The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Happy Halloween to Saugus families and kids of all ages – from the young children who are old enough to walk while being accompanied by their parents on their first Trick-or-Treat experience all the way up to the senior citizens who like to dress up in a costumes and have fun while handing out candy bars and other treats to the little goblins who come knocking at their door. But, unfortunately, the times are such that the kids and what they bring home have to be monitored closely by their parents. They also need to be careful of speeding cars in the dark that drive recklessly or impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Fortunately for Saugus, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and a bunch of people at Town Hall have collaborated on an event that involves the collaboration of town employees dressed up in Halloween costumes who hand out candy and assorted treats for kids. The tradition began last year and was such a success that Town Hall was scheduled to hold its second annual Trick-or-Treat experience yesterday to do something fun for all of the town kids that showed up.

I noticed on Monday that there were several giant, scary creatures hanging in the hall near the staircase to the second floor. We’ll get some details on that next week.

 

Last day for the Pumpkin Patch

Lots of pumpkins are still available at the Annual Pumpkin Patch at First Congregational Church in Saugus Center. Plenty of pumpkins of all sizes are now displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase up until 6 p.m. today, Halloween, Oct. 31.

 

Halloween Party for seniors

The Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. will be holding its annual Halloween Party, sponsored by WIN Waste Innovations, today (Friday, Oct. 31) from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Set your clocks back Saturday

It’s going to be a busy weekend, whether you plan to make it a Halloween weekend, put a dent in the leaf raking or enjoy a weekend with somebody special savoring the sights of the gorgeous Fall Foliage.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour with the end of Daylight Savings Time. A good errand for the weekend would be to replace outdated alarms or change CO alarm batteries and the batteries in the house.

 

Don’t forget to vote Tuesday

Voter apathy seems to be at an all-time high – not just in Saugus – but throughout the country. Most communities have trouble fielding a 25 percent turnout of registered voters. I’m hoping that’s not the case in Saugus, where the last town election only drew a turnout of 23.4 percent and the 2021 town election barely drew 20 percent.

There are enough serious issues facing the town and Saugus Public Schools, and citizens should be a little more civic-minded. They need to get involved as voters. And if a Saugonian has enough time and interest, he or she should volunteer to be on a board or a committee to help their community. Or they should try running for the Town Meeting or School Committee one of these years.

Incumbent Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeff Ciolini offered some sage advice at the final meeting that should resonate with voters and candidates: “There are no wrongs in the upcoming election. No matter what the voters decide, it’s going to be right for the town.”

Well stated.

I will even add to that: Whoever runs in this year’s election is contributing to the betterment of their community. By campaigning, all candidates help put the public focus on communitywide problems.

The people who don’t get elected are winners in my book, as long as they sought public office to help their community. If you lose this year’s election, try to get involved on a board that needs help. And keep running until you finally get elected

 

A super Trunk or Treat “Shout Out”

We received a very seasonal, super nomination for a “Shout Out” from Kristy Baker and Kelly Donahue, teachers at the Veterans Early Learning Center and Founders of K&K Hootenanny:

“This past weekend, we hosted Saugus’s 6th Annual Trunk or Treat! Hundreds of children came to this event and trick-or-treated at over 40 trunks, decorated by Saugus’s community members, including the Saugus Fire Department, Saugus Police Department, Saugus Public Schools’ staff members, the Saugus Public Library, Saugus High athletic teams, local businesses, and many devoted Saugus citizens and families! This event also raised money for the Children’s Brain Tumor Project, in memory of Jiovanni Luciani, the son of a retired Saugus educator,” the teachers said in a statement.

“We would love to thank all of the community members who decorated their trunks, passed out candy, and generously donated their time, energy, and money to this event. It would not have been a success without them. We also would like to thank Matt Serino, Saugus’s Athletic Director, the Saugus Youth and Recreation Department and the Department of Public Works for helping organize this event,” the statement said.

 

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.

 

Who stole the metal wheelchair ramp?

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jean M. Bartolo offered a “Shout At” for a sneaky act of selfish thievery around town. “A portable metal wheelchair ramp has gone missing from George’s Barber Shop on Jackson Street,” Bartolo said. “The ramp has always been kept on the side of the building. The Barber Shop used the ramp to assist customers who are in wheelchairs to get into the Shop for haircuts. The Barber Shop has always been kind enough to let neighboring businesses … use the ramp as well. It would be great if it was returned.”

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 31) 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.

 

The Field of Flags is coming soon

The Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR 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 Tomorrow

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced this week that the Town of Saugus will host a Household Hazardous Waste Day tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 1) 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 and 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 November 8

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.

 

Veterans Day Car Show

November 11 at Veteran’s Memorial Park; before the ceremony, there will be a Rolling Rally Car Show rollin’ by to show appreciation for Veterans.

 

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,” and “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.