The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

By now, most folks passing through Saugus Center have got to be feeling “The Orange Glow,” a spirit that captivates many town residents this time of year. The First Congregational Church’s 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch is up-and-running and will be open through Halloween, Oct. 31.

It was nearly two weeks ago that a tractor trailer arrived with pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico. Dozens of volunteers showed up to help unload the pumpkins. The church has appealed for more volunteers to help unload another shipment that’s due at about 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 11). Pumpkins of all sizes are displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Here’s a message we received this week from Pumpkin Patch coordinator Carl Spencer: “Come and visit our Pumpkin Patch. It will put you in the fall spirit. The pumpkins are going fast, so come and choose yours. This Saturday, October 11 at 9am the 2nd Pumpkin Truck arrives with more pumpkins. Help is needed to unload the truck. The church truly enjoys hosting this great fall event.”

The town appears to welcome this tradition, as the volunteer turnout for the first pumpkin unloading demonstrated. If you didn’t get to participate in the first pumpkin unloading or if you have never participated in one, plan on attending tomorrow if you are free.

For information please contact Carl Spencer (781-233-9196).

 

A fire prevention “Shout Out”

Patty Montano, leader of Saugus Girl Scout Troop 63628, offered this “shout out” after members of her troop were treated like guests during a recent visit to the Saugus Fire Department:

“On October 1, Girl Scout Troop 63628 kicked off Fire Prevention Month with a fun visit to the Saugus Fire Station! Fire Captain Bill Cross and his son, firefighter Pat Cross, taught the girls all about fire safety, showed them the fire trucks, and even demonstrated how firefighters put on their gear. The girls had an amazing time exploring, asking questions, and learning how firefighters help keep our community safe!”

 

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, Oct. 10) 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.

 

Trivia Night is Oct. 16!

This is a reminder from Selectman Corinne Riley:

Members of the Saugus Business Education Collaborative have scheduled their popular fundraising event: “Trivia Night”! If you are interested in securing a table for your team, it will be at Kowloon, October 16 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Register your team from businesses, organizations, teachers, PTOs, friends…all are welcome! You will be competing for a trophy, as well as bragging rights!

Teams are at least five members, cost is $275.00 per team or $55.00 per participant. Do you want to come and join in the fun as a spectator? The cost is $25.00 each. Cost includes a buffet dinner.

A fun-filled night that benefits the students of our town! If you are interested please email cc*****@*****st.net or pe*************@*ol.com to register your team no later than October 14.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Oct. 25 – final day to register to vote

Town Clerk Ellen Schena this week issued a reminder that the last day to register to vote is Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Saugus Public Library. The Community Room at the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for town residents wanting to register for the Nov. 4 town election.

This will also be the only day for in person early voting. Voters should use the Taylor Street entrance on that Saturday.

 

The Field of Flags is coming soon

The Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR recently issued the following press release:

Patriotism will once again fill the heart of Saugus this November as the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proudly prepares for the 5th annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags.

On November 11, the lawn of Saugus Town Hall will be transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue in tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms — past, present, and future.

Each American flag will carry the name of a veteran — living, deceased or currently serving. Flags may be sponsored for $5 each, with proceeds supporting the DAR’s mission to preserve American history, foster education, and promote patriotism. Sponsors may honor a family member, friend, neighbor, or employee who has served our nation with courage and sacrifice.

The deadline to sponsor a flag is October 30th. To participate, please mail a check ($5 per flag) payable to Parson Roby Chapter DAR, along with the veteran’s information (Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Years of Service or War if known) to:

Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906.

Flags will be placed on the Town Hall lawn prior to Veteran’s Day, where they will remain proudly displayed through November 12th. After 12 noon on November 11th, sponsors may collect their flags as keepsakes or to place on a veteran’s grave. All flags will be removed from Town Hall lawn on November 12th.

Since the project’s launch in 2021, the Field of Flags has become a cherished community tradition. Last year, over 120 flags waved in honor of veterans, each one a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice that protect our way of life. Residents frequently stop to reflect, take photos, and share heartfelt thanks for this moving display of remembrance.

This year, the Parson Roby Chapter DAR invites the community to join together once more in honoring our heroes. Let us stand united as Americans—proud, grateful, and determined to remember.

Remember Our Veterans. Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Sacrifice.

For more information on sponsoring a flag or joining the DAR, please email: pa******************@***il.com.

 

Scout Troop 62 seeks new members

Boy Scout Troop 62 is seeking new members to join the troop. Girls as well as boys will be welcome.

“We are also starting a girl unit,” Troop 62 Scoutmaster John Kane said. “Scouting for the troop is now open to both Girls and Boys, ages 10 to 18 years old.”

“These will be separate units meeting at the same time and location. They will also be working together on some activities,” he said.

Both units meet in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Meeting time will be 6:45 until 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Come check out the fun.

If you have questions, please call Scoutmaster John Kane at 781-389-2708 or come down to Cliftondale Congregational Church and say “Hi!”

