The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

We’re headed into the third week of the Annual Town Meeting, which always makes for a busy spring in Saugus, at least from what I have observed over the last 10 years. But when you add upcoming events like Memorial Day weekend to go along with the Saugus High School, other area high schools and college graduations, we’re talking super busy. And there are plenty more activities to fill the spring calendars of the civic or community-minded folks of Saugus. Stay tuned!

 

Round Hill bench dedication tomorrow

The Saugus Historical Commission will participate in the dedication of a memorial bench at the Round Hill Historic Site on Round Hill Street at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, May 16), adjacent to the Saugus Public Safety Building. The bench has been donated to the town by the family of the late Barbara Ann (Southard) MacKenzie (1942-2024), a cofounder of the Saugus Wanapanaquin Baton Twirling Corps and a 1994 recipient of the Saugus Person of the Year Award. The program will feature a twirling demonstration by some of the Wanapanaquin alumnae and a procession to the Pearson Street home of Joann Webster, Barbara’s daughter and current president of the Wanapanaquins, where artifacts from the group will be on display and light refreshments will be served.

 

Garden Club Fundraiser Wednesday

Anyone who loves flowers and wants to see how they can beautify the second floor auditorium at Town Hall, mark your calendar for next Wednesday night (May 20). The Saugus Garden Club will hold its annual fundraiser. The doors will open at 6, with the program set to begin at 6:30. Besides a wide range of flowers, the night will include an auction, raffle baskets, door prizes and refreshments. Tickets cost $5.

The night’s guest speaker will be Carol Cohen, who will take the audience on “A Walk Through the Garden with Eleanor Roosevelt,” one of the most famous first ladies. Carol Cohen is a published historian, playwright and owner of an educational consulting company. Her program will feature a look into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt planted an iconic “Victory Garden” on the White House Lawn and encouraged other Americans to do the same. From first-person narrative learn about Eleanor Roosevelt’s humanitarian efforts, as well her recognition of those who took a major role in the feeding America during World War II. The program also includes an informative PowerPoint presentation outlining the place of Victory Gardens in American history and their relevance in today’s world.

Carol is the author of “Begin with a Box: A Hands On Resource for Teaching and Learning” with Empress Publishers and is presently working on a book called “Lessons with Eleanor Roosevelt.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, May 15) 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 at 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. The Friday breakfasts will last until May 29.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

Former Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione offered a pair of “Shout Outs” this week:

“1. To my former TM colleague Chris Riley for clearing the Cliftondale bus stop of graffiti and repainting it. Thank you for giving back to the neighborhood with no expectation of recognition.

“2. To the new Town Meeting members who experienced their first Town Meeting and were highly engaged from the get go.”

 

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.

 

Remember The Fallen on Memorial Day

  Members of the Saugus Veterans Council are hard at work planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade, which is set for Saturday, May 23. Council members are committed to making this year’s parade and ceremony one of the best-attended in years. That’s a noble goal and an appropriate way to honor all of the Saugus residents who have sacrificed their lives while serving their country in the armed forces over the years. Honor the town’s fallen. Show your support. If you want to volunteer to help or participate in the parade, contact Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti at 781-389-3678.

 

Help an Eagle Scout project

  Like in most communities, Saugus people love animals and support projects to help needy cats and dogs. Saugus also loves its Eagle Scouts, and town residents usually embrace the young men who earn Boy Scouting’s highest honor.

Here’s a chance for town residents to help some needy animals and also help an aspiring Eagle Scout complete his journey. Sean Lynch, a longtime member of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62, is organizing a donation drive to help the cats and dogs at the MSPCA Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. He already has 25 merit badges, and only needs to complete his public service project.

The 17-year-old senior at Saugus Middle High School is appealing to the public for these supplies: wet and dry cat and dog food, dog/cat treats, cat litter and scoops, dog/cat toys, leashes, paper towels, spray cheese, bully sticks or pigs’ ears, canned chicken, wash cloths and small rags, towels and sheets, dog waste bags, cat scratching posts, disinfectant wipes, Dixie cups, peanut butter, unsalted chicken or beef broth and extendable back scratchers. Drop boxes will be available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building on Hamilton Street, at the Saugus Middle High School and in the Saugus Public Library.

Sean will also be completing a neighborhood drive this weekend (May 16) in the area bordered by Winter Street and Lincoln Avenue. For more details, Sean can be reached at se***********@***il.com or 781-558-8524.

