Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 2, 2021 OPENING | FROM PAGE 1 were on hand to join in the celebration. The dream of opening The Bridge peer-to-peer recovery center in Malden was realized over the last several months after years of advocacy, planning and legislative efforts to secure the funding. The partnership formed between MOA and the Gavin Foundation was forged with the support of Mayor Gary Christenson and State Senator Jason Lewis. BRC is operated and managed by the Gavin Foundation and is funded by the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. Gavin Foundation President/ CEO John McGahan spoke of The Bridge’s peer-to-peer model as a pathway from “darkness to dignity”. He thanked the Malden Legislative delegation, Mayor Gary Christenson and MOA President Paul Hammersley for their unwavering support and dedication to the project. He also acknowledged the tremendous efforts of the BRC Director, members, volunteers and the BRC crew who run the center. Hammersley, who was the driving and relentless force behind the opening of BRC, credited his sponsor and friend, the late Dom DiSario, as an inspiration and the conscientious leader of the movement to open a center. Hammersley and Mayor Christenson both heaped praise on Malden’s legislative delegation, who were fierce supporters of the project and largely responsible for ensuring that a consistent funding stream was available to open a center. On hand for the ceremony were Senator Lewis, State Representatives Paul Donato and Steve Ultrino and former State Representative and current Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur. Also participating in the ceremony were Malden Police Chief and Malden Opioid Task Force member Kevin Molis and Pastor Gerry Whetstone of the Nazarene Church in Malden, who is also a member of the Opioid Task Force. For more information about BRC, call 781-480-4937. For more information about MOA, call 781-838-2203. Mayor Gary Christenson offered his remarks at The Bridge Recovery Center’s Grand Opening. Malden Overcoming Addiction President Paul Hammersley addresses the crowd. Gavin Foundation President and CEO John McGahan spoke to the crowd. Mayor Gary Christenson congratulated Malden Overcoming Addiction President Paul Hammersley on the opening of The Bridge Recovery Center on Saturday. (Courtesy Photos) Malden Overcoming Addiction President Paul Hammersley and his wife, Lisa, along with their beautiful daughter, Bella. Malden Overcoming Addiction President Paul Hammersley and his proud mother, Margaret Hammersley. Gavin Foundation President/CEO John McGahan and Malden Overcoming Addiction President Paul Hammersley took a moment and congratulated each other on opening the center. Malden Overcoming Addiction Board Member/Malden Opioid Task Force Member Dana Brown addressed the crowd. Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee The Gavin Foundation crew was in the house. The crowd of more than 300 residents is shown applauding during the grand opening last Saturday.
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