The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

For most families with school-age kids in Saugus, today (Friday, Aug. 22) marks the beginning of the last weekend of summer vacation, as a brand-new school year begins next Tuesday.

Warmest regards to Saugus Public Schools administration, faculty, staff, students and parents as they prepare for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. Best wishes to all the kids who will be going to area out-of-town schools and their parents. Best wishes, too, for the Saugus kids who are headed off to embark on a college education or to continue their education plans.

A special note to the Saugus High Class of 2026 and other town residents who will begin their senior year at high schools in neighboring communities: Have fun and enjoy your final year with friends before you head off to a new chapter of your lives. But make the most of your school year. Study hard and take time to plan for life after high school and the career you have chosen. The next nine months will be important ones as you carve out your niche in life as young adults. Set your goals high.

For me, I’m nearing the end of my two-week vacation. For the most part, it’s been a peaceful and productive one. I got to spend some time with friends who treated me to cookouts and a few nice restaurant meals. I tackled some projects and took steps to get organized for the rest of my year.

 

The campaign is on!

The Nov. 4 Town Election is 10 weeks away from this coming Tuesday (Aug. 26). That’s a long time to campaign. But things have definitely been heating up in the School Committee and Board of Selectmen races since the nomination papers became available to aspiring candidates on July 21. As of Monday, there were seven candidates who pulled papers for the five seats on the School Committee and seven candidates for the five spots on the Board of Selectmen.

School Committee Member Stephanie Lauren Mastrocola was the latest candidate, the first incumbent member. The field so far includes former School Committee Members Arthur Grabowski and Joseph “Dennis” Gould and challengers Shannon McCarthy, Andrew T. Finn, Roberto F. Bruzzese and Finance Committee Member Brian J. Doherty.

Meanwhile, three incumbent selectmen have already pulled papers: Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Anthony Cogliano and Michael Serino. Former Selectman Jennifer Elaine D’Eon heads the list of challengers, which includes Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Marie Herman-Dorant, Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Frank Federico and Sandro Pansini Souza, an unsuccessful candidate for selectman two years ago when he finished seventh in a field of seven candidates. He currently serves as treasurer on the Saugus TV Board of Directors.

There are all sorts of reports out there on possible candidates who haven’t announced yet. If 10 candidates wind up on the Nov. 4 ballot for the School Committee and Selectmen races, that would be great for town voters. To have a competitive local election, the ideal situation is to have two candidates for each elective position.

Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Kristi Talagan, who ran for the Saugus Housing Authority four years ago and lost, has pulled papers to run for a seat on the Housing Authority again.

But it’s still early. Candidates have until 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 to obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk’s Office. The deadline for filing those nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Sept. 16.

Stay tuned.

 

This week’s “Shout outs”

Since I received no reader nominations, here’s an Editor’s Choice. Before I went on vacation, I interviewed longtime Saugus resident Millie Doucette, who turned 100 yesterday (Aug. 22). I found Millie to be a remarkable senior citizen who still maintains a relatively independent lifestyle for a person of her age. Millie is very well-spoken and articulate – and capable of carrying on great conversation on a variety of subjects. She has an impressive memory and is the subject of this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” Millie also strikes me as a very good cook and offered me a tasty plate of meatloaf straight from her kitchen oven when I arrived at her house for the interview earlier this month.

 

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 is open today (Friday, Aug. 22) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details.

 

West Nile Virus Alert

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has increased the West Nile Virus (WNV) risk level to moderate in Saugus based on the detection of two WNV-positive mosquitoes in the community.

  What this means: A moderate WNV risk level means infection with WNV is likely or has already occurred.

  What you should do to protect yourself: The Town encourages all residents to follow this advice from DPH:

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol [PMD] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens: Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
• Protect your animals: Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers, such as buckets, tires and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The DPH Public Health Laboratory confirmed WNV was detected in a one bird-biting mosquito in Saugus and one bird/human-biting mosquito collected from a sample in Saugus earlier this month.

To date, there have been no human cases of WNV or EEE in Massachusetts this year, and one animal case of WNV has been confirmed in the state. There have been 215 WNV-positive mosquito samples in Massachusetts in 2025 and 13 EEE-positive mosquito samples in the state this year. Saugus Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Health Department advise residents to check the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update page at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update to better understand local risk levels for WNV and EEE.

 

Cultural Council seeks grant applicants

Tori Darnell, co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council, submitted this announcement to alert town residents and local organizations about local grant opportunities:

Did you know that the Saugus Cultural Council has awarded grants to people and organizations for artistic, educational, and cultural projects and programs since 1998? We are committed to supporting cultural programs and events that showcase diversity and add vibrancy in the Town of Saugus. This includes the visual arts, education, dance, drama, interpretive science, the environment, literature, music, public art, and wellness.

If you have an idea for a project and/or program that brings public benefit to the Saugus community, then consider applying for a Local Cultural Council Grant! Our 2026 grant application period runs from September 2 through October 16, 2025. We prioritize applications from Saugus organizations, individuals, and organizers, and to projects that take place in the Town of Saugus. More information about grant guidelines and priorities can be seen at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/.

