The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  Last Friday night was a great night for the citizens of Saugus – especially the families and friends of the 178 Saugus High School seniors who received their diplomas at the school’s 153rd commencement exercises. The weather was the best I’ve seen for all of the Saugus High graduations during the eight-plus years I’ve been covering the town as editor of The Saugus Advocate.

If you take the time to talk to these kids, everyone has got an interesting story to tell about their past and their future goals. I like to get there early and ferret out some of the interesting stories of these kids. This year, I got into the visitors’ parking area in front of the Saugus Middle-High School at about 3:45. The only people at Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium upon my arrival were the camera and sound crews from Saugus TV and Saugus Public Schools.

Nicolly Viera Budkowsky, a 20-year-old immigrant from Brazil, was the very first student to arrive. She showed up with her mom at 4 p.m. because she worried about missing the ceremony. Most students began arriving at about 5 p.m. – a full hour before commencement exercises got underway.

“I came to the U.S. in 2021 and I couldn’t understand anything,” Nicolly told me.

“This is a big day for me. But my mom is more excited,” she said. The day was indeed special for Erika Budkowsky, who got to celebrate her 39th birthday by attending her daughter’s graduation.

Nicolly, who was clutching one of those graduation teddy bears, said she hopes to use her high school education and all she has learned to create a store. She said she plans on taking some marketing courses at North Shore Community College.

Sometime at around 5, I ran into Jordan Chantra, an honor student that I had met a few weeks earlier at this year’s “Unsung Hero Award” night. I complimented Jordan about the colorful red and blue stole he was wearing. I mentioned that I noticed a lot more seniors wearing them this year.

Jordan told me that immigrant students like him wear the stoles, which are decorated with the colors and the flags from their native countries. Jordan’s stole honored his native Cambodian roots.

Soon after, I ran into Jayden Vaquerano, who was wearing a very colorful red, white and blue stole. He told me that his mother had it made special for him, incorporating the Puerto Rican flag, the Dominican flag and the Salvadorian flag – part of his immigrant heritage.

Next, I bumped into Nathaniel Chadwick, who was wearing one of those prestigious gold-colored stoles, with the word “Honor” inscribed on it. He was one of the 17 members of the class’s National Honor Society. There was a lady in a blue windbreaker who looked like his mom standing near him.

Yes, Tonya Chadwick was a damned proud mom. The Saugus native herself was a member of the Saugus High Class of 1990, and she went on to graduate from Salem State College. Tonya told me that her daughter Cherilyn Chadwick just graduated from Merrimack College. The proud mom told me that Cherilyn graduated as a Presidential scholar in the Honors Program with Summa Cum Laude honors and was looking forward to working on her Master’s degree. It’s clear that Tonya’s son is headed for scholastic success after Saugus High, too. He was the 14^th-top-ranked student in this year’s graduating class.

Once again, I had the pleasure of spending some time mingling and talking with Saugus High graduates about their futures. These are just a few of the stories that I gleaned from milling around Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium.

 

Saugus honoring its Medal of Honor recipient Monday

  It will be 80 years on Monday (June 10) that 25-year-old Army Staff Sgt. Arthur Frederick DeFranzo from Saugus made the ultimate sacrifice on a battlefield near Vaubadon, France. He was hit by enemy fire while rescuing a fellow soldier. Instead of tending to his own wounds, he rushed back out into combat after bringing the soldier to safety and led an attack on the enemy. DeFranzo destroyed an enemy machine gun after being hit several more times. Despite being struck repeatedly by enemy fire, DeFranzo continued to fight until he finally succumbed to serious wounds. The Medal of Honor – the U.S. military’s highest decoration – was bestowed upon him posthumously seven months after he gave his life courageously for the sake of fellow soldiers while serving his country.

At 10 a.m. Monday, the S/Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2346 and the DeFranzo family will honor the service and memory of the Medal of Honor recipient in a ceremony that will take place at the memorial across the street from the post, which is located at 190C Main St. A reception at the VFW post will follow. The public is invited to attend this special ceremony, rain or shine.

