The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus

I truly believe that state legislative leaders who steadfastly oppose a full-scale audit of the state Legislature – something that should have happened automatically after Massachusetts voters approved Ballot Question One by a 72 percent margin in the 2024 election – are hypocrites if they advocate for a transparent state government. By taking the position that the Legislature should be exempt from a thorough review of its fiscal operations, they place themselves above the law that the rest of government must follow. Where legislative fiscal affairs are considered, they obviously don’t think the public has a right to know about those matters. And for those of us who support open government in its purest form, it makes a mockery of those high ideals.

The state of Massachusetts has a long ways to go on the road to becoming a hallmark of open government. I say this as a longtime journalist whose perspective was shaped by seven years as a newspaper editor and reporter in Florida, during the late 70s through mid-80s. Back in those days, it was clear that Florida’s Sunshine Laws were light years ahead of Massachusetts. Custodians of public records could be fined, removed from public office, lose their job and even be prosecuted for violating the state Open Meeting and Public Records Laws. Public records had to be turned over immediately when requested. Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts, records custodians had 10 calendar days to provide copies of public documents. And nobody goes to jail for violating so-called Open Government laws. Fines are rare, too.

A few years ago, the state’s Public Records law was weakened even more by allowing records custodians to wait up until 10 business days to provide the records, meaning the clock stopped on weekends and holidays.

When I was down in Florida, the Legislature was subject to audits. And as a working member of the press, I could obtain a draft copy of such an audit if I knew it was available. I have fond memories of those days when I practiced my profession as a newspaperman covering government in the sunshine.

So where do members of the Saugus Legislative Delegation and other candidates who will be facing them stand on the question of auditing the state Legislature? That’s a question that I plan to ask each of the candidates I interview in this year’s fall state elections. Stay tuned.

 

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be closed today (Friday, July 17). It will be open all other Fridays in July with its regular hours of 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.

 

Help the Cancer Fighting Angels on Sunday

  If you love checking out classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and other interesting vehicles while also having a special place in your heart for a good cause – like helping to fight cancer – the Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels’ Car Show and Cruise Night should be your destination this Sunday (July 19). The parking lot at the Saugus Middle High School will be hosting this special event from 4 to 8 p.m. on.

Guy Moley is the founder and organizer of this great fund-raising event that raised about $4,000 last year. His late mom, Irene Comeau, motivated him to help others afflicted with cancer. For more information or to attend future events, call Moley at 781‑640‑1310.

 

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received one “Shout Out” this week, from Jeannie Meredith: “I would like to shout out to Amy Amirault for her many years of dedicated service to our community through her karate studio. In addition to teaching martial arts, she inspires her students to practice kindness and give back through charitable efforts that include food drives for Healthy Students Healthy Saugus, toy collections for local children, blood drives and fundraising for the Special Olympics just to name a few. Amy’s quiet humility and steadfast commitment to helping others have made a lasting impact on countless families. I am grateful for her leadership and example. Saugus is lucky to have her. Thank you for all you do for so many!”

 

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 15) was Renee Leavitt & the Renegades, a group that brings a lively Country/Rock blend. 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.

 

Starlight Cinema July 28

(Editor’s Note: The following story is based on a press release issued recently by Saugus Community Television.)

Saugus Community Television invites residents of all ages to enjoy an evening of family fun under the stars at its annual Starlight Cinema Movie Night on Tuesday, July 28. This year’s featured film is the beloved family adventure “Jumanji” (1995), starring Robin Williams. The movie is about a magical board game that brings jungle dangers to life.

The event will be held at Parcher Field, located next to Kasabuski Rink behind Target. Family activities begin at 5:30 p.m., and the movie will start promptly at 7:30 p.m. The rain date will be one week later on August 4. This year’s event will feature a large LED movie screen, allowing the film to begin before sunset while still providing an outstanding viewing experience for everyone in attendance. The earlier starting time makes it easier for families with young children to enjoy the evening and return home at a reasonable hour.

Starlight Cinema is a free community event open to everyone. Complimentary popcorn will be provided, while supplies last, and guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and nonalcoholic beverages. A variety of food and dessert options from local food vendors will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Featured vendors: Tiffany’s Tasty Treats, offering gourmet brownies, cookies and gluten-free and sugar-free desserts; Bono Appetit, serving specialty sandwiches, including pulled pork grilled cheese, paninis and sandwiches; and Soc’s Ice Cream, featuring refreshing frozen treats for a summer evening.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., families can enjoy a variety of free activities, including interactive games displayed on the LED screen, a festive photo booth featuring a giant popcorn-themed arch, giant Jenga and other family-friendly entertainment. Local businesses and community organizations will also be on hand with informational displays, giveaways and activities.

Saugus Television will offer exclusive Starlight Cinema commemorative T-shirts for purchase. The shirts feature an original design created exclusively for the event by Saugus Television’s own John Prudent. Attendees will be able to select their preferred shirt size, and the shirts will be custom printed. Shirts will also be available during Saugus Founders Day for those who are unable to attend the movie night.

Starlight Cinema is made possible through the generous support of the Saugus Cultural Council, Richard A. Kowalsky Insurance Agency, Inc., community partners, local businesses and sponsors. Saugus Television is currently seeking additional sponsors to help support this free community event. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to contact Saugus Television for more information.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with event setup, activities and operations throughout the evening. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact Maureen Whitcomb at Saugus Community Television.

Building on the anticipated success of this year’s event, Saugus Television hopes to continue the Starlight Cinema series with a special Halloween-themed movie night later this year.

“This is the first time Saugus is doing the movie,” said Whitcomb, the station’s administrative assistant.

“Saugus TV wants to do a second one for Halloween, then wants to continue them next summer too. Similar to Wakefield and surrounding towns,” she said.

Additional details will be announced as plans are finalized. Continued community support through sponsorships and volunteers will help make future free family events possible.

Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bug spray and to gather with family and friends for an evening of outdoor entertainment, community spirit and summertime fun.

For more information about Starlight Cinema, sponsorship opportunities or volunteer opportunities, please contact Saugus Community Television.

 

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. 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 on 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 enjoy popcorn, hot dogs, hot coffee, donuts and raffles.

 

Veterans Day Bricks 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.