The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

 

If you love cars, feel like donating for a noble cause and have some time on your hands, head over to Fuddruckers on Route 1 North in Saugus for Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels Relay Teams 9th Annual Car Show this weekend. Torrential rains washed out last weekend’s event. So, the rainout date is 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday (July 23). The event will feature classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, trophies, raffles and music by Lil Jimmy’s stack of records, and, of course, some tasty burgers.

Fuddruckers Saugus will be generously donating 20 percent of all sales to the American Cancer Society during the event. The event is open to all cars, trucks, jeeps and motorcycles.

For more information, contact Guy Moley at 781-640-1310.

 

The Navy Band is coming!

Peter A. Rossetti Jr., of the Friends of Breakheart announced this week that Breakheart Reservation will again be hosting the Navy Band on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m.

“Should be a good time, provided the weather holds. Blankets and mosquito spray are a good idea,” Rossetti said.

The Navy Band has long been a summertime attraction at Breakheart. This year, Rhode Island Sound will be playing the music. Here’s some preliminary information that the Friends provided on the band: “Rhode Island Sound is the most contemporary sounding group from Navy Band Northeast. This ensemble entertains audiences with music ranging from rhythm and blues to classic rock. Performing current popular music at high schools throughout New England, Rhode Island Sound also performs public concerts at a variety of venues. Their versatility and showmanship have always kept them in great demand since their inception in 1974.”

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

 

Sharon’s Sneaker Crew & Jimmy Fund Yard Sale

Sharon Genovese, captain of Sharon’s Sneaker Crew, will be holding a Fundraiser Yard Sale tomorrow (Saturday, July 21) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 23 Lily Pond Ave., rain or shine. Everything must go. Genovese and her group will be walking on Oct. 1 in the Boston Marathon Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk. The crew will be sponsoring a craft fair in September. All the proceeds will be going to the Jimmy Fund. If you need any more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617-966-3475 or email her at su*****@*ol.com.

 

Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle ride

The Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle ride is set for Aug. 6 at the Saugus-Everett Elks. The fund is dedicated to helping erase the stigma of addiction. Besides the ride, there will be a pig roast, DJ, Raffles and 50/50. Proceeds from the event will be given to Healthy Streets serving Lynn and other communities.

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

It’s hard to believe that we are more than two-thirds of the way through our “Saugus Over Coffee” project, as the town election season gets underway officially next week. But we are already just three weeks away from featuring the five Town Meeting members of Precinct 8. Our invitations went out this week for those folks.

And we hope that it will be a better turnout this time than the five Town Meeting members who were absent from our July 10 forum. The lack of Town Meeting members attending the last forum deprived the seven citizens who showed up an opportunity to get to meet the members who represent them at Town Meeting. And that also sends a bad message to the Precinct 7 residents who tuned into Saugus TV to watch the program. But with the town election season officially underway on Monday, I would think that our final three forums will be well-attended by Town Meeting members.

For those unfamiliar with the “Saugus Over Coffee” forums, they are cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and the Saugus Public Library. The primary purpose is to give citizens in each of the town’s 10 precincts an opportunity to voice their concerns about top issues in their respective precincts. It also gives them an opportunity to meet their Town Meeting representatives and chat over a cup of coffee or tea. Town Meeting members will benefit by getting to know more about concerns in their precincts. Viewers of the forums videotaped by Saugus TV will also get to learn a little about the history or interesting things about the precinct being featured each month.

One of my major hopes for the forums is that it spurs an interest for citizens to become potential candidates for Town Meeting in this fall’s town election. The public should keep in mind that there was a paucity of candidates for Town Meeting seats in the town elections back in 2021. In five of the 10 precincts, only five candidates ran for the five seats. That means half of the 50-member body was elected without competition.

Stay tuned for more information as “Saugus Over Coffee” continues. Here is the remaining schedule:

Precinct 8 – August 14

Precinct 9 – September 11

Precinct 10 – October 23

Please check with The Saugus Advocate or library for any changes in dates. Residents can check the programming guide on the station’s website (www.saugustv.org) for dates and times. A video of the forum will also be available for viewing on the station’s vimeo page within a day or two after the event – www.vimeo.com/saugustelevision.

