The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  If you haven’t grabbed your pumpkin yet, stop by Saugus Center and admire the “Orange Glow,” which spreads across the Hamilton Street side lawn of First Congregational Church, facing Saugus Town Hall.

If you hang around the town’s Pumpkin Patch long enough, you might catch the spirit of the fall season. At least a few Saugonians told me so. And after nine years as editor of The Saugus Advocate and walking past that field of pumpkins, I’m inclined to agree. There seems to be a lot of love and kindness on that lawn this time of year.

Counting today, there are seven more days to enjoy the pumpkins. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. And if you already have one, pick one up for a loved one or friend who can’t get out of their house – perhaps somebody who is in a nursing home or assisted living or just plain homebound. Why not brighten up that person’s day with a pumpkin? Spread the spirit of the “Orange Glow.” You’ll make their day.

 

Last call for the Field of Flags

  Another great display of community pride and spirit that adds character to Saugus Center in the autumn season is the Veteran’s Day Field of Flags. That field lasts just a few days, but gives all Saugonians a way to honor the favorite veterans of their lives – living and deceased. Heck, some kind soul even planted a flag for my late twin brother Lance, a Vietnam War veteran who died on Memorial Day in a 1978 motorcycle accident in my hometown of Swansea. So, though I am not from Saugus, I still feel a part of the Field of Flags. So, there’s plenty of latitude in who you can honor.

But, if you want to honor the special veterans of your life, you better hurry.

Gail Cassarino of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) wants to remind the public that there is only one week left to sponsor a flag for the 4th annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags that will be placed on the lawn of Saugus Town Hall to honor and remember all veterans on Nov. 11.

I’ll let Gail tell you:

“The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring this event to honor all veterans, living or deceased, including those currently serving.

“American flags may be sponsored through the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at a cost of $5 each. The flags will be placed on the Saugus Town Hall prior to Nov. 11th and will wave throughout the week until Nov. 12th with your veteran’s name on the flag. Flags may be sponsored to honor a family member, friend, neighbor, or employee who has served or is currently serving our country. The deadline to sponsor flags is October 30th.

“You may send a check ($5 per flag) made payable to Parson Roby Chapter along with the information of the veteran – Name/Rank/Branch of Service/ Years or War if known and mail to Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. After noon on Nov. 11th, you can pick up your sponsored flag to either keep or put on a grave.

“2021 was our first year sponsoring the Field of Flags and it has been a huge success. So many members of the community stopped by to thank us in remembering our veterans this way. There were over 140 flags sponsored with veteran’s names waving in the wind and we hope for many more veterans to be sponsored this year. REMEMBER OUR VETERANS!

“All proceeds from the Veteran’s Field of Flags will support the Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission to preserve American history and secure America’s future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to sponsor a flag or in joining the Parson Roby Chapter DAR, please email parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com.”

Sounds like a very noble cause.

 

A new Saugus Advocate deadline

  There are changes going on in the production process of The Saugus Advocate, the town’s only exclusively-Saugus newspaper that is delivered to locations all over town on Fridays. I won’t bore you with the details, other than to tell you that I have to make adjustments in how I do my job to make sure the paper gets out on time. My deadlines have been moved up.

So, if you have an announcement, news item or notice that you want to submit for the Friday paper, it’s best to email it to me at mvoge@comcast.net by Tuesday night. If I receive something early Wednesday morning, I will try to get it in. But if you wait till Wednesday, your chances of getting something in that week’s paper are greatly reduced.

Most of us don’t like change. But life is full of adjustments. In my five-decades-plus of newspapering, I’ve gone from dictating stories over the phone from my notebook, to typing out articles on the old Underwood Manual typewriter, to using IBM Selectric typewriters (you had to type flawlessly and white out any mistakes before scanning each page), to using a teletype machine, to various typewriters that hooked up with a telephone and finally through various computers – most recently a Dell 2-in-1 desktop that needs to be replaced within the coming year. So change is inevitable. And there will be changes coming as we continue to produce The Saugus Advocate.

 

Food Pantry notes

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Oct. 25) 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 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.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

  We received several nominations for a “Shout Out” this week. Here they are:

• Laurie Davis, director of the Saugus Senior Center and Board Member for the MEG Foundation: “On Tuesday, October 15^th, Saugus Boy Scouts, Troop 62, volunteered at the MEG Foundation to prepare for the upcoming Christmas Tree Festival. Fran Lynch, Sean Lynch, Logan Sacco, Sean O’Connell Jr., Riley Anderson, John Kane and Raymond McDougal. We truly appreciate all their hard work and dedication to the community.”
• Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “This ‘Shout Out’ is for my fellow Town Meeting Member, Sue Palomba, Precinct 1. Sue was honored as Citizen of the Year, receiving five Citations from the Saugus-Everett Elks at their Italian Night October 17th. It was a celebration of Heritage, Community, and Service. Congratulations Sue!”
• Angela Hogan: “I would like to send a ‘shout out’ to my ‘friend,’ Margie Berkowitch … Congratulations on winning not 1, but 2 Blue Ribbons for your beautiful Quilts at the Topsfield Fair…Friendship with you is just like your ‘quilts’ …. loving, warm & comfort to my soul … so again ‘Congratulations Margie’ God Bless.”
• Joyce Rodenhiser: “Let’s have a shout out for Elaine and Ralph at the Saugus Senior Center who are working all this week on a Yard Sale at the Center to benefit the Center. They work tirelessly, also, every day at the Senior Center as do many other volunteers!”

