The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Next Wednesday (May 14) is going to be a rare day of conflicting interests for Saugonians who have close ties to the Saugus Garden Club and the Saugus Historical Society. At 6 p.m. that day, the Saugus Garden Club will hold its Annual Fundraiser in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Master flower show judge Kathy Leva will be this year’s speaker. She will present ideas for flower arranging. Meanwhile, at 7 p.m. in its offices at 30 Main St., the Saugus Historical Society will present a program about the history of horticulture in Saugus as well as continuing to update some of its recent topics about significant historical anniversaries that are being observed this spring and summer.

“Since it finally feels like spring, what better time to look back on the famous greenhouses at Sim’s Carnations and other horticultural businesses that started in Saugus,” the Society’s president, Laura Eisener, wrote in an email this week. “Nunan’s had its start on Lincoln Avenue in Saugus in 1917 but moved to its ‘new’ location in Georgetown in 1957 where it has grown to include a miniature golf course and restaurant. Our current horticultural businesses Little Brook Garden Center and Huberman’s also have been an important part of spring in Saugus.”

Laura notes that the program is open and free to the general public and that light refreshments will be served.

If you are a member of both organizations or an avid fan of flowers and local history, you could walk back and forth between Town Hall and the Saugus Historical Society a few times that night. People planning to go to the Historical Society Meeting could spend just under an hour at Town Hall and then hurry over to 30 Main St. But it’s more likely that people will pick one or the other events to attend on Wednesday night.

 

A Blood Drive in Saugus on Sunday

Tiger Institute Tae Kwon Do at 375 Central St. will host a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (May 11) for the American Red Cross. Those who come to give blood will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. All who come to give in May will be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of their choice for two. Full details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/May.

Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:

• Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to any person, no matter their blood type. This makes it essential in the direst situations.
• Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

 

Gas main work set for Monday

The Saugus Department of Public Works announced that National Grid is scheduled to begin gas main work on Monday (May 5), between 479 and 481 Walnut St. For this project, National Grid crews will relay 50 feet of gas main on the eastbound lane of Walnut Street at 479-481 Walnut St. near the Lynn/Saugus line. Work will occur between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the designated work days and is expected to take five days to complete. Police details will be used and traffic detours will be established if necessary.

Please call Town Engineer Kevin Hallion at 781-231-4032 with any questions.

 

Saugus-Everett Elks to hold scams presentation

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness committee and Eagle Bank are teaming up to hold a scams, cyber fraud and exploitation presentation to be held at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus) on Monday, May 12, at 10 a.m. This free hour-long presentation will be conducted by Attorney Stephen Miliotis and Senior Banking Officer Gisella DiPaola. Don’t miss out on this event, and become educated on the latest scams that are currently spreading across our country. Learn the different kinds of scams, including blackmail scams, charity scams, debt collection scams, senior scams, debt relief scams and much more. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to reserve your seat. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We received a couple of “Shout Outs” this week from our readers:

Mary Lou Graham offered a “Shout Out” for the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry under the direction of Pastor Joe Hoyle of Cliftondale Congregational Church: “A sincere thank you to the volunteers and high school students who pack provisions and carry the boxes out to wherever the client needs them. The faithful donations of groceries, produce, funds and other needed provisions are extremely welcomed. Thank you for them. We appreciate the churches, businesses, all associations and the individuals who are so faithful in remembering our pantry. We couldn’t carry on without your support. God bless you all.”

Jon Bernard sent in a “Shout Out” for Michael Maruzzi, a Saugonian and former Saugus High School teacher who continues to serve as an inspiration for many since suffering a crippling spinal cord injury while playing hockey for Saugus High School 38 years ago. Jon offered the following remarks in a GoFundMe page he set up for his friend at https://www.gofundme.com/f/michaels-medical-fund-a-call-for-kindness

“On January 17, 1987, Michael Maruzzi suffered a devastating and life-altering spinal cord injury while playing varsity ice hockey for Saugus High School (Massachusetts).

“If you are fortunate to know Michael, you no doubt have tremendous respect for his strength, perseverance, and inspiration.

“In the years shortly following Michael’s injury, he attended and graduated from Boston University whereupon he returned to Saugus High School to teach mathematics, retiring in 2015. But Michael was then–and remains today–much more than a math teacher. He cared deeply for his students as people and provided them with a tender ear and counseled many of them through the challenges that they confronted as high school students and, for many, in their years beyond high school.

“As time has passed, Michael’s medical needs and care have increased and, consequently, so too have the associated financial costs. Your assistance is needed!

“Michael and his wife Arlene have lived in Florida for the last several years and largely rely upon each other, with aid from family and friends, to assist them with their daily lives. If you have been touched by Michael’s generous spirit and genuine goodness, please consider donating what you can to support Michael and Arlene as they confront the daily challenges of their life together.

“Thank you, and please share this message with those whom you know would like to extend love and support to Michael and Arlene.”

 

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***@*****st.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.

 

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.

 

Legion Breakfasts today

The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus has resumed the 2024-25 breakfast season and will continue until the final breakfast on Friday, May 30. 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.

 

Participate in Memorial Day plans

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*************@*****st.net

 

What’s going on at the library

Sheryl Fae at library tomorrow! Actress Sheryl Fae is returning to the Saugus Public Library, this time as Abigail Adams. Fae’s performance is set for tomorrow (Saturday, May 10) at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St.).

Abigail Adams’ life is one of the most documented of the first ladies: She is remembered for the many letters she wrote to her husband while he stayed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Continental Congresses. John frequently sought the advice of Abigail on many matters, and their letters are filled with intellectual discussions on government and politics. In one of her more famous letters, she implores her husband and his colleagues, all of whom were male, to “…remember the ladies…If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.” Her letters also serve as eyewitness accounts of the American Revolutionary War home front.

