The Sounds of Saugus

Happy Fourth of July, Saugus!

  Best wishes to all Saugus citizens – from its kids to senior citizens – for a happy and safe July 4 weekend.

  Be careful, not only while you’re on the roads driving to reach a holiday destination, but at all of the summertime fun events that present dangers for people who don’t practice safe conduct. Whether it’s at a family swimming pool, a lake or at the beach, the weekend news usually includes a drowning tragedy around July 4. Sometimes it’s a kid and sometimes it’s an adult. I’ve had to cover both sad scenarios over the years.

  Then, there are the sad stories linked to fireworks, which happen to be illegal in Massachusetts. It’s against state law to use, own or sell fireworks. And it’s also illegal to buy them elsewhere and bring them into the state. But the worst thing that can happen is for somebody mishandling fireworks to receive serious injuries – or worse. Yes, they can be deadly ammunition. The fireworks ban includes sparklers, which can melt glass when they heat up. Misuse or reckless handling of fireworks can also lead to fires.

  As a reporter who worked July 4 weekend a number of times in the course of my career, I handled my fair share of July 4 tragedies. I also covered fires set by kids playing with matches or fireworks. And, unfortunately, I had a few stories to write about murder or other violent crimes fueled by heavy drinking. The job also included reporting on the highway death toll.

  So, whatever your plans are for the weekend, be careful out there.

Beware of the computer scams

  It is getting to the point where I don’t trust most of the emails I receive unless I recognize them – and even those ones aren’t safe sometimes. I don’t know how many times I have been bombarded over the past two years by emails threatening me that my Comcast email service will be shut down immediately if I don’t agree to have my service “updated.” And many of these emails try to mimic Comcast and are crafted so well that they can convince the average computer user to fall for the scam known as “Phishing.” And once you make the mistake of pressing that highlighted bar in the email, you open your computer system up to being hacked and having your identification and financial information compromised.

  Recently, I had an unscrupulous company representing themselves as a computer security system that I don’t even subscribe to warn that my computer system would be shut down if I didn’t renew my subscription. I started getting pop-up ads warning that I would be shut down and my computer system harmed if I didn’t click the bar. Finally, a woman’s voice began screaming at me repeatedly through my computer monitor, telling me that I had been locked down and advising that I shouldn’t try to shut my computer down. This woman’s voice kept repeating to the point that I did shut my computer system down instead of touching the highlighted bar to “renew” my computer security subscription. The lady’s voice went on to cite five or six alarming events which had happened to my computer because I didn’t have a security system in place.

  But none of it was true. It was all part of an elaborate Phishing scam.

  Several times a week, I receive emails from a fake attorney who represents an alleged relative that I never heard of about a massive fortune that I have just inherited. But none of these emails ever address me by name. Those are obviously bogus.

  And then there are the emails with an attached bill, saying “thank you” for buying a product that will be shipped to some place in the Midwest or on the West Coast. If this was sent in error, I am instructed to hit the bar or call an 800 number to report the mistake. I just hit the “delete” button.

  I get more concerned when I receive these authentic-looking emails representing themselves as banks, financial institutions or utility companies. I hit the “delete” button again. Several years ago, I transferred these emails to a Comcast Fraud address. But I never saw the value in doing that because the emails kept coming. Comcast didn’t do anything to reassure me that they were protecting me.

  A word of advice: If you receive an email that looks official, don’t fall for it. Your bank, your utility company or internet provider isn’t going to email or call you with instructions about something you need to do. Don’t fall for the Phishing.

  And if you receive a familiar email from somebody you believe is a friend or acquaintance asking you to do them “a favor” – like buy some gift cards and provide the numbers – don’t fall for that one. A friend or acquaintance probably isn’t going to ask you to do a favor for you via email. They would do it in person or call you. Your friend or acquaintance likely got hacked and they may not even know about it.

Saugus Portuguese Feast returns tomorrow

  After the COVID-19 pandemic led to its cancellation for the past two years, Imperio Mariense is back in Saugus for the July 4 weekend. The annual feast, which is held in Saugus to celebrate the coronation of the Holy Ghost emperor and empress, gets underway tomorrow (Saturday, July 2) at 5 p.m. at 262 Lynn Fells Pkwy. and continues through Sunday at 11 a.m.

