The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Does it have to take a presidential election to draw a respectable percentage of Saugus registered voters out to the polls? Apparently, and sadly so.

Last November’s presidential election drew 15,174 out of 22,566 registered voters for a turnout of 67 percent. Go back a year to the 2023 town election, only 5,056 out of 21,560 registered voters cast their ballots – a pathetic 23.45 percent. Back in 2021, just 4,056 of 20,362 voted. That’s barely a 20 percent turnout. Even the recall election of 2015 didn’t stir up a lot of interest. It drew only 27.3 percent. And the turnout for Saugus voters for the June 2017 special election when voters overwhelmingly approved a new Saugus-Middle High School by about 70 percent was barely 26 percent.

Hopefully, the upcoming Nov. 4 Town Election will show that more registered voters in the community care enough to participate.

I remember my days as a newspaperman down in Florida, people took their voting seriously. The local elections would usually draw 60 to 70 percent of the registered voters.

Saugus is not alone in its voter apathy when it comes to local elections. While national elections will capture about 60 percent turnout, many communities will be lucky to get a 20 percent turnout for the local elections. Hopefully, we’ll see a better voter turnout in Saugus this year. Stay tuned.

 

Tomorrow is final day to register to vote

The last day to register to vote is tomorrow (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 Food Drive tomorrow

The Saugus Lions Club will hold a drive by/drop off food drive tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 25) at the Senior Center (466 Central St.) from 9 am. to noon. Nonperishable food items are greatly appreciated for those who are experiencing food insecurities. For more information, email: pa*********@*****il.com

 

Deadline has passed for political announcements

This week was the final week for candidates running in the Nov. 4 town election to submit free “political announcements” to be published in The Saugus Advocate. Any announcements that were submitted by 6 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 21) will be published in this week’s paper or next week’s (Oct. 31) edition. There is still time for candidates who want to run a paid political announcement or ad in next week’s paper. Please contact Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 for information about running political ads.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received several nominations from our readers this week who wished to offer praise to fellow residents contributing to the betterment of Saugus:

  Al and Joyce Rodenhiser offered a “Shout Out” for Pauline Gautreau and the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library. “Pauline very capably leads the New Friends and presents many interesting programs in the Community Room (most recently Sheryl Faye as Ruth Bader Ginsberg) as well as doing other volunteer work at the library every week.

  Sue Fleming lauded the efforts of Laurie Davis and her entire staff at the Saugus Senior Center: “They offer so many fun things to do….one of the newest is Chair Volleyball. We have nothing but laughs and a lot of fun. The entire staff works hard and we are lucky to have them. Thank you.”

  Outgoing Selectman Corinne Riley gave her final “Shout Out” as an elected official, as she doesn’t plan to seek another term: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the voters of Saugus that supported my 3 terms on the Board of Selectmen. There were so many who were there for me whether placing signs, holding signs, or endorsing me in one way or another. I thank my fellow board members for 6 years of addressing so many important issues together from getting through Covid to cleaning up the area around 107 with the new UPS facility, making it a usable area as well as creating jobs. They also supported my initiatives that I brought to the Board like Saugus 4-1-1, Covid Vigil and pedestrian crosswalk lights to name a few. I want to thank Scott Crabtree for addressing issues I had, and all our departments that keep Saugus safe and a place to be proud of. Lastly, and certainly not least my family and husband Chris for being so supportive, because it isn’t easy at times. I hope I served you all well, because I made every decision on what I felt would be best for the majority of our town. I ran from day one that I wasn’t running just to occupy a seat but to do the work, and I believe I did. I will continue to serve my community every chance I get, and love this town through the good and the bad. I thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

  Jean Swanson and the Saugus Historical Commission sent a “Shout Out” to Facilities Maintenance Manager Tommy Whittredge and his crew for power washing the cement pad at the Round Hill Historic Site: “They did an amazing job.”

 

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.

 

WIN Waste holds its first Fall Fun Fest

More than 200 children and families came to the first WIN Waste Innovations Fall Fun Fest, which was held on October 17 at Blessed Sacrament Church. The outdoor event on a perfect fall afternoon included pumpkin painting, a DJ, bounce house, pizza and snacks. Attendees were asked to make a donation of any amount to go directly to the Boys & Girls Club of Saugus. Including matching funds donated by WIN, the Boys & Girls Club will receive $1,000.

“We wanted to have an event that was fun for kids and families and give something back to the community,” said Mary Urban, WIN Waste senior director of communications and community. “We have a longstanding relationship with the Boys & Girls Club and we’re gratified that they could benefit from this fun, family event. We were encouraged by the generosity of families and pleased to add to that to support the club.”

 

Halloween Eve at Town Hall

Town Manager Scott Crabtree is inviting Saugus children to stop by Saugus Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3-4:30 p.m. for a special trick-or-treat experience. At Town Hall Trick-or-Treat, town employees dressed in Halloween costumes will hand out candy and other treats to kids. Visitors can expect a few spooky surprises along the way!

This is a fun, safe and completely free event for Saugus families. Town Hall workers are excited to see all the creative kids’ costumes on display. We can’t wait to see you there!

Saugus Town Hall is located at 298 Central St., Saugus.

 

The “Patch” is open til Halloween

The “Pumpkin Patch” at First Congregational Church in Saugus Center will be open through Friday, October 31. Pumpkins of all sizes are still displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pumpkin Patch coordinator Carl Spencer said, “We very much appreciate the support this year from the people who visit and buy pumpkins to the volunteers who unloaded the trucks and have been selling pumpkins. The church truly enjoys providing the community with pumpkins and hosting this great fall event.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 24) 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.

 

Free COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic Tuesday

Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Health Department announced that the town will have another COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium 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 ages 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.

 

Garden Club meets next Wednesday

On Wednesday, October 29, at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Garden Club will hold its October meeting. Laura Eisener, Landscape Designer and Garden Club member, will present “Specialized Styles of Gardening”: water gardens, rock gardens, greenhouse gardening, shade gardens, herb gardens, etc. Attendees can also ask questions about other garden styles, as many require additional considerations that may not be obvious when new gardeners are branching out into less familiar garden styles.

 

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.

 

Household Hazardous Waste Day Nov. 1

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced 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.

 

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.

 

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!

Tickets: Tickets will be available at the door or in advance, online. Tickets can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/MA14717_1

Show dates: 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!

 

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.