The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I thought I would get a breather after covering this year’s Saugus Town Elections in addition to doing all the pre-election reporting and interviewing that went with it. But there will be no rest until the holidays for this weary newsman. All sorts of events are on the horizon in Saugus for the month of November.

 

Quilt Show tomorrow and Sunday

Here’s the headliner for this weekend.

The 2025 Hammersmith Quilters Guild will hold its annual Quilt Show tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 8), 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.

If you love admiring colorful and skillfully crafted quilts, you will love this show.

 

Veterans Day Tuesday

If you are a truly patriotic Saugonian, do your best to partake in the town’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration and Ceremony next week. Get there before or at about 10:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at Veterans Park to partake in the local observance of this special holiday. Before the ceremony, there will be a Rolling Rally Car Show rollin’ by to show appreciation for Veterans. Guy Moley has assembled another remarkable collection of antique cars, jeeps, military vehicles, police and fire trucks to pass by the park. Read the full account in this week’s newspaper.

 

The Field of Flags will be on display

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

 

One-day holiday trash delay

The Town of Saugus announced this week that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Veterans Day holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Tuesday, Nov. 11, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Residents are kindly asked to leave trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day.

The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.

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

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received several “Shout Outs” this week from our readers. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta offered this collective “Shout Out” to the voters and the other eight candidates who competed with her in the Nov. 4 Town Election: “I am both honored and privileged to serve the Saugus residents for two more years. I want to thank the voters for trusting me with this important position. Congratulations to Jeff, Anthony, Mike and Frank. A ‘shout out’ to Stacey, Jenn, Vinnie and Sandro for running great campaigns.”

Al and Joyce Rodenhiser, who presided over the questions drawn from the fishbowl at SAVE’s Candidates’ Forum on Environmental issues last month, heaped some praise on the folks involved in the Board of Selectmen’s Candidates Forum held in the second floor auditorium last week: “Let’s have a big Shout Out for all included in the Selectmen’s forum including Jan Jarosz, Mark Vogler and Joe Vecchione. These candidate nights are a wonderful way to help Democracy and we appreciate everyone’s input!!”

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered several nominations for “Shout Outs”:

1) “I do this ‘Shout Out’ after every Election: I think some ‘morning-after’ Election comic relief is needed so I think that a ‘Shout Out’ should go to all the LAWN SIGNS in town for the candidates who had one. These sturdy, trusty, hard working LAWN SIGNS withstood sun, rain, wet leaves, 50 mile an hour winds AND a Nor’easter for their owners and have earned a well deserved rest and a ‘Shout Out!’”

2)  “A ‘Shout Out’ to Town Clerk, Ellen Schena and personnel for all their hard work to make the election possible. Also a huge ‘Shout Out’ to all the Volunteers who worked the polls on Election Day.”

3)  “This ‘Shout Out’ is regarding Candidates Night that was held October 29, at Town Hall. The Candidates did a great job answering the questions presented to them. A special thank you goes to Bob Camuso, Janice Jaroz and Joe Vecchione for making the debate happen. They put a lot of hours of work into this so that the Saugus voters could get the chance to hear the Candidates before the Election. Also a huge thank you to Mark Vogler, Editor of the Advocate Newspaper, for co-moderating the event with Janice Jarosz.”

Precinct 2 Town Meeting member Jeannie Meredith offered this mega “shout out” in appreciation to the voters and her supporters:

“Thank You to all my friends and neighbors in Precinct 2!

“I am truly honored and grateful to have been re-elected to represent Precinct 2 at Town Meeting. Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and for placing your trust in me once again.

“Serving our community is a privilege I take to heart. I remain committed to working collaboratively, listening to all voices, and making thoughtful decisions that continue to move our town forward. Together, we’ll keep building on the progress and financial stability that make Saugus such a great place to call home.

“Thank you for your confidence, your encouragement, and your support, it means more than words can express.”

 

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.

 

Historical Society meets on Wednesday

The Saugus Historical Society meeting on Wednesday (Nov. 12) will feature retired Saugus Iron Works ranger Curtis White presenting “The Manumission of Pompy Mansfield” at 7 p.m. “King Pompy,” as he was called, was an enslaved man living and working on the banks of the Saugus River with his enslaver Daniel Mansfield. During the 18th century, Saugus was part of Lynn, and it was not until 1815 that what we now know as Saugus separated from Lynn and became a separate town. Pompy Mansfield lived in the area of Lynn now known as Saugus, and a few intriguing lines about him were written in Alonzo Lewis’ “History of Lynn.”

Curtis White will explore Pompy Mansfield’s surroundings and the conditions that freed him in the mid-1750s. White will also speak about his new 2025 book, “The Manumission of Pompy Mansfield,” which was published this year by the Essex Agricultural Society, which is known for producing the Topsfield Fair since 1818. A copy of this publication has been donated by Curtis White to the Saugus Historical Society.

The meeting will be located at 30 Main St. and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Nov. 7) 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.

 

It was a Happy Halloween at Town Hall

  This account was filed by the Town Manager’s Office:

Town Manager Scott Crabtree was thrilled to see hundreds of kids participate in the second annual community-wide Town Hall Trick or Treat. Town Hall buzzed with excitement on Oct. 30 as children wearing their favorite costumes paraded through Town Hall to collect candy and treats from town employees. Saugus TV put together a fun video from the Town Hall Trick-or-Treat. Along the route, Saugus families passed through an inflatable Halloween archway and encountered spooky surprises, such as a towering animated scarecrow, a giant skeleton and a glowing dragon. Town Hall employees got in on the fun by dressing up in costumes with a “Shrek” theme. Town Manager Crabtree portrayed the lovable green ogre and was accompanied by fellow employees attired as fairy tale characters, with representatives from different offices handing out goodies to the visitors.

Town Manager Crabtree called Town Hall Trick-or-Treat a resounding success, stressing that he plans to continue this event as an annual tradition for local families to enjoy. “It was amazing to see so many kids and families participate in the fun of trick-or-treating right here at Town Hall,” Crabtree said. “I want to thank all of our town employees whose contributions helped make this day happen. The best part for me was seeing all of the kids smiling and having a great time.”

Town Manager Crabtree thanked Home Depot and Lowe’s for donating decorations for Town Hall Trick-or-Treat.

 

Discover Your Roots: DAR Genealogy Workshop at Saugus Public Library

The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invites the public to a Genealogy Workshop on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library. Have you ever wondered if one of your ancestors helped shape America’s history? This workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore your family tree and to trace your lineage back to a patriot who either gave aid to the cause or fought in the American Revolution.

Members of the Parson Roby Chapter, along with experienced DAR genealogists, will be available to guide participants through the process of researching their ancestry and documenting the records needed for possible DAR membership. Attendees will receive one-on-one assistance to help uncover their personal connection to America’s founding.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization whose members are dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education for children. Through projects that honor our nation’s heritage and support our communities, DAR continues to celebrate the spirit of those who helped build our country.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned researcher, this workshop will help you connect the dots — and maybe even discover that a Revolutionary War patriot is part of your own story!

For more information or to register, please email Gail Cassarino – Regent at pa******************@***il.com

 

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.