The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

May is Military Appreciation Month. And this weekend’s activity features the 14th Annual Boston Wounded Vet Run Motorcycle Ride/Ceremony this Sunday (May 18).

The purpose of the event is to support two veterans severely wounded in Afghanistan. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. It costs $25 for each rider, passenger and walk-in. The motorcycle ride will leave Boston Harley-Davidson, at 649 Squire Rd. in Revere, at 12:30 p.m., with the route passing through Saugus, Wakefield and several other communities before finishing up at about 2 p.m. at the Beachmont VFW at 150 Bennington St. in Revere. There will be a ceremony, food, a beer tent and vendors. The Saugus Veterans Council will be serving free hot dogs in Veterans Park.

Donations can be sent to: “Boston’s Wounded Veterans” 60 Paris St., East Boston, MA 02128. For questions, call Andrew at 903-340-9402.

 

Memorial Day Parade set for May 24

The Saugus Veterans Council’s Annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 24. The staging area for the procession will be at the Anna Parker Playground and parking lot on Essex Street, with starting time at 10 a.m. The parade will depart from the playground on Essex Street, proceed through Cliftondale Square, continue down Jackson Street, turn left on Central Street, turn right on Winter Street and end in the Veterans Lot of Riverside Cemetery, where a Memorial Day ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wakefield native Shelby M. Nikitin, former Naval commander of the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, will be the keynote speaker of this year’s Memorial Day Ceremonies in Saugus.

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

On Friday, May 23, at 3:00 p.m. various volunteer groups will be planting flags at Riverside Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day. All are welcome to join and help decorate veterans’ graves with miniature American flags.

 

Fun Run/Walk Sunday

The state Department of Conservation & Recreation will be hosting its Third Annual Spring Fun Run/Walk at 10 a.m. Sunday at Breakheart Reservation. This is a 5k run or 3k walk over a mixed terrain, rain or shine, sponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. A $10 donation is requested to enter. Proceeds will be used by The Friends of Breakheart Reservation for park activities and future events.

Cash or check only. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female runners. Raffle prizes will be open to all who donate.

Meet at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). For information, call the Friends at 781 233-1854, extension 1019.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

  We received a “Shout Out” this week from Joanie Allbee, a member of New Friends of the Saugus Public Library:

“Stepping up to the megaphone to give a shout out for Head Reference lady Lisa LeJune at the Saugus Public Library!

“Lisa quietly works behind the scenes to arrange and set up new programs and ideas to bring to patrons. She has been responsible for providing engaging interactive fun programs to our Library visitors.

“Lisa scans with sharp eyes and tuned ears for top quality programs. As a result of her efforts , we have the best library entertainments. Thank you.”

 

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

The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus has resumed the 2024-25 breakfast season 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.

 

Visitor Services available at Saugus Iron Works

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site has begun its “visitors’ services,” marking the opening of restrooms and the museum. This is the expected schedule of tours for the summer: Wednesday–Sunday at 11 a.m., house tours, 1/2 hour; Wednesday–Sunday at 2 p.m., industrial site tours, which will include waterwheel demonstrations when staffing permits. On Fridays and Saturdays only, there will also be a 10 a.m. waterwheel demonstration. Visitors’ services will end on Oct. 31.

 

Nice and Easy Hikes at Breakheart

On May 24 and 31, from 9:30–11:30 a.m., join the Park Interpreter for the weekly guided hike at Breakheart Reservation. Each trip will highlight natural and historic features that make Breakheart unique. Hikes will be moderately paced and range from two to three miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain; best for ages eight years and up. Meet at the Visitors Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Heavy rain cancels the event.

 

What’s going on at the library

Learn How to Get Your Novel Published: Anthony Gangi, an author and former editor for a major publishing house, will be speaking at the Saugus Public Library on how to motivate yourself to finish your novel and get it published. Gangi will be in the Community Room this Monday, May 19, from 6 to 7 p.m. No registration is required.

The Beverly resident has a background in editing, teaching and writing. He currently works as a freelance writer, editor, proofreader and adjunct professor of writing at North Shore Community College. He earned his bachelor and master’s degrees at St. John’s University in Queens, N.Y.

“I enjoy working hand-in-hand with students to aid them in achieving their goals,” he said. He is the author of “Carny Sideshows: Weird Wonders of the Midway” (Citadel Press, 2010). He is a writing teacher with a love of horror, thrillers and graphic novels.

Dungeons and Dragons: Join us for a Dungeons and Dragons game that will be facilitated by a professional Dungeon Master. We will be playing on May 19 at 4:00 in the Brooks Room. Fifth grade and up – registration required.

