The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I wasn’t at the Staff Sgt. Arthur F. DeFranzo VFW Post #2346 last Saturday, where members of local veterans organizations, civic leaders, town officials and patriotic citizens converged to honor our Vietnam War veterans and their families. But from everything I’ve heard, it was a moving, emotional event that I would have enjoyed had I gone.

The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Judge Samuel Holten Society of the Children of the American Revolution teamed up for a special celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Each veteran received a special Vietnam lapel pin, a challenge coin, a proclamation from President Donald Trump, a thank you note and a warm “welcome home” reception – that some in attendance were reported to say was long overdue.

I’m not a veteran. I chose to go on to study Journalistic Studies at UMass Amherst. And I guess I was one of the lucky ones, who drew number 362 in the draft lottery held on Aug. 5, 1971, by the Selective Service System. After having a stressful summer wondering what I would do if I did get drafted, I was relieved that I could continue my college education without interruption and go on to my career. I used to joke to my friends that it was the only time I ever won the lottery.

But my twin brother – the late U.S. Air Force Sgt. Lance Arthur Vogler – decided after graduating from Diman Vocational School in Fall River in 1971 that he would enlist to serve his country, in what would probably wind up being an assignment to South Asia during the Vietnam War. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who survived the Vietnam War – serving his time in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, ‘Nam and apparently parts where American service people weren’t supposed to be – coming home without a scratch.

Lance was definitely in harm’s way during his time in Southeast Asia, based on some of the stories he told me. I’m sure the worst ones, he kept to himself. He came home after doing his duty and became an excellent college student and was making the most of the GI Bill.

He was studying for his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology and would have gone into Junior year in the fall semester of 1978. Ironically and tragically, after making it home safely from the war, Lance died on Memorial Day of 1978. On a dark, foggy night, less than an eighth of a mile from my folks’ house in Swansea, he hit a curb with his motorcycle and was fatally injured.

I was chasing stories in West Texas at the time of my brother’s death. As a reporter who began my newspaper career in my Junior year of college, I got to observe firsthand some of the unfortunate – and sometimes hostile treatment that returning Vietnam veterans were exposed to – during and after the war. I observed the war protests at UMass. I got to talk to veterans who didn’t feel very appreciated and were sometimes subjected to verbal abuse from older veterans for being part of a losing war. Some were called “baby killers” by anti-war protesters after the My Lai Massacre of unarmed villagers came to light. PTSD, Agent Orange, substandard VA Hospitals, lack of mental health counseling – those were all ongoing stories for reporters at the newspapers where I worked over the years.

Over the years, I’ve interviewed Vietnam veterans and heard some compelling stories about the sacrifices they made. So as the nation honors the Vietnam veterans 50 years later, it’s better late than never. That was a great tribute to local Vietnam veterans last weekend.

And I often think of Lance and the other Vietnam veterans who are no longer with us. I still carry my brother Lance’s military photo and his last driver’s license in my wallet. Like all Vietnam veterans who have departed, his memory lives on.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We received several “shout outs” this week from Saugonians who went to and appreciated the efforts of the local DAR and others responsible for the Vietnam War lapel pinning ceremony:

From Selectman Corinne Riley: “I would like to Shout Out Gail Cassarino and the Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution for organizing the pinning ceremony for our Vietnam Veterans. Our men and women didn’t come home to a very welcoming country, so it’s great to try to right a wrong by acknowledging and remembering those who served. Gail and the DAR did exactly that.”

From Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “‘This ‘Shout Out’ is to thank the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for hosting the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary last Saturday at the VFW Post. Brigadier General Andrea Gail Bennet gave a moving speech. It was a beautiful ceremony honoring our Vietnam Veterans for their service to our country. I would also like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to Pace’s and J&M Pizza for donating the food.”

From frequent Saugus Advocate contributor and lifelong Saugonian Janice Jarosz: “On Saturday, March 29, 2025,the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with Gail Cassarino Regent and members of the DAR, hosted a Pinning Ceremony for Saugus Vietnam Veterans to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.

