The Sounds of Saugus

Books in Bloom is back!

  If you love flowers and you want to see people of all ages get creative in using them to pair up with a particular book, do plan on stopping by the Saugus Public Library today (Friday, May 20) or tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) for a special treat. The Saugus Garden Club is once again partnering with the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library for their 7th Books in Bloom event – and the first one in three years after the past two were canceled by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020.

  “Books in Bloom is an annual event where local flower enthusiasts put together floral arrangements that interpret a book’s title, book jacket, or theme,” Saugus Garden Club Co-President Donna Manoogian says.

  “Each display contains some fresh plant material (foliage, flowers etc.) and, of course, a book,” she says.

  Participants were busy yesterday, setting up their entries in the Community Room of the library.

  The Show continues throughout the library on both today (Friday, May 20), from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and tomorrow (Saturday, May 21), from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  For more information about the event, you can contact Donna by email (Donna23@comcast.net) or phone (781-233-5640).

  It’s one of many weekend events worth checking out in Saugus.

A Call to clean up the town tomorrow

  The Town of Saugus seeks volunteers to help collect trash as part of a community-wide spring cleanup tomorrow (Saturday, May 21). Interested teenagers and adults are encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. to noon to help beautify the community. This cleanup provides an opportunity for students to earn community service credits. Additional credits will be given to students who are able to recruit an adult to participate.

  Adults are also needed to supervise small groups at various locations throughout town. All volunteers should meet at the Saugus Middle-High School (1 Pearce Memorial Dr.) upper-level parking lot at 9 a.m. The Town will provide disposable gloves and trash bags. For more information, please contact Selectman Debra Panetta at 781-233-9720.

Want to learn about raptors?

  Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at the Saugus Public Library, wants to spread the word about the New Friends of Saugus Public Library sponsoring “a very special FUN, FREE event,” which is also set for this weekend. “Join the acclaimed WINGMASTERS for a live, birds of prey demonstration! The program will be held at the Saugus Iron Works (244 Central St.) tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) at 10:30 a.m.

  “This live presentation will include five birds of prey all native to New England.”

  Did you know that raptors boast the best eyesight and sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom? Did you know that the word raptor comes from a Latin word, “to seize”? Raptors include hawks, falcons and owls. Come learn more about these graceful birds! This event is recommended for children ages 6 and up. Adults are also welcome. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

  And don’t forget to ask for the link to raptor-related words for kids. To find out more, call Amy at 781-231-4168. Or stop by the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus.

Memorial Day Parade and ceremony

  The Town of Saugus, along with the Saugus Veterans Council and the American Legion Post, extends an invitation to all local servicemen and women to join them at the Memorial Day Parade on May 28, 2022. Please contact the Board of Selectmen’s Office at 298 Central St., Saugus, Mass. or email the Board at jjarosz@saugus-ma.gov for further information. Come march with town officials, residents, students and fellow soldiers to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom.

  The parade – which is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 (Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 30, the designated holiday) – will be “historical” this year, according to Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti. Billie June “BJ” Farrell, the 77th Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution – but the first woman officer in charge during the ship’s 224-year history – has accepted an invitation to be the grand marshal of this year’s Annual Memorial Day Parade and keynote speaker for the town’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

  “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you cannot miss!” said Castinetti, a retired U.S. Navy captain.

  “It’s historical because Commander Farrell became the first female Commanding Officer of this great ship in 224 years. Come out and welcome Commander Farrell to Massachusetts and, more importantly to Saugus!! Meet the new Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, on May 28,” he said.

  The parade will step off at 10 a.m. from Anna Parker Playground at 124 Essex St. in Saugus, proceed to Cliftondale Square, to Central Street, to Winter Street and end at Riverside Cemetery, where our Memorial Day Ceremony will take place.

Find out if you have any Revolutionary War relatives

  There could be a Patriot among us!!! Have you ever wondered if there was an ancestor who was a Patriot in your family tree?

