THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 15, 2023 Page 3 A Founder’s Day Salute Saugus honors Gail Cassarino and Jack Klecker with “person of the year Award” By Mark E. Vogler G ail Cassarino and Jack Klecker have a lot in common through their Saugus connections to community service and volunteer projects which have led to the betterment of Saugus. Cassarino has been involved with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for more than two decades. And as regent of the Parson Roby Chapter, she’s contributed greatly to the resurgence of the local group. In Saugus, she has helped the Appleton’s Pulpit historical marker, handed out miniature American flags while marching in the Memorial Day parade, been a part of Wreaths Across America in which people gave out over 200 flags, been a part of the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Riverside Cemetery and helped to honor veterans by creating the Field of Flags annually on the lawn of the Saugus Town Hall. Klecker has collaborated on a few of the DAR projects, helping out with his pickup truck to carry away trash from the historical marker site, or hauling wreaths to the cemetery. Like Cassarino, Klecker is patriotic and loves being involved in projects that help the veterans, promote the town’s history and help make Saugus a better place. Last Saturday, they sat together on a makeshift stage near the front steps of Town Hall where they were honored at the 42nd Annual Founder’s Day with the 2023 “Person of the Year” Awards. award ceremony, 2015 “Woman of the Year” Joyce Rodenhiser and 2016 “Woman of the Year” Donna Manoogian took turns reading the 60 previous past winners, who spanned a period of 35 years Eisener noted that CassaSALUTE | SEE PAGE 9 HONORED GUESTS: Jack Klecker and Gail Cassarino relaxed after the Founder’s Day ceremony where they received their community service awards. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “When my cousin, Barbie Southard McKenzie, won this award in 1994, I remember thinking wow – that is so awesome!!” Cassarino told the audience. “To be recognized by her peers for her efforts in touching so many lives in our community in such a positive way. And now here I am still saying wow!” McKenzie was among the group of past award recipients who gathered in front of Town Hall for a special ceremony honoring Cassarino and Klecker. “I appreciate the fact that somebody must have noticed me,” he said. Klecker is a 30year veteran of the U.S. Navy. “I try to help out as much as I can around town,” he said. Debra Dion-Faust, the 2019 “Woman of the Year,” introduced Klecker, calling him “an all-around good egg” who drives around in his pickup truck hauling items for people. It’s usually traditional for the previous year’s winner to make the award presentation to the new honoree. But 2022 “Man of the Year” Thomas Sheehan had health issues that kept him from attending the ceremony, according to Dion-Faust. Last year’s “Woman of the Year,” Laura Eisener, made the presentation to Cassarino. Leading up to the 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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