2 Somerville Residents Named 2020 Commonwealth Heroines

SOMERVILLE, MA — Somerville residents Charan Devereaux and Julie Gage were recently recognized as 2020 Commonwealth Heroines. Devereaux was nominated by State Rep. Denise Provost and Gage was nominated by State Rep. Richard Haggerty.

The annual Commonwealth Heroines celebration recognizes women from across the state who "perform unheralded acts daily that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities and towns better places to live." State legislators are responsible for recommending women within their districts for the honor.

Devereaux, a musician, ran the 2015-2017 Union Square Playlist, which explored the music and history of Somerville through concerts, lectures, discussions and an accompanying CD. The proceeds of the series benefited local artists and the Somerville Museum. Her 2019-2020 Faith in a City: Exploring Religion in Somerville, Massachusetts project explored the beliefs, ceremonies and places of worship of 20 local religious groups through music, photography, interviews, video and history as a way of better understanding the city.

"All who participate in these 'community based projects' have come away with a deepened understanding and appreciation for the place we share, and have probably made a few new friends," the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, which gives out the honor, wrote.

Gage, executive director of the James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn, is devoted to the Woburn community at-large and committed to providing a safe place for children. McKeown has been with the Club since 2004 and has served as both the Arts & Education director and the director of Program Development. She helped lead the club through its $9.5 million renovation and expansion project.

"Julie truly lives the mission of the Club each day by inspiring youth to find their greatness," the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women wrote.