Mary O'Neill Honored for 14 Years on Disability Commission

Above, State Rep. Jeff Roy reads a proclamation honoring outgoing Disabilities Commission Chair, Mary O'Neill. Town Clerk Nancy Danello is at the left and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen at the right.

It was a well kept secret and Mary O'Neill never got wind of the surprise gathering planned in her honor, just before Thursday's meeting of the Franklin Disabilities Commission. So, when she was greeted with cheers and clapping as she came into the community room of Central Park Terrace, the town's glistening public housing facility, she was visibly moved but not at a loss for words.

O'Neill had been serving on the Commission for some 14 years, providing not only leadership but a personal commitment to help those seeking assistance of all kinds.  The event was organized by incoming chair Ali Rheaume and also offered words of appreciation for Randall S. Jay, who has served as the Commission clerk for six years

Rep. Roy read proclamations honoring O'Neill and Jay, signed by House Majority Leader Ron Mariano. Similar proclamations from the Franklin Town Council were  also delivered by Hellen.

Incoming Chair, Rheaume reminded O'Neill of their first contact, some five years ago, when Rheaume was concerned about the lack of handicapped parking spaces a the Common.  "You got on that right away and you also suggested that I get involved with the Commission," Rheaume recalled.

After the remarks and celebratory cupcakes, the Commission had its formal meeting. One of the results was a vote to officially rename themselves, "Franklin Commission on Disability."

The current members of the Commission, according to the Town website, are:

Alison Rheaume, Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2025

Lauren Sanford, Vice Chair
Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Kelly Quinlan, Clerk
Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Mary O'Neill, Member
Term Expires: June 30, 2025

Randall S. Jay, Member
Term Expires: June 30, 2026

Michael Furilla, Member
Term Expires: June 30, 2027

Cheryl Fisher, Member
Term Expires: June 30, 2025

BELOW: Members of the Commission and Town Officials plus Jeff Roy. O'Neill and Jay are center foreground flanked by Chair Rheaume and Vice Chair Lauren Sanford.