The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

Several former and present Saugus town and school officials have been telling me since our front-page headline “I Need to Protect My Daughter” broke last Friday (March 8) that there’s a lot more to the story than what we’ve reported. For those who missed the story, it began with the lead paragraph “A 13-year-old girl with a learning disability was bullied and beaten by another girl in a gym class at the Saugus Middle-High School on Monday while classmates cheered and videotaped the incident on their cell phones, according to the girl’s mother.”

“‘Nobody aided her or protected her – nobody did anything to help her. They all just cheered and took pictures and video,’ the girl’s mother told The Saugus Advocate this week,” the story continued.

The mother quoted in the story went on to say that she was not satisfied with the way school officials responded to the incident and she vowed to go to the Juvenile Department in Lynn District Court to file criminal charges against the 13-year-old girl who beat up her daughter.

I conceded in my column last week and still concede today that I would not have written the story, except for the fact that it was videotaped by several students who just watched instead of coming to the girl’s assistance. The video was later shared on social media. Some grownups, including town officials, also participated in its dissemination – some of them unwittingly making the matter worse by putting the spotlight on the two 13-year-old girls involved in the incident. They are entitled to privacy as juveniles

After reflecting on the situation, I would have done the same thing if I were a town resident and received a copy of the video. I would have made sure that the public and some reporter got to see it.

Of course, there is a lot more to the story to be told. There are always two or more sides to a story. We only reported the side of the girl who got beaten up through an interview with the mother. We didn’t get the other side – of the alleged offender. Nor did we get the side of school staff who witnessed the incident during the gym class. School officials declined comment last week, saying they were prevented from talking about the matter because both children’s privacy needs to be protected.

But in an interview this week, the mother of the girl who got beaten up modified her earlier comments, backing down from her initial criticism of how school staff and officials responded. There was one major detail that she omitted in her initial comments: that staff did respond and come to the girl’s assistance. “Both gym teachers broke up the beating and helped aid her,” the mother told The Saugus Advocate this week.

“Those were my daughter’s words. She said you can’t see it in the video because they stopped recording,” she added.

The mother also said her view has changed on the way school administration and staff have responded and that she no longer plans to press criminal charges. “Yes, the school has been on top of everything. I can’t press charges because of the age factor – that the girl is 13,” the mother told the newspaper.

The mother said the alleged perpetrator has been removed from her daughter’s classes and added that her daughter “has been happy being back at school.”

Some of the town and school officials I spoke with this week said there may be more information about the incident coming out someday.

“It’s my understanding that the School administration and School Committee did an investigation into this matter and handled it fairly and promptly,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta told me this week.

“Please know there is zero tolerance for bullying,” she said.

A number of town officials – including Selectman Anthony Cogliano – have been citing the videotaped incident as another reason that the School Department should hire a School Resource Officer (SRO).

They have apparently swayed the mother of the girl who was beaten up. “I still would like to attend the Town Meeting to chat about things and push for a school police officer for the school,” she said. “I will even speak at Town Meeting if that can make change and help others, too.”

The mother might want to reconsider that because once she steps up to the microphone at the podium in the second floor auditorium at Town Hall and introduces herself, that would constitute an invasion of her daughter’s privacy. The girl’s mom would be going public and leading to an easy identification of her daughter. It’s a risky move that would be unnecessary. People already know about the incident.

School Committee members have already said they plan to introduce an article at the Annual Town Meeting in May requesting that the position be funded by a Supplemental Student Support Reserve Fund created by Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and approved by the Annual Town Meeting two years ago. Some officials have questioned whether that’s a proper use of the fund. The Finance Committee will offer a recommendation on that article, which could determine its prospects for passing Town Meeting.

Meanwhile, some officials are questioning the merits of having an SRO stationed in the schools. A large number of school and town officials do support having an officer in the schools.

In the aftermath of the April 20, 1999, Columbine High School massacre in Colorado, which left 12 students and a teacher dead at the hands of two 12th-grade students who later killed themselves – and a number of other tragic school shootings that followed, an SRO serves the role of being a security blanket that gives many parents, students, school staff and administrators peace of mind. But some look upon it as providing a sense of false security and say it should not be considered a cure-all. And it’s just a small piece of ensuring that the halls of Saugus Public Schools or schools in any community are safe places for learning.

There will be more stories and more public discussions on this important school safety issue between now and the time the Annual Town Meeting convenes in May. Stay tuned.

