The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I miss the good old days when the League of Women Voters would sponsor and moderate candidate debates, from local to national politics. In several communities where I covered county and municipal government, the League worked hand in hand with local media on various candidate forums. I ran into League representatives in places like Leesburg, Fla.; Amherst, Mass., Saugus, Mass., and a few other places. The ladies went to great lengths to organize the nonpartisan forums and did what they could to accommodate the reporters who would be covering them. The leagues I was acquainted with were a true force of good in the communities they served. The forums I covered definitely heightened voter education and interest in a wide range of local issues that were relevant to the voters.

When the discourse between candidates degenerated to insults and hot rhetoric, League officials would go out of their way to keep things civil and professional, most of the time. And the rhetoric of the candidates seemed to be a lot more tame and civil. For the most part, sparring candidates would focus on important issues within their campaigns instead of making disparaging, hateful remarks about their opponents. And yes, I always recalled the opponents shaking hands at the end of the night.

In recent years, it seems that political campaigns on levels – local to national – have become a blood sport. And recently, it bothered me greatly when I heard several national politicians making comments like “it’s going to be a bloodbath” or there will be “a Civil War” if a certain candidate doesn’t get elected. To me, such rhetoric goes against the grain of Democracy and is very un-American. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans, and citizens on the local, state and national level should be uniting after an election. As a cub reporter back in 1973 and 1974, I remember well how Republicans and Democrats crossed the aisle and worked together to get through a constitutional crisis when President Nixon resigned in disgrace.

Of course, there were some communities where I worked where a few people took their politics too seriously. Like in Lawrence, Mass., in the late 1990s when a foul-mouthed cop’s wife, who was defeated in her City Council race, grabbed me by the lapel inside City Council Chambers before a meeting and F-bombed me about 15 times as she blamed me for losing her election race.

But for the most part, civility prevailed in local, state and federal elections. After an election, the winners and losers who were civic-minded worked together on projects that led to the betterment of the communities they served. Things seem a lot different today compared to when I began my career 50 years ago.

 

A Coalition to help kids

There’s a small group of Saugus Citizens planning to meet Aug. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center at the Square One Mall.

“We started in May, so we are still in the beginning stages of planning, but wanted to get the word out about what we are doing,” Amy Chiaravalloti told me in a phone conversation this week.

Curious about this group, I went on the Internet to check out Amy’s background. As it turned out, Amy is a Saugus resident who works in the healthcare field and has been involved in organizing similar groups in Wakefield.

Amy pretty much stuck to the script of the following press release, which we decided to reprint in its entirety in case there are people who are out there in the community who are concerned about the youth of Saugus. Here we go:

“Recently, a group of community stakeholders in Saugus joined together to create a prevention coalition in Saugus. In response to the rising concerns surrounding underage substance use and behavioral health challenges, we came together to try and provide the youth of Saugus with resources and support to prevent substance misuse and assist with behavioral health challenges. The goal of this group is to improve and assist the quality of life for youth in the community through positive youth experiences in a safe adult supported environment. Coalition members include parents, members of town government, representatives from local youth serving organizations, police and fire officials. We look forward to incorporating the youth voice into the coalition during the 2024-2025 school year. We are working on activities and initiatives that will help parents gain the tools necessary to talk to their kids about challenging subjects like underage drinking, vaping, bullying, healthy relationships and mental health challenges. Be sure to look for our table with helpful resources at local events like the community health fair on 6/25 and Founder’s Day in September. For more information about the Saugus Prevention Coalition, please email saugusyouthcoalition@gmail.com.”

I guess I might check out that meeting on Aug. 12. Stay tuned.

 

Issues of concern at Anna Parker Playground

It sounds like a great project that Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and his staff are pursuing down at the Anna Parker Playground, located next door to the Essex Street Fire Station. I thought it was an interesting meeting on July 15, when the town manager and an architect presiding over the Anna Parker Playground project unveiled plans for a park renovation that includes building a state-of-the-art street hockey rink and six pickleball courts.

But a few citizens who spoke at the informational session held in the Town Hall auditorium early last week raised some legitimate concerns about water irrigation, flooding and safety. The town manager tried to assure the speakers that their concerns would be addressed.

