2025 Merrimack Valley YMCA Annual Meeting: A Year in Review
When the Greater Boston Food Bank tractor trailer pulls into the Methuen YMCA early on a Saturday morning, the parking lot is already full of families in their cars waiting for the monthly distribution of fresh produce, eggs, bread and more.
Just down the road in Lawrence, the YMCA’s mobile food truck picks up 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of food from the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, which will be bagged and distributed directly to apartment communities and neighborhoods in the city.
In recognition of the food banks’ consistent and collaborative approach to addressing food insecurity, the Merrimack Valley YMCA has named these two vital organizations as their Community Partners of the Year.
The food banks, along with five community volunteers, were recognized November 13 at the 145th Annual Meeting of the Merrimack Valley YMCA held at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club in Methuen.
The Y’s partnership with the food banks means that 350 families have access to fresh food each month at the Methuen mobile food market and helps to feed more than 150 families every week in Lawrence through the Y’s food distribution programs.
“Our partnership with these two food banks has meant that thousands of people have access to food,” said Francis J. Kenneally III, Merrimack Valley YMCA president and CEO. “There is not one organization that can solve the food insecurity crisis alone, but when we build these strong, strategic partnerships, we can have meaningful impact for the families that need it most.”
The Merrimack Valley Food Bank and the Greater Boston Food Bank provide hundreds of thousands of pounds of food every year that the Merrimack Valley YMCA distributes directly to those in the community most in need.
“Thank you to the Merrimack Valley YMCA for honoring us and recognizing our partnership,” said Debbie Callery, executive director of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank. “We’re grateful to work alongside such a dedicated organization committed to strengthening our community. We appreciate the support and look forward to continuing our work together.”
At the annual meeting, Stacey McDaniel, Director of Strategy and Quality Practices, Anti-Hunger at the YMCA of the USA shared that the food insecurity work of the Merrimack Valley YMCA it so successful, it is now part of a national training toolkit for other YMCAs.
“Merrimack Valley YMCA is part of the national solution,” McDaniel said. “You should be incredibly proud of your work in this community to feed families.”
Five additional community members were honored as Volunteers of the Year for their dedication to the Y:
Merrimack Valley YMCA Volunteers of the Year
Fourteen-year-old Logan Stone, of Hudson, volunteers every month at the Methuen Mobile Market food pantry, arriving before 7 a.m. to help unload the food from the Greater Boston Food Bank and make bags for the waiting families.
Methuen Branch Executive Director Cathy Redard highlighted Logan’s dedication: “Logan made his family leave their summer vacation a day early so he could be back in time for the next mobile market because he did not want to miss it.”
Paul Mason, of Bradford, rolls up his sleeve to help the YMCA Camps. A gifted carpenter, Paul has helped build and repair anything and everything at Camp Otter: stairs, walls, porches, shutters, boardwalks, and canoe racks.
“But what truly sets Paul apart isn’t just his skill with tools—it’s his heart for service. He volunteers quietly and consistently, never seeking the spotlight, but always leaving things better than he found them,” said Anne Whalen, Senior Executive Director of Camping Services. “His craftsmanship has strengthened our facilities, but his spirit of generosity has strengthened our community.”
Dan Dolan, of Boxford, is a longtime volunteer with the Andover/North Andover Branch Y Abilities Powerlifting Program, part of the Y’s inclusive programming for athletes and individuals with disabilities. Through his commitment, compassion and enthusiasm, Dan has created an environment where every participant feels valued and supported.
“Dan’s impact extends far beyond the gym, into the lives, hearts, and confidence of every person he encounters,” said Nicole Heena, Executive Director of the Andover/North Andover Branch. “Whether he’s helping an athlete with a deadlift or lifting their spirits, he does it with humility, patience, and joy.”
Lawrence YMCA Branch Board of Advisors member Deborah Schmidt of North Andover was recognized for her dedication and her relentless pursuit to help the organization meet its fundraising goals. Lawrence Branch Executive Director Joe Agosto celebrated Debbie for her tenacity and reliability – showing up for the branch at events and meetings, serving on committees and leading the way on fundraising events.
Mary Lou Schaalman, of North Andover, a member of the Board of Directors who has been volunteering for the Y for nearly 20 years, was honored as association volunteer of the year. Her extensive professional experience, leadership, and commitment to committees and efforts, including hiring branch executives and CEO searches, has elevated the entire organization.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re energized by the meaningful change we will continue to create together — with the dedication of our volunteers, the strength of our community partners, and the unwavering commitment of our staff.
Photos courtesy of Borrero Photography
