Celebration to Honor End of an Era in Wilmington

With a date announced for a retirement celebration honoring Michael Caira, the Town Manager’s tenure is rapidly coming to a close - whether town officials like it or not.

The town recently polished off plans for a retirement party in Caira’s honor, which is scheduled for Thursday, September 27, at the Wyndham Boston Andover Hotel.

“When Mike announced his retirement, we would say ‘well at least we have him for another year and a half,’” said selectman Lou Cimaglia, who has worked with Caira for almost a decade. “But it came up quick. I know that Jeff (Hull) is more than competent to do the job, but he’s got big shoes to fill with a guy that is so respected in town government across the state.”

Caira’s retirement comes after 22 years serving as Town Manager, the longest tenure for anyone as the chief executive officer in Wilmington history.

Board of Selectmen chairman Mike Newhouse said that while he doesn’t look forward to losing Caira and his expertise, he is looking forward to the September event honoring the outgoing manager.

“It will be a great evening because he will get the recognition that he truly deserves,” said Newhouse, who has worked with Caira since 1996. “It’ll be quite an honor for him when folks come together to recognize him and pay tribute to the job he’s done.”

September 30 is , with Hull already pending successful contract negotiations. Those contract talks are ongoing and set to be discussed again at the next Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday.

Newhouse said that while September 30 marks then end of an era, it doesn’t make for the last time town officials will see the man who’s been the face of the town for more than two decades.

“I think even Mike would tell you that he isn’t going to drop off the face of Wilmington,” said Newhouse. “He’s going to continue to be a presence in town. He’s been so vested in this town for so long. There have been times over the past 20-plus years that it may have been a good career move to make a change, but he’s been committed to the town and his job, and in the end it’s been a huge benefit.”

For more information or to purchase tickets for Caira’s retirement celebration, contact Beverly Dalton at the Town Manager’s office via e-mail or by calling (978) 658-3311.