The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Hope your holidays were full of happiness and joy shared with family and friends.

Here’s to good health and prosperity as we begin a new year. May you accomplish most of your resolutions and goals that you have set for the next 12 months. Whether it’s losing weight, adjusting to a healthier diet and lifestyle, engaging in educational pursuits or embarking on various self-improvement projects, organize a plan and resolve to stick to it.

If you are thinking about getting involved in volunteer activities that contribute to the betterment of your community, this is the year to do it.

The biennial town elections are scheduled for November. Five seats on the Board of Selectmen, five seats on the School Committee and 50 seats on the Annual Town Meeting are all up for grabs. Getting involved as a candidate or political organizer in a Town Meeting race is a great way to get involved in your hometown. It’s not too early to begin thinking about participating in your local government.

 

President Carter was a great human being

Our nation will pay its respects to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 100 – the oldest age a president has ever lived to. From what I’ve read and know of the man, he’s probably the best human being who has ever served as president.

Just a few years after leaving the White House, Carter and his wife Rosalyn embarked on a three-decade partnership with Habitat For Humanity, volunteering thousands of hours in the construction and repair of more than 4,000 homes for less fortunate people. Rather than writing books or trying to make money off his years of political office, as many former presidents do, Carter dedicated himself to a humane and noble cause that made it possible for many Americans to own their own homes.

As a young reporter working for a Virginia newspaper in 1976, I got to spend a brief moment trying to interview Jimmy Carter just hours before his presidential debate with President Gerald Ford at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va. I happened to be milling around outside a hotel when I noticed Carter coming out to greet his wife and to remove a suitcase from a car. My interview plans were spoiled by a Secret Service agent, who pushed me to the ground away from the presidential candidate.

I was wearing a press pass at the time, but I was the only reporter in an area where several photographers were working. The color of my media pass was a different color than what the photographers were wearing.

I’m sure the future president would have allowed me some time to ask him a few questions had the Secret Service agent not intervened. Even so, it was one of those interesting and memorable experiences that I will never forget in the course of a half century of newspaper journalism.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Helping Saugus Seniors

On Monday, Dec. 16, at the Saugus Senior Center, the Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and Eagle Bank teamed up to hold a trusts, wills and asset protection presentation. This was a very informative discussion for the seniors that attended. The presentation was conducted by Senior Vice President of Eagle Bank Gisella DiPaola and Assistant Vice President Juan Lopez. Subjects discussed were estate taxes, probate, property assignments, living trusts and more. This was an hour-long presentation with a question and answer session to follow.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUT”

Janice Jarosz submitted this “Shout Out.”

“SHOUT OUT to the Richard Andrews family, who once lived in the Cliftondale area of Saugus, MA. Their children attended the Cliftondale School but, tragically, they lost their only daughter, Patricia, in an automobile accident at eight years of age, in 1967. Despite the heartache and hardship suffered by the family through the years, they all dedicated much of their time and energy in ‘giving back’ to the community they loved.

“Mr. Andrews volunteered often at the Cliftondale School, and also at Saugus Cable TV. Mrs. Andrews served as the President of the Cliftondale School PTA for several years always setting the example to her children of the virtue of ‘giving back.’

“Both parents are gone now , but Richard Jr, Dana, Darrly, Brian, Kevin and Mark continue to this day to keep the Andrews family tradition of ‘giving back.’ For several years, they produced the very popular ‘Haunted House’ at the MEG, donating their time and talents for weeks in setting up and performing a wonderful and exciting Halloween event for children and parents alike!

“Kevin and his brothers have spent the last fifteen years gathering and delivering donated toys to the children of Saugus, and in the last nine of those years Kevin and his crew stationed their Christmas project at the MEG continuing in the tradition.

“This year, Kevin worked through several obstacles but still brought ‘Christmas magic’ to the children of Saugus.

“The Andrews parents and sons never looked or wanted any public recognition – the brothers just go quietly about their lives, always ready to ‘give back’ in caring for our community and honoring the memory of their parents.

“I am sure Rich and Carole are smiling down from heaven with pride.”

 

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.

 

Area Republicans meet Jan. 15

Saugus Town Republican Committee Chair Chris Luongo announced recently 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 Cultural Festival Feb. 23

Planning continues for the Saugus Cultural Festival, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 23 at Saugus Middle High School. This inclusive and family-friendly event will celebrate Saugus’ cultural diversity through the showcase of food, performances and other activities, according to Tori Darnell, Co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council – the event’s organizers.

The Cultural Council is looking for:

• Performers: Musicians, dancers, poets, actors and artists of all kinds are invited to showcase their talents on our stage.
• Food Vendors: Share your culinary creations with festival-goers. Local food trucks, caterers and restaurant owners are encouraged to apply.
• Volunteers: Help us make the event a success by joining our team. Volunteers will assist with setup, guest services, event coordination and more.

This is a great opportunity to share new experiences with the community. To apply or to learn more information, please contact the Cultural Council at:

• Email: saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com
• Phone: 339-440-1017.

Don’t miss out on being part of this exciting celebration in our Town! We can’t wait to see you there! Deadline for applications: Jan. 19. Please reach out if you have any questions.

 

Saugus 4-1-1 set for March 1

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. “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 was the driving force behind the nifty program, which had two previous well-attended Saturdays at the Saugus Middle-High School in recent years (2022 and 2023).

 

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

 

Teen Game Night

Please come to the Teen Game Night in the Teen Room at Saugus Public Library on Monday, January 6 from 5:30-7:00. We will be playing board games and card games.

 

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.