The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Today’s a special day for 178 seniors who will be graduating from Saugus High School in a ceremony set for 6 p.m. at Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium.

I got to spend about two hours this past Wednesday night (May 29) at the school’s annual Scholarship and Academic/Services Awards Night. It’s clear from my observation that the class includes a lot of talented and exceptionally bright students with promising futures ahead of them.

I’m looking forward to spending a few more hours late this afternoon and early this evening (Friday, May 31) milling around on the field and trying to get some interesting human interest stories about the Class of 2024. I’ll be searching for twins who are graduating and finding out if somebody has a birthday or a very special story to tell. I also like looking at the creative artwork on a few graduates’ mortar boards. There are always a few interesting stories to tell if you look hard enough. Stay tuned.

Good luck and congratulations to the young men and women and their families who are planning for the graduation milestones of their lives. Savor the moment and make the most of your high school or college education. Use it wisely to plan your professional careers.

 

Blood Drive at Legion Hall tomorrow

Saugus American Legion Post 210 plans to sponsor a Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, June 1) at Legion Hall (44 Taylor St., Saugus). Post 210 Commander John Macauda said the upcoming Blood Drive will be organized in Memory of Cpl. Scott J. Procopio & Capt. William G. Shoemaker.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sauguscommunity to schedule an appointment

 

Upcoming Garden Club events

  The Saugus Garden Club has a busy schedule through the spring. Here are some upcoming events:

• Saturday, June 15, the Saugus Historical Society will host its annual Strawberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the American Legion Hall while the Saugus Garden Club holds its annual plant sale on the front lawn of the Roby School on Main Street.

 

Volunteers needed for Strawberry Festival on June 15

Strawberry Festival time is approaching! The Saugus Historical Society will be dishing out old-fashioned shortcakes along with soda and hot dogs in the American Legion Hall on Saturday, June 15, while the Saugus Garden Club holds its annual plant sale on the Main Street lawn of the Roby School. There is still vendor space on the Roby School lawn for those selling crafts on the lawn area. Volunteers to help serve shortcakes and potential vendors are asked to email the Historical Society president at LDELD@shore.net.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

It’s always nice to receive multiple nominations from our readers who wish to publicly recognize outstanding contributions by town residents for the betterment of Saugus, or great local achievements. This week we have two from frequent Saugus Advocate contributor Joanie Allbee. In her first one, Joanie heaps high praise on Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta: “Hello Saugus, I’d like to give a shout out!

“From beginning to end of the Saugus Memorial Day Parade there was a wounded woman with battle strength determination. She showed Soldier strength dedication in the face of a battle wound.

“Onward to completion of the parade was the only option this lioness looked to. With fortitude and focus she crossed the finish line. Only then, she stopped to look at the urgency of her situation at hand.

“This lady I speak of is …Debbie Panetta! Wishing health and speedy recovery!”

Joanie offered a second Memorial Day “Shout Out” for a deserving Saugonian: “A ‘Shout out’ to Joyce Vecchiarelli for her thoughtful action of passing out water bottles at the Memorial Day Parade. Joyce was set up in front of Rossetti Insurance in Cliftondale Square giving bottles of water to anyone in need. Thank you.”

We received this one from Lin Bell: “I would like to give a Shout Out to Town Manager Scott Crabtree for mowing the lawn at Town Hall when WIN WASTE reneged on their sponsorship to do so.”

We also received one from Sue Fleming: “I would like to give a Shout Out to all involved with the Gold Star Run for Honor held last Saturday in memory of Scott Procopio, who was killed in Iraq 16 years ago. It is a wonderful event to honor one of our own.

“Also a ‘shout out’ to everyone who organized and participated in the parade. It was a great Memorial Day celebration!”

 

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 31) 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.

 

Pats’ “Snow Plow” game recalled Sunday

Sportsworld – located at 184 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus – is set to host a live autograph signing with “Snowplow football game legends, John Smith and Mark Henderson.” The event is scheduled for Sunday (June 2) from 10 a.m. to noon, and autographs are $25 and $45 for both. For more information, call Sportsworld at 781-233-7222.

Sportsworld owner Phil Castinetti remembers, “The Snow Plow Game was on December 12, 1982, held between the New England Patriots (2-3-0) and Miami Dolphins (4-1-0) in Foxboro, formerly, Schaefer Stadium – now Foxboro Stadium.

“Due to a snow-covered field, the game was offensively challenged from the start. The teams combined for 11 completed passes for 89 yards, and after three quarters, neither team had scored. By the fourth quarter, the Patriots had a chance for a 33-yard field goal. Patriots then-coach, Ron Meyer, asked Mark Henderson, a convicted burglar who was out of prison on a furlough program and operating the Schaefer Stadium snow plow, to drive onto the field and clear away the snow for his kicker. Henderson cleaned the path, and John Smith, New England’s left-footed kicker, gave New England a 3-0 win.”

 

Happy birthday, Annette!

