The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Best wishes to our readers for a safe, healthy and happy Easter and Passover weekend. Enjoy the spring weather with family and friends.

 

Sunrise Service Easter Sunday

St. John’s Episcopal Church will host a Sunrise Service at the memorial garden at 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday (April 20). The public is invited.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

This week, we received several recommendations from our readers for Saugus residents deserving a “shout out.”

• From Liz Venezia: “I wanted to ask to please shout out Chris Howe, who took over the Saugus youth girls basketball program this winter and ran with it. He devoted every Wednesday evening to practice and spent all day Saturdays running the kindergarten program, coaching his own daughter’s team, and overseeing all the games. Not to mention all the hard work behind the scenes setting up referees, organizing events with the high school team and keeping families in the loop with emails. He poured so much time and energy into this season and it did not go unnoticed. Cheers to coach Chris! The players, parents and coaches all appreciate you and your dedication.”
• From Dennis Gould: “I would like to give a shout out for the Saugus DPW who stepped in to get World Series Park ready for our Sachem Baseball Team while the longtime manager was ill and Parcher Field at Break heart for Sachem Softball.

“Great job to assure our Sachem varsity teams had excellent infields and fields to play their games.”

• From Sue Fleming: “I would like to give a Shout Out to the Saugus Garden Club for another beautiful Books In Bloom event at the Saugus Library. It’s always fun to browse all of the floral arrangements along with the accompanying book. All of them were fantastic! And a big thank you to the Saugus Library for hosting this event.”

 

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.

 

No Legion Breakfasts today

The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus will not be serving breakfast today (Good Friday, April 18). The 2024-25 breakfast season will resume next Friday (April 25) and will continue until the final breakfast on Friday, May 30. 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.

 

One-day trash delay for Patriots Day

The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Patriots’ Day Holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday, April 21, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, April 22. Residents are asked to leave their trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day.

The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Fifteen Saugonians running in the Boston Marathon

There are 15 runners from Saugus registered to run Monday in the 129th Boston Marathon. Leading the local delegation will be Christopher Chapruet, 33, who will be running in the first wave of the race, which features runners 201 through 8,499. Robert Favuzza and Brenda Iafrate, both 60, will be the oldest town residents running in this year’s race. Richie Elkhaouli, 28, is the youngest Saugonian who will be running the 26.2-mile race on Patriots Day, from Hopkinton to Copley Square in Downtown Boston. The rest of the local running field: Juliana Catanzariti, 36; Bob Catinazzo, 57; Danielle Good, 35; Casey Hyde, 30; Alisha Loreth, 36; Kit McCluskey, 33; Aaron Mundele, 41; Pablo Rodriguez, 44; Gina Spaziani, 58; Ingrid Torres Ulate, 38; and Shelagh Vozzella, 36.

 

Kane’s Boston Marathon Special

Kane’s Donuts loves to involve itself in Boston sports, whether it’s a friendly wager against a donut shop in a rival city or concocting a tasty product that celebrates a favorite Boston team. Here’s the special promotion that Kane’s put out in a press release this week to celebrate the Boston Marathon:

“Just in time for Boston’s most iconic weekend, Kane’s Donuts and Samuel Adams have teamed up to create the ultimate post-race treat: the 26.2 Brew Donut.

“Whether you’re crossing the finish line or cheering from the sidelines, this limited-edition donut is the perfect way to celebrate Boston’s most iconic race. The 26.2 Brew Donut will be available at all Kane’s Donuts locations—including 120 Lincoln Ave. in Saugus, 1575 Broadway (Essex Landing) in Saugus, and 90 Oliver St. in Boston’s Financial District—from Thursday, April 17, through Marathon Monday, April 21.

“Kane’s is tapping into Samuel Adams 26.2, an ultra-refreshing ale brewed with sea salt and coriander that has long been a post-race favorite. Whether you just conquered 26.2 miles or simply raised a pint to those who did, this crisp and refreshing beer is the ultimate race day companion. Pair it with the 26.2 Brew Donut for the full experience!

“The 26.2 Brew Donut is a light and airy yeast-style donut, drenched in a glaze made from reduced Samuel Adams 26.2 that has been infused into Kane’s signature honey glaze and festively decorated to celebrate. Note that all alcohol burns off in the cooking process.”

 

C.H.a.R.M. Center reopens tomorrow

The Town of Saugus Solid Waste/Recycling Department announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) will open for the season tomorrow (Saturday, April 19) and resume normal operational hours of Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The C.H.a.R.M. Center is located at 515 Main St., Saugus, behind the Saugus Department of Public Works. Residents are welcome to use the C.H.a.R.M. Center for their recycling needs. Saugus was the first municipality in Massachusetts to open a C.H.a.R.M. Center.

The C.H.a.R.M. Center accepts the following items at no cost to residents:

• Bottles and cans
• Paper and cardboard
• Scrap metal
• Clothes, shoes and other textiles
• Fluorescent light bulbs and batteries (button and rechargeable)

Residents are also permitted the free disposal of three TVs or computers/CRT monitors per household each year at the C.H.a.R.M. Center.

