The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

Normally, a kid being beaten up on school grounds wouldn’t attract a reporter’s interest enough to result in a newspaper story. As Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli told me in a brief interview this week, “Fights happen in school.”

The Police Department might get contacted by school authorities or a parent concerned about their child’s safety and mental well-being. But for the most part, fighting on school grounds gets handled internally by school officials and usually doesn’t wind up being publicized. And rightfully so.

But if a student’s beating is particularly vicious and winds up on video shot from cell phones – and gets talked about by public officials – there’s a very good chance it’s going to wind up becoming a news story. And rightfully so.

Anyone who got to view one of the videos being mass distributed in Saugus this week of a 13-year-old girl pummeling another 13-year-old girl would have to feel great empathy for the young victim and be outraged by the images, which show that nobody came to the young girl’s assistance. Any person who doesn’t feel that way would have to have the heart of a lizard.

After viewing one of the videos that was shared with me, I found the most disturbing thing was that nobody tried to help the girl. A few seemed to enjoy the moment, using their cell phones to chronicle the beating for the twisted gratification of others. After spending about 90 minutes on the phone talking to the mother of the girl who was beaten, it’s clear to me that this is a new story that needs to be told without glossing over anything, and while protecting the privacy of the young victim.

The Saugus public officials and concerned citizens who have been calling on the School Department to hire a School Resource Officer (SRO) have another example of why it would enhance the safety of kids, faculty and staff by having a trained police officer on school grounds. At the same time, there needs to be a public discussion about what the School Department is doing or isn’t doing about the bullying problem in local schools.

Does the School Department have adequate staff to handle situations as they arise? Are they getting the proper training? Are potentially problematic kids getting disciplined? Are the potential victims receiving the attention they need? Parents of Saugus school children deserve some answers.

Hopefully, the front-page story we ran in this week’s Saugus Advocate will help to facilitate some productive public discussion about what needs to be done to guarantee a safe learning environment for all. Stay tuned.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received several nominations this week to recognize Saugonians for contributions to the betterment of their hometown. From Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian: “I’d like to nominate Pct. 10 Town Meeting Member Carla Scuzzarella for a ‘shout out.’ Carla has spent many hours designing and planning the town meeting mini seminars. Her expertise as a lifelong educator has proven to be beneficial to both myself and her Town Meeting Member colleagues, many of whom have offered positive feedback. Thank you Carla for your dedication and support!”

From Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Ronald Wallace, who nominated the late Carolyn Davis: “Carolyn was an amazing person. I grew up listening to her play the organ at church. She was a SHS class of 1961 grad. Her son Glen is a Town Meeting member with myself and Glen’s wife Laurie runs the Senior Center. Obviously Bob Davis is well known for World Series Park but Bob & Carolyn also gave hundreds of hours to the First Congregational Church asking for nothing in return.

“I will miss her at the pumpkin unloading every fall. She was a true Saugus Sachem.”

  From the Saugus Lions Club: “The Saugus Lions Club would like to thank all who participated in our February raffle. We are extremely grateful to all who made this fundraiser a success in the purchase of calendar(s). It is not how much you contributed but it is your generosity that allows us to continue doing all the good works. Now and in the future. Congratulations to all the lucky winners!! We hope you had as much fun with it as we did. The list of those who won a prize can be found on Saugus Lions Club House events at https://e-clubhouse.org. Go to Gift Calendar Raffle February 2024. With much gratitude.”

 

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.

 

Food Pantry notes

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, March 8) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

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 2023-24 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.

 

Maple sugarin’ time tomorrow!

Come to Breakheart Reservation on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for this fun annual event. Experience the process of maple sugarin’ from tapping a tree to sampling real maple syrup. The hands-on tour includes the history of maple sugaring from Native Americans to today, tree identification & tapping, wood splitting, the evaporator and a tasting station.

For more information or questions, please call 781-233-0834 or stop by the Visitor Center at Breakheart Reservation (177 Forest St., Saugus).

 

Learn about Appleton’s Revolution – March 13

The first Saugus Historical Society meeting of the spring will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at 30 Main St. in Saugus. Paul E. Kenworthy will talk about “the first American Revolution,” which began in Saugus when Samuel Appleton spoke from a high rock adjacent to what is now Appleton Street on September 19, 1687, denouncing Governor Edmund Andros. In 1686, Edmund Andros was appointed governor of the Dominion of New England by Great Britain. He instituted many laws and policies that were not popular in New England.

One of the most significant protests during Andros’ three-year administration occurred here in Saugus. A year after Andros’s appointment, Appleton spoke from the top of the rock outcrop against Great Britain’s demands from the colonies. The Appleton’s Pulpit historical marker at that spot is familiar to many residents and was recently restored by the local Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR. This program will give the background of that incident, including political changes in England and in the colonies that profoundly changed the relationship between them.

Paul is a National Park Ranger at the Saugus Iron Works and vice-president of the Saugus Historical Society.

