Parson Roby Chapter of DAR honors six local residents for community service

  (Editor’s Note: The following info is based on a press release that was recently issued by the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters American Revolution [DAR] of Saugus.)

On Saturday, April 5th, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of Saugus held an award ceremony followed by a luncheon at the MEG. The awards given were to recognize a Good Citizen of Saugus Middle High School, Community Service, Service to Veterans and the 125th Anniversary DAR Hospital Corp pin.

The Good Citizens Award recognizes outstanding young people who demonstrate dependability, respect, leadership, community service and patriotism. The recipient of the Good Citizen’s Award was Rose Emery Matthias of Saugus Middle High School. She was chosen by the administrators and teachers of her HS. Rose is a member of the National Honor Society and the Environmental Club and President of the Young Feminist Alliance. She also volunteers at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, and her future plans are to attend University of Massachusetts Amherst to major in Veterinary Medicine. She wrote an impressive essay on what it means to be a Good Citizen during the revolution compared to today, which was outstanding. She received a DAR Good Citizens pin, a certificate and a monetary gift.

The Community Service Award recipient was Crystal Cakounes, a tireless and passionate advocate for her town and its people. For over two decades, Crystal has been a cornerstone of the Saugus Youth & Recreation Center, where her dedication and love for the community have touched countless lives.

Crystal’s impact goes far beyond her official role. She has been instrumental in organizing beloved town events, such as Founders Day and the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, both of which have become cherished traditions thanks to her creativity, organization and enthusiasm. Her colleagues recognize her as a driving force behind the scenes, with coworker Emily remarking, “Crystal is amazing, and we are beyond lucky to have a fellow Sachem like her. She keeps the spirit of Saugus alive with everything she does.”

Known for her warm heart and can-do attitude, Crystal is not only a mentor and advocate for children but also a pillar of support for parents, teachers, and fellow community members. She constantly looks for new ways to serve, never hesitating to step in wherever help is needed.

Crystal Cakounes doesn’t just work in Saugus – she lives and breathes it. Her devotion to making a difference, particularly for the youth of the town, exemplifies the true meaning of community service. Saugus is stronger, kinder and more connected because of her.

Two other Community Award recipients were Corinne and Chris Riley, a dynamic duo whose quiet dedication and selfless service have made a lasting impact on the town of Saugus – especially its veteran community. Humble and hardworking, Corinne and Chris are not ones to seek recognition. They simply do what needs to be done, always with the goal of bettering their community. Their efforts are often behind the scenes, but their influence is felt throughout the town.

Corinne oversees the Veterans Brick Program, a meaningful initiative that raises funds to support the ongoing care and maintenance of Veterans Park – a space that was officially named by Chris himself. Together, their work ensures that the sacrifices of our veterans are honored and remembered with dignity.

Corinne also founded the 4-1-1 Event, a welcoming initiative designed to introduce new Saugus residents to the town’s many nonprofit organizations and community resources. It’s just one more example of how she connects people and creates opportunities for involvement.

Beyond their work with veterans, Corinne and Chris have volunteered extensively in nearly every corner of Saugus life – from local churches and the PTO to Scouts, schools, the library and the Saugus Lions Club. Their generosity of time and spirit has touched people of all ages.

As Corinne once said, “There are people who talk, and there are people who do.” She and Chris are undoubtedly people who do – and Saugus is all the better for it.

The Service to Veterans award recipient was Jay Pinette, a dedicated and humble champion for veterans in the Saugus community and beyond. Our Service to Veterans Award was presented to Jay, who currently serves as the Quartermaster of VFW Post 2346 in Saugus and is also the Service Officer for both American Legion Post 210 and VFW Post 2346. His unwavering dedication to veterans’ causes has been evident throughout decades of both military and civilian service.

Jay began his military journey in 1973 when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Over an impressive 23-year career, he rose through the ranks and retired in 1996 as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. Throughout his service, he received numerous awards and decorations, a testament to his leadership, courage and commitment to duty.

After retiring from active duty, Jay continued his mission of service by becoming the Veterans Service Officer for the Town of Saugus and serving as Chairman of the Wakefield Veterans Advisory Board. He is also a Life Member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, exemplifying a lifelong dedication to honoring and supporting his fellow veterans.

Though Jay is known for his humility, his impact is far-reaching. Whether assisting with benefits, organizing memorial events or simply being a dependable resource for veterans in need, Jay is always there to lend a hand – quietly and without seeking recognition.

Lt. Col. Mary McKenzie was honored with the 125th Anniversary Pin of the DAR Hospital Corps, a recognition of her remarkable contributions to nursing and military service. With an impressive 47-year career in nursing, Lt. Col. McKenzie has served in nearly every facet of the profession. From hospitals and classrooms to public health and occupational nursing, her dedication to patient care and education has touched countless lives. As an Army Reserve nurse, she has served as an educator, administrator, battalion personnel officer, and operations officer, exemplifying leadership and commitment in both civilian and military settings.

This special award commemorates the proud legacy of the DAR Hospital Corps, which was founded at the onset of the Spanish-American War on April 28, 1898. At that time, the Surgeon General was granted authority to contract women nurses, and Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee, a Vice President of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), was appointed to oversee their selection. Under Dr. McGee’s leadership, the DAR Hospital Corps certified 1,081 graduate nurses for service during the war.

Dr. McGee’s impact on military nursing extended far beyond that conflict. She authored the section of the Army Reorganization Act that formally established nursing in the U.S. Army, earning her recognition as the founder of the Army Nurse Corps.

Lt. Col. McKenzie’s service beautifully honors this historic legacy. Her decades of compassionate care, military leadership, and dedication to the nursing profession embody the spirit and mission of the DAR Hospital Corps – a tradition of selfless service that continues to inspire.

A luncheon was attended by their friends and families. The Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission is to promote Education, Patriotism and Preserve History. These citizens exemplify these qualities, and the Parson Roby Chapter was very honored to recognize their accomplishments. If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, please email pa******************@***il.com.