LYNNFIELD — Let’s just say if you want to get things done and get them done right, then Karen Nascembeni is your go-to gal.
Never one to shy away from a challenge — and this pandemic has served up an unimaginable number for her and her family since she lost her husband, Steve Richard, and father-in-law, Earl Richard, to COVID and nearly lost her own life — Nascembeni is proving there isn’t anything she can’t take on.
The general manager at the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT), Nascembeni was at the Beverly theatre Thursday and Friday nights for the opening performances of the 30th annual production of the Charles Dickens classic novella, “A Christmas Carol.”
Saturday morning at the crack of dawn, Nascembeni was back in Lynnfield at the Meeting House leading the Historical Commission’s team of volunteers by setting up shop for the new-and-improved Country Store, an event she dedicated to the memory of her late husband.
“I think people heard our story and wanted to support us so they came from everywhere,” Nascembeni said. “This year is dedicated to Steve, who just loved this store. That’s why we were committed to adding what I call a little ‘sizzle’ and I think we did that.”
Nascembeni said the week leading up to the dual openings was “exhausting and emotional” with her family honoring Steven’s memory at both events.
This week, members of the Historical Commission gathered to light the window candles of the Meeting House and Pope-Richard House. Historical Commission Chair Kirk Mansfield said the town purchased beautiful new pewter-based window candles for the occasion.
“It was fitting that everyone had a chance to light the candles in Steve’s memory and say a little prayer,” he said. “It was very moving.”
At Friday night’s NSMT performance, owner/producer Bill Hanney dedicated the show to Steve.
“Bill always said Steven should be on standby for ‘A Christmas Carol’ as he knows every line of the play,” Nascembeni said.
Many attendees at the Country Store wore pins adorned with Steve’s photo that had been designed by Nascembeni’s friend, Josie Marino.
“They are proudly wearing them and I know he is smiling down on all of us,” said Nascembeni. “I’ve felt him here with me in spirit all week.”
Country Store cheesemonger John Nunziato, a longtime volunteer at the event, said that “Steven and his entire family have played such a large role in the Country Store from day one. They’ve given their heart and souls to this and I know they are looking down and are pleased to see this back and so vibrant.”
As far as Nascembeni’s whirlwind week goes, she said that while she was exhausted, both emotionally and physically, she refused to give in. She knows that this year there will be more “firsts” in terms of confronting some very tough things.
“Right now, I feel that I will collapse, but not until tomorrow,” she said as the store was winding down. “I’ve always been one to confront the grieving process head on, but this is the first time I’ve had to tackle two very different events that Steve was such an integral part of.”
Nascembeni said her niece, Jessie DiFillippo, was the one to point out to her that because there was no Country Store last year and no Christmas Carol last year, this is the first time her aunt had to deal with such very sad memories.
“I woke up Sunday and reflected on yesterday and it was difficult seeing them for the first time since Steven’s death.
“The most difficult people for me to see were Steven’s friends ― his oldest and dearest Beaver Avenue friend, Don Lacoste was the toughest and the one I needed there the most.
“His friend Paula Palumbo Chabra, his old roommate, George Bloom, who was finally able to see me for the first time. I give them so much credit for facing this ‘first’ alongside me and celebrating Steven’s love for this event. These are the two hardest first things I have had to endure. This year, at both events I really do feel the absence of their presence.”
Nascembeni said a video segment of the Voices of Hope performance has been submitted to the Channel 5 Eye-Opener and is hopeful it will run sometime this week.
As far as next year’s Country Store goes, Nascembeni said when she was asked to run the Country Store, she agreed to do it for this year only.
But now, she may be having a change of heart.
“I said I would do it once, but my team is already talking about next year,” Nascembeni said. “I mean, it’s not even four o’clock yet (Saturday) and they are talking about how they can improve it even more next year. They worked so hard and made this store the best one ever.”
Select Board Chair Dick Dalton said in his remarks at Saturday’s tree-lighting ceremony that he agreed with Nascembeni’s take.
“My wife (Carmela) and I have attended the store for four decades, so while I can’t speak to prior stores, I would say this one was the best one that we have ever attended.”