THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2023 ~ The Advocate Asks ~ Page 5 SAVE’s Past Presidents refl ect on the local environmental watchdog group’s top accomplishments during the time they served. And as SAVE celebrates its 50th year, they cite SAVE’s top contributions to Saugus (Editor’s Note: The Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment — known more commonly by its acronym SAVE — held its 50th Annual Meeting & Dinner this week at The Continental on Route 1 North in Saugus. For any organization to last a half century is a remarkable milestone to achieve. During its half century of existence, SAVE has been and continues to be an impactful, high-profile organization that has contributed to the betterment of Saugus. We sought out the Past Presidents this week and asked them to share their views on the top three accomplishments during their leadership years. We also asked them to refl ect on how their involvement with SAVE aff ected their respective lives and roles as citizens of Saugus. Finally, we asked them what they considered as SAVE’s top contribution to the betterment of Saugus. Highlights of this week’s interviews follow. Wallace McKenzie He is the most senior member of SAVE, having been with the organization since its inception in 1973. He served as president from 1976 to 1978. He is a 1969 graduate of Saugus High School. He served on the Saugus Annual Town Meeting from 1976 to 1978. Q: Looking back on your years of membership, how has your involvement with SAVE aff ected your life and your role as a citizen of Saugus? A: Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. Keep your principles but know when to compromise. Education isn’t enough. Elections matter. We are all in this together. Talk to each other. ASKS | SEE PAGE 6 DECADES OF SAVE LEADERSHIP: Pictured from left to right: First row: SAVE Co-Presidents Stephanie Shalkowski and Ann Devlin join Past Presidents Florence Chandler, Debra Panetta and Joyce Rodenhiser; back row: Wallace McKenzie, Richard Mytkowicz and Michael Boudreau. They shared a moment Wednesday night at the 50th Annual Meeting & Dinner of the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE). (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
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