The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Officially, I’m on vacation for this week and next week. I plan to enjoy some time off with friends, complete as many household projects as I can and get some rest as the summer winds down.

But, like in recent vacations, I will be around to answer my emails and assist on a limited basis in the preparation of this week’s Saugus Advocate and next week’s paper. I just won’t be covering events in Saugus until the week of August 25. But feel free to submit story ideas and announcements.

Old newspaper guys like me never really take conventional vacations unless they leave town. And sometimes they use the time off to embark on a working man’s vacation. It was about 50 years ago when as a young reporter at the now-defunct North Adams Transcript I took a week’s trip to Washington, D.C., to attend congressional hearings about Karen Silkwood, the whistleblowing plutonium worker at an Oklahoma plant who died in a mysterious car crash. I used the hearings as part of my research to report and write a series on nuclear power after I returned from “vacation.”

Quite often, dedicated journalists pursue projects on personal time and at personal expense, because they are committed to getting important projects done.

 

The campaign is on!

The Nov. 4 Town Election is 11 weeks away from this coming Tuesday (Aug. 19). That’s a long time to campaign. But things have definitely been heating up in the School Committee and Board of Selectmen races since the nomination papers became available to aspiring candidates on July 21.

Former School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski pulled some papers this week, making him the sixth potential challenger to the five incumbent School Committee members. Former Committee member Joseph “Dennis” Gould (he never served as a chair, as we incorrectly noted last week) is among the candidates who are eyeing a two-year term on the School Committee. Also pulling nomination papers for a run for the town’s top elected education post are Shannon McCarthy of Precinct 6, Andrew T. Finn from Precinct 4, Roberto F. Bruzzese from Precinct 9 and Finance Committee Member Brian J. Doherty from Precinct 1. As of early this week, when we checked the candidates’ list at the Town Clerk’s Office, no incumbent School Committee members had pulled papers yet.

But it’s still early. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 to obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing those nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Meanwhile, three incumbent selectmen have already pulled papers: Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Anthony Cogliano and Mike Serino. Former Selectman Jennifer E. D’Eon heads the list of challengers, which includes Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Herman-Dorant, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Frank Federico and Sandro Pansini Souza, an unsuccessful candidate for selectman two years ago when he finished seventh in a field of seven candidates. He currently serves as treasurer on the Saugus TV Board of Directors.

Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Kristi Talagan, who ran for the Saugus Housing Authority four years ago and lost, has pulled papers to run for a seat on the Housing Authority again.

Stay tuned.

 

School Days nearing

Hope you are having a fun, safe and productive summer.

Tuesday, Aug. 26 is the first day of the new school year. That’s just one week away from this coming Tuesday (Aug. 19). Not long from now, we’ll be admiring the fall colors and the start of the football season.

Founders Day is little more than a month away. That’s always a big deal for Saugonians. And the campaigns for the various town political candidates should be in full spring by then.

Stay tuned.

 

World Series Park will host alumni game

The Annual Saugus High Baseball Alumni Game will return to World Series Park on Saturday, August 16, at 4 p.m. After an absence of several years, the alumni game will offer the opportunity to former Saugus High School baseball players to play in a game. Anyone who would like to play should contact Saugus High coach Mike Mabee at 781-941-0775.

 

This week’s “Shout outs”

For this week’s column, we received several nominations for “Shout Outs” from our readers:

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo submitted two:

“This sad ‘Shout Out’ is for Deb Dion Faust who passed away last week. Deb was the Town of Saugus Woman of the Year a few years back and a former member of the Board of Trustees for the Saugus Public Library. She was the backbone of the American Legion Post 210 Friday morning Breakfasts and from this day forward they will seem hollow without her. I can picture her in heaven knitting away for all the Angels. Rest In Peace.

“A second ‘Shout Out’ for Town Hall’s Jeannie Meredith to wish her a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And many more on August 18th!”

Jeanie and Jeannie share the same birthday. Happy birthday to you both!

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Karen Rakinic offered the following “Shout Out”: “I would like to give a shout out to Saugus library director, Alan Thibeault, for his help with the ‘Young at Art’ show currently at the library reading room until the end of August. All the artists from the Saugus Senior Center would like to thank him for his help and encouragement in putting up our show. His passion for community and culture is most appreciated!”

Rick Fail: “I’d like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to The Saugus Advocate for their recent story on community biking and safety. I’ve noticed the number of kids wearing helmets seems to be increasing noticeably. I also want to ‘Shout Out’ to the Saugus Police Department bike patrol.”

 

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.

 

Veterans Food Pantry Aug. 20

Former Saugus Veterans Service Officer Paul Cancelliere submitted the following message:

Attention Saugus veterans. The next Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) mobile monthly veterans food pantry is Wednesday, August 20, at 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Saugus Senior Center. Volunteers are needed to assist with the breakdown of the delivery and distribution of the groceries to veterans and their spouses.

This program supports veterans and their families who may be struggling to meet the rising costs of groceries by supplementing fresh produce, and protein each month. Moving forward, a schedule is planned to offer this supplemental program on the third Wednesday of each month for veterans who are residents of the Town of Saugus.

Veterans who seek monthly assistance from the GBFB monthly Mobile Market should contact Nancy Stead with proof of military service (DD 214) in the Saugus office of veterans services to be added to the list of recipients.

Special thanks for the kindness of the staff at the Saugus Senior Center and maintenance teams for their support of this program. Thanks to the good folks at the GBFB for their services making the monthly Mobile Food Market possible.

Also, a special thanks to the members of the Saugus Veterans Council for their support assisting Saugus Veterans making this program possible.

