Saugus honors pair as Persons of the Year

SAUGUS – “If you see something that needs to be done, just do it.”That was the message from Saugus resident Peter Bogdan, who along with fellow Saugonian Dorothy Amsden, was named the 2012 Person of the Year.Bogdan and Amsden were presented their awards at Tuesday night?s selectmen meeting as each were given plaques from the board and special certificates of recognition from U.S. Rep. John Tierney (D-Salem), State Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn), State Sen. Sal DiDomenico and State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus).Catherine Galenius, last year?s Person of the Year, took the nearly 100 people in attendance through Amsden?s life in Saugus, which included more that 40 years in the quality control department for General Electric, helping start World Series Park, volunteering at the senior center and single-handedly starting the GE matching gift foundation for the Saugus Library.?Because of her tenacity the library was able to receive much-needed funds,” said Galenius. “No one really knows for sure all the dedicated hours she has put in ?Thank you for setting such a high standard for all of us to live by.”Amsden then took to the podium to thank everyone for choosing her, saying it was a shock when she first learned about it.?I didn?t know (Catherine), so when she called me to tell me I won I almost hung up,” said Amsden. “I said, ?I know it?s an honor, I don?t want to be rude, but can I refuse??”Amsden said she first read an article about the GE matching fund in 1997 and immediately called GE, which they sent her. She filled them out and the library qualified, but it was only for three years, so she applied again and the library still receives the donations today.?The library was reinstated and is ongoing until 2012, when the disaster theft struck, and we all know about that,” said Amsden. “Now with our new and dedicated trustees and friends, I feel certain our library will be accepted into the matching gift program again.Donna Gould, a member of the committee that selects the Persons of the Year, said the award was started 23 years ago to celebrate the 350th anniversary of Saugus.?In 1989 we wanted to do something special so we started Person of the Year,” said Gould. “Twenty-three years later and we?re still doing it, and there are so many good people in town to recognize.”According to Gould, a committee comprised of previous Persons of the Year nominates recipients every year based on their achievements.?In most cases you?ll find that it?s volunteerism that really gets people involved in nominating people,” said Gould. “Sometimes we hear from people and they write letters, and all of it is presented on the table at the time that we pick the person.”Stephen Rich, the 2011 recipient, presented the award to Bogdan and spoke about his achievements. Bogdan, who has six children, 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren, was elected to Town Meeting in 1967 and held his position for 34 years.Bogdan has also served on two charter committees, is a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, serves as a poll worker, was a Cub Scout pack leader, serves on the Council on Aging and the TRIAD committee, and served in the Army National Guard.?He can often be seen doing things just because they need to be done,” said Rich. “I think he sort of liked to volunteer.”DJ Napolitano from Rep. Tierney?s office spoke on behalf of Tierney, Wong and McGee.?They wanted to make sure you were recognized for your great service,” he said. “The town is very appreciative for your service.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].