The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

  For all of you civic-minded citizens of Saugus who have thought about doing a couple of years of public service for your town, here’s your opportunity. Nomination papers for public offices in the Nov. 7 Town Election become available in 10 days (July 24) at the Town Clerk’s Office. Saugus needs hardworking, conscientious individuals who care about their hometown as candidates for Town Meeting, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Housing Authority.

If you have never run for office before, Town Meeting would be a great start. There are 50 seats – five for each of the precincts – in the local legislative body responsible for passing the budget and zoning amendments. All you need is 10 certified signatures of registered voters who live in the precinct where you plan to be a candidate, and you have until Sept. 19 to get those signatures to the Town Clerk’s Office. If you want to run for the five-member Board of Selectmen, the five-member School Committee or the Housing Authority, you need to obtain 50 signatures.

If you run and fail to get elected, chalk it up as experience and run again in two years. Treat it as a learning experience. If you keep running, you might get elected for some office, particularly for one of the 50 Town Meeting seats.

Consider this: Everybody who ran for Town Meeting two years ago got elected without opposition in half of the 10 Saugus precincts (1, 2, 3, 6 and 7). That means there are not enough candidates to make it a viable election in half of the Saugus precincts.

Town Meeting is one of the important building blocks of local government in Saugus. If there is a concern in a neighborhood, the residents would approach one or all of their Town Meeting members. The Town Meeting members would then approach the Board of Selectmen. That’s the best way of addressing neighborhood concerns.

So, if you care about your neighborhood and the town and have the time and inclination, run for Town Meeting. If you are worried about the future of public education in Saugus, run for School Committee. If you think you have the expertise and knowledge of local government and the way it works or should work in Saugus, run for selectman.

This is a town election year. So, step up and do something for your community.

 

Apathy in Precinct 7?

  Looks like there’s a leadership void in Precinct 7. For the first time since we began doing “Saugus Over Coffee” forums back in January, we had a situation where none of the five Precinct 7 Town Meeting members appeared. Bob Palleschi gets a pass because he had a last minute medical appointment after spending time with me recently in an interview about Precinct 7 issues.

Stefano D’Anna emailed me a few days before the forum to let me know he wouldn’t be able to make it. I invited him to email me a statement, sharing some of his views. But he declined. Town Meeting Members John Chipouras. Stephen F. McCarthy and Michael J. Paolini never responded to email invitations and letters mailed to their home with two weeks’ notice.

Sure, I was disappointed that we got zero participation from Precinct 7 Town Meeting members. But that does reflect on the lack of interest in meeting citizens within their own precinct at the Saugus Public Library over a cup of coffee.

But I can tell you that most of the seven Precinct 7 residents who showed up at the Saugus Public Library on Monday were rather miffed that the representatives weren’t interested in showing. And well they should be miffed. One resident said she won’t be voting for any of the members if they decide to run for reelection.

What would be nice is if five new candidates surfaced in Precinct 7 to run for the Annual Town Meeting. But shame on those Town Meeting members who thought it wouldn’t be worth their while to meet residents in their precinct on a Monday night in July.

But the show did go on. We had some productive participation from the seven Precinct 7 residents who attended the forum. They identified issues of concern to them. And there were two selectmen sitting in the room – Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta and Selectman Mike Serino – taking notes. And they addressed a number of the concerns raised by the residents of Precinct 7. So, in spite of the lack of interest by Precinct 7 Town Meeting members (three of them who never even answered the invitations), it was a very productive session.

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  For those unfamiliar with the “Saugus Over Coffee” forums, they are cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and the Saugus Public Library. The primary purpose is to give citizens in each of the town’s 10 precincts an opportunity to voice their concerns about top issues in their respective precincts. It also gives them an opportunity to meet their Town Meeting representatives and chat over a cup of coffee or tea. Town Meeting members will benefit by getting to know more about concerns in their precincts. Viewers of the forums videotaped by Saugus TV will also get to learn a little about the history or interesting things about the precinct being featured each month.

