The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  This year’s Annual Town Meeting season gets underway on Monday night, beginning with a Special Town Meeting that features 11 articles on the warrant – 10 of them financial. It’s anticipated that Town Meeting members will be able to consider a handful of articles from the warrant of the Annual Town Meeting at the conclusion of the Special Town Meeting. That’s providing the 11 articles for the special session are reviewed and approved without much difficulty or controversy.

This will be my ninth consecutive year covering the 50-member body that serves as the legislative branch of Saugus town government. I took over as editor of The Saugus Advocate in March of 2016 and didn’t have much time for orientation that year. But I was able to relate to the process, having covered Saugus government for North Shore: Sunday for a five-and-a-half-year stretch (1987-92).

During the course of my newspaper career, I’ve always enjoyed sitting in on a New England Town Meeting as a reporter. As editor of The Nantucket Beacon, I got to direct the news coverage of three Town Meeting sessions out on Nantucket Island during the period of 1993-95. And back in 1975, while a young reporter for the Portland Press Herald based out of Bridgton, Maine, I got to cover 11 Town Meetings in small communities in the Sebago Lake area. Some of these sessions were as much entertainment as news events.

I remember covering the Town of Harrison meeting when the townspeople voted overwhelmingly to “go to jail rather than pay a penny toward the Cumberland County Civic Center.” After that headline, several other towns followed the example of Naples and voted “to go to jail …,” to the chagrin of the Cumberland County District Attorney, who felt my stories “encouraged” people in these small communities in the hinterland of the county to do something that he considered clearly illegal. But all of these towns were an hour or more away from Portland, where the new civic center would be built. And a lot of these country folks didn’t want to pay for something they would seldom use.

Probably my best Town Meeting story came out of the town of Sweden, where two 90-year-old sisters led the charge against Central Maine Power, opposing a plan to locate some power lines across a local trout brook.

What a treat it was covering all of these Maine Town Meetings. Some of them were all-day deals on a Saturday, with the folks enjoying a potluck meal for lunch.

I also covered a few Town Meeting sessions in Williamstown for The North Adams Transcript back in the late 1970s. Anyway, I have some fond and interesting memories of covering Town Meeting. And I’m sure that Saugus will provide a few good ones when I look back one day and reflect.

This year’s Town Meeting season could prove to be a very interesting one in Saugus. For starters, there are 13 new members – many who are taking an active interest in this year’s proceedings. A few have even authored articles or collaborated with other members in developing some ideas for this year’s Town Meeting warrant.

From all accounts I’ve heard, the mini-Town Meeting seminars at the Saugus Public Library instigated by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian have provided the newcomers who attended – as well as the veterans who needed a refresher course in the budget process and the business of deliberating at Town Meeting sessions – a good body of knowledge that should make for a more productive session.

Stay tuned.

 

“Welcome to Cliftondale” begins tomorrow

  Hey, citizens of Saugus: If you are looking for something interesting to do this weekend, head over to The MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. I predict that something historic, wonderful, informative and very beneficial to the community will happen tomorrow (Saturday, May 4) and Sunday when The MEG (Marleah E. Graves Foundation) hosts its “Welcome to Cliftondale” celebration from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

“We will be highlighting Cliftondale by creating a ‘live’ museum featuring a replica of a school room in days gone by, a history of the building, photographs and memorabilia of yesteryear, and light refreshments,” declares the invitation I received this week.

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. 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.

While this event is sure to attract past and present Cliftondale residents, it’s really a great opportunity for Saugus residents of all ages and from all parts of town to learn a little Saugus history and some neat factual and folklore stories about the part of town once known as “the Cigar Capital of the Country.” And find out whether The MEG Building really is haunted by the ghosts of some of the characters who made Cliftondale famous.

 

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 this 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.

 

Saugus Democrats meet Wednesday

  Lin Bell, Secretary of the Saugus Democratic Town Committee, says the group’s next meeting will take place Wednesday (May 8) at 7:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Saugus Public Safety Building (27 Hamilton St. in Saugus). “We hope you join us to support the Democratic process and candidates,” Bell said.

 

Spring Track begins Tuesday

  Coach Christopher Tarantino’s popular spring track program begins Tuesday (May 7) for grades 1 through 5 at the track at Belmonte STEAM Academy. The spring program will run for six weeks on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 5:15 p.m. The cost is $100 for the first year; $50 for returning athletes.

Summer Track for youths ages 5 through 18 begins on July 1. The program is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. at the track outside Belmonte STEAM Academy.

Registration will run from June 24-28. Here is the schedule:

July 1-5: first formal week.

July 8-11: second formal week..

July 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: makeup practice (*if necessary).

July 12, 6 p.m.: pasta dinner at Prince.

July 13, 9 a.m.: in-house meet at Serino Stadium.

July 15-18: retrain week.

July 20: Summer Showdown, Cranston, R.I.

July 24: wrap up.

Cost: $250 first year, $200 returning with uniform, $150 if three years or more in summer program; includes pasta dinner, t-shirt, uniform and entry into Summer Showdown.

Please note that these programs are not being offered through the town’s Youth & Recreation Department. Please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino directly with questions at 781-854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com.

 

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

The Town of Saugus announced that spring curbside leaf collection will take place during the week of May 13. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday, May 13 and Friday, May 17. 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 didn’t receive any nominations from our readers this week for people who should be recognized for remarkable acts or achievements that reflect well on Saugus or lead to the betterment of the community. So, exercising my editorial prerogative, I nominate all of the people and businesses who were recognized as contributors to the birth and development of World Series Park during a reading that took place last Friday (April 26) at the park’s 20th anniversary.

 

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, May 3) 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.

 

For lovers of trees and Saugus history

  Saugus boasts many inspiring trees in its forests, along streets and in other public places as well as home gardens. They are not only beautiful and environmentally important, but many of them have a place in Saugus’ history.

Some, like the European Beech at the Saugus Iron Works are familiar to many, while others may be hidden away in the woods. Have you noticed the distinctive branching pattern of the American elm on Main Street near Route 1? How about the unusual leaf shape of the ginkgo behind the old fire station? Tall white pines in Breakheart Reservation and Lynn Woods provide perches and shelter for wildlife all year round.

Garden designer, horticulture teacher and Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener will discuss how these trees or their fellow species members have been intertwined with the town’s history. During Laura’s presentation she will talk about and show on the screen some of these magnificent trees, which feature in the “Distinguished Trees of Saugus” exhibit currently on view at the Saugus Public Library. Join us for this free adult presentation on May 16 at 6:30 pm. 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?

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

• 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 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.

 

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.

 

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.