The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

We’re 10 days into the New Year, and I’m still making adjustments as I resolve to lead a more healthy, fun and productive lifestyle during 2025.

It will be nine years in March that I began work as editor of The Saugus Advocate. Usually on my anniversary date, I decide whether to go for another year in my newspaper career. And I always tell folks that I will continue working as long as my health holds up. That’s where diet, exercise and a stress-free work schedule come into play. Stay tuned.

 

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.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTS”

We didn’t receive any recommendations from readers this week for Saugus residents who deserved to be publicly commended with a “Shout Out.” So, I will use my editorial discretion to recognize some Saugonians who are worthy of commending.

The first one goes posthumously to retired Saugus Fire Chief George W. Parrott III, who recently passed away (Dec. 20) at the age of 97. We’ll recognize the fitting tribute Chief Parrott received as posted by Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 on its Facebook Page: “Chief Parrott served on the SFD for 37 years, 8 of which as the Chief of Department. Chief Parrott was also the former President of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association and the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association.

“Chief Parrott could still be found coming by the firehouse for coffee with the men on Group 1 days and at the time of his passing was the oldest living Fire Chief in Massachusetts.”

Rest in peace, Chief Parrott.

The second “Shout Out” in this week’s edition goes to baby girl Leah James Lombardi and her parents, Jessica and Michael Lombardi of Saugus, who celebrated her being welcomed by Massachusetts General Hospital as the first baby born in the City of Boston in 2025. Baby girl Leah arrived at 12:14 a.m. on New Year’s Day, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches long. Congratulations to baby girl Leah and her family.

 

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.”

 

A zoning hearing on 189 rental apartments

The Saugus Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. This involves an application by 961 Broadway Development LLC for a comprehensive permit to authorize the construction of 189 rental apartment units (48 perpetually restricted as affordable units in two structures on a 6.77-acre parcel of land located at 961 Broadway and 999 Broadway and 39R Forest Street with 315 parking spaces. Waivers of local bylaws are requested per Chapter 40B.

If Town Hall is crowded with people on Jan. 16, this is probably the reason why. Stay tuned.

 

Christmas tree disposal dates

As a reminder, the Town of Saugus announces that Christmas trees will be collected curbside during the weeks of Jan. 6-10 and Jan.13-17. Residents may dispose of their Christmas trees on their regularly scheduled trash collection days. Trees should be left curbside near trash and recycling barrels. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.

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

 

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

 

Needle Crafting

Hello to fans of needle crafting: knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. The Saugus Public Library Needle Crafting Group will start on Thursday, January 23 from 10–11 a.m. in the

Brooks Room. No registration needed – drop-ins welcome. Bring your Work in Progress and enjoy the conversation … cocoa and tea will be provided.

Any questions? Call Reference at 781-231-4168.

 

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.