Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 21, 2026 CELEBRATING | FROM PAGE 1 and welcoming environment. Children flocked to the popular foam party, inflatable bounce houses, and water slides. Attendees of all ages cooled off with complimentary slush and enjoyed food throughout the day. Music provided by New England’s Best DJs and Photo Booths kept the celebration lively from start to finish. The event was coordinated by MOA Board Member Linda Cochran, whose outstanding planning, leadership and enthusiasm were instrumental in its success. She was supported by fellow members of the MOA Board of Directors and dozens of dedicated volunteers who helped make the day run seamlessly. Mayor Gary Christenson welcomed attendees and highlighted the city’s significant progress in reducing overdoses and overdose fatalities in recent years. He credited the collaborative efforts of MOA, community partners, first responders, healthcare providers, volunteers and city leaders for building a stronger network of support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. Community support was evident throughout the day, with City Councillors Ryan O’Malley, Carey McDonald, Steve Winslow and Jadeane Sica in attendance. Councillor Sica also serves on the MOA Board of Directors. State Representatives Steven Ultrino and Paul Donato, both longtime supporters of MOA’s mission, also joined the celebration. Local young people also played a key role in the event’s success: Volunteers from the Malden YWCA Youth Program and the Malden Teen Enrichment Center assisted families, supported activities and demonstrated the positive impact of youth leadership and community service. Staff from The Bridge Recovery Center, along with dozens of MOA volunteers, worked throughout the day to ensure every aspect of the event ran smoothly. “This day represents everything Malden Overcoming Addiction stands for,” said MOA President Paul Hammersley. “Recovery is built through connection, hope, and community. Seeing hundreds of families, volunteers, young people, elected officials, and community organizations come together reminds us that when a community stands united, we can make a real difference. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, and supported today’s event.” Throughout the afternoon, dozens of community organizations and local vendors connected residents with valuable information, services and resources, reinforcing MOA’s mission to reduce stigma, increase awareness and ensure individuals and families know where to turn for help before addiction becomes a crisis. MOA extends its sincere appreciation to every volunteer, sponsor, vendor, community partner and attendee who helped make Community Day another outstanding success. Together, they demonstrated that a healthier, stronger community is built through compassion, collaboration, hope and connection. MOA also extends a special thank you to Bob and Debbie McVicar, whose unwavering generosity and willingness to help at every opportunity continue to make a lasting impact on the organization and the community it serves. For more information about MOA, a nonprofit organization, contact Paul Hammersley at 781838-2203.
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