RETIRING RECREATION DIRECTOR Lynne Clemens (center) was lauded for the innovative programming she brought to the town during her 16 years as Recreation Director at the Select Board meeting Monday. From left: T.A. Michael Gilleberto, Select Board members Vincenzo Stuto and Liane Gonzalez, Lynne Clemens, Select Board Chairwoman Kate Manupelli, Select Board members Rich Wallner and Stephen O’Leary. (Jennifer McNeil Photo)
‘It’s been an amazing ride’
By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — In what has become a recurring theme in town this year, another beloved employee has retired.
On Monday night, Lynne Clemens was praised by the Select Board for the creativity, passion and advocacy she brought to her role as Recreation Director for the past 16 years, preceded by an additional four years as a contract instructor in the department. They attributed the growth of the department and the expansion of programming for more adult activities largely to her successful advocacy.
As Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto pointed out recreational programming in North Reading returned almost a year ahead of other departments, both here and elsewhere. “During the worst of the pandemic in 2020, it was Lynne who was working to restore programming for the community and because of her ability to work collaboratively with other folks, including the Health Department, we were able to offer services for our community when many communities were not able to, and that was almost exclusively because of Lynne’s efforts,” he said.
“Lynne is very passionate about the department and often advocated on behalf of the people in the department and (those) that the department serves,” Gilleberto added.
Select Board member Stephen O’Leary said 20 years earlier he was just as excited to learn that Lynne would be working for the town’s Recreation Department as she was because of her enthusiasm for the role. “Your excitement is infections and your creativity is unmatched. You are going to be missed but you made your mark and we are greatly appreciative of all you accomplished,” O’Leary said.
Select Board member Rich Wallner thanked Clemens for providing a steady diet of interesting programming for all ages. “I always loved the spring wine tasting and that was for the right cause. Thanks for leaving us with that type of legacy. I am delighted for your retirement,” he said. Vincenzo Stuto commended Clemens for navigating the field scheduling difficulties during COVID when every group wanted to be accommodated with a patch of grass outdoors for their teams and events.
“We’ve been so lucky to have you. Your personality was perfect for the job and it’s a big loss but I know you have a good team behind you. We’ll miss you,” Select Board member Liane Gonzalez said.
Select Board Chairwoman Kate Manupelli thanked her for also putting in the extra effort to help make other programming happen as well, such as working collaboratively with other department heads, including the Veterans’ Department when The Wall That Heals came to Ipswich River Park. Clemens was presented with a framed photograph of the town’s Recreation Center on Central Street from the board, a facility where she spent many hours with her young charges.
“I couldn’t have found a job that I loved more than the job I had,” Clemens said, adding that she learned to love volunteering for events too, such as the BBQ’s and Disney-themed breakfasts. She learned the value of volunteerism from the Recreation Committee, she said, adding, “It has been an amazing ride.”
