A Healthy Lynnfield held celebrated another successful year of bringing awareness and resources to fruition during its annual meeting Oct. 23 at the Old Meeting House on the Town Common.
Truth be told, the night was chock full of bittersweet moments, starting with recognition of the contributions now-retired Program Director Peg Sallade has made during her six years at the helm.
“When I first made the commitment to create a program in town dedicated to substance use prevention, all signs pointed towards Peg,” AHL President Phil Crawford said. “She helped lead, mold and shape our coalition, with her unwavering dedication, into what we are today. Peg had the experience and the passion that our community needed. Peg has worked tirelessly with our community volunteers, our schools, our public safety teams, and most importantly, our youth, to make substance use prevention a priority in our town. Peg, you will be missed.”
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) presented a citation to Sallade.
“It’s amazing how this organization keeps growing,” Crighton said. “I started in the Senate about the same time it was getting going and when I saw the volunteers and the students it was clear to Rep. (Bradley H.) Jones (R-North Reading) that this was an organization we wanted to support. Kids growing up today are growing up with so many more pressures, so I think a community coming together that is family driven and willing to speak to the kids really has a tremendous impact.
Sallade echoed Crighton’s comments about the importance of coming together as a community.
“You all have your own expertise but when you come together you can see the result,” Sallade said to the audience. “The best way you can honor my work here is to continue to volunteer and continue your work and expertise. I think we have a great foundation as I pass the baton to Diana (DeLeo), I know she will be great and continue this important work.”