Community Corner

2012 Melick Award Recipients Honored

Longtime Needham residents Carol de Lemos and Jerry and Betty Anderson were recognized at the May 2012 Special Town Meeting.

As is tradition, several Needham residents were recognized at the start of the on Monday night with the —honored for their volunteer work and dedication to the community.

Carol de Lemos and Jerry and Betty Anderson are the 2012 Melick Award recipients, joining a list of 34 other community-minded residents who have been honored over the foundation's 15-year history.

Carol de Lemos

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de Lemos and her husband Ed have lived in Needham for more than 45 years. She has volunteered in a variety of ways in the community during her time in town, including: 19 years on the organization now known as the Needham Women's Club; as founder and chairwoman of the Town Common Beautification Committee; as a founding member of the Needham Community Revitalization Trust Fund committee; as vice chairwoman of the Board of Directors; and as a member of the Senior Center Exploratory Committee, through which she helped find a location and secure funding for .

"Many in Needham know Carol through her role as executive director of the Needham Business Association, where she coordinated projects such as the Sidewalk Sale Days, , Soup Contest, , fundraising and the monthly newsletter for over 20 years," Mary Supple, vice president of the Melick Foundation, said during the presentation. "It takes a very special person to serve in that role, and Carol excelled in what she did. It was not just a job for her. She truly cared for the well-being of not only the town of Needham but each individual business owner."

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In addition, de Lemos is a past Town Meeting member and a former member of the choir.

"Carol is known for always being there when needed. Over the years, she helped with the reception for Charlie Wyckoff, the toast for Phil Garrity, the Hard Hat Ball for the playground, the collation after the Carleton funeral and many other events," Supple said. "She helps decorate the every Christmas and has been on several of their committees."

Supple contined: "Carol quietly helps without saying anything about it. If you ever have a worthwhile project and need help, just look beside you. Carol will be there, with a big smile."

de Lemos and her husband have four daughters and 10 grandchildren, many of whom were present Monday night to see her receive the award.

Jerry and Betty Anderson

The Andersons were both born in Needham and graduated from in the early 1940s, according to the Melick Foundation award booklet distributed Monday night.

Jerry Anderson attended Wentworth Institute and entered the Merchant Marines, volunteering with the Needham Civilian patrol for three years. He later worked at his father's machine shop in Needham and, after World War II, continued his work at Anderson Machine for 45 years.

Betty Anderson—a four-sport athlete in high school, captain of the women's basketball team and recipient of the Female Athlete of the Year Award—attended Bentley College and worked in Newton and Needham as a bookeeper for many years.

Betty served as a Cub Scout leader and Girl Scout leader and also ran a 4-H group for many years. Jerry was a Town Meeting member for 18 years—from 1963 to 1981—and had a 100 percent attendance record during that time. He was active in the Village Club and a member of the and is currently a member of the Needham Retired Men's Club.

The Andersons were both active in their church, volunteering in a variety of ways over the years.

"They prepared meals for Rosie's Place in Boston and recently retired from the Needham Traveling Meals program where Betty, for 27 years, and Jerry, for 23 years, packed and sometimes delivered meals to local residents," said Barry McDonough a founder and current director with The Melick Foundation.

"They have been open, friendly, upbeat, caring and community-minded Needhammites for over 80 years," McDonough continued.

The Andersons, who have been married since 1948, have four children, all of whom attended Needham High School.


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