A Founders Day Salute – Saugus honors Mary Dunlop and William Boomhower with “Person of the Year Awards”

By Mark E. Vogler

After becoming a registered nurse in 1967, Mary Dunlop led a long and distinguished career helping people. About 40 years ago, while still working in the hospital, she found another way to help people – as a volunteer at the Saugus Senior Center, something she continues to do at age 78.

About the time that Dunlop embarked on her nursing career, William Boomhower began his first of three tours of duty in Vietnam as a tank commander in the U.S. Army. He served with valor during his three years of military service, receiving two Purple Hearts after being wounded in combat. More than 50 years after his military service, Boomhower, now 76, continues to quietly serve fellow veterans who need help. He often appears with his bugle at military ceremonies in Saugus, playing taps. He’s a frequent volunteer at various veteran events.

Last Saturday, Dunlop and Boomhower sat together on a makeshift stage set up near the front steps of Saugus Town Hall, where they were honored at the 43^rd Annual Founders Day with the 2024 “Person of the Year Awards.”

“She has truly dedicated her life to serving others in the community and to making Saugus a better place,” said Marilyn Carlson, the 2006 “Woman of the Year,” in a short speech introducing Dunlop. “It is my pleasure to present the Woman of Year Award to Mary Dunlop,” Carlson said.

Jack Klecker, a U.S. Navy veteran and last year’s “Man of the Year” at Founders Day, introduced Boomhower. Klecker noted that Boomhower is “the longest serving member” of the Arthur DeFranzo VFW Post 2346. He added that Boomhower was also “the most senior member in charge of the new construction of the VFW Post.”

“He participates in many of the Saugus civic organizations supporting a need,” Klecker said.

“He volunteers to help wherever he is needed. He also plays taps at the veterans programs at our cemetery,” he said.

Boomhower has been a member of VFW Post 2346 since 1969 and has served as its vice commander. A Melrose native and 1965 graduate of Melrose High School, Boomhower has lived in Saugus for 45 years. Boomhower has been active with the local Veterans Food Committee and the Veterans Memorial Elementary School. He has three daughters, all who attended Saugus Public Schools and graduated from Saugus High School.

“Like the people before me, everything I do is from my heart,” Boomhower said in brief remarks after receiving his award.

In her speech summarizing Dunlop’s contributions to the betterment of Saugus, Carlson cited her extensive volunteerism, which continues today. “For the past 30-plus years, she has been involved in many Senior Center activities, including being a member of the Building Committee for the new Senior Center, being a member of TRIAD and working with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department protecting seniors from scams,” Carlson said.

“Conducting free Blood Pressure clinics at the Center to assist seniors with their health care, helping in the Gift Shop, and more recently, supervising the Greeting Cards section; also, as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 210, she has been involved in distributing poppies in memory of our veterans,” she said.

In receiving her award, Dunlop stressed that her many years of volunteer work in the community “have been a very rewarding experience for sure.” “I recommend volunteering to all those who can because you are going to get a lot more out of it than you give,” she said.

Dunlop was born in Medford and moved to Saugus with her family when she was four years old. Her family roots run deep in Saugus. Her parents were the original owners of the Treasure Chest Gift Shop in Cliftondale Square, and her brother, John, was a 1954 graduate of Saugus High School. She attended the Cliftondale School, the Sweetser School and the old junior high school. She graduated from St. Mary’s in Lynn and went on to Lynn Hospital School of Nursing to receive her nursing diploma and her RN license.

“In succeeding years, she enjoyed her work in Pediatrics, OB-GYN and the Recovery Room at both Lynn and Union Hospitals,” Carlson said.

“In addition to nursing duties, she went back to school and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Emmanuel College,” she said.

State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) and state Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere) presented Dunlop and Boomhower citations on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. State Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) presented a citation from the Massachusetts State Senate to Dunlop and Boomhower. They also received a citation signed by the Saugus Board of Selectmen.