The program is free to the general public. There will be a brief meeting at 7 p.m. to allow Saugus Historical Society members the opportunity to vote on the slate of officers for this year, followed by a presentation of a booklet of photographs of the work of Carmine Moschella that was created by his daughter Carla Moschella for the historical society archives. Many Saugus residents will remember Mr. Moschella’s work at the high school and the many projects he contributed to the town. He passed on many of his skills to the high school students and adults who took woodworking and furniture restoration classes from him. The “Appleton’s Revolution” talk will follow immediately. As usual, light refreshments will be served.

Joanie Allbee’s art display on Alaska will also be on view, showing some of the beauty of the land that Saugus native Gustavus Vasa Fox arranged to buy from Russia after the Civil War.

 

A congressional visit

There are early indications that the Board of Selectmen’s letter-writing campaign to federal and state delegates is getting some attention. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta reported this week that U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton and his staff recently visited East Saugus.

Panetta said she met with Tom Arsenault, the congressman’s regional director, to discuss the flood gate project. “After we discussed some important issues in our Town, we met up with Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian. We first visited Hamilton Elevator Interiors and spoke to the President, Glenn Bowie. He took us for a tour of his facility, and explained the impact the flooding had on his business, and his concerns regarding future flooding.

“We then took Tom up and down some of the worse streets that flooded in Saugus, which included Venice Ave., Seagirt Ave., Milan Ave., Houston Ave., and Spencer Ave. This was in preparation for the meeting with Congressman Moulton that occurred on Monday.”

 

Town Meeting forums at the library

In recent weeks, Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian has been providing a wonderful opportunity for Saugus citizens who want to learn the basics about Town Meeting – the legislative body of Saugus town government. Manoogian has presided over several Town Meeting forums held at the Saugus Public Library. Manoogian is a veteran of about four decades in local town government at various levels, including many years as a Town Meeting member.

Manoogian will be leading two more sessions this year that are tailored for newly elected Town Meeting members or veterans who want to refresh themselves about Robert’s Rules of Order or how to put forward an article for consideration. The sessions for March 25 and April 22 will be held in the Community Room at the library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site winter hours

  The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site is closed for the winter. But it will reopen for recycling on the third Saturday of this month weather permitting. Please note: The site will be open March 16 during the period from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact Scott Brazis, Director of Solid Waste/Recycling, with any questions at 781-231-4036.

 

Welcome to Cliftondale

The Meg Foundation Board of Directors is inviting former students, family members, friends or anyone interested to attend an “Open House” event at The MEG Building – formerly known as the Cliftondale School – from May 4–5, 2024.

Many of our visitors to the school, which is located at 54-58 Essex St., have shared with us incredibly special memories of their childhood while attending the first, second, third and fourth grades. Oftentimes they bring their grandchildren as well to take a tour of the building and view firsthand what an elementary school looked like those many years ago.

The purpose of this event is to highlight Cliftondale, the school, the people and the businesses that have made this part of Saugus special. Presently board members are in the process of gathering historical items, class pictures, schoolbooks and handwritten letters of young students. If you have any class pictures or school memorabilia that the committee could borrow to display, or if you have any questions, please contact Paula Walsh at 781-520-2122.

 

Kindergarten Enrollment 2024-2025

Open enrollment for kindergarten will begin on Monday, April 22, and continue through Friday, April 26. Kindergarten is free and full day (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Families can pick up a kindergarten registration packet at the main office of the Veterans Early Learning Center between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Completed registration packets will be due on Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23, during the following hours: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (All registration documents must be included on the packet return dates.) Staff will be available to collect your documentation at the main entrance. Once all documentation is confirmed we will schedule an appointment for a mandatory kindergarten screening. Kindergarten screenings will be held on June 3 & 4 and will last 20 minutes.

*While there is no official deadline for kindergarten registration, we ask that you register your student by May 24, to help us effectively plan staffing and programming for next year.”

 

SAVE 2024 Environmental Scholarship Available

  Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is very pleased to announce that it is offering a $1,000 Environmental Scholarship to a Saugus resident who is or will be attending a two- or four-year college or other educational institution and pursuing a degree in an area that would positively impact the environment. A qualifying applicant may be a 2024 high school graduating senior or a current college undergraduate student continuing their education.

Applicants can download the SAVE 2024 Environmental Scholarship Application Form found at www.saugusSAVE.org. Please note: Section C of the application should be identified with your initials only and should provide a brief summary of any of your activities relating to the environment, as well as describe how you feel your career choice will positively impact the environment.

Please email your application – no later than midnight on April 19, 2024 – to: SAVE Co-President Ann Devlin at ad*****@*****10.net

 

What’s new at the Saugus Public Library?

  There’s always something interesting going on. Here’s an activity worth checking out:

Join us at the Saugus Public Library on March 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. for an adult painting class with the Pop Up Art School. Each participant will create a painting on canvas of a starry night sky. The presenters will provide instructions on proper brush techniques, how to stabilize the hand to allow for better fine motor control and how to create texture using different paint colors and brushstrokes, plus how to mix paint to create shadows and highlights. By the end of the class, participants will not only have created a painting, but will have learned techniques for continuing on their own.

