The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

  Everybody needs a vacation. And I will be taking my annual two weeks off, beginning this weekend and returning on Sept. 5, the Tuesday after Labor Day, just in time for a Board of Selectmen’s meeting that night. As in past years, readers and public officials should still feel free to email me any notices, announcements or news tips during the period I will be off. And, I will make sure that the information is passed on to our home office in Everett. The Saugus Advocate will still be published on Aug. 25 and Sept. 1.

I don’t have any special plans, other than to relax, tend to some health issues, take care of some projects around the house and rest up for the rest of the year, as the biennial town election will be in full swing soon.

Meanwhile, there are some other major events for Saugonians. The new academic year for Saugus Public Schools begins in just 11 days: Aug. 29. And plans are already in the works for one of the biggest town events of the year – Founders Day – which is set for Saturday, Sept. 9. It’s one of my favorite days hanging out in Saugus – right up there with the town’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities, Saugus High School graduation and Memorial Day observed on the Friday before that holiday. I also enjoy the days of “The Orange Glow” generated by “The Pumpkin Patch” on the lawn of the First Congregational Church on Hamilton Street facing Town Hall during the weeks leading up to Halloween.

Speaking of Founders Day, Joyce Rodenhiser of the “Persons of the Year Committee” asked me to remind Saugus residents who plan on attending Founders Day – or those who are thinking about it – that a great reason to go to this annual event is to honor the town’s proud heritage of its founders, from the town’s ancestors who contributed to the development of the town all the way through the contemporary founders who contribute to the betterment of Saugus. “At noon time, in front of our Saugus Town Hall, on Founders Day, the Persons of the Year will be announced! Come, see who has been helping Saugus be a better place because of what they have done voluntarily for Saugonians and organizations,” Joyce wrote me in an email. “Founders Day is a great time to see old friends and classmates! It’s a big block party with lots of food, fun, civic organizations, entertainment and shopping. Join us downtown to see what’s happening!!”

The Persons of the Year presentation is a Founders Day tradition that dates back to 1989, with that first award going to Stanley Day. In 1993, separate awards were presented to a woman and a man selected for the honor. The plaque is inscribed with this tribute: “In Recognition of Your Dedication to The Town of Saugus. This Award Truly Exemplifies the Outstanding Ideals and Spirit of Our Founding Fathers. THE TOWN OF SAUGUS SALUTES YOU.” Other than two years when the presentation was postponed because of public health concerns related to COVID-19, this wonderful tradition has continued.

Past recipients of the award have already met and selected a deserving man and woman for this year, who will be honored at noon. Most of the living past recipients will sit in chairs on a platform set up on the steps of Saugus Town Hall. Names of the past recipients will be read.

The previous year’s Persons of the Year usually introduce the new recipients before the presentation. The honorees are then allowed to offer remarks – sometimes something short and sweet; other times, more extensive remarks read from a prepared speech. Sometimes the presenters have more to say about the recipients of this prestigious local award than the honorees do about themselves.

The Persons of the Year presentation is a great intermission period to break up a Saugus celebration that focuses on lots of fun, food and fund-raising by local organizations devoted to good causes. But the awards presentation to two civic-minded Saugonians should always be the centerpiece of this special day for proud town residents who love their town and want to know more about the people who make a difference – and honor them in a classy way. See you at noon on Sept. 9.

 

The Navy Band performs tomorrow!

  Breakheart Reservation will again be hosting the Navy Band tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 19) at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo Lawn. It’s free and open to the public. The Friends of Breakheart Reservation recommends that you bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy the talented and popular Navy Band playing top hits from current pop music. This event is cosponsored by the nonprofit, all volunteer Friends of Breakheart and the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), which owns and manages the reservation.

The Navy Band has long been a summertime attraction at Breakheart. This year Rhode Island Sound will be playing the music. Here’s some 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.”