I would hope that every school kid in Saugus – and certainly every native Saugonian and longtime resident – knows about the heroics of S/Sgt. DeFranzo. If you don’t, make it a point to attend this special ceremony to reflect and honor the life, service and sacrifice of Saugus’ own Medal of Honor recipient – one of only 3,517 who have received the award since its inception more than 150 years ago.

If you consider yourself a patriotic and proud American, it’s worth reading the Medal of Honor Citation:

  “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, on 10 June 1944, near Vaubadon, France. As scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machineguns and hit 1 of the men. S/Sgt. DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man to safety. Refusing aid, S/Sgt. DeFranzo reentered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least 2 machineguns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but S/Sgt. DeFranzo kept going forward, firing into the enemy and 1 by 1 the enemy emplacements became silent. While advancing he was again wounded, but continued on until he was within 100 yards of the enemy position and even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind him, S/Sgt. DeFranzo, despite his many severe wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward in the lead of his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy machinegun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, S/Sgt. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe, and he made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by S/Sgt. DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him, and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.”

 

Some neat late spring events

  Next Saturday, June 15, the Saugus Historical Society will host its annual Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the American Legion Hall while the Saugus Garden Club holds its annual plant sale on the front lawn of the Roby School on Main Street.

 

Volunteers needed for Strawberry Festival on June 15

Strawberry Festival time is approaching! The Saugus Historical Society will be dishing out old-fashioned shortcakes along with soda and hot dogs in the American Legion Hall on Saturday, June 15, while the Saugus Garden Club holds its annual plant sale on the Main Street lawn of the Roby School. There is still vendor space on the Roby School lawn for those selling crafts on the lawn area. Volunteers to help serve shortcakes and potential vendors are asked to email the Historical Society president at LDELD@shore.net.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

  We have a few “Shout Outs” for this week’s paper.

Debra Dion Faust, building manager of Saugus American Legion Post 210, submitted the first one: “Saugus American Legion Post 210 would like to thank those who came to the Legion Hall on Saturday, June 1 to donate blood in honor of Cpl. Scott J. Procopio and Capt. William G. Shoemaker. Saugus, surrounding towns and cities, and even New Hampshire were represented in those who came to give. And the 24 who successfully did so were a wonderful way to reopen our relationship with the American Red Cross and promote a positive social activity. We would also like to thank all those who helped to get the word out about the event, including the Advocate and the Saugus TV channel. Thanks very much.”

Sue Fleming, a loyal Saugus Advocate reader, contributed this one: “I would like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to Benny Coviello who retired from Stop and Shop last week after 30 years. He was always friendly to everyone as he did his work. When I was shopping, he always asked if I had someone at home to help me carry my bags in. He will be missed! Good job Benny!!”

 

Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian?

  This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

 

Food Pantry notes:

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, June 7) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church.

 

Legion Breakfasts over for summer

  American Legion Post 210 would like to thank all those who made the 2023-24 breakfast season such a success, and wish them a wonderful summer. We will resume serving breakfast on Friday, September 6, 2024.

 

Happy 100th birthday, Ruth Robertson!

  If anyone sees or talks to Ruth Robertson, wish her a very happy birthday. She turns 100 today. And like any new Saugus Centenarian, I would love to interview her and tell her story. Stay tuned. If you know a town resident who is going to turn 100, I would be happy to sit down with them for an “Advocate Asks” interview.

 

Yard Sale tomorrow at St. John’s

  St. John’s Episcopal Church is hosting a yard sale tomorrow (Saturday, June 8) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Central Street near the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, rain or shine – exercise equipment, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, tapes, clothing, kitchenware, books and puzzles, etc. For more details, please call Donna Manoogian at: 617-240-9003 or 781-233-1212. The Saugus High School Environmental Club will be there, too.

