The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  Happy Easter to all who observe the Christian religious holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. Happy Spring to all Saugus residents, who will get to experience the wonderful fragrance and colors of the daffodils, tulips, lilies and other flowers this weekend – both indoors and outdoors.

 

It’s time for “Books in Bloom”!

  If you love flowers and you love reading books, there’s still time to participate in that fun, special spring event that creates special floral arrangements in the Saugus Public Library. Next Friday (April 5) through Saturday (April 6), the library will host the popular “Books in Bloom,” which matches up a book’s title, book jacket or theme with fresh plant material – flowers or foliage. The event is co-sponsored by the Saugus Garden Club and New Friends of the Saugus Public Library.

There is an exhibitors meeting tomorrow (Saturday, March 30), from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Setup and staging will take place next Thursday (April 4). And the show is scheduled for next Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and next Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Entry forms must be submitted by next Tuesday (April 2). Entry submissions may be made via phone to Lorrain DiMilla (781-233-7541) or Donna Manoogian (781-233-5640). You may also call 617-240-9003 for details. And even if you are not interested in entering “Books in Bloom,” it’s worth your while to stop by the library next Friday-Saturday to check out the wide assortment of floral arrangements created in harmony with a book.

Some of these creative people plan their flower arrangements to match up with a book they already have. Others prefer to go looking for the book to match up with the flowers.

Children from grades five and under and young adults from grades six and up are encouraged to participate. People of all ages are welcome.

As far as I’m concerned, the library never looks so beautiful as when it hosts the two days of “Books in Bloom.”

The library truly does a lot to become a versatile, cultural center of Saugus, especially the periodic indoor and outdoor concerts it sponsors. If you happen to be at the library tomorrow for the exhibitors meeting for “Books in Bloom,” you ought to hang around for some classical music. The Community Room will become a concert hall for an hour tomorrow (Saturday, March 30) as the New England Conservatory’s Trio Lumos performs from 2 to 3 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. Stay tuned for more concert offerings from the library.

 

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Jean Lockett, one of several readers who submitted the right answer to the “Contest Sketch of the Week” in last Friday’s paper. But Jean was selected in a drawing of the winners.

For those who are curious about the sketch, we’ll let “The Sketch Artist” provide the answer:

“The answer to last week’s sketch is Guy Moley Saugus High Graduate ‘87’

“Guy states ‘I am very proud of my accomplishments and honored to be part of the town of Saugus, the place I call home.’

“He generously volunteers & contributes to Saugus Events. At the annual Christmas Eve Parade Guy is seated beside his lovely wife Brenda as Mr & Mrs Santa Claus.

“Brenda, his June bride of 23 years and happily counting has been has Mrs. Claus for seven years. Together they spread cheer and goodwill as they ride through the streets of Saugus with their Holiday entourage.

“Guy is multi talented, artistic and creative in many areas. He has designed multiple sets and scenes.

“One such example is his wonderful Winter scenes complete with dancing penguins, igloos and caroling snowmen. When touring his snowy escapades of caricature animations, you could easily think you’re at Stoneham Zoo lights.

“Guy founded The Cancer fighting Angels car shows . Guy explains how that all began ‘My mom passed of esophageal cancer 15 years ago and we joined the relay for life of Lynn to honor her. We were part of the Lynn overnight cancer walk for 3 years creating our team name moms cancer fighting angels. We then joined the wakefield relay for life overnight cancer walk and decided to try a fundraiser car show with the RT.1 Rider’s Car Club and Saugus Fuddruckers; it was so successful that we decided to move it from a Thursday night to the 3rd Sunday in July and has run every year with the exception of 2020 for 9 successful years raising over $50 thousand … for the American cancer society since we began. This year we are very excited to see our 10th annual car show take place at Saugus Middle High School as we are calling it bringing it back to where it all began.’

“Guy is also a person filled with thankfulness and gratitude as he reflects upon a fond remembrance and thankful attitude such as statements like this

“‘I had also learned to run a car show from the owner of the former Full of Bull restaurant Bill Pappas. He used to run Broadway Bill’s Saugus Lion’s Club Car Show at Saugus High. I worked at Full of Bull restaurant for 20 years before joining the staff of the Saugus Housing Authority where I have been employed for 36 years.’

“Guy you radiate goodness

“Thankyou for all you do for Saugus!

“Yours truly,

“The Sketch Artist”

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

  We didn’t receive any nominations from readers this week, so I will exercise my editorial discretion to nominate all of the adults and kids who contributed to the making of Saugus’ newest Eagle Scout, Emmitt Lozano, who was honored by the Board of Selectmen this week.

As Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said to Emmitt at the ceremony, “Kudos to you and your family because it really does take a village some time to earn that Eagle Scout badge.”

For instance, there was a merit badge counselor for every one of the 21 merit badges that Emmitt earned. Whoever helped him on his Eagle Scout public service project deserves a “thank you.”

So does everyone.else who helped during Emmitt’s 12-year scouting career from the first grade on.

 

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.

 

Food Pantry notes

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, March 29) 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.

