The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

There’s only 13 days left until Thanksgiving. But the holiday spirit is already spilling over on the streets of Cliftondale as the MEG Foundation prepares to celebrate its 15th Festival of Trees this weekend.

Frequent Saugus Advocate contributor Janice Jarosz passed this information along:

At 3 p.m. today (Friday, Nov. 14), the MEG Foundation Elves, aka the Board of Directors, will open the doors at 54-58 Essex Street, Saugus and once inside, visitors will experience the Christmas Spirit firsthand. Both rooms are full of decorated Christmas trees, and tables full of gift baskets filled with wonderful gifts.

The late Ms. Lee Dyment, a longtime Board member of the MEG, has two trees decorated in her honor. Lee was also a member of Saugus Garden Club and members decorated her tree with beautiful handmade Christmas ornaments made by Randy Sue Abber. MEG members decorated their Lee tree with Norwegian memorabilia, covered with many of her cooking items, and several printed copies of her favorite recipes.

There are also baskets full of gift items throughout the two rooms along with hot cocoa and cookies for the children and grown-up kids in the lobby as well. Here are the important dates and times:

• Saturday, November 15, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.;
• Sunday, November 16, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – the Petting Zoo will be visiting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Friday, November 21, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday November 22, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Santa will arrive around 4 p.m. for a brief visit. Children can meet with him and have their photos taken by Mr. Steve Bevacqua, Professional Photographer, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There will be refreshments served by Mrs. Claus and a Special Celebrity!!

The hardworking Elves hope to see you to share in the magical spirit of Christmas!

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Ronald Wallace offered this “shout out” to a former fellow Town Meeting Member who was defeated in last week’s town election: “Brenton Spencer was on Town Meeting in Precinct 5. He served for 42 years and he was a rock solid, very knowledgeable member. Wanted to thank him for all his years in service to the town of Saugus. He surely will be missed!”

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered this “shout out” to voters in the recent Town Election: “I would like to say Thank You to all the voters who took time out of their busy day to go to the polls yesterday to re-elect me as your representative Town Meeting Member for Precinct 6. It is a privilege to serve you on Town Meeting and I am grateful to all of you for your continued faith and support in me.”

Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Carla Scuzzarella offered this “Shout Out: “I would like to thank all the voters in Precinct 10 for their support, and confidence in me as one of their Town Meeting members. I will do my very best to continue representing their interests and concerns.”

 

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.

 

Cicolini focusing on new term

Selectman Jeff Cicolini said he’s made no decision on his political plans beyond the two-year term (2025-27) he was recently elected to. “Just wanted to clarify that I never mentioned during this election that it would be my last,” Cicolini said in a text this week to The Saugus Advocate.

“That was the 2023 election where I was unsure,” he said.

 

Pancake breakfast Nov. 23

The Saugus Band & Chorus Parents Association is holding a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the Saugus Middle High School cafeteria, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids and can be purchased at the door. The association will also be hosting a toy drive at the event. Bring an unused and unwrapped toy.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Nov. 14) 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.

 

Discover Your Roots: DAR Genealogy Workshop at Saugus Public Library tomorrow

The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invites the public to a Genealogy Workshop tomorrow (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

 

Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection Presentation Dec. 8

  The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and Eagle Bank are sponsoring a Free Presentation for Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection. This event will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, from 10-11 a.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). Eagle Bank will be providing an attorney to discuss many issues: Estate taxes, Medicaid, probate, property assignments, advantages and disadvantages of wills and living trusts and much more. To attend this free event, please call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178. Light refreshments will be served and walk-in’s are welcome.

 

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!

 

Upcoming library events

The Saugus Public Library presents the Creative Craft Group. Bring your own project to work on while relaxing and visiting…knitting, painting, beading, needlework or any other craft. November 20, 10-11 a.m.; limited spots available! Visit our online Events Calendar to register.

 

Opening on the Finance Committee

  The Town Moderator is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Town’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Town’s annual budget and any financial articles on the Town Warrant and advising Town Meeting on their feasibility. Interested parties should send a letter of interest citing their qualifications to the Town Moderator at pr************@***il.com

 

Fall curbside leaf collection dates

  Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced this week that fall curbside leaf collection will take place during the weeks listed below.

• Monday, Nov. 17 to Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
• Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection day, between Monday and Friday on these dates listed. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Yard waste stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., or at the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day.

Missed pickups will not be conducted. Please contact Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

“Beyond Plastics” talk at library Monday

  Andrea Lacroix will be speaking at 6:30 p.m. Monday (Nov. 17) at the Saugus Public Library on the subject “Beyond Plastics” in an event cosponsored by SAVE and the Saugus Garden Club. Andrea has ideas for how consumers can minimize their use of plastic, and she will reveal some facts about our plastic waste that many people may be unaware of.

Andrea Lacroix has been interested in trash and recycling for as long as she can remember. She has served on her town’s Waste Reduction Committee for the past 10 years and is active in community events promoting sustainability. She lives in Ipswich, Mass. In October 2022, she took Judith Enck’s master class on plastic pollution and was stunned by the extent not only of plastic waste but of the health issues faced by humans as a result. She joined the Speakers’ Bureau to do her part in educating as many people as possible. Her talks at libraries in Eastern Massachusetts have been very popular.

 

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. 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 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 years 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.

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 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

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