 

Firefighter Memorial on June 9

  The Saugus Firefighter Relief Association invites the public to its annual “Firefighter Memorial Sunday” this Sunday (June 9) at 10 a.m. at the Fire Department Headquarters at 27 Hamilton St. Friends and family are welcomed to attend the event which will honor all who served the department.

 

Sharon’s Sneaker Crew is back on June 15

  Sharon Genovese and her group – Sharon’s Sneaker Crew – will be hosting a Jimmy Fund Yard Sale, Saturday, June 15 at 23 Lily Pond Ave., from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lots of good items: TV, bike, furniture and toys. The second date is Saturday, June 22. All proceeds will go to the Jimmy Fund Walk. She and members of her crew plan to walk in the Boston Marathon Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk this fall. If you need any more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617-966-3475 or email her at sunkin1@aol.com.

 

SAVE to hold its 2024 Annual Meeting & Dinner – June 26

Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will hold its 51st Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Polcari’s Restaurant (92 Broadway-Route 1 North, Saugus). Social time starts at 6:30 p.m.; dinner buffet begins at approximately 7:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited and we hope you can join us for the mixed buffet consisting of garden salad, chicken & broccoli penne, cheese ravioli, assorted pizzas, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $35 per person. Payment can be made by check or Venmo. For a printable copy of the registration form, please visit the https://saugussave.wordpress.com website on the “News & Events” page. Please make payment as soon as possible (but no later than Wednesday, June 12) either via mail to SAVE Treasurer, Mary Kinsell, 11 Sunnyside Ave., Saugus, MA 01906, with a check payable to SAVE, Saugus, or make your payment by Venmo to @SAVE-org and complete your forms here: https://tinyurl.comSAVE6-28. You may also contact Ann at adevlin@aisle10.net or Mary at Mkinsell@verizon.net or, for further information, please visit our website at http://www.saugussave.org. Please let us know if you are able to join us for a fun and informative evening, as well as a wonderful buffet dinner, as soon as possible.

Our guest speaker for the evening, Scott A. Brazis, Saugus’ Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator, will give a brief update on new initiatives and future plans for the Saugus Recycling/CHaRM Center.

Free parking is available on-site, and the facility is accessible for persons with disabilities.

 

Beetle Juice at Kowloon on July 11

The Saugus Lions Club will be presenting Beetle Juice at Kowloon on July 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost per ticket is $35 and all profit will go to Lions Eye Research and community charities. Contact: Tom Traverse at 781-727-5629.

 

Summer track is coming

Coach Christopher Tarantino’s popular Summer Track for youths ages five through 18 begins on July 1. The program is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the track outside Belmonte STEAM Academy.

Registration will run from June 24-28. Here is the schedule:

July 1-5: first formal week.

July 8-11: second formal week.

July 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: makeup practice (if necessary).

July 12, 6 p.m.: pasta dinner at Prince.

July 13, 9 a.m.: in-house meet at Serino Stadium.

July 15-18: retrain week.

July 20: Summer Showdown, Cranston, R.I.

July 24: wrap up.

Cost: $250 first year, $200 returning with uniform, $150 if three years or more in summer program; includes pasta dinner, t-shirt, uniform and entry into Summer Showdown.

Please note that these programs are not being offered through the town’s Youth & Recreation Department. Please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino directly with questions at 781-854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com.

 

CHaRM Center is open

  The Town of Saugus recently announced that the CHaRM Center is open Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will be required to buy a $25 Sticker to use the Compost Facilities as well as to recycle hard plastics. The rest of the Facility’s features are free to use for any Saugus resident. Residents are also allowed three TVs or computers/CRT monitors for free per household each year. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable.

The final date the CHaRM Center will be open for the season is December 14. However, the Facility will be open the following winter dates, weather permitting: January 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; February 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; March 15, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Brick program for Saugus War Monument

The Saugus War Monument Committee, once again, is sponsoring the Buy-A-Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for an 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

The brick application must be in by Sept. 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo to submit, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.