 

A “Shout Out” to a valued volunteer

We didn’t receive any nominations from our readers this week to publicly praise citizens whose selfless acts lead to the betterment of Saugus. So, I will use my editorial discretion to recognize one such person – a very talented and kind town resident who dedicates her life to various noble causes. I believe a huge “Shout Out” is in order for Joanie Allbee, aka “The Sketch Artist.” Joanie is a fellow writer and frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate. For several years, she was the anonymous sketch artist who entertained Advocate readers with the “Sketch of the Week Contest.” She has also contributed articles and photos.

I heard through the grapevine that the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) last Saturday presented Joanie a “Service to America Certificate” in recognition of more than 600 hours of volunteer work over the past year. Those 600-plus hours average out to 1.6 hours of volunteer work daily. That is an exorbitant amount of volunteer work, no matter what the cause is. These include hours that Joanie has volunteered at the local DAR, the Saugus Senior Center, the Saugus Historical Society, the Saugus Garden Club and other community organizations. Her other volunteer projects include personal goodwill projects, like her Cross Outreach, Shawl and Scarf Ministry, writing articles for causes and donating art for fundraisers.

Many local residents are probably familiar with Joanie’s Hope Ring project, where she leaves attractive women’s rings that she has made as small gifts to make the recipients feel good. Sometimes she gives them in person. Other times, she leaves them behind as surprises on office desks, counters and restaurant tables. Strangers receive the rings, too. A few Saugonians have shown me the little card with an inspirational message that accompanies the ring: “There’s Hope For Tomorrow in Believing For Today.”

Joanie has another card that accompanies the gifts she makes from yarn: “Simply Knots (A yarn & Wire Ministry). From one hand to another hand, warming the world one heart at a time.”

These untold hours of spreading good will make Joanie a “Hall of Fame” volunteer who is quietly devoted to spreading some sunshine throughout her community and the world.

Congratulations, Joanie, for your well-deserved honor. You sure help to make Saugus a better place.

 

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 15) 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.

 

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 are some activities worth checking out:

• The Adult Coloring Group meets this Wednesday (March 20) at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library at 295 Central St. Come relax with our continuing Adult Coloring Group. It’s a great opportunity to take time to unwind, be creative and have fun, no experience necessary! We have pencils and coloring pages ready and waiting… See you there! Space is limited; please call to register: 781-231-4168 x 3106.
• Meet Queen Elizabeth II on March 23 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room. Join us when actress Sheryl Faye performs as the queen in an hour long performance followed by a Q&A. Queen Elizabeth II was a true icon who inspired people around the world with her strength, courage, resilience and dedication to a life of service. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch and the longest verified reign of any female head of state in history. Seating is limited and registration is required. Please visit the Saugus Public Library website at Events: https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events.
• Check out Toni Gangi’s Italian American Street Culture & the Street Organ, Monday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The hand-cranked street organ has a historical connection to Italian-American culture, particularly in Boston. Italian immigrants brought the hand-cranked street organ to the United States, where it became a melodious fixture in Italian neighborhoods. Join Gangi and hear him play the music of the streets on his Barrel Organ. He may even make his talk really hit home, as he’s researching Saugus history involving organ-grinders for his talk.
• Check out Peter Jackson’s Magic To Go on Saturday, May 18 at 2 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Reservations are required – ages six and up – reservations open April 15. Seating is limited.

 

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.

 

Riverside Cemetery spring cleanup April 1

The Town of Saugus Cemetery Department announced recently that spring grounds cleanup will begin at the Riverside Cemetery on Monday, April 1. The Cemetery Commission kindly asks members of the public to remove any personal and/or holiday/seasonal items from the grounds before the cleanup begins. All Veterans flags will be placed back on gravesites on Friday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m. prior to Memorial Day.

For more information, please contact the Cemetery Department at 781-231-4170 or email Madyson Coburn at mc*****@*******ma.gov

 

Kowloon Komedy in March

The Kowloon Restaurant – located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus – has set its Comedy Club March lineup. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. To order tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or go online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com

Here is this month’s schedule for “Kowloon Komedy”:

March 15: DREW DUNN

March 22: ROBBIE PRINTZ

March 29: PAUL GILLIGAN/CHARLIE

 

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.

 

St. Patrick’s Day party

The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host a Saint Patrick’s Day party with WildFire playing live in concert tomorrow (Saturday 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.

 

 

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.