 

Saugus Democrats meet June 10

The next meeting of the Saugus Democratic Town Committee is Wednesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. at SaugusTV offices at 30 Main St. Parking is in front of the building or across the street. Entrance is via the side door.

 

Elks to hold Narcan program June 15

  The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is holding a Narcan presentation at the Saugus-Senior Center on Monday, June 15, at 10 a.m., at 466 Central St. in Saugus. This is an hour-long free event. Drug overdose is the leading cause of death in the United States. Witness the benefits of Narcan and its many uses. Samples will be shown to all present. Don’t miss out on this event. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Upcoming events at the Saugus Public Library

Here are a few interesting programs worth checking out at the Saugus Public Library:

• Come and have your tarot cards read by a professional! Please join us at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, in the Brooks Room. Suitable for fifth grade and up; no registration required.
• See Jonah Knight perform a magic show and facilitate a Dungeons and Dragons game! Please join us on Monday, June 22, at 4 p.m. in the Brooks Room. Suitable for fifth grade and up; registration required.

 

SAVE Annual Meeting June 16

Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment will hold its 53rd Annual Meeting & Dinner on June 16 at 7 p.m. at Magia’s Restaurant & Bar (126 Newbury St., Danvers). A social time will be held at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature a brief business meeting, stewardship award, guest speaker, raffles and an update on SAVE activities. The guest speaker will be Kirstie Pecci, Executive Director of Just Zero, a national zero waste, nonprofit organization, who will be presenting on the topic “Massachusetts: Time to Change our Solid Waste System.”

The Dinner Buffet will include fresh garden salad, penne with pomodoro, baked haddock, chicken parmigiana, vegetable, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. Free parking is available on-site, and the facility is ADA accessible.

Tickets are $38 per person payable by check or Venmo (@SAVE-org) as soon as possible, but no later than June 1. Mail checks payable to “SAVE, Saugus” to SAVE Treasurer, Mary Kinsell, 11 Sunnyside Avenue, Saugus, MA 01906. Complete your forms online (https://forms.gle/KEYAU8CUnAWhoxQEA).

SAVE was founded in 1973 to promote a better quality of life in Saugus through environmental concern and action.

 

Coach T.’s spring track program

Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information:

Who: Grades K-6^th.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19-June 11.

This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger scale summer camp.

Cost: $150 first year, $75 if returning.

For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or ch********************@***il.com

 

Countdown till Saugus celebrates America’s 250th

Here’s a report from Corinne Riley, chair of the Saugus 250th Celebration Committee:

“America’s 250th Celebration is just seven weeks away! Saugus had our own heroes during the Revolutionary War. There will be speeches by Parson Roby, General George Washington and reenactment of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. There will be entertainment, children’s games played back in the 1700’s, and an old fashioned community get-together and BBQ! It will be at the Saugus Iron Works, Saturday July 4th. Noon to 4 pm. We are looking forward to the 10 precincts entering a patriotic decorated vehicle! Volunteers are always welcome. Join us for a fun-filled historical event celebrating our Founding Fathers who created our country’s democratic form of government. If you want more information or have questions, email cc*****@*****st.net.

 

Saugus Youth Football & Cheer Golf Tournament July 13

Saugus Youth Football & Cheer (SYFC) will host its 3rd Annual Sachem Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, July 13, at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead, continuing a growing tradition that brings together local businesses, families and community supporters for a day of golf and giving back. The Sachem Classic has quickly become one of SYFC’s premier fundraising events, helping to support equipment purchases, uniforms and program enhancements for young athletes across Saugus. Proceeds from the event also fund SYFC’s annual high school scholarships and provide financial assistance to ensure that all athletes — regardless of financial circumstances — have the opportunity to participate in the program.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses and community partners interested in supporting the program while gaining valuable exposure. Several sponsorship levels are offered, including Sachem, Platinum, Gold, Dinner and Tee Box sponsors. Benefits include recognition on marketing materials and social media, signage throughout the tournament and visibility during the event.

For those interested in participating on the course, golfer registration opened on May 1. Spots are expected to fill quickly based on strong interest in previous years.

“This tournament is a cornerstone event for our organization,” said David Silipigni, SYFC Board Member. “The support we receive from local businesses and families directly impacts our ability to provide a positive, structured environment for our athletes. It also allows us to give back through scholarships and ensure that every child who wants to play has that opportunity.”

All sponsorships are tax-deductible, with proceeds directly benefiting SYFC’s mission of promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among Saugus youth. Those interested in sponsoring or learning more about the event may contact Sa***********@*******fc.com.