The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

 

  Hard to believe, there are only six more weeks left in the year. It’s Thanksgiving next week. And we’ll soon be into the holidays. And the holidays seem to bring out the best in Saugus, as volunteers step forward to spread good cheer.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It’s darn good eating, too.

And as I look back on my half century in newspaper reporting, I always tried hard to make it home for Thanksgiving to enjoy the meal cooked by mom. I remember driving all the way from Washington, D.C., during the fall semester of my Senior Year – an all-night drive, so I could sit down with my family and enjoy that great turkey with all the stuffing my mom made and all the veggies – mashed potatoes, turnip, squash, carrots and corn. What a meal!

Come to think of it, even when I didn’t make it home, I always had at least one invitation to somebody’s house to enjoy that special meal. I’m sure it’s that way in most communities. A community shows its heart this time of year.

 

Thanksgiving at Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

  Feel like getting into the Thanksgiving Day spirit? Volunteer today (Friday, Nov. 17) from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and/or tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 18) from 7 a.m.-12 p.m.: help to sort, pack and distribute holiday meals for the community’s less fortunate. Check it out.

 

Food Pantry notes:

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Nov. 17) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

Turkey Trot on Sunday

  The Friends of Breakheart and the state Department of Conservation & Recreation are hosting their annual Turkey Trot on Sunday, Nov. 19. Prizes to first-place winners – turkeys and gift cards raffle prizes to those who register. Join in a fun-filled event for runners and walkers of all ages. Lace up your sneakers and get ready to hit the scenic trails of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus – no preregistration required. Choose between the exhilarating 5K run or the more relaxed 3K walk, both offering breathtaking views of the beautiful surroundings. Feel the crisp autumn air as you make your way through the scenic trails surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. Turkeys awarded to the fastest runners – raffle prizes available to all who donate.

The registration time is 9:30 a.m. The race begins at 10 a.m. A $10 donation, cash and check only. Bring your friends, family and even your furry companions to enjoy a day of fitness, community and fun. Don’t miss out on this exciting event that celebrates both physical activity and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

For more information, please see the Friends of Breakheart Reservation Facebook group or call 781-233-1855.

 

One-Day Holiday Delay for trash

  The Town of Saugus announced that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Friday, Nov. 24. Residents are kindly asked to leave trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Legion Breakfast today

  There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2023-24 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free.

 

Special “Shout Outs”

  Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo has offered two “Shout Outs” for this week. “The first ‘Shout Out’ is to thank Bruce Torrey, Branch Manager, at Webster First Federal Credit Union for treating all the Veterans to Breakfast last Friday morning at the American Legion. Thank you so much for remembering and honoring our Veterans. The second ‘Shout Out’ is for Done Right Landscaping Company for once again cleaning up the Rotary at Cliftondale Square. All the residents and shopkeepers are grateful, thank you!”

 

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 (mvoge@comcast.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.

 

Fourth Annual Roaring Toy Drive

  The Saugus Lions will be hosting a toy drive on Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.at the Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. Because of last year and continuing this year’s craziness, more families are hurting more than ever and are in need of help for Christmas. As we all know, when times are tough, toys for the children may get overlooked.

Retired Capt. Bill O’Malley of the Saugus Fire Department will be collecting the toys and delivering them to those families in need. Please share this information with your family, friends and coworkers. If we can all tell a handful of friends who have found themselves far luckier than most to donate one extra toy, imagine all the toys we can collect.

Also, come meet Lily the Lion and Mrs. Claus. They will be there to greet and thank you. Let’s all try to make Christmas of 2023 far better than the rest of the year. Together we can make a difference and help put some miles on many faces.

Please feel free to share this information via social media, etc.

 

Curbside leaf pick-up ends soon

  The Town of Saugus reminds residents that the final week for leaf pick-up of 2023 is from Monday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Dec. 1. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday and Friday. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, however, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall at 298 Central St. or at the DPW at 515 Main St. in Saugus. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pick-ups” will not be conducted.

The Town’s Compost site will be open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. until Dec. 9, where residents can drop off any other leaves and yard waste with the purchase of a $25 sticker. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

MEG Foundation winners

  Here’s a list of the MEG Foundation winners from Nov. 12: Benson, Karen; Manoogian, Donna; Brammer, Lauren; Maryquardo, James; Camuso, Bob; McDougall, Jomarie; Cannizzaro, Rosetta; McGonigle, Sarah; Cassarino, Anthony; Merritt, Janis; Chadwick, Tonya; Miranda, Josie; Chainey, D.; Momperousse, Renee; Clark, Samantha; Moreschi, Christine; Colaianni, Tori; Moschella, Dianne; Crawford, Cheryl; Nadeau, Jessica; DeCristoforo, Stephanie; O’Connell, Joanne; Deon, Brian; O’Neil, Debbie; Fanco, Tracy; Pabon, Pebbly; Ferraro, Melissa; Phelan, Tricia; Ferrero, Paxton; Phipps, Harry; Finn, Diana; Price, Tia; Folino, Donna; Riley, Corinne; Ford, Mike; Roach, Ginny; Furtado, Maureen; Sanderson, Gina; Giannetta, John; Speziale, Karen; Guercio, Roy; Staples, Buddy; Hogan, Dawn; Staples, Patti; Hunter, Margery; Surrett, Lauren; Jarosz, Haley; Swanson, Jean; Johnson, Carol; Wood, Caitlyn; Leonard, Kathy; Zapolski, Charlie; Loberg, Ericka; Loberg, Ericka; Lowell, Holly.

 

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 also some very good programs offered for grownups, too.

 

American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart tells her story on Nov. 18

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are sponsoring “Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation” in the Saugus Public Library’s Community Room (295 Central St., Saugus) on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 p.m. “Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation” is a one-woman live performance featuring actress Sheryl Faye as Amelia Earhart.

Amelia Earhart’s fearless, adventuresome spirit leads to hair-raising rides down her homemade roller coaster, and she is enthralled with the wonders of the new “flying machines” during a family vacation to the Iowa State Fair. As she matures, she is fulfilled by her work as a nurse’s aide and begins to consider a career in medicine. This idea “flies out the window,” however, when she pays a pilot $1.00 to take her up for a short “hop” in his plane. From then on, the science of aviation becomes her passion as flying becomes her career.

She follows her dreams with an indomitable spirit, and her story will inspire everyone to pursue their own budding interests, whatever they may be, and will also reinforce the importance of family, respect for others and individuality. This live historical performance is entertaining and educational and also helps audiences truly understand the profound positive impact women like Earhart have made in history.

Sheryl Faye attended Emerson College, in Boston, where she graduated with honors and received a BFA in Acting. A full-time actress, she currently stars in 11 one-woman shows, touring throughout the country and performing for a variety of organizations.

This adult show is free and open to the public. Space is limited so registration is required. To register visit the Library’s website (www.SaugusPublicLibrary.org/Events) or call 781-231-4168, ext. 3106.

 

Comedy lineup at the Kowloon Restaurant

  The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North) in Saugus, has set its autumn comedy lineup. Here’s the current schedule: Nov. 24: Mark Riley, Boston Comedy Festival Runner-Up, former NHL referee, Carolyn Plummer, James Hamilton.

Shows start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating are $20. Must be 18 years or older to attend. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online (www.kowloonrestaurant.com).

 

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 mvoge@comcast.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.