The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  Sure seems like an odd way to begin the school year, at least from a scheduling standpoint. Saugus Public Schools just welcomed students back on Tuesday. But beginning today (Friday, Aug. 30), there will be no school till next Wednesday (Sept. 4) as most kids will get to enjoy what looks like a five-day weekend on paper.

“I realize that at first it may be slightly strange,” School Superintendent Michael Hashem wrote in a recent Community Newsletter posted on the School Department website.

“But we are allowing for a long Labor Day weekend for everyone and accommodating the election given that our schools are polling locations,” the superintendent further explained.

Three days of school, and five days off.

Back in the day when I was attending Swansea Public Schools in Southeastern Massachusetts, summer vacation usually ended the day after Labor Day, a National holiday that’s observed the first Monday in September. But for many years now, a lot of kids are back in school the final week of August.

 

The State Primary Election Tuesday

  The Town of Saugus and every community across the state will hold the state Primary Election on Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registered voters in each of the town’s 10 precincts are eligible to vote on one of three ballots: Democratic Party, Republican Party or Libertarian Party (only write-in). Meanwhile, today (Friday, Aug. 30) is the final day of In-Person Early Voting in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. The voting runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Please see the story in today’s issue for polling locations and the field of candidates.

 

Back To School Celebration Tuesday

  The threat of inclement weather forced the cancellation of the “Back To School Celebration” originally scheduled for this past Monday (Aug. 26) from 4-6 p.m. at the Belmonte School Field at 25 Dow St. But the event – which is being sponsored by The Boys & Girls Club of Saugus and WIN Waste Innovations – has been rescheduled to Tuesday (Sept. 3) from 4-6 p.m. at the former Waybright Elementary School at 25 Talbot St. The location for the “Back To School Celebration” was switched because the Belmonte Middle School will be used on Tuesday as one of the town’s polling places.

School-age kids are welcome to join the afternoon, as they gear up for the new school year. There will be a police cruiser and fire truck for kids to explore and a giant corn maze. Saugus’s very own Nick’s Pizza will be there. There will also be a Bouncy House. Free school supplies will also be available while they last. With a good weather forecast for Tuesday, it should be a fun way for kids to wrap up a long holiday weekend and end their summer on a happy note.

 

Vacations count on good health

  Sorry if your emails or phone calls went unanswered during the last two weeks, when I was away on vacation.

I always say there’s no such thing as bad time off. And the best part of going on vacation is having good health so you’re able to enjoy it.

As vacations go, I’d have to consider this one, one of my least favorite ones. I came down with a pesky summer cold on my first day off. Summer colds can be the nastiest and toughest to shake. I had to cancel most of my plans to spend time with friends.

But, I was fortunate to have the time off to get over the cold, rest up and do some walking outside during this beautiful autumn-like weather we’ve been experiencing recently. This week was my first week back, and I look forward to my favorite season – The Fall.

The highlight of my week was getting a postcard from the UMass Amherst Foundation inviting me to join other members of the UMass Class of 1974 on our 50th “Golden” Anniversary. I’ve already registered for the event in late September. Should be fun to reconnect with college classmates and friends I haven’t seen in years.

 

Founders Day Sept. 14

Founders Day, one of the most popular town events of the year, will be a week later this year. It’s usually observed on the first Saturday in September. This year it will be observed on Sept. 14 instead of Sept. 7. If you are new to town, this is a great event to make new friends and learn more about your community. If you are a town resident who has never been to a Founders Day or who hasn’t been to one in years, this is a great opportunity to visit with your friends or get reacquainted with friends you haven’t seen in years.

 

Founders Day Book Sale Sept. 14

The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are preparing for their annual Founders Day Book Sale, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, in the library’s Community Room. The Friends are requesting donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover adult, young adult and children’s books; no text books, encyclopedias or pamphlets. And please… Donate clean and newer books only; no tattered pages, odors, stains or faded/battered/dirty covers!

Books may be dropped off at the Library’s Main Circulation Desk during normal business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

The New Friends, a nonprofit organization, is a group of people with an interest in improving the Library building, programs, services and collections. The New Friends sponsor activities and provide services that benefit and stimulate interest in the Saugus Public Library by:

• Presenting free programs for all ages at the Library
• Purchasing museum passes for use by Saugus Public Library patrons
• Purchasing books, videos, magazines and equipment for the Library
• Funding the Library’s online events calendar and museum pass reservation software
• Holding used book sales and the on-going used book sale in the Community Room in addition to other fund-raising events to benefit the Library
• Becoming Library Volunteers

Thank you for your support of the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Aug. 30) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity. If you are able to donate to the food pantry, you can also stop by during those hours or drop donations off at the Saugus Public Library during library hours.

 

Legion Breakfasts resume next month

American Legion Post 210 would like to thank all those who made the 2023-24 breakfast season such a success, and wish them a wonderful summer. We will resume serving breakfast on Friday, Sept. 6.

 

Coach T.’s Cross Country for kids

The Saugus Youth Cross Country 2024 program for students in Grades 1-5 and 6-8 not running for a school team began this week. The popular seasonal running program directed by Coach Chris Tarantino is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the track behind Belmonte STEAM Academy and on Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation. Training distances: 1st-3rd grades at 0.7 miles, 4th-5th grades at 1.2 miles and 6th-8th grades at 1.9 miles.

