The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

It was 24 years ago yesterday that Americans experienced the tragedy, pain and suffering of the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history – an event that’s known as 9/11. One of four commercial airliners hijacked that day became the first to hit its target, crashing into the World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan.

A monument on the Hamilton Street side of Saugus Town Hall forever links the community to the national tragedy of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which claimed close to 3,000 lives that day. Two former Saugus residents were among the victims who were killed 24 years ago. The monument, which is inscribed with the date and “God Bless America,” pays tribute to Gertrude “Trudi” Alagero and David DiMeglio, who died in New York City during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Towers.

KILLED AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER: Gertrude M. “Trudi” Alagero, 37, a 1982 Saugus High School graduate, was a senior vice president and practice leader for Marsh Private Client Services, a division of Marsh & McLennan. Alagero was working out of an office on the 94th floor of the North Tower at the World Trade Center (also known as Tower 1). At 8:46 a.m. on Sept. 11, hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into the northern facade of the North Tower. Marsh & McLennan had more than 800 working on floors 93 through 100 – the part of the building that was in the flight path of the first hijacked airliner to crash into the World Trade Center Towers. More than 350 Marsh & McLennan workers – including Alagero – perished in the attack.

KILLED IN PLANE CRASH: David DiMeglio, a former Saugus resident, then 22, was living in Wakefield and was among the 81 passengers on American Flight 11 that was commandeered by five al-Qaida terrorists and flown into the World Trade Center’s North Tower shortly before 9 a.m. on Sept. 11. He was headed west to help his mother move. He had completed computer school and had planned to start a business in computer services.

If you happen to be at Saugus Center tomorrow for Founders Day, stop by the monument and take some time to reflect on the lives of two local people whose lives were snuffed out by a senseless event that threatened the very freedoms we enjoyed and changed the world as we know it.

 

Happy Founders Day!

I’m not a Saugonian. But as a longtime newspaper scribe who has written millions of words about the town over about 15 years, tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 13) is one of my favorite days to hang out in town. Saugus will be observing its 44th Annual Founders Day – a special day that offers fun and fellowship for everyone, from small tots to centenarians.

“Founders Day is a great time to see old friends and classmates! It’s a big block party with lots of food, fun, civic organizations and shopping,” said Joyce Rodenhiser, a Saugonian who has been organizing the special ceremony that will take place at noon, in front of Saugus Town Hall. At that time, two “Person of the Year” award plaques will be presented – to a man and a woman town resident – who have contributed to the betterment of Saugus.

“Come, see who has been helping Saugus be a better place because of what they have done voluntarily for Saugonians and organizations,” said Rodenhiser, who was honored as a 2015 “Person of the Year.”

What’s also great about this special ceremony is that former “Person of the Year” recipients from the 35 years that the award has been presented are invited to sit on the stage with the newest honorees that they voted to join them.

Stay tuned.

 

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 tomorrow (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!

 

Hope and Remembrance Vigil Monday

The Town of Saugus and the Saugus Prevention Coalition will hold a Saugus Hope & Remembrance Vigil at 6 p.m. Monday (Sept. 15) on the Town Hall Lawn. “The main focus right now is for Saugus residents to email us names of loved ones who either died by suicide or overdose that they would like to be read during the vigil,” said Katy Dos Santos, Saugus Prevention Coalition organizing member.

“We have about 25 names,” she said earlier this week.

“Having an event like this in Saugus is essential for many reasons: 1) to honor lives and acknowledge loss (we hope this evening will give loved ones and our community an actual space to remember and honor those who have passed and allow families and friends to ensure that their loved ones lives are valued beyond the tragic circumstances of their death). 2) to raise awareness and reduce stigma about the broader issues of mental health and addiction (and to begin the open discussion, education and reduce the shame that often comes from seeking help and/or speaking about their struggles) AND 3) to provide support and healing for those who grieve in our community (we hope to offer emotional support to ourselves and others who are affected by their loss and help others feel less isolated in their pain).

“We feel that this will be a wonderful event to help share healing, solidarity and the understanding that others are also carrying burdens like theirs as well.

“Ultimately, the Saugus Prevention Coalition wants to help create the space within Saugus to work together towards a common goal of reducing negative behaviors and promoting prosocial actions among our youth. To improve the quality of life for our youth in the community through positive experiences in a safe adult supported environment.

“Please send along names of loved ones that we can read at this vigil to help build our community of support!!! We need to get everyone to be remembered.”

Email sa***********************@***il.com

 

Veterans Mobile Market Sept. 17

The Saugus Senior Center will be hosting a veterans mobile market from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Saugus Senior Center. To register or contribute, please contact Nancy Stead at the Veterans’ Services Office at Town Hall (781-231-4010). Please bring baskets or a cart to carry your food.

