The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

The holidays are quickly approaching. Hope everyone is taking the time to enjoy the season, sharing it with friends, acquaintances and people we love. It’s also can be a very challenging time, with not enough time on our personal schedules to get everything we need done. Shopping for presents for family and friends and scheduling holiday dinners go with the season and often make things stressful.

Right here in Saugus, there are still plenty of holiday-related events to get involved in. My favorite is the town’s Annual Tree Lighting and Festivities event, which took place Friday. If you have family, it’s always a fun evening. And the great feature of this year’s event was the opening of the recently refurbished second floor auditorium at Town Hall. It was great to see that main asset being used last Friday night.

Instead of kids sitting in the cold with Santa in a chair in front of the Saugus Public Library, they got to come out of the cold and warm up inside. Besides the Santa-kid photo op, there was some face-painting.

Hopefully, next year, there will be a return of other events, like crafts and a gingerbread house contest and other neat things. I remember a few years before COVID-19 when the town made use of the auditorium on the night of the Tree Lighting. It would be nice to see that again.

It was great to see Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta at the event, as she told me she was enjoying some happiness after an emotionally draining week when she lost her mom. It was also good to see all of her board colleagues rally around her with support as she faced one of the difficult personal moments of one’s life – losing a mom. Sooner or later, we all face the tough personal losses.

 

Odd mascots from papers I worked at

What do you think about a newspaper that puts the Garfield (the cat) cartoon on the front page of a red rooster on the cover? Early in my newspaper career, I actually worked at a couple of places like that.

To the delight of the cat people in their circulation area, the Winter Haven News Chief carried the Garfield comic strip across the front page. The papers also had a cigar store Indian in the visitors’ lobby outside the newsroom.

During my days out in West Texas, I worked at the San Angelo Standard-Times, a paper that trotted out the red rooster named General Rainz that allowed the paper to crow any time the dry West Texas region received substantial rainfall. They say General Rainz has been around for a century or more.

 

A makeshift mega “Shout Out”

We received a press release from Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office citing a bunch of people in Saugus who contributed to the great success of this year’s Annual Tree Lighting event and festivities. It’s a press release that reflects on the collaborative efforts of many people who helped to make last Friday night a special time for families and other folks who attended the event. We think the press release is worth repeating as makeshift mega “Shout Out.”

 

Town of Saugus Celebrates Annual Tree Lighting

Town Manager Scott Crabtree is pleased with the big turnout at Friday’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, as hundreds of residents stopped by the Town Hall grounds to celebrate the start of the holiday season together.

Just before 7 p.m., Santa arrived with a police escort on a horsedrawn sleigh and made his way through the cheering crowd to the Town Hall steps. Town Manager Crabtree, the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Santa and the crowd then led a countdown that culminated in Santa and his little friends flipping on the lovely holiday lights in the Saugus Center area. Dozens of families continued inside to the Town Hall Auditorium to meet and get pictures with Santa. Children were also treated to face painting provided by a group of volunteers and Saugus High School students. Smiles abounded throughout the evening as families enjoyed Tree Lighting experiences, such as horsedrawn and tractor-pulled “sleigh” rides, a trackless train, bounce houses and a petting zoo.

The Tree Lighting is such an annual success because of the support of dedicated town departments, employees, volunteers and local businesses, such as:

• Saugus Police Department (candy goodie bags)
• Town of Saugus employees who put up the holiday lights and light up displays on the Town Hall grounds and Saugus Center
• Stop & Shop – (chocolate chip cookies)
• Hammersmith Family Restaurant (hot cocoa and cups)
• TrueVine Church (hot apple cider and popcorn)
• Saugus High School Band (played holiday hits outside Town Hall, such as “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night” and “Deck the Halls”)
• Saugus High School students and volunteers doing face painting
• Phil Rando (assisted with the horses and Santa)

“It’s heartwarming to see so many families have a great time at the Tree Lighting,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “Many families look forward to the Tree Lighting each December, as it’s one of those truly special town events that brings the community together and that you don’t want to miss. I thank everyone for all their help and contribution to making this happen.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. If you are able to donate to the food pantry, you can also stop by during those hours, drop off donations at the Saugus Public Library during library hours or contact office@cliftondalecc.org to make an appointment. Please note that the food pantry will be closed on Friday, December 27, in observance of Christmas.

