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Back-to-School countdown
Hey, Saugus kids! Hope you’ve made the most of your summer vacation, as you will be headed back to school three weeks from this coming Monday (Aug. 8). Classes begin on Aug. 30 for students in grades 1 to 12. Kindergarten and Pre-K classes start on Aug. 31.
Enjoy the remaining days of your summer. Read a little. Have fun. Relax.
If you are interested in local places to visit to spice up your summer, go to the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Breakheart Reservation, the Youth & Recreation Department or the Saugus Senior Center. Collectively, these places offer a lot of summertime options for Saugus residents.
How to make a hundred kids happy
Crystal Cakounes, the interim director of the Saugus Youth & Recreation Department, told me it would be a fun event to cover. And it was.
It’s always nice to see a bunch of smiling faces, especially of kids enjoying their summer. So, the Wednesday (Aug. 3) afternoon ice cream party – compliments of Sharon Cacciola, owner of SOC’s ice cream of Saugus – had to be a blast for the 100 kids who attended.
Not only did they get a dish of ice cream, but they got to hang out for a couple of hours with a WBZ camera crew that was filming in Saugus for a special news feature, Ice Cream Social, which featured a stop in Saugus. The TV production team also sent the kids home with some brightly colored CBS News Boston sunglasses. Sharon says she picked the Saugus Youth & Rec. Department summer camp behind the Belmonte STEAM Academy to be the recipients of the ice cream party because “Crystal does a wonderful job running the program with minimal funding from the town.”
From what I got to observe, every kid went home that afternoon a happy camper.
“Foul play is not suspected”
Over the past two weeks, I have received several calls about a heinous crime that allegedly took place at Laurel Gardens last month. All I can tell you is that the details of the alleged incident were gruesome as they were described to me.
But so far, the accounts have not been substantiated by either the Essex County District Attorney’s Office or the Saugus Police Department. I talked with both Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli and Carrie Kimball, who is the director of communications for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s Office.
The DA spokesperson confirmed that detectives assigned to her office, along with police, responded to a report of a death on July 25 in an apartment managed by the Saugus Housing Authority. “We responded to a report of an unexpected death in which a 58-year-old male was found deceased. Foul play is not suspected,” Kimbell said in a brief statement this week.
“However, the Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The District Attorney investigates all unattended deaths regardless of whether foul play is suspected,” she said.
Unless the autopsy report determines the death was suspicious, the public needs to accept the preliminary findings of police and the DA: that there isn’t a crime, based on the available evidence.
We have a winner!
Congratulations to Debbie Cox for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Debbie was one of several readers answering correctly, but she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap.
Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:
“The answer to last week’s sketch is This Year’s Salutatorian Lindsey Rose McGovern and Class Valedictorian Jason Patrick Ciampa! Lindsey is the Second top ranked student in the Class of 2022 and Jason is the student with the best scholastic score!
“Lindsey and Jason are on the front cover of the June 10th issue of The Saugus Advocate and continued on page 14 in article and photos of “151st. Commencement Exercises Saugus High School Class of 2022,”. by Mark E. Vogler. Lindsey’s speech appears on page 7 & 8 “Saugus High School graduation The Salutatorian Address “
“She addresses the student body with her message. Lindsey along with the Honor bestowed upon her to address the class of 2022 (as a second top ranking student); she served as President of the Student Council. Lindsey has plans of attending the University of New Hampshire to study Neuroscience.
“James Patrick Ciampa, who achieved the highest grade point average in the Class of 2022, earned the privilege to deliver the Valedictory Address at the Commencement exercises. *See June 10th issue page 8. Jason plans to attend Endicott College to study Computer Science.
“Jason and Lindsey both express deep gratitude and thankfulness in these articles about their Addresses to the Class of 2022.
“We all could learn a thing or two more by re-reading Lindsey Rose McGovern’s Address and Jason Patrick Ciampa’s address; they are well versed and heartfelt words of regret, fortitude , strength discipline , life experiences, and advice filled with two thankful hearts & gratitude!
I walked away gaining wisdom from Lindsey & Jason’s words.
“Thank you both. Hope you continue to excel and to re-quote Jason who quoted Norman Vincent Peale ‘s “ Shoot for the moon even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”
“Jason and Lindsey, you two are shining stars!