Practice races on Saturdays (To Be Announced) at Frey Park, 285 Walnut St. in Lynn. Other important dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 26: Fun Run practice at Breakheart Reservation. Athletes are encouraged to wear a costume.
• Saturday, Nov. 2: 15th Annual Massachusetts State Middle School Cross Country Invitational at Willard Field in Devens. More information To Be Announced.
• Monday, Nov. 11: 10th Annual Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship; 8:30 a.m. arrival and 9:30 a.m. start at Lynn, Mass., at Gannon Golf Course (60 Great Woods Rd.). Lunch will be at Prince Pizzeria following the meet. More information To Be Announced.
• Program ending: Thursday, Nov. 14, wrap up session at Belmonte.

The program cost: $100 for first year; $50 for athletes returning from Cross Country 2023. For more details, please contact Coach T. at 781-854-6778 or email him at christophertarantino24@gmail.com.

 

Help from the Cultural Council

A press release recently arrived from the Saugus Cultural Council. Did you know that the Saugus Cultural Council has provided grants to people and organizations for artistic, educational and cultural projects since 1998?

“We are committed to supporting cultural programs and events that showcase diversity and add vibrancy in the Town of Saugus,” says the press release.

“This includes the visual arts, education, dance, drama, interpretive science, the environment, literature, music, public art, and wellness.

“If you have an idea for a project that brings public benefit to the Saugus community, then consider applying for a grant! Our 2025 grant application period runs from September 1 through October 16, 2024. We prioritize applications from Saugus organizations, individuals, and organizers, and to projects that take place in the Town of Saugus.”

More information about grant guidelines and priorities can be viewed at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/.

On Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., the Mass Cultural Council will host an online information session on how these grants work and how to apply. The session is free and can be accessed at https://massculturalcouncil.org.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Saugus Cultural Council will host an in-person grant information session in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library to provide live support in submitting an application or provide project feedback. Come with a description of your project and any questions about the grant application process.

 

A few good “Shout Outs”

The Saugus Advocate received several nominations this week from readers who wanted to cite a fellow Saugonian for a “Shout Out.”

  Janice Jarosz wanted to recognize:

• Sharon Genovese and the members of Sharon’s Sneaker Crew who will be involved again in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is set for Oct. 6. The MEG Foundation announced that the Jimmy Fund Craft Fair, sponsored by Sharon’s Sneaker Crew, will be held at the MEG building 54-58 Essex Street, Saugus, on Sept. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.
• The family of Saugus Medal of Honor recipient Arthur DeFranzo. He is one of 11 fallen heroes whose families will be honored at the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty Ceremony set for 10 a.m. Sept. 21 at 50 Maple St., Milford, Mass. Anyone who would like to attend the ceremony should contact Linda Call at 781-813-5527 or Janice Jarosz at 339-222-2178. At age 25, Staff Sgt. De Franzo was the first Saugus man killed during the D-Day invasion on June 10, 1944. He sacrificed his life on the battlefield to save the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at the Saugus Public Library, wanted to recognize the many people who helped the library provide successful outdoor summer activities for Saugus kids. “Many thanks to the Saugus Iron Works for generously sharing their beautiful 9-acre park so we could enjoy outdoor programming.

“I would also like to thank the Fire Department. We had a storytime with them and they brought the truck. It was held outdoors at the Iron Works on August 15th. It was very well attended, and the kids LOVED it.”

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta on Laura Taglieri’s 90th birthday party: “I was delighted to take part in Laura’s celebration on Sunday. She is a hardworking and devoted member of our community. I was honored to present her with a citation on behalf of the Saugus Board of Selectmen. Laura and I are both dedicated members of the Saugus Garden Club.”

 

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.

 

Elks plan Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Sept. 16

  The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This will be an hour-long presentation conducted by Sober Shuttle Inc. explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. This is a free event and people who are interested are welcome to attend. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served.

Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to attend. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Saugus Dems Unity Breakfast on Sept. 22

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Police Station on Hamilton St.

The SDTC will hold a Unity Breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Saugus Italian American Club on One Beachview Ave. in Saugus. Tickets cost $24 apiece. The breakfast is geared to drum up support for the Harris/Walz ticket for President/Vice President in the November general election. It’s also an opportunity to socialize and hear from some of the elected officials.

For more details, please contact Mary Robblee at mrobb48@aol.com. Checks may be made out to the Saugus Democratic Town Committee and mailed to Mary Kinsell at 11 Sunnyside Ave., Saugus, MA 01906.

 

Knights begin planning flea market and craft fair

  The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 announced this week that it plans to hold its Festive Holiday Flea Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 57 Appleton St. The huge indoor affair is still weeks away. But it’s not too early for participants to begin planning. Vendor space for this year’s event will be $30 with free admission and free parking to go along with raffles, food and fun.

Anyone with questions should call the Knights of Columbus at 781-233-9858. For more information, Paul Giannetta can also be reached at 978-239-1392.

 

Community Garden volunteers welcomed

  If you love gardening and would love to volunteer a few hours for a good cause this summer, offer your services at the Community Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Volunteers are welcome to come any Friday or Saturday morning for the rest of the summer to help weed and nurture the crops. If these times are difficult, arrangements can be made for other days. For details, contact The Rev. John Beach at St. John’s Episcopal Church (revjbeach@gmail.com).

 

CHaRM Center is open

  The Town of Saugus reminds residents that the CHaRM Center is open Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will be required to buy a $25 Sticker to use the Compost Facilities as well as to recycle hard plastics. The rest of the Facility’s features are free to use for any Saugus resident. Residents are also allowed three TVs or computers/CRT monitors for free per household each year. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable.

The final date the CHaRM Center will be open for the season is December 14. However, the Facility will be open the following winter dates, weather permitting: January 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; February 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; March 15, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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

 

Brick program for Saugus War Monument

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 someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for an 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. 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

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. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. 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.