The Sounds of Saugus

Good Morning, Saugus!

  Next week is a very important and patriotic one – for Saugus, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the rest of our nation. On Tuesday (Nov. 4) Saugus residents and Americans across the country will go to the polls to vote in local, state and Congressional elections. While the local state legislative race lacks a competitive choice – just state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) – local voters will be electing a new governor and new attorney general.

  And history could be made in both races. Attorney General Maura Healey could become Massachusetts’ first elected woman governor. Healey is one of two candidates in next week’s election who could become the first two openly lesbian governors in the country. Tina Kotek, a Democrat who is running in Oregon, could also achieve that distinction. Meanwhile, Democrat Andrea Campbell could become the first black woman elected as attorney general in Massachusetts.

  The second big day of next week is Veterans Day, which will be celebrated on Friday (Nov. 11). Veterans Day ceremonies get underway at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park (245 Winter St.). The Saugus Veterans Council will be in charge of the ceremonies honoring veterans past and present for their military service to the country. Unlike Memorial Day – which honors those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty – this national holiday celebrates all veterans.

 

Veteran’s Day Field of Flags

  Preparations for the Veteran’s Day Field of Flags to be placed on the lawn of the Saugus Town Hall to honor and remember all veterans on Nov. 11, 2022, is underway. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring this event to honor all veterans, living or deceased, including those currently serving. American flags, sponsored through the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at a cost of $5 each, will be placed on the Saugus Town Hall lawn prior to Nov. 11 and will wave throughout the week until Nov. 11.

  Last year was the first year of Parson Roby Chapter DAR sponsoring the Field of Flags and it was a huge success. There were more than 100 flags sponsored with veterans’ names waving in the wind, and we hope for many more veterans to be sponsored this year.

Forum to discuss future of closed school buildings

  Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen invite town residents to attend a public forum to discuss and provide input for potential future uses of closed school buildings and property. The public forum will be held on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the upstairs auditorium at the Saugus Town Hall (298 Central St., Saugus).

  “We hope residents will join us on Monday, November 14th to share and provide input on the use of these important community facilities and properties,” Town Manager Crabtree said in a press release issued this week.

  “It’s important that we receive feedback from many stakeholders in order to create the best possible plan moving forward with input from Town officials and the community,” he said.

  School Committee members voted earlier this year to turn the vacant Douglas Waybright Elementary School, the Lynnhurst Elementary School and the Oaklandvale Elementary School to the Town of Saugus. The Roby School Administration Building was turned over to the town late last year.

  There are four buildings and adjoining land that provide a number of potential options for future use. This is an opportunity for town residents and representatives of various organizations to offer recommendations and ideas to town officials on how the properties should be used.

  Stay tuned.

Town-wide Fall Street Sweeping underway

  Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works are pleased to announce that the Town’s Annual Fall Street Sweeping Program began on Tuesday, Oct.11. Sweepers began in the area of North Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and worked their way across Town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  The town asks that residents keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area. Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter area prior to the program’s start. But they should not sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept.

  Residents should keep in mind that street sweepers are unable to collect stones, branches, leaves or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand.

  Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions.

“Remnants of the railroad in Saugus” set for Nov. 9

  The Saugus Historical Society’s next meeting will be on Nov. 9 and will be about remnants of the railroad in Saugus and surrounding areas, including views of historic depots and other buildings, tracks and local railroad memorabilia. Railroad buffs Paul Kenworthy, Jack Klecker, Laura Eisener and possibly others will share their interest in trains. Steve Carlson has shared some of his research on the “Saugus Branch” railroad which served our community for 100 years and which inspired Elliott Paul’s 1912 book “Linden on the Saugus Branch,” an account of his “boyhood in a New England Town.” The event takes place at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. in Saugus, the home of the Saugus Historical Society and the Saugus Cable TV station.

  New town residents and any railroad enthusiasts are especially welcome this month, and the meeting is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener at 781-231-5988.

A “Shout Out” to a hero fighter

  We received no nominations this week from readers requesting public recognition of Saugus folks for good deeds, acts of kindness or extraordinary accomplishments. In this instance, a gigantic “Shout Out” is in order for Saugus native and 1998 Saugus High School graduate Rob Hoffman – who was recently honored for his heroics as a Groveland firefighter.

  “Rob was recognized this week for his actions helping to rescue two victims during a 3rd Alarm fire in June at the Manor apartment building in Groveland,” Saugus Firefighters Local 1003 noted in an Oct. 17 post on its Facebook Page. Firefighter Hoffman received multiple commendations, including:

  A Certificate of Excellence, signed by Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine and Groveland Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham “In recognition for performance of duty on June 24, 2022 while working with Police rescuing two victims from the fire at 2 Manor Drive.”