One of my major hopes for the forums is that it spurs an interest for citizens to become potential candidates for Town Meeting in this fall’s town election. The public should keep in mind that there was a paucity of candidates for Town Meeting seats in the town elections back in 2021. In five of the 10 precincts, only five candidates ran for the five seats. That means half of the 50-member body was elected without competition.

Stay tuned for more information as “Saugus Over Coffee” continues. Here is the remaining schedule:

Precinct 8 – August 14

Precinct 9 – September 11

Precinct 10 – October 23

Please check with The Saugus Advocate or library for any changes in dates. Residents can check the programming guide on the station’s website (www.saugustv.org) for dates and times. A video of the forum will also be available for viewing on the station’s vimeo page within a day or two after the event – www.vimeo.com/saugustelevision.

 

C.H.A.R.M. Center is open

  The C.H.a.R.M. Center will be open during the summer to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town accepts checks only for payment of the $25. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you! Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted.

Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

Residents may call Scott Brazis at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions.

 

Some Special “Shout Outs”

  We didn’t receive any nominations for “Shout Outs” this week. So, I will use my editorial discretion to nominate the seven Precinct 7 residents who took the time to show up for Monday’s “Saugus Over Coffee” forum. Hats off to Susanne McNamara, Rose Desmond, Corinne D’Apolito, Sandy Sarno, Jack Klecker, Sharon Covell and Richard Covell for taking the time to show up and speak their minds about the betterment of their neighborhoods. If we had more people like them, Saugus would be a better place.

 

Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian?

  This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mv***@*****st.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

 

Community Garden needs some help

St. John’s Episcopal Church near Saugus Center has a community garden where vegetables are grown for the Saugus food pantry. This is the third growing season for this all-volunteer project. This year there are raised beds in front of the church as well as a larger garden area behind the rectory. Volunteers are needed to help weed and water the garden. If you would like to volunteer for an hour or so a week, or for any period of time during the summer, please call the church office at 781-233-1242 or email St***********@***il.com and leave a message with your contact information!

 

2023 Summer Concerts at the Saugus Iron Works, 244 Central St.

The Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service are proud to bring another summer of music to the Saugus Iron Works. These free, weekly concerts are open to the public and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 12 through August 30. Our 2023 lineup:

July 19: Atwater & Donnelly (Traditional American & Celtic Folk & Dance).

July 26: Decades of Rock (Classic Rock: 60s, 70s, 80s).

August 2: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown).

August 9: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s).

August 16: Jumpstreet (Rock, R&B, Blues, & Jazz).

August 23: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop).

August 30: Memorylaners (50s, 60s, 70s).

Bring chairs or a blanket and a picnic! Enjoy a summer evening at the Iron Works with great music and friends!

 

Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market

The Saugus Knights of Columbus will hold its Outdoor Craft Fair and Flea Market on Saturday, August 19. Their last events were all sold out. Reserve your space now. A 12 x 12 space costs $30. Vendors must bring their own tables and chairs. Call Paul Giannetta for reservations or info – 978-239-1392.

 

Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle Ride

The Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle Ride is set for Aug. 6 at the Saugus-Everett Elks (401 Main St., Saugus) – $20 for riders. $10 for passengers. The main event starts at noon. The fund is dedicated to helping erase the stigma of addiction. Besides the ride, there will be a pig roast, DJ, Raffles and 50/50.

Proceeds from the event will be given to Healthy Streets serving Lynn and other communities. This is a charity motorcycle ride in memory of Greg King to raise awareness and funds for harm reduction programs which are helping to combat the opioid crisis. Greg was a man in long-term recovery who was passionate about harm reduction and who dedicated his life to helping others.

 

The Saugus Cultural Council seeks help

The Saugus Cultural Council is recruiting new members. If you have a passion for arts, education, community engagement and building an inclusive community, feel free to apply. Please send a letter of interest and brief resume to the Saugus Board of Selectmen. The Saugus Cultural Council is a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, please contact sa*******************@***il.com.

