The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

We’re getting into the heart of a very special time of year where so many community events and activities are happening, which should help to bring the town together.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 2), there will be a special ceremony and banquet at the Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge #642, at 401 Main St., where 10 of the town’s most outstanding athletes of 10 or more years gone by will be inducted into the Saugus High School Sports Hall of Fame. This will be the first class of athletes to be inducted since 2018. There have been 255 student athletes inducted since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 1987. For passionate Saugus High sports fans, members of the school sports community, the athletes being honored and their families, this will be a special night for everyone attending.

In today’s paper, we marked the occasion with an article about “the terrific twenty-five” selected by a small panel of Sachem sports experts, which includes a few former Sachem coaches and members of the Hall of Fame Committee. Hats off to those being honored tonight.

 

Veterans Day observance set for Nov. 11

If you are a proud Saugus resident who is very patriotic, mark on your calendar “Monday, Nov. 11.” Retired and active servicemen and women and their families will converge on Veterans Park, at the corner of Winter and Central Streets, which is dedicated to the memory of all Saugus veterans. There will be a simple ceremony with a keynote speaker, some prayers, perhaps a High School band or color guard unit and maybe some World War II U.S. Army reenactors on hand. It’s a worthwhile event if you have the time. Stay tuned for details.

And at about the same time, there will be a Field of Flags planted on the front lawn outside Saugus Town Hall – courtesy of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This will mark the Fourth Annual Veterans Day Field of Flags organized by the hometown DAR.

 

An Election Eve Prayer Vigil Monday

  The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church is organizing an Election Eve Prayer Vigil that will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday (Nov. 4) at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saugus (at the corner of Central and Prospect Streets).

“The vigil is not a partisan exercise, but a call to remember that we carry within us hopes and aspirations for our country and its future,” Rev. Beach said, in extending his invitation to the community at large.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rev. Beach at revjbeach@gmail.com – phone: 781-233-1242.

 

A new Saugus Advocate deadline

  There are changes going on in the production process of The Saugus Advocate, the town’s only exclusively Saugus newspaper, which is delivered to locations all over town on Fridays. I won’t bore you with the details, other than to tell you that I have to make adjustments in how I do my job to make sure the paper gets out on time. My deadlines have been moved up.

So, if you have an announcement, news item or notice that you want to submit for the Friday paper, it’s best to email it to me at mvoge@comcast.net by Tuesday night. If I receive something early Wednesday morning, I will try to get it in. But if you wait till Wednesday, your chances of getting something in that week’s paper are greatly reduced.

Most of us don’t like change. But life is full of adjustments. In my five-decades-plus of newspapering, I’ve gone from dictating stories over the phone from my notebook, to typing out articles on the old Underwood Manual typewriter, to using IBM Selectric typewriters (you had to type flawlessly and white out any mistakes before scanning each page), to using a teletype machine, to various typewriters that hooked up with a telephone and finally through various computers – most recently a Dell 2-in-1 desktop that needs to be replaced within the coming year. So change is inevitable. And there will be changes coming as we continue to produce The Saugus Advocate.

 

Food Pantry notes

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Nov. 1) 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 a nomination for a “Shout Out” this week from Joyce Rodenhiser, who wished to extend some public appreciation for “all the people who are preparing for voting and elections this week.” “They probably get paid, but they are so important to our democracy!”

 

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.

 

A Shred-It event for residents on Nov. 2

  The Town of Saugus will host a document shredding event for Saugus residents on Saturday, Nov. 2. The shredding event will take place behind the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. and will run from 8 a.m. to noon. This event is for Saugus residents only and there is no cost to participate.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Fall Cleanup begins on Nov. 12 at Riverside

  The Cemetery Department announced this week that on Tuesday, Nov. 12, Riverside Cemetery will begin its fall cleanup of the cemetery grounds. If you have personal holiday/seasonal items that you would like to keep, please stop by the cemetery and remove them before Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024.

The Cemetery Commission and Cemetery Department are not responsible for any personal holiday/seasonal items that are not removed from gravesites by the family on or before Nov. 12, 2024.

Veterans’ flags will remain on gravesites until Nov. 12 and will be removed for the winter season starting on Tuesday, Nov. 12 during the fall cleanup. Flags will be placed back on gravesites in May for Memorial Day.

If you have questions about fall cleanup, please call Maddy at the Cemetery Department office at 781-231-4170.

 

A free program about trains on Nov. 13

The Saugus Historical Society meeting on November 13 will feature a mini-symposium about trains. Todd Geig will be presenting to the Saugus Historical Society an overview of how he came to model railroading through a fascination with the legendary Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn railroad (aka The Narrow Gauge), which ran from 1875 to 1940 and was instrumental in the development of the North Shore. His model layout of this historical local line was on view in the Lynn Museum last winter.

Also, Bill Stewart, the “Old Sachem,” will talk about a train wreck on the Saugus Branch in 1871. Laura Eisener will speak about the present developments on the rail trail of the former Saugus Branch line, which will eventually connect this popular bicycle and walking trail to the sea.

