The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

The big headliner for this weekend, if Mother Nature gives us a break by postponing the rain forecast for tomorrow (Saturday, April 12), is Opening Day for the Saugus Little League. Some 270 kids who are eager to see warmer weather so they can play ball have been looking forward to the parade and special ceremonies for weeks. A lot of planning has gone into the event to make it special.

Hopefully, the show goes on as planned tomorrow morning and kids and their families won’t see their special Saturday plans cancelled. Here’s hoping to see a good parade, followed by a kickoff to a new baseball season.

 

Books in Bloom today and tomorrow

Books in Bloom is back for another year – today (Friday, April 11) and tomorrow (Saturday April 12). The exhibition will be on display from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Sponsored by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Garden Club, Books in Bloom is an annual event where local gardeners and flower enthusiasts put together floral arrangements that interpret a book’s title, book jacket or a piece of artwork. Want to join in? Go to sauguspubliclibrary.org/getinvolved/new-friends/ to learn about the New Friends of the SPL.

If you are a newcomer to town and have never attended a Books in Bloom event and you love flowers and books, this unique event is probably something you would like to experience. Bring your kids, too. It’s a nice way to make your library visit a special family affair.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We did receive any nominations from readers this week to recognize town residents for good deeds, accomplishments or something to make Saugus proud. So I will use my editorial prerogative to offer a few nominees.

First, I would like to commend all of the volunteers who contribute their time and the citizens who are generous with their donations to embrace the Saugus Little League and the Saugus Softball Little League programs. These are programs that wouldn’t be successful if not for the backing of dedicated adults who coach kids and work behind the scenes to help the leagues in some volunteer capacity and those who umpire the games. Hats off to you all!

Secondly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it to the Books in Bloom program at the library this weekend, but I applaud the creativity of the folks who submit entries that are put on display. You beautify the library for two days with your floral arrangements linked to a book with a special theme.

Thirdly, a commendation for all the folks who worked to make last weekend’s local DAR program honoring Vietnam Veterans so special.

And finally, to all the folks from Mango Realty and Reading Cooperative Bank and others who worked to organize the downsizing seminar. It was a program that I looked forward to attending, but missed it when something came up this past Monday. But I look forward to viewing it on SaugusTV at some point soon. Programs like that are invaluable to senior citizens.

 

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***@*****st.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 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.

 

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.

 

Ham Shoot today at the Elks Lodge

Steve Doherty, Secretary of Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge #642, wanted to spread the word about the Saugus-Everett Elks hosting their annual Ham Shoot on today (Friday, April 11) at the Lodge at 413 Main St. in Saugus. For just $1.00 per chance, you can win multiple meat prizes, including hams, turkey breasts and pork roasts. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and all proceeds benefit local Elks charities.

For more details, email (sa***************@*****st.net) or call 617-956-2560.

 

Another disappointing response

For the second week in a row, we only received two responses from Town Meeting members whose precinct was being featured in our column “Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting.” Two out of five members responding is poor, especially during a town election year if some of those members who ignore our invitation intend on running for reelection.

The purpose of the column is to inform the public about key issues and ideas that are in the works as the Town Meeting season approaches. This is also intended as a forum to connect residents in each of the precincts with the five people who represent them in the legislative branch of Saugus Town government.

Many residents in the precincts that are being featured each week indeed are interested in what the five people who represent their neighborhood have to say about issues that may be coming up at the Annual Town Meeting. Those who decline the invitation to be heard in our column are passing up an opportunity to connect with their constituents. And that’s a real shame.

Hopefully, I will get a better response next week from the Town Meeting members of Precinct 8. Stay tuned.

 

Last Chance to submit articles for Town Meeting warrant

The town’s Board of Selectmen is set to close the warrant for the May 5 Annual Meeting when they convene this Tuesday (April 15) at 7 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Any citizen who is considering submitting an article that they would like to see discussed at Town Meeting must submit it to the board by Tuesday.

 

Stocker Dog park on Conservation Commission agenda

The town’s Notice of Intent is on the agenda of the Conservation Commission again. It will be considered when the commission convenes at 7 p.m. Wednesday (April 16) in the Town Hall Annex at 25 Main St.

 

Public comment period extended on Animal Keeper regulations

The Board of Health did not hold its scheduled hearing on amendments to Article 10, the Animal Keeper regulations, at this past Monday’s (April 7) public hearing. Members postponed the hearing until their May 5 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library. The postponement led to the extension of the public comment period.

 

The SHS Alumni Association announces scholarships

The Saugus High School Alumni Association will be awarding Scholarships to graduating seniors again this June. The Association encourages seniors who are planning on attending not only college but trade schools as well. Applications for Alumni Association Scholarships may be obtained from the Guidance Office. Students need to complete the application at home. Seniors should attend a brief meeting in the school library on Thursday, May 1, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to answer two questions and attach their application.

Scholarships will be awarded to successful candidates in the amounts of $1,000 to $5,000. Seniors are encouraged to apply. There will be a minimum of 10 Scholarships awarded this year. Students pursuing further education at the college/university level, nursing and trade schools are encouraged to participate.

 

Memorial Day observances

Plans are already in the works for this year’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which are 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*************@*****st.net.

 

What’s going on at the library

Creative Writing for kids: Please join us on April 28 at 4 p.m. in the Brooks Room for creative writing! You can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration required – fifth grade and up.

Van Gogh: a portrait by the postman Roulin: Saturday, May 3, 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Community Room. Please register using the Events Calendar starting April 19 – www.sauguspubliclibrary.org

Author, educator and Screen Actors Guild actor Ted Zalewski portrays Vincent’s loyal friend the Postman, Joseph Roulin. He relates van Gogh’s amazing personal and artistic journey from his native Holland to the south of France. Drawn from extensive research into van Gogh’s art, life and letters, “Vincent: A Portrait by the Postman Roulin” is filled with humor, passion, joie de vivre – and the triumph of an unlikely friendship.

 

Saugus-Everett Elks to hold scams presentation

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness committee and Eagle Bank are teaming up to hold a scams, cyber fraud and exploitation presentation to be held at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus) on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. This free hour long presentation will be conducted by Attorney Stephen Miliotis and Senior Banking officer Gisella DiPaola. Don’t miss out on this event, and become educated on the latest scams that are currently spreading across our country. Learn the different kinds of scams, including blackmail scams, charity scams, debt collection scams, senior scams, debt relief scams and much more. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to reserve your seat. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

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********************@***il.com

 

Spring street sweeping starts Monday

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced that the town’s annual spring street sweeping program will begin on Monday, April 14, weather permitting. Sweepers will start in the area of North Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and make their way across town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work will generally follow the schedule listed below:

• Week of April 14: Precincts 7, 5, 3, 10 and 2.
• Week of April 21: Precincts 2, 6 and 8.
• Week of April 28: Precincts 1, 4 and 9.
• Week of May 5: remaining work not accomplished in the areas listed above.

Please check the town’s website for an updated listing of roadways to be swept and estimated dates this work will be performed. Please use these precinct maps to identify your precinct. As the sweeping efforts are based on many variables, including weather, this schedule is an estimate and subject to frequent changes.

Residents are kindly asked to keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area. Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter area prior to the program’s start. Residents are asked not to sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept.

Keep in mind that street sweepers are unable to collect stones, branches, leaves or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand.

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143.

Thank you for your patience and consideration.

 

Buy-A-Brick for a veteran

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 a 8″ x 8″ brick (five lines). Each line has 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 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at mv***@*****st.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.