 

MEG Foundation offers Dedicated Chairs to Families

  The MEG Foundation Board of Directors is hoping to return former Saugus High School Library chairs, at no charge, that were originally donated to the Saugus High School Library by many families and friends, in their memory. We hope the chairs will find their way back to their loved ones. We have approximately 50 dedicated chairs available to relatives. Please contact Janice Jarosz at 339-222-2178 or Linda Ross at 781-233-4607 for further information.

The list includes the following Dedicated Chairs: Aubrey, Flo & Al; Favuzza, Josephine; Barry, Diane; Favuzza, Frank; Biffin, Theodore; Fioravanti, Ann; Blair, James, A.; Franlins, Beatrice T.; Bly, Belden G. Jr.; Gloria & Jackie (59); Borghetti, Joseph; Harrington, Mike; Bourgeois, Eleanor Statuto; Kelley, Maureen; Braid, Robert M.; MacNeil, Bill; Bucchiere, John; McKinney, William; Butler, Laurence; Mekalian Family; Celandes, Wilbur; Jean Henderson; Class of 1938 – Melewski, Roberta; Class of 1941 – Melewski, Sophie; Class of 1947 – Morrison, Mary A.; Class of 1960 – Moschella, Carmen Jr.; Class of 1966 – Moylan, Albert J.; Cogliano, Anthony; O’Connor, Mae & Larry; Colby, Virginia; O’Neil, Nellie; Courant, Barbara Henderson; Parrish, Charles L.; Dahlberg, Frank; Pincess, Abraham; Dahlberg, Frank and Sarah; Polese, Lisa A.; DeSteuben, Albert, Jr.; Saugus High School 2001 – Dewling, Debi Sanders; Secor, John; Diamond, Beverly; Sketchley, John; Fabrizio, Bonnie McHale; Sorenson, Andy; Fabrizio, Kenneth; Steward, Doris; Favuzza, Geraldine; Whyte, Chris.

 

Attention 2016-18 Saugus High grads

The Saugus High School graduate classes of 2016, 2017 and 2018 Cumulative Record Folders will be destroyed on July 15, 2023. Any graduates from the dates above of Saugus High School wishing to obtain their records before they are destroyed, please email Kim Alba at ka***@***********ma.us. The pick-up dates and times will be given to you via email. If you would like them mailed, please include an address in your email.

 

Seeking Sachems sports historical data

If you are knowledgeable about the Saugus High Sachems Boys and Girls sports teams prior to 1969, Saugus Public Schools could use your help. The School District is looking for data on Saugus High Sachems Boys and Girls sports teams prior to 1969 that won a conference, regional and/or State Championship. “For example, we need data on the 1966, ’67 or ’68 Saugus varsity cross country team that won the State Championship,” Saugus School Committee Member Dennis Gould wrote in a press release.

“We need the team, the year and what championship they won. Pictures of the teams, trophies or old banners would be great also,” Gould said. “The data will be used by the School District to generate historical banners to hang in the new complex and to give to the Saugus Sports Hall of Fame for permanent record.”

If you happen to have access or knowledge of such data, please email it to Dennis Gould, School Committee, jd*********@*ol.com. Dennis can also be reached at 1-617-257-4847.

 

Kowloon outdoor dining and concerts

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus, has opened its outdoor dining venue, serving a full food and bar menu. The restaurant’s outdoor concert series has kicked off. The Kowloon Restaurant is open every day from noon till closing, and the outdoor venue is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to closing.

July’s Outdoor Concert lineup includes Stevie B on July 22: Hailed as the “King of Freestyle,” Stevie B is set to perform live in concert at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outside venue on Saturday, July 22, at 9 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The “Party Your Body” event will feature the singer performing “In My Eyes,” “I Wanna Be the One,” “Because I Love You,” “Spring Love” and Dreamin’ of Love.” Also in the lineup mixing is DJ Ricky P, formerly of The Palace, Stars Dance Club, The Rack, KISS 108 FM, JAMN 94.5 FM and STAR 93.7 FM.

