The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  The Saugus Memorial Day Parade is a little less than a month away – Saturday, May 25. There’s still four weeks left to complete the planning.

But Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti is already looking for help to beef up the procession. “We’re looking for some bands to march in the parade and play some patriotic numbers,” Castinetti told me recently.

I told him I would put the word out in this week’s column.

The Veterans Council commander said he could also use some help in flagging the graves of veterans on Friday, May 24 at 3:30 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery. Actually, it’s grave officer Randy Briand – who oversees the planting of mini American flags – who needs the help. If you would like to volunteer to help flag the graves on May 24 or play some patriotic music on May 25, feel free to call Commander Steve Castinetti at 781-389-3678. He would appreciate hearing from any volunteers in these needed areas.

 

Saugus High Class of ’54 time capsule opening

The Saugus Historical Commission, in association with the Saugus School Department, will hold a ceremony opening the time capsule from the former Saugus High School at 10 a.m. tomorrow (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.

 

A free Medicare forum Tuesday

  The Saugus Public Library will be hosting a special forum titled “Planning for Medicare” next Tuesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library (295 Central St., Saugus). Led by Heather Hurd, Medicare Outreach Consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, this program is geared towards individuals approaching Medicare Eligibility. Topics covered include health insurance information outside of employer sponsored coverage, such as an explanation of Medicare, the Medicare enrollment timeline, Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and programs available to early retirees, and COBRA. This is a great presentation for seniors who may still be working and looking to transition.

Please register at https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events or call 781-231-4168 ext. 3016.

 

Saugus High Drama Club performs May 2-4

  The Saugus High School Drama Club will perform “Working, A Musical” on three consecutive nights – May 2 through May 4 at 7 p.m. in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students. The musical is from the book by Studs Terkel and adapted by Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso.

 

Learn the about the legacy of Prankers Pond – May 8

  The Saugus Historical Society has an interesting program lined up for next month, according to President Laura Eisener. Saugus industrialist Edward Pranker, the legacy of Prankers Pond and his monument at Riverside will be the subject of a mini-symposium at 30 Main St. at 7 p.m. on May 8.

Saugus Town Meeting Member Ron Wallace of Precinct 5 has been cleaning up the monument of Edward Pranker at Riverside Cemetery, as he has done with some other gravestones of notable Saugonians. Edward Pranker’s name may be known from the mill buildings at the intersection of Elm Street and Central Street, and from the recreation area where the remnants of the pond are located. Hear the rest of the story: where Pranker came from, how the mill became so significant in Saugus development and how the pond changed in size and affected the landscape over the years. The “Old Sachem,” Bill Stewart, worked in the mills when he graduated from high school and will speak of his experiences there. Park Ranger Paul Kenworthy will explain the changes in the landscape from the 17th century to the present as the pond known as Lily Pond and Prankers Pond changed size due to dams being built and torn down over the years.

 

Spring Fun Run/Walk on May 19

  Joyce Vecchiarelli of the Friends of Breakheart Reservation has a special message for people who like running or a little exercise at a pace at which they won’t overexert themselves.

“We are hosting our second annual ‘Spring Fun Run/Walk’ on Sunday May 19^th. We got a very good turnout our first year and am trying to keep it going. If you can post something that would be great. Friends of Breakheart and the DCR are hosting the event. We are asking people to bring their own water ‘containers’ as the DCR has banned giving out any plastic in all the parks.”

The 5K race or 3K walk, which will be cosponsored by the Friends of Breakheart and the state Department of Conservation & Recreation, will begin at 10 a.m. on May 19. Registration is at 9:30. The event will go on, rain or shine. A $10 donation is requested to enter. Cash or check only. The proceeds will be used by the Friends of Breakheart for park activities and future events. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female runners. Raffle prizes will be open to all who donate.

 

CHaRM Center is open

  The Town of Saugus recently announced that the CHaRM Center is open 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.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

  We have a mega “Shout Out” this week from Rick Kasabuski, who recently received special recognition as an Honorary Board member of the Saugus Little League. Kasabuski is a modest man who works behind the scenes to do whatever he can to support Little League baseball in Saugus. His son Joe was one of 12 players from Saugus’ most famous Little League team, which finished second in the United States and fourth in the world during the 2003 Little League World Series. Rick’s late dad, Joseph, received an award for “Outstanding and Dedicated Service” from the Saugus American Little League in October of 1971 – when Rick was 12 and during his last year playing Little League ball. So Rick remains deeply rooted in the support system that continues to make the Little League a successful organization in Saugus.

