The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  If you are not too busy caught up in spring projects – particularly raking up the tree limbs and other storm-driven debris that’s strewn all over your yard – there are a lot of neat events going on this weekend that are worth enjoying. For starters, the Theatre Company of Saugus will open tonight with the first of two 3-day weekend performances of “PUFFS,” which will be available for viewing upstairs at Legion Hall.

The dates are April 19-20-21 and 26-27-28, 2024, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., and with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets paid at the door will be $25 for adults, or $23 for seniors, youth or veterans. Tickets purchased in advance online will be $22 for adults, or $20 for seniors, youth or veterans.

 

Play Ball!

  Saugus Little League Baseball and Saugus Softball Little League are gearing up for a historic Opening Day tomorrow (Saturday, April 20). For the first time in recent memory, the two leagues will be joining in a parade, which will begin at 9 a.m. from a staging area at the old Oaklandvale Elementary School at 266 Main St. Because parking is extremely limited at Oaklandvale School (266 Main St.), there will be a rolling drop-off from 8:15 to 3 p.m. at the school. The parade route, which is new from the one used in recent years, will proceed west down Main Street to the newly renovated Elks Field, adjacent to the Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge #642 at 413 Main St.

 

Earth Day Events tomorrow

  Monday, April 22, will be the official Earth Day for 2024. Earth Week will begin Sunday (April 21) and last through next Saturday (April 27). Some local environmental groups, like the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) have already observed their Earth Days with special events. But for those ecological-minded folks who want to practice what they preach by getting involved in activities to honor our environment, there are a couple such events planned in Saugus tomorrow.

Selectman Corinne Riley made a point of announcing at this week’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting that the Golden Hills neighborhood will be having a spring cleanup, for Earth Day, this Saturday, April 20. Everyone should meet at the Golden Hills Playground located on 42 Golden Hills Rd. The cleanup will take place from noon to 2 p.m. “Anyone interested, we will see you there!” Riley said.

Meanwhile, Breakheart Reservation will be hosting its annual Park Serve Day tomorrow (Saturday, April 20) from 10 a.m-2 p.m. This is a day where residents of Massachusetts get to help the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) get state-run parks all over the state ready for the busy spring and summer season! Activities include invasive plant removal, planting, mulching and pruning. These activities are good for children ages eight and up.

The DCR requests that volunteers bring their own gloves if they have them. A limited supply will be available to those who don’t. Please, also bring a water bottle that can be filled at the park.

If you are going, plan on meeting at the Breakheart Reservation Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Please sign and bring a Volunteer Release form (for adults or for minors) with you! There will be a limited supply of forms available at the event.

 

The grand finale for mini-Town Meeting seminars

  If you are a Town Meeting member and you haven’t had a chance yet to check out the mini-Town Meeting seminars organized by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, next Monday night (April 22) is your last chance. The final mini-seminar will be held in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and will last until 7:45 p.m. The topic will be “Preparing for the Town Budget.”

Wendy Hatch has again agreed to come at 6:30 p.m. to explain the “Source and Use” document that you will all be receiving with your budget booklet and/or electronic file. This is like a synopsis of where the money comes from and where it is allocated, as proposed. Manoogian said he will have this on screen and as a handout. So, don’t be concerned if you do not have it going into the meeting.

“I will also share with you something that will help you further understand the budget should you remain in Town Meeting for multiple terms. That will also be on the screen,” Manoogian said.

“Should time permit, we will also show relevant charter language and bylaws about the budget,” he said. “Please know that we will NOT be discussing specific budget items, departments, programs or special articles. Our goal is to have you walk out of these seminars and into Town Meeting knowing a little, or perhaps a lot more, than you knew when first elected.”

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. But, if you are a civic-minded person who would like to know more about your local government, why not check it out?

 

Saugus High Class of ’54 time capsule opening

  The Saugus Historical Commission, in association with the Saugus School Department, will hold a ceremony to open the time capsule from the former Saugus High School at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, in the second floor auditorium at Town Hall. The time capsule was placed in the cornerstone of the former High School building during a ceremony in September 1954. That ceremony was a part of a series of events held to commemorate the 325th anniversary of the town. The capsule consists of a custom-made copper box by Stanley J. Piwowarski and William McKay and measures 18 inches long, 10 inches wide and six inches deep. The box contains town and school records, signatures of students and faculty of the schools at the time and letters from local, state and national officials along with mementos, such as coins, stamps and newspapers.

 

CHaRM Center opens April 20

  The Town of Saugus announces that the CHaRM Center will be opening on Saturday, April 20, and resume normal hours of Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents will be required to buy a $25 Sticker to use the Compost Facilities as well as to recycle hard plastics. The rest of the Facility’s features are free to use for any Saugus resident.

Residents are also allowed three TVs or computers/CRT monitors for free per household each year. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable.

The final date the CHaRM Center will be open for the season is December 14. However, the Facility will be open the following winter dates, weather permitting: January 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; February 15, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; March 15, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any

questions.

 

Spring curbside leaf collection begins May 6

  The Town of Saugus announces that spring curbside leaf collection will take place during the week of May 6. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday, May 6, and Friday, May 10. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall at 298 Central St., Saugus. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted.

Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pick-ups” will not be conducted. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

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, April 19) 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 in 2024. 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.

 

Selectmen meetings this spring

  The ongoing Finance Committee meetings every Wednesday at 7 p.m. are getting most of the attention at Town Hall in the weeks leading up to the Annual Town Meeting (May 6). But selectmen will be meeting twice a month during April and May. Here’s their current schedule: April 30, May 14 and May 28.