 

Breakheart Happenings

Breakheart Reservation will be hosting several family-oriented, fun events this month:

Continuing tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 11) and lasting through the following two Saturdays, Yoga will be offered from 8 to 9 a.m. Come for this experience – a dynamic class that beautifully intertwines movement with breath, guiding you through a seamless flow from one asana to the next in Vinyasa yoga. Each transition is fluid and intentional, creating a harmonious connection between body and spirit as you explore the depths of your practice. Embrace the rhythm of your breath while discovering the grace of each posture, allowing the essence of yoga to unfold with every flowing movement. This class is led by Nicole Salvati. There is a $10 suggested donation for each class. Please scan or access the link to register! https://tinyurl.com/breakheartyoga

  In case of rain, the class will move into the Visitor Center.

On Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m., state Rep. Donald Wong will offer a class in Tai Chi and Qigong. Spend some time in nature connecting with your body and movements. This program will be offered at the Visitor Center at 177 Forest St. in Saugus. All abilities are welcome! In case of rain, this event will be canceled. Dress comfortably. Email Je******************@**ss.gov with any questions.

There will be an Early Fall Guided Nature Walk on Oct. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Please join Jeff Adams for a guided nature walk at Breakheart Reservation. The focus will be on plant ID with select natural history and lore mixed in, too. And we’ll use helpful identifiers, such as galls, leaf shapes, flowers, fruits and diagnostic characteristics, that enable us to immediately identify the plant. Registration is required. Follow the link or scan the code to register: https://tinyurl.com/EarlyFallHike

Meet outside the Visitor Center, heavy rain cancels. Email Je******************@**ss.gov with questions.

 

The Library is looking for volunteers

If you love being around books, try hanging out at the Saugus Public Library. If you already hang out there, here’s a message from Lisa, the Head Reference Librarian: “We are looking for teens that need community service hours, and adults to volunteer at the library. We currently have openings on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If you are interested, please email Lisa, Head Reference Librarian at le*****@******et.org, call 781-231-4168, or stop by to fill out a Volunteer Application.”

 

2026 Local Cultural Council grant cycle now open

The Saugus Cultural Council has received an allocation of $15,500 from the state to fund enriching and diverse cultural activities, events and school field trips for Saugus and neighboring communities, according to Tori Darnell, co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council. Grant applications are welcomed between September 2 and October 16. For more information, please email sa*******************@***il.com.

 

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.

 

Saugus Youth Cross Country 2025

Grades 1-5 and 6-8 not running for a school team can run on 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 Championship 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 – 9:30 a.m. start; Lynn Gannon Golf Course, 60 Great Woods Rd.; lunch at Prince Pizzeria 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.

 

Saugus High Class of 1965 reunion

The Saugus High Class of 1965 will be celebrating its 60th Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 South in Saugus. Cost is $50 per person. The final date for reservations is Nov. 1! You can contact Ellen Santosuosso at 781-666-3470 or es**********@***il.com for more details.

Come join your friends and classmates for our 60th Reunion. There’s a bonus for those alumni who attend the reunion: The new Saugus Middle-High School will be open on that Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. It will be a great opportunity to see the new campus.

 

Saugus High Class of 1980 Reunion is Nov. 29

The 1980 Saugus High School Class will observe its 45th Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Saugus Elks Hall. Hello everyone.

Although our 1980 SHS Class is not merging with any other classes, we wanted to extend the invitation to our friends and family members that would like to join us. I (Pete Nicolo) have several friends that did not graduate in our year (1980) that will be attending.

Most of us have kept in touch with some of our classmates / friends throughout the years. But what about the classmates / friends that you would love to see and have not seen in decades? I’ve recently reconnected with a couple of Classmates that I really hung out with and had a lot of laughs with in High School – hadn’t seen them in over 40 years. It has been quite a wonderful experience for me to reconnect with them.

This is an opportunity to reconnect or simply have some laughs with old friends. Come see your SHS friends and be a part of making this a memorable event. We expect a good turnout – you’ll have a Blast!

Some of the people we have sent / extended the invitation to are:

• Invites were extended to our entire 1980 Saugus High Class (over 90% of 1980 Classmates contacted – including Classmates living overseas).
• Saugus Jr. High Classmates that left and graduated from other High Schools
• Saugus High family members (1 Classmate has 2 sisters that graduated a couple of yrs. earlier and later)
• Saugus High School teachers and coaches attending (Babcock, Volpe, Melvin, Ward and others) – please feel free to reach out / invite your favorite teachers that you may keep in touch with and want to see there
• People move, addresses change, friends from other classes may want to attend – please help us extend our invitation to them.
• If you are one of our classmates that hasn’t attended in a long while, you are the people we look forward to seeing. Long Lost Friends!

There already appears to be much interest in this event, so if you plan on going, please RSVP by November 8 or earlier. This will help us plan better for this gathering.

Make checks ($45 per person) payable to: Pete Nicolo, 15 Tilden Lane, York, Maine 03909 or Venmo: Pete Nicolo@Pete-Nicolo

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to: Andrea Saunders (1980 Class President) or Pete Nicolo (Class of 1980) at:

Andrea Saunders: Pa********@*ol.com or 978-482-5787.

Peter Nicolo: Pe************@*TX.com or 978-815-8234 (new email address).

 

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.