I decided to take a drive down to Anna Parker Playground on Tuesday afternoon and try to get a fix on some of those concerns as they relate to the project. About six acres of town recreational land will undergo a major upgrade, beginning next week. Work crews installed temporary fencing at Anna Parker Playground, most of it encircling the old basketball and tennis court areas, which will be replaced with a street hockey rink and six pickleball courts. Getting familiar with the lay of the land is definitely crucial to understanding citizen concerns about the property in question.

During my field trip on Tuesday afternoon, I ran into Paul Furey, who was getting ready to cut some grass at the soccer fields. I doubt there are many folks in town who are as familiar with the lay of the land down at Anna Parker as Paul, a 71-year-old Saugus native (Saugus High Class of 1972) who has been taking care of the Saugus Youth Soccer Association (SYSA) fields for 18 years with his company, 3D’s Landscaping. He’s also vice president of the SYSA.

Paul spoke at the meeting about his concerns about the water irrigation lines buried underground. He amplified those concerns when I ran into him on Tuesday afternoon. He’s also concerned about the water. Drainage and flooding have been longstanding issues on the three full-sized soccer fields (they can be broken down to make six for kids). Over the years, Paul has seen the fields underwater frequently.

Lighting is important, too. There needs to be additional lighting to make the kids and adults using the fields feel safe and to also protect the new facilities from vandalism and theft.

Parking is another issue that came up at the information session. “They only got about 80 spots – they’re going to need more space on weekends,” Paul told me. “We’re going to have to get the parking lot relined. And it would be nice to get some more lighting in here.”

“But my biggest concern is the safety issue – getting emergency vehicles in here and out,” he said.

By virtue of his position as vice president of the local youth soccer association, which represents 350 kids – three year olds all the way up to High School age – Paul is a well-seasoned advocate who is going to make sure that the project doesn’t adversely affect SYSA. He also is very excited and supportive of the project. “Saugus Youth Hockey is behind the project all the way. We definitely support it,” he said.

From the way Paul talked of his concerns at the playground, my sense is he will be monitoring the project closely and make sure it’s done right.

 

“Shout Out” to Soccer supporters

We received a multiple “Shout Out” this week from Paul Furey, vice president of the Saugus Youth Soccer Association: “Cheers to the coaches and board members who volunteer their time to make soccer a pleasant experience and fun experience … without volunteers program would not exist. Also I would like to thank the Town Of Saugus for giving Saugus soccer the opportunity to take over these fields and make them what they are considered to be[:] one of the best soccer facilities in Essex County.”

 

A “Shout Out” to Indiana mission kids

  Joanie Allbee, a frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate, gave a collective “Shout Out” to kids from Next Step Ministries partnering with Auburn, Indiana’s Dayspring Community Church. “This group is on a working Mission’s trip, helping to rebuild Saugus Heritage Gazebo. These kids are leaving today and are sooo excited about the possibility of being in the paper to show their folks in Indiana.”

This is a “Shout Out” worth doubling down on for a group of kids passing through from the Midwest. Hats off to Lindsy Bledsoe, Tyler Bledsoe, Brady Culler, Chloe Buss, Thai Rotz, John Buss, Laken Mosier, Mercedes Bledsoe, Karly Kaufmann and Alexis Shipe.

 

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.

 

Looking for a Planning Director

It looks like The Town of Saugus can use more than a little planning help to protect the town from problems associated with development. Planning & Economic Development Director Christopher Reilly has left town, leaving a key position vacant. So, the saga of revolving doors in the town’s Planning Department continues.

Selectman Anthony Cogliano was blunt in explaining this discouraging development. “He left last month and went to Middleton. It’s impossible to work here. Engineer just quit too,” Cogliano said in an email to The Saugus Advocate yesterday.

Stay tuned.

 

Founders Day date change

Founders Day, one of the most popular town events of the year, will be a week late this year. It’s usually observed on the first Saturday in September. This year, it will be observed on Sept. 14 instead of Sept. 7.

 

Knights begin planning flea market and craft fair

  The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 announced recently 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 26) 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.

 

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

 

July Events at the Kowloon

Here’s what’s happening this month at the Kowloon Restaurant:

JULY 26: CONCERT SERIES: PERFECT EXAMPLE – 7 p.m. – Free General Admission or $10 Reserved Seating.

JULY 27: CONCERT SERIES: WILDFIRE – 7 p.m. – Free General Admission or $10 Reserved Seating.

JULY 31: BINGO NIGHT with DJ TOMMY – 7 p.m. – Free General Admission.

For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

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.