 

C.H.A.R.M. Center is open

  The C.H.a.R.M. Center will be open during the summer 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 accepts checks only for payment of the $25. 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.

Residents may call Scott Brazis at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions.

 

Some Special “Shout Outs”

Track Camp Coach Chris Tarantino emailed in this mega “Shout Out” to The Saugus Advocate this week:

“To all the coaches that made the 2023 Saugus Sachems Summer Track Camp a huge success by giving so graciously of their time and talent and for all their hard work and dedication diligently supporting all our campers

“Coach Jada (hurdles/jumps) Alumni

“Coach Kenny (high jump) Alumni

“Coach Nick (distance/breakdown) Alumni

“Coach Ben (drills/games)

“Coach Babcock (sprints/stretching)

“Coach Steve (discus/shot put)

“Coach Ghazi (javelin)

“Coach Teresa (hammer)

“Coach Will (equipment)

“Coach Bradley (spring program)

“Coach Scott (spring program)

“Also special thanks to alumni Kian (former coach) and Justin (counselor) for their continued support as well as Shannon from Alta performance.”

 

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.

 

Community Garden needs some help

St. John’s Episcopal Church near Saugus Center has a community garden where vegetables are grown for the Saugus food pantry. This is the third growing season for this all-volunteer project. This year there are raised beds in front of the church as well as a larger garden area behind the rectory. Volunteers are needed to help weed and water the garden. If you would like to volunteer for an hour or so a week, or for any period of time during the summer, please call the church office at 781-233-1242 or email St***********@***il.com and leave a message with your contact information!

 

2023 Summer Concerts at the Saugus Iron Works, 244 Central St.

The Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service are proud to bring another summer of music to the Saugus Iron Works. These free, weekly concerts are open to the public and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 12 through August 30. Our remaining 2023 lineup:

July 26: Decades of Rock (Classic Rock: 60s, 70s, 80s).

August 2: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown).

August 9: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s).

August 16: Jumpstreet (Rock, R&B, Blues & Jazz).

August 23: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop).

August 30: Memorylaners (50s, 60s, 70s).

Bring chairs or a blanket and a picnic! Enjoy a summer evening at the Iron Works with great music and friends!

 

Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market

The Saugus Knights of Columbus will hold its Outdoor Craft Fair and Flea Market on Saturday, August 19. Their last events were all sold out. Reserve your space now. A 12 x 12 space costs $30. Vendors must bring their own tables and chairs. Call Paul Giannetta for reservations or info – 978-239-1392.

 

The Saugus Cultural Council seeks help

The Saugus Cultural Council is recruiting new members. If you have a passion for arts, education, community engagement and building an inclusive community, feel free to apply. Please send a letter of interest and brief resume to the Saugus Board of Selectmen. The Saugus Cultural Council is a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, please contact sa*******************@***il.com.

 

MEG Foundation offers Dedicated Chairs to Families

  The MEG Foundation Board of Directors is hoping to return former Saugus High School Library chairs, at no charge, that were originally donated to the Saugus High School Library by many families and friends, in their memory. We hope the chairs will find their way back to their loved ones. We have approximately 50 dedicated chairs available to relatives. Please contact Janice Jarosz at 339-222-2178 or Linda Ross at 781-233-4607 for further information.

The list includes the following Dedicated Chairs: Aubrey, Flo & Al; Favuzza, Josephine; Barry, Diane; Favuzza, Frank; Biffin, Theodore; Fioravanti, Ann; Blair, James, A.; Franlins, Beatrice T.; Bly, Belden G. Jr.; Gloria & Jackie (59); Borghetti, Joseph; Harrington, Mike; Bourgeois, Eleanor Statuto; Kelley, Maureen; Braid, Robert M.; MacNeil, Bill; Bucchiere, John; McKinney, William; Butler, Laurence; Mekalian Family; Celandes, Wilbur; Jean Henderson; Class of 1938 – Melewski, Roberta; Class of 1941 – Melewski, Sophie; Class of 1947 – Morrison, Mary A.; Class of 1960 – Moschella, Carmen Jr.; Class of 1966 – Moylan, Albert J.; Cogliano, Anthony; O’Connor, Mae & Larry; Colby, Virginia; O’Neil, Nellie; Courant, Barbara Henderson; Parrish, Charles L.; Dahlberg, Frank; Pincess, Abraham; Dahlberg, Frank and Sarah; Polese, Lisa A.; DeSteuben, Albert, Jr.; Saugus High School 2001 – Dewling, Debi Sanders; Secor, John; Diamond, Beverly; Sketchley, John; Fabrizio, Bonnie McHale; Sorenson, Andy; Fabrizio, Kenneth; Steward, Doris; Favuzza, Geraldine; Whyte, Chris.