  A Certificate of Commendation from the Groveland Board of Selectmen for “working with Groveland Police to rescue two residents trapped in a burning apartment building.” Groveland selectmen commended Hoffman for his “professionalism, knowledge, heroism and willingness to assist people in distress.”

  A legislative citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, signed by House Speaker Ronald Mariano in recognition of Hoffman’s “quick and heroic actions in protecting and saving the residents of Manor Drive, as well as the rest of the citizens in Groveland.”

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 (mvoge@comcast.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.

Saugus resident named Salem State University Alumni Association’s 2022 Elizabeth Williams Wade Award recipient

  Jeffrey Cicolini ’94, of Saugus, has been named the 2022 recipient of the Salem State University Alumni Association’s Elizabeth Williams Wade Award for his many years of dedicated service to the university.

  Cicolini graduated from Salem State in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, majoring in accounting with a minor in economics. He has extensive experience providing solutions to evolving nonprofit organizations as partner at AAFCPAs, a CPA and consulting firm headquartered in New England that provides accounting, tax and consulting services. As treasurer of the Salem State University Foundation, Inc., a 23-member board of directors that engages the community, inspires philanthropy and stewards resources to invest in student success, Cicolini is deeply committed to the prosperity and success of his alma mater.

  “At the firm, we’ve been very committed to giving back to the community,” said Cicolini. “It’s always been part of our mission statement. I try to make every effort I can to give back, which includes serving on the foundation board, and I’m honored to be recognized with this award, one that has particular emphasis on celebrating volunteerism.”

  According to Mike Mitchell ’07, associate director of alumni relations, “Jeff has been incredibly involved with Salem State for years. His passion for making a difference on the North Shore is unmatched, and we are proud to have him as a graduate and community partner.”

  Established in 1980, the Elizabeth Williams Wade Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has made a notable achievement or lasting contribution to Salem State University through their philanthropic and voluntary endeavors. To learn more about the alumni association or to nominate a graduate for an award, please visit salemstate.edu/alumni/awards.

Cemetery Cleanup

  The Town of Saugus Cemetery Department announces that fall grounds cleanup will begin at the Riverside Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 28.

  The Cemetery Commission asks members of the public to remove any personal and/or holiday /seasonal items from the grounds before the cleanup begins. The Cemetery Commission and Department are not responsible for any personal holiday/seasonal items that are not removed from the gravesites by the family on or before Nov. 28th.

  All Veterans flags will remain on gravesites until Monday, Nov. 28, upon which time they will be removed for the winter season. Flags will be placed back on the gravesites in May prior to Memorial Day.

  If you have questions regarding the Fall Cleanup, please call the Cemetery Department at 781-231-4170.

A most polarizing vote

  Article 7 of last week’s Special Town Meeting was a non-binding resolution which proved to be controversial by the way it was handled by the 50-member body. Instead of it being debated extensively and then voted up or down, a majority of Town Meeting members voted to end the debate by calling the question and then voting 25-12 with 12 abstensions to postpone Article 7 indefinitely.

  Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, who along with fellow Precinct 10 Members Martin Costello, Darren Ring and Carla Scuzzarella initiated the resolution, called it anti-Democratic measure that went against the very spirit and nature of Town Meeting.

The main argument raised by those who supported the measure’s indefinite postponement was the concern that passage of the measure might jeopardize ongoing negotiations between the town and WIN Waste Innovations on a HCA (Host Community Agreement).

  Voting in support of the motion to indefinitely postpone Article 7 were:

Anthony Arone, Mark J. Bell and Chris Jones of Precinct 1; Robert J. Camuso, Sr., Christopher P. Riley, Peter A. Rossetti, Jr., and Joseph John Vecchione IV of Precinct 2; Daniel Schena of Precinct 3; Glen R. Davis and Robert C. Northrup of Precinct 4; William S. Brown and Kevin D. Currie of Precinct 6; William E. Cross, III, Jason A. Khan, William Kramich, Jr., Anthony J. Lopresti and Thomas E. Traverse of Precinct 8; Judith Worthley, Robert M. Strasnick and Daniel Kelly of Precinct 9; and Peter Delios of Precinct 10.

  Voting against the motion were: Susan Dunn and Sue Palomba of Precinct 1; Christine M. Moreschi of Precinct 2; Rick A. Smith of Precinct 3; William Leuci and Maureen Whitcomb of Precinct 4; Pamela J. Goodwin, Ronald M. Wallace and Brenton H. Spencer of Precinct 5; Jeanie Bartolo of Precinct 6; Robert Palleeschi of Precinct 7; Martin Costello, Peter Z. Manoogian,Jr., Darren Ring and Carla A. Scuzzarella of Precinct 10,

  Absent were Arthur D. Connors, Jr., Richard E. Thompson and AnneMarie Tesora of Precinct of Precinct 3; Mary Frances Migliore and Jaclyn Hickman of Precinct 5; Elisa LeBrasseur and Allen V. Panico of Precinct 6; Stefano D’Anna, John Chipoouras, Stephen McCarthy and Michael Paolini of Precinct 7; Katrina L. Berube and Robert J. Long of Precinct 9.

