The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  If you are looking for something fun or interesting to do tomorrow, check out the Founder’s Day activities down at Saugus Center. If the good weather that’s been forecast for the day prevails, there should be a great turnout of residents and out-of-town visitors milling around on a stretch of several blocks of Central Street from Saugus Town Hall. It should be a great day to hang with friends and check out the various booths set up by local youth sports teams, charitable organizations and clubs to raise money for various causes. There will be a variety of comfort food, snacks, sweets and cold beverages available.

It’s a great way for newcomers to Saugus to learn about their town, watch some local dancers, enjoy some music and play some fun games. And at noon, there will be a brief ceremony on the stage set up near the front steps of Town Hall to honor the two “Persons of the Year” award winners who have been selected by a group of previous winners. So, check out the biggest fund-raising and socializing event of the year in Saugus. Just about anything you buy – food, craft items – helps raise money for a good cause. If you are a town resident who has never been to a Founder’s 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.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you are around, check it out. You might meet up with some of your friends and have a great time. Stay tuned.

 

Two free concerts this month

Trails and Sails, with over 200 free events across Essex County, will be offering hikes, tours of historic houses and neighborhoods, concerts and other events between Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 29, 2024. Booklets with listings of events can be picked up at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. Updates of recently added events and additional details can be found at the website trailsandsails.org.

These events include two concerts on Saturday afternoons at the Iron Works from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Decades of Rock on September 14 and the Fo’c’sle Four on September 21 – hosted by the Saugus Iron Works and Saugus Public Library on the Iron Works’ upper lawn. Other events at the Iron Works include museum, house and industrial site tours on various dates, and a special “Peek Behind the Curtain at Saugus Ironworks” with park ranger Paul Kenworthy on Sunday, September 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. There will also be an Accessible Birding event at the Iron Works on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This is the 23rd year that Essex National Heritage Area has organized this wonderful range of experiences to promote the significance of our regional assets. Many nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals have partnered with Essex Heritage to provide these opportunities.

 

Mums for a great cause

The 6th Annual Saugus Youth Soccer Mums Fall Fundraiser continues through this weekend. Saugus Youth Soccer is selling beautiful, hardy mums at Anna Parker Field at 124 Essex St. (next to the Fire Station). There are multi colors to choose from: red, lavender, yellow, orange and white. The plants are priced at $9 apiece and three for $25.

Saugus Youth Soccer has ordered more than 300 hardy mums. So, if you want to come down and support a good cause – Saugus Youth Soccer – and take a pot or two of pretty flowers home to celebrate the colors of fall, c’mon down to Anna Parker Field while the mums last.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Freethy at AmyFreethy@hotmail.com.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Sept. 13) from 9:30-11a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of the 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 today

The American Legion Post 210 has begun its 2024-25 breakfast season. There’s a good deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. 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.

 

First Baptist Church celebrates 100

  First Baptist Church at 105 Main St. will be celebrating its centennial anniversary of existence in the Town of Saugus on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. Pastor Leroy Mahoney will officiate the service. Rev. Franklin Murray of Bethel Baptist Church will be the guest preacher. For more details, please go to htps://www.firstbaptistsaugus.org/

 

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-ins are also welcome.

 

Coach T.’s Cross Country for kids

The Saugus Youth Cross Country 2024 program for students in Grades 1-5 and 6-8 not running for a school team has begun. 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 recently arrived from the Saugus Cultural Council. 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 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 few good “shout outs”

  The Saugus Advocate received several nominations this week from readers who wanted to cite a fellow Saugonian for a “Shout Out.” Outgoing Saugus Middle-High School Principal Brendon Sullivan wanted to recognize Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Michael Hashem for his ongoing commitment to the town’s education system:

“I’ve worked with Mike for over 23 years. Mike has been just a great mentor and friend. I think the School District is in a really good place with Mike. I don’t know if there’s anyone more invested in the Saugus Public Schools as Mike is. I don’t know if there’s anyone who cares more about the public schools than Mike Hashem.

“He’s an educator first and foremost and a Sachem through and through. And he’s always going to go that extra mile for the kids.”

Janice Jarosz wanted to recognize Sharon Genovese and the members of Sharon’s Sneaker Crew who will be involved again in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, which is set for Oct. 6. The MEG Foundation announced that the Jimmy Fund Craft Fair, sponsored by Sharon’s Sneaker Crew, will be held at The MEG building (54-58 Essex St., Saugus) on Sept. 29 from 1 to 4 p.m.

 

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.

 

Saugus Dems Unity Breakfast on Sept. 22

  The Saugus Democratic Town Committee (SDTC) will hold a Unity Breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Saugus Italian American Club at One Beachview Ave. in Saugus. Tickets cost $24 apiece. Join them in supporting the blue ticket, like values and democracy while socializing and hearing from some of our 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 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.

 

September at Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant (located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus) announced its September concert and entertainment lineup for the outdoor patio. Here’s the lineup for upcoming entertainment and music:

September 14: 7 to 10 p.m., Different StrokeZ; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.

September 20: 7 to 10 p.m., Sunset View; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.

September 21: 7 to 10 p.m., Party On; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.

September 27: 7 to 10 p.m., World Premier Band; general admission – no admission charge; reserved seating is $10 per person.

September 28: WildFire “Fan Night” with DJ, Chris Fiore, Master of Ceremonies, Esterellas de Boston, Mariachi band, and David Ramos, solo artist and producer; V.I.P. Reserved Seating with Kowloon Dinner Buffet – 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., $45 per person; general admission – 5:30 p.m., $15 per person; a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Tunnel Towers Foundation.

 

Karaoke Tuesdays

  “Eat, drink, and sing out loud” is the theme at the Route 1 North landmark, every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the rest of 2024. For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online at www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

CHaRM Center is open

  The Town of Saugus reminds residents 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.

 

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.