This story starts off with her as an adult and goes back through her childhood and then back to an adult again. This show is suitable for ages 12 through adults. Music & Sound design by Scooter Perrotta from LA Soundtrack.

Sheryl Faye attended Emerson College in Boston, graduating with honors and received a BFA in Acting. Since 2003, she has masterfully brought to life important historical women to both adults and children around the world. In her one-woman shows, she immerses the audience in a multimedia learning experience that captivates viewers and sparks their interest to explore more.

Registration is required for the program. Register at https://sauguspubliclibrary.org/events.

Abigail Adams – America’s First, Second Lady is sponsored by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library.

Dungeons and Dragons: Join us for a Dungeons and Dragons game that will be facilitated by a professional Dungeon Master. We will be playing on May 19 at 4:00 in the Brooks Room. Fifth grade and up – registration required.

Teen Creative Writing: Please join us on May 12 at 4:00 in the Brooks Room for a teen creative writing program! You can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration required – fifth grade and up. Call Rachel at 781-231-4168 for more details or contact her at rh*********@******et.org

SAVE Composting Workshop: On May 20, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) and Eastern Bank are cosponsoring a workshop on backyard composting at the Saugus Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program – presented by the Massachusetts Master Gardeners Association (MMGA) – is free, but registration is required, either via the library’s website or by calling 781-231-4168. Register today and join SAVE members in learning how to reduce kitchen and household waste through composting.

A Writing Workshop: Laura Eisener’s “Pen to Paper” Writing Workshop is set for May 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library.

 

Saugus Sachems Summer Track Camp 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – has announced plans for his Summer Track Camp. Registration will get underway soon. “This vibrant program, now in its 20th year, is where student athletes from a wide range of ages come together to listen well, work hard, and have fun!” Coach T said in an email this week.

Track Camp runners will be guided by Coach Tarantino, his coaches, counselors and alumni, as well as current middle and high school track team members.

“Participants work on social and team building skills, as well as setting individual and team goals, all while learning the fundamentals and or the advanced techniques of this dynamic sport, track and field,” Coach T said.

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

Who: five to 18 years old.

Where: Belmonte Track.

When: 6-8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

June 23-27 – final registration week/returning athlete training

June 30-July 4 – first formal week

July 19 – Summer Showdown in Cranston, R.I.

July 23 – Wrap up

Cost: $300 first year ($250 if registered by June 1), $200 returning with uniform, $150 if three years or more in summer program; includes pasta dinner, t-shirt, uniform and entry into Summer Showdown.

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

 

Buy-A-Brick for a veteran

The Saugus War Monument Committee, once again, is sponsoring the Buy-A-Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ x 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for a 8″ x 8″ brick (five lines). Each line has a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

The brick application must be in by September 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

C.H.a.R.M. Center is open

The Town of Saugus Solid Waste/Recycling Department announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) has opened for the season, with normal operational hours of Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The C.H.a.R.M. Center is located at 515 Main St., Saugus, behind the Saugus Department of Public Works. Residents are welcome to use the C.H.a.R.M. Center for their recycling needs. Saugus was the first municipality in Massachusetts to open a C.H.a.R.M. Center.

The C.H.a.R.M. Center accepts the following items at no cost to residents:

• Bottles and cans
• Paper and cardboard
• Scrap metal
• Shoes, clothes and other textiles
• Fluorescent light bulbs and batteries (button and rechargeable)

Residents are also permitted the free disposal of three TVs or computers/CRT monitors per household each year at the C.H.a.R.M. Center.

Residents can obtain new stickers for this year free of charge when visiting the C.H.a.R.M. Center. By purchasing a $25 sticker that is valid for the entirety of the season, residents will be permitted to dispose of yard waste and brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. The $25 sticker also covers the cost to dispose of hard/rigid plastics at the facility. The C.H.a.R.M. Center accepts CHECKS ONLY, no cash or cards.

Please note that the C.H.a.R.M. Center does not accept any household trash or construction materials and debris. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable. Go to https://www.saugus-ma.gov/solid-waste-recycling-department and click on “Recycling Guide” for a comprehensive list of items that are accepted or not accepted at the C.H.a.R.M. Center, in addition to guidelines for how to prepare different items for disposal at the facility.

The C.H.a.R.M. Center will remain open on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season until the winter. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Saugus High Class of 1980

Attention, Saugus High Class of 1980. Mark your calendars for Nov. 29 (Saturday after Thanksgiving) and reach out to your friends that you’d like to see there for the 45th Class Reunion for 1980 graduates and friends. The reunion will be held that day from 1 to 6 p.m. inside the Saugus Elks.

Invite Saugus High friends from other classes that you may want to be at our 1980 Class Reunion. Our last Saugus Class BBQ event a couple of years ago had three sisters from three different classes attend and they had a blast – so many loved seeing them and appreciated them being there. So many old friends reconnecting after decades; friends from overseas and across the country came; Saugus Classmates that left in Jr. High and that went to other High Schools came. How special it was for so many people to see each other after over 40 years.

Reach out to your friends that are not on Facebook to give them some early notice in case they may want to attend and need to make travel plans. Some of our Classmates have kept in touch with some of our High School teachers, and they attended our last two Saugus High Reunion events – we hope they’ll join us again. Feel free to reach out to any of your favorite teachers that you may want there – I’m sure they would love to hear from you.

More information is forthcoming. Any questions, please feel free to reach out to Andrea or Pete:

Andrea Saunders (1980 Class President) can be reached at pa********@*ol.com or 978-482-5787.

Pete Nicolo can be reached PS**********@*****st.net or 978-815-8234

 

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***@*****st.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.