 

Seeking Sachems sports historical data

If you are knowledgeable about the Saugus High Sachems Boys and Girls sports teams prior to 1969, Saugus Public Schools could use your help. The School District is looking for data on Saugus High Sachems Boys and Girls sports teams prior to 1969 that won a conference, regional and/or State Championship. “For example, we need data on the 1966, ’67 or ’68 Saugus varsity cross country team that won the State Championship,” Saugus School Committee Member Dennis Gould wrote in a press release.

“We need the team, the year and what championship they won. Pictures of the teams, trophies or old banners would be great also,” Gould said. “The data will be used by the School District to generate historical banners to hang in the new complex and to give to the Saugus Sports Hall of Fame for permanent record.”

If you happen to have access or knowledge of such data, please email it to Dennis Gould, School Committee, jd*********@*ol.com. Dennis can also be reached at 1-617-257-4847.

 

Kowloon launches outdoor dining

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus, has opened its outdoor dining venue, serving a full food and bar menu. The restaurant’s outdoor concert series has kicked off. The Kowloon Restaurant is open every day from noon till closing, and the outdoor venue is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to closing.

July’s Outdoor Concert lineup includes Stevie B on July 22: Hailed as the “King of Freestyle,” Stevie B is set to perform live in concert at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outside venue on Saturday, July 22, at 9 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The “Party Your Body” event will feature the singer performing “In My Eyes,” “I Wanna Be the One,” “Because I Love You,” “Spring Love” and Dreamin’ of Love.” Also in the lineup mixing is DJ Ricky P, formerly of The Palace, Stars Dance Club, The Rack, KISS 108 FM, JAMN 94.5 FM and STAR 93.7 FM.

Tickets are: VIP Golden Front Seats $65.00, General Reserved Seats $55.00, Limited Standing Room Only $40.00. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online: www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

Rockin’ 4 Vets concerts are coming to Kowloon!

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents a classic rock Summer Sun-Days Veterans Benefit Concert Series that will last through August 20 with Dyer, Goodwin, Chakosur and Brian Templeton – with an initiative to assist veterans’ organizations throughout Massachusetts with PTSD, addictions and homelessness. The concert series lineup includes:

  July 30: Johnny A. Trio, fronted by the former guitarist for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Yardbirds.

  August 6: John Butcher with special guest Sal Baglio – led by guitarist and frontman of the Jon Butcher Axis, along with Baglio, former leader of the band The Stompers.

  August 13: James Montgomery’s Rhythm & Blues Revue with Christine Ohlman & Barrence Whitfield, hailed as a legendary New England blues performer and former member of the Johnny Winter Band.

  August 20: Dyer, Goodwin, Chakour with special guest Brian Templeton, longtime members who played with Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and the J. Geils Band.

For tickets, go to the ticketing link gimmeLIVE.com. VIP tickets are available for pre-show meet and greet with performers. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. and the shows are at 1:00 p.m. One hundred percent of the concert series’ profits will benefit the veterans’ organizations, including:

Hidden Battles Foundation, https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/

Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, https://mmsfi.org/

Veterans Northeast Outreach Shelter, https://vneoc4vets.org/

Boston Rescue Mission and 22 Mohawks, https://22mohawks.com/

Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC is a New England-based concert promoter, who, along with Alive & Kicking Productions, are the producers for this benefit event. Jim Tirabassi is the founder and director of Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC. Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC and Alive & Kicking Productions produce benefit concerts throughout New England to provide support to organizations assisting Vets with issues related to PTSD, addiction and homelessness.

 

Another coming attraction

The Kowloon Restaurant continues its Outdoor Summer Concert Series with the Rockin’ The Night Away concert, featuring The Platters. The concert is slated for August 5; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 for VIP, center stage reserved seating and $45 per person for general admission.

