The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  This will be a big weekend for the families of school-age kids, as there are only four shopping days left, counting today (Friday, Aug. 23), until the start of a new school year. Classes at Saugus Public Schools begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Kids will want to get new clothes and shoes for the new school year. Some kids might want to get a haircut or hair styling to look presentable for the first week of classes.

Welcome back to school, kids. Good luck for scholastic success and a rewarding experience over the next 10 months. Seniors, make the most of your year, as many of you will be college-bound and planning your future careers. A few of you will be headed to the military service – a good way to serve your country, while also taking advantage of educational benefits at a later date that will dramatically reduce the costs of getting a college education.

 

Back To School Celebration

  The Boys & Girls Club of Saugus and WIN Waste Innovations are sponsoring a “Back To School Celebration” set for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday (Aug. 26) at the Belmonte School Field, 25 Dow St. School-age kids are welcome to join the afternoon as they gear up for the new school year. There will be a police cruiser and fire truck for kids to explore and a giant corn maze. Saugus’s very own Nick’s Pizza will be there. There will also be a Bouncy House. Free school supplies will be available while they last.

 

Founders Day date change

Founders Day, one of the most popular town events of the year, will be a week later 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. If you are new to town, this is a great event to make new friends and learn more about your community. If you are a town resident who has never been to a Founders Day or who hasn’t been to one in years, this is a great opportunity to visit with your friends or get reacquainted with friends you haven’t seen in years.

 

Founders Day Book Sale Sept. 14

The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are preparing for their annual Founders Day Book Sale, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 14, in the library’s Community Room. The Friends are requesting donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover adult, young adult and children’s books; no text books, encyclopedias or pamphlets. And please… Donate clean and newer books only; no tattered pages, odors, stains or faded/battered/dirty covers!

Books may be dropped off at the Library’s Main Circulation Desk during normal business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

The New Friends, a nonprofit organization, is a group of people with an interest in improving the Library building, programs, services and collections. The New Friends sponsor activities and provide services that benefit and stimulate interest in the Saugus Public Library by:

• Presenting free programs for all ages at the Library
• Purchasing museum passes for use by Saugus Public Library patrons
• Purchasing books, videos, magazines and equipment for the Library
• Funding the Library’s online events calendar and museum pass reservation software
• Holding used book sales and the on-going used book sale in the Community Room in addition to other fund-raising events to benefit the Library
• Becoming Library Volunteers

Thank you for your support of the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today ( Friday, Aug. 23), from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity. If you are able to donate to the food pantry, you can also stop by during those hours or drop donations off at the Saugus Public Library during library hours.

 

Legion Breakfasts resume next month

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, Sept. 6.

 

Coach T.’s Cross Country for kids starts soon

  The Saugus Youth Cross Country 2024 program for students in Grades 1-5 and 6-8 not running for a school team begins Tuesday, Aug. 27. The popular seasonal running program directed by Coach Chris Tarantino is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5 p.m. at the track behind Belmonte STEAM Academy and on Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation. Training distances: 1st-3rd grades at 0.7 miles, 4th-5th grades at 1.2 miles and 6th-8th grades at 1.9 miles.

Practice races on Saturdays (To Be Announced) at Frey Park, 285 Walnut St. in Lynn. Other important dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 26: Fun Run practice at Breakheart Reservation. Athletes are encouraged to wear a costume.
• Saturday, Nov. 2: 15th Annual Massachusetts State Middle School Cross Country Invitational at Willard Field, in Devens. More information To Be Announced.
• Monday, Nov. 11: 10th Annual Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship. 8:30 a.m. arrival and 9:30 a.m. start at Lynn, Mass. at Gannon Golf Course (60 Great Woods Rd.). Lunch will be at Prince Pizzeria following the meet. More information To Be Announced.
• Program ending: Thursday, Nov. 14, wrap up session at Belmonte.

The program cost: $100 for first year; $50 for athletes returning from Cross Country 2023. For more details, please contact Coach T. at 781-854-6778 or email him at christophertarantino24@gmail.com.

 

Help from the Cultural Council

  A press release from the Saugus Cultural Council arrived just before deadline. Did you know that the Saugus Cultural Council has provided grants to people and organizations for artistic, educational, and cultural projects since 1998?

“We are committed to supporting cultural programs and events that showcase diversity and add vibrancy in the Town of Saugus,” says the press release.

“This includes the visual arts, education, dance, drama, interpretive science, the environment, literature, music, public art, and wellness.

“If you have an idea for a project that brings public benefit to the Saugus community, then consider applying for a grant! Our 2025 grant application period runs from September 1 through October 16, 2024. We prioritize applications from Saugus organizations, individuals, and organizers, and to projects that take place in the Town of Saugus.”

More information about grant guidelines and priorities can be viewed at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/.

On Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m., the Mass Cultural Council will host an online information session on how these grants work and how to apply. The session is free and can be accessed at https://massculturalcouncil.org.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Saugus Cultural Council will host an in-person grant information session in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library to provide live support in submitting an application or provide project feedback. Come with a description of your project and any questions about the grant application process.

 

A “Shout Out” to Joia Cicolini

  We received a “Shout Out” from Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, who wanted to recognize the longtime citizen efforts by Joia Cicolini for the betterment of Saugus. “I swore in Joia Cicolini for reappointment to the Saugus Board of Health on Friday (Aug. 16), Panetta wrote The Saugus Advocate this week. “I appreciate Joia’s dedication and volunteerism in our community, including her time spent as a Town meeting member. She served five terms on Town Meeting and she served on the Affordable Housing Committee. She is the longest serving member on the current Board of Health.”

 

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.

 

Non-profit weight loss group plans “Open House”

  TOPS MA 50 Saugus will be holding an “Open House” on Aug. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Kelly’s on Route 1 (Southbound side). Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a nonprofit weight loss support group organization. The group’s meetings are held on Monday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. at East Saugus Methodist Church (85 Chestnut St., Saugus). The Hall Room, which is level to the street, is handicap accessible. Weigh in time is anytime between 5:45 and 6:45. Guests are welcome to the first meeting to learn what the group is about. Anyone interested in the Aug. 24 Open House should call 617-394-8340 or send an email to TOPS50MA@gmail.com.

 “I sure hope that we can interest more people to get healthy and join our chapter,” said Julie Virnelli, the leader of the TOPS Club.

 

Elks plan Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Sept. 16

  The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This will be an hour-long presentation conducted by Sober Shuttle Inc. explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. This is a free event and people who are interested are welcome to attend. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served.

Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to attend. Walk-in’s are also welcome.

 

Saugus Dems Unity Breakfast on Sept. 22

  The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will hold a Unity Breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Saugus Italian American Club on One Beachview Ave. in Saugus. Tickets cost $24 apiece. The breakfast is geared to drum up support for the Harris/Walz ticket for President/Vice President in the November general election. It’s also an opportunity to socialize and hear from some of the elected officials.

For more details, please contact Mary Robblee at mrobb48@aol.com. Checks may be made out to the Saugus Democratic Town Committee and mailed to Mary Kinsell at 11 Sunnyside Ave., Saugus, MA 01906.

 

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.

 

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).

 

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. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. 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.