 

Legion Breakfasts today

There’s a good deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2024-25 season. 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.

 

No new Legion Hall bookings till 2025

  The American Legion Post 210 announced recently that it will honor any contract it has signed for a party from now through the end of December, but will not book any new ones until after the first of the year.

 

Wreaths Across America tomorrow

On December 14 at noon, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American

Revolution (MA0136P) is sponsoring its fourth Wreaths Across America event – helping both Riverside and Old Burying Ground Cemeteries to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

 

Band Concert tomorrow at Square One

The combined Saugus Middle School and High School Band will be playing at the Square One Mall tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 14) at 2 p.m. The band will be near the entrance by the closed Sears store. We figure the program will wrap up by 2:45 p.m.

 

A Living Nativity in Saugus tomorrow

A special Christmas celebration is set for Dec. 14 at New Hope Assembly, featuring live animals and costumed characters reenacting the birth of Jesus. New Hope Assembly will present its Living Nativity on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. on church grounds at 9 Assembly Dr. This special event offers a free, family-friendly afternoon filled with Christmas cheer. The Living Nativity will feature beautifully staged scenes bringing the story of Jesus’ birth to life in a unique and interactive way. Guests can walk through the Nativity station and experience the sights and sounds of the first Christmas. In addition to the Nativity, attendees can enjoy festive activities, including crafts, games, live Christmas music and free holiday treats, such as cocoa and baked goods.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas,” said Jessica Jarosz from New Hope Assembly.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone for an afternoon of joy and community spirit.”

The event is free to the public, and no registration is required. For more information, contact New Hope Assembly at 781-233-6384 or visit their website. Bring your family and friends to experience the joy of the season and make special holiday memories.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received several nominations this week from readers who wanted to acknowledge residents who make a difference and whose contributions lead to the betterment of Saugus.

Joanie Allbee: “Hi I’d like to give a BIG Shout Out to ALL the BEHIND THE SCENES workers on FRIDAY & SATURDAY MORNING that make the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR ) WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA A SUCCESS!

“Thank you! to the ones who volunteer their time, energy and trucks to transport wreaths to drop off sites and countless other duties to ensure Our Veteran’s graves are honored and covered with a wreath. Vice Regent Wendy Renda’s effort to correspond with Dept. of Defense Vietnam met with success.

“Wendy states, ‘The Dept of Defense Vietnam Commemoration recognized Parson Roby Chapter as a Commemorative Partner. To assist and support a grateful nation in thanking and honoring our Vietnam War Veterans, their families, and those who served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces. It is part of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.’”

Euguene Decareau: “I’d like to have a shout out for Lori Davis and the entire Saugus Senior Center Staff for making it one of the best in the state. They are magnificent. Lori is doing a magnificent job. And this is a happy group of people.”

Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Matthew Parlante: “I’d like to shout out my neighbor Kathy Crowley who consistently drags the barrels on the bike path up to the street corner for trash pickup on Mondays. She does that at Laurel Street, Eustis Street and Essex Street by the firehouse. Not only does she drag them up so the trash can be collected, but she puts new garbage bags in them and puts them back in their place. She’s done this each week for years and certainly deserves a shout out.

“I’d also like to shout out our DPW dept. Those guys work hard all the time, but I’d especially like to shout them out for their hard work with putting up the Christmas lights around town and for their work with the annual tree lighting. It’s not easy for sure and they’ve done a tremendous job, our Town looks amazingly festive. Great job Saugus DPW!”

