The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

  I lived in Florida for about seven years in the 1980s, working as a newspaper reporter and editor in several communities. I covered the news in places like Arcadia, Leesburg, Bushnell, Sanford, Winter Haven, Hollywood and Tallahassee.

I did my share of weather reporting, especially in South Florida, where people always braced themselves for the hurricane season. And I’ve driven through pelting rain storms while worrying about tornadoes. But fortunately, when I was a Florida newsman I never had to worry about the kind of hurricanes that are devastating the Sunshine State now.

As I’m writing this column, Hurricane Milton is already wreaking havoc on the Tampa Bay area, other parts of Florida’s west coast and the central part of the state – some places that have already been hammered by Hurricane Helene, which caused massive destruction and more than 200 deaths across the Southeastern United States late last month.

I’m sure there are a few Saugus residents or people with Saugus connections who have or will be feeling the wrath of these two storms. Think of them in your thoughts and prayers.

Also, there are “shout outs” in order for the Saugonians who are pitching in to help the Florida residents hurt by the storm, either through charitable donations or as part of voluntary public service work crews who travel to the scene to help rebuild homes and lives. They could be cops, firefighters, carpenters, engineers, emergency workers, college students or humanitarians on a mission.

 

My “Chronicle” moment

  Ted Reinstein’s visit to the Saugus Public Library this week got me thinking about a personal experience I had with WCVB Channel 5’s “Chronicle.” A “Chronicle” TV crew came into The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune newsroom to interview me in conjunction with a program they were researching and producing on the auto insurance scam that put Lawrence in the national limelight in a very negative way. The “Chronicle” crew that came into the newsroom wasn’t interested in talking to any of the editors. Their reporter just wanted to interview me – on camera for less than a minute.

I broke the original story about a great-grandmother from Lawrence who died in a staged car crash she helped set up as an insurance scam. Hours before her tragic death, Altagracia Arias was trying to sell seats to people to participate in the accident as fake accident victims who could file false claims later.

In 2004, I was the lead reporter for an Eagle-Tribune investigative series titled “At Fault: Inside the Culture of Auto Insurance Fraud,” which sparked a grand jury investigation that led to the indictments and subsequent convictions of personal injury attorneys and chiropractors who had made millions of dollars off auto insurance fraud.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Oct. 11) 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 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.

 

This week’s “shout outs”

  We received three requests for “Shout Outs” this week. Here are our nominations:

• Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Ron Wallace: “I would like to do a “shout out” to Carl & Karen Spencer for continuing the Pumpkin Patch at the First Congregational Church in Saugus Center. This is an important fundraiser that requires a lot of volunteers to pull it off.

“Great community event for the Town Of Saugus.”

• Ann (Matrona) Bicchieri, whose late husband was Tony Barrie, the legendary leader of the Tony Barrie Marching Band: “My shout out is to Pace [J. Pace & Son] and to Angela who is the manager of this famous food chain on Main Street in Saugus. She extended extraordinary customer service in a store of great integrity.”
• Frequent Saugus Advocate contributor Joanie Allbee: ”I’d like to give a MASSIVE SHOUT OUT TO AN INCREDIBLE LADY! Cheryl Walton Doucette!

“Cheryl Walton Doucette is a shining example of selfless love. Cheryl mothered and cared for many. When her mother Joan Walton became ill with medical challenges, her daughter Cheryl would cancel her own plans and events to be available to take her mom to any appointments, or just a cheery day excursion. Cheryl Chose to honor her Mother, her best friend.

“Often, I’ve stood on the sidelines and felt the tangible love between mother & daughter. Together, they were a forged team. They loved and thrived in each other’s company. They had each other on speed dial.

“Many times they went on adventures together. They faced many hardships hand and hand.

“When her mother became unable to care for herself, Cheryl took her in her own home to provide the 24/7 care she needed.

“Cheryl was never further than a room away towards the rapidly declining health of her mother. She gave her Mother the best life possible through her heart full of love and her gentle guiding hands of compassion.