No experience is necessary. This is a free class with all materials provided, but space is limited. Please register on our events calendar (https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/) or call 781-231-4168, ext. 3107.

Pop up Art School has been teaching for nine years and has taught over 1,750 art programs in public libraries, plus afterschool enrichment in public and private schools. Their artists/teachers have taught in private and public schools on the South Shore of Boston.

 

Holy Week events in Saugus

First Congregational Church has announced its plans for Holy Week.

–On Thursday, March 28, Maundy Thursday will be celebrated with an Agape Supper at 6:30 p.m. (Sign up by March 24.)

–On Good Friday, March 29, there will be a Taize Service at 6 p.m. All are welcome to join a beautiful prayer experience amid candles, music, prayer and stillness as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

–On Sunday, March 31, there will be an Easter Sunday Service at 10 a.m.

For more information, please email 1s*************@***il.com or call 781-233-3028.

 

Bingo is back at the Kowloon!

  Join the Kowloon Restaurant for Wednesday Night Bingo. The event takes place every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and will continue to April 3. Entry is free. Games, prizes and music highlight the event. For more information, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or visit online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com.

 

Friday Night Dance Jam today at the Kowloon

The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host a Friday Night Dance Jam where Motown meets Freestyle, starring the Classic Supremes, The Cover Girls, P2, Lance Bernard Bryant and Jovian Ford. DJ Ricky will spin club classics. The event is slated for tonight (Friday, March 8). VIP Tickets are $75 per person for reserved seating, buffet and photos with the artists. Doors open for VIP tickets from 6-8 p.m. General admission tickets are $65 per person for reserved seating only. Doors open for general admission tickets at 8 p.m. Showtime is 9 p.m. Tickets are available by order online at Kowloonrestaurant.com or the Kowloon front desk or charge-by-phone: 781-233-0077. For more information, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or visit online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

St. Patrick’s Day party

The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host a Saint Patrick’s Day party with WildFire playing live in concert on March 16. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and entertainment starts at 8:30 p.m. VIP tickets are $35.00 per person for reserved seating and include a light Kowloon dinner buffet –  $15.00 per person for the concert only and no reserved seating with entry after 9:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to those sporting their best Irish attire.

Tickets are available online at Kowloonrestaurant.com or the Kowloon front desk or charge-by-phone: 781-233-0077.

 

A Pro Wrestling Legend visits Saugus

The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host Mark Henry for a night of Standup and stories of his life as a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Pro Wrestling Legend. The event is scheduled for March 12. VIP Tickets are $85.00 per person for Priority Seating and Post Show Meet and Greet. The VIP tickets include one autograph and one selfie with your own device. General admission is $35.00 per person and includes the show only. The doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are available by order online at Kowloonrestaurant.com or the Kowloon front desk or charge-by-phone: 781-233-0077.

Mark Jerrold Henry is an American former powerlifter, Olympic weightlifter, strongman and professional wrestler currently signed to AEW as a commentator/analyst, coach and talent scout. He is best known for his 25-year career in WWE.

 

Winter is calling at Breakheart

  If you love hiking, nature and the great outdoors, there’s a lot going on this winter at Breakheart Reservation – courtesy of the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Parking fees may apply depending on the program’s location. For more information, please email Jessica Narog-Hutton, Visitor Services Supervisor, at je******************@**ss.gov

Here are a few programs that DCR has in the works:

• On Sundays through March, why not do something easy, like a Sunday morning hike from 10 a.m. to noon? Check in at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Join the Park Interpreter for a weekly guided hike. Each trip will highlight natural and historic features that make Breakheart unique. Hikes will be moderately paced and range from two to three miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. This activity is best suited for ages eight years and up. The hike will be canceled in the event of heavy rain.
• On Thursdays through March, the Camp Nihan Educational Center (121 Walnut St., Saugus) will offer the Wild Breakheart Series from 9 to 10 a.m. Join Breakheart staff for this rotating nature series that will explore different aspects of Breakheart in the wintertime. In March be a part of the Breakheart Birding Club. Discover what birds are starting to come back for the spring and what birds stay from the winter.
• On Fridays through March, check out Kidleidoscope from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Come join a park interpreter for a story time and nature walk. Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately one mile, though not accessible for strollers. This activity is appropriate for families with children who are three to five years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
• On Saturdays through March, “Step into the Past” from 10 a.m.to noon at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Join the park interpreter to discover the park history. Hikes are about two and a half miles and of moderate difficulty along rocky trails with several stops. Best for adults and older children with a keen interest in history. Meet outside the Visitor Center. This activity will be canceled in the event of rain.
• First and third Saturdays: Stories in Stone: Breakheart has been shaped not only by nature but by the many people who have called it home.
• Second and fourth Saturdays: Glacial Giants: Countless clues to a glacial past dot the landscape. If one knows where to look, this hidden geologic history can be revealed.

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. 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. 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.