 

Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market

  The Saugus Knights of Columbus will hold its Outdoor Craft Fair and Flea Market tomorrow (Saturday, August 19) at 57 Appleton St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A rain date has been set for Aug. 26. Free admission and free parking – come enjoy raffles, food and fun. For more information, please call the Knights of Columbus at 781-233-9858.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Aug. 18) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

Town Election Watch

  It sure looks like the Charter Commission ballot question and the election to fill the seats on the nine-member commission will be a major driving force in the fall town elections. Sure, the election for Board of Selectmen will be the marquee race, followed by the School Committee election. But the candidates’ views on whether it’s time to change the Saugus Town Charter will no doubt be influenced by the vote on the Charter Commission ballot question – which could be very polarizing.

Another week has passed in Saugus’ preliminary election campaign – the pulling of nomination papers from Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s office. As of Wednesday (Aug. 16), five residents had pulled out nomination papers for a seat on the nine-member Charter Commission (see related story), according to Town Clerk Ellen Schena. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano – the one who spearheaded the petition drive for Charter change – was one of five residents who took out nomination papers. Joining him were Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso, Sr., former Selectman and former Town Meeting member Julie Mitchell, Anthony D. Speziale and Frank V. Federico.

Sebastian Dimodica took out papers for selectman. Housing Authority Member Maureen Whitcomb has pulled papers for another four-year term. Former School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski took out papers for two positions: the School Committee and a Town Meeting seat in Precinct 8.

Nothing is official yet. Each of these candidates may run or decide not to. They have about four weeks – up until 5 p.m. on Sept. 19 – to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office for certification of signatures. Fifty certified signatures of registered voters are required for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, the Housing Authority and the nine-member Charter Commission. Only 10 certified signatures of registered voters are required for Town Meeting, but each of the signatures must be from registered voters in the candidate’s precinct. Sept. 15 is the final day to obtain nomination papers – just four days before the filing deadline.

Stay tuned.

 

A slew of “Shout Outs”

  It’s always great when we receive multiple “shout outs” in any given week, like we did this week. There is no such thing as too many “Shout Outs” for The Saugus Advocate. So, here we go:

Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “This is a Happy Birthday ‘Shout Out’ to Jeannie Meredith this Friday, August 18th!! Jeannie and I share the same name and the same Birthday!! We Leos have to stick together and we never tell our ages, hee-hee!! Hope you have the best Birthday ever Jeannie!!!”

Jeannie Meredith is an administrative aid to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. If she’s working today, she will probably get a lot of visitors and maybe some cake. Happy Birthday, Jeanie and Jeannie!

Sue Fleming, a frequent “Shout Out” contributor, offered “Shout Outs” to two staff members at the Saugus Public Library: “One is for Denise who runs the Adult Coloring group. She always has coloring books and pages, postcards and bookmarks for us to color and a fantastic assortment of colored pencils and gel pens for us to use. It is fun to color and we do a fair amount of socializing as well.

“The second Shout Out is for Lisa who runs the Tween and Teen Craft Group. She joined our coloring group last Wednesday and showed us some of the craft items the kids have made. Very impressive! We are lucky to have both Denise and Lisa as part of the library staff.”

Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano: “Shout Outs to my good friends Peter Nicolo and Mike Allan for organizing the outdoor barbeque reunion at the Elks on August 26th. It will be a great time, hope to see you all there.”

Cogliano is a proud member of the Saugus High School Class of 1984.

Eugene Decareau: “I would like to give a nice big ‘Shout Out’ to Alan Thibeault, the Director of the Saugus Public Library, for everything he and his staff are doing to bring this town together. I think it’s wonderful for him to work with Saugus Iron Works to organize the free summer concert series, which has provided us some great entertainment. The library staff has also done a great job in organizing all of the programs.”

 

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.

 

Toe Jam Puppet Band Next week

  During my seven and a half years as Editor of The Saugus Advocate, I have done as much as possible to promote programs at the Saugus Public Library, particularly its summer reading program. A good library is an essential, stabilizing part of any civic-minded community.

While preparing for another “Saugus Over Coffee” forum at the library on Monday, Amy Melton, head of the Children’s Department at the library, approached me and wanted to make sure that we are aware of a special celebration that will be happening at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site on Thursday (Aug. 24) at 3:30 p.m. The library will be teaming up again with the Iron Works for a special “End of Summer Reading Party, starring the Toe Jam Puppet Band.