Stumped by “the sketch artist”

  There were no winners in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched?” Contest. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:

“The answer to last week’s sketch is a charismatic, smiling Mason Richard E. Miller Jr. Richard has been a member of the Masons for over 16 years. Richard is a devoted family man, married over 25 plus years. He enjoys music and loves to read.

  “Mr. Miller’s title is the Worshipful Master at the William Sutton Lodge A.F.& A.M. This lodge is named after General William Sutton and started in 1867. The Masons were present at the Saugus #411 Event to hand out information on their free available resources and programs they offer.

  “They hosted an open house at the Mason’s Lodge, at which guests were greeted with such hospitality. Guests were given a tour and a chance to ask questions.

“The Masons are ready and willing to assist with many community events. They volunteer in a multitude of outreaches and are known for having quietly delivered food to the doorsteps of those quarantined with COVID-19 through fearful times and putting smiles on faces.”

“Members hand-deliver flowers to Senior Citizens during Holiday functions.” The Masons host big Annual fairs and a Circus and many venues at their 2,650-seat indoor Wilmington Aleppo Shrine Auditorium. 99 Fordham Street 1-978-657-4202

  “The Mason’s provide numerous Public and private charity support. (too broad to mention all!) They have a “Hospital Equipment Loan program” (H.E.L.P. ) they lend for free hospital beds, electric scooter, hoyer lifts, nebulizer, rollators, canes, crutches, knee scooter.etc. To lend at no cost to those in need 781-322-1052 located at 500 West Cummings Park suite 1150 Woburn.

  “The “My Chip program, “which helps parents keep children safe and assists law enforcement in locating missing children, is of great benefit to parents. This program has met with much success by fingerprinting and ID ‘ing children which ALL information then goes home Only with the parents for safe keeping. Some of their various outreaches include; the Masonic Angel Fund, Masons Service Association of North America where they help Servicemen with visits to Veterans hospitals, Children’s Dyslexia Centers, The Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. Masonic Medical Research and the “Overlook Life care Community”. American Red Cross Blood Drives, (our Saugus YMCA hosts the Mason’s Blood Drives) Again this is only “Naming a few of the Masons Projects and outreaches in our Community and beyond. The Masons are bright lights with all the selfless giving and reaching out to those in need. Thank you for ALL you do !

  “Yours Truly,

“The Sketch Artist”

Legion breakfasts resume

  Saugus American Legion Post 210 is hosting its popular breakfasts again – from 8 – 9 a.m. on Fridays. The price is $8 for those who are looking for a delicious meal at Legion Hall. Bon appétit!

Last chance to vote early

  The Town Clerk’s Office reminds all registered Saugus voters that the second and final week of Early Voting for the Nov. 8 General Election concludes today (Friday, Nov. 4), from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.in the Community Room of The Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., enter via the Taylor Street Entrance.

“Holly Jolly” coming to The Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant announced the Holly Jolly Holiday Party with the Platters® Very Merry Christmas Show is slated for Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. The Platters are set to perform live in concert – playing all their hits and holiday tunes. Tickets are $25 per person. All seats are reserved. The Platters, hailed a rock and roll, vocal, and Grammy® Halls of Fame group, will be joined by special guests Smokin’ Joe and the Henchmen. Kowloon food and beverage services will be available. For tickets: online ordering, front desk

Fall Curbside Leaf Collection is underway

  The Town of Saugus has announced that fall curbside leaf collection will take place during the weeks of: Nov. 14th – 18th and Nov. 28th – Dec. 2nd. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day. Leaves should be left outside 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 using barrels, however, they must be clearly-marked with yard waste stickers. 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 pick-ups” will not be conducted.

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

  For school children looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library.

  Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a new monthly sewing class for adults, which will be held the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Saugus Public Library. The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 21.

  The class will cover basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing, mending torn fabric and will move onto more advanced topics in the coming weeks.

  This class is free. (See sauguspubliclibrary.org)

  A neat, new teen group called Manga & Anime Club

  The New Manga & Anime Club began recently. And, from all accounts, it’s a lot of fun for kids in Grades 6 and up. So, if you are curious, check out the Teen Room. Chat with friends! Make crafts! Try Japanese snacks! Club meetings will continue on Saturdays, through May, from 10-11 a.m. They will be held Nov 12, Dec 10, Jan 7, Feb 4, March 4, April 1, and May 13. Please sign up in advance, call 781-231-4168 or stop by the Reference Desk. https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/new-manga-anime-club…/ Saugus Public Library 295 Central St., Saugus, Mass.