“Also co-hosting the event were members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, VFW who provided coffee and drinks, desserts from the Judge Samuel Holten Society C.A.R., pizza from J&M, and pasta from Pace’s. VSO Jeffrey Hollett, of Haverhill, originally from Saugus, donated two large, hand-designed cakes honoring the veterans.

“Veterans Services Officer Paul Cancellieri addressed the veterans and offered a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all of them.

“State Representative Donald Wong, Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, Michael Serino, Corinne Riley, and Anthony Cogliano extended their appreciation and gratitude to all those who served.

“Regent Cassarino commented in her closing statement that a ‘Welcome Home’ and a ‘Thank you’ were long overdue.

“Aside from the enjoyment of the program, the event also turned into a mini reunion as many of the veterans were happy to meet up with fellow servicemen they had not seen in years! That reunion was an added pleasure to all of us who witnessed the emotional re-connection of so many of those wartime friends.”

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta offered a “shout out” about some of the people involved in planning a Student Government Day on May 1 in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall: “Steve Doherty [Town Moderator], Tommy Whittredge [School Committee member] and I met with Trish Prizio’s students last week that signed up for Student Government Day. They were very excited to participate. Mrs. Prizzio is doing a great job getting these students prepared. I created a ‘mock’ Selectmen’s agenda for her to review, and she and her students wanted to add an agenda item – which was a license for Dave and Buster’s, with food and entertainment. Trish told me that [Town Meeting Member] Peter Manoogian joined their class today [April 1], and is working on a Town Meeting agenda with Steve Doherty.”

For the first time in several years, Saugus High School students will get to participate in the program, which will include a mock Board of Selectmen’s meeting with students acting as selectmen based on an agenda. There will also be a mock School Committee meeting as well as a Town Meeting, with students acting out their roles as tomorrow’s leaders of Saugus Town Government.

 

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 (mv***@*****st.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.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church.

 

Legion Breakfasts today

There’s a good deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2024-25 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free.

 

Senior Center hosts downsizing presentation April 7

  The Saugus Senior Center will host a special presentation on downsizing on April 7 from 10 to 11:20 a.m. This presentation – sponsored by Mango Realty of Saugus and Reading Cooperative Bank – will consist of presentations by experts who have worked with seniors who have downsized and simplified their life. Refreshments will be provided by Reading Cooperative Bank. Presenters will include:

• Mango Realty – Sue Palomba & Peter Manoogian
• Reading Cooperative Bank – Maureen Bernard – VP
• Attorney Donna DiGiovanni
• Home Investor Jason Scaduto
• Clean Out / Junk Remover – Bob Penta – Bob’s Unlimited
• Professional Organizer – Corrin Bomberger
• Moving and Storage Company – King Movers & Storage

  Mango Realty will share Falta’s story. The real estate company sold his Saugus home and found him a new home in an over-55 community on the South Shore.

 

Saugus Little League Parade April 12

  The Saugus Little League will hold a parade to celebrate Opening Day on Saturday, April 12.

  League officials are inviting local Vietnam War veterans to ride in the parade. Transportation will be provided as the league attempts to honor the Vietnam vets on the 50th anniversary of the war’s ending. “This is intended as a special ‘thank you.’ The League wants to honor these veterans who served their country,” a league official said.

  For the second year in a row, Saugus Little League will join up with Saugus Softball Little League for the parade, which will exit the parking lot of the Belmonte STEAM Academy at 9 a.m., turn left onto Adams Avenue, right onto Central Avenue and left onto Hurd Avenue up to Grabowski Field. Guy Moley is working on getting 20 show cars to join in the parade, according to League President John Benoit.

  Fun for all with music, food, slush, entertainment and face-painting. Special guests will be honored by throwing out the first pitch as the league shows its appreciation to them. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Historical Society meets April 9

Here’s a press release we received just before our deadline from the Saugus Historical Society about a patriotic meeting coming up next week.

