.

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Joe Scanlon presents Lynn School Committee member Lenny Peña with the John Sullivan and Ralph Cronin Community Service Award during LHAND's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon.

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Lynn School Committee member Lenny Peña was awarded the John Sullivan & Ralph Cronin Community Service Award during LHAND's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon.

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LHAND's Adelle Abdallah speaks after being awarded the Laurie Walsh Memorial Commissioner's Service Award during LHAND's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon.

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State Rep. Sean Reid presents LHAND's Adelle Abdallah with the Laurie Walsh Memorial Commissioner's Service Award during LHAND's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon.

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Lynn Public Health Director Lisa Tobin was awarded the Executive Director's Service Award during LHAND's annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon on Tuesday.

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LHAND hosted its annual St. Patrick's Day Luncheon on Tuesday, honoring a number of people. On hand for the awards was, from left, state Rep. Dan Cahill, LHAND Executive Director Charlie Gaeta, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Laurie Walsh Memorial Commissioner's Service Award recipient Adelle Abdallah, Executive Director's Service Award recipient Lisa Tobin, John Sullivan and Ralph Cronin Community Service Award recipient Lenny Peña, and state Rep. Sean Reid.

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