THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 27, 2025 Page 5 Selectmen off er a Bouquet of Compliments Saugus Garden Club receives a citation honoring the 80th anniversary of its creation as a beloved town organization By Mark E. Vogler T he agenda for Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting was light. But the opening minutes of the session were heavy in high praise that selectmen heaped on the Saugus Garden Club to go with a special citation in recognition of the group’s 80th anniversary. “They do so much for the town,” said Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, herself a longtime member of the club. “It’s not just having a green thumb. They do so much volunteerism, so much charity work in our community. And they’ve been around for 80 years and they’re incredibly active,” Panetta said. “And we’re thrilled tonight to give you a citation on behalf of the Board of Selectmen in the Town of Saugus on your anniversary,” she said. Actually, the board had two citations, which they presented to the club’s two longtime Co-Presidents, Donna Manoogian and Lorraine DiMilla. Panetta invited each of her fellow board members to off er remarks about the special occasion of honoring a group that originated eight decades ago. CELEBRATING 80 YEARS: 15 members of the Saugus Garden Club took a moment to celebrate with the Board of Selectmen, at Tuesday night’s meeting, the occasion of the club’s 80th Anniversary. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “Eighty years is a long time to keep something going,” Selectman Corinne Riley said. Riley thanked the group for its longtime commitment to the betterment of the town and said she hoped the club would be around for another 80 years to do wonderful things. “Thank you for coming out tonight in this horrible heat wave that we’re having,” Selectman Anthony Cogliano said, referring to the 100-degree weather that hit Saugus and many other communities throughout Essex County and the state. “And it’s nice to see you,” Cogliano said. Selectman Michael Serino called the club “an asset to our community.” “You do so much for the town,” he said. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff rey Cicolini lauded the club’s longevity. “Congratulations… eighty years…truly amazing,” Cicolini said. “Seeing what you do around town and how active the group is, is truly remarkable. …It’s a true testament to the dedication of everybody. Thank you for all you do. And again, congratulations,” he said. Panetta asked Donna Manoogian to off er a brief history of the club before the 15 Garden Club lady members (there are a few men members now) who showed up for the meeting posed for photos with the selectmen and the town manager. “It was formed in 1945 and it was part of the Victory Gardens that was sweeping the counGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 try,” Manoogian recalled of the private gardens of vegetables, fruits and herbs that American were encouraged to plant to augment their rations and also as a morale booster during and after World War II. “And from that, 28 people were in the beginning stages. And right now, we have just over 70 members,” she said. Manoogian noted there was a dip in membership back in the 1960s and the 1970s, which prompted the club to switch from daytime meetings ANNIVERSARY | SEE PAGE 11 All Deposits Are Insured In Full | Member FDIC Member DIF Visit EverettBank.com and open your account in minutes. *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. A minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. There’s Every Bank, Then There’s
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