Yours Truly,
“The Sketch Artist “
A big “Shout out” to Father Jay
Jeannie Meredith nominated a member of the Saugus Faith Community for special public recognition in this week’s column. It’s a person who has made quite an impression after his first year of living and working in Saugus:
“I would like to give a ‘shout out’ to Father Jay from St Margaret’s and Blessed Sacrament Collaborative. He is doing an amazing job at both parishes. I was astonished to see a recent post of Father Jay giving a final blessing to a beloved pet. This is one of the most moving videos I have watched in some time. We are very fortunate to have such a caring , kind and compassionate priest in our Town. My condolences to the family that lost their loved one.”
Father Jason Makos has a special place in his heart for peoples’ pets, according to Jeannie, who points out that his 6-year-old Boston Terrier, Thea “is adorable!”
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 the mention in the subject line, “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph. Anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.
Summer Concert Series continues Wednesday
The National Parks Service and Saugus Public Library are co-sponsoring a free Summer Concert Series that continues next Wednesday (Aug. 10) at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, located at 244 Central St. in Saugus.
Here is the rest of the Summer Concert Series at a glance: :.
- August 10th – Memorylaners : 50’s, 60’s & 70’s music
- August 17th – Decades of Rock Band : Classic Rock 70’, 80’s & 90’s
- August 24th – 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!
“Zoom” Book Study
The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church wants to get the word out to Saugonians who might be interested in participating in a new book study, via “Zoom” video conferencing.
The book is called “The Violence Project: How to Stop A Mass Shooting Epidemic By Jillian Peterson, PhD and James Densley, PhD”
It’s the Winner of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award
“Using data from the writers’ groundbreaking research on mass shooters, including first-person accounts from the perpetrators themselves, The Violence Project charts new pathways to prevention and innovative ways to stop the social contagion of violence.
“Frustrated by reactionary policy conversations that never seemed to convert into meaningful action, special investigator and psychologist Jill Peterson and sociologist James Densley built The Violence Project, the first comprehensive database of mass shooters. Their goal was to establish the root causes of mass shootings and figure out how to stop them.
”If you ever wondered how can we stop mass shootings, this is the book for you. By mixing compelling first-person interviews with mass shooters and significant data analysis, The Violence Project illustrates the tangible ways we can intervene and prevent a tragedy from occurring. No one is helpless-read this book and help stop violence before it starts.”
Rev. Beach says the book study meets on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30 – 8:30 East Coast Time, from Sept.7th through Oct. 5th
For more information, contact The Rev. John Beach at revjbeach@gmail.com
What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library
For school children looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this summer, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library.
“Be Cool! Learn to Sew!
Here’s a great idea offered by Joyce Rodenhiser:
“Would you like to save and have fun? JUST SEW! Come to the Saugus Public Library and learn to sew on the second Monday of the month at 6 P.M. The class is tailored to the needs of the students! We teach basic sewing skills that you can use now! It’s air conditioned and we can do a lot in an hour. Join the JUST SEW class, it’s Free.”
Library offers free “Zoom” program on college search
Parents and High School students can feel like they are overwhelmed when it’s time to explore their options for college.
But the Saugus Public Library will be offering a special hour-long program titled “Navigating the College Search” via “Zoom” video conferencing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22. It’s free, but registration is required.
“Navigating the college search is stressful especially if it is your first time doing it,” says a press release issued this week by the library
“With college counselor and tutor Dr. Karen Droisen’s expert help, parents and high school students can master the art of applying for college.By the end of Dr. Droisen’s presentation, the steps from making a list of college choices, writing the personal essay to at last hitting the submit button will feel manageable and even exciting.”
Dr. Droisen graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English and earned her PhD from the University of Virginia. After teaching English at the college level, Dr. Droisen opened KAD Tutoring and College Counseling and is a member of the New England Association for College Admissions Counseling (NEACAC).
Parents and students are both welcome to join this free event! Navigating the College Search is being offered in person and by Zoom.To register to attend in person at the Saugus Public Library, please either email sau@noblenet.org, call 781-231-4168 ext. 3107 or visit the Reference Desk.
To register for the Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudO6hpzsrGtGVGvEZqs7gg7q5k_NKs8rz
“I’m an engaged, dedicated, supportive tutor and college counselor working in-person in the Boston area and remotely,” Droisen said.