 

A Special Shout Out to Coach T.’s kid runners

  If you happen to be around Breakheart Reservation tomorrow morning (Saturday, Oct. 26) at around 10, and happen to see about 10 kids running in Halloween costumes, give them a “Shout Out.” These are kids from the Elementary School Cross Country team who attend the Belmonte STEAM Academy. They are coached by Chris Tarantino and his assistant Coach, Steve Boudreau. Chris’ daughter Naomi, now in the 7th grade, helps out as a mentor.

This team is not sanctioned by the town or the School Department, but is made up of students who enjoy running and Coach T.’s instruction. They include the following: Annalisa Ferrara, grade 5; Santino Diciero, grade 1; AJ Diciero, grade 3; Michael Wheeler, grade 3; Xavier Mazariegos-Darnell, grade 3; Ben Belliveau, grade 4; Luke Porrazzo, grade 4; Imrane Rahou, grade 5; Liam Marcu, grade 5; and Luiz Sena, grade 5.

These are the same kids who will be running on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at Gannon Golf Course at Lynn Woods. They will be competing that day against school Cross Country teams from all over the state in the Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship Race. There will be a boys race and a girls race running in two divisions: grades 1-3 will run a course of 6 tenths of a mile; grades 4 and 5 will run a 1.2 mile course. The race will be held on the 8th green of the golf course.

If you are at Breakheart tomorrow and see these kids running by, give them a loud “Shout Out.”

 

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.

 

Final week of In-Person Early Voting

  There are just 11 more days until the Nov. 5 presidential election. For those folks who want to avoid the crowds at their Precinct voting location, there are still seven more days of In-Person Early voting at the Saugus Public Library:

Friday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 28, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 31, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1, 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Voting will take place in the Community Room of the library at 295 Central St. Residents who come to cast their vote early should use the Taylor Street entrance.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Day

  The town will host a Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon at Belmonte STEAM Academy (25 Dow St.). There is no cost to Saugus residents who discard allowed items at the Household Hazardous Waste Day. The following items can be disposed of at this event: Household Materials: Acids (Corrosives); Aerosol Cans; Art Supplies; Batteries; Chemistry Set and Photography Chemicals; Fiberglass Resins; Furniture, Floor and Metal Polishers and Strippers; Mercury Containing Devices; Moth Balls/Crystals; Oil Paint; Paint Thinners; Varnish; Stain/Shellac (NO Latex); Rug and Upholstery Cleaners; Solvent Adhesives; Turpentine and Paint Solvents; Wood Preservatives; Hair Dye; Nail Polish Remover; Toilet Cleaners; Brighteners; Chlorine Bleach; Spot Removers; Spray Starch; Whiteners; Drain and Oven Cleaners (Note: Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of with your curbside trash.); Lawn and Garden Materials; Cesspool Cleaners (Corrosives); Flammable Liquids/Gasoline; Flea and Tick Powders; Fire Starters; Herbicides and Pesticides; No-Pest Strips; Poisons; Pool Chemicals; Propane Tanks, Empty or Up to 20 lbs.; Automotive Products; Antifreeze; Batteries; Brake Fluid; Carburetor Cleaner; Oil (used) and Radiator Flush Solvents and Degreasers; Tire Cleaners; Transmission Fluid.

Please contact Town of Saugus Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Halloween at Town Hall

  Saugus will officially welcome its children for a Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 31. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said recently that he plans on opening Town Hall to Saugus children for 90 minutes on Halloween afternoon for a special trick-or-treat event. Children and their parents or guardians are invited to stop by Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 2:30-4 p.m. They will be greeted by Town Hall employees, who will hand out candy and assorted treats to the visitors.

“We’d love to see Saugus families join us for this fun – and free – Halloween celebration,” the town manager said in a press release issued by his office.

Saugus Town Hall is located at 298 Central St. in Saugus.

 

A Shred-It event for residents Nov. 2

  The Town of Saugus will host a document shredding event for Saugus residents on Saturday, Nov. 2. The shredding event will take place behind the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. and will run from 8 a.m. to noon. This event is for Saugus residents only and there is no cost to participate.

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

 

A free program about trains on Nov. 13

The Saugus Historical Society meeting on November 13 will feature a mini-symposium about trains. Todd Geig will be presenting to the Saugus Historical Society an overview of how he came to model railroading through a fascination with the legendary Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn railroad (aka The Narrow Gauge), which ran from 1875 to 1940 and was instrumental in the development of the North Shore. His model layout of this historical local line was on view in the Lynn Museum last winter.