Rather than take a bow for his recent contributions behind the scenes – which were publicly recognized this year – he requested to offer a special “Shout Out” and message to Saugus people and local businesses who helped to make this year’s Opening Day Ceremonies special:

“A big shout out to all the help & volunteers that made the SLL opening day parade a big success ! Hats off to SLL Prez John Benoit & VP Craig Smith & their Entire E Board Family!! As the sun came out , it was Nice to see all the people Line the streets to cheer the Kids along the Parade route!! Which now consists of one big FAMILY, American, National, & Girls Softball Leagues combined!!! Great to see such a Nice Saugus Family event get bigger & better by the year!!! The time & dedication by Everyone is what helps bring our Community together, THANK YOU ALL!!

  “SLL would Like to thank the people that have given their time, hard work & dedication to the Fields & League in our Town! DC 35 Painters Union for painting the snack shack, dugouts & press box – Angelo from HB contracting for his carpentry work – The ELKS Lodge 642, for donating their time and resources to supply all the free hot dogs , snacks & drinks – The DPW & Agganis for all their efforts & resources to help remove dirt & debris from the fields. Steve Barker owner of Vier-eck Fence Co, for all his Company’s time, resources & donations to revamp our batting cages & fencing around the fields – to All the Veterans supporting & attending the event. Luke in his vintage US Army truck –

  “Thanks to the Saugus Police & Fire Department for their support & help on parade day along with our Town Government! Much Appreciated to All! Have a safe & Fun spring & Summer!! Stop by, watch a game, join the Family!!! Thank You to the entire Saugus Community, ENJOY – SLL 2024!!!”

  We received a second “Shout Out” this week from Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “This ‘Shout Out’ is for Done Right Landscaping Company to thank them for the beautiful job they did on the Cliftondale Square Rotary for Spring. It looks so pretty!! Thank you Bruce!!”

 

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 26) 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.

 

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.”

 

What’s going on at the library?

  There’s always something interesting going on at the library. Here’s a few activities worth checking 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 6 and up – 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.

 

Town Republican News

  We received an email this week from Chris Luongo, who was recently elected chair of the Saugus Republican Town Committee:

“This is a big year as we try and save our State and Country. On Wednesday, April 10th the Saugus Republican committee had a joint meeting with Lynnfield and Danvers. This was a very successful meeting with guest speakers Mass GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale and State Representative Donald Wong. The SRTC held its annual election of officers with the following being elected:

“Chair- Chris Luongo

“Vice Chair- Donald Wong

“Treasurer Steven Pericola

“Secretary Jim Harrington

“I am reaching out to all to see if you still have interest in the Saugus Republican Committee. Please respond to this email and let me know. We would like to schedule an SRTC get-together in the next coming months to see how we can help get local people involved in our Town and State government to stem the tide of the tax and spend Democrats. Please feel free to call me with any questions, concerns or ideas.

“Chris Luongo

“781-389-5749”

 

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 (Marleah E Graves Foundation) is hosting “ Welcome to Cliftondale” on Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5, from 12-4 each day. Janice Jarosz, who is the President of the Foundation, has created a historical look into the past for not only the school but the town with original documents, pictures and exhibits. The group has recreated a classroom from years past; the rooms will be like a museum – a walk through the past – very interesting and informative. Local merchants have been asked to participate to promote the Cliftondale area. It should be a very exciting event, and all are welcome. Light refreshments and raffles will be held during the event both days.

 

Kindergarten enrollment 2024-2025

  Open enrollment for kindergarten began on Monday, April 22, and continues 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.”

 

Kowloon Komedy for April

  The Kowloon Restaurant – located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus – will hold its final Comedy Club performance of the month today (Friday, April 26) at 8 p.m. when Stephanie Peters performs. Tickets are $20 per person. For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online: www.kowloonrestaurant.com.

 

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.