The Sounds of Saugus

The Sounds of Saugus

 

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

Hope you enjoyed a happy, healthy and safe Fourth of July weekend. I got to spend half my day Saturday at the Saugus Iron Works, where the town celebrated America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“It was even better than what we envisioned,” said Corinne Riley, the former selectman who chaired the Saugus 250th Committee and lobbied hard last fall during her final months in office to make sure the town would have such a celebration.

“All of us put so much effort into honoring the Patriots who fought, along with their families that stayed behind and sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy today, the highlight was everyone singing ‘God Bless America,’” she said.

Board of Selectman Chair Debra Panetta, who worked on the committee to see the project through, said she was “very happy with the 250th celebration event that was held on July 4. I thought we had an excellent turnout.”

I got into town nearly two hours before the event on Saturday morning. I was expecting a huge crowd and some traffic congestion near the Iron Works. So, I parked my car under a shady tree next to the Saugus Public Library and walked to the Iron Works. I figured that if it was a little bit cooler (It seemed like we were in the 92-94 range during the event), it would have been an even larger crowd.

“With all the people coming and going during the event there easily would have been 350-500 people,” the committee wrote me in an email this week.

Compared to the numerous events I have covered during my decade-plus years as the editor of The Saugus Advocate, this event was right up there with the best of them that I reported on. But I was expecting a larger crowd. There were a couple of factors at play. The hot, humid weather could have kept some people away. And, of course, a lot of people may have had plans for holiday get-togethers and get-aways. In recent decades, Saugus hasn’t done much to celebrate July 4 – other than the Lynnhurst July Fourth Block Party, a neighborhood tradition that’s been going on for 109 years. A lot of Saugus residents enjoy going to the July 4th parade in the neighboring town of Wakefield.

 

My takeaways on the event

There were three aspects of the 250th celebration that I will long remember when the subject comes up. First, I will long remember the gentleman who played George Washington. He was a well-sort-out guy at the celebration. He posed for lots of photos with people attending. I tried to strike up a conversation with him and get a little background information about him. But he told me he was from Virginia and he was determined to be George Washington on this day.

His real name is Glenn Siner – a retired history teacher from Glocester, Rhode Island. He really enjoys history, particularly about George Washington and the American Revolution. He’s been a Revolutionary War reenactor for 15 years, participating with the Captain William Tew’s Company of the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment, which reenacts battles and skirmishes with the British. Last Saturday’s celebration at the Iron Works was just another Washington reenactment gig for him. And the crowd loved him.

Secondly, I couldn’t get over the brave men and women from Saugus who showed up wearing colonial outfits, which had to be very uncomfortable in the hot and humid weather. Special kudos to Selectman Anthony Cogliano, who played the part of Ben Franklin; Tom Raiche, who dressed up and acted like Parson Joseph Roby, the famous Saugus minister who advocated for American independence from the pulpit; and Tony Speziale, who portrayed American patriot John Hancock. And also, hats off to all of the women – most of them event organizers – who dressed up in colonial gowns for the occasion. I’m sure they were hot in the park, but they were a big hit among the crowd, too.

The last big impression that I left the Iron Works with on Saturday was the welcoming committee – the group of ladies from the Parson Roby Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) who sat at the desk at the park entrance. They greeted people with a smile, offered them a miniature bell – red or blue – to join in the noon bell-ringing ceremony, got visitors to sign a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence and were there during the duration of the afternoon to answer questions about the NSDAR, Saugus during the American Revolution and anything else that came their way. They even honored photo requests. Special praise to Sharon Genovese, Paula Howard and Joan Allbee, three DAR ladies who spent most of their afternoon at the welcoming table.

“I loved the people’s excitement when receiving a bell to ring for freedom,” said Allbee.

“One woman, as soon as her hands were on the bell she rang it out jumped up and down shouting ‘We’re free! We’re free! I love America,’” she said.

“I loved participating in asking people to sign the Declaration of Independence and see huge smiles and hugs. And visitors asked to pose with us for pictures after signing the Declaration. One family that spanned four generations wanted to pose with Sharon and me and pretend it was the 1700’s . We were gatekeepers/greeters. We missed a lot of the main events, but we gave our all where we were, helping people who kept coming in.”

