RETIRING RECREATION DIRECTOR Julie Mallett helps youngster Logan Fallon flick the switch that lit up the Town Common’s trees during Lynnfield Recreation’s recent Tree Lighting Ceremony. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — It’s the end of an era for Lynnfield Recreation.
Recreation Director Julie Mallett announced on Dec. 13 that she will be retiring at the end of the month. She has served as the town’s recreation leader for the past 11 years. She succeeded former Recreation Director Tricia Torosian.
“It has been my pleasure to be Lynnfield’s recreation director for over 10 years,” said Mallett. “I have thoroughly enjoyed growing this position from a five-hour a week job to an incredible full-time opportunity.”
Mallett said creating programs for Lynnfield Recreation and interacting with the community were incredibly enjoyable and rewarding.
“I am proud of the beloved programs and events I have brought to Lynnfield,” said Mallett. “The Lynnfield Rec staff always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone was safe and made sure to ‘bring the fun.’ I truly thank each and every Rec counselor and volunteer for their incredible dedication to those we have served. I always say Rec does have the best staff!”
Mallett said she has been thinking of retiring for “awhile.”
“It is simply time for me to move on and focus my energy in an opportunity where I will also have more free time,” said Mallett.
Mallett thanked the Recreation Commission for “all their hard work.”
“I would like to thank my Recreation Commission chairs I have closely worked beside: Matt Monkiewicz and Rich Sjoberg,” said Mallett. “I cannot thank Rich enough for the countless hours he put in each week. No one will ever know the countless hours of time and support they gave me.”
Mallett also thanked her husband, Billy, for the “endless hours setting up and breaking down every Rec event and program for me.”
“I want to thank my kids, Bryan, Jake and Kiera, for all of their handwork, volunteering and dedication to Rec through my time,” said Mallett. “I could not have accomplished the tremendous success of the current Lynnfield Recreation programs without each of them.”
Mallett said she is “proud of all the programs and events” she created.
“I love how much the summer program has expanded from just a day camp to camps, adventure trips, skills and drills, basketball and etc.,” said Mallett.
When asked what she will miss the most about the job, Mallett said, “The staff and all of the laughs we had together.”
“I wish Lynnfield Rec continued success,” said Mallett. “I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful holiday season. And most importantly, always remember to ‘See The Good.’
Town Administrator Rob Dolan praised Mallett’s dedication to Lynnfield Recreation and the town’s youth.
“Julie has been an invaluable member of our Town Hall team and her dedication to the children of Lynnfield and the town as a whole is extraordinary,” said Dolan. “We are so thankful for all she has done and wish her every success as our colleague, neighbor and friend.”
Recreation Commission member Terri Farrell said she will miss working with Mallett.
“It has been a pleasure to have worked with Julie for the last five-plus years as a member of the Recreation Commission,” said Farrell. “She has tirelessly expanded and enhanced programming for Lynnfield residents from preschool age through seniors. Programs have been fun and affordable. I am sad to see her leave, as she is one of the best town employees. It’s a shame that a few loud voices are making it challenging for good people to stick around.”
Friends of Lynnfield Recreation (FOLR) Board member Jes Doherty praised Mallett in a text message sent to the Villager.
“Julie’s dedication to the Rec program has been such an unbelievable asset to our town,” said Doherty. “Both of my kids went through the summer Rec program, from Rec Jr. all the way through to seventh grade. The Rec sponsored events such as the Father-Daughter Dance and the summer Rec day trips are just a few examples of how Julie has expanded the program. When approached with the opportunity to become a founding board member of Friends of Lynnfield Rec, it was a no brainer. We knew we could form a group to do some fundraising to help offset the expenses of running these programs and help keep the summer camp costs affordable to everyone. Our annual Cornhole Tournament has successfully done just that for over five years! I can’t speak for everyone else, but I joined the board because of Julie. She is selfless and hard working, and does it all with a consistently bright attitude and even brighter smile. She’s truly a special woman and I’m proud to call her a friend. She will most certainly be missed!”
FOLR Board member Heather Rose agreed.
“There are really no words to properly express the incredible impact that Julie and the Mallett family have made in the town of Lynnfield,” said Rose. “They are the best of the best. Specifically, Julie’s authentic leadership, dedication and strong work ethic transformed Lynnfield Recreation into the robust and thriving organization that our community relies on today. I am honored to have worked with Julie and, more importantly, call her my friend.”
Select Board Chair Joe Connell said during a Dec. 11 meeting that the town is looking to fill “anticipated” vacancies on the Recreation Commission. He said residents interested in serving on the commission can send letters and resumes to Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin at rcurtin@town.lynnfield.ma.us.
