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| Dukakis helps Arlington honor public servant Peg Spengler |
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Former governor and 1998 presidential nominee Michael S. Dukakis on Saturday, Nov. 21, helped Arlington honor the late Margaret H. "Peg" Spengler, a major force in the shaping of the town over the last half of the 20th century. As a professor at Northeastern, Dukakis said, "You gotta have passion" as a teacher. Spengler, he said, "had a passion for public service." About 70 people, including many family members, heard a 2 p.m. program in Robbins Memorial Town Hall, which was followed by the uncovering of a bronze plaque in the lobby of the Town Hall. At 1:30 p.m., preceding the Town Hall activities, a street sign at the entrance to Robbins Library was unveiled. The sign changed from Library Way to Peg Spengler Way, reflecting her contributions to Robbins Library began as a trustee in the 1950s and culminating as fund-raising chair for the library addition that opened in 1994. Dukakis cited efforts involving him and his wife, Kitty, in Africa and in Cuba, where Yoani Sánchez, a blogger is "driving her government crazy." He made the Arlington connection: "I think of local democracy and what it takes to get involved and how important it is to local democracy for the Peg Spenglers of the world." Spengler, who died in 2002, served in numerous official town capacities in her five decades of contributions to the town (see the list at the end of this story). As a co-founder of Arlington's chapter of the League of Women Voters, she led the drive to transform town governance with the adoption of the Town Manager Act that has served the community effectively since 1952. Each speaker remembered Peg in his or her own way. Here are some snapshots. He did remember that in 1975, during a visit to Lexington by President Gerald Ford, Peg insisted on having the invitation that Harry had received as selectmen chair. Harry resisted. "I could tell she was not going to back down," he said, and she won out. Harry had forgotten that he had retired from the board. Don Marquis, town manager from 1966 to 2000 and chair of the Spengler committee: Calling her a "big-time volunteer," he said he not name anyone who had done as much for Arlington over 60 years of public service. When he began as town manager, he said Peg helped him find a home on Jason Street -- right next door to her.
An unofficial count has Peg involved in more thsn 25 town committees and commissions, in many of which she served as chair. She created the commission that evolved into the town’s Department of Youth Services, was a member of the town Finance Committee and the town Redevelopment Board, and she was the first woman elected to the Board of Selectmen. She demonstrated passion for the youth of the town through numerous organizations and groups that involved our youth in cause-focused activities, and she exhibited a strong commitment to open space, and to the Town’s heritage through the Schwamb Mill and other Arlington treasures. Peg's passion for community extended beyond Arlington. She was appointed by four different governors to state boards and commission. She was the president of the board of trustees for her alma mater, Misercordia University, and had personal interest and proficiency in photography, French cooking, painting and writing. As Arlington residents for 57 years, Peg, with her husband, executive director of the American Meteorological Society for 46 years, raised five sons, Kenneth Jr., John, Thomas, Mark, and Stephen. There are currently 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The Margaret H. Spengler Memorial Committee was established, chaired by former Town Manager Donald Marquis. The committee has been meeting over the past year, and has made recommendations to the Board of Selectmen, which approved the recommendations. No town funds have been spent for the Nov. 21 ceremony. Those who appreciate her contribution to Arlington may make a donation to cover the cost of the plaque and related expenses. Peg’s five sons and her husband Ken have agreed to match the first $2,500. A few of Peg's accomplishments:Arlington Town Meeting member, 1950-1995 Founder, lnterfaith Dialogue Group Chairmen, Arlington Citizens Committee for Better Schools President, Arlington league of Women Voters Organizer and President, Arlington Youth Council Member Executive Board, Mass. Committee on Children & Youth Director, Arlington Department of Youth Services CONTRIBUTORS
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 09 August 2010 13:07 ) |
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