The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Happy Spring! We are only into the second day of Spring. But with temperatures hovering in the low 30s, there is still a possibility of snow. And there’s 10 more days left in the month of March. Stay tuned.

 

Recall Reflections

I arrived in Saugus a year after the historic recall of four Saugus selectmen – which was the focus of our cover story in last Friday’s paper. And as I look back on that first year, I observed some tension in my coverage of local government and in my dealings with town officials. I was new to the Saugus landscape. And because of my approach to journalism – being a watchdog for open government (Yeah, I filed a number of Open Meeting Law complaints against the Saugus School Committee, which were later validated by the state Attorney General’s Division of Open Government) – I’m sure I made a few people nervous. Some folks who were anti-recall questioned whether I was “a suck-up” for the town manager. And some folks who were staunch supporters of the town manager had me pegged as a reporter who was “out to get” the town manager and focus on totally negative stories.

Both perceptions of who I was were untrue. My job was to monitor local government and be as fair and balanced in my reporting as I possibly could be. I’ve learned in five decades of reporting that being consistently fair and balanced will never fail a newspaper reporter.

It won’t get you invited out to lunch or coffee. But people will respect you and realize that you are just trying to keep the public informed.

Last week, when I sought observations from long-time participants of Saugus local government on what their perceptions of the recall was, I found only a few Saugonians who were willing to talk about that low point in the town’s political history. A few people told me that it was a matter they would prefer to not talk about. To them, it was like pulling a scab off a wound. They would prefer to focus on the positive aspects of Saugus town government and not on the dark days of Saugus government when a Saugonian’s support or opposition to the Recall divided family, friends and neighbors.

 

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. Food drives resumed this month.

 

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 nominations from readers this week for people they wanted to shine a public spotlight on in a positive way. But we did receive this nice, upbeat note from Saugus Selectman Corinne Riley, one of the chief organizers of Saugus 4-1-1, who wanted to publicly commend a number of people who helped to make the event successful – and something the community can be proud of. Here’s Selectman Riley’s take on Saugus 4-1-1:

“The Saugus 411 event held this past Saturday, was successful and attended by so many at the information tables. The people interested in seeing what we have to offer and again having new participants speaking with other groups that weren’t aware of their existence in town. That is what makes this so special. I personally met new people who were interested in getting involved in the community, and I am looking forward to keeping in touch with them to get them involved in future plans of new town wide events that I believe will get many people involved and hopefully have more community engaged happenings.

“We are discussing combining the Saugus 4-1-1 and the Saugus Cultural Festival in March next year. The bigger the better and we look forward to working with the Cultural Council for a successful event.

“I would like to especially thank Donna Sordello and Jean Swanson for all the work they did to make this successful. I’d also like to thank all the non-profit organizations that participated, places of worship, Carla [Scuzzarella], the high school principal who helped with the venue planning, the Board of Selectmen, the town departments, civic groups the Town Manager, Rep. Donald Wong for donating the coffee, Nancy Vivace and to SCTV for covering the event. The welcome bags are a nice way to get business information to the new residents and I want to thank those who gave us items to fill them.”

 

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 (mv***@co*****.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.

 

DAR will honor Vietnam War veterans March 29

Vietnam veterans or surviving spouses will receive a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Lapel Pin in a special ceremony on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Saugus VFW Post (190C Main St., Saugus). The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) together with the Judge Samuel Holten Society of the Children of the American Revolution are marking a significant milestone in American history with a special celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In a tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War, a special pinning ceremony will be held to honor Vietnam veterans and their families as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a program led by the U.S. Department of Defense.

If you are a Vietnam veteran or a surviving spouse, please join us on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at the Saugus VFW Post at 190C Main St. Please RSVP to pa******************@gm***.com or text 781-710-1829. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

 

Spring grounds cleanup April 1

The Town of Saugus announced that spring grounds cleanup will begin at Riverside Cemetery on Tuesday, April 1. The Cemetery Commission kindly asks members of the public to remove any personal items, holiday items or seasonal items from the grounds before the cleanup begins.

All veterans flags will be placed back on gravesites on Friday, May 23, at 3 p.m., prior to Memorial Day. For more information, please contact the Cemetery Department at 781-231-4170 or email Madyson Coburn at mc*****@sa*******.gov.

 

TCS plans Picasso Painting Night fundraiser April 1

The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) invites the community to participate in a vibrant evening of creativity and support at a special fundraiser, Picasso Painting Night, on Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. This spirited event will benefit the Spring 2025 production of Steve Martin’s beloved play “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” Unleash your inner artist and join fellow painting enthusiasts as our talented volunteer instructors guide you through creating a colorful masterpiece inspired by the genius of Picasso.

TCS events are hosted at American Legion Post 210, 44 Taylor St., Saugus, in the upstairs hall, which is not wheelchair accessible.

 

Saugus Democrats caucus April 2

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on April 2 at 7 p.m. in the second floor of the Saugus Public Safety Building (27 Hamilton St.). The purpose of this meeting will be to hold a caucus to elect delegates to the Massachusetts State Democratic Convention set for Sept. 13 in Springfield.

