The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

There was certainly a lot to cheer about on Tuesday night in the second floor auditorium of Town Hall. At least for the first half hour. The first order of business for the Board of Selectmen at its first meeting of the year was to finish signing 43 citations that were later awarded to the invited guests – members of Saugus’ U10 Level 2 Cheerleaders – the Rockstars, who were 2025 New England Champions and won third place in the American Youth Cheer Championship in Florida; the U12 Elite, who finished second in the Nationals, and the U14 Elite, who finished third in the Nationals. Each of the girls – ranging in age from eight to 14 years old – received a rousing ovation from the crowd of family, friends and supporters as they went up individually to receive a citation congratulating their accomplishments and handshakes from the five selectmen.

Here are the three cheerleading squads that were honored:

The U10 Saugus Sachems Rock Stars (in the eight to 10 age bracket): Temi Animashaun, Ariyah Antoine, Charlotte Applegate, Stella Bacci, Isabella Bluestein, Anaya Boyd, Karen Boyd, Olivia Bridges, Brynn Clifford, Avellina Dellheim, Ava Doherty, Dakota Dost, Maya Elivert, Caroline Gianatassio, Madison Giglio, Faith Harrington, Kiara Hernandez, Savannah Kelley, Avaleigh Kohr, Evelyn Lauziere, Grace Lester, Amelia Lewis, Francesca Lincoln, Alessandra MacTaggart, Mila McDonough, Elena Melon, Hadley Nichols, Evelyn Powers, Melanie Rodriguez, Melissa Santos, Kylie Serino, Josephine Vitiello, Grace Whitehurst and Olivia Zawadzki.

Head Coaches: Jenn Kohr and Jill Lauziere. Assistant Coaches: Stephanie Bluestein, Daphne Lewis, Jamie Palladino, Missy Pantano and Courtney Whitehurst.

The U12 Elite (in the 10 to 12 age bracket): Elizabeth Silipigni, Eva Colaianni, Avaleigh Kohr and Evelyn Lauziere.

The U14 Elite (in the 12 to 14 age bracket): Holly Berridge, Aryanna Dipietro, Stella Bulla, Sadi Bulla and Sophia Alexandre.

“I speak for myself and my fellow coaches when I say that these 34 incredible girls deserve to be celebrated with intention, so thank you for inviting us here tonight,” Coach Jenn Kohr told the audience about the Rock Stars.

She marveled at how the team members carried themselves all season long. “They have learned lifelong lessons that I know they will take with them throughout their journeys,” she said.

“Beyond the mat, they were kind competitors — cheering on other teams, playing games, and having fun with them while waiting to perform. Watching how they interacted with others reminded me just how big their hearts truly are,” she said.

Kohl expressed gratitude for the community at-large for backing the Rock Stars. “We have many people to thank for their unwavering support,” she said.

“To our parents — ‘thank you’ will never be enough. Thank you for the countless drives to practice, the long competition days, the behind-the-scenes help, and the constant encouragement. Your support allowed this team to thrive and helped create memories these girls will carry forever. This season truly would not have been possible without you,” she said.

“To my fellow coaches — together, we have set the example of what true teamwork looks like. I genuinely cannot imagine coaching alongside anyone more dedicated, supportive, and committed than each of you.”

Kohl thanked “our incredible community, expressing gratitude “to everyone who supported our team through donations and fundraising efforts — from team sponsorships and collection cans at JPace’s and Kowloon, to dinners at Scopa, and football squares purchased from our athletes. Your generosity made this journey possible, and we are deeply grateful.”

“I’d also like to thank our League President, Greg Bluestein, our Cheer Directors, Charlene Berridge and Allison DiPietro, as well as the Saugus Youth Football & Cheer Board members for all of their support throughout the season. Special thanks to Kristen Shipulski and all of the SYFC coaches who stepped up to help us out as we prepared for Nationals,” she said.

“Finally, to my family and daughter Avaleigh, thank you because none of this would be possible without you.

“This season may be over, but the impact, memories, and friendships will last far beyond it. Thank you to the Town of Saugus for believing in our athletes and supporting youth sports. It meant so much to these girls to represent their town on a national stage, and they carried the name of Saugus with pride every step of the way. I am so incredibly proud. They truly are the Saugus Sachems ROCKSTARS.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Jan. 16) 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 on Fridays

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 2026 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.

 

One-day holiday trash delay

The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Jan. 19, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Residents are kindly asked to leave 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.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received two nominations from Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo this week:

“The first ‘Shout Out’ goes to Joanie Allbee for the beautiful painting she painted for Bill and Pollie Stewart, titled ‘Hope Alight,’ that was featured in last week’s Advocate. The painting is stunning. Joanie is truly an artist.

