“Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve and contribute to improving our quality of life.” — Sidney Sheldon.
Our town has some of the best free libraries in the state, beautifully designed, special places for young readers, mixed media, and excellent on-line services. It’s libraries that give Wellesley parents their durable dream: to build a better life for our children.
This is the thoughtful legacy of Ann-Mara Lanza.
For over 18 years, she’s served Wellesley in a variety of ways: Library Trustee, Town Meeting Member, League of Women Voters Vice President, social action leadership at Temple Beth Elohim (TBE), Schofield PTO, Scouting, advocate for attainable housing, and most recently, as a Select Board member.
Today she receives a new honor. Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Ann-Mara Lanza with its Distinguished Service Award.
Beyond town government, Ann-Mara has served as the Vice President of Programs for the League of Women Voters of Wellesley (LWVW). In that role, she has introduced programs that better connect residents to their town officials, educated the community on significant issues, and led the creation of the LWVW’s annual Election Guide. Additionally, she serves on the social action leadership team of Temple Beth Elohim and is an active member of TBE’s Racial Justice Initiative.
Ann-Mara Has lived in Wellesley for almost 30 years, raising 2 children (Nate and Lara-Kate) with her husband, John. Rounding out her family: Labradoodle Coco Chanel, Puerto Rican puppy Trooper, and cats Glen and Toby.
Our common good is found in leaders like Ann-Mara Lanza. And though we thank her for what she’s done we’ll see in the future that she is not done yet.