For Immediate Release / June 18, 2003

Gretchen Wood of Manchester was elected chairperson of the board of Action, Inc., the first and largest antipoverty organization serving Cape Ann and Ipswich, at Action's annual meeting on June 18.

The meeting also elected Tone Kenney, of Ipswich, vice chairperson; Gavin Keenan, of Ipswich, second vice chairperson; Loretta Peres, of Gloucester, treasurer; Sheila Irvin of Rockport, secretary; and Linda Giamanco, of Gloucester, membership chairperson.

Tone Kenney was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her service as chairperson. Ms. Kenney has served on Action’s board for over 20 years.

Action’s Public Service Award went to Sudbay Automotive, in recognition of Sudbay employees’ generous support of Project Uplift, Cape Ann’s holiday gift program for children.

Carlos Luna was also given a certificate of appreciation for his service to Action as the Department of Housing and Community Development program representative.

State Representative Brad Hill, State Senator Bruce Tarr, and The Honorable Richard A. Mori, Presiding Justice at the Gloucester District Court, were among speakers at the meeting as Action's board. State Representative Brad Hill presented Action with a check for $500.

Action employees were honored for their long years of service. Evelyn Nelson was recognized for 20 years of HomeCare service, helping homebound elders live independently. HomeCare worker Maureen Surette was recognized for 15 years of service and HomeCare workers Lois Santos and Lee Harty were recognized for 10 years of service. Action employees Kelly Allen, Jim Noble, Lilian Frost, and Linda Peckham were all recognized for 5 years of service.

Action’s 38th Annual Report was dedicated to the memory of Gregory Auditore. For many years Mr. Auditore was a generous contributor to helping reduce poverty on Cape Ann.

Founded in 1965, Action has more than 100 employees working to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich. More than 5,400 people in 3,350 families received help from Action in the last fiscal year.

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For more information contact: William C. Rochford, Executive Director (978) 283-7874

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