“Joan’s daughter honored and cherished her mom till she passed Sept 20, 2024 at the age of 90. Cheryl is a shining example to all and a bright light to Saugus.”

 

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.

 

One-Day trash delay for holiday

The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Oct. 14, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Residents are kindly asked to leave their trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day.

The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Wayne’s weight loss watch

  For several years now, I’ve been keeping Saugus Advocate readers posted on my older brother Wayne’s weight loss gains and losses, as I thought it might be an inspiration to folks who strive to lose weight – but are too quick to throw in the towel.

On Oct. 5, 2020, I felt frustrated and helpless as Wayne weighed in at 377 pounds during an examination at the Swansea office of his longtime primary care physician, Mark A. Ringiewicz. It was on that day that I made a personal request for the doctor’s help in dealing with Wayne’s weight problems, as he was just 23 pounds away from the 400 pound club.

At that point, Dr. Ringiewicz made a referral that would change Wayne’s life dramatically. Dr. Jessica Inwood took Wayne on as a new patient at her Fall River office. She’s a specialist in weight management, nutrition and diet. She’s also a motivator who seems to succeed with a gentle approach in getting Wayne to focus on making better food choices while maintaining an exercise routine.

Well, after four plus years, I’m happy to report that the program Wayne embarked on is definitely working. Wayne reports to both doctors three to four times a year. Once in a while, he gains five or so pounds back. But, for the most part, he’s managed to maintain a gigantic weight loss.

On Tuesday, his weight at Dr. Ringiewicz’s office was back to 259 pounds – a low that he had reached about a year ago. I told the doctor I was glad to see a five pound loss instead of a gain. I asked what would be a realistic weight loss goal for February, Wayne’s next appointment. Dr. Ringiewicz said 250 would be good, or at least doable – which would average out to two and a quarter pounds per month for the next four months.

Wayne told the good doctor he could do even better: drop down to 240. The doctor seemed amused at Wayne’s goal. But Wayne boasted he could do it.

If he sets his mind to it, he probably can do it. Stay tuned for the results in early 2025.

 

McDonald’s backs young athletes

  Yesterday (Oct. 10), the McDonald’s owner/operators at two locations in Saugus hosted digital fundraisers to support young athletes. From 3-9 p.m., 20 percent of all app sales were donated to local youth sports programs.

• The McDonald’s at 738 Broadway, Saugus, made a donation benefitting Saugus High School Girls Basketball
• The McDonald’s at 127 Broadway, Saugus, made a donation benefitting Lynnfield Middle and High School Athletic Dept.

This event was part of a larger New England initiative, with more than 130 McDonald’s restaurants participating across the region. However, the funds raised in Saugus will directly benefit local young athletes.

“We are a local brand at heart, and our commitment goes beyond providing great food to the communities we serve. All McDonald’s in New England are locally owned and operated by families or business owners who take great pride in their communities,” said Sara Amato, New England McDonald’s Owner/Operator, who also oversees the McDonald’s app engagement for the region.

“Sports play a pivotal role in youth development and teach life-long skills like teamwork, discipline and perseverance. We’re so excited about this program as it allows us to rally together and make an impact on the lives of young athletes in our neighborhoods where we live and operate in.”

 

Trivia Night Oct. 17

  The Saugus Business Education Collaborative (SBEC) is gearing up for the 12th Annual Trivia “Travaganza,” which is set for Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Kowloon Restaurant.

All teams and players must be registered in advance. Entry costs $250 per team, with five players to a team. The price includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. The buffet opens at 6 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. The overall winning team will win a trophy and bragging rights. Registration forms may be picked up at any Saugus public school, at the school administration building, at North Shore Bank (Route 1 South) and at Rossetti Insurance.

Spectators are welcome to cheer on the teams for only $25 per person. The price includes an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Please make checks payable to SBEC. For more registration information, please email Kim Lovett at Klovett@northshore-bank.com

 

Knights planning Oct. 19 flea market and craft fair

The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 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 several 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.