 

Bingo is back!

  The Kowloon Restaurant announced Bingo every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt and pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais and scorpion bowls.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, July 21) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

Veterans bricks available

  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 for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $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.

 

Saugus High Class BBQ on Aug. 26

Saugus High alumni Mike Allan (1979) and Pete Nicolo (1980) are hosting this year’s annual Saugus High Class BBQ, which is set for 1 to 5 p.m. at Saugus Everett Elks Grove on Saturday, Aug. 26. There’s an outdoor shelter, so the event will go on, rain or shine.

“Last year we had over 250 people attend (mostly Saugonians) and we are expecting maybe even a larger crowd,” Nicolo said. “Saugus High Classmates from multiple years, along with some of our Saugus Politicians, Coaches and Teachers attended.”

All Saugus High Classes are welcome. There will be a cash bar during the day event. The action will move to Elks Hall at 401 Main St. from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Most of us have kept in touch with some of our classmates / friends throughout the years,” Nicolo wrote in a recent letter. “But what about the classmates/friends that you would love to see and have not seen in decades? This is what made our recent Saugus High Class BBQ this past September 2022 such a success. Take advantage of this Opportunity to possibly meet them there or reach out to anyone you’d like to see and reconnect!”

“Last year’s Saugus High Class BBQ had some classmates traveling from places as far away as England, Hawaii, California, Florida, North Carolina and other parts of the US. Many old friendships were rekindled, while new friendships with old Classmates were made,” Nicolo said. “Some friends/classmates had not seen each other in decades (over 40 years), while so many from surrounding classes mingled together and had a blast. It was quite a wonderful experience for many.”

Nicolo said the event has already generated great interest, but asks that people who plan to go RSVP by Aug. 5 or sooner to help the organizers plan the event better. Make checks ($45 per person) payable to: Saugus High Class BBQ, 13 Bourbon St., Unit 55, Peabody, MA 01960 or Venmo: Pete Nicolo@Pete-Nicolo

Alumni with questions can contact Peter Nicolo (1980) at ps**********@*****st.net – 978-815-8234 or Mike Allan (1979) at Al*******@***il.com – (781) 953-2279.

 

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

  For schoolchildren looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library. There are some very good programs offered for grownups, too.

  Atlantic White Shark Conservancy: On Monday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will visit the Saugus Public Library. The Cape Cod-based organization will teach kids about sharks and challenge misconceptions with fun true-or-false questions. Grades K-4; coincides with the Kids’ 2023 Summer Reading Theme, Reading is Jawsome!

  Teen Summer Reading 2023! Through August 25: Visit our website (sauguspubliclibrary.org) to fill out a book review form for every book you read or listen to over the summer. All books count – fiction, nonfiction, manga, graphic novels, audio books, required reading, etc. One reader will win a $50 gift card to Amazon! The more you read, the better your chance!

  Tween and Teen Crafts & Snacks! July 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25; weekly summer crafts Fridays 10-11 a.m. in the Brooks Room; 5^th-12^th grades. No registration necessary; just come by and bring your friends! We will be making bracelets, clay animals, flower prints, earbud holders, wizard wands, mini light sabers and fabric bookmarks and doing some cookie decorating.

  Adult Coloring Group: Come relax with our continuing Adult Coloring Group. It’s a great opportunity to take time to unwind, be creative, and have fun, no experience necessary! We have pencils and coloring pages ready and waiting… See you there! Space is limited; please call to register: 781-231-4168 x 3106. Interested folks should show up at the library next Wednesday, August 9, at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library.

  Join our Teen Advisory Board: first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Teen Room; fifth grade and up. Meet with the Teen Librarian once a month to talk about what you’d like for programs and materials at the library. Your opinion matters! No registration required. Snacks provided! (sauguspubliclibrary.org – 781-231-4168)

  Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a monthly sewing class for adults that is held the third Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. The class covers basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing and mending torn fabric and will move on to more advanced topics in the coming weeks. This class is free. (See sauguspubliclibrary.org)

 

First Baptist Church presents “Can We Talk…”

  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 states in a written announcement.

“As always, it is a safe space to come together in community,” he says.

 

About The Saugus Advocate

We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo to submit, please email me at mv***@*****st.net, or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.

 

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