  The Parson Roby Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is hosting a Genealogy Workshop for prospective members and the public to explore your family tree and perhaps find that Revolutionary War hero in your family. The event will take place tomorrow (Saturday, May 21) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MEG Building (54 Essex St., Saugus, MA). DAR members will be offering helpful tips and assistance to you in your search for family members that may have contributed to service or aid during the American Revolution. Experienced genealogists and researchers will also be on hand to guide you with your search.

  Plan to drop in and let them help you find that long lost Patriot relative!

  The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is the largest women’s service organization in our country! For further information please contact Regent Charlotte Line at linesat33@gmail.com.

Wounded Vet Run on Sunday

  On Sunday, May 22, at noon, Boston’s Wounded Vet Run will be coming through Saugus in honor of several of our wounded veterans.

  “This has been an annual event for more than a decade and the Saugus Veterans Council has always come out to support it,” Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti, retired USN Navy captain, said.

  “We are asking the community, especially our veterans, to join us at Veterans Park at the intersection of Central and Winter Streets to support this incredible event,” he said. “If you’ve never seen it, you are certainly missing one of the most breathtaking motorcycle parades ever!! The Saugus Veterans Council will have free hot dogs for as long as they last. Please go to https://theyfoughtweride.com/honorees to read about this year’s honorees and join us at Veterans Park on Sunday!!”

  For more details, email stevecastinetti@comcast.net, call him (781-389-3678) or go to www.saugusveteranscouncil.org. Facebook: Saugus Veterans Council.

 

A Salute to Saugus High baseball seniors

  The Saugus High School Varsity Baseball Team invites all Saugus Little League players to attend the Varsity Senior Game to be held at World Series Park, next Friday (May 27) to celebrate the last home game of the season for graduating seniors. Little League players who wear their game shirts will get to come on the field during the ceremony and will also receive a ticket for a free slush at the concession stand.

  To participate in the ceremony, the Little Leaguers should arrive at the field no later than 3:15 – 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. Feel free to contact Renee Howard (617-592-5876) with any questions or concerns.

A chance to cheer on the Lady Sachems Seniors

  The Saugus Varsity Softball Senior Game is set for today (Friday, May 20) at 4 p.m. at the Belmonte Field (25 Dow St.) with Saugus High playing Swampscott. Four seniors: Felicia Reppucci, Fallon Millerick, Gianna Costa and Ryann Moloney. Please stop by to cheer on the Lady Sachems.

Want to help make a better Library?

  The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Saugus Library Board of Trustees. This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit a letter of interest/resume no later than June 1 to the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central Street, Suite 4, Saugus, MA 01906.

Compost site now open

  The community’s compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town of Saugus accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you!

  Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted.

  Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

  We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Fran Palczynski for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. She was one of several readers answering correctly. But she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap.

  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 was featured in the papers as a Hero! In an article in The Saugus Advocate by Editor Mark E. Vogler, April 15, page 4 &16, ‘Another Heroic Student Act,’ he referred back to our Saugus 8-year-old hero Jacob Puglisi who was credited with saving a life!

  “Jacob Puglisi, a third-grade student at Belmonte Upper Elementary School STEAM Academy, saved the life of a fellow student in the cafeteria when he flew by the side of the choking student and started performing the heimlich maneuver on the student.

  “Our School Department officials cited Jacob Puglisi for the Heroic act!

  Then-School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge told Jacob he was a hero! And in the article, School Committee Member John Hatch presented Jacob with a special token coin and plaque and told Jacob ‘the second you decided to do what you did, you joined a wonderful and incredible family of first responders – and they are amazing people – police, fire & EMT’s’

  “The Saugus School Committee had Jacob Puglisi sit in on a Saugus School Committee meeting and gave him the Honorary Chair where he was in charge of banging the gavel!

  “When Thomas Whittredge gave up his seat to provide the student with this great privilege and honor he gave Jacob a lifetime memory he will get to show and tell his own Children and Grandchildren someday (as not everyone gets to bang a gavel!)

  “Jacob earned that privilege to bang the gavel

  “Jacob is one of our Saugus Student heroes assisting and doing good and looking out for his fellow classmates! What proud parents hats off to the parents for their life saving son Jacob!

