The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

The Town Election is 18 days away. Registered voters will go to the polls on Nov. 4 to elect the next Board of Selectmen (five contested seats), the next School Committee (five contested seats), the next Town Meeting (50 seats, 40 of them contested) and one new Housing Authority member (for a four-year term).

If you are a civic-minded Saugonian who takes his or her voting seriously – and you have no evening plans for Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m., why not spend a couple of hours in the second floor auditorium of your historic Town Hall in Saugus Center listening as the nine candidates running for Selectmen answer randomly-selected questions drawn from a fish bowl? Those citizens who attend will get one final chance to see all of the Board of Selectmen candidates sitting together at a long table in front of a packed audience, nine people trying to make a case on why they should be elected to one of the five seats while answering questions submitted by Saugus citizens on a wide range of issues.

This forum is being organized by a group of citizens and The Saugus Advocate. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. We’re hoping to have a color guard unit from Saugus Boy Scout 62 and a special appearance by an esteemed musical group from Saugus High School who will perform the National Anthem to open the evening on a high note. Other plans are in the works to make this a classy and productive event that, hopefully, will lead to the betterment of Saugus and spur similar candidate forums in future election years. Win or lose, each of the nine candidates has something to offer to the ongoing dialogue, which is aimed at improving the quality of life for all Saugus residents.

For any of our readers who would like to contribute questions that will be placed in a fishbowl that night, you may email me at mvogeatcomcast.net. Please insert in the subject line of your email “Candidate Night 10/29.” The questions asked by the moderator will be drawn randomly, so please phrase the question directed at all candidates running. Stay tuned for more details.

 

Fun Fall Fest today at Blessed Sacrament Church

There will be a Fun Fall Fest sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations from 4 to 6 pm today (October 17) at Blessed Sacrament Church, at 14 Summer St., Saugus. There will be a live DJ, bounce house, pumpkin painting and more. The entry fee is a donation of any amount to the Boys & Girls Club. WIN Waste will match all community donations made during the event. Support an incredible nonprofit while having fun with your friends, family and neighbors.

 

Another batch of pumpkins to replenish the patch

  Another “Pumpkin Truck” arrived at the First Congregational Church in Saugus Center this past Saturday (Oct. 11). Plenty of pumpkins of all sizes are now displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Halloween, Oct. 31.

Pumpkin Patch coordinator Carl Spencer said, “We very much appreciate the volunteers who unloaded the truck including students from the Pioneer Charter School and Saugus High School as well as people from the community and the church who made it happen. A special thanks to Scott Cogliano for off-loading the truck and Bob Camuso, administrator of Anything in Our Town of Saugus Facebook, for providing our updates. Their help has been outstanding and much appreciated. Without their help the task would have been impossible.”

Visit the Pumpkin Patch! It offers a great way to get in the fall spirit.

 

“Shout Outs” for SAVE

Joyce Rodenhiser offered multiple “Shout Outs” for members of the Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) who were instrumental in the success of the recent environmental forum for the candidates running for the Board of Selectmen in the Nov. 4 Town Election:

“Pam Goodwin works tirelessly behind the scenes setting up and seeing to details of Environmental Candidates night and other presentations for SAVE.

“Margie Hunter who has served as Vice President of SAVE for a long time – always creating lovely pieces to raffle off.

“Stephanie Shalkowski, co-president of SAVE, for her continued work and thoughtful speeches.

“Mary Kinsell, Treasurer of SAVE, for her honest assessments and timely paying of bills.

“And, Ann Devlin, co-president of SAVE, who pours over details of so many SAVE events even though she lives out of town.”

 

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 (mvogeatcomcast.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.

 

A Pop-Up Thrift Shop at the VELC raises more than $7,000 for breast cancer awareness

  The Veterans Early Learning Center (VELC) in Saugus turned generosity and creativity into action this month, hosting a one-day Pop-Up Thrift Shop that raised more than $7,000 to support breast cancer awareness. Over just two short weeks, VELC staff collected gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from colleagues, families and community members. The cafeteria was transformed into a vibrant community thrift store for a day, complete with organized clothing racks, displays and cheerful volunteers from every corner of the school. In addition to thrift treasures, the event featured a raffle table stocked with gift cards and items generously donated by local businesses, and a bake sale table overflowing with homemade treats from staff.

