The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Just a week ago, many of our readers were finishing up their Thanksgiving celebration while looking ahead to the holiday season. Christmas lights, inflatable decorations and wreaths have been sprouting up at homes across town ever since as Saugus embraces the spirit of good will and acts of kindness.

Tonight, an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people will gather on the front lawn of Town Hall and the Saugus Center rotary as the town hosts one of its biggest community-wide events of the year – the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities, which will last from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. outside Saugus Town Hall. If there’s truly a wholesome family event to lift the holiday spirits, tonight is the one – hot chocolate and cider to sip, cookies to munch on, adorable little animals to hold and pet, fun rides in the cold and a visit from Santa Claus; plenty of precious moments to capture on camera for the family photo album and lots of happy memories to be made.

And that’s what it’s all about. Even an outsider like myself, who lives next door to New Hampshire, will still get to enjoy a special night, while working, of course.

If you are headed down to Saugus Center tonight, bundle up, wear warm socks and don’t forget your gloves.

 

Other holiday events this weekend

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities is just the kickoff of a busy weekend during a busy season.

  St. John’s Episcopal Church, at 265 Central St. (at the corner of Central and Prospect Streets), is hosting a Christmas Craft Fair tomorrow (Saturday, December 6), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8 Prospect St. in Saugus. We will have a number of assorted craft, baked goods and vendor tables, as well as an indoor yard sale, snack bar, etc. There will be a visit with Santa from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

  St. Margaret’s Church, at 431 Lincoln Ave. in Cliftondale, is holding a Christmas Stroll from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 6) and on Sunday from 8 am until noon.

  The Friends of Breakheart will be collaborating with the state Department of Conservation & Recreation on Sunday with a “Meet Santa” event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Santa will be handing out candy canes, goodie bags, hot chocolate and cookies plus crafts for the kids.

If you have an upcoming holiday event that you would like plugged in The Saugus Advocate, please email it to me by 6 p.m. Tuesday to get in the next Friday edition of The Saugus Advocate.

 

Menorah Lighting Ceremony Dec. 15

The Town Manager’s Office issued the following press release this week: “Congregation Ahavas Sholom is inviting the community to attend a Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate Hanukkah on Monday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. in front of Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central St.

“During the ceremony, members of Congregation Ahavas Sholom will light the Menorah, which in Judaism symbolizes the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and represents a celebration of light over darkness.

“All are welcome to join in this celebration.

“The Menorah is a central symbol in the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in the second century BCE when the Jewish people successfully rebelled against the Seleucid Empire.

“The Menorah Lighting Ceremony is open to all, as it seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultural traditions within our Community.”

Hot chocolate and doughnuts will be provided.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Dec. 5) 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.

 

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Mary E. Gillespie, whose name was picked as the winner in the drawing for “GRATEFUL ABUNDANCE,” the16 by 20 inch acrylic painting by Joanie Allbee, which appeared in our Thanksgiving edition. A special “Thank you” to Joanie Allbee for her hard work, effort and dedication to producing a wonderful piece of art that is fitting for the season.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We had several nominations this week:

From Debora de Paula Hoyle, Administrative Assistant at Cliftondale Congregational Church and the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, who want to extend a collective “Thank you” to all who helped out to make the Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive a success: “We had many volunteers the day before and over the last several weeks, but here is a list of the businesses and organizations who supported–in addition to the many who supported anonymously.

“Food Drives: Title Boxing Saugus, Convenient MD, Belmonte Steam Academy, Alta Performance, Girl Scouts Troop 67718, Girl Scouts Troop 83409, VFW Auxiliary, Lions Club, Saugus Library (hosts a year-round drop-off location).

“In-Kind Donations: Eastern Bank (bags), Market Basket Lynn, Price Rite Lynn, Trader Joe’s Saugus, Whole Foods Lynnfield, Stop & Shop Saugus (year-round provides us with baked goods).”

From Town Clerk Ellen Schena, recognizing all of the folks who gathered at Saugus Town Hall on a recent Saturday morning to make sure a vote recount went smoothly: “I had 3 wardens: Kellie Nickole, George Falardeau and Tim McAnany. Town employees who have done this for me in the past: Michelle Napoli, Stephanie Puracchio, Tracy Grove & Meredith Casagrande. And of course my Assistant Stephanie Hardy. Also present and working were Town Counsel John Vasapolli; Board of Registrars; Marcia Pollock, Erica Machut and Anthony Specizale.”

 

A Selectmen’s “Shout Out” for Matthew McGovern

At their Nov. 25 meeting, the Saugus Board of Selectmen had planned to present a citation to Matthew McGovern “in recognition of his exemplary civic responsibility on September 25, 2025, for his prompt actions and vital assistance to law enforcement, in removing a dangerous driver from our community and protecting public safety.”

Mr. McGovern was unable to attend the meeting as a special guest. But after the meeting, Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta shared a letter she received from the town’s Solid Waste/Recycling Director, Scott A. Brazis, who nominated the Saugus citizen for special recognition:

  “Dear Madame Chair,

  I would like to make you aware of an incident that happened in Saugus on 9/25/25 involving an individual who crashed into four cars, causing extensive damage to all the vehicles involved.