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

A course in “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors”

  The Saugus Senior Center is pleased to announce a new program offering, “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors.”

  It is well established that engagement in thought and discussion helps promote and maintain good cognitive health. Modern brain research helps prove that engaging in critical thinking skills that include synthesis, analysis, evaluation and judgment can stimulate the brain in a positive way. These cognitive skills will be applied to historical events, literary works and civic dialogue.

  This program is presented by retired educator Peter Manoogian, who has previously led teams of educators in similar activities at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s “Writing, Reading and Civic Education” summer program. “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors” will be limited to 12 participants per event. If there is enough interest among senior citizens, additional classes could be scheduled. To register for the class (admission will be granted to the first 12 seniors to apply), please call 781-231-4178 or drop by the center at 466 Central St., Saugus.

Disco Dance Party at the Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host an outdoor Disco Dance Party featuring the Cover Girls performing live in concert. The event is set at the Kowloon’s outdoor venue on June 18 (rain date June 19), Route 1 North in Saugus. Showtime is 7 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m. General admission is $39 per person, and V.I.P. reserved seating is $59 per person. Guests are invited to dress in disco wear. Tickets are available at online ordering, front desk or charge-by-phone: 781-233-0077.

  The Cover Girls are an all-female, New York City-based freestyle group that achieved most of its chart success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Among the group’s best-known songs are “Show Me,” “Because of You,” “We Can’t Go Wrong” and “Wishing on a Star.”

  Opening for the Cover Girls is Vinyl Groove. Vinyl Groove is a multitalented vocal group that sings the best R&B dance music from the 70’s – including Motown-Philly and classic disco dance music – including songs from Tavares, The Trammps, The Stylistics, The O’Jays, The Temptations, Blue Magic, Smokey Robinson, Earth Wind & Fire, Donna Summer, The Spinners and the Four Tops.

This week’s “Shout-Outs”

  It’s always great when we receive multiple “Shout-Outs” from readers.

  Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo submitted two this week. She nominated former School Committee Chair Tom Whittredge, who recently stepped down as Chairman of the School Committee “so he could be at home for his children when they need him the most after the loss of their mother and his beloved wife Theresa.”

  “He certainly accomplished the impossible during his two and a half years as Chairman; leading a board who all worked together as a team. Changing the school system, consolidating and closing the old schools, opening the new Middle-High School, updates to the Belmonte Steam Academy, the COVID-19 Pandemic and remote learning, the retiring of one School Superintendent and the hiring of a new one. Tom is well known and respected by so many and he knows we are there for him. At this moment in time Tom, you are doing the right thing for your family.”

  Jeanie submitted her second “Shout-Out” to fourth grade Belmonte Steam Academy teacher Brigitte Vaudo: “Mrs. Vaudo’s project on ‘What Makes Saugus Special: History and Heroes of Saugus’ was such a great way for her students to learn about their hometown. Saugus is so rich in history, but with our busy lives we forget what came before us and all that is possible now because of our history. I would like to thank her for an invaluable lesson for her students, they will never forget all they learned about their hometown. I hope she is able to continue this project every year!”

  Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta, who once served on the School Committee, also praised outgoing School Committee Chair Whittredge: “I would like to thank Tom for all his years of service to the Town of Saugus. I appreciate everything he’s done as the Chairman of the School Committee, always looking out for the best interest of the students. I also appreciate all his years of service as President of Saugus Little League. Tom goes over and above with everything he does. He has a deep sense of community, and he is well respected throughout Town.”

  Town Clerk Ellen Schena: “I have known Tom for many years and I’m sorry to see him resign from the School Committee. However, I do work with him and have the pleasure of seeing him most week days.”

  Yet another shout-out: “Recently we had occasion to call the Fire Department. Captain Nolan and the crew on Truck Five came, did what they had to do and quietly left in the night! We were glad to have their assistance! They may be paid to do this but the expertise, respect and peace of mind they left us with is priceless. We really appreciated their help.