The idea for the event began with a shared purpose among staff, many of whom are breast cancer survivors or have close connections to those affected. What started as a simple idea to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month quickly became a schoolwide labor of love.

“We wanted to do something meaningful that also brought our staff and community together,” said Assistant Principal Emily Puteri.

“Many of our staff bond over thrift shopping, so this felt like the perfect way to combine something we love with something that truly matters,” she said.

The result was a day filled with laughter, teamwork and an overwhelming spirit of giving. Community members left with great finds, and VELC staff left with full hearts — knowing their efforts made a real difference.

The Veterans Early Learning Center plans to make the Pop-Up Thrift Shop an annual event, celebrating community, compassion and connection!

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 17) 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.

 

A return of the Halloween Pet Parade Sunday

The Friends of Breakheart are gearing up for their Third Annual Halloween Pet Parade, which is set for this 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.

 

Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Monday

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.

 

Free COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic Monday

Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Health Department announced that the town will hold two COVID-19/flu vaccine clinics at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium – the first one next Monday, Oct. 20, from 2-7 p.m. and later in the month on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 2-5 p.m. The clinic is open to Saugus residents and Town of Saugus employees. At the clinic, healthcare professionals from Walgreens will administer the latest COVID-19 booster vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) as well the seasonal flu vaccine – all at no cost. High-dose flu vaccines will also be available at the clinic for individuals age 65 and older.

Walk-ins are welcome for the clinic. No preregistration is required. The town asks clinic attendees to bring proof of insurance with them to the clinic.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends that people stay up to date with COVID-19 and flu vaccines in order to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness.

Please call Saugus Director of Public Health John Fralick at 781-231-4120 with any questions about the clinic.

 

Oct. 25 – final day to register to vote

Town Clerk Ellen Schena issued a reminder that the last day to register to vote is Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Saugus Public Library. The Community Room at the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for town residents wanting to register for the Nov. 4 town election. This will also be the only day for in person early voting. Voters should use the Taylor Street entrance on that Saturday.

 

Saugus Lions Club Events for October

The Saugus Lions Club would like to let residents know of their upcoming events. On Thursday, October 23, there will be a fundraising comedy night at Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 South in Saugus. Starring in the show will be comedians Paul D’Angelo, Johnny Pizzi, Ed Regine and Jay Martin. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a raffle and silent auction. For tickets, call Tony Speziale (781-608-8007), Frank Rossetti (781-718-4662) or Nelson Chang (781-233-8200). Tickets cost $30, which includes the show and pizza.

Also, this month, there will be a drive by/drop off food drive on Saturday, October 25, at the Senior Center (466 Central St.) from 9 a.m. to noon. Nonperishable food items are greatly appreciated for those who are experiencing food insecurities. For more information, email pattyfierroathotmail.com

 

The Field of Flags is coming soon

The Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR recently issued the following press release:

Patriotism will once again fill the heart of Saugus this November as the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proudly prepares for the 5th annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags.

On November 11, the lawn of Saugus Town Hall will be transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue in tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms — past, present, and future.

Each American flag will carry the name of a veteran — living, deceased or currently serving. Flags may be sponsored for $5 each, with proceeds supporting the DAR’s mission to preserve American history, foster education, and promote patriotism. Sponsors may honor a family member, friend, neighbor, or employee who has served our nation with courage and sacrifice.

The deadline to sponsor a flag is October 30th. To participate, please mail a check ($5 per flag) payable to Parson Roby Chapter DAR, along with the veteran’s information (Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Years of Service or War if known) to:

Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906.

Flags will be placed on the Town Hall lawn prior to Veteran’s Day, where they will remain proudly displayed through November 12th. After 12 noon on November 11th, sponsors may collect their flags as keepsakes or to place on a veteran’s grave. All flags will be removed from Town Hall lawn on November 12th.