 

The SHS Alumni Association announces scholarships

The Saugus High School Alumni Association will be awarding Scholarships to graduating seniors again this June. Applications for Alumni Association Scholarships may be obtained from the Guidance Office. Students need to complete the application at home. Seniors should attend a brief meeting in the school library on Thursday, May 1, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to answer two questions and attach their application.

Scholarships will be awarded to successful candidates in the amounts of $1,000 to $5,000. Seniors are encouraged to apply. There will be a minimum of 10 Scholarships awarded this year. Students pursuing further education at the college/university level, nursing and trade schools are encouraged to participate.

 

Saugus Little League Parade April 12

The Saugus Little League will hold a parade to celebrate Opening Day on Saturday, April 12. For the second year in a row, Saugus Little League will join up with Saugus Softball Little League for the parade, which will exit the parking lot of the Belmonte STEAM Academy at 9 a.m., turn left onto Adams Avenue, right onto Central Avenue and left onto Hurd Avenue up to Grabowski Field. Guy Moley is working on getting 20 show cars to join in the parade, according to League President John Benoit.

Fun for all with music, food, slush, entertainment and face-painting. Special guests will be honored by throwing out the first pitch as the league shows its appreciation to them. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Student Government Day returns

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta announced that Saugus High School students will get to participate in a Student Government Day on May 1 in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. The program will include a mock Board of Selectmen’s meeting with students acting as selectmen based on an agenda. There will also be a mock School Committee meeting as well as a mock Town Meeting, with students acting out their roles as tomorrow’s leaders of Saugus town government.

Stay tuned.

 

Memorial Day observances

Plans are already in the works for this year’s annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, which is set for Saturday, May 24. Contact the Saugus Veterans Council if you would like to help out. Council Commander Steve Castinetti can be reached at 781-389-3678 or st*************@co*****.net.

 

What’s going on at the library

• A workshop for aspiring writers: Pen to Paper: A Writing Workshop, by Laura Eisener, local journalist, historian and horticulturist. For those folks who missed the previous classes, there is still one more workshop scheduled: March 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus.

Do you want to write? Perhaps you have thought about starting a blog, creating a memoir, writing your sixth murder mystery in a series, developing a series of articles, explaining how to knit or recreate a special family recipe or writing a textbook or the great American novel? Whatever your level of experience, goals or preferred literary genre, this free workshop can help you enjoy writing more and encourage you to keep at it. We will use a combination of discussions, prompts and writing exercises to give you new incentives and confidence. There is some optional “homework,” but no preregistration is required, and you can attend as often as your schedule allows.

• Street Organ Magic Show: Tomorrow join Tony Gangi as he presents the Great American Street Organ Magic Show. Enjoy the music of his hand-cranked street organ and be amazed by feats of magic and a well-honed and even more well-trained troupe of (faux) circus-trick performing fleas. An event not to be missed – tomorrow (Saturday, March 22) from 11 a.m. to noon in the Brooks Room on the Second Floor of the Saugus Public Library.
• Game Night: We will be having a Game Night program on Monday, March 24, from 4:00-5:30 in the Teen Room. There will be board games, card games and a lot of fun to be had by all! Laugh and play with friends. Call 781-231-4168 or access rh*********@no******.org
• Watercolor heart mosaic: Please join us for creating a watercolor heart mosaic taught by a professional! This event will be in the Brooks Room from 1:00-2:30 on Saturday, March 29. Registration required – 5th grade and up.
• Hydrangea painting class: A Hydrangea painting class with Pop Up Art School will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Sign up begins Thursday, March 20 – https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events/ Join us for an engaging acrylic painting class where you’ll bring hydrangea blooms to life with hues of blue and purple. Discover new techniques and enjoy a fun, social atmosphere. All materials are provided. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

 

Senior Center hosts downsizing presentation April 7

The Saugus Senior Center will host a special presentation on downsizing on April 7 from 10 to 11:20 a.m. This presentation – sponsored by Mango Realty of Saugus and Reading Cooperative Bank – will consist of presentations by experts who have worked with seniors who have downsized and simplified their life. Refreshments will be provided by Reading Cooperative Bank. Presenters will include:

• Mango Realty – Sue Palomba & Peter Manoogian
• Reading Cooperative Bank – Maureen Bernard – VP
• Attorney Donna DiGiovanni
• Home Investor Jason Scaduto
• Clean Out / Junk Remover – Bob Penta – Bob’s Unlimited
• Professional Organizer – Corrin Bomberger
• Moving and Storage Company – King Movers & Storage

  Mango Realty will share Falta’s story. The real estate company sold his Saugus home and found him a new home in an over-55 community on the South Shore.

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Saugus Sachems Spring Track Program 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – announced plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email.

Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents need to know:

Who: Grades K-5^th.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 4:00-5:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; May 6-June 12.

Cost: $100 first year, $50 if returning.

For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or ch********************@gm***.com

 

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 a photo to submit, please email me at mv***@co*****.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.