“The second ‘Shout Out’ is for the DPW Department thanking them for the outstanding job they did with the Christmas lights again this year. They outdo themselves every year!”

 

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.

 

C.H.a.R.M. Center winter dates

The Town of Saugus Solid Waste/Recycling Department announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) will be open on the following winter dates, weather permitting:

Saturday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 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 will have access to the compost facilities as well as to the recycling facilities during the three winter dates. 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.

By purchasing a $25 sticker, residents will be permitted to dispose of yard waste and brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. The $25 stickers purchased in 2025 are still valid for yard waste/brush disposal on the three winter C.H.a.R.M. Center dates.

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.

Saugus residents are also allowed to dispose of three TVs or computer/CRT monitors for free, per household, each year at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. Free stickers from 2025 will no longer be valid for the disposal of televisions and computer/CRT monitors. Residents will need to get new stickers for 2026 free of charge when visiting the C.H.a.R.M. Center.

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

 

Winter events at Breakheart

  Winter is by no means a slow period at Breakheart Reservation. Breakheart offers many great activities for area residents. There are guided walks several days a week all winter, and the very popular Fireside Chats in February have moved to Saturdays, as several people have requested. The Visitors’ Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can relax in the Visitors’ Center even on most rainy or snowy days.

As nature begins to show signs of spring, the Maple Sugarin’ Days celebration will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be various maple-related activities inside and outside near the Visitors’ Center.

The current winter schedule of programs is online at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/breakheart-winter-programs/download

Here is a summary of some upcoming events:

• Wild Breakheart Winter Tree ID series: Wednesdays in January, 9-10 a.m.
• Wild Breakheart Animal Tracking series: Wednesdays in February, 9-10 a.m.
• Step into the Past: Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 29, Feb. 12; hikes of about 2.5 miles, moderately difficult terrain. Themes include “stories in stone” and “glacial giants.”
• The Beavers are Back! Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 22, Feb. 5; meet outside the Visitors’ Center to learn about beavers and their history while enjoying a walk in Breakheart.
• Kidleidoscope: Fridays 10:30-11:30 a.m., January-February; storytime and easy walks for children and their adult caregiver.
• Nice and Easy Hike: Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in January; moderate hikes for ages eight and up; can include some uneven and rocky terrain, two to three miles, moderately paced.
• Fireside Chats: Saturdays, 9-10 a.m., Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; programs inside Visitors’ Center presented by various “Behind the Scenes” experts. Speakers to be determined, no walking required.

Heavy rain or snow or icy surface conditions may cancel outdoor events. Please wear appropriate footwear for walks/hikes.

Breakheart Reservation, Department of Conservation & Recreation, 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA 01906, 781-233-0834.

 

SRWC Annual Meeting Jan. 26

The Saugus River Watershed Council will hold its annual meeting Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The Wharf (543 North Shore Rd. in Revere). This is being billed as a fun night with stewardship awards, silent auctions and raffles. Steve Fantone will present the keynote presentation and wildlife slide show. Those who attend the annual meeting can also learn about the new Rumney Marsh Conservancy. Tickets cost $35. For details, go to www.saugusriver.org.

 

Sideshow Tony returns to library on Feb. 7

On Saturday, February 7, at 11 a.m., the Saugus Public Library welcomes back magician and music man Tony Gangi. Step back in time for a one-of-a-kind performance that blends music, history and magic. Tony Gangi of Great American Street Organ brings a beautifully restored, hand-cranked organ to life, filling the air with lively melodies while sharing fascinating stories about the history of these remarkable instruments. As the tunes play, Tony weaves in moments of wonder with clever feats of magic, surprising audiences of all ages. Part concert, part storytelling and part magical spectacle, this immersive experience celebrates the charm of old-world music and the joy of live performance in a truly unforgettable way.

 

The fashions of Downton Abbey on Feb. 7

Saugus residents who love Downton Abbey will have a special treat at the Saugus Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Community Room. Join us for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912 through the 1920’s.

Presenting the Program is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Register online starting January 24 – sauguspubliclibrary.org

 

Teen Creative Writing Group meets Feb. 9

Teenagers who want to get creative are welcome to join the Teen Creative Writing Program being offered at the Saugus Public Library at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, in the Brooks Room on the second floor. You can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration required. This program is suitable for fifth graders and up. For details, please contact Rachel Huntington, the Reference and Young Adult Librarian, at 781-231-4168 or rh*********@******et.org

 

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 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.