 

A chance to meet Stacey

A Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member has stepped up her campaign for a selectman’s seat. Here’s her latest invitation: “The Committee to Elect Stacey Herman-Dorant for Selectman invites all members of the Saugus Community to attend her meet and greet event on Sunday, September 14th at the Saugus Italian American Club, 1 Beachview Drive, from 4:00-6:00pm. Stacey is energized to kick-off the campaign season and wants to hear from you! RSVP is appreciated to: st****************@***il.com.”

 

The Pumpkin Patch is coming!

Besides Founders Day, there’s another signature Saugus event happening in September. “The Pumpkin Patch” will reappear at First Congregational Church on the side lawn along Hamilton Street, facing Saugus Town Hall.

“Our first delivery of pumpkins will be on Saturday, September 27th at 9 am,” according to Karen Spencer. “We need help to un-load the huge truck that will be parked on Hamilton Street. Please come down to the church and help. High school students will receive community service hours for helping. The second delivery is expected on October 11th where we also need help.”

 

This week’s “Shout outs”

We received no nominations this week from loyal Advocate readers regarding Saugonians or other folks deserving of a “Shout Out.”

Editor’s Choice: Former Saugus Veterans’ Service Officer Paul J. Cancelliere, who remains committed to helping Saugus veterans and their families even though his part-time job ended on July 1 – the beginning of the 2026 Fiscal Year. Cancelliere, who had worked in the position for about two years, has applied for the full-time VSO position that the town began advertising for in July. From everything I’ve heard from the various town veterans leaders and groups, Paul has done an outstanding job serving the town’s veterans community and continues to do things behind the scenes to help local veterans and their families.

Yet, the town has been without a veterans’ service officer for more than two months. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree recently told the Board of Selectmen that the town received several applications from qualified candidates and is in the process of conducting interviews. That was back on Aug. 19. Next Tuesday (Sept. 16), selectmen will meet again.

Saugus veterans groups really love this guy and hope that he’s the one who gets the appointment, based on his two-year track record.

Stay tuned.

 

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.

 

School Band and Chorus notes

Mike Sullivan, a Board Member of the Saugus Band & Chorus Parents Association, wanted to share some recent association-related news:

“We have a few updates on the Saugus High & Middle School Band and Chorus for you to share in the weekly Sounds of Saugus column.

“1. Founder’s Day Jail Fundraiser Saturday September 13. Members of the public can bail local school administrators, office holders, and office candidates out of jail, with a good sense of fun.

“2. New Band Director Chance Krause! SMU graduate Chance joined the Saugus schools last month.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Sept. 12) 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.

 

Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Oct. 20

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, October 20, at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This will be an hour-long presentation conducted by Sober Shuttle, Inc. explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. This is a free event, and people who are interested are welcome to attend. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served.

Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-3178 to attend. Walk-ins are also welcome.

 

2026 Local Cultural Council grant cycle now open

The Saugus Cultural Council has received an allocation of $15,500 from the state to fund enriching and diverse cultural activities, events and school field trips for Saugus and neighboring communities, according to Tori Darnell, co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council. Grant applications are welcomed between September 2 and October 16.

The Saugus Cultural Council will be available at Founders Day tomorrow (Saturday, September 13) from 9-3 p.m. and at the Saugus Public Library on September 23 at 6 p.m. to provide live support. This support is for those interested in discussing a project idea and receiving technical support to submit a grant application. For more information, please email sa*******************@***il.com.

 

Flu Clinics for the Fall

The Board of Health announced several upcoming Flu Clinics: Sept. 19 and 26 at the Saugus Senior Center and Oct. 2 in the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium. Flu and Covid-19 Boosters will be available. The clinics are open to the public, with times to be determined.

 

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.

 

Saugus Youth Cross Country 2025

Grades 1-5 and 6-8 not running for a school team can run on 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 Championship 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 – 9:30 a.m. start; Lynn Gannon Golf Course, 60 Great Woods Rd.; lunch at Prince Pizzeria 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.

 

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.

 

Jimmy Fund Craft Fair Sept. 21

The Jimmy Fund Craft Fair is set for Sept. 21, from noon to 4 p.m., at the MEG Building, 54-58 Essex St., Saugus.

 

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.

 

Upcoming library events

The Saugus Public Library will feature two teen-related events later this month. There will be a Comic Book Workshop for Teens on Monday, Sept. 29, at 4 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. This program is open to grades 5 and up and requires registration. A program called “Murder Mystery: Everyone’s a Suspect!” is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, from 12:30-3:30 in the Teen Room. Please come if you want to participate in a murder investigation.

 

Visitor Services at Saugus Iron Works

The park grounds at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site are 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.