For Immediate Release / June 20, 2002

Tone Kenney of Ipswich was reelected chairman of the board of Action, Inc., the first and largest antipoverty organization serving Cape Ann and Ipswich, at Action's annual meeting on June 18.

The meeting also reelected Linda Giamanco of Gloucester, vice-chairman; Sheila Irvin of Rockport, treasurer, and Loretta Peres of Gloucester, secretary.

All four officers were also presented certificates of appreciation, along with three other Action directors: Gretchen Wood of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ronald Linsky of Gloucester, and Charles Foster of Gloucester.

Action Executive Director William C. Rochford was honored for his 35 years of service. "He's what makes everything tick," Deputy Director Timothy Riley told a crowd of about 100 at the meeting held at the Rockport Golf Club.

Two longtime, public-sector supporters of Action were given special recognition. Gloucester City Councilor John "Gus" Foote, was named an honorary director, and State Representative Anthony Verga of Gloucester was presented Action's Service Award.

State Representative Brad Hill, State Senator Bruce Tarr, and Verga were among speakers at the meeting as Action's board, staff, and friends honored Peter Anastas, the agency's director of housing and advocacy. Anastas plans to retire later this year after serving Action since 1972.

Founded in 1965, Action has more than 100 employees working to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income families and individuals in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Ipswich. More than 5,200 people in 3,400 families received help from Action in the last fiscal year.

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