  These accidents happened on Walnut St. and Fairmount Ave. in Saugus, leaving motor vehicle damage along the way. While the suspect’s vehicle was traveling up Fairmount Ave on the wrong side of the road, the car almost hit another car head on, causing extensive damage to the right-hand side of the car. The driver causing the accident fled the scene.

  This accident was witnessed by Matthew McGovern (a long time Saugus resident). Upon witnessing the accident Mr. McGovern called 911 and followed the car giving periodic updates on where the car was headed. The driver was driving negligently all over the road. The driver eventually drove into Lynn, MA. Eventually LPD and an off-duty SPD officer were able to stop the vehicle. LPD subsequently arrested the driver for OUI and numerous other violations.

  The driver put many people’s lives at risk due to his erratic driving. Mr. McGovern’s willingness to get involved helped SPD and LPD apprehend, arrest, and remove a drunk driver from the road.

  Madame Chair, if you find this worthy of a citation, I know Mr. McGovern would look forward to attending a future selectperson’s meeting.

  Respectfully Submitted,

  Scott A. Brazis

  Town of Saugus

  Solid Waste/Recycling Director

 

Gregsgiving held at the Elks on November 23

Debbie Kelly submitted the following article:

Gregsgiving was held on November 23, at the Elks Lodge as a community fundraiser dedicated to supporting individuals and families in crisis. The annual event once again brought together generous residents, volunteers, and local leaders to lend a helping hand during the holiday season.

This year’s Gregsgiving featured a successful collection of coats, sweatshirts, and other warm clothing. In addition, attendees could purchase specially assembled donation bags filled with toiletries and essential items. The Saugus Middle School National Honor Society played a significant role by carefully filling each of the bags, demonstrating their commitment to community service. Kowloons donated food for the event which all were very grateful [for]. Many donations for raffles were donated and appreciated as well.

The event is run each year by Joe King, who does this in memory of his beloved son Greg, and whose leadership—supported by a team of dedicated volunteers—continues to make Gregsgiving a meaningful tradition in the Saugus community.

Attendance was strong, with many residents turning out to show their support. Town Selectmen Anthony Cogliano and Frank Federico were among those present, along with numerous other community members who came together to contribute to the cause.

Gregsgiving once again proved to be a heartfelt celebration of generosity, compassion, and community spirit. A big thank you to all that participated to help with this so important cause.

 

Community Art Project

The Saugus Cultural Council is organizing a community art project that everyone can participate in! The submission deadline is today (Friday, Dec. 5.) Paper squares with diagonal or zigzag lines representing parts of a bridge can be picked up at the Saugus Public Library or the Saugus Senior Center. Use the square to show your cultural or personal identity using any art medium: drawing, painting, writing, collage or other. Submit your square before closing time on Friday, Dec. 5, by dropping it off at the library or the Senior Center in the receptacle provided at each site. Your square will become part of a large-scale community artwork celebrating the diverse cultures and generations of our town of Saugus! This is open to Saugus residents of all ages. The assembled final product will be displayed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Saugus Community Festival: Culture & 411. If you have questions, email the Saugus Cultural Council at sa*******************@***il.com

 

Senior Center Basket raffle underway

The Saugus Senior Center has launched the holidays with a Basket Raffle Fundraiser, featuring more than 40 baskets and 25 gift cards. The fundraiser will be open at the center, 466 Central St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fifteen tickets cost $10 and a chance to win a door prize. The drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. at the center. All proceeds benefit the Saugus Senior Center.

 

Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection Presentation Dec. 8

  The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and Eagle Bank are sponsoring a Free Presentation for Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection. This event will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, from 10-11 a.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). Eagle Bank will be providing an attorney to discuss many issues: estate taxes, Medicaid, probate, property assignments, advantages and disadvantages of wills and living trusts and much more. To attend this free event, please call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178. Light refreshments will be served and walk-in’s are welcome.

 

Library hosts Teen Creative Writing Group Dec. 8

Please join us on December 8 in the Brooks Room of the Saugus Public Library at 4 p.m. for a teen creative writing program! You can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration is required; suitable for fifth grade and up. For details, contact Rachel at 781-231-4168 (Reference) or rh*********@***el.org.

 

Wreaths Across America Dec. 13

On December 13 at noon, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American

Revolution (MA0136P) is sponsoring a Wreaths Across America event helping both Riverside and Old Burying Ground Cemeteries to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes. There will be a brief ceremony at noon to honor all branches of the military followed by laying wreaths on our fallen heroes. Invite your friends and family to join us in honoring our servicemen and women.

In 2021, our first year sponsoring this event, we had over 360 wreaths sponsored. The community really stepped up and we are grateful for all the support we received.

The Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission is to preserve American history and secure America’s future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to participate or “What We Do,” email the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at pa******************@***il.com – www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MA0136P – this ensures your wreath(s) are placed at Riverside Cemetery.

 

Opening on the Finance Committee

  The Town Moderator is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Town’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Town’s annual budget and any financial articles on the Town Warrant and advising Town Meeting on their feasibility. Interested parties should send a letter of interest citing their qualifications to the Town Moderator at pr************@***il.com

 

Fall curbside leaf collection dates

Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced last week that fall curbside leaf collection will take place from Monday, Dec. 8, to Friday, Dec. 12. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection day, between Monday and Friday on these dates listed. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Yard waste stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., or at the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day.

Missed pickups will not be conducted. Please contact Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

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.