Selectman Corinne Riley talks about a 4-1-1 welcome the town plans for Saugus newcomers on Oct. 15

  Editor’s Note: Saugus newcomers will get a rare opportunity to “go to school” in two weeks and learn many helpful things about their new hometown that they may not have known. And, of course, all Saugus residents – even the natives and longtimers – are welcome, too, if they would like to take a refresher course on things citizens might want to know about the Town of Saugus, Saugus Public Schools and the various services available. In fact, everyone in town is invited to “Saugus 411,” a special open house set for Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Saugus Middle High School Complex.

  This week we interviewed Saugus Selectman Corinne Riley, who has been the catalyst and key organizer for this project. She is finishing the first year of her second two-year term on the Board of Selectmen. Highlights of that interview follow.

  Q: Please tell me about this project you have been working months on, called “Saugus 411.” What is it all about?

  A: This event is targeting newly moved residents, but it is for everyone. I hope many will stop by and again see what Saugus has to offer. As far as what will be valuable to the newly moved in families – they will have the opportunity to see all the clubs and committees they may want to join to broaden their participation in their new hometown, and to meet new people themselves. Many nonprofit organizations in town are holding on by a thread, or worse, disappearing altogether. I’d love to see those who signed up for a table get their message out there to new or not so new families to get involved. Making people feel welcome is the way to do it!

  Q: When and where will it take place? And who can attend? I understand you sent out some invitations.

  A: To everyone who may not have received a personal invitation, I would like to extend an invitation to everyone in town to stop by Saugus Middle High School on Saturday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to noon. Hope to see you there!

  The Saugus School Department will be at the event and will conduct tours of the Middle High School Complex. Many people haven’t had the opportunity yet to see what the building looks like, so here is your chance.

  Q: What does 4-1-1 stand for?

  A: Dialing 4-1-1 was the old way to get information on the phone. On the logo we use, it’s buttons to push the 4-1-1. The younger people will never know what it was like to call for a phone number.

  Q: How did this idea evolve?

  A: A few years ago, while working with Representative Wong’s campaign, I had the opportunity to attend a “Wakefield 101” event. That was a collaboration between their Chamber of Commerce and the town for new residents. They provided basic information about the town and had businesses that gave “welcome bags” of gift certificates, coupons, etc. It was not a town event, rather a Chamber of Commerce event.

  I presented this idea to the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager, School Committee and School Department, and all are on-board with this town event to welcome new residents and provide basic information about the town. I’ve reached out to the Saugus Chamber of Commerce for their participation as well. So, I created a committee of a few friends who were interested in helping. Donna Sordello, Jeannie Bartolo, Jean Swanson, and Janice Jarosz from the Board of Selectmen’s office have helped immensely. These ladies are the best, and I can’t thank each of them enough. I also want to thank the Town Manager for his cooperation and help in getting invitations out to new residents.

  Q: How many different town agencies are involved? Did you approach the School Department or did they offer to help?

  A: As far as the school district is concerned, I had mentioned this event to Associate Principal Myra Monto and Superintendent Erin McMahon at the Unsung Hero awards a few months ago. They both loved the idea and wanted to be a part of it to share their programs with new families as well. At first I was planning to hold it at town hall, which the Town Manager agreed to, but then Ms. Monto suggested having it at the new complex. This is a great opportunity to have the public come to see the new facility as well.

  Q: Has the town done anything like this in recent memory?

  A: I don’t recall any Welcome to Saugus event like this in recent memory, but I thought the Wakefield event was a great idea, and I hope our event is something that helps our new Saugonians feel a part of our town.

  I’d like to thank the Selectmen, Town Manager, School Committee and Superintendent for agreeing to hold this first time Saugus 411 event. Everyone is welcome!

  There are so many on social media who don’t know where to get a trash sticker, where they vote, what type of government we have, who their Town Meeting members are, etc. The committee is compiling as much information as we can onto handouts that may be helpful, not just to our new residents, but for existing residents who may be just registering to vote or are interested in religious, athletic and social groups that Saugus has to offer.

  We still have more work to do. Specifically, I’d like to have at least one representative from the town to answer questions. We are hoping that businesses and service providers will see these announcements about sending in up to 100 menus, business cards, flyers, etc. that promote their services. There are always people asking for a good electrician, plumber, landscaper, snow-plower, dentist, etc. This a great opportunity for local businesses and service providers to get their information into the welcome bags for new residents.

  Q: What kind of responses are you getting? Based on the responses you have received, what are most residents interested in? What is the most valuable orientation issue for Saugus newcomers?

  A: The response of the nonprofits and houses of worship for the Saugus 411 has been wonderful with almost 20 groups participating so far. I was hoping to get more residents to respond that they will be attending, but, hopefully, they will come by even if they hadn’t responded via email. Seeing as this is our first attempt at this, whatever the turnout, I hope it just builds in the future because I really believe this is at least one way to welcome people who move here. Often new residents don’t get involved until their children go to school, but this is an attempt to show what Saugus has to offer not just the kids, but the whole family, as we’ll have religious, sports and social groups participating. Invitations were sent to residents that purchased homes in Saugus since 2020.

  We will be handing out “welcome bags” to the first 100 residents. Donna Sordello, a member of the committee, has invited local businesses or services to put a business card, menu or informational flyer in the welcoming bags. Any business or service wishing to participate should contact saugus411@gmail.com or Donna Passanisi Sordello on Facebook. What a great way to get the word out there about your business or services here in town!

  Q: Anything else that you would like to share with folks out there in Saugus who might be interested in this event?

  A: You have the invitation letter that went out to residents, so you can see what we did.

  Q: Okay, we will publish that letter.

“Dear Newly Arrived Residents of Saugus!!

  “WELCOME!! The Saugus Board of Selectmen, our Town Manager, Saugus School Committee and our Superintendent, would like to invite you to a first-time event entitled “SAUGUS 411”!

  “This event is to welcome recent residents who are new to Saugus to find out about our town’s form of government, election information, trash and recycling, and how to apply for permits. The Saugus School Department will share information on Prekindergarten, All Day Kindergarten, and the Early College program at the Middle/High School. There also will be nonprofit organizations you may be interested in exploring, perhaps the Garden Club or Library Foundation, youth sports, and many others to explore. It will also assist you with any questions you may have which you are seeking answers to.

  “This will be held on Saturday, October 15th, 9:00 a.m. to Noon at our new Middle/High School complex, 1 Pearce Drive.

  “This event is to welcome you all and inform you of all that Saugus has to offer!

  “This is totally for you! There is nothing for you to do but come, leisurely visit all informational tables that hopefully will answer your questions, hand out valuable information, and meet other Saugus residents who truly will make you feel welcome!

  “Please RSVP to: Saugus411@gmail.com By: October 1, 2022

  “We hope to hear from you and get to welcome you in person!”