  “Thank you for the opportunity to thank them again.

  “Al and Joyce Rodenhiser”

 

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.

Bishop plans to bless the Community Garden

  The Right Rev. Alan Gates, Episcopal Bishop of Massachusetts, will be blessing the Community Garden ground at St. John’s Episcopal Church next Friday (May 27) at 9 a.m.

  Meanwhile, The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church continues to search for a few good men, women and children who would like to join a noble cause – the second year of the church-sponsored community garden. “We are inviting all interested persons to join us in producing vegetables for those who are suffering from food insecurity in Saugus,” Rev. Beach wrote in a recent letter to the community.

  Rev. Beach is looking for a variety of help as the garden approaches planting time for its second year:

• If you are able to grow a few seedlings in your home, we would like to bring the seeds, soil, pots, and instructions in the next few weeks.
• Assist in the planting of crops on Friday May 27th and/or Saturday May 28th sometime between 9 and noon. We will be having a brief service of the blessing of the ground on the Friday.
• Assist for an hour a week in the tending of the crops (weeding and watering) over the course of the summer.
• Assist in the harvesting of the crops in September and delivering them to the Saugus Food Pantry

  “If you are able to assist, or if you are interested in contributing to the garden, please let me know. I am looking forward to working with you,” Rev. Beach said. He can be reached by phone (774-961-9881) or email (revjbeach@gmail.com).

  “Before we plant the seedlings, it would be wonderful if you were able to join us for that service,” Rev. Beach said.

Saugus Kindergarten Registration underway

  Kindergarten registration for students entering the Saugus Public Schools in the fall of 2022 opened this month. Registration packets may be picked up at the Main Office of the Veterans Early Learning Center (VELC) at 39 Hurd Ave. in Saugus Monday through Friday during school hours. The packet will also be available on the Saugus Public Schools’ website, https://www.saugus.k12.ma.us/.

  Completed forms and required documentation may be returned to the VELC Main Office. Packet drop-off hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; kindergarten screening appointments will be scheduled at this time. Screenings will take place on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9 and will last about 20 minutes. There is no deadline for registration; however, the district asks families to return the forms by May 20 in order for them to schedule screenings and plan for staffing and programming in the fall.

  Saugus moved to a free, all-day kindergarten model for the 2021-22 school year to better prepare students academically, socially and emotionally. A half-day option is not available.

  “Free, all-day kindergarten levels the playing field and gives Saugus children all of the building blocks they need from day one,” said School Committee Member Ryan Fisher.

  Students must be five years old by Aug. 31, 2022, in order to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2022; there are no exceptions. For more information, please contact the Veterans Early Learning Center at 781-231-8166.

Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran

  The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines), $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

  The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

SHS Class of ’62 plans 60th reunion

  Leaders of the Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to contact fellow classmates as well as other alumni who would like to join them.

  The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax and gratuities – plus Howie Conley’s group – and is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks.

  There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the people listed below know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates.

• Donna “Cann” Olivera – 781-987-4308
• Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona – 781-439-4200
• Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy – 617-512-2097
• Larry Seavers – 704-906-2606

Food pantry seeking driver volunteers

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry seeks volunteers to make food and bread pickups on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Anyone who has the time and interest to help out should contact Jeff Hirtle at 781-922-0661. The food pantry operates out of the basement at Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus.

 

Friday morning Legion Hall breakfasts continue

  Here’s some great news for people who enjoy their Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210. Legion Hall (located at 44 Taylor St.) will continue its Friday breakfasts through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet breakfast is served at 8 a.m. for a donation of $7.

  Bon appétit! And good luck to the Kitchen Crew.

Looking for book donations

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please… clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers!

  Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

Want to be a Knight?

  The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858.

Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus

  (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.)

  Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends.

  How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9

  Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. 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.

  We would love to partner with organizations, 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

  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

 

Food Pantry still open

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry continues to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19.

  Those in need, even for short-term or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is located in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus.

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 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 and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

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 was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper 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 Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. 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”)