THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 20, 2024 Page 13 PERSONS OF THE YEAR: State Representatives Donald Wong and Jessica Ann Giannino prepare to make citation presentations to the awardees on behalf of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. OLD FRIENDS: Kathy Blasingame and Donna Gould – who were considered the heart and soul of Founders Day during the early years of the event – enjoyed the day. Kathy and Donna are previous “Person of the Year” recipients (1995 and 2002, respectively). PAST RECIPIENTS: Joyce Rodenhiser (2015) and Donna Manoogian (2016) took turns reading the names of all previous “Person of the Year” Award recipients. MAKING A STATEMENT: Sharon and Marie Floramo enjoyed Founders Day while wearing t-shirts to promote their own neighborhood cause. CITATIONS: Senator Brendan Crighton made citation presentations to this year’s “Persons of the Year” on behalf of the Massachusetts State Senate. HONOR | FROM PAGE 4 out in front. But now the intensity of the fire was too much for him, and his spirit could no longer carry his body. He was struck again but his final efforts were expended in an achievement of immense importance to his company. He staggered a last few yards and, as he fell, he threw several hand grenades into a machine gun, destroying the weapon and crew.” Foremost of the Infantrymen who immediately stormed victoriously through the hedgerow of trees and brush was the Technical Sergeant Clyde FOUNDERS DAY | FROM PAGE 5 truly makes a difference. They learned about local teacher Shelagh O’Connell’s commitment to running the Boston Marathon each year to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital and decided to support her cause. The fifth-graders raised $749 on Founders Day from bracelet sales and a total of $1,300 since they launched a Facebook campaign with the assistance of the Saugus Youth & Recreation Department staff. They plan to donate a substantial portion of the proceeds to Boston Children’s Hospital. Founders Day had someE. Teal, whose home is in Ford City, Texas. He watched Staff Sergeant DeFranzo begin to drop to the ground as the grenades exploded in the nest. (Note: Clyde E. Teal lived to be 106). “When he got up again and went ahead of us, we soon saw his purpose,” the technical sergeant stated. “He had the nest spotted and then threw grenades into the machine gun position as he was being struck three more times by their bullets. His death spared the lives of many others.” In appropriately solemn ceremonies, the following official citation will be presented to his mother: thing for everyone. Residents swung past more than 100 tables and booths spread out on Central Street filled with handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry and helpful information to take home. Along Taylor Street, hungry attendees grabbed fare from food trucks, pizza, nachos, slush, shaved ice, free chicken pie samples from Harrows Chicken Pies and more tasty food served by volunteers from Saugus youth organizations and school groups. Proceeds from the sales will help support student activities. Kids had a blast stopping by the game booths run by youth sports organizations and school groups. Some examples of popular displays this year: 2024 Founders Day “Woman of the Year”: Mary Dunlop received her award from past recipient (2006) Marily Carlson. “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above the beyond the call of duty, on June 10, 1944, near Vauban, France, the scouts were advancing across an open field, the enemy suddenly opened fire with several machine guns and hit one of the men. Staff Sergeant DeFranzo courageously moved out in the open to the aid of the wounded scout and was himself wounded but brought the man back to safely. Refusing aid, he re-entered the open field and led the advance upon the enemy. There were always at least two machine guns bringing unrelenting fire upon him, but he kept • Dunk Tank (managed by the Saugus High School Class of 2025) • “Bail” Someone Out from Saugus BANDits Jail • Facepainting and Temporary Tattoos (SHS Drama Club) • Belmonte Balloon Pop • Cornhole (SHS Volleyball) • Bracelet Making (SHS Student Council) • Make a Basketball Shot (SHS Sachems Basketball) Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said he was thrilled to see a big crowd turn out for a fabulous Founders Day celebration on Saturday. Crabtree offered his congratulations to the 2024 Founders Day Persons of the Year, Bill Boomhower and Mary Dunlop. He stressed that both individuals MAN OF THE YEAR: William Boomhower, 2024 Founders Day “Man of the Year,” thanks the crowd for his day of recognition. on going, firing into the enemy and one by one, the enemy emplacements became silent. “While advancing, he was again wounded but continued on until he was within one hundred yards of the enemy position. And even as he fell, he kept firing his rifle and waving his men forward. When his company came up behind the hill, Staff Sergeant DeFranzo, despite his many wounds, suddenly raised himself and once more moved forward leading his men until he was again hit by enemy fire. “In a final gesture of indomitable courage, he threw several grenades at the enemy are deserving of the recognition for their significant contributions to the town over the years. The Saugus Police Department brought a patrol cruiser and invited the public to find out what it’s like inside the vehicle. Children also relished the opportunity to check out a Saugus fire engine and residents dropped money into a firefighter boot to raise money to fight muscular dystrophy. At the Saugus Health Department booth, people learned about the benefits of flu shots and how to protect themselves from mosquito bites to reduce the chances of contracting West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis. The Town of Saugus hand2024 Founders Day “Man of the Year”: William Boomhower received his award from last year’s recipient (2023) Jack Klecker. machine gun position and completely destroyed the gun. In this action, Staff Seg. Arthur F. DeFranzo lost his life, but by bearing the brunt of the enemy fire in leading the attack, he prevented a delay in the assault which would have been of considerable benefit to the foe and made possible his company’s advance with a minimum of casualties. “The extraordinary heroism and magnificent devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant DeFranzo was a great inspiration to all about him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.” ed out free COVID-19 tests for anyone interested. Two disc jockeys added to the festive atmosphere by playing catchy songs throughout the morning and afternoon. Founders Day also offered plenty of entertainment with Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do, MICA Dance Group, the Theatre Company of Saugus and the Memorylaners all taking the stage to perform. “What a great Founder’s Day!” Crabtree said. “I saw lots of smiles as people came together to enjoy each other’s company and to celebrate our community. I want to thank all of our town staff and volunteers for their efforts that made this day such an overwhelming success.”
14 Publizr Home