METHUEN — As Mayor Neil Perry was laid to rest Monday, the city spread kindness in his memory with random acts throughout the day.
Perry was 66 years old when he died on Sept. 21. He was in his second term as mayor, a position he held since 2020.
Acting Mayor David “D.J.” Beauregard proclaimed the day “Random Acts of Kindness Day” shortly after Perry’s death.
Beauregard said the goal was to create “One Methuen” by treating each other with kindness and putting aside differences.
Some of those random acts of kindness came from Methuen restaurants and businesses. Kristen Snay, the community liaison for the Methuen Texas Roadhouse, was one of the organizers for the day. Throughout the year, the restaurant works in the community. Snay said she wanted to make people smile and reached out to a few organizations and community partners to participate in the event.
On Saturday, a group assembled at Methuen Karate to put together bags filled with different snacks and items for the city’s kids. The group included Beauregard, members of Methuen High School’s key club and the Kiwanis Club of Methuen, parents and students of the karate studio.
Snay said she had reached out to Larry Giordano of Methuen Karate, who is also a member of the Kiwanis. Snay said he wanted his young students to help out and show them they can give back no matter their age.
The best part of the day, Snay said, was showing up with gift bags to give to children without them knowing.
“I wanted to do something special for the kids of the community,” Snay said. “Neil Perry loved this community and anything that made kids happy.”
Some of the children who received bags also participated in their own act of kindness which included actions such as cleaning up parks. The kids were also treated to Kona Ice and pizza donated from Oakland Ave Pizza.
“It all came together fast, but for a great cause,” Snay said.
She said while this time is filled with sadness and mourning, it was a way to honor Perry and his love for kids and the community.