Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 24, 2024 Artwork inspired by Saugus trees on display at the Saugus Public Library By Laura Eisener S augus trees provided the inspiration for an art workshop taught by artist Kelly Slater at the Saugus Public Library this spring. Some of the resulting work is now hanging in an exhibit in the periodicals room at the library through the end of May, and an additional slide lecture about historic and special trees around town was given in by landscape designer Laura Eisener to describe some of these trees. Last week Kelly gave a short tour of the art exhibit to attendees at Laura’s talk. Elms are among the most admired trees, and disease resistant varieties are now being planted that may provide shade for many decades to come. A surviving American elm tree from the late 19th century before Dutch elm disease destroyed so many along our streets still stands at the intersection of MEMORIAL DAY| FROM PAGE 9 member of the wedding party of his parents. He lived for several weeks but died on Nov. 23, 1969, from the injuries he sustained. His life ended at the young age of 20, but not his spirit. While his passing was a tragic loss to his family and friends, his spirit remains with all who knew him. His friend Andy still dreams of Stanley and remembers the lessons and examples Stanley taught him. Andy believes that his best friend is still by his side whispering support and encouragement. Stanley’s cousin Susan has spent the last several years setting up and operating a private home for dozens of Vietnam veterans to live in peace and dignity. Stanley’s spirit lives in that home. Several visitors to The Wall in Washington, D.C., some who never knew him personally, have rubbed his name on a transfer and left copies in the family mailbox on Main Street honoring Stanley’s memory. His spirit was with John Faragi when, 18 years after Stanley’s death, it was discovered that John needed a heart transplant. Such an operation was not done in Massachusetts at the time, so family and friends raised enough money to send him to California where they were doing experimental transplant surgery. The purple leafed European beech on the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site grounds is one of the most admired trees in town. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) Route 1 and Main Street. A young disease resistant Laura Eisener and Kelly Slater are shown standing under blossoming Kwanzan cherry trees at the Saugus Public Library after the “Distinguished Trees of Saugus” program last week. (Photo courtesy of Joanie Allbee) John waited almost two weeks, and, in that time, he grew weak and discouraged. On Sunday afternoon when he was at his lowest, the spirit of Stanley appeared. John spoke to Stanley, just as he always did, telling him he was tired and wanted to go home. Stanley told him no; it was not his time and promised him that a heart would be there that evening. Several hours later a 19-year-old motorcyclist was killed, and his family donated the perfectly matched heart to John. Successful surgery was performed that night. John lived for many healthy years after the transplant. His spirit can also be found at the memorial on Main and Howard Streets. The beautiful tribute to him stands as a quiet and constant reminder to all those who pass by of what he so freely gave to his family, his friends, and his country. And the spirit of Stanley Egan is alive and well with all those he touched during his lifetime, and even those who are just learning about him. The lessons and examples he left with us during his short time on Earth are the presents he continues to give us through his spirit today. The lessons of love and brotherhood – of loyalty and kindness – are the gifts he sends to all of us – not just on Memorial Day, but all year through. HERO AWARDS| FROM PAGE 13 Early Learning Center student stars Veterans Early Learning Center Principal Michael Mondello noted that he had “two amazing students” at his school, referring to first graders Gwen Thurston and Pedro Amarilla. Teacher Christina Nicolo said Thurston “has a light in her eyes when she talks about those she loves.” Nicolo said her student “exemplifies what it means to be a role model.” In presenting the award to Amarilla, teacher Jessica Esposito said she was “blown away by how such a young boy can carry himself with such poise and integrity. He ‘Valley Forge’ American elm was planted in 2015 at the Saugus Iron Works to celebrate Arbor Day on the 100th anniversary of Saugus’ separation from Lynn in 1815. Many new street trees have been planted every year by volunteers from the Tree Committee to beauticomes in ready and eager to learn every day.” “He always greets his teachers and principal in the morning … he has great manners,” she said. Each of the school principals and the classroom teachers had an opportunity to offer their observations about this year’s “Unsung Heroes.” Other officials attending the event offered their observations, too. “This is a great event because it shines a light on these wonderful children who may not have received recognition over the years,” said Elliott Casey, manager at WIN Waste Innovations in Saugus. “We are proud to honor these exceptional students fy the town and provide shade in summer to our streets, sidewalks, school grounds and other public sites. Students in Kelly’s workshop were inspired by the dramatic branch forms, leaves, flowers and other features of trees, and found themselves looking at trees in new ways. for the positive role they play in their schools. They are a credit to their school, their family and their community,” he said. State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) observed that the students are doing more than what is expected of them. “When you do more than what you are expected to do, you’re going to come out ahead of the class,” Wong said. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta offered a message of encouragement for each of the students, while observing the significance of the award they received. “You are an all-around phenomenal person who does the right thing every day,” Panetta said. AWARDS FOR UNHERALDED WORK: A table set with trophies for the seven students receiving this year’s “Saugus Unsung Hero Award.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
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