“In 1988, I earned my BA in English from Barnard College, Columbia University. I went on to earn an MA and PhD in English literature at the University of Virginia. After completing my doctorate, I joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a tenure-track assistant professor of English,”she said.
“In subsequent years, I worked as a fundraiser for local and international non-profit organizations. In 2015, I returned to my first love – education – and became a full-time tutor and college counselor.”
Grand Knights Banquet in September
The Saugus Knights of Columbus Council #1829 is hosting a Grand Knights’ Banquet on Friday, Sept. 9th. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 57 Appleton Street, Saugus, starting at 6 p.m.This event is to recognize all past Grand Knights, but it’s in special recognition of Former Grand Knight, Chris Luongo, for his devotion to charity and the Saugus Community. The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 and has 1.9 million members around the world. Core values include integrity, professionalism, excellence, and respect. Charity is at the heart of everything we do. Everyone is welcome to attend this event! Tickets are $30 each. For more information, please call Richard at 781-858-1117.
Saugus seeks student poll workers
Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s Office is looking for student election workers. It is a great way for them to learn how their government functions and how important it is to vote. Sixteen-year-old students are eligible to work ½ day (6-8 hours); 17-18 year old students may work a full day (8-12hours). All students can receive community service which is imperative to them in order to satisfy their High School requirement mandated for graduation. Or, they can be paid for their hours worked. In addition, the Town Clerk’s Office will gladly write letters of recommendation for National Honors Society, Colleges, ect. 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.
In Person Early Voting
Town Election Coordinator Andrew DePatto also wants Saugus residents to know about some important dates coming up, as it relates to In Person Early Voting for the Sept. 6 State Primary Election. There are several dates that folks can participate in Early Voting at the Saugus Public Library: 295 Central Street (Taylor Street Entrance):
- Saturday, August 27th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.(***ALSO, Last day to register to vote for September’s Election.)
- Monday, August 29th 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 30th 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 31st 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, Sept. 1st 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 2nd 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This pertinent information regarding early voting is also on the Town of Saugus website under the Town Clerk, https://www.saugus-ma.gov/town-clerk/bulletins/person-early-voting
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.”
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, Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices go to Tickets@GIMMELIVE.COM.
Home Grown Rock Lineup – Doors open at 3 p.m. – Concert at 4 p.m.
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 6pm – Concert at 7 p.m.
AUGUST: 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 available upon request.
More outdoor music at Kowloon
The Kowloon Restaurant announces their outdoor concert series for August with a variety of live bands at their Route 1 North in Saugus outdoor venue. For tickets call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.
Live Musica – Beach Night, Friday, August 5, 7 p.m.
Dave Macklin Band, Saturday, August 6, 7 p.m.
Live Music Legends of Summer, August 12, 7 p.m.
Kowloon Country Night Live with Carly Tefft,
The Darren Bessette Band & Samantha Rae
$10 RESERVED SEATING, $25 VIP (BEST STAGE VIEW), Saturday, August 13, 7 p.m.
Live Music Legends of Summer Country Music Band, Friday, August 19, 7 p.m.
Live Music Closing Time, Saturday, August 20, 7 p.m.
Live Music Wildfire, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m. ($10 per person for reserved seating)
Live Music The Adam Hanna Band, Saturday, August 27, 7 p.m.
A benefit event for Saugus Youth and sports
While we are on the subject of music, here’s an event where you can enjoy a night out – and help the youth of Saugus.
Dennis Moschella, a longtime Saugus resident and Vietnam War veteran who has helped many veterans causes through his group Veterans Assisting Veterans (VAV), has a date that the parents of Saugus school-aged kids might want to put on their calendars: Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Moschella has been working hard behind the scenes to organize A Benefit Event for Saugus Youth and sports activities – featuring Panorama, starring The Cars Tribute Band. Doors open at 6. Moschella said this event is planned as a special favor to thank Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano. This fundraiser is designed to help one of Cogliano’s favorite causes: Saugus youth and sports activities.
Anyone interested in tickets for the Aug. 25 concert can contact Dennis Moschella at 781 316-4486. You may also order tickets by calling the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.
If you can’t make the concert, Moschella suggests that you still buy the ticket and give it to somebody who can’t afford to go.
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 just from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines), $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. 15th to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley 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 years who would like to join them.
The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for their 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, 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; we 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 interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858.
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 Street.
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 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 the 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, 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.
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 nearly six and a half 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.
CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK
