By Donna Capodelupo
The list of nice things that people say about him is as long as the one that enumerates his good deeds.
John Chemaly (in photo below left), president and CEO of Trinity EMS ambulance service, will receive the 2009 Outstanding Service to Seniors Award during the fifth annual Awards Dinner and Silent Auction for Penacook Place Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Chemaly commits time and money to many nonprofit organizations, including several — such as the Alzheimer's Association, American Heart Association, and Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley — that benefit the region's senior population.
Trinity EMS holds 911 emergency response contracts in many communities along the Interstate 495 belt, including Haverhill.
"Lucky for us that he's here in Haverhill," said Mary O'Neil, spokeswoman for Merrimack Valley Hospital, which benefits from Chemaly's generous spirit.
Chemaly's company is a co-sponsor, along with the hospital, of an annual Community Health Fair. At this fair, he and his staff spend the day grilling hamburgers and hot dogs that Trinity provided on grills that his company rented under tents that Trinity paid for.
"No matter how hot it is or how many people show up, he and his team are there early to set up and they stay until it's over," O'Neil said.
Chemaly lives in Chelmsford and grew up in Greater Lowell, but "he's a Hillie to me," because of his dedication to so many Haverhill events and causes, O'Neil said.
Chemaly's backing of local institutions is so extensive and that many go on behind the scenes, O'Neil said.
"He is genuine, supportive and such a gentleman," O'Neil said. "His generosity is limitless."
Penacook's president and chief executive officer, Julian Rich, said his facility has always been able to count on Chemaly's support.
"John and his company have gone above and beyond for Penacook time and time again. He is very deserving of this special recognition," Rich said.
Amy Anwyl, director of Sarah's Place Adult Day Center, called Chemaly "a true ambassador of generosity and goodness. He's just the nicest guy."
ABOUT PENACOOK PLACE
Penacook Place, at 150 Water St., is the only not-for-profit nursing and rehabilitation facility in Haverhill and has a professional staff of 230 employees.
WANT TO GO?
To honor John Chemaly and support Penacook Place, you may become an event sponsor, donate a silent auction item, buy a ticket to the dinner or make a financial donation.
The Penacook Place fifth annual Awards Dinner and Silent Auction is Saturday, April 2, beginning at 6 p.m. at Haverhill Country Club.
Tickets are $40 per person.
For more information, contact Karen Tarzia at 978-374-0707.
Money raised from the dinner and auction will help Penacook sustain the programs that enhance the quality of life of its residents.
John chemaly's contributions
New England Firefighter Challenge
One week of Buttonwoods PastFinders Camp
Northern Essex Community College Small Business Wellness Fair
Merrimack Valley Hospital Community Health Fair
Sarah's Place Adult Day Center Golf Tournament
National Night Out
Haverhill Rocks Battle of the Bands
KidsFest