Genovese enjoyed being part of visitors’ Kodak moments. “Having our picture taken with Mr. George Washington was awesome,” she said later.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, July 10) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. But the food pantry will be closed next Friday, July 17. It will be open all other Fridays in July with its regular hours of 9:30-11. 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.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received several this week:

From Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Sue Palomba, who made a trip to the Lynn Fells Parkway on Sunday to check out the 99th Annual Imperio Mariense Feast, which featured Portuguese food and entertainment: “I was so surprised about this place. I heard about it, but I cannot believe what an event they have yearly. Next year it will be 100 years old. Oh my God! These people have worked so hard to put this together. What a meal! Unbelievable!”

From Joan Allbee, a volunteer in various town activities and a frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate: “I’d like to give a shout out for Corinne Riley. Corinne is an amazing woman. She would have my vote for ‘Saugus Woman of the Year 2026.’ Corinne did an amazing job as planner, presenter, organizer and assisting with the setting up of the Saugus Iron Works 250th Birthday of America celebration.

“From July 4th at the crack of dawn, Corinne was running around getting things in order, directing loads of gifted watermelons to be sliced and prepared for visitors. Yet, never too busy to give bottles of water to dehydrated volunteers. Not to mention her successful and thoughtful Saugus 411 New Comers day of information booths.

“That’s our Corinne, always thinking of others. How about a Saugus Town Citation for this lady?”

From Alan Thibeault, Director of the Saugus Public Library: “The Saugus Public Library is pleased to be partnering again this year with the National Park Service and we’re excited about this year’s series of eight free outdoor summer concerts. Our partnership with the Saugus Iron Works provides enriching outdoor opportunities for our patrons. We’re grateful to the NPS for making the historic Saugus Iron Works available to our citizens through programs and events such as this concert series, our outdoor Story Hours, and other family-friendly library events.”

A collective “Shout Out” from the Saugus 250th Celebration Committee: “The committee would like to thank everyone that came out to be a part of the event, and to celebrate our 250th anniversary of independence. ‘Shout outs’ to Sharon Genevese, Rick Leclair, Dave Leclair, Michelle Lewis, Kayden Lewis, Donna Sordello, DAR: Joan Allbie, Wendy Renda, Jacki Bracewell, Jackie Cassarino, Ella Cassarino, Tony Smith, Craig Smith, Grayson Swanson, Paula Howard, Rachel Montoya, Magnus Montoya, Justine Dolan, Susie Chano, Ranger Andrew, SCTV – Anthony Moschella, Lynn English Color Guard, again our thanks to Mary Beth Mayes, and a special thanks to Mark Vogler and The Saugus Advocate for their continued coverage of this event. In addition, the Saugus 250th Celebration Committee, Town of Saugus, the Saugus Iron Works – Mike Parr, Janice Jarosz, Ellen LeClair, Jean Swanson, Gail Cassarino, State Representative Donald Wong, Selectmen Deb Panetta and Anthony Cogliano, Parson Roby Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, Pastor Wayne Shirk, Retired Navy. Capt. Steve Castinetti, Mary Beth Mayes, Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Jeannie Meredith, Elementary ELA Instructional Coach Kristin Baclay, SCTV, Saugus Veterans Council/Randy Briand, DJ Anthony Arone, Laura Eisener and Paul Kenworthy, Tom Raiche, Anthony and Karen Speziale, Joyce Vecchiarelli and Peter Rossetti, The Tarantino’s, Mary Mackenzie, Saugus Police, Fire and Health Departments, Saugus Senior Center-Mike Cappozzi, Precincts 4 and 10 for submitting a patriotic pick-up truck, Webster First Federal Credit Union, Kayem Hot Dogs, Big Y, Socs Ice Cream, Saugus Lions Club, Trader Joe’s – Saugus, J Pace & Son – Saugus, Nevron Plastics, Engineering Alliance, Rick Salvo and Goldberg Family Chiropractic, Dr. AJ Goldberg, Kowloon Restaurant, KLP Associates DBA Tax Shop, Sue Palomba – Mango Realty, Mark Panetta, Nino’s Plastering, Cogliano Plaza.”

From Corinne Riley: “I want to thank Chris and Olivia Riley, Tony Speziale and Jacob Mahoney for breaking down the canopies, tables, chairs….loading them and getting them back to Randy Briand. Also, to Peter Rossetti, who stayed at the hot dog grill and organized the helpers!”

 

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 (mv***@*****st.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.

 

Free Summer concerts series underway

You know it’s truly summer in Saugus when the Wednesday night crowds start to gather at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, where they sing, clap and dance to the music. It’s that time of year again. Another summer of free outdoor concerts over an eight-week period at the Iron Works began on July 1.

This marks the fifth consecutive summer that the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service are collaborating on a local outdoor event that seems to get more popular every year. The Saugus Cultural Council (a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency) is also a key sponsor of the event. The concerts are free and open to the public. The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the park during evening hours.