 

Saugus Democratic Town Committee meets

Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 10, 7 p.m., on the 2nd floor of the Police Station on Hamilton Street. We will have our Annual Election of Officers. In addition, Eileen Duff, Candidate for Registrar of Deeds, will join us. For additional information, contact sdtc@gmail.com

 

Town Meeting forum 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 one more session this year – on April 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library. The session is 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.

 

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 adevlin@aisle10.net

 

What’s new at the Saugus Public Library?

  There’s always something interesting going on. Here’s a few activities worth checking out:

• Check out the Great Dane Service Dog Visit! Wednesday, April 17, 10-11 a.m. in the Community Room – Great Danes and their handlers from Service Dog Project in Ipswich will be here to show the dogs and answer all of your questions about them. Meet and pet Great Danes! De-stress from school, homework, work, etc. Come by the library to pet and visit with these gentle giants! No registration necessary – age 11 and up, please.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Saugus Public Library / 295 Central St. / 781-231-4168 / sauguspubliclibrary.org

• Check out Toni Gangi’s Italian American Street Culture & the Street Organ on 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 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 1stchurchsaugus@gmail.com or call 781-233-3028.

St. John’s Episcopal Church has announced some upcoming Holy Week events. On Good Friday, there will be a Contemplation of the Cross of Christ, with a Noon Liturgy and Evening Prayer at 7 p.m. On Easter Sunday, there will be a sunrise service in the Memorial Garden at 6 a.m. and Easter Eucharist at 10 a.m. All are welcome for Holy Week at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 8 Prospect St.

 

Spring Street Sweeping begins Monday

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works are pleased to announce that the Town’s Annual Spring Street Sweeping Program will begin on Monday, April 4, 2024, weather permitting. Sweepers will start in the area of north Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and work their way across Town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Please check the DPW’s Website for a listing and maps of roadways to be swept and estimated dates this work will be performed. The Sweeping efforts is based on many variables including weather, this schedule is an estimate and may change.

Residents are kindly asked to keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area. Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter area prior to the program’s start. Residents are asked not to sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept.

Keep in mind that street sweepers are unable to collect stones, branches, leaves, or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand.

Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions.

For more information about, visit https://www.saugus-ma.gov/public-works.

 

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 mcoburn@saugus-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 29: Paul Gilligan, 8:00 p.m., $20.

 

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.

 

The Theatre Company of Saugus presents two weekends of Puffs next month

The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) will present “Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” during two weekends in April 2024. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Third or nothing!

The New York Times proclaims Puffs “a fast-paced romp through the seven increasingly eventful years…. For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial winking fondness for all things Harry!”

Performances are April 19-20-21 and 26-27-28, 2024, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., and with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

The location is the Theatre Company of Saugus home at the American Legion Post 210 / 44 Taylor St. / Saugus, Mass. The upstairs performance space is not wheelchair accessible, but it features a bar with soft and alcoholic drinks available at very reasonable prices.

Tickets are now on sale. Tickets paid at the door will be $25 for adults, or $23 for seniors, youths or veterans. Tickets purchased in advance online will be $22 for adults, or $20 for seniors, youths or veterans. For complete info, see the Tickets page on the website tcsaugus.org/tickets

“Puffs” is directed for TCS by Kaycee Wilson. She directed the Saugus production of the musical “Zombie Prom,” presented in fall 2022, which was nominated for several DASH awards, including Best Musical. Kaycee also appeared in TCS’ spring 2023 production of “Comedy of Errors.” The stage manager for “Puffs” is Delys Russell.

Cast members come to Saugus from a variety of towns in the area, and some of them play multiple roles. Residents of Medford are Shawyoun Shaidani, who plays Wayne Hopkins, Caroline DeBrota as Leanne, and Arielle Mercier as Magic #2. Malden residents include Brady Neiss-Moe as Zach Smith, Second Headmaster, and others; Kathy Bedard as Xavia Jones and others; and Stephen Nedell as all the Teachers. Winthrop residents are Lauren Thompson as Ginny, Helga, Bippy and others; and Mandi Totin as Susie Bones. Residents of Boston are Benedict Dawn-Cross as Cedric and Mr. Voldy; and Heidi Fisher as Sally Perks. Those from Quincy are Bec Lowe as Ernie Mac; and Samson Willcox playing Harry, Fat Friar and others. Everett residents are Kaleigh Ryan playing Megan Jones, and Mark Damon as J. Finch Fletchley. Somerville residents include Joseph Grebla, who plays Clumsy Longbottom, Uncle Dave, and others; and Meghan Patrick, who is Magic #1. Thomas Marsh, playing Oliver Rivers, is from Newton. David Lee Vincent from Newburyport is the Narrator. Billy Jenkins from Stoneham is Blondo Malfoy and others. Tricia Smith plays Hannah and is from Revere.

The show has some adult language and situations that may not be suitable for younger kids. “Puffs” is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative and transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

“Puffs” was originally produced Off Broadway by Tilted Windmills Theatricals (John Arthur Pinckard / David Carpenter). Puffs was developed in part during a residency with the University of Florida School of Theatre + Dance, Jerry Dickey, School Director; originally produced Off-Off Broadway by Stephen Stout and Colin Waitt. “Puffs” (Two Act Edition) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

For more information and to purchase tickets, see the Theatre Company of Saugus website at TCSaugus.org.

 

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 mvoge@comcast.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.