The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

In another 13 days, spring will officially arrive. But if you don’t want to wait that long, there are a few good reasons to get out of the house and enjoy several local activities this weekend.

It’s Maple Sugarin’ time at Breakheart Reservation. If you’re eager for a fun experience and the taste of maple sugar, there’s a special event worth attending at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus) on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why not take a tour of the Maple Sugarin’ process, sponsored by the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and cosponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. The tour includes a history of maple sugaring, tree identification, tapping, wood splitting, the evaporator and a tasting station. You can also enjoy some light refreshment inside the Visitor Center.

For more information, call 781-233-0834.

 

Special DAR Program tomorrow

Here’s a special invitation from the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who will host a special program tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) at 11 a.m. in the Saugus High School Auditorium at Pearce Drive in Saugus:

“An event worth attending – the Women’s Issue Project with Ms. Jasmine Grace, guest speaker and founder of Jasmine Grace Ministries – Bags of Hope which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of rescuing young people who are affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness.

“Jasmine Grace grew up in our town, Saugus and appeared to be living a normal life. She attended school and lived at home, but something very sinister was happening. She met a man at a local club at a very young age and slowly … he groomed her into a life of human trafficking, lasting for years. When she was finally able to break away from his hold, she started a non-profit organization to help and assist both young men and women by offering a path to freedom from human trafficking

“Her presentation is both sad and powerful and filled with stories of innocent victims who found themselves brainwashed and victimized. She explains how she was able to survive and finally breakthrough escaping the grips of her [capturers].

“This is a free event; however, we kindly ask that you donate an item needed for the Bags of Hope. Our goal is to fill 30 Bags of Hope to donate to her cause. Items still needed are: Shower Gel, Shampoo 12 oz, Conditioner 12 oz, Hats, Deodorant, Visine, Body Lotion, Hair brush, Nail Polish, Socks, Toothbrush, ChapStick, Hair Ties, Water Bottle, Shower Puff, Floss, Mittens/Gloves, Trail Mix.

“For any questions or concerns, please contact Gail Cassarino, Regent – Parson Roby Chapter NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) at pa******************@gm***.com or Janice Jarosz, at 339-222- 2178.”

 

A polar plunge on March 9

Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni wants to spread the word about a special fund-raising event that the Saugus Police and Fire Departments will be collaborating on this Sunday (March 9). They will be hosting their first Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Knights of Columbus located at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Check-in for the plunge is at noon. The actual plunge starts at 1 p.m.

“I hope everyone’s new year has started out well and everyone is attempting to make healthy choices/resolutions for the new year… with that in mind I wanted to reach out to everyone and see if we could ALL get together and start the new year off with a healthy polar plunge together!!!” Detective Stacey wrote in an email message to police and firefighters who are planning to plunge.

“Research has shown that polar plunges help boost your immune system, improve your mood and focus, help with stress management, boost metabolism and improve circulation. Not only would you be doing something to benefit your health, but by registering you’d also be donating to the Special Olympics,” she said.

“If you do not want to plunge you can register as a towel holder. This event is open to friends and family, so encourage as many people as you can.

“For those wondering about attire and other information about the plunge:

  “Attire – You can wear whatever you want from a speedo/bikini to a snowsuit and/or uniform.

  “What are we plunging into? – It’s a portable pool that the Special Olympics brings in.

  “Can I change and get warm before and after the plunge? – Yes, the K of C will be open and we plan on having refreshments and goodies inside for you while you stay warm.

  “Medical – There will be an ambulance stationed on scene and Saugus Fire’s Divers will be posted in the pool to assist anyone with exiting the pool after they plunge.

“Any other questions please feel free to ask.”

“It is open to the public and we welcome anyone interested in signing up or even donating coffee or snacks for the day of the plunge. If anyone has any questions in regards to the plunge they can contact me at 781-941-1190,” Detective Forni wrote. For more information, go to POLARPLNGEMA.ORG

 

Saugus 4-1-1 set for March 15

Planning for the Saugus 4-1-1 forum that is scheduled for March 15 at the Saugus Middle High School continues. This is the special event aimed at briefing new residents, as well as those folks who have lived in Saugus for years, on what the town has to offer.

There will be at least 30 tables set up to welcome Saugus newcomers to the community from 9 a.m. to noon. A wide range of nonprofit organizations, houses of worship and representatives of local government will be there to help to provide some helpful insight as to what makes Saugus the town it is.

“It’s for everybody,” declared Selectman Corinne Riley – one of the organizers of the event – at this week’s Board of Selectmen meeting.

“Come and see what Saugus has to offer,” she said.

Selectman Riley was the driving force behind the nifty program, which had two previous well-attended Saturdays at the Saugus Middle High School in recent years (2022 and 2023). Stay tuned for more details.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. Food drives are resuming this month.

 

Legion Breakfasts today

There’s a good 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 2024-25 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.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We received a “Shout Out” this week from Sue Fleming, who wanted to offer high praise for a fellow Saugus citizen: “I would like to give a Shout Out to Laurie Davis, the Director of the Saugus Senior Center for being honored by the Essex Media Group as the 2025 Person of the Year for Saugus. It is a well-deserved honor and Saugus is lucky to have her. She does a great job at the Center!! Thank you Laurie!!”