Annette Slocumb, the subject of an interview for “The Advocate Asks,” which ran last June 2, called this week to let us know that she will turn 101 on Sunday. How about 101 “Shout Outs” for Annette?

 

Annual Town Meeting resumes Monday

The Annual Town Meeting is set to meet for its fourth session on Monday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at Town Hall. Members are expected to take up Article 23 – the controversial measure to create a Citizen Engagement Committee – in addition to several zoning articles. Town officials expect members will be able to complete the session on Monday without needing an additional meeting.

 

Firefighter Memorial on June 9

The Saugus Firefighter Relief Association invites the public to its annual “Firefighter Memorial Sunday” next Sunday (June 9) at 10 a.m. at the Fire Department Headquarters at 27 Hamilton St. Friends and family are welcome to attend the event, which will honor all who served the department.

 

SAVE to hold its 2024 Annual Meeting & Dinner – June 26

Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will hold its 51st Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Polcari’s Restaurant (92 Broadway-Route 1 North, Saugus). Social time starts at 6:30 p.m.; dinner buffet begins at approximately 7:00 p.m. The public is cordially invited and we hope you can join us for the mixed buffet consisting of garden salad, chicken & broccoli penne, cheese ravioli, assorted pizzas, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $35 per person. Payment can be made by check or Venmo. For a printable copy of the registration form, please visit the https://saugussave.wordpress.com website on the “News & Events” page. Please make payment as soon as possible (but no later than Wednesday, June 12) either via mail to SAVE Treasurer, Mary Kinsell, 11 Sunnyside Ave., Saugus, MA 01906, with a check payable to SAVE, Saugus, or make your payment by Venmo to @SAVE-org and complete your forms here: https://tinyurl.comSAVE6-28. You may also contact Ann at adevlin@aisle10.net or Mary at Mkinsell@verizon.net or, for further information, please visit our website at http://www.saugussave.org. Please let us know if you are able to join us for a fun and informative evening, as well as a wonderful buffet dinner, as soon as possible.

Our guest speaker for the evening, Scott A. Brazis, Saugus’ Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator, will give a brief update on new initiatives and future plans for the Saugus Recycling/CHaRM Center.

Free parking is available on-site, and the facility is accessible for persons with disabilities.

 

Beetle Juice at Kowloon on July 11

The Saugus Lions Club will be presenting Beetle Juice at Kowloon on July 11. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost per ticket is $35 and all profit will go to Lions Eye Research and community charities. Contact: Tom Traverse at 781-727-5629.

 

Summer track is coming

Coach Christopher Tarantino’s popular Summer Track for youths ages five 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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Kowloon getting into cannabis

Here’s info from a press release we got this week from Kowloon”

AYR Wellness Inc., a vertically integrated U.S. multi-state cannabis operator, announces LEVIA, the Company’s brand of cannabis-infused seltzers and tinctures, has partnered with the Kowloon Restaurant to launch a new limited-edition cannabis-infused LEVIA Mai Tia seltzer. The LEVIA Kowloon Mai Tai seltzer pays tribute to the Kowloon’s Mai Tai cocktail with a fast-acting, expertly formulated infused beverage with an all-natural flavor.

LEVIA and Kowloon are set to celebrate the infused Mai Tai beverage on June 1, 2024, from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm at AYR’s Watertown Dispensary, located at 48 North Beacon Street, Watertown, MA. Guests can sample non-infused versions of the beverage and visit Kowloon’s on-site food truck. LEVIA will also give away samples of the uninfused beverage on June 14 at Kowloon Restaurant’s 21+ evening of live music in the outdoor venue.

The new infused beverage will be available at AYR’s dispensaries across Greater Boston and retail partners across the state beginning on Saturday, June 1st.

AYR CEO David Goubert says, “It brings us great pride to collaborate with one of Massachusetts’ most famous restaurants to create a one-of-a-kind cannabis beverage experience. Kowloon is an institution in Greater Boston, a place where so many have celebrated and spent time with friends and family. I was able to visit Kowloon and experience the welcoming and warm atmosphere during a team outing last month. We are thrilled to bring a small part of that experience to our customers with our latest seasonal LEVIA flavor.”

Bob Wong, Co-Owner of the Kowloon Restaurant, says, “With more than seven decades in service, we are always looking for new ways to bring excitement and fun to our customers, and AYR has provided us an opportunity to do just that. As demand for cannabis-infused beverages rises, we are pleased to meet customers’ evolving interests by putting a twist on our timeless cocktail. The LEVIA Kowloon Mai Tai introduces us to potentially new audiences by elevating the refreshing LEVIA seltzer with the fruit flavors of our signature cocktail for an all-new experience.”

Kristin Rogers, Co-Founder of Levia Brands, adds, “The Kowloon Restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of many in the Saugus and North Shore community, Massachusetts and beyond. We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Wong family and this legendary establishment. By using all-natural terpenes, our team was able to find the perfect combination to honor Kowloon’s iconic Mai Tai while staying true to our unmatched refreshing, low dose, zero calories, zero sugar, fast acting sativa blend.”

 

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.