The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

It’s a nice time of the year. The kids went back to school this week. Before you know it, summer will be officially over and autumn will be upon us (Sept. 22). It will be time to rake leaves and plant bulbs for next spring’s flower beds. And if you are into spectator sports, Major League Baseball will be in playoff mode and the National Football League season will be underway.

I returned from my two-week vacation this week and I’m back to work. It was very productive and relaxing. I got to do some fun things and spend some quality time with my good friends.

 

One-day trash pickup delay

The Town of Saugus announced that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Labor Day holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday (Sept. 1) due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday (Sept. 2). Residents are kindly 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.

 

Signature events for September

There are a couple of Saugus events worth noting that will be coming up next month.

I just received an email from Joyce Rodenhiser, asking me to put a notice in this week’s paper to let our readers know that they should “Save the date – Sept. 13” on their calendar.

Joyce passed on this important information:

“At noon time, in front of our Town Hall, on Founders Day, the Persons of the Year will be announced! Come, see who has been helping Saugus be a better place because of what they have done voluntarily for Saugonians and organizations.

“Founders Day is a great time to see old friends and classmates! It’s a big block party with lots of food, fun, civic organizations and shopping. Join us downtown to see what’s happening!”

There’s another signature Saugus event happening in September. Karen Spencer reminded me this week that “The Pumpkin Patch” will reappear at First Congregational Church on the side lawn along Hamilton Street, facing Saugus Town Hall. “Our first delivery of pumpkins will be on Saturday, September 27th at 9 am,” Karen wrote in her email. “We need help to un-load the huge truck that will be parked on Hamilton Street. Please come down to the church and help. High school students will receive community service hours for helping. The second delivery is expected on October 11th where we also need help.”

 

The campaign is on!

The Nov. 4 Town Election is nine weeks away from this coming Tuesday (Sept. 2). That’s a long time to campaign. But things have definitely been heating up in the School Committee, Board of Selectmen and Housing Authority races since the nomination papers became available to aspiring candidates on July 21.

When I checked Monday with the Town Clerk’s Office for the candidates who had pulled out nomination papers, the Housing Authority was a crowded field for the one seat that will be on the ballot in the fall. Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Kristi Talagan, who ran for the Housing Authority four years ago and lost, had previously pulled papers to run for a seat on the Housing Authority again. Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member John Chipouras and incumbent Housing Authority Member Bill Stewart – who beat out two challengers to keep his seat four years ago – make it a three-candidate race.

As of Monday, there were seven candidates who had pulled papers for the five seats on the School Committee and seven candidates for the five spots on the Board of Selectmen. School Committee Member Stephanie Lauren Mastrocola is the latest candidate and the first incumbent member. The field so far includes former School Committee Members Arthur Grabowski and Joseph “Dennis” Gould and challengers Shannon McCarthy, Andrew T. Finn, Roberto F. Bruzzese and Finance Committee Member Brian J. Doherty.

Meanwhile, three incumbent selectmen have already pulled papers – Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Anthony Cogliano and Michael Serino. Former Selectman Jennifer Elaine D’Eon heads the list of challengers, which includes Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Marie 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.

There are all sorts of reports out there on possible candidates who haven’t announced yet. If 10 candidates wind up on the Nov. 4 ballot for the School Committee and Selectmen races, that would be great for town voters. To have a competitive local election, the ideal situation is to have two candidates for each elective position.

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

Stay tuned.

 

This week’s “Shout out”

Newly appointed Housing Authority Executive Director Joseph A. Hart began work this week with a lot of optimism and high praise for the people he will be working for and working with. “I am excited to work for the Saugus Housing Authority. We have good residents who care about the Town, good employees who care about serving the community and an enviable real estate portfolio,” Hart told The Saugus Advocate recently. “I will help maintain high levels of service to our residents by working with our employees and board of directors to improve operations and facilities.”

 

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 is open today (Friday, Aug. 29) 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.

 

Town Democrats meet Sept. 10

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the Saugus Public Safety Building (27 Hamilton St., Saugus).

 

Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Oct. 20

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday October 20, at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This will be an hour-long presentation conducted by Sober Shuttle, Inc. explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. This is a free event, and people who are interested are welcome to attend. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served.

Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-3178 to attend. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

Wayne keeps winning by losing

People often ask me how my brother Wayne is doing, as there has been great reader interest in my periodic updates on his efforts to lose weight. As you may recall, I was at wit’s end back in the fall of 2020. Wayne weighed 377 pounds on Oct. 5 of that year, which prompted me to request some help from his primary care physician, Mark A. Ringiewicz, of Swansea. Dr. Ringiewicz made a referral to Dr. Jessica Inwood, a Fall River physician who specializes in diet and weight loss.

Wayne had the option to have surgery or be placed on a weight reduction plan based on medication. We chose the natural way – without surgery or medication.

“You’re still doing great! I’m your biggest cheerleader,” Dr. Inwood told Wayne during his visit last week.

Wayne’s weight hit a new low – down to 238 pounds – still a little heavy for a guy who is five-foot-ten-inches tall. “A 36 percent weight loss just since we met about five years ago – and doing it without medication or surgery – is just remarkable,” Dr. Inwood said.

“Now, it’s just 18 pounds and you will be down to your goal,” she said. Wayne had previously set a goal of slimming down to 220 pounds, his high school football playing weight.

I asked Dr. Inwood to put Wayne’s dramatic weight loss into the context of all of the patients she’s seen over the years. It turns out Wayne is at the top of the list of her stars.

“I’ve had a lot of patients who have lost over 100 pounds – but not without medication or surgery,” she said. “You stand as a great example of what a person can do. You took the first step and followed through. Every day is a new day.”

Wayne achieved his incredible weight loss through exercise (he walks a half hour with weights a couple of times a day several days a week while making adjustments in his eating – following Dr. Inwood’s food plan, lowering his consumption and not eating at night. It definitely worked. And the trick will be for Wayne to continue what he’s been doing. Stay tuned.

 

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: 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!

 

Document Shred-It Sept. 13

Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Department of Solid Waste/Recycling invite residents to participate in a document shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon behind the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Shredding unwanted sensitive and confidential documents can help to protect your personal information and to limit the chances of falling victim to identity theft.

This free event is for Saugus residents only. Saugus residents will be able to properly dispose of sensitive and confidential documents in an eco-friendly manner. Documents will be shredded on-site and then recycled. As a reminder, most nonsensitive and confidential paper documents can be recycled curbside weekly on your pickup day.

Acceptable items for the Saugus Shred-It event include: paper folders with brads, manila folders, paper clips and binder clips, notebooks, checkbooks. The following items will not be accepted at the shredding event: food waste, three-ring binders, cardboard boxes, electronics, metal, plastic, trash, compact discs, magazines, newspapers, hanging file folders.

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.