On Tuesday, September 9, the Mass Cultural Council will host an online information session on how these grants work and how to apply. The session is free and can be accessed at https://massculturalcouncil.org.

The Saugus Cultural Council will be available at Founder’s Day, Saturday, September 13 to provide live support in submitting an application or provide project feedback. Come with a description of your project and any questions about the grant application process. The Saugus Cultural Council will also be available at the Saugus Public Library on Tuesday, September 23 to provide additional live support.

 

Newspapers at the library

Thanks to a donation from a patron, The New York Times is now available at the Library, according to Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault. “You can also stop by and read the Saugus Advocate, Lynn Item, Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe as well!” Thibeault said.

 

Adult Craft Night returns!

Join us on Tuesday, September 2 from 6-7 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library. We will be making Acorns with fabric and twine for fall decor. Registration begins August 19 on our Events Calendar: sauguspubliclibrary.org

 

Saugus Youth Cross Country 2025

Grades 1-5 and 6-8 students not running for a school team can start Tuesday, Aug. 26: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Belmonte; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation. The training distances are 1st to 3rd, .7 miles; 4th and 5th, 1.2 miles; 6th-8th, 1.9 miles. Practice races are Saturdays (to be determined) at Frey Park in Lynn at 285 Walnut St.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Fun Run practice at Breakheart. Athletes are encouraged to wear a costume.

Saturday, Nov. 1: 16th Annual Massachusetts State Middle School Cross Country Championships at Willard Field in Devens; more information to be announced.

Tuesday, Nov. 11: 11th Annual Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship; 8:30 a.m. arrival and 9:30 a.m. start; Lynn’s Gannon Golf Course, 60 Great Woods Rd.; lunch at Prince Pizza following the meet.

Ending Thursday, Nov. 13 – wrap-up session at Belmonte.

Cost: $150 for first year, $75 returning from Cross Country 2024.

If you have any questions, need further information or want to register, please contact Coach T at 781-854-6778 or Ch********************@***il.com.

 

Founders Day book sale Sept. 13

The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are gearing up for their annual Book Sale, which will take place on Saturday, September 13, during the Town’s Founders Day celebration. They are seeking donations of adult fiction, both hardcover and paperback, as well as children’s books. Sorry, but they are not accepting donations of nonfiction books, textbooks or any non-book items (puzzles, games, workbooks, etc.). All donations must be clean and in excellent condition; no stains, yellowing, rips, wrinkles, odors or marked up pages, please!

Please check in at the desk in the main lobby when bringing in donations. If you are hoping to donate a large quantity of books or have questions, please email sa*@******et.org or call 781-231-4168 ext. 3102 before coming in. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting the New Friends!

 

Document Shred-It Sept. 13

Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Department of Solid Waste/Recycling invite residents to participate in a document shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon behind the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Shredding unwanted sensitive and confidential documents can help to protect your personal information and to limit the chances of falling victim to identity theft.

This free event is for Saugus residents only. Saugus residents will be able to properly dispose of sensitive and confidential documents in an eco-friendly manner. Documents will be shredded on-site and then recycled. As a reminder, most nonsensitive and confidential paper documents can be recycled curbside weekly on your pickup day.

Acceptable items for the Saugus Shred-It event include: paper folders with brads, manila folders, paper clips and binder clips, notebooks, checkbooks. The following items will not be accepted at the shredding event: food waste, three-ring binders, cardboard boxes, electronics, metal, plastic, trash, compact discs, magazines, newspapers, hanging file folders.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Free Health Fair Sept. 19

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and the Saugus Senior Center are teaming up once again for their 2nd Annual Health, Wellness and Resource Fair to be held on Friday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). There will be a variety of health organizations that will offer free health screenings, educational tables, giveaways, raffles and much more. This is a free event and open to the public for all ages.

 

KOC Flea Market Sept. 27

The Knights of Columbus Council 1829 of Saugus will be holding a Festive Indoor Flea Market and Craft Fair on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the KOC Hall at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Vendors/dealers will be charged $30 per space; one table and chairs provided. Please submit payment as soon as possible. For details, please call KOC at 781-233-9858 or Paul Giannetta at 978-239-1392.

 

Visitor Services at Saugus Iron Works

The park grounds at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site is open now through Oct. 31, 24 hours a day/seven days a week. Restrooms are open Wednesday through Sunday; 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Monday through Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum and industrial site buildings are open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

A return of the Halloween Pet Parade on Oct. 19

The Friends of Breakheart are gearing up for their Third Annual Halloween Pet Parade, which is set for Sunday, Oct. 19. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Christopher P. Dunne Memorial Visitor Center (177 Forest St. in Saugus). A $10 donation is required to enter your pet. The Friends will use the proceeds for park activities and future events. Cash or check. No Venmo. Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Silly Pet Trick and Best Personality. Raffle prizes are open to all who donate. For more information, please call Joyce at 781-233-1855, extension 1019, or Lisa Mirasola at 781-808-7817.

 

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.

 

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.