THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JAnUAry 31, 2025 Page 17 ASKS | FROM PAGE 10 four or five groups out every Friday and Saturday night. John is 75. Ann and Mike are in their early 60s. Q: What’s the most popular song for the Memorylaners? A: We close with what should be our National Anthem – “God Bless The USA.” We close every show with that song. Q: How long have you been doing that (closing)? A: Oh, 20 years. Q: And what’s your favorite of all of the songs? A: My favorite oldie song – my wife and I – is “Over the Mountain” by Johnnie & Joe. “What a Wonderful World” is one of my favorite songs. But my favorite oldie song was back in ’57 by Johnnie & Joe… ”Over the Mountain.” Q: But the song that has gotten you and your group a lot of attention is “What a Wonderful World”? A: That definitely ignited everything. As a matter of fact, when our senior hockey players played the oldtime Bruins in Saugus, after the National Anthem, they had me do “What a Wonderful World” at center ice. And they were shocked. The Bruins were shocked. WRESTLING | FROM PAGE 11 teammates from the other town than with kids in their own.” Moda knows the match against Beverly will be tough, but he believes his team is SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 16 · Cookie decorating: Come join us for our cookie decorating program! We will be having a professional come over on Monday, Feb. 10 from 5:307:00 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. · Styling with vintage & thrifted fashion: Saturday, February 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Karen (Ren) Antonowicz from Spirits of Fashion will be presenting the program. Did you know that you can create a unique wardrobe that suits your “style personality” without breaking the bank? Join us for this fun styling workshop where we explore ways Q: How long ago was that? A: Oh, it was probably 10 to 12 years ago. Q: What’s the greatest notoriety or compliment you’ve gotten for this group. A: I’ve never heard one bad remark after a show – always positives. Q: What about down in New Orleans, when you sang Louie Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World”? A: In 2000, I was still working for American Airlines. I was sent down by American Airlines and Massport to the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. I was on two television stations that night while singing “It’s a Wonderful World” in the foyer of the airport. I met Louie Armstrong’s original bass player, who was 100, on the day I went. He looked at me and said, “That was pretty good, kid.” He says, “Satchmo did it well, but you’re right behind him.” That was probably the biggest thrill I had. Q: And recently, you’re trying to get an appearance on what national television program? A: “America’s Got Talent.” AGT. My daughter sent in a video with me doing “What a Wonderful World,” and they reready. “We’ve already beaten three teams this year that we lost to last year,” he said. “We’re not just winning – we’re wrestling better than ever.” Looking ahead, Moda remains optimistic. “We’re really only lossponded back, saying they received it and if they want me to come out, I’ll hear from them. Q: When did they say you’ll be contacted? A: Late February. If they contact me, that’s fine. If not, it’s no big deal. But personally, I think there’s a chance. On AGT, they’ve got fantastic singers. But they also have different people who do something unique that they know is not going to win. But they want them on the show for all kinds of reasons. And I think that’s where I might fall in – not as a possible winner, but as a possible gig at the show that would go over at the show. Q: Do you do Karaoke? A: No. I did at one time. When my daughter got married 24 years ago, I practiced a song – “Texas Tornado” – and I took all of the lyrics and changed them to her and her husband. And it went over really, really well. And that was my debut. I won a Karaoke contest when I was 50 at a place on Route 99 in Malden. Q: Whether you are inside at the Senior Center or outside at the Iron Works, do you encourage the folks to sing along? A: We tell them if they have any requests, let us know and we’ll do them. And if anybody ing two starters this year, so I think this success will last a little while,” said Moda, who is assisted by Saugus’ Tom St. Cyr, who wrestled at Malden Catholic and is a few years removed from high school. “Hopefully, thinks they can come up and do a song with us, I tell them to let me know and come up. They’re not hard songs to do. They are two and a half to three minutes. Q: The Memorylaners. Tell me the origin of that name. A: Well, somebody else locally had it. He was giving it up. I didn’t like the “Seniortones.” I went to him and I asked permission. I told him, “If you’re going to give it up, I’d like to take that name, if you don’t mind.” He says, “No problem.” And I took it and ran with it. It’s a good name. Q: So, was the name registered? Or was it a matter of “a gentleman’s agreement” to get the name? A: A gentleman’s agreement. If you go online, you will probably find a few Memorylaners across the country. In fact, I would guarantee you’d find another group with the same name. Maybe in Wisconsin, or Iowa – who knows. Q: What’s the best thing that’s happened to you because of this experience? A: It’s kept me busy – real busy. I do it all from my computer here, setting it up. I write up the playlist and put it on paper and take a picture and people will see what we’re doing and want to be a part of it. Wrestling is a sport where you get better by facing tough competition, and we’re ready to take that step.” As for the big showdown, send it out to everybody. Is everybody in agreement? If not, what are the changes? Then I get on the computer and do the hard copy. And it’s a done deal. It keeps me busy and it’s something that I enjoy. I’m not a lead singer. But there are certain songs that I can do that I don’t have to go too low or too high. Q: As far as your equipment, what does it entail? A: Speakers, speaker stands, microphones. We got four really good mikes. Q: What’s your favorite group or band? A: My favorite singer is Johnny Mathis and my favorite group is the Bee Gees. They were tremendous. And I just can’t believe that the lead singer (Barry Gibb) doesn’t come back and continue. Because his two brothers died, he refuses to sing anymore. It’s too bad because he would do well. Q: What was your favorite Bee Gees song? A: “To Love Somebody.” Q: How long do you plan to continue performing with the Memorylaners? A: Until I pass. I gave up hockey two years ago. I play golf and can still shoot in the 70s. I turned 82 on New Year’s Eve and I still feel pretty good. Moda emphasized what it will take to pull off a win. “It’s going to come down to how we match up and how our guys wrestle individually,” he said. “Hopefully, it comes to fruition. It won’t be for lack of effort, that’s for sure.” About The Saugus Advocate We welcome press releases, FUTURE BEST-SELLING AUTHORS? That may be the dream of students in Laura Eisener’s Pen to Paper writing class at the Saugus Public Library. From left to right are instructor Eisener, Sharna Sullivan, Nancy Prag and Joanne Crowe. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) to treasure hunt for vintage and secondhand clothing and accessories that speak to you and will inspire a new way of dressing. Fill your own closet with a personalized wardrobe that will bring you joy for years to come. Registration begins Saturday, Feb. 8 at 9 a.m. on our online Events Calendar – sauguspubliclibrary.org 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 mvoge@ comcast.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.
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