Glenna Gelineau named 2024 recipient of Kevin M. Ritcey Public Service Award

The Waltham City Council named Glenna Gelineau as the recipient of the Kevin M. Ritcey Award, honoring her decades of outstanding service and dedication to the Waltham community.

The City Council announced its selection of Gelineau during its Tuesday night meeting at Waltham City Hall.

Gelineau was selected from a competitive pool of nominees for her extensive volunteerism and leadership across a wide range of local organizations.

“I have the honor of calling Glenna a colleague and a friend,” said Ward 8 Councilor Cathyann Harris during the award presentation. “She does outstanding work for the Lions Club and the Salvation Army. She’s raised thousands — nearly hundreds of thousands  — for nonprofits all across Waltham. Everything she does is from the heart.”

Gelineau’s community service includes serving as past president and current board member of the Waltham Salvation Army, past president of the Parmenter Home, which provides temporary housing for women, and board member of the Middlesex Human Service Agency. She has also served with the Waltham Rotary, the Leland Home and the Waltham Senior Center. She is now a member of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

In accepting the honor, Gelineau thanked the City Council and her family, many of whom were present during the ceremony at City Hall.

“I’m honored and I’m grateful,” she said. “I love this city, and I’m happy to do what I can. Thank you for your support and your votes. I really appreciate it.”

The resolution recognizing Gelineau’s contributions was submitted by Harris, Council President John McLaughlin and all members of the council.

“We thank you from our hearts for your dedication of public services to the City of Waltham,” added Harris before the unanimous vote to approve the resolution. “Something tells me she’s not done yet.”

Established in 2016, the Kevin M. Ritcey Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional public service. Named after the late Kevin Ritcey, a widely respected community leader, the award is presented annually.