The program will begin at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. in Saugus. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

“Saugus 4-1-1” gearing up for 2025

  Selectman Corinne Riley, who was the driving force behind a nifty program that helps newcomers to Saugus – as well as old-timers – get better acquainted with their community, said she regrets that “Saugus 4-1-1” didn’t happen this fall after successful Saturdays at the Saugus Middle-High School over the past two years. “The Saugus 4-1-1 Committee would like everyone to know that the Saugus 4-1-1 event will be taking place, but will be held in March 2025,” Selectman Riley said in a recent announcement.

“Invitations to all new residents as well as non-profits will be mailed out in January. We are looking forward to having this wonderful event for new residents as well as those who have been here for years to learn what Saugus has to offer! More detailed information will be coming soon,” she said.

Stay tuned for updates on “Saugus 4-1-1.”

 

Fall Curbside Leaf Collection Dates

  Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s office this week released the dates for the fall curbside leaf collection: Monday, Oct. 28 to Friday, Nov. 1; Tuesday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 16 (one-day delay this week due to Veterans Day); Monday, Dec. 2 to Friday, Dec. 6. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday and Friday on these dates listed. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Yard waste stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., or at the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pickups” will not be conducted.

Please contact Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Hammersmith Quilters Guild Craft Fair is Nov. 6

  The Hammersmith Quilters Guild Craft Fair will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St., Saugus). The Guild members will be selling handmade, beautiful items. Think holiday shopping! Cash and checks are recommended. A scissors sharpener will be available. www.hqgsaugus.org

 

Selectmen meet on Nov. 7

  The next meeting will be on Nov. 7, 2024, at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium in Town Hall – to be followed by Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.

 

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

  Five bucks for a bag of books! The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are offering quite a bargain – $5 for a bag of books. Purchase a New Friends of the Saugus Public Library mesh book bag at the Main Desk for $5 and fill it with as many books as you’d like. Proceeds benefit the New Friends so they can support public library services in Saugus.

Pongala Photographs: Susan Olesiw has been visiting India and photographing its people and festivals since 1976. In her photograph exhibit on display this month and November in the first floor reading room at the Saugus Public Library, she focuses on the ninth day of the annual 10-day Pongala festival held in Trivandrum, Kerala, South India. It is the largest gathering of women in the world; up to two and a half million women attend each year, and though primarily Hindu, the festival is open to all devotees of any faith. The color photograph display and the photo captions are worth checking out.

 

MEG’s Christmas Tree Festival

  The MEG Foundation’s 2024 Christmas Tree Festival will open on Nov. 8, from 3-8 p.m. and continue on Nov. 9, from 3 to 8 p.m.; Nov. 10, from noon to 5 p.m.; Nov. 15, from 3 to 8 p.m.; and Nov. 16, from 3 to 8 p.m. Stay tuned for more details or contact Linda Ross at 617-686-4645.

 

Notes from the Town Democratic Party

  Rides to the polls

  “The Saugus Democratic Town Committee encourages all residents to vote in all elections, but even more importantly in the upcoming Presidential Election on November 5th. To ensure all have the opportunity to vote, we are offering free rides to your voting location on Tuesday, November 5, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations appreciated by Friday, November 1st by contacting Mary Robblee at (617) 240-5439 or via email at mrobb48@aol.com (Same day requests will be accepted if possible).”

  Food pantry donations

  “The Saugus Democratic Town Committee is supporting and encouraging food donations to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving Meal Drive. Donations of any of the below items are being accepted through November 8th by dropping items off at the donation bin in the Library, at the Cliftondale Congregational Church on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., or by appointment. If you have donation items that you cannot drop off, please let Mary Robblee know by contacting her at (617) 240-5439 or via email at mrobb48@aol.com”

• “jarred or canned cranberry sauce
• “canned corn, green bean, and carrots
• “canned cream of mushroom
• “boxed stuffing mix
• “boxed mashed potatoes
• “boxed mac & cheese
• “boxed cornbread mix
• “boxed dessert mix

  SDTC November Meeting

  “Please join us!

“It is never too late to be involved in protecting our democracy and freedoms.

“The November meeting of the Saugus Town Democratic Committee will be held at 7 p.m., on Wednesday evening, November 13th at the Saugus Public Safety Building, 27 Hamilton Street, 2nd Floor. We hope to see you then.”

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is Tuesday night. 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.

 

CAPTION:

 

 THE HALLOWEEN RUNNERS: Left to right: Imrane Rahou, Santino Diciero, Naomi Tarantino, Xavier Mazariegos-Darnell, Liam Marcu, AJ Diciero, Luiz Sena and Coach Steve Boudreau did a special fun run last Saturday (Oct. 26) at Breakheart Reservation, dressed in Halloween costumes. They are members of Coach Chris Tarantino’s Elementary School Cross Country team that attends the Belmonte STEAM Academy. Coach T.’s daughter Naomi, who is now in the seventh grade, helps out as a mentor while Coach Boudreau is the assistant coach. (Photo Courtesy to the Saugus Advocate)