 

Countdown Till Town Meeting

  It is very disappointing that more Town Meeting members aren’t taking advantage of an opportunity to share their concerns about top issues townwide and within their districts by participating in our ongoing series, “Countdown Till Town Meeting.” Two out of five, like we’ve had twice over the last three weeks, is rather poor. Then again, it does mirror the results we had in a few precincts during our “Saugus Over Coffee” cable television series last year.

But the School Committee is monitoring “Countdown Till Town Meeting” closely. We received a letter from the entire School Committee this week. Members took great umbrage to comments made by several Town Meeting members commenting on school issues. Here is the letter:

As a School Committee, we feel compelled to respond to erroneous information, including some that was published in last week’s Advocate. A question was placed to Town Meeting members asking for their top priorities for the town. Some answered in part or exclusively about changes they will make to the school department, and of their recent appointment to school subcommittees. These members have previously stated they will oversee and audit the School Committee, have publicly demanded the School Committee follow their agenda, and have publicly commented on specific students, with limited information and in violation of student privacy.

  We wish to be very clear. No elected official has been appointed by the School Committee to any subcommittee. Town Meeting does not administer the school department or the School Committee. We will not allow student privacy to be violated for political reasons. Much of the information posted on social media, as to be expected, is factually incorrect or misleading. If you have a question, please reach out to the district or to a School Committee member for a correct answer.

  We are committed and focused on student safety, as well as student achievement. We are working on the whole student as well as the betterment of the district. We are not politicizing students or trying to enact a political platform. We are not trying to impress residents on social media. We are doing the work we promised to do.

  As a town, we are all smart enough to see what is happening here.

  As a town and a school, we should not let outside entities divide us. We will never agree on everything, but with honest communication, an acknowledgement of our individual strengths and abilities, and through working together, we can achieve great things for the students, parents, and citizens of this great town.

  Sincerely,

  The Saugus School Committee

 

Scholarship aid for Saugus High students

  Charlotte Line of the Saugus High School Alumni Association requested that we publish the following information in this week’s paper.

“Saugus High School Alumni, Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, Saugus High Grads, please encourage your graduating seniors to apply for SHS Alumni Association scholarships.

“Sunday, April 27th, anytime from 5 to 8 pm

“Seniors should bring their Alumni Worksheet Scholarship Application.

“They can pick it up in the guidance office at the High School and go to the MEG Building, 54 Essex Street, Saugus. They will need to be prepared to complete two short essays.

“We are encouraging students that plan to pursue a career in the trades. Electrician, plumbing HVAC, any trade school program. We have received Scholarship money for those seeking to further a career in the trades. Scholarships up to $5,000. being awarded.

“We look forward to seeing your seniors.”

 

Tree Art Workshop at the library Tomorrow

  Local artist and tree enthusiast Kelly Slater and the Saugus Public Library invite you to participate in a workshop on depicting trees. Using a wide variety of playful and relaxing techniques, we will most definitely be “coloring outside the lines.” As we look deeply at trees, we will create our own unique and heartfelt interpretations of their awe-inspiring forms.

Photos of distinguished trees of Saugus will be provided. However, we strongly encourage students to bring a photo or two of their own distinguished Saugus trees.

Students will have the opportunity to exhibit one or more of their tree depictions at the library’s May exhibit, “Distinguished Trees of Saugus.”

The workshop is tomorrow (Saturday, April 20) and will run from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a 30-minute break midway through. It is appropriate for all skill levels and for ages high school on up. Both the workshop and materials are free of charge.

Advance registration is required. To reserve your seat, register online starting April 1 on the events calendar at sauguspubliclibrary.org/events

For any questions about the course content, email Kelly at kellyslaterart@hotmail.com with “Distinguished Trees Workshop” in the subject line.

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.

 

What’s going on at the library?

• The Spring Break Scavenger Hunt, from Tues., April 16, through Sat., April 20. This popular event is recommended for children three and up. “Stop by anytime during the break, and have fun finding all new characters. There will be treats!” Amy said.

There’s always something interesting going on at the library. Here are a few activities worth checking out next month:

• 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.
• 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.
• Check this one out if you are concerned about hackers and cyber crooks. The Saugus Public Library will be hosting Robert Siciliano on Saturday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room. His topic will be “Hackers, Attackers and Thieves: Cyber, Social, Identity, and Personal Protection.” Siciliano is a Boston based security expert and private investigator with 30+ years of experience, the #1 Best Selling Amazon.com author of five books and the architect of the CSI Protection certification; a Cyber Social Identity and Personal Protection security awareness training program.

Siciliano will be discussing various hack attacks, including everything from check, washing scams, the vicious grandparent scam, how they occur and how to prevent them and become a tougher target. He will discuss various tools to manage passwords, protect your devices and manage your digital lives. This interactive time together will use real-life examples to instruct attendees of all ages on how to avoid the risks associated with hackers, attackers and thieves.

This informative and timely program is being generously sponsored by the Saugus Garden Club and the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library. This event is free and open to the public.

Registration is required. Register at https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events or call 781-231-4168 ext. 3106.

 

Brick program for Saugus War Monument

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 someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for an 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. 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

Welcome to Cliftondale

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

Many of our visitors to the school – 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

 

Kowloon Komedy for April

  The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus, has set its Comedy Club lineup for this month. Showtimes are at 8 p.m. and tickets are $20 per person. For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com

Here’s the Kowloon Komedy Lineup:

April 19: MARK RILEY.

April 26: STEPHANIE PETERS.

 

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.