The Ninth Annual All-Chelsea Awards Night filled Chelsea City Hall with distinguished guests, award recipients, and a crowd eager to celebrate the city’s most valued residents. Representative Gene O’Flaherty, Representative Kathi Ann Reinstein, Mike Falzone, Irene Malachowski, Lynne Jones-Doblin, Catherine Maas, Rosemarie Carlisle, Allan Alpert, Dr. Thomas Kingston, Gladys Vega, Betsy Mullen, Carlos Fuentes and City Manager Jay Ash joined together for an evening that blended genuine emotion with political commentary and heartfelt appreciation. What began years ago as a legends and all-star celebration has evolved into something far more substantial—a testament to the commitment these honorees have demonstrated toward Chelsea.
Dr. Thomas Kingston, this year’s Public Servant of the Year, concluded his remarks with a Latin phrase that captured his philosophy: tantum eruditi sunt liberi – only the educated are free. His tenure as Superintendent of Chelsea’s public schools concludes in June. Dr. Mary Bourque, Assistant Superintendent of the Chelsea public schools, presented Kingston with the award.
The Leonard Florence Center for Living earned Project of the Year recognition, with observers noting it deserved recognition not merely for this year but for the entire decade. Betsy Mullen, director of this world-renowned elderly care facility featuring an internationally acclaimed ALS center, accepted on behalf of the organization with grace.
Mike Falzone received Businessperson of the Year honors. Chelsea Chamber of Commerce president Joe McNamee shared the stage as Falzone was described as devoted to three priorities: his family, Chelsea, and pizza. Yet his contributions extend well beyond his Central Avenue business, which his father established. Throughout his lifetime there, Falzone has supported countless causes, teams and community associations through his generosity and involvement.
“Thank you so much,” he told the assembled crowd. “I am proud to receive this award.”
Carlos Fuentes, Youth Resident of the Year, delivered remarks that demonstrated both eloquence and genuine care for others. With his family present and the crowd’s enthusiastic support, he exchanged handshakes and embraces with those who recognize his qualities. “When Jay Ash asked me to come upstairs so he could speak to me privately I got scared,” the young man recalled. “I mean, I was wondering, what have I done wrong?” Laughter rippled through the room as Fuentes returned to his seat, examining his award with evident pride.
Allan Alpert and Rosemarie Carlisle received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Alpert, the city’s Emergency Director, spoke with unusual solemnity, his family before him. He expressed gratitude to those around him while acknowledging his humbled state upon receiving this recognition. His observation that the city has avoided terrorist attacks under his leadership drew widespread laughter—a reminder of Alpert’s reputation as one of Chelsea’s finest comedians. Jay Ash noted: “Has more one-liners than there are books in the Chelsea Public Library.”
Carlisle’s acceptance speech moved many in attendance. Her tears flowed freely—joyful tears reflecting her profound connection to Chelsea and her lifelong pursuit of educational advancement for the city’s children. Her words were both authentic and touching, expressing the dedication of an ordinary person who has accomplished extraordinary things for working class residents and the working poor.
The Chelsea Collaborative won Community Organization of the Year, marking how substantially Chelsea has progressed over the past 25 years. Such recognition would have been unthinkable in the city’s earlier era before receivership ended. Gladys Vega, the Collaborative’s director, delivered powerful remarks in both English and Spanish to her colleagues and supporters gathered at City Hall, creating a memorable shared moment. The response was extraordinary and deeply moving.
Catherine Maas, Adult Resident of the Year, offered brief thanks to all in attendance. Irene Malachowski, Senior Resident of the Year, did likewise. Councillor Roseanne Bongiovanni joined Lynne Jones-Doblin, who accepted the Contributing Stakeholder of the Year award on behalf of the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation. The Foundation earned recognition for its efforts to combat chronic poverty throughout Chelsea.