Shows begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in July and August. People can bring blankets and chairs, snacks, etc. Don’t forget to bring a friend, too, to enjoy a couple of hours of music outdoors. The events take place on the stage behind the museum building, and spectators can settle down on the upper lawn. It is suitable for all ages. Restrooms are available until nearly 8 p.m. when the concerts conclude. If weather looks bad for any particular Wednesday, concertgoers are urged to check the library website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org), which will update for cancellations on that day. This year’s lineup features a combination of new bands and familiar faces. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. on the Big Lawn each Wednesday through August 19.

This week’s headliner (July 8) was Brian Maes Band, a local favorite that plays Classic Rock. Renee Leavitt & the Renegades, a group that brings a lively Country/Rock blend, is scheduled to perform next Wednesday (July 15). Here is the rest of the schedule for the summer concert series:

• July 22: Memorylaners (50s, 60s and 70s, Doo Wop).
• July 29: Ditto Band (Acoustic American Rock).
• August 5: The Implications (Rock & Country).
• August 12: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Folk).
• August 19: Coco Brown & The Invitation (Motown & Soul).

Watch https://sauguspubliclibrary.org for weather updates and cancellations.

 

Summer Reading time at the library

The 2026 Summer Reading Program at the Saugus Public Library is underway and will last through Friday, Aug. 21. Preregistration using the Beanstack app has begun. Here’s a summary of the program:

WHO: Kids Pre-K through 6th grade.

WHAT: Kids read the books they love, log their reading and earn prizes! They’ll enjoy reading what they love, free programs, crafts and activities.

WHY: Don’t lose those hard-earned skills! Summer reading plays a vital role in helping reduce the “Summer Slide” – the learning loss experienced between school years, which can leave students significantly behind their peers. The Saugus Public Schools recommend kids read at least 20 minutes every day. We also recommend reading to your child, even as they become an independent reader. Talk about what you’ve read together. Help them find books they like – we can help with that. Make it a fun part of a daily routine they look forward to!

PRIZES: Every reader wins prizes, and books to keep. We’ll also raffle vouchers for ice cream, pizza, roller skating, mini golf, bowling and much more. Grand prize drawings include tickets to Canobie Lake Park and Nova Adventure Park!

HOW: Download the Beanstack App!

• CREATE AN ACCOUNT: If this is your first time participating in one of the SPL’s reading challenges using Beanstack, here are step-by-step instructions [https://www.loom.com/share/0efe0cc7c0f64b96b3c0a38ade8b04f6] on how to create a Beanstack account. If you’ve used Beanstack before, simply register for our 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
• REGISTER FOR A CHALLENGE: This video [https://www.loom.com/share/9cfd52f03a4c4444bc9ab86d94b51cea] will show you how to register for a reading challenge using the app.
• LOG YOUR READING: This video [https://www.loom.com/share/fda67bebf80e443faaad2529fa3ca486] will show you how to log your reading using the mobile app.
• FROM A COMPUTER: If you prefer not to use the app, here’s a link to access the SPL’s 2026 Kids Summer Reading Challenge using a computer. Beanstack Link [https://sauguspubliclibrary.beanstack.com/reader365]
• Or Register in Person: Stop by the library to register in person and use our paper reading log.
• Download free e-books and e-audiobooks from the library!

Can’t make it to the library? Our digital collections provide easy access to the books kids love, 24 hours a day seven days a week. Download free, fresh titles all summer using the hoopla and Libby apps! [https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/family-resources/]

 

Perfect your writing on July 21

The writing workshop Pen to Paper will meet Tuesday, July 21, from 6:30-7 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library. New participants are welcome.

 

KOC Crafts Fair Aug. 8

The Saugus Knights of Columbus No. 1829 will host a crafts fair Saturday, Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus: baked goods, candles, handmade textiles, jewelry, wood carving and much more. Visitors can also enjoy making their own sundaes, or popcorn, hot dogs, hot coffee and donuts and raffles.

 

Veterans Day Brick Program is back

The Saugus Veterans Council is pleased to reinstate the Brick Program! After our vendor retired last year (thank you, Del from Pavlok for working with us over the years), we have found another engraver who will be taking our orders for Veterans Day! Proceeds from the brick sales are devoted to the upkeep of Saugus Veterans Park. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, a 4×8″ is $100 (three lines) and an 8×8″ (five lines) is $200. Please contact Corinne Riley, 781-231-7995, for an application or more information. All orders must be in no later than Sept. 10.