The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I’m happy to report that the weather cooperated last Friday night so that the members of the Saugus High School Class of 2025, their families and friends were able to enjoy a graduation ceremony outside in the Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium. I showed up to the stadium early, with a raincoat and umbrella readily available, if needed. But fortunately, the rain held off and the 176 graduates were able to enjoy their final hours together outdoors instead of indoors.

Saugus Middle High School Principal Carla Scuzzarella, a 1976 Saugus High graduate, presided over her first Commencement Exercises at the school. She made a few logistical changes, which made for a more orderly and accommodating ceremony. She put some handwritten signs reserving some front row seats for the families of the Class President, the Salutatorian and the Valedictorian so they could feel as honored guests while getting a good glimpse of their graduating children when they gave their respective speeches.

In another change, done for efficiency’s sake, the principal had the graduates assemble in the High School gymnasium and remain there until it was time to begin their procession toward the stadium. The procession moved through the back of the bleachers and broke into two columns before entering the stadium. In previous graduations, the seniors would congregate near the Route 1 side end zone until it was time for “Pomp and Circumstance.” I actually liked that setup because I was able to hang out with the graduates, get some interesting photos of some of their mortarboard artwork and ferret out some colorful stories from seniors who had time to talk to me. But it was easy to see that the switch to the bleachers entrance was more orderly with fewer distractions.

Another nice touch to the ceremony was having the 2025 class officers take turns reading the names of graduates receiving their diplomas in what was called the Affirmation of Graduation.

From what I observed, it was a well-run event.

 

This week’s “SHOUT OUTs”

We received a few nominations this week from readers who wanted to publicly commend fellow Saugonians who contribute to the betterment of their community. Here they are:

From Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Herman-Dorant: “I’d like to give a big Shout Out to Steve Doherty who served as the Town Meeting Moderator. Steve’s leadership kept the meetings on-point, organized, and he was always respectful of his fellow Town Meeting members. Our town is better because of dedicated volunteers like you!”

From Fae Saulenas: “Please consider my 1st Saugonian shout-out for the two ladies in the pdf. attached above. They are my heroes!”

Fae was referring to Maria Carriglio and Crystal Depopoulas, two Saugus School District employees who spoke at the recent Annual Town Meeting. As part of her shout out, Fae provided transcripts of comments the two women made in addressing the Saugus Public Schools Department budget. Here are some excerpts from those comments:

From Maria Carriglio, a paraprofessional at the Veterans Early Learning Center: “I would like to say how disappointed I am in this vote. I would think that we would try to put the children first before the money, I was told that the money is there.

“Me personally, I have 14 autistic children that I support every day.

“There’s four paras. We can’t get any help because when you pay peanuts, you’re gonna get monkeys, basically. And you’re not paying enough for the, you know, the teachers to come or the paraprofessionals to come and support these children that need the help.

“If you look at how much paras make, you can’t live off of that. It’s not, it’s not realistic. All these paras have two, three jobs to support everyday life.”

From Crystal Depopoulas, another para, who subs for Special Needs students: “Our schools are understaffed and we’re overcrowded.

“Air conditioners are broken, heat’s broken. We’re breaking the law with a lot of our IEPs. .. those are law abiding documents, and they’re not being fulfilled because we don’t have enough staff.”

 

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.

 

A Trump protest group forms in Saugus

A Saugus-based group that calls itself “SAUGUS & FRIENDS RESIST” and describes itself as “a nonpartisan group concerned with the actions of the Trump Administration” has recently organized.

“They have threatened our rights and violated the Constitution,” the group said in a press release to The Saugus Advocate this week.

“Checks and Balances have been removed. By peacefully demonstrating, we express our resistance to them,” the statement said.

“We stand out every Saturday morning from 11 a.m., to 12 noon at the corner of Hamilton and Central Streets unless the weather is inclement.

“Come show your support and/or bring your own custom sign. JOIN US!”

We responded to the press release by requesting more information about the group, how it got started and what kind of reaction it’s received so far. Lin Bell emailed us back and said there is no party designation, membership or residency requirements. “We just want Saugus represented,” Lin said.

“After attending the weekly Wakefield standout and some others in the area, a few of us — namely me, Mary Robblee and Mary Kinsell — thought it would be a good idea to do the same here in Saugus,” Lin said.

“Last Saturday was our first one, and we wanted to see how it went before publicly announcing them. It went very well! We had about half a dozen people and the majority of those driving by were extremely supportive. We expect a bigger response this Saturday being designated No King’s Day, and want to give Saugonians the opportunity to RESIST locally and on a smaller scale than perhaps going into Boston. We also want to include our surrounding neighbors if their town or city is not having one,” she said.

“We are adamant about being a peaceful standout, not being in the way of traffic or pedestrians, and not engaging or gesturing. We are not trying to change anyone’s mind. We are merely taking action to show our resistance to the current Administration with like-minded people and to offer support to each other as well.”

We pressed for more information about the group. Any young people show up? Any town officials? Any Republicans who aren’t happy with the results of their vote?

“As of last week, no town officials or younger people stood with us. We hope that changes week by week as word gets out,” Lin said.

“We do not ask about political affiliation; and as of last week, no one mentioned being an unhappy Republican. That could very well change, but only if they mention it.”

For more details, contact the group at sa*****************@***il.com

Stay tuned.

 

Strawberry Festival June 21

The Saugus Historical Society Strawberry Festival and the Saugus Garden Club annual plant sale will be held on Saturday, June 21. Strawberry shortcakes will be served at the American Legion Hall from 10-2, and the plant sale will be taking place on the lawn of the Roby School, facing Main Street, along with several craft vendors.