 

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 (mv***@co*****.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.

 

Saugus Cultural Festival Reflections

Saugus Cultural Council Co-Chair Tori Darnell offered to share these after thoughts about the town’s first Saugus Cultural Festival:

“The event was attended by around 400 people, based on participation in the free door raffle.

“The festival began with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by one of our youth members, Kayla Villefranche, followed by a warm welcome to attendees from our other youth member, Yoela ‘Nyah’ Similien. We were also honored to share a land acknowledgment, in partnership with the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness. Throughout the event, we recognized our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers who made it all possible.

“The stage was then handed over to Saugus High School’s a cappella group, Tonal Chaos, before continuing with a vibrant series of multicultural performances. Local food vendors provided a diverse selection of dishes at our International Food Market, and the Boys and Girls Club led hands-on activities for attendees upstairs.

“Circus Up amazed the crowd during the auditorium break, offering opportunities for guests to tumble, jump through hoops, and even try spinning plates. The event closed with an unforgettable mariachi performance by Veronica Robles and her group, where attendees were invited on stage to dance and celebrate.

“Many attendees expressed how thoughtful and necessary this event was for Saugus to celebrate diversity, and we’re proud to have brought our community together in such a meaningful way.”

 

A March 12 forum on Route 1

The annual meeting of the Saugus Historical Society will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 12 at 30 Main St. This is the first meeting of 2025.The speaker will be Laura Eisener, society president, talking about Route 1 and how it has changed over the years.

Do you have a favorite memory of a place on Route 1? Many businesses have weathered decades on this popular stretch of road, but recent years have seen closures of some very popular restaurants, stores and other businesses. We invite you to listen to some history and to share your stories.

Members and the public are welcome free of charge. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Saugus Little League Parade April 12

Saugus Little League President John Benoit was at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting to request permission to hold a parade to celebrate Opening Day on Saturday, April 12. For the second year in a row, Saugus Little League will join up with Saugus Softball Little League for the parade, which will exit the parking lot of the Belmonte STEAM Academy at 9 a.m., turn left onto Adams Avenue, onto Central Avenue and left onto Hurd Avenue up to Grabowski Field. Selectmen approved the parade route.

Guy Moley is working on getting 20 show cars to join in the parade, according to Benoit.

 

Student Government Day returns

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta announced this week that Saugus High School students will get to participate in a Student Government Day on May 1 in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. The program will include a mock Board of Selectmen’s meeting with students acting as selectmen based on an agenda. There will also be a mock School Committee meeting as well as a Town Meeting, with students acting out their roles as tomorrow’s leaders of Saugus Town Government.

Stay tuned.

 

Memorial Day observances

Plans are already in the works for this year’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which is set for Saturday, May 24. Contact the Saugus Veterans Council if you would like to help out. Council Commander Steve Castinetti can be reached at 781-389-3678 or st*************@co*****.net.

 

What’s going on at the library

• A workshop for aspiring writers: Pen to Paper: A Writing Workshop, by Laura Eisener, local journalist, historian and horticulturist. For those folks who missed the previous classes, there are still three more workshops scheduled – March 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus.

Do you want to write? Perhaps you have thought about starting a blog, creating a memoir, writing your sixth murder mystery in a series, developing a series of articles, explaining how to knit or recreate a special family recipe or writing a textbook or the great American novel? Whatever your level of experience, goals or preferred literary genre, this free workshop can help you enjoy writing more and encourage you to keep at it. We will use a combination of discussions, prompts and writing exercises to give you new incentives and confidence. There is some optional “homework,” but no preregistration is required, and you can attend as often as your schedule allows.

• Needlecrafting: Hello to fans of Needlecrafting: knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. The SPL Needlecrafting Group will be on Thursday, March 20, from 10–11 a.m. in the Brooks Room. No registration needed, drop ins welcome. Bring your Work in Progress and enjoy the conversation. Cocoa and tea will be provided. Any questions, call Reference at 781-231-4168
• Game Night: We will be having a Game Night program on Monday, March 24, from 4:00-5:30 in the Teen Room. There will be board games, card games and a lot of fun to be had by all! Laugh and play with friends. Call 781-231-4168 or access rh*********@no******.org
• Watercolor heart mosaic: Please join us for creating a watercolor heart mosaic taught by a professional! This event will be in the Brooks Room from 1:00-2:30 on Saturday, March 29. Registration required – 5th grade and up.
• Slime Night: Would you like to make slime? Join us on March 17 (5th grade and up) in the Brooks Room at 4:00. Prepare to get Yucky!
• Classical Music at the Library: If you love to listen to free music, show up at the Community Room tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) at 2 p.m. when the Island Trio will perform, thanks to a generous grant from the Saugus Cultural Council – a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council.

 

Saugus Sachems Spring Track Program 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – announced plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email.

Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents need to know:

Who: Grades K-5^th.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 4:00-5:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; May 6-June 12.

Cost: $100 first year, $50 if returning.

For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or ch********************@gm***.com

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at mv***@co*****.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.