Since the project’s launch in 2021, the Field of Flags has become a cherished community tradition. Last year, over 120 flags waved in honor of veterans, each one a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifice that protect our way of life. Residents frequently stop to reflect, take photos, and share heartfelt thanks for this moving display of remembrance.

This year, the Parson Roby Chapter DAR invites the community to join together once more in honoring our heroes. Let us stand united as Americans—proud, grateful, and determined to remember.

Remember Our Veterans. Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Sacrifice.

For more information on sponsoring a flag or joining the DAR, please email: parsonroby.saugusdaratgmail.com.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Day Nov. 1

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced this week that the Town of Saugus will host a Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Belmonte STEAM Academy (25 Dow St.). There is no cost to Saugus residents to discard allowed items at the Household Hazardous Waste Day. No appointment is necessary.

The following items can be disposed of at this event:

• Household Materials: acids (corrosives), aerosol cans, art supplies, batteries, chemistry set and photography chemicals, fiberglass resins, furniture, floor, metal polishers and strippers, mercury containing devices, moth balls/crystals, oil paint, paint thinners, varnish, stain/shellac (no latex), rug and upholstery cleaners, solvent adhesives, turpentine and paint solvents, wood preservatives, hair dye, nail polish remover, toilet cleaners, brighteners, chlorine bleach, spot removers, spray starch, whiteners, drain and oven cleaners.
• Lawn and garden materials, cesspool cleaners (corrosives), flammable liquids/gasoline, flea and tick powders, fire starters, herbicides and pesticides, no-pest strips, poisons, pool chemicals and propane tanks (empty or up to 20 lbs.)
• Automotive Products: antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, oil (used), radiator flush, solvents and degreasers, tire cleaners and transmission fluid.

Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of with your curbside trash.

Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

Saugus High Drama Club prepares for November shows

The Saugus High School Drama Club (SHSDC), under the direction of Saugus Middle High School Theatre Teacher Nick Raponi, are in rehearsals for their November production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” Dive under the sea with this magical production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”! This family-friendly show brings beloved characters, dazzling costumes and unforgettable songs, such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and many more favorites to life on stage. Filled with heart, humor and spectacle, it’s a celebration of love, adventure and following your dreams. Don’t miss this enchanting journey that will showcase the incredible talent of our SMHS students! It promises to be fun for audiences of all ages!

Show dates: Tickets available at the door or in advance, online. Tickets can be purchased here or you can use the QR on the poster! https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14717_1

Friday, November 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 p.m. (matinee perfect for younger audience members); Sunday, November 16, at 2:00 p.m. (matinee perfect for younger audience members). Ticket prices: Adults $15, Students $10; Preshow Event $8 per student (Saturday & Sunday at 12:30 p.m. before the show).

In addition to the performance, the Friends of the SHSDC, along with SHSDC students, will host a Community Engagement Fundraiser Event beginning at 12:30 p.m., preceding the Saturday & Sunday matinees. The event will feature photo opportunities with Characters, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting and more. Definitely a fun event for families with young children! More information on these events will follow!

All performances and events will take place at the SMHS complex, with performances taking place in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium.

We are thrilled to bring this Disney Classic to life and genuinely look forward to seeing you in the audience, supporting the hard work and dedication of the SHSDC students!

 

Quilt Show in November

The 2025 Hammersmith Quilters Guild will hold its annual Quilt Show on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. in Saugus. The admission is $6. This year’s show will feature prizes, a cafe, a boutique, a penny sale and vendors. The Senior Center is handicapped accessible. For details, please contact Carol A. Healy, Treasurer, Hammersmith Quilters Guild, at cdhealyatrcn.com or 781-307-5474.

 

Scout Troop 62 seeks new members

Boy Scout Troop 62 is seeking new members to join the troop. Girls as well as boys will be welcome.

“We are also starting a girl unit,” Troop 62 Scoutmaster John Kane said. “Scouting for the troop is now open to both Girls and Boys, ages 10 to 18 years old.”

“These will be separate units meeting at the same time and location. They will also be working together on some activities,” he said.

Both units meet in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Meeting time will be 6:45 until 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Come check out the fun.

If you have questions, please call Scoutmaster John Kane at 781-389-2708 or come down to Cliftondale Congregational Church and say “Hi!”