Tickets are: VIP Golden Front Seats $65.00, General Reserved Seats $55.00, Limited Standing Room Only $40.00. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online: www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

Rockin’ 4 Vets concerts are coming to Kowloon!

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents a classic rock Summer Sun-Days Veterans Benefit Concert Series starting on July 16 with Garry Goudreau’s Engine Room and continuing to August 20 with Dyer, Goodwin, Chakosur and Brian Templeton; with an initiative to assist veterans’ organizations throughout Massachusetts with PTSD, addictions and homelessness. The concert series lineup includes:

  July 16: Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, led by Barry Goudreau, former guitarist for the classic rock band Boston.

  July 30: Johnny A. Trio, fronted by the former guitarist for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Yardbirds.

  August 6: John Butcher with special guest Sal Baglio – led by guitarist and frontman of the Jon Butcher Axis, along with Baglio, former leader of the band The Stompers.

  August 13: James Montgomery’s Rhythm & Blues Revue with Christine Ohlman & Barrence Whitfield, hailed as a legendary New England blues performer and former member of the Johnny Winter Band.

  August 20: Dyer, Goodwin, Chakour with special guest Brian Templeton, longtime members who played with Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and the J. Geils Band.

For tickets, go to the ticketing link gimmeLIVE.com. VIP tickets are available for pre-show meet and greet with performers. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. and the shows are at 1:00 p.m. One hundred percent of the concert series’ profits will benefit the veterans’ organizations, including:

Hidden Battles Foundation, https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, https://mmsfi.org/

Veterans Northeast Outreach Shelter, https://vneoc4vets.org/

Boston Rescue Mission and 22 Mohawks, https://22mohawks.com/

Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC is a New England-based concert promoter, who, along with Alive & Kicking Productions, are the producers for this benefit event. Jim Tirabassi is the founder and director of Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC. Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC and Alive & Kicking Productions produce benefit concerts throughout New England to provide support to organizations assisting Vets with issues related to PTSD, addiction and homelessness.

 

Another coming attraction

The Kowloon Restaurant continues its Outdoor Summer Concert Series with the Rockin’ The Night Away concert, featuring The Platters. The concert is slated for August 5; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 for VIP center stage reserved seating and $45 per person for general admission.

Rock & Roll, vocal and Grammy Hall of Famers The Platters will sing their hit songs, including “Only You (And You Alone),” “The Great Pretender” and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” to name a few. Also performing: The Classic Drifters and Smokin’ Joe & the Henchmen.

 

Bingo is back!

  The Kowloon Restaurant announced Bingo every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt and pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais and scorpion bowls.

 

Sharon’s Sneaker Crew is back

  Sharon Genovese and her group – Sharon’s Sneaker Crew – will be walking on Oct. 1 in the Boston Marathon Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk. The crew will be sponsoring a craft fair in September. All the proceeds will be going to the Jimmy Fund. If you need any more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617 966 3475 or email her at su*****@*ol.com.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, July 7) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

Veterans bricks available

  The Saugus War Monument Committee, once again, is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

Saugus High Class BBQ on Aug. 26

Saugus High alumni Mike Allan (1979) and Pete Nicolo (1980) are hosting this year’s annual Saugus High Class BBQ, which is set for 1 to 5 p.m. at Saugus Everett Elks Grove on Saturday, Aug. 26. There’s an outdoor shelter, so the event will go on, rain or shine.

“Last year we had over 250 people attend (mostly Saugonians) and we are expecting maybe even a larger crowd,” Nicolo said. “Saugus High Classmates from multiple years, along with some of our Saugus Politicians, Coaches and Teachers attended.”