Also, Bill Stewart, the “Old Sachem,” will talk about a train wreck on the Saugus Branch in 1871. Laura Eisener will speak about the present developments on the rail trail of the former Saugus Branch line, which will eventually connect this popular bicycle and walking trail to the sea.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. in Saugus. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Saugus 4-1-1 gearing up for 2025

  Selectman Corinne Riley, who was the driving force behind a nifty program that helps newcomers to Saugus – as well as old-timers – get better acquainted with their community, said she regrets that “Saugus 4-1-1” didn’t happen this fall after successful Saturdays at the Saugus Middle-High School over the past two years. “The Saugus 4-1-1 Committee would like everyone to know that the Saugus 4-1-1 event will be taking place, but will be held in March 2025,” Selectman Riley said in a recent announcement.

“Invitations to all new residents as well as non-profits will be mailed out in January. We are looking forward to having this wonderful event for new residents as well as those who have been here for years to learn what Saugus has to offer! More detailed information will be coming soon,” she said.

Stay tuned for updates on “Saugus 4-1-1.”

 

Fall Curbside Leaf Collection Dates

  Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s office this week released the dates for the fall curbside leaf collection: Monday, Oct. 28 to Friday, Nov. 1; Tuesday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 16 (one-day delay this week due to Veterans Day); Monday, Dec. 2 to Friday, Dec. 6. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday and Friday on these dates listed. 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, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Yard waste stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., or at the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. 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 pickups” will not be conducted.

Please contact Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Hammersmith Quilters Guild Craft Fair is Nov. 6

  The Hammersmith Quilters Guild Craft Fair will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St., Saugus). The Guild members will be selling handmade, beautiful items. Think holiday shopping! Cash and checks are recommended. A scissors sharpener will be available. www.hqgsaugus.org

 

Selectmen meet Nov. 7

  Meredith Casagrande, the clerk of the Board of Selectmen, announced that the board meeting set for Oct. 29 has been canceled because there is nothing on the agenda for that date. The next meeting scheduled will be Nov. 7, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium in Town Hall – to be followed by Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

 

Here’s what’s going on at the Saugus Public Library

  Five bucks for a bag of books! The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are offering quite a bargain – $5 for a bag of books. Purchase a New Friends of the Saugus Public Library mesh book bag at the Main Desk for $5 and fill it with as many books as you’d like. Proceeds benefit the New Friends so they can support public library services in Saugus.

Pongala Photographs: Susan Olesiw has been visiting India and photographing its people and festivals since 1976. In her photograph exhibit on display this month and November in the first floor reading room at the Saugus Public Library, she focuses on the ninth day of the annual 10-day Pongala festival held in Trivandrum, Kerala, South India. It is the largest gathering of women in the world; up to two and a half million women attend each year, and though primarily Hindu, the festival is open to all devotees of any faith. The color photograph display and the photo captions are worth checking out.

Halloween Costume Party at the Iron Works: There will be costumes, candy and dancing at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site on Thursday, Oct. 31, in a Halloween Costume Parade being organized by the Saugus Public Library. Meet us at the Iron Works in your costume for Halloween music, a parade and trick or treating. Special guest Matt Heaton will perform seasonal tunes. Please check the online event calendar for weather updates.

A Pumpkin Parade at the library: Decorate a pumpkin inspired by a favorite book! Paint it. Dress it. But don’t carve it. Ages three to 12. Drop off the pumpkins until Oct. 27. All participants will win a Halloween treat.

 

MEG’s Christmas Tree Festival

  The MEG Foundation’s 2024 Christmas Tree Festival will open on Nov. 8, from 3-8 p.m. and continue on Nov. 9, from 3 to 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, from noon to 5 p.m.; Nov. 15, from 3 to 8 p.m.; and Nov. 16, from 3 to 8 p.m. Stay tuned for more details or contact Linda Ross at 617-686-4645.

 

Notes from the Town Democratic Party

  Rides to the polls

  “The Saugus Democratic Town Committee encourages all residents to vote in all elections, but even more importantly in the upcoming Presidential Election on November 5th. To ensure all have the opportunity to vote, we are offering free rides to your voting location on Tuesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations appreciated by Friday, November 1st by contacting Mary Robblee at (617) 240-5439 or via email at mrobb48@aol.com (Same day requests will be accepted if possible).”

  Food pantry donations

  “The Saugus Democratic Town Committee is supporting and encouraging food donations to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving Meal Drive. Donations of any of the below items are being accepted through November 8th by dropping items off at the donation bin in the Library, at the Cliftondale Congregational Church on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., or by appointment. If you have donation items that you cannot drop off, please let Mary Robblee know by contacting her at (617) 240-5439 or via email at mrobb48@aol.com”

• “jarred or canned cranberry sauce
• “canned corn, green bean, and carrots
• “canned cream of mushroom
• “boxed stuffing mix
• “boxed mashed potatoes
• “boxed mac & cheese
• “boxed cornbread mix
• “boxed dessert mix

  SDTC November Meeting

  “Please join us!

“It is never too late to be involved in protecting our democracy and freedoms.

“The November meeting of the Saugus Town Democratic Committee will be held at 7 p.m., on Wednesday evening, November 13th at the Saugus Public Safety Building, 27 Hamilton Street, 2nd Floor. We hope to see you then.”

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is Tuesday night. 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.