  “Imperio Mariense of Saugus is more than just our annual event,” says the Imperio Mariense De Saugus Facebook page.

  It continues, “It is our heritage, our roots, our journey from the Azores to the United States, it is our story. Established in 1927, when a dozen immigrants from the island of Santa Maria, Azores decided to bring their own feast and tradition to their new home and share its celebration with the community.

  “The feast is held on Lynn Fells Parkway for two days. The feast is put together in large part by the dedication and hard work of the board members and volunteers, who get together to bake and prepare a week leading to the event.

  “Imperio Mariense Feast visitors are Portuguese natives or descendants who come from surrounding cities such as Cambridge, Hudson, Stoughton, Taunton, Bridgewater and many other out of state cities. Visitors can expect plenty of entertainment over the weekend as there are usually bands and surprise guests that will take stage.”

  The custom starts with a procession, followed by mass and coronation before the Holy Ghost soup lunch. The Holy Ghost celebration is specific to Azorean natives – established to reinforce a sense of community between the islands, according to the Facebook page. For more information, go to http://imperiomariensedesaugus.org/ or email imperiomariense@gmail.com.

Summer Concert Series begins Wednesday

  The National Parks Service and Saugus Public Library are cosponsoring a free Summer Concert Series that begins next Wednesday (July 6) at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site (244 Central St. in Saugus). Tony Malionek & Company – with music from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s – will lead off the Wednesday evening series, which will last through Aug. 24. Here is the rest of the Summer Concert Series at a glance:

• July 13 – Atwater & Donnelly: American & Celtic folk music & dance.
• July 20 – Ditto Band: American rock and folk from the 60’s & 70’s.
• July 27 – Jump Street: pop, r & b, blues, jump, classic rock.
• August 3 – Squeeze Box Stompers: Cajun & Zydeco.
• August 10 – Memorylaners: 50’s, 60’s & 70’s music.
• August 17 – Decades of Rock Band: classic rock – 70’s, 80’s & 90’s.
• August 24 – Marina & Bernardo: acoustic folk.

  Each concert will be held outdoors, weather permitting (see SaugusPublicLibrary.org for updates/cancellations). Bring your own chair or blanket. Picnics welcome!

Saugus seeks student poll workers

  Town Clerk Ellen Schena is circulating that “Uncle Sam needs you” flyer again, in search of student poll workers for the town’s fall elections. “I am looking for 16, 17 & 18 years-old Saugus Students to work the September and November Elections,” Schena wrote in an email to The Saugus Advocate this week. “Both are Tuesdays and there will be no school. Attached is the flyer I have used in the past.”

  The flyer includes a facsimile of a poster with a pointing “Uncle Sam,” and the declaration “I WANT YOU To Become a Poll Worker Today!”

  The flyer, which is titled “Calling all Saugus High Juniors and Seniors,” promises to accommodate any hours the students want to work. It notes that the students can work as Community Services volunteers to fulfill their High School hours, or they can get paid as election workers: 16-year-olds can work part-time shifts of six to eight hours; 17- & 18-year-olds can work full-time shifts of eight to 12 hours.

  Interested students can stop by Town Hall or contact the Town Clerk’s Office to apply for work. Ask for Andrew DePatto, the Saugus Election Coordinator. He can be reached at 781-231-4102.

  Another bonus for participating students: “Great to have on your College Applications/Resumes.”

Multiple “Shout-outs” this week

  There’s always room in this column for another “shout-out.” And we had multiple ones this week:

  From Jeanie Bartolo: “This ‘Shout Out’ is for Lt. Tommy Coogan who is retiring from the Saugus Police Department. Tommy will be missed by all of us, such a great Police Officer. Enjoy your retirement Tommy, you deserve it!!”

  Lt. Coogan officially completes his career – which spans 35 years and one month – this Tuesday, July 5.

  From Shawn Murray: “Shout Out to Nick Graffeo known to many as the host of the Graf Report at Saugus T V. Nick does countless volunteer hours doing high school sports commentary. I speak for many past and present student athletes who adore Nick and love the work he does for Saugus high school sports. Keep up the great work Nick – Saugus T V is so lucky to have you.”

