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By Mark E. Vogler
Good morning, Saugus
If you’re reading this column this morning (Friday, Sept. 20) at about 9 o’clock or earlier, we’re about a day away from seeing “the Orange Glow” revisiting Saugus Center. Unless “the Pumpkin Truck” gets delayed on its long journey from the Navajo Reservation near Farmington, N.M., First Congregational Church will open its annual “Pumpkin Patch” for business sometime tomorrow for the 22nd consecutive year. The Navajo Reservation, the church, the people of Saugus and the visitors who enjoy what has become a great Saugus tradition all benefit from the sale of pumpkins, which will run this year from Sept. 21 through Halloween (Oct. 31).
There’s also the great potential for community bonding together. If you have some spare time tomorrow and feel like volunteering for a few hours to help unload a few thousand pumpkins from that 16 wheeler, head down to Saugus Center at about 9 a.m. If you have kids and want to make it a family event, bring them. Kids enjoy being part of the pumpkin brigade.
The church’s point person for this wonderful event is Carl Spencer. Call him at 781-233-9196.
Another free concert tomorrow
Trails and Sails – with over 200 free events across Essex County – will be offering hikes, tours of historic houses and neighborhoods, concerts and other events now through Sunday, Sept. 29. Booklets with listings of events can be picked up at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. Updates of recently added events and additional details can be found at the website trailsandsails.org.
These events include another free concert at the Iron Works tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 21) from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the Fo’c’sle Four performing on the Iron Works’ upper lawn. Other events at the Iron Works include museum, house and industrial site tours on various dates and a special “Peek Behind the Curtain at Saugus Ironworks” with park ranger Paul Kenworthy on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 10-11 a.m. There will also be an Accessible Birding event at the Iron Works tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 21) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This is the 23rd year that Essex National Heritage Area has organized this wonderful range of experiences to promote the significance of our regional assets. Many nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals have partnered with Essex Heritage to provide these opportunities.
Food Pantry notes
The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Sept. 20) from 9:30-11a.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 today
The American Legion Post 210 has begun 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.
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/
Saugus Dems Unity Breakfast on Sunday
The Saugus Democratic Town Committee (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. Town Democrats are expecting the following officials to join them: Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor; Paul Tucker, Essex County District Attorney; Tom Driscoll, Essex County Clerk of Courts; Brendan Crighton, State Senator, 3rd Essex District; Sean Reid, State Representative , 11th Essex District; Eileen Duff, Governor’s Councillor & Candidate for Register of Deeds; Debra Panetta, Chair, Saugus Board of Selectmen; and Michael Serino, Saugus Selectman.
The SDTC invites local Democrats to join them in supporting the blue ticket, like values and democracy while socializing and hearing from some of their elected officials. Tickets cost $24 apiece. 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.
Remembering Susan Taraskiewicz
Last Friday marked the 32nd year since the murder of Saugus resident Susan Taraskiewicz. The case remains unsolved. But the Massachusetts State Police say they are not giving up and issued a reminder last week that they’re still looking for help from the public to prosecute the case and bring justice for the victim and her family.
Taraskiewicz, 27, a Saugus resident and a Northwest Airlines ramp supervisor at Logan Airport, went to pick up some sandwiches for coworkers early on the morning of Sept. 13, 1992. But she never returned to work. Her lifeless body – beaten and stabbed – turned up in the trunk of her car the next day, parked at an auto body shop in Revere. She was a 1983 Saugus High School graduate and was still living at home with her parents at the time of her murder. She had been working at Northwest for about eight years and earned a promotion to a supervisory role at the airline company.
If you have any information that might help investigators, call the State Police Detective Unit for Suffolk County at 617-727-8817. There is a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this Saugus woman’s death.
Fall Family Festival is Sept. 28
In another week, it will be time for family gatherings at Breakheart Reservation, as the Annual Fall Family Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This FREE event will include lawn games, a petting zoo, storytellers, music and family-oriented activities. Watch and learn about owls with Mass Audubon or hold a live snake with Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. All this and so much more! This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), Friends of Breakheart, Saugus Cultural Council and S.A.V.E. The event will take place in and around the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center.
Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bring drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Rain or shine. Look for rangers who will assist with parking.
Jimmy Fund Craft Fair at The MEG Sept. 29
Sharon Genovese and the members of Sharon’s Sneaker Crew 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 St., Saugus) on Sept. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.
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 Animal Control Officer Darren McCullough with a special “Shout Out”:
“Recently the MEG building on Essex Street was faced with an influx of some unwanted ‘guests’ seeking a warm place to reside in the upcoming winter. After ‘showing the door’ to one on the second floor and finding several more in the parking lot who must have ‘canceled their flights,’ the last straw was finding a ‘guest’ sitting on the windowsill causally gazing out of the bathroom window.
“A call was quickly placed to Mr. McCullough who responded in full battle gear and a large butterfly net in hand. The ‘guest’ was shown the open door with the help of Darren’s net and went happily on his/her way.
“He then methodically went through every nook and cranny throughout the building and eventually found that the unwanted guests were coming down the chimney through a small entrance way in the basement boiler room.
“Once it was boarded up, those who still attempted to seek room and board were greeted with a ‘No Vacancy’ sign. The MEG board members are grateful for Darren’s quick and professional action in removing the pigeons and finally restoring peace to our beloved MEG building.”
Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “This ‘Shout Out’ is to congratulate Mary Dunlop and Billy ‘Boomer’ Boomhower, our new Man and Woman of the Year for the town of Saugus. I couldn’t be happier that they both were chosen. Mary for her many years volunteering most notably at the Senior Center. Billy for all he does for the VFW and American Legion. Both are truly deserving of Saugus’ highest award. Congratulations!”
Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210: “American Legion Post 210 would like to thank all those who took advantage of an Indian summer day to come to Founder’s Day and support the Post with donations, the purchase of crocheted goods, and the purchase of raffle tickets for our basket of $250 worth of scratch cards, which to her great surprise were won by Jenn, who has faithfully participated in our raffle for years without winning. Congratulations, Jenn!”
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.
Library features “paranormal investigation” on Oct. 3
“Paranormal Investigation with Don DeCristofaro” will be featured at the Saugus Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 6-7 p.m. in the Community Room. Don will discuss paranormal investigation in general, then get into some memorable investigations, including Conjuring House, Hell House and the USS Salem. The USS Salem is a post–World War II Heavy Cruiser and is considered to be the most actively haunted location in New England! Don will share video, photographic and audio evidence with the audience.
Please register in advance using our online Events Calendar: https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events.
Author Laurie King’s virtual visit on Oct. 7
Residents who use the Saugus Public Library will be able to have an hour-long virtual visit with Laurie King, The New York Times bestselling author of the Mary Russell & Sherlock Holmes series, via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Mystery lovers everywhere are welcome to meet the writer of one of the most celebrated mystery series – featuring Sherlock Holmes’ apprentice, Mary Russell, and the great detective himself – and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the publication of “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice,” the first book in the series. Follow the unlikely pair from their first meeting when the great detective, now retired, mistakes 15-year-old Mary Russell for a boy, to their most recent adventure uncovering Sherlock Holmes’s family secrets in “The Lantern’s Dance.”
Library visitors can register for An Evening with Laurie King at https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events or https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=SAUGUS&curID=722396
Every registrant will be entered to win A Beekeeper’s Apprentice Gift Basket! See the photo with this week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.”
Knights begin planning flea market and craft fair
The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 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 several 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.
Halloween Pet Parade on Oct. 20
Breakheart Reservation will be hosting its Second Annual Halloween Pet Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation (177 Forest St., Saugus). There will be a $10 donation to enter the costume contest – cash only. Prizes will be awarded for best behavior and best pet costume. Raffle prizes will be open to all who donate. This fall event will include the Pet Parade, the Pet Costume Contest, Pet Photo Opportunities, local vendors, raffles and giveaways.
The event is sponsored by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), the Friends of Breakheart Reservation and Peter A. Rossetti Insurance Agency, Inc. For questions, please call Joyce at 781-233-1855, extension 1019 or Lisa at 781-808-7817.
Health and Wellness Fair on Oct. 21
The Saugus-Everett Elks and the Saugus Senior Center are teaming up to cosponsor a Health and Wellness Fair on Monday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St., Saugus). There will be a variety of health organizations that will offer free health screenings, educational tables, giveaways, raffles and much more. This is a free event and open to the public for all ages.
September at Kowloon
The Kowloon Restaurant (located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus) announced its September concert and entertainment lineup for the outdoor patio. Here’s the lineup for upcoming entertainment and music:
September 20: 7 to 10 p.m., Sunset View; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.
September 21: 7 to 10 p.m., Party On; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.
September 27: 7 to 10 p.m., World Premier Band; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.
September 28: WildFire “Fan Night” with DJ Chris Fiore, Master of Ceremonies, Esterellas de Boston, Mariachi band, and David Ramos, solo artist and producer; V.I.P. Reserved Seating with Kowloon Dinner Buffet – 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., $45 per person; general admission – 5:30 p.m., $15 per person; a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Tunnel Towers Foundation.
Karaoke Tuesdays
“Eat, drink, and sing out loud” is the theme at the Route 1 North landmark every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the rest of 2024. For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com
Open Mic at Kowloon
The Kowloon Restaurant – located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus – will host the Local Connection Acoustic Open Mic on Sunday, September 29, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Local Connection Acoustic Open Mic is a series of open mic nights in greater Boston set from September 14 to September 29 organized by Next Generation Concerts. Sign up for Open Mic at nextgenerationconcerts@gmail.com.
“Evil Dead The Musical” next month
The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) is proud to present seven performances of “Evil Dead The Musical” next month, beginning with an opening night performance on October 11. The six other performances are Saturday, Oct. 12 (8 p.m.); Sunday, Oct. 13 (2 p.m.); Thursday, Oct. 17 (8 p.m.); Friday, Oct. 18 (8 p.m.); Saturday, Oct. 19 (8 p.m.); and Sunday, Oct. 20 (2 p.m.). This cult classic is sure to have you laughing and rolling. The production takes place at the American Legion (44 Taylor St, Saugus, Mass.). Please join us for an Opening Night Reception immediately following the performance on October 11. “Evil Dead The Musical” is one of the craziest, funniest and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time. (There will be a limited number of splatter zone tickets!)
Follow five college students to an abandoned cabin in the woods, where they accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero) and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. What could be more fun?
Follow us on Instagram (@tcsaugus) for a peek into what goes on behind the scenes of creating this groovy production. “Evil Dead” features TCS veteran actors Brady Neiss-Moe, Dana Murray, Mariah Hanzel, Caroline DeBrota, Andy LeBlanc, Lauren Thompson, Brian Dion, Michael Silvia, Mark Damon, Melissa Sullivan, Meg Brown and Shawyoun Shaidani as well as newcomers Chelsea Callahan, Ian Page and Valerie Whiteneck.
“Evil Dead” is unlike any live show you’ve ever seen – it’s an experience! Join us for a fun-filled, bloody evening full of camp and music. Warning: For mature audiences (contains language, suggestive themes, blood, violence and is all around pretty gross). For more information or to order tickets visit www.tcsaugus.org
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.
