The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

Good morning, Saugus

Hope you weathered last weekend’s storm without much trouble.

I didn’t have to go far to experience the wrath of the nor’easter. The high winds toppled a large tree in my backyard which shook the house early Sunday morning. The falling tree actually bent part of my gutter. But the house didn’t seem to receive much damage, fortunately. Having to clean up a massive wood debris field is a major inconvenience, though a welcomed option that I would prefer to the tree landing on top of my house.

Hats off to all of the volunteers who showed up at Saugus Center last Saturday morning to unload the truck that hauled 4,600 pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico, to the lawn of First Congregational Church. The 24th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” officially began its month-long event, which will last through Oct. 31, Halloween. Pumpkins in all shapes and sizes are for sale as part of a charitable event which has become a rich Saugus tradition that brings joy to visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to bring kids.

Saugus United Parish Food Pantry

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Oct. 2), 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 at 781-233-2663 or go to the website cliftondalecc.org for details.

This week’s “Shout Outs”

We received two “shout outs” this week from Jeannie Meredith.

• “A special shout out to Senior Center Director Laurie Davis and her wonderful staff! Laurie does an amazing job making our seniors feel welcome, valued, and connected. Her creativity is endless, from dances and exercise classes to plays, murder mysteries and so many other activities, she truly works to make sure there is something for everyone.

“On a personal note, after losing my dad, the Senior Center became such a special place for my mom. She has made wonderful friendships and found a safe, fun, and welcoming place to spend time and enjoy herself. That means more to our family than Laurie probably realizes. Thank you, Laurie, and your entire staff for the kindness, energy, and heart you put into making the Senior Center such a special place for our seniors. You are truly appreciated!”

• “A huge shout out to Dante Hibbard of ASAP Tree!

“When Dante heard about a cat that had been stuck high up in a tree for days, he dropped what he was doing, rearranged his work schedule, and came to the rescue. What makes it even more incredible is that Dante climbed that tree with a broken arm to safely bring the cat down!

“Dante has a huge heart and is always willing to step up when someone needs help, especially when it’s a four-legged friend. Thank you, Dante, for going above and beyond. Your kindness did not go unnoticed!”

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.

Early Voting for Nov. 3 Election

Saugus Town Clerk Ellen Schena this week released the In-Person Early Voting dates for the Nov. 3 State Election, which is only four weeks away from next Tuesday (Oct. 6).

If you are a registered voter in town, you should have received an 87-page voter information pamphlet in the mail from Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin detailing the nine questions that will be on this year’s ballot. With so many questions to consider along with a vote on the gubernatorial race, other state offices, the U.S. Senate and Congressional races local and regional offices, this might be a convenient option for voters.

Here are the dozen dates for In-Person Early Voting in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus. Voter should use the Taylor Street Entrance.

• Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• No Sunday
• Monday, October 19, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 22, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 23, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (also, last day to register to vote for Election)
• No Sunday
• Monday, October 26, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 29, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 30, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

COVID-19/flu vaccine clinics

The first of four COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics – free to Saugus residents and town employees – begins today (Friday, Oct. 2) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). The remaining clinic dates are as follows: Thursday, Oct. 8, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium (second floor); Thursday, Oct. 15, from 1-5 p.m. at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium; and Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center.

At the clinics, Walgreens healthcare professionals will administer the latest Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine as well the seasonal flu vaccine – all at no cost. The COVID-19 booster will be available for all residents age 65 and older and for ages 12-64 with underlying health issues. High-dose flu vaccines will also be available at the clinic for individuals age 65 and older.

Walk-ins are welcome for the clinic. No preregistration is required. The town asks clinic attendees to bring proof of insurance if they have it, but no one will be turned away.

Here are a few upcoming events for your calendar:

• Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m., on the front lawn of St. John’s Episcopal Church (265 Central St. in Saugus), Father Walter will be holding a Blessing of the Animals. Please have your pet on a leash or in a carrier for their safety. A picture is also OK. Pets do not need to get out of your car; drive-by blessings are also welcome. In case of rain, we will go inside. For more details, please call 781-233-1242
• Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., in the second floor auditorium of Saugus Town Hall, the Board of Selectmen will meet. Normally, the meetings are held on Tuesdays. The Wednesday date was set to accommodate scheduling problems. Selectmen will also meet this month on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., the Saugus Historical Society will have a program about “Special Saugus Neighborhoods” and would like your input about where you live. Do you have some thoughts about what makes your neighborhood special and what has changed over the years? If you have some comments or photos you’d like to share, please contact Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener at 781-231-5988 or email LD***@***re.net.
• Friday, Oct. 23, from 4– 6 p.m., WIN Waste Innovations is sponsoring a Fall Fun Fest at Blessed Sacrament Church (14 Summer St.). The event will include a live DJ, pumpkin decorating, a Bounce House, pizza and more. The entry fee is a donation of any amount to the Boys & Girls Club. Every contribution makes a difference, because WIN Waste will match all community donations made during the event. Support an incredible nonprofit while having fun with your friends, family and neighbors!

Fire hydrant flow testing ends today

  The Saugus Department of Public Works is expected to conclude its fire hydrant flow testing throughout town today, Oct. 2 These flow tests will take place between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. The fire flow testing process may cause discolored water and a reduction in water pressure. The discoloration of the water will be temporary and is not harmful. If the condition persists, please contact the Saugus Department of Public Works at 781-231-4145.

The purpose of the fire flow testing is to investigate the water distribution system pressures throughout the Town, to identify areas of low pressure and to calibrate the Town’s distribution system computer model. The Department of Public Works appreciates your patience during this work to improve the water distribution system for all of the residents and businesses of Saugus. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4145 or the Engineering Department at 781-231-4032.

DAR prepares for 6th Annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags

Preparations for the 6th Annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags to be placed on the lawn of Veterans Park at the corner of Winter and Central Streets (not the Saugus Town Hall) to honor and remember all veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is underway. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is sponsoring this event to honor all veterans, living or deceased, including those currently serving.

American flags may be sponsored through the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at a cost of $5 each. The flags will be placed at Veterans Park prior to Nov. 11 and will wave throughout the week until Nov. 12 with your veteran’s name on the flag. Flags may be sponsored to honor a family member, friend, neighbor or employee who has served or is currently serving our country. The deadline to sponsor flags is Oct. 30. You may send a check ($5 per flag) made payable to Parson Roby Chapter along with the information of the veteran (Name/Rank/Branch of Service/Years or War if known) and mail it to Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. After 12 noon on Nov. 11, you can pick up your sponsored flag to either keep or put on a grave.

“2021 was our first year sponsoring the Field of Flags and it has been a huge success. So many members of the community stopped by to thank us in remembering our veterans this way. There were over 140 flags sponsored with veteran’s names waving in the wind and we hope for many more veterans to be sponsored this year. All proceeds from the Veteran’s Field of Flags will support the Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission to preserve American history and secure Americans’ future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to sponsor a flag or in joining the Parson Roby Chapter DAR, please email pa******************@***il.com.”

Saugus town-wide fall street sweeping begins

  Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works announced that the Town’s annual fall street sweeping program will begin on Monday, Oct. 5, weather permitting. Sweepers will start in the area of North Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and work their way across Town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The work will generally follow the schedule and order listed below:

• Week of Oct. 5: Precincts 7, 5, 3, 10 and 2.
• Week of Oct. 13: Precincts 2, 6 and 8.
• Week of Oct. 19: Precincts 1, 4 and 9 (and work not accomplished in precincts from previous weeks).

Work will be performed on Town parking lots only on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.