 

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.

 

Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection Presentation

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and Eagle Bank are sponsoring a free Presentation for Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection. This event will be held on Monday, Dec. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). Eagle Bank will be providing an attorney to discuss many issues: estate taxes, Medicaid, probate, property assignments, advantages and disadvantages of wills and living trusts, and much more. To attend this free event, please call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178. Light refreshments will be served. Walk-ins welcome.

 

Area Republicans meet Jan. 15

Saugus Town Republican Committee Chair Chris Luongo announced this week that area Republicans are confirmed for Jan.15 at 6:30 p.m. at Old Tyme Italian Cuisine in Lynn.

“I am looking forward to meeting you all. Some of you have responded, but if you can once again confirm whether you or how many from your committee will be attending, this will be helpful to make sure we have enough room. Your presence is important and will greatly contribute to the success of our meeting. As this is our first meeting, I would like to have each town do a small introduction and what the types of activities you do as a committee. Please pass the word around to anyone you think might be interested. The following towns have responded. Saugus, Lynn, Nahant, Middleton and Malden

“If you have any contacts with other towns, please get in touch with them and let them know. Let us grow our republican numbers and take our State back.”

 

Saugus 4-1-1 set for March 1, 2025

The Saugus 4-1-1 Committee would like everyone to know that the Saugus 4-1-1 event will be taking place on March 1, 2025. Invitations to all new residents as well as nonprofits 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!” Selectman Corinne Riley wrote in an email recently. “Also, if you have a local business or service to promote, send your request or further inquiries to Saugus411@gmail.com. There are ‘Welcome Bags’ that are given out to the new residents with all kinds of information which could include your business or services offered to our Saugus residents. Stay tuned for further updates!”

Selectman Riley is the driving force behind the nifty program, which had well-attended events at the Saugus Middle-High School last year and in 2022.

 

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.

  Foreign language books for adults coming soon! Books will be located on the second floor past the Young Adult Fiction section. Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, Arabic and Haitian Creole books will be available to check out. Read in your native language or practice a language that is new to you!

Please come to the Teen Manga and Cosplay event in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library on Monday, December 9, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Please join us for the Teen Book Club on Monday, December 16, at 5:30 in the Brooks Room. We will be discussing “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas.

 

Chestnut Woods Rehab begins “Operation Santa Paws”

Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Saugus, where residents often benefit from animal-assisted therapy visits, has launched “Operation Santa Paws” to collect pet supplies and donate them to the Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society (PAWS). Through Dec. 22, the skilled nursing facility at 73 Chestnut St. welcomes donated items, such as blankets and towels, dog and cat beds, unopened pet food/treats, pet toys, grooming products, collars and leashes and food/water bowls.

Therapy animals play a vital role in long-term care residents’ lives, particularly those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Benefits of animal therapy for seniors include emotional uplift, increased self-esteem, improved social skills and reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

For more information, visit ChestnutWoodsRehab.com.

 

A Video for Vets

  Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Veterans’ Service Officer Paul Cancelliere have collaborated on a video that highlights the work the Town of Saugus’ Veterans’ Services Office does to help local veterans and their families. In the video, Cancelliere explains how the Veterans’ Services Office follows three main pillars in advocating for veterans. These pillars are:

• Implementing a variety of state benefits to aid veterans and their families
• Processing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims for veterans and offering assistance for things such as homebuying, education, life insurance and burials
• Community outreach by working with the Saugus Veterans Council to help put together events, such as the Memorial Day Parade, POW/MIA Recognition Day and the Veterans Day ceremony

The Saugus Veterans’ Services Office is located on the main floor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St. Paul Cancelliere serves as the veterans’ services officer, and Nancy Stead is the administrative assistant for the department. For more information call 781-231-4010 or email pcancelliere@saugus-ma.gov, veteransservices@saugus-ma.gov or nstead@saugus-ma.gov

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. 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.