The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I’m not a huge hockey fan, though I find it an incredibly fast and entertaining sport to watch at the hockey rink or during the NHL playoffs. The last time the Bruins won a Stanley Cup in 2011, I got to see all of the playoff games, even though I may have watched two during the regular season.

After more than eight and a half years covering Saugus for The Saugus Advocate, it’s clear to me that Saugus is indeed a hockey town – blessed with two ice skating rinks – and the Sachems’ sports fans yearn for a return to the days when Saugus High fielded a winning team that competed for division and state titles.

I had an interesting conversation this week with Saugus Solid Waste & Recycling Director Scott Brazis, who was a standout hockey player for the Sachems in his day: a 1979 graduate who went on to be inducted into the Saugus High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. He was also a pretty good coach – two years as an assistant followed by seven years as the head coach. He also went on to play hockey at the University of New Haven, where he was good enough to be inducted into the university’s sports Hall of Fame.

Scott told me about the great hockey buddy gathering that took place last month at Jim Yantosca’s beautiful home in Southern New Hampshire. “This get-together was more about getting Saugus High hockey guys together,” Scott said. “The players were from all different years. I had the pleasure of coaching most of them in high school. I was the assistant coach to Saugus legendary athlete/coach Chris Serino when I came home from college.

“Jim Yantosca Sr and Charlie Ventre were youth hockey coaches for all of these guys. And we had a pretty good day.”

But Scott said the hockey buddies couldn’t help but think about the current situation with Saugus hockey, where the team no longer plays on its own. It plays as part of a coop team. “We don’t really have a team anymore. That’s kind of disheartening,” Scott said.

“Hopefully, that will change with the appointment of Matt Serino as the new athletic director for Saugus Public Schools. If anyone can bring Saugus back to where it once was, Matt can do it,” he said.

Whether that happens or not, the hockey buddies are going to keep meeting, hoping for somewhat of a tradition. “We enjoy some food and share some old stories. Hope it’s something we can build on and continue. It was just a great day with old friends and teammates having some food and a few laughs.

“Most of the guys who were there that day were very happy that Matt’s back in town. We’re hoping he can bring Saugus hockey back.”

 

Knights begin planning flea market and craft fair

  The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 announced this week that it plans to hold its Festive Holiday Flea Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 57 Appleton St. The huge indoor affair is still weeks away. But it’s not too early for participants to begin planning. Vendor space for this year’s event will be $30 with free admission and free parking to go along with raffles, food and fun.

Anyone with questions should call the Knights of Columbus at 781-233-9858. For more information, Paul Giannetta can also be reached at 978-239-1392.

 

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

For schoolchildren looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library. There are some very good programs offered for grownups, too.

 

Community Garden volunteers welcomed

  If you love gardening and would love to volunteer a few hours for a good cause this summer, offer your services at the Community Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Volunteers are welcome to come any Friday or Saturday morning for the rest of the summer to help weed and nurture the crops. If these times are difficult, arrangements can be made for other days. For details, contact The Rev. John Beach at St. John’s Episcopal Church (revjbeach@gmail.com).

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, July 19) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church.

 

Legion Breakfasts over for summer

  American Legion Post 210 would like to thank all those who made the 2023-24 breakfast season such a success, and wish them a wonderful summer. We will resume serving breakfast on Friday, September 6, 2024.

 

“Shout Outs” to the library and others

  Selectman Corinne Riley offered this “Shout Out” this week: “I want to ‘shout out’ the Director of the Saugus Public Library, Alan Thibeault, and the head of the Children’s Department, Amy Melton for the summer reading program, and all the wonderful events created for the children and adults as well – from summer reading to art projects to concerts at the Iron Works. Many projects obviously need funding, so a huge thank-you to the New Friends of the SPL, as well as the Saugus Cultural Council for their generous donations and grants to help with the cost of these events. The Library is a treasure and without the employees and the wonderful volunteers that donate their time to support it, it wouldn’t be as enjoyable and successful as it is!”

  Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta offered this “Shout Out” for Janice Jarosz, who has been filling the void left in the Board of Selectmen’s Office since the death of the selectmen’s clerk Wendy Reed more than three years ago: “I am very grateful for Janice stepping in and helping the Board of Selectmen after the sudden passing of our long-time clerk, Wendy Reed. I appreciate everything Janice has done and continues to do for our Town. Thank you.”

  An Extra Shout Out from Michael & Marie Boudreau: “We want to thank all those involved in making the Saugus Senior Center a welcoming place. It offers many activities, events, lunch, special programs, classes, etc. The Center has amazing volunteers who help out at lunch, (serving and cleaning up) and other areas.

“Director Laurie Davis, her Staff, Kitchen workers, Council on Aging Board Members and The Friends of The Saugus Senior Center all have a positive impact on the daily operations.

“And a big thank you to all who come to the Center and enjoy all that it offers.

“Many Blessings

“Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

“Your thoughtful caring ways

“Impacts many people’s day.

“You make a difference in people’s lives

“Helping them to thrive.

“Your smiling face brightens our day

“You influence us to look at life in a positive way.

“You are always willing to lend a hand

“To do what is right and take a stand.

“Thank you for everything you do

“We couldn’t get along without you.

“May many blessings come back to you

“For all you say and all you do.”

 

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.

 

Birding made accessible

Join us on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for an introduction to birding! Partnering with Birdability, the Latin Heritage Internship Program (LHIP) and Environment for the Americas, we are hosting a special event focused on making birding accessible for everyone. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., enjoy activities including arts and crafts and a bird call introduction.

Download the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/) to help identify the birds you see and hear. All are welcome – no prior birding experience needed. Binoculars and sensory aids will be available. Dress for the weather and come explore the local bird population with us!

Address: Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, 244 Central St., Saugus, Mass. For information, visit our website: https://go.nps.gov/saugus-birding

 

What’s breaking at Breakheart

On Thursdays now through August, the Visitor Center will host a Wild Breakheart Series from 10–11 a.m. Join us for this rotating nature series as we explore different aspects of Breakheart! Meet outside the Visitor Center; rain cancels. During July, it will be Tree ID – explore the park and discover what trees are in the park and how to identify them. In August, park visitors can participate in Animal Exploration – enjoy discovering what animals call Breakheart home!

On Saturdays now through August, there will be an Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Hike from 1:30–3:30 p.m. Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features that make Breakheart unique. Hikes will be moderately paced and range from two to three miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain; best for ages eight years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. Rain cancels.

On Fridays now through August, the Visitor Center will host a Kidleidoscope from 10:30–11:30 a.m. Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately one mile, though not accessible for strollers; appropriate for families with children three to five years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.

There will be Family Fishing on Saturdays now through August from 9:30–11:00 a.m. at Camp Nihan (131 Walnut St.). Join our park interpreter for a drop-in fishing program! Learn how to fish, what fish live in our ponds and how to catch and release responsibly. Bait and a handful of rods will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gear and fish with us and share your tips! No license is required to fish in this program; appropriate for families with children five years old and up. Meet at Camp Nihan. Rain cancels.

 

CHaRM Center is open

  The Town of Saugus 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.

 

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.