“The April meeting of the Saugus Historical Society will be held next Wednesday [April 9] at 7 PM at 30 Main Street in Saugus.

“Laura Eisener will talk about 2 significant anniversaries occurring this spring: the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution and the 80th anniversary of the final months of World War II with a special presentation by Bill Stewart on the changing roles of women during the war.

“For the past few years we have had special presentations (usually one in fall and one in spring) revolving around aspects of World War II, and this month we will be especially remembering Walter and John Kasabuski, whose love of winter sports is remembered in the Kasabuski Rink at Breakheart, dedicated to them in 1961. This rink has been loved by Saugus kids and hockey teams from around the region for several generations. We would encourage any residents whose lives were affected by World War II to come and share their stories! As usual the meeting is free to all, and light refreshments will be served.

“We cannot let April pass without mentioning the ‘shot heard round the world’ on April 19, and other events in Massachusetts leading up to and following that day. Appleton’s speech from his rocky pulpit and the establishment of the significant industry at Saugus Ironworks helped prepare this country for independence, and a near-battle in Salem just a few months before the battles of Lexington and Concord helped set the scene for the moment every school child knows. Salem almost was the first battle site when General Leslie was charged with searching that town for cannons that the crown had heard might be hidden there by the colonists. When a group of townspeople met him at the north bridge, he agreed to make a very cursory ‘search’ to satisfy the orders he had been given and left a couple of hidden cannons in Salem where they were later taken to Lexington. Events stretched from Boston through Arlington to Lexington and Concord between April 18 and 19, when towns across Massachusetts including Lynn, which at that time included Saugus, sent minutemen to fight. The towns most affected … are holding many events to celebrate these events from this spring through at least 4th of July next year, including lectures, reenactments, and exhibits.”

 

The SHS Alumni Association announces scholarships

The Saugus High School Alumni Association will be awarding Scholarships to graduating seniors again this June. The Association encourages seniors who are planning on attending not only college but trade schools as well. Applications for Alumni Association Scholarships may be obtained from the Guidance Office. Students need to complete the application at home. Seniors should attend a brief meeting in the school library on Thursday, May 1, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to answer two questions and attach their application.

Scholarships will be awarded to successful candidates in the amounts of $1,000 to $5,000. Seniors are encouraged to apply. There will be a minimum of 10 Scholarships awarded this year. Students pursuing further education at the college/university level, nursing and trade schools are encouraged to participate.

 

Memorial Day observances

Plans are already in the works for this year’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which are set for Saturday, May 24. Contact the Saugus Veterans Council if you would like to help out. Council Commander Steve Castinetti can be reached at 781-389-3678 or st*************@*****st.net.

 

What’s going on at the library

• Books in Bloom next weekend: Books in Bloom is back for another year – next Friday and Saturday (April 11 and 12). The exhibition will be on display from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Garden Club, Books in Bloom is an annual event where local gardeners and flower enthusiasts put together floral arrangements that interpret a book’s title, book jacket or a piece of artwork. Want to join in? Go to sauguspubliclibrary.org/getinvolved/new-friends/ to learn about the New Friends of the SPL.

 

Saugus-Everett Elks to Hold Scams Presentation

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness committee and Eagle Bank are teaming up to hold a scams, cyber fraud and exploitation presentation to be held at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus) on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. This free hour long presentation will be conducted by Attorney Stephen Miliotis and Senior Banking officer Gisella DiPaola. Don’t miss out on this event, and become educated on the latest scams that are currently spreading across our country. Learn the different kinds of scams, including blackmail scams, charity scams, debt collection scams, senior scams, debt relief scams and much more. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to reserve your seat. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Saugus Sachems Spring Track Program 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – announced plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email.

Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents need to know:

Who: Grades K-5^th.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 4:00-5:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; May 6-June 12.

Cost: $100 first year, $50 if returning.

For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or ch********************@***il.com

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at mv***@*****st.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. 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.