All ages are invited. It’s free and no registration is required. But this one is really for the kids of Saugus Public Schools who spent thousands of hours collectively this summer, participating in an awesome shark-themed summer reading program called “Reading is Jawsome.” Next Thursday’s party is funded in part by the Saugus Cultural Council.

While at the library this week, I noticed a bunch of books about sharks waiting on the shelves to be read and all sorts of prizes ready to be presented to some latecomers who want to jump on board this great program, which is in its final days. So, there’s still time to get some reading in, kids. Better late than never. Just look for the article “Reading is Jawsome,” which has all the details. And you can also enjoy the Toe Jam Puppet Band next Thursday!

Be sure to check the online library calendar for any weather-related updates.

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  For the Precinct 8 residents who turned out to the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library Monday night (Aug. 14) expecting to meet several of their Town Meeting members, it had to be very disappointing. Only one of their five Town Meeting members – veteran member Thomas E. Traverse – attended, making himself available to answer residents’ questions while offering his views on what he believes are the important issues facing his precinct. Precinct 8 Town Meeting Members Jason A. Khan, William Kramich, Jr., William E. Cross III and Anthony J. LoPresti were all “no shows.” They all received invitations emailed to them as well as a letter from The Saugus Advocate three weeks before the event.

I realize we’re in the closing weeks of summer and it’s possible that these members were unable to attend because of vacation plans or work commitments. But it would have been nice for them to at least acknowledge the invitation. If they were unable to attend, I would have provided them an opportunity to email me a statement, which I would have read into the record for the benefit of their constituents who came out to hear what they had to say.

It is disappointing that only one out of a possible 10 Town Meeting members has shown up to the last two forums. And only one of the nine who were absent emailed me to say they wouldn’t be coming. But as is the case in each of these forums, there is some benefit for the citizens who do show up.

Former Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Eugene Decareau agreed to sit on the panel with Tom Traverse and add his perspective to issues facing the precinct. Once again, Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta and Selectman Michael Serino attended the forum, took copious notes of concerns expressed by the residents and offered feedback about the various concerns. The residents got an audience with two selectmen. So, that was a productive development. And it was clear that the residents appreciated the opportunity to fire a few questions at the selectmen.

And there was another benefit for Precinct 8 residents who didn’t attend, but are interested in the forum and may watch it later on Saugus TV. They may learn that other citizens share similar concerns about issues facing their precinct. There’s also a benefit for aspiring candidates who are thinking about running for a seat on Town Meeting to represent Precinct 8. They will be versed on some of their precinct’s issues as they prepare for a possible campaign.

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 in 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 9 – Sept. 11; Precinct 10 – Oct. 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.

 

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 through August 30. There are two more concerts to close out our 2023 lineup:

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!

 

Founder’s Day Book Sale

The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are preparing for their September 9 Founders Day Book Sale in the Community Room. They are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover adult fiction and children’s books. Please limit donations to only adult fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for adult nonfiction or media like music CDs and DVDs. And please… clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, odors, stains or battered/dirty covers!

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

 

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.

  Meet Eleanor Roosevelt at the library: At the Saugus Public Library, you will have the chance to meet Eleanor Roosevelt as actress Sheryl Faye brings her to life in a one woman performance. Faye, a graduate of Emerson College, has appeared in movies (“Analyze That,” “The Perfect Storm”) and television shows (“Sex and the City,” “The Sopranos”). Since beginning to portray famous women – from Laura Ingalls Wilder to Queen Elizabeth II – Faye has received rave reviews. Please register to join us at the Saugus Public Library on Tuesday, August 22, at 6:30 p.m. to meet Eleanor Roosevelt, the First Lady of the World – Sheryl Faye Presents Tea with Eleanor Roosevelt. The event is free, but you must register at https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org

 Storywalk: Check out a Storywalk – also on Thursday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m. – at the Iron Works. This event, which is led by Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE), will feature a back-to-school story, “All Are Welcome,” by Alexandra Penfold.

