THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, June 14, 2019 Page 5 “Knights of the Blind” celebrate 90 years in Saugus By Mark E. Vogler elen Keller made history in 1904 when she became the first deaf-blind person in America to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. But the famous American political activist, author and lecturer also is remembered well for the challenge she made to Lions Club International during its early years. An old recording of that challenge was played last Saturday night in the Saugus Knights of Columbus Hall as the Saugus Lions Club celebrated the 90th anniversary of its founding. “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?” Keller’s voice said in the hall in what was the climax of her speech to the 1925 International Convention of the Lions Club. “She challenged the Lions to become the ‘Knights of the Blind,’ and that’s how the organization got involved in eye research,” said Eugene Decareau, who at 89 is the oldest living member of the Saugus Lions Club. The local Lions Club has received high praise for its response to the late activist’s challenge – raising $353,295.17 since it was chartered on Nov. 30, 1928. But Decareau, who is one of three Saugus Lions with more than 50 years of service to the club, hasn’t just made a single issue impact in the community over the years. “We do a lot more than just eye research, but we don’t publicize it a lot,” Decareau said. For instance, Decareau recalled the story of an elderly couple more than three decades ago who faced eviction H from their homes by the town because they didn’t have running water or heat. “But the club stepped up and quietly helped these people out,” Decareau said. The Saugus Lions enjoyed a night of fellowship, dining, sharing old stories, raffles, dancing and the installation of officers for 2019-2020. Ralph Carbone, another 50year veteran, joined Decareau and the longest serving Saugus Lion – Arthur Gustafson – in reminiscing about their half-century-plus service. Gustafson has been a club member for 53 years. “Do you believe that 40 years ago I was the club’s 50th president?” Carbone asked. The new officers and directors include: • President – George Meimaris • Immediate Past President – Benjamin Penta • Treasurer – Michael Murphy • Secretary – Patty Fierro • First Vice President – Corinne Riley • Second Vice President – Tonuy Spaziale • Tail Twister – Anthony Larosa • Membership Director – Eugene Decareau • Bulletin Editors – Paul Runfio and Frank Rossetti • LCIF Advisors – Joe Cefalo and Tony Spaziale Directors – Joe Cefalo, first of a two-year term; Nelson Chang, second of a two-year term; Frank Rossetti, first of a two-year term; Peter Rossetti, second of a two-year term; John Smolinsky, second of a two-year term and Tom Traverse, second of a two-year term. Father’s Day Special ALL MAJOR BRANDS OF CIGARS * Desktop Humidors * Travel Humidors * Boxes of Cigars * Bundles of Cigars * Singles * Torch Lighters * Zippo Lighters * Cigar Cutters Chris Moore & his experienced staff will help you & save you money! * VAPES * JUICE * JUULS * BONGS PIPES * GRINDERS * HOOKAHS JUNE SPECIAL Buy any Box of PERDOMO CIGARS at our Reduced Price & receive a FREE PERDOMO Lighter! (Retail value in excess of $25.00) Lawnmower Tune-Up and Repairs • We repair all makes & models! • Authorized • FREE PICK-UP for all Tune-Ups! all m • We r d K-U makes & mo ma akes & mo D KU for all Tun UP fo 1039 Broadway, Revere • (781) 289-6466 Biker’s Outfitter (781) 289 , ee (8) 89 www.bikersoutfitter.com Dealer SMOKER’S DELIGHT 15 Churchill Size Cigars including a COHIBA Over 5,000 Units Sold! A BEST BUY! C.B.D. PRODUCTS Creating Better Days * Nature’s Supplement * All Natural * CBD Infused Products * Edibles * Concentrates * Topicals ENCORE CASINO DRIVING OPPORTUNITY!! Everett Car Service has exclusive rights to pick up all visitors in front of new $2.6B Encore Casino. Well over 40,000 visitors estimated daily and Everett Car is the only license holder in the city to service the Casino. Major opportunity to make money driving taxi – 50/50 split. Both day and night shifts available - call us now at 781-322-9400 or email dmorovitz@maldentrans. com. Good driver history a must! Please bring copy of driver history (from Registry) to interview. EOE A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE Don’t Forget Dad! OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 8 AM - 8 PM Sun. - Holidays: 8 AM - 6 PM (781) 289-4959 GIFT CARDS!
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