 

SAVE Annual Meeting & Dinner June 25

The Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will hold its 52nd Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Grill House Restaurant at 817 Broadway / Route 1 South, Saugus (social hour begins at 6:30 p.m., dinner buffet to begin at approximately 7:00 p.m.).

The Public is cordially invited and we hope you can join us for the Dinner Buffet consisting of Fresh Garden Salad, Grilled Mixed Tips, Baked Haddock, and Cheese Ravioli, Vegetable, Rolls and Butter, Dessert, and Coffee, Tea, or Soda.

Joining us this year as guest speaker will be Andrea Lacroix. Andrea is affiliated with Beyond Plastics, raising awareness of plastic pollution and sharing plastic reduction initiatives.

Tickets are $35 per person. Payment can be made by check or Venmo.

Please make payment as soon as possible, but no later than June 13th either via mail to SAVE Treasurer, Mary Kinsell, 11 Sunnyside Avenue, Saugus, MA 01906, with a check payable to SAVE, Saugus, or, make your payment by Venmo to @SAVE-org and complete your forms here: https://forms.gle/KEYAU8CUnAWhoxQEA

You may also contact Ann at ad*****@*****10.net or Mary at Mk******@*****on.net

Please let us know if you are able to join us for a fun and informative evening, as well as a wonderful buffet dinner, as soon as possible. Free parking is available on site, and the facility is ADA accessible.

 

A special call for art

Here’s a special request from Tori Darnell, co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council:

I wanted to share with you that the Saugus Cultural Council has partnered with Bike to the Sea to host an outdoor art show along the Northern Strand Trail on Saturday, July 19th. This special 1-day event is to celebrate local creativity and community spirit by showcasing artwork from residents of all ages who live along this community-connecting trail.

I am reaching out to community groups and leaders along the trail; Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus, and Lynn, for their support in promoting the call for artists for this community-connecting event. Artists are to submit artwork through this online form: https://forms.gle/sM9KLBzskdJHKaUc6/. Artwork deadline entry is July 1st, 2025.

Tori can be reached at 339-440-1017 for more details.

 

Help plan the Second Annual Saugus Cultural Festival

Join the Saugus Cultural Festival Subcommittee to help organize the 2nd Annual Saugus Cultural Festival! The Saugus Cultural Council is looking for Saugus resident volunteers to serve on a Subcommittee to help plan and organize the 2026 Saugus Cultural Festival, which is happening on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Saugus Middle High School!

Help out with:

• Coordinate diverse entertainers, food vendors and miscellaneous activities
• Work with Saugus 411 Committee on community/information tables for community groups & local businesses/nonprofits
• Support in social media, print and other digital marketing
• Support in crowdsourcing for grants and festival sponsors
• And more!

Other commitments:

• Monthly evening meetings starting August 2025; Subcommittee may meet twice a month starting October 2025 until March 2026.
• Share progress at Saugus Cultural Council public meetings every first Tuesday starting September 2025 until March 2026

Interested in volunteering? Email us at sa*******************@***il.com by July 31.

 

Saugus Sachems Summer Track Camp 2025

Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – has announced plans for his Summer Track Camp. Registration is already underway. “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.

Track Camp runners will be guided by Coach Tarantino, his coaches, counselors and alumni, as well as current middle/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 (was $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

 

A “Zip Trip” stop in Saugus on June 27

Mark Friday, June 27, on your calendar if you happen to have some free time that morning. Boston 25 is hosting a Zip Trip in Saugus right outside Saugus Town Hall. Jessica Howard DeThomas, the Senior Morning Producer for the television station, tells me they will spend a few hours that day interviewing Saugus folks about what makes the town special.

Stay tuned for more information as that day approaches.

 

Narcan presentation July 14 at Senior Center

The Saugus Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee will hold a Narcan Presentation at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus) on Monday, July 14, at 10 a.m. This is a free hour-long presentation. Become educated on how to save lives from an accidental overdose. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to reserve your seat. Walk-ins are welcome.

 

Visitor Services available at Saugus Iron Works

The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site has begun its “visitors’ services,” marking the opening of restrooms and the museum. This is the expected schedule of tours for the summer: Wednesday–Sunday at 11 a.m., house tours, 1/2 hour; Wednesday–Sunday at 2 p.m., industrial site tours, which will include waterwheel demonstrations when staffing permits. On Fridays and Saturdays only, there will also be a 10 a.m. waterwheel demonstration. Visitors’ services will end on Oct. 31.

 

Library events

• Conversation Circle at the Saugus Public Library: Would you like to practice speaking English in a comfortable and supportive environment? Intended for intermediate and advanced-level speakers of English to practice speaking in an informal setting, the Conversation Circle promotes speaking and listening in English. It improves fluency and confidence. This group will meet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on Tuesday, June 24. If there is enough interest, additional dates will be scheduled. There is no cost for this program. Walk-ins are welcome.
• Teen Time at the Library: Let’s laugh and play with friends; Teen Game Night is Monday, June 16, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Teen Room; card and board games. Registration not required; fifth grade and up. For information, call 781-231-4168 or email rh*********@******et.org.
• Henna For Teens: Get a free Henna Design tattoo from a professional Henna artist on July 21 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room. Registration required; fifth grade and up.
• Level Up at your library: June 18-Aug. 20; submit what you read this summer and you may win an Amazon gift card. Enter to win by going to our website and filling out the book review form; grades seven to 12.
• Adult Summer Reading contest at the library: June 18-August 20; adults age 18 and up participate in our Adult Summer Reading Contest for the chance to win a gift card to a local restaurant! Fill out an online book review form (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org) for every book you read over the summer, and you will be entered to win! The more books you read, the greater your chances of winning! Graphic novels, manga, cookbooks, e-books and audio books count, too. Good luck!

 

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 at 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 who 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.