All Saugus High Classes are welcome. There will be a cash bar during the day event. The action will move to Elks Hall at 401 Main St. from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Most of us have kept in touch with some of our classmates / friends throughout the years,” Nicolo wrote in a recent letter. “But what about the classmates/friends that you would love to see and have not seen in decades? This is what made our recent Saugus High Class BBQ this past September 2022 such a success. Take advantage of this Opportunity to possibly meet them there or reach out to anyone you’d like to see and reconnect!”

“Last year’s Saugus High Class BBQ had some classmates traveling from places as far away as England, Hawaii, California, Florida, North Carolina and other parts of the US. Many old friendships were rekindled, while new friendships with old Classmates were made,” Nicolo said. “Some friends/classmates had not seen each other in decades (over 40 years), while so many from surrounding classes mingled together and had a blast. It was quite a wonderful experience for many.”

Nicolo said the event has already generated great interest, but asks that people who plan to go RSVP by Aug. 5 or sooner to help the organizers plan the event better. Make checks ($45 per person) payable to: Saugus High Class BBQ, 13 Bourbon St., Unit 55, Peabody, MA 01960 or Venmo: Pete Nicolo@Pete-Nicolo

Alumni with questions can contact Peter Nicolo (1980) at ps**********@*****st.net – 978-815-8234 or Mike Allan (1979) at Al*******@***il.com – (781) 953-2279.

 

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

  For schoolchildren looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library. There are some very good programs offered for grownups, too.

  Storytime Quintet: Peter and the Wolf: Join us at the Saugus Iron Works on Wednesday, July 19, at 3:30 p.m. for a special production of “Peter and the Wolf” by the Storytime Quintet. This program includes live music and storytelling, and it is recommended for ages three and up, with no registration required. Check our online event calendar before heading to the park in case of inclement weather. This program was generously funded by the Saugus Cultural Council.

  Atlantic White Shark Conservancy: On Monday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will visit the Saugus Public Library. The Cape Cod-based organization will teach kids about sharks and challenge misconceptions with fun true-or-false questions. Grades K-4; coincides with the Kids’ 2023 Summer Reading Theme, Reading is Jawsome!

  Teen Summer Reading 2023! Through August 25: Visit our website (sauguspubliclibrary.org) to fill out a book review form for every book you read or listen to over the summer. All books count – fiction, nonfiction, manga, graphic novels, audio books, required reading, etc. One reader will win a $50 gift card to Amazon! The more you read, the better your chance!

  Tween and Teen Crafts & Snacks! July 14, 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25; weekly summer crafts Fridays 10-11 a.m. in the Brooks Room; 5^th-12^th grades. No registration necessary; just come by and bring your friends! We will be making bracelets, clay animals, flower prints, earbud holders, wizard wands, mini light sabers and fabric bookmarks and doing some cookie decorating.

  Join our Teen Advisory Board: first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Teen Room; fifth grade and up. Meet with the Teen Librarian once a month to talk about what you’d like for programs and materials at the library. Your opinion matters! No registration required. Snacks provided! (sauguspubliclibrary.org – 781-231-4168)

  Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a monthly sewing class for adults that is held the third Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. The class covers basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing and mending torn fabric and will move on to more advanced topics in the coming weeks. This class is free. (See sauguspubliclibrary.org)

 

First Baptist Church presents “Can We Talk…”

  First Baptist Church Pastor Leroy Mahoney invites troubled people to join others in a special program called “Can We Talk … Community conversations on Trauma and Healing” the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rev. Isaac Mitchell Jr. Fellowship Hall (105 Main St. in Saugus). “Join us as we gather in community to share our stories, thoughts and feelings about whatever you are going through,” Rev. Mahoney states in a written announcement.

“As always, it is a safe space to come together in community,” he says.

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is Noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo to submit, please email me at mv***@*****st.net, or leave a message at 978 683-7773. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.

 

Let’s hear it!

  Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mv***@*****st.net.

Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site.