  From Al and Joyce Rodenhiser: “We would like to ‘Shout Out’ to Mark Vogler for continuous, faithful reporting. In these days when Democracy is on the line it is great to know that we can rely on his reporting to let us know what is going on in Saugus. We appreciate his integrity, devotion to Saugus, and dependability. We have been at many meetings and have found Mark’s reporting to be very reliable. Thank you, Mark!”

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 (mvoge@comcast.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.

Former Saugus firefighters making their mark

  The Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 Facebook page recently offered a classy good luck to a pair of Saugus firefighters who have moved on to new jobs in the fire service within the past six months: “We’d like to take a moment to congratulate two former Saugus Firefighters.

  “Firefighter Martin Hyppolite left the SFD after 5 years of service late last year and completed his academy with the Massport Fire Dept in March.

  “Firefighter James Donovan left the SFD earlier this year after 7 years of service and today graduated from the Boston Fire academy.

  “Congratulations, Gentlemen best of luck and stay safe.”

Food pantry seeks volunteers

  Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of the Cliftondale Congregational Church about a collaborative community commitment to help needy Saugus residents:

  “The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity.

  “With faithful donations and volunteers, we have been able to give out thousands of meals to our neighbors in need throughout the years. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-11am, distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

  “We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663.”

Compost site now open

  The community’s compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town of Saugus accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you!

  Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted.

  Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

  We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

Concerts for vets

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents “Homegrown Rock Concerts” and “Throw Back Thursdays” for New England Vets this summer at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outdoor venue on Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices, go to GimmeLive.com.

  Home Grown Rock Lineup – doors open at 3 p.m. – Concert at 4 p.m.:

  July: July 10–Fat City; July 17–Victor Wainwright and the Train; July 24–Johnny A; July 31–Anthony Gomes.

  August: August 7–Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters; August 14–Rockin the House! Deric Dyer; August 21–James Montgomery–Christine Ohlman; August 28–Veronica Lewis.

  Tribute Bands – doors open at 6 p.m. – Concert at 7 p.m.:

  July: July 7–Go Your Own Way–Fleetwood Mac; July 14–Cold Spring Harbor–Billy Joel; July 21–Shot of Poison–Poison; July 28–Aerosmith.

  August: August 4–Chicago; August 11–What A Fool Believes–Doobie Brothers; August 18–Another Tequila Sunrise–Eagles; August 25–Panorama–The Cars.

  September: September 1–Being Petty–Tom Petty; September 8–Studio Two–The Beatles; September 15–Completely Unleashed–Van Halen.

  If you would like to attend a show, please call Lauren at 617-247-4112. Band photos are available upon request.

Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran

  The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or for someone just from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) and $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

  The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

SHS Class of ’62 plans 60th reunion

  Leaders of the Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to contact fellow classmates as well as other alumni who would like to join them.

  The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax and gratuities – plus Howie Conley’s group – and is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks.

  There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the following people know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates.

• Donna “Cann” Olivera – 781-987-4308
• Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona – 781-439-4200
• Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy – 617-512-2097
• Larry Seavers – 704-906-2606

Looking for book donations

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books.

  Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please…clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers!

  Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

Want to be a Knight?

  The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858.

Veterans invited to July 4 parade in Wakefield

  The Town of Wakefield will be celebrating the 100th anniversary year of its 4th of July parade and activities. This will be their 74th physical parade. Parade organizers are inviting all veterans to participate in this historic event. There will be an air-conditioned trolley they can ride on along the parade route. There is also the option to walk the route, though it can still be pretty hot sometimes at 5 p.m. (when the parade starts) in July!

  There are usually between 60,000 and 80,000 people watching the parade each year. There will be a viewing stand near the end of the parade route with a limited number of seats available to veteran spouses and family, to watch them.

  Anyone interested should contact Maureen Buckley, Veterans Coordinator, Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee, at maureen.buckley@julyparade.org or by calling 781-572-2068.

Let’s hear it!

  Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net.

  Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis.

  If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

(this is the headline to go over the sketch)

 

CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”)