The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  Fall is quickly creeping up on us. Summer isn’t officially over yet. Autumn doesn’t start until Sunday, Sept. 22, a little over two weeks away. But we’ve already been blessed by the comfortable fall weather that’s certainly preferable to the hot and humid days we’ve experienced this summer. Professional, collegiate and high school Football is already underway. The beautiful mums are already out.

In another couple of weeks, “The Orange Glow” will suddenly appear at Saugus Center as a tractor trailer full of pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation near Farmington, N.M., is delivered and lined up across the lawn in front of the Hamilton Street entrance to First Congregational Church Saugus UCC. It really isn’t fall in Saugus until the annual “Pumpkin Patch” appears. And people will be able to buy their pumpkins all the way up to Halloween.

Saugonians are gearing up for lots of fun, family events that happen every fall. Stay tuned.

 

Founders Day Sept. 14

Founders Day, one of the most popular town events of the year, will be a week late 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, Sept. 6) 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 today

  Beginning today, American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus will begin its 2024-25 breakfast season. There’s a good deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. 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.

 

The Mums are coming soon

  The 6th Annual Saugus Youth Soccer Mums Fall Fundraiser will be here in less than a week. Starting on Thursday, Sept. 12, Saugus Youth Soccer will be selling beautiful, hardy mums at Anna Parker Field at 124 Essex St. (next to the Fire Station). There will be multi colors to choose from: red, lavender, yellow, orange and white. The plants will be priced at $9 apiece and three for $25.

Saugus Youth Soccer has ordered more than 300 hardy mums. So, if you want to come down and support a good cause – Saugus Youth Soccer – and take a pot or two of pretty flowers home to celebrate the colors of fall, c’mon down to Anna Parker Field while the mums last.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Freethy at AmyFreethy@hotmail.com.

 

Saugus Historical Society has Sept. 11 plans

  Historical Society president Laura Eisener, author of the weekly “Saugus Gardens” column in The Saugus Advocate, wanted to alert the community to news of an interesting program that the Historical Society has planned for Sept. 11 about the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824-25 tour of the United States. Laura wanted to share this information about the upcoming program, which is set for 7 p.m., Sept. 11 at the society’s office at 30 Main St.:

“1824 marked the start of Lafayette’s triumphant farewell tour of the United States, which ended up lasting over a year. Many parts of the country are holding celebratory events to mark the 200th anniversary of his visits to all 24 of the states that existed at that time. After volunteering his services to the Continental Army and helping George Washington win the Revolutionary War, he returned to find his moderate views did not suit either side in the French Revolution, and as a result was forced to spend 16 years in an underground prison with his family. Eventually he was released, and came back to visit the United States, being greeted by his old friends and the public at large as a cherished hero. Even now, people are finding his views to have been ahead of his time in many ways, and new monuments have been added. At the time, his visit inspired many new towns to be named after him as well as colleges, streets and parks. This summer Salem, Lexington, and other Massachusetts towns have held reenactments, vintage balls, and other events on the anniversary of his visits to each town. What makes his popularity so enduring? Historical Society president Laura Eisener will talk about this inspiring personage at the first historical society meeting of the fall on September 11, 2024 starting at 7 PM at 30 Main Street. The meeting is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

“Lafayette was born on September 6, 1757, which makes today his birthday. He was 19 when he first came to this continent to offer his services to General Washington, and he celebrated his 67th birthday during his 3rd and final visit to this continent when he was feted by every town he passed through.”

 

First Baptist Church celebrates 100

  First Baptist Church at 105 Main St. will be celebrating its centennial anniversary of existence in the Town of Saugus on Sunday, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. Pastor Leroy Mahoney will officiate the service. Rev. Franklin Murray of Bethel Baptist Church will be the guest preacher. For more details, please go to htps://www.firstbaptistsaugus.org/

 

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.

 

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 has begun. 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 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.”

We received a “Shout Out” from Elizabeth Amico: “Lisa Poto deserves an Extra Shoutout as she has led with great kindness and compassion, and with love of books, the Library Book Club for fifteen years and is a beloved yoga instructor as well. Thank you. Your Club Members.”

Andrew Whitcomb offered a “Shout Out” to commend the town staff responsible for the successful State Primary Election: “I’d like to give a shout-out to Ellen Schena the town clerk and her staff members Christine and Karli for everything they did in this election and for the hours and time that goes into making sure everything is in order. Ellen works so hard and I know election night for her is like Santa delivering presents on Christmas.”

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 produce a successful summer reading program. So, she is offering a mega “Shout Out”:

“We had a record-breaking turn out for summer reading this year. Families read and logged more reading than ever before!

“Many thanks to the local businesses who supported summer reading this year: Soc’s Ice Cream, Kane’s Donuts, Prince Pizzeria, Banana Splitz, Saugus McDonalds, Crumble Cookies, Paradise Mini Golf, North Shore Music Theatre, Town Line Luxury Lanes, Roller World, Canobie Lake Park, In the Game Peabody, Vincari Safari, Webster First Federal Credit Union, The Tiger Institute, Applebee’s, Swan Boats and Greenway Carousel. We also want to thank The Saugus Advocate for helping get the word out.

“The New Friends of Saugus Library donated hundreds of free books to kids as summer reading prizes. In honor of this year’s conservation theme, Read, Renew, Repeat, the New Friends made a charitable donation to the Jane Goodall Institute – which seeks to protect wildlife and their habitats. Many thanks also to the Foundation for the Saugus Public Library for funding for the Beanstack reading challenge software.

“We are grateful to the Saugus Fire and Police departments who generously shared stories, safety information, and their cool trucks and cruisers with families. We participated in the 2024 Boston Bruins Statewide Summer Library Program, ‘When You Read, You Score!’, and one lucky family won a Bruins puck signed by David Pastrnak.

“The Children’s room hosted over 100 free programs this summer, including nearly eight weeks of reading instruction for grades K-4. We held performances by jugglers, magicians, musicians, puppeteers, and live animal handlers. Kids designed their own reusable book bags, took home take & make crafts, participated in Pokemon scavenger hunts, and much more!

“Congratulations once again to all the kids on their reading. We couldn’t be prouder of you and your families!

“Stop by and see us this fall – or anytime.

“Way to go, Saugus!”

 

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.

 

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.

 

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 at 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 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.

 

Patriots great Ty Law at Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host Ty Law – NFL Hall of Famer, three-time Super Bowl Champion, five-time Pro Bowler, NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team and New England Patriots Hall of Famer – in a special launch event where the champ will introduce his new Corvus Vodka. The event is set for September 7 at 6 p.m. This is a 21+ event. The Kowloon Restaurant is located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus.

Law, whose official name is Tajuan Edward “Ty” Law, was born on February 10, 1974. He is a former professional football cornerback and was hailed as “One of the greatest defensive backs ever.” He studied at the University of Michigan, where he was a first-team All-American. In 1995, he was the first-round pick draft of the New England Patriots, played 10 seasons there, and still holds the franchise record for interceptions. Following that, he played for the New York Jets, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

For more information, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online at www.kowloonrestaurant.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.

 

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.