Youth Cross Country

  Hey parents! If you have a child or several kids who could use an opportunity to get into a healthier lifestyle – which might, in turn, lead to better academic scores, consider getting them to sign up for Youth Cross Country. Here’s a simple outline of what this entails.

  Who: Any Saugus child in grades 1 through 5.

  When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the Belmonte Track; Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.at the Visitor Center at Breakheart Reservation.

  Dates: The program will last through Nov. 15.

  Why: to learn to enjoy Cross Country Running and make new friends.

  Cost: $100 for new runners; $50 for returning runners.

  This weekly program will be guided by Coach Steve Boudreau and Coach Chris Tarantino. Children will learn good stretching techniques and learn the basics of exercise and Cross-Country running. Best of all, this will be a great way to make new friends.

  Participants need to wear a good pair of sneakers, dress in comfortable running clothes and bring a water bottle. For details, contact Coach T (Not Mr. T.) at 781-854-6778.

  Sounds like a worthwhile and affordable fitness program with lots of upside for grade school kids.

First Baptist Church presents “Can We Talk…”

  The First Baptist Church Pastor Leroy Mahoney invites troubled people to join others in a special program called “Can We Talk … Community conversations on Trauma and Healing” the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rev. Isaac Mitchell Jr. Fellowship Hall, 105 Main St. in Saugus.

  “Join us as we gather in community to share our stories, thoughts and feelings about whatever you are going through,” Rev. Mahoney writes in a written announcement. “As always, it is a safe space to come together in community,” he says.

Food pantry prepares for Thanksgiving

  Debora de Paula Hoyle, Administrative Assistant at the Cliftondale Congregational Church, submitted the following announcement on behalf of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which operates with a team of volunteers out of the church basement each Friday:

  “Every year the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry provides the local community with Thanksgiving meals that include a frozen turkey, fresh produce, dessert, and Thanksgiving staples like cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing. Last year, we served over 70 families with full meals and anticipate potentially serving more this year with the increasing cost of groceries.

  “We welcome anyone in need to register to receive a Thanksgiving meal on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. between now and Friday, November 11. Pick up information will be provided upon registering.

  “We also count on the generosity of the community. We are seeking donations of non-perishable food items (please no frozen or refrigerated items), grocery store gift cards, and financial contributions. Deliveries may be brought to the side door of the Cliftondale Congregational Church (the driveway between the church and the MEG building) on any Friday morning through Nov. 11 between 8-11 a.m.

  “The Food Pantry will be closed on Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of Thanksgiving.”

  “P.S. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is an all-volunteer, collaborative, non-profit, religious organization composed of the town’s churches and community members; donations are tax deductible. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that our neighbors in need enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving! For more information, please contact 781 233 2663, or email cliftondalecc.org.”

  If you would like to volunteer or donate to The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

 

Wreaths Across America

  On Dec. 17th, at noon, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (MA0136P) is sponsoring their second Wreaths Across America event, helping both Riverside Cemetery and the Old Burying Ground Cemeteries to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

To sponsor your wreath(s) at $15 each or to volunteer to help place wreaths on December 17th, please visitwww.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MA0136P. There will be a brief ceremony at noon to honor all branches of the military followed by laying wreaths on our fallen heroes. Invite your friends and family to join us in honoring our servicemen and women. The cut-off date to order is Nov. 28th.

  2021 was our first year sponsoring this event, which had over 360 wreaths sponsored. The community really stepped up and we are grateful for all the support we received. However, there are more than 1500 veterans’ graves in Riverside and we are hoping that between the community and businesses there will be enough sponsored wreaths to cover all those graves this year.

  The Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission is to preserve American history and secure America’s future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to participate or “What We Do” email the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com.

Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Program Resumes for the 22-23 School Year

  (Editor’s Note: The following is an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, providing information about the return of the program for the new school year)

  Who we are:

  Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a non-profit group of volunteers that are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families that enroll in the program a weekend supply of nutritious food when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends.

  How HS2 can help you:

  HS2 bags are distributed at Saugus Public schools on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior, and achievement of every student who participates. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9

  Want to partner with us:

  We would love to partner with organizations, sports teams, youth groups, PTO’s, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com

  HS2 relies on donations to create take home bags with a weekend full of meals. Checks can also be sent directly to:

Salem Five C/O Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus

855-5 Broadway

Saugus MA, 01906

Online donations can also be made at: https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus

Let’s hear it!

  Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for The Advocate Asks interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net.

  Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15-to-20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And, I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis.

  If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site.

 

CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED? If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who’s being sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978 683-7773. Anyone who identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper between now and Tuesday at Noon qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Hammersmith Family Restaurant, 330 Central Street in Saugus. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”)