 

Halloween Pet Parade Oct. 20

Breakheart Reservation will be hosting its Second Annual Halloween Pet Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation (177 Forest St., Saugus). There will be a $10 donation to enter the costume contest – cash only. Prizes will be awarded for best behavior and best pet costume. Raffle prizes will be open to all who donate. This fall event will include the pet parade, the pet costume contest, pet photo opportunities, local vendors, raffles and giveaways.

The event is sponsored by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), the Friends of Breakheart Reservation and Peter A. Rossetti Insurance Agency, Inc. For questions, please call Joyce at 781-233-1855, extension 1019 or Lisa at 781-808-7817.

 

Health and Wellness Fair Oct. 21

The Saugus-Everett Elks and the Saugus Senior Center are teaming up to cosponsor a Health and Wellness Fair on Monday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St., Saugus). There will be a variety of health organizations that will offer free health screenings, educational tables, giveaways, raffles and much more. This is a free event and open to the public for all ages.

 

Saugus DAR prepares for Veterans Day Field of Flags

Preparations for the Fourth Annual Veterans Day Field of Flags to be placed on the lawn of the Saugus Town Hall to honor and remember all veterans on Nov. 11 is underway. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring this event to honor all veterans, living or deceased, including those currently serving.

American flags may be sponsored through the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at a cost of $5 each. The flags will be placed on the Saugus Town Hall lawn prior to Nov. 11 and will wave throughout the week until Nov. 12 with your veteran’s name on the flag. Flags may be sponsored to honor a family member, friend, neighbor or employee who has served or is currently serving our country. The deadline to sponsor flags is Oct. 30.

You may send a check ($5 per flag) made payable to Parson Roby Chapter along with the information of the veteran – Name/Rank/Branch of Service/Years or War, if known – to Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. After noon on Nov. 11, you can pick up your sponsored flag to either keep or put on a grave.

2021 was our first year sponsoring the Field of Flags and it has been a huge success. So many members of the community stopped by to thank us in remembering our veterans this way. There were over 140 flags sponsored with veterans’ names waving in the wind, and we hope for many more veterans to be sponsored this year. REMEMBER OUR VETERANS!

All proceeds from the Veterans Field of Flags will support the Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission to preserve American history and secure America’s future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to sponsor a flag or on joining the Parson Roby Chapter DAR, please email parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com

 

Here’s what’s going on at the Saugus Public Library

  Teen Creative Writing Group: Are you interested in writing stories, a novel or poetry? Come to the Teen Creative Writing Group! It will be at 6:00 in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library on Monday, Oct. 21. Our number is 781-231-4168. Drop-ins welcome! Rachel Huntington, the Reference and Young Adult Librarian, will be leading the class.

Keeping us in stitches: Children in the second grade and up with an interest in sewing can learn to sew using needle, thread, fabric (and maybe a sewing machine) with their teachers, Miss Joyce and Miss Kristin, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 3:30 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library.

  Halloween clay bobblehead craft: Make a spooky character using air-dry clay and paint on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library. Registration opens Monday, Oct. 14, for children ages nine to 12.

  Felted Fall Scene: Learn how to “paint” with wool in this seasonal landscape. Use a barbed needle to attach colorful wool to an embroidery hoop. You’ll leave the class with a finished piece, basic tools and the knowledge you’ll need to felt on your own. Needle felting is easier than it looks – plus it’s fun and relaxing! Learn the popular art of wool felting with Popup Art School.

This class will be held at the library on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room. Please sign up online – sauguspubliclibrary.org.

Halloween Costume Party at the Iron Works: There will be costumes, candy and dancing at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site on Thursday, Oct. 31, in a Halloween Costume Parade being organized by the Saugus Public Library. Meet us at the Iron Works in your costume for Halloween Music, a parade and trick or treating. Special guest Matt Heaton will perform seasonal tunes. Please check the online event calendar for weather updates.

A Pumpkin Parade at the library: Decorate a pumpkin inspired by a favorite book! Paint it. Dress it. But don’t carve it. Ages three to 12. Drop off the pumpkins between Oct. 16 and Oct. 27. All participants will win a Halloween treat.

 

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.