Residents can obtain new stickers for this year free of charge when visiting the C.H.a.R.M. Center. By purchasing a $25 sticker that is valid for the entirety of the season, residents will be permitted to dispose of yard waste and brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. The $25 sticker also covers the cost to dispose of hard/rigid plastics at the facility. The C.H.a.R.M. Center accepts CHECKS ONLY, no cash or cards.

Please note that the C.H.a.R.M. Center does not accept any household trash or construction materials and debris. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable. Go to https://www.saugus-ma.gov/solid-waste-recycling-department and click on “Recycling Guide” for a comprehensive list of items that are accepted or not accepted at the C.H.a.R.M. Center, in addition to guidelines for how to prepare different items for disposal at the facility.

The C.H.a.R.M. Center will remain open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season until the winter.

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

 

Honor a departed veteran on Memorial Day

Selectman Corinne Riley announced this week a special way for Saugus families or friends to pay tribute to departed loved ones who served their country:

“An important part of the Memorial Day parade is to remember and honor those veterans who have passed away. If you have a family member or friend you would like to have remembered on the media truck, please send along their photo, their branch of service and their name to Commander Steve Castinetti of the Veteran’s Council. His email address is st*************@*****st.net Please have all photos to him by April 30th.”

Meanwhile, 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*************@*****st.net

 

Missing Gordie Shepard

Memorial Day observances at Riverside Cemetery won’t be the same this year without Gordie Shepard – the legendary volunteer who has devoted thousands of hours over the past 17 years to sprucing up veterans’ gravesites in Saugus. Shepard, who enjoys winters down in Cocoa Beach, Fla., won’t be able to offer TLC to the veterans’ gravesites because of an unfortunate accident earlier this year that led to him suffering several injuries, including a broken pelvis. Right now, he’s recuperating and hoping to get back to Saugus in time for Memorial Day. But the injuries will keep him sidelined for several more weeks.

Shepard was initially drawn to Riverside Cemetery to visit the gravesite of his old childhood friend – Richard “Dicky” Devine, Jr. – a fellow Vietnam War veteran who was killed in combat in January of 1969. He made frequent visits over the years to his departed buddy’s grave. Shepard noticed his friend’s headstone was sinking into the ground and another gravestone of the hero buried beside Devine was covered with dirt and grass. As Shepard surveyed the cemetery, he noticed that many of the headstones and plaques bearing the names of other veterans were in disrepair.

A few cemetery visits turned into a major mission for Shepard, who has restored more than 400 gravesites belonging to veterans. The town honored Shepard with a Founder’s Day “Person of the Year” Award in 2014. Shepard’s restoration of the site known officially as General Edward Winslow Hincks Post No. 95 Grand Army of the Republic Burial Plot has been a major undertaking spread out over the years.

When he began the project in 2015, nearly all the plaques identifying the 26 Civil War soldiers and sailors were unreadable, many of them damaged and some sunk into the ground. The plot was overgrown with weeds and brush. The restoration was so impressive that the National Organization of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War honored Shepard with the organization’s 2019 Founder’s Award for his outstanding service in the memory of Union Civil War Soldiers.

Here’s hoping that the town and a few good volunteers fill the void until Gordie gets back on his feet.

 

Wayne’s weight loss continues

I remember being at my wit’s end back in October of 2020 when my brother Wayne tipped the scales at 377 pounds. At that point I requested some urgent help from Wayne’s primary care physician, Dr. Mark A. Ringiewicz of Swansea. Dr. Ringiewicz responded with a referral that would drastically change Wayne’s life.

Dr. Jessica Inwood, who specializes in weight reduction management and diet issues, wound up making a huge difference in Wayne’s world. During the latest trip to Dr. Jessica’s Fall River office last Friday (April 11), Wayne reached another low – 245 pounds. That’s 132 pounds of gradual weight loss spread out over about four and a half years.

“Wayne, this is remarkable,” Dr. Jessica exclaimed as she reflected on Wayne’s progress.

“You’ve lost an entire human being through weight loss. That’s a 34 percent reduction. A little over a third. I think you’re doing fabulous,” she said.

My brother is shooting to get under his High School football playing weight – 2020 to 225 pounds.

As we do every session, we reviewed the various foods that Wayne eats. He mentioned to Dr. Jessica that he liked to eat frosted flakes as part of his meals at Swan Brook Assisted Living in Swansea. “Get rid of the frosted flakes and you’re going to get closer to your goal,” she said.

Wayne’s combination of adjustments in his diet working off a low carbohydrate plan and a sustained walking program has worked wonders. But Dr. Jessica stressed it will be more challenging for Wayne to drop another 20 to 25 pounds.

Stay tuned.

 

Public comment period extended on Animal Keeper regulations

The Board of Health did not hold its scheduled public hearing on amendments to Article 10, the Animal Keeper regulations, at last week’s (Monday, April 7) meeting. 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 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 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.

 

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

 

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.