A Steward of the Commons

A bit tardy on this one, but last Wednesday, May 20th, Agnes Ricko was presented with the Chase-Hacker Award for outstanding community service by the Lynn Museum and Historical Society. This is an annual award honoring individuals who have made a significant contribution to civic life in Lynn. This was a wonderful ceremony beginning with a reception in the Museum gardens and ending with the Award ceremony featuring a number of local leaders speaking to the value of community service while enumerating the many specific contributions Agnes has made to her community.

Agnes might be best know to other Democrats on the north shore as the long-time and hard working Chair of the Lynn Democratic City Committee. But the testimony last week suggests her contributions to the life of the City extend well beyond party affiliation.

So well deserved recognition indeed. Congratulations Agnes and I know I speak for a lot of folks on the north shore.

I also call out this event to make a somewhat larger point about the Commons. The Commons do not exist outside the lives of those who inhabit it. The Commons needs stewards, those who understand the importance of those places and spaces that together make up our communities while offering us the opportunity to have meaningful social lives in a place we feel we belong. This is what the speakers celebrated as they directed their glowing remarks towards Agnes, and a life lived in part in service to the Commons.

This space will continue to recognize the Stewards of our Commons. If you have someone you would like to recognize please send along a message via the North Shore Democratic Network and we will follow up.