Shrewsbury 'Heroine' Earns Statewide Recognition

SHREWSBURY, MA — A Shrewsbury real estate agent has been picked as a 2022 "Commonwealth Heroine" for her work in the town center area.

State Rep. Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, nominated Thrive Real Estate owner Maribeth Lynch for the honor, which is conferred by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

Lynch earned the award for her contributions to civic life in Shrewsbury. She's placed benches outside her Maple Avenue storefront for anyone to use, hands out candy during the Spirit of Shrewsbury parade and hosts an ice cream truck on the last day of school each year, among other activities.

Lynch also helped found the Shrewsbury Town Center Association, and served as a member of the Master Plan Steering Committee and the Beal School Reuse Committee.

Kane called Lynch one of Shrewsbury's "greatest cheerleaders."

"I am so grateful for her leadership in founding and serving as president of the Shrewsbury Town Center Association. Her commitment to our downtown and her effectiveness as a leader will ensure our downtown continues to be revitalized in the years ahead," Kane said in a news release.

Lynch received the award during a ceremony last week along with 120 other women from across the state.

"Receiving the Commonwealth Heroine award has been such an honor, and I am thankful to [Kane] for her nomination," Lynch said in a news release. "It was so moving to attend the event honoring heroines from across the state. After meeting so many of them and hearing their stories, I am more inspired than ever to continue to work on behalf of our community so it may thrive for future generations."