Veterans may contact Nancy Stead at 781-231-4010 or by email at: ns****@*******ma.gov to be added to the monthly distribution list. To our veterans, “Thank you for your service!”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Aug. 15) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details.

 

Cultural Council seeks grant applicants

Tori Darnell, co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council, submitted this announcement to alert town residents and local organizations about local grant opportunities:

Did you know that the Saugus Cultural Council has awarded grants to people and organizations for artistic, educational, and cultural projects and programs since 1998? We are committed to supporting cultural programs and events that showcase diversity and add vibrancy in the Town of Saugus. This includes the visual arts, education, dance, drama, interpretive science, the environment, literature, music, public art, and wellness.

If you have an idea for a project and/or program that brings public benefit to the Saugus community, then consider applying for a Local Cultural Council Grant! Our 2026 grant application period runs from September 2 through October 16, 2025. We prioritize applications from Saugus organizations, individuals, and organizers, and to projects that take place in the Town of Saugus. More information about grant guidelines and priorities can be seen at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/.

On Tuesday, September 9, the Mass Cultural Council will host an online information session on how these grants work and how to apply. The session is free and can be accessed at https://massculturalcouncil.org.

The Saugus Cultural Council will be available at Founder’s Day, Saturday, September 13 to  provide live support in submitting an application or provide project feedback. Come with a description of your project and any questions about the grant application process. The Saugus Cultural Council will also be available at the Saugus Public Library on Tuesday, September 23 to provide additional live support.

 

Newspapers at the library

Thanks to a donation from a patron, The New York Times is now available at the Library, according to Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault. “You can also stop by and read the Saugus Advocate, Lynn Item, Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe as well!” Thibeault said.

 

Adult Craft Night returns!

Join us on Tuesday, September 2 from 6-7 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library. We will be making Acorns with fabric and twine for fall decor. Registration begins August 19 on our Events Calendar: sauguspubliclibrary.org

 

Saugus Youth Cross Country 2025

Grades 1-5 and 6-8 students not running for a school team can start Tuesday, Aug. 26: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Belmonte; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation. The training distances are 1st to 3rd, .7 miles; 4th and 5th, 1.2 miles; 6th-8th, 1.9 miles. Practice races are Saturdays (to be determined) at Frey Park in Lynn at 285 Walnut St.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Fun Run practice at Breakheart. Athletes are encouraged to wear a costume.

Saturday, Nov. 1: 16th Annual Massachusetts State Middle School Cross Country Championships at Willard Field in Devens; more information to be announced.

Tuesday, Nov. 11: 11th Annual Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship; 8:30 a.m. arrival and 9:30 a.m. start; Lynn’s Gannon Golf Course, 60 Great Woods Rd.; lunch at Prince Pizza following the meet.

Ending Thursday, Nov. 13 – wrap up Session at Belmonte.

Cost: $150 for first year, $75 returning from Cross Country 2024.

If you have any questions, need further information or want to register, please contact Coach T at 781-854-6778 or Ch********************@***il.com.

 

Founders Day book sale Sept. 13

The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are gearing up for their annual Book Sale, which will take place on Saturday, September 13, during the Town’s Founders Day celebration. They are seeking donations of adult fiction, both hardcover and paperback, as well as children’s books. Sorry, but they are not accepting donations of nonfiction books, textbooks or any non-book items (puzzles, games, workbooks, etc.). All donations must be clean and in excellent condition; no stains, yellowing, rips, wrinkles, odors or marked up pages, please!

Please check in at the desk in the main lobby when bringing in donations. If you are hoping to donate a large quantity of books or have questions, please email sa*@******et.org or call 781-231-4168 ext. 3102 before coming in. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting the New Friends!

 

Free Health Fair Sept. 19

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and the Saugus Senior Center are teaming up once again for their 2nd Annual Health, Wellness and Resource Fair to be held on Friday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). There will be a variety of health organizations that will offer free health screenings, educational tables, giveaways, raffles and much more. This is a free event and open to the public for all ages.

 

KOC Flea Market Sept. 27

The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 of Saugus will be holding a Festive Indoor Flea Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the KOC Hall at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Vendors/dealers will be charged $30 per space; one table and chairs provided. Please submit payment as soon as possible. For details, please call KOC at 781-233-9858 or Paul Giannetta at 978-239-1392.

 

Visitor Services at Saugus Iron Works

The park grounds at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is open now through Oct. 31, 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Restrooms are open Wednesday through Sunday; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Monday through Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and industrial site buildings are open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Level Up at your library

Now through Aug. 20, submit what you read this summer and you may win an Amazon gift card. Enter to win by going to our website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org) and filling out the book review form. Grades 7-12.

 

Adult Summer Reading contest at the library

Now through Aug. 20, adults age 18 and up can participate in our Adult Summer Reading Contest for the chance to win a gift card to a local restaurant! Fill out an online book review form for every book you read over the summer, and you will be entered to win! The more books you read, the greater your chances of winning! Graphic novels, manga, cookbooks, e-books and audio books count, too. Good luck!

 

A return of the Halloween Pet Parade on Oct. 19

The Friends of Breakheart are gearing up for their Third Annual Halloween Pet Parade, which is set for Sunday, Oct. 19. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Christopher P. Dunne Memorial Visitor Center (177 Forest St. in Saugus). A $10 donation is required to enter your pet. The Friends will use the proceeds for park activities and future events. Cash or check. No Venmo. Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Silly Pet Trick and Best Personality. Raffle prizes are open to all who donate. For more information, please call Joyce at 781-233-1855, extension 1019, or Lisa Mirasola at 781-808-7817.

 

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.) is open 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 at 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 who 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.