 

Breakheart Happenings

Breakheart Reservation will be hosting several family-oriented, fun events this month:

Tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 18) at 10 a.m., state Rep. Donald Wong will offer a class in Tai Chi and Qigong. Spend some time in nature connecting with your body and movements. This program will be offered at the Visitor Center at 177 Forest St. in Saugus. All abilities are welcome! In case of rain, this event will be canceled. Dress comfortably. Email Jessica.narog-huttonatmass.gov with any questions.

There will be an Early Fall Guided Nature Walk on Oct. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Please join Jeff Adams for a guided nature walk at Breakheart Reservation. The focus will be on plant ID with select natural history and lore mixed in, too. And we’ll use helpful identifiers, such as galls, leaf shapes, flowers, fruits and diagnostic characteristics, that enable us to immediately identify the plant. Registration is required. Follow the link or scan the code to register: https://tinyurl.com/EarlyFallHike

Meet outside the Visitor Center, heavy rain cancels. Email Je******************@**ss.gov with questions.

 

The Library is looking for volunteers

If you love being around books, try hanging out at the Saugus Public Library. If you already hang out there, here’s a message from Lisa, the Head Reference Librarian: “We are looking for teens that need community service hours, and adults to volunteer at the library. We currently have openings on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If you are interested, please email Lisa, Head Reference Librarian at le*****@******et.org, call 781-231-4168, or stop by to fill out a Volunteer Application.”

 

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.

 

Saugus High Class of 1965 reunion

The Saugus High Class of 1965 will be celebrating its 60th Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 South in Saugus. Cost is $50 per person. The final date for reservations is Nov. 1! You can contact Ellen Santosuosso at 781-666-3470 or es**********@***il.com for more details.

Come join your friends and classmates for our 60th Reunion. There’s a bonus for those alumni who attend the reunion: The new Saugus Middle-High School will be open on that Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. It will be a great opportunity to see the new campus.

 

Saugus High Class of 1980 Reunion is Nov. 29

The 1980 Saugus High School Class will observe its 45th Reunion on Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Saugus Elks Hall. Hello everyone. Although our 1980 SHS Class is not merging with any other classes, we wanted to extend the invitation to our friends and family members that would like to join us. I (Pete Nicolo) have several friends that did not graduate in our year (1980) that will be attending.

Most of us have kept in touch with some of our classmates / friends throughout the years. But what about the classmates / friends that you would love to see and have not seen in decades? I’ve recently reconnected with a couple of Classmates that I really hung out with and had a lot of laughs with in High School – hadn’t seen them in over 40 years. It has been quite a wonderful experience for me to reconnect with them.

This is an opportunity to reconnect or simply have some laughs with old friends. Come see your SHS friends and be a part of making this a memorable event. We expect a good turnout – you’ll have a Blast!

Some of the people we have sent / extended the invitation to are:

• Invites were extended to our entire 1980 Saugus High Class (over 90% of 1980 Classmates contacted – including Classmates living overseas).
• Saugus Jr. High Classmates that left and graduated from other High Schools
• Saugus High family members (1 Classmate has 2 sisters that graduated a couple of yrs. earlier and later)
• Saugus High School teachers and coaches attending (Babcock, Volpe, Melvin, Ward and others) – please feel free to reach out / invite your favorite teachers that you may keep in touch with and want to see there
• People move, addresses change, friends from other classes may want to attend – please help us extend our invitation to them.
• If you are one of our classmates that hasn’t attended in a long while, you are the people we look forward to seeing. Long Lost Friends!

There already appears to be much interest in this event, so if you plan on going, please RSVP by November 8 or earlier. This will help us plan better for this gathering.

Make checks ($45 per person) payable to: Pete Nicolo, 15 Tilden Lane, York, Maine 03909 or Venmo: Pete Nicolo@Pete-Nicolo

Any questions, please feel free to reach out to: Andrea Saunders (1980 Class President) or Pete Nicolo (Class of 1980) at:

Andrea Saunders: Pa********@*ol.com or 978-482-5787.

Peter Nicolo: Pe************@*TX.com or 978-815-8234 (new email address).

 

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.