The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

Good morning, Saugus

Only 13 days until Christmas – and just 11 days before this year’s final edition of The Saugus Advocate, which will be delivered to Saugus pickup spots sometime during the afternoon of Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). The newspaper will resume publishing on its normal Friday schedule on Jan. 2, when we will publish our “Year-In-Review” edition, featuring the top 10 stories of the year, while recapping major events that took place in Saugus each month.

We’ll ask town officials to rank what they think were the top stories of 2025 and compare that to our own analysis of what stories and issues made the front page the most times during the year. What are the goals of the Board of Selectmen or the School Committee as they prepare for the New Year? Stay tuned.

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. 12) 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.

Legion Breakfast today

There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2025-26 season. 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.

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We had several nominations this week:

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered two “shout outs. She directed a collective “Shout Out” to “Selectman Anthony Cogliano, Town Meeting Member Bob Camuso from Precinct  4, Selectman Jeff Cicolini, Junkster owner Leo Getz, Jim Harrington, and Town Meeting Member Ron Wallace from Precinct 5, among others cleaning up various areas in town. Most recently the littered area behind Blessed Sacrament Church. Corrine Riley stopped by with hot coffee and donuts. Other areas they have cleaned up [are] Eustis Street and Walnut Street. Thank you to all of you for giving up your time on a weekend morning to clean up all these areas. You are the best!”

Bartolo offered another “Shout Out” to some businesspeople in her neighborhood: “Now that we all have reached the last of the raking of the leaves this ‘Shout Out’ is to thank my neighbors Don and Tina Tran, who own Diamond Nail Salon on Jackson Street, for taking over 40 bags of my leaves. I raked over a hundred bags this year. Tina and Don make my life so much easier and I am so grateful. Tina uses the leaves for her compost and grows the most delicious fruits and vegetables and the best part is they share what they grow with me!!!”

In a press release recapping last Friday’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities, Town Manager Scott Crabtree heaped high praise on the countless town employees and citizens whom he credited with contributing to the continued success of one Saugus’ signature community events: “The Tree Lighting is one of the most special days of the year in Saugus. It’s a great tradition that really brings our community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. I truly appreciate all of the hard work from everyone who pitches in to make sure residents can enjoy this fantastic experience.”

The press release issued this week by the Town Manager’s Office goes on to say: “The Tree Lighting is such a resounding annual success because of the support of dedicated town departments, employees, volunteers, and local businesses, such as:

• Saugus Police Department (Candy goodie bags)
• Town of Saugus employees who put up the holiday lights and light up displays on the Town Hall grounds and Saugus Center
• Stop & Shop – (Chocolate chip cookies)
• Hammersmith Family Restaurant (Hot cocoa and cups)
• TrueVine Church (Hot apple cider)
• Saugus High School Band and Saugus High School Chorus (Entertained the crowd with songs such as ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’
• National Grid for giving a substantial donation to support the Tree Lighting Ceremony.”

Gas main work underway at Riverside Court

The Saugus Department of Public Works announced that National Grid began gas main work on Riverside Court this week. National Grid will replace approximately 600 linear feet of gas main on Riverside Court. Work will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, and the project is expected to take about two months to complete. Police details and detours will be established if necessary.

Please call Town Engineer Kevin Hallion at 781-231-4032 with any questions related to this project.

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.

Creative Craft Group at library Dec. 18

The Saugus Public Library will host a Creative Craft Group next Thursday (Dec. 18) from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. Bring your own project to work on while relaxing and knitting, painting, beading, doing needlework or any other craft. Available spots are limited, so visit the library’s online Events calendar to register.

Free health insurance enrollment help at the mall

Enrollment for 2025 health insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector is open now. On Dec. 14, certified Navigators will be onsite at Square One Mall to help residents sign up for Health Connector plans. Navigators offer free, expert, in-person help comparing plans, understanding subsidies and choosing licensed coverage that meets Massachusetts’ Minimum Creditable Coverage requirements – protecting residents from unexpected medical bills and potential tax penalties.

Residents who want coverage starting January 1 should complete enrollment by December 23.

This year, getting covered is especially important. Starting in January 2026, more than 337,000 Massachusetts residents could face higher premium costs due to the loss of $425 million in federal tax credits. With rising healthcare costs and growing uncertainty, the Health Connector continues to provide a trusted, affordable pathway to quality coverage for individuals and families across the Commonwealth.

Residents can stop by the Navigator table at Square One Mall, visit MAhealthconnector.org or call 1-877-623-6765 to explore their options. Assistance is provided in multiple languages. Many qualify for subsidies that keep coverage within reach. Protect your health. Protect your finances. Get covered.

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

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.