  Snakes of New England: Snakes of New England – and the World! On Monday, August 28, at 10:30 a.m. at the Iron Works! Meet some amazing snakes presented by Rick Roth of Cape Ann Vernal Ponds. All outdoor events at the Iron Works are subject to change due to the weather. Please check the online event calendar on the morning of the event for updates.

  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! August 18 and 25; weekly summer crafts on Fridays from 10-11 a.m. in the Brooks Room; fifth through 12^th grades. No registration necessary, just come by and bring your friends! Attendees will be making bracelets, clay animals, flower prints, earbud holders, wizard wands, mini light sabers and fabric bookmarks and doing some cookie decorating.

  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)

  “Sketch Artist” exhibit: This month’s exhibit in the Reading Room features the Saugonian luminaries of 2020, done by the Saugus Advocate Sketch Artist in the “Guess Who Got Sketched” series. Portraits of individuals from Saugus (and one special location) who were featured in The Saugus Advocate during the unprecedented events of COVID-19 during 2020 are up on display. For the past three years, Saugus’ only newspaper ran a sketch each week done by the formerly secret sketch artist – unveiled this year as Joanie Allbee. Readers could guess the identity of the portrait subject and there would be a drawing from the correct answers. The person whose name was drawn would receive an award, usually a gift card to a local business.

  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). The next session is Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library

 

Legion Breakfasts returning soon

Debbie Faust, building manager of Saugus American Legion Post 210, announced this week some good news for folks who enjoy the Friday morning breakfasts at Legion Hall: “The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor Street in Saugus will be starting its weekly Friday morning breakfasts for the 2023-24 season on Friday, September 8. Doors open at 7:30, with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free.”

 

Veterans Food Market

  The Veterans Food Market will always be held on the third Wednesday of each month. The distribution point is at the Saugus Senior Center. The food market will take place from 10:30 to noon each month. The next Veterans Food Market is Wednesday, August 16, 2023. ln order to ensure that we have the proper amount of food and to avoid waste, we are no longer going to make telephone calls to clients to confirm their monthly participation. lf you are on our list, we are going to assume that you will be attending. We would ask that you contact us one week in advance if you will not be participating. lf you no-show twice without notifying us, you may be dropped from our list and may not be able to participate in the future. Veterans and/or eligible dependents of Veterans must be preregistered with the Saugus Veterans’ Services Office to participate in the food market.

PIease feel free to contact the Saugus Veterans’ Service Officer, Paul Cancelliere, or Nancy Stead at 781-231-4010 or email nstead@sauqus-ma.gov to register or with any additional questions.

 

Kowloon launches outdoor dining

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North) in 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.

 

Rockin’ 4 Vets concert at Kowloon!

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents a classic rock Summer Sun-Days Veterans Benefit Concert on August 20 with an initiative to assist veterans’ organizations throughout Massachusetts with PTSD, addictions and homelessness. The concert details: 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.

 

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.

 

CHaRM facility is open

  The CHaRM facility 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 of Saugus 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.

 

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 StJohnsSaugus@gmail.com and leave a message with your contact information!

 

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 saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com.

 

Saugus Democratic Town Committee seeks new members

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee currently has openings for new members. The primary function of the Committee is the selection and support of Democratic candidates for office both locally and at the state level. It also works to support voter education and voter registration.

If you are a registered Democratic living in Saugus and are interested in playing an active role in the political process in Saugus as a Democrat, contact Committee Chairman Joe Malone at lincoln66in56@verizon.net.

 

Sharon’s Sneaker Crew is back

Sharon Genovese and her group – Sharon’s Sneaker Crew – will be walking on Oct. 1 in the Boston Marathon Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk. The crew will also be sponsoring a craft fair in September. All the proceeds will be going to the Jimmy Fund. If you need more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617-966-3475 or email her at sunkin1@aol.com.

 

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 he 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 psnicolo2533@comcast.net – 978-815-8234 or Mike Allan (1979) at Allan7915@gmail.com – 781-953-2279.

 

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 mvoge@comcast.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 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 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.