SAVE Composting Workshop: On May 20, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) and Eastern Bank are cosponsoring a workshop on backyard composting at the Saugus Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program – presented by the Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association (MMGA) – is free, but registration is required, either via the library’s website or by calling 781-231-4168. Register today and join SAVE members in learning how to reduce kitchen and household waste through composting.

A Writing Workshop: Laura Eisener’s “Pen to Paper” Writing Workshop is set for May 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library.

 

Kane’s Donuts and Stella Blue Coffee team up to create Miss Peaches donut benefiting PAWS New England

Kane’s Donuts was proud to announce that their recent collaboration with Stella Blue Coffee to create the Miss Peaches donut has raised $2,500 for PAWS New England. The initiative, which was launched earlier this year, was inspired by Barstool Founder & President Dave Portnoy’s rescue dog, Miss Peaches, and will continue raising funds for the organization through the rest of the year.

The Miss Peaches donut, featuring a sweet peach glaze with a hint of cinnamon, was created to pair perfectly with Stella Blue’s Miss Peaches blend – a medium roast coffee with smooth caramel and nutty notes. While the donut is no longer available, customers can still support by purchasing Miss Peaches Coffee from one of Kane’s three locations.

“Kane’s has always been passionate about giving back to the community, and this collaboration with Stella Blue Coffee allowed us to support a cause close to our hearts while working with a brand we love,” says Kane’s Donuts Co-Owner Maria Delios. “PAWS New England does incredible work rescuing dogs and giving them a second chance at life, and we were honored to contribute to their mission. We’re thrilled to have already donated $2,500 and look forward to raising even more.”

PAWS New England is a volunteer-run nonprofit that rescues dogs from high-risk shelters and unsafe environments, providing medical care and placing them in loving homes. By enjoying the Miss Peaches donut and coffee, customers aren’t just treating themselves – they’re also helping to create better futures for animals in need.

Miss Peaches Coffee is available at all Kane’s locations: 120 Lincoln Ave. in Saugus; 1575 Broadway (Essex Landing) in Saugus; and 90 Oliver St. in Boston’s Financial District. For more information about Kane’s Donuts, visit www.kanesdonuts.com. To learn more about Paws New England and how to get involved, visit pawsnewengland.com.

 

Saugus Sachems Summer Track Camp 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – has announced plans for his Summer Track Camp. Registration will get underway soon. “This vibrant program, now in its 20th year, is where student athletes from a wide range of ages come together to listen well, work hard, and have fun!” Coach T said in an email this week.

Track Camp runners will be guided by Coach Tarantino, his coaches, counselors and alumni, as well as current middle and high school track team members.

“Participants work on social and team building skills, as well as setting individual and team goals, all while learning the fundamentals and or the advanced techniques of this dynamic sport, track and field,” Coach T said.

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

Who: five to 18 years old.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 6-8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

June 23-27 – final registration week/returning athlete training

June 30-July 4 – first formal week

July 19 – Summer Showdown in Cranston, R.I.

July 23 – Wrap up

Cost: $300 first year ($250 if registered by June 1), $200 returning with uniform, $150 if three years or more in summer program; includes pasta dinner, t-shirt, uniform and entry into Summer Showdown.

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 September 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

C.H.a.R.M. Center is open

The Town of Saugus Solid Waste/Recycling Department announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) has opened for the season, with 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
• Shoes, clothes 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.

 

Saugus High Class of 1980

Attention, Saugus High Class of 1980. Mark your calendars for Nov. 29 (Saturday after Thanksgiving) and reach out to your friends that you’d like to see there for the 45th Class Reunion for 1980 graduates and friends. The reunion will be held that day from 1 to 6 p.m. inside the Saugus Elks.

Invite Saugus High friends from other classes that you may want to be at our 1980 Class Reunion. Our last Saugus Class BBQ event a couple of years ago had three sisters from three different classes attend and they had a blast – so many loved seeing them and appreciated them being there. So many old friends reconnecting after decades; friends from overseas and across the country came; Saugus Classmates that left in Jr. High and that went to other High Schools came. How special it was for so many people to see each other after over 40 years.

Reach out to your friends that are not on Facebook to give them some early notice in case they may want to attend and need to make travel plans. Some of our Classmates have kept in touch with some of our High School teachers, and they attended our last two Saugus High Reunion events – we hope they’ll join us again. Feel free to reach out to any of your favorite teachers that you may want there – I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

More information is forthcoming. Any questions, please feel free to reach out to Andrea or Pete:

Andrea Saunders (1980 Class President) can be reached at pa********@*ol.com or 978-482-5787.

Pete Nicolo can be reached PS**********@*****st.net or 978-815-8234.

 

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.