BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE
2014 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
IT IS WITH GRATEFUL APPRECIATION THAT AS MAYOR, I PRESENT THE 2014 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD TO:
LISA YATES
FOR HER OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERISM AND PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE BOROUGH OF SOMERVILLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Lisa Yates has been volunteering for the Borough of Somerville through her work on various local government boards and agencies. Lisa has expanded her volunteerism efforts by devoting countless hours of time to several not-for profits and philanthropic organizations in the Borough of Somerville.
Lisa is the Vice Chairperson of the Somerville Planning Board, which is responsible for creating the development footprint for the borough. Her leadership on the Planning Board has resulted in the approval of many of the borough’s successful developments. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving on the landscape of the borough by also serving on the Architectural Review Board, the Planning Board Redevelopment Site Plan Waiver Committee, Street Tree Committee. Lisa knowledge and leadership was extremely instrumental in advancing the Kirby Avenue Redevelopment Plan.
While, she maintains an extremely busy life volunteering for local government, she finds the time to devote countless hours volunteering her time and talents to making the lives of others better. Her infectious laugh and energetic attitude enables sets the tone for getting things done.
Lisa has spearheaded events for the Somerville Education Foundation that have raised funds for school supplies and teaching tools for the Somerville Borough Board of Education. She is Co-Chair of the Somerville Civic League, which has become the agency that others turn to when in need. During emergencies, Lisa can be found assisting the public as a member of the Community Emergency response Team (CERT), she can be found directing traffic, controlling crowds or performing any duty necessary including serving on the County’s Search and Rescue Team.
Whether it is volunteering on a government project, helping a not-for profit to raise funds or providing a hand during emergency situations, Lisa is always ready to help. She is talented enough to be able manage her volunteerism this while being a single mother to two beautiful children, Casandra and Ernie
IT IS MY HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO PRESENT TO LISA YATES THIS MOST DISTINGUISHED AND WORTHY AWARD.
BRIAN GALLAGHER, MAYOR
January 1, 2015