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On Saturday, January 5th in the early morning hours, Principal Mathews showed up at Salvation Army Chelsea with 13 men and a full complement of tools and materials prepared for a major renovation project.
Captain Isael Gonzalez, who serves as Pastor of Salvation Army, expressed enthusiasm about witnessing a group of accomplished professionals—including lawyers, teachers, principals, and investors—generously contribute their time to complete substantial renovation work.
The project commenced at 7:00 a.m. with a shopping trip to Home Depot and concluded around 5:30 p.m.
According to Captain Brenda Gonzalez, the most meaningful aspect of the weekend was that Principal Mathews’s friends had traveled from various states to mark his birthday through this distinctive form of celebration. Those friends included Kevin Qazilbash (Lawrence Principal), Evan MacAlew (Somerville Teacher), Josh Bowman (Lawyer), Drew Kodjak (Environmental lawyer), Bill O’Flanagan (Retired Principal), Mike Sabin (Waltham Principa), Seth Alexander (investing), Tom Nolan (investing), Alexlander Mathews (CHS Principal Chelsea), Bouke Noordji, Steven Cornielsen, Mark Nichols, and Dave Daglio.
The group displayed remarkable humility and a genuine commitment to service without seeking recognition. Their goal was straightforward: to benefit the community by contributing their own capabilities and resources. A local contractor was engaged to install new carpet in the front office. The team replaced ceiling tiles in both the kitchen and the gym door exit area. Classrooms in the kids club and hallway walls received fresh paint. Wood railings along the stairway were sanded and sealed, and new baseboard trim was installed throughout.
The children’s reaction upon arrival was one of genuine delight and amazement at the transformation of their freshly painted classrooms. Principal Mathews, his team of friends, the Salvation Army congregation, the Chelsea Interfaith Alliance, and the broader community extend their warmest wishes on your birthday and express deep gratitude for your commitment to serving the community on this special occasion.