The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

 

We’re just eight days away from one of the most unifying events that the town has to offer – particularly for newcomers to town. For the second year in a row, the Saugus Middle-High School Complex, at 1 Pearce Memorial Dr., will be hosting Saugus 4-1-1 next Saturday (Oct. 14), 9 a.m. through noon.

“This year’s Saugus 4-1-1 event has grown substantially over our first-time last year,” Selectman Corinne Riley told me this week. “We have received 30 requests for non-profit groups and committees to be a part of this wonderful event welcoming new families, and inviting all Saugus residents whether they have lived here for 1 year or 60 years to learn about what Saugus has to offer as well as questions anyone may have concerning our town and the school district along with these non-profit groups including youth sports, houses of worship, clubs, police/fire, veteran groups, seniors, library information, and so much more!”

Riley was the instigator of last year’s event, which was a very productive start of what could turn into a great tradition for a community that’s lacking a Chamber of Commerce.

“This year, there are three added features to get people interested in their organization. The Saugus Theater Company will perform a sample from their upcoming production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ the Lions will have their Eye mobile testing sight and hearing, and the Saugus Garden Club will have a demonstration as well. Everyone who has been involved in supporting and organizing this event, hope many new as well as all Saugonians stop in to see what our town has to offer!”

I can tell you from having attended last year’s event, that it’s well worth your while and your family’s time to attend Saugus 4-1-1, whether you are a newcomer trying to get oriented to Saugus or a longtime resident who wants a refresher course on the government entities, town departments and local organizations that make Saugus tick.

“Take in everything there is to find out about our town,” declares a postcard-sized promotion that’s been circulating in recent weeks. “Learn about non-profit, youth sports and clubs you or your family may be interested in, town information, Senior Center, Library Groups, Houses of Worship, School District information.”

Tours of the complex will be available. For further information or questions, please email Saugus411@gmail.com

If you haven’t done so already and are free next Saturday morning, mark it down on your calendar as a must event.

 

Pink Out Game Sunday

  Saugus Youth Football & Cheer will be holding their annual “Pink Out Game” this Sunday (Oct. 8) at the high school football field, starting with flag football at 12:30 p.m. and with the seventh/eighth grade team ending the night under the lights with a 7 p.m. game. Organizers will have raffle baskets, donations opportunities and a 50/50 raffle with proceeds from these opportunities going to Saugus families that are battling cancer. Saugus Youth Football & Cheer has invited the whole community and our opponent communities out to support the cause and have some fun while they’re at it.

 

Italian Night Dinner at Elks on Oct. 12

The Saugus-Everett Elks annual Italian Night dinner will be held on Thursday, October 12, in the Parkview Room of the Lodge at 401 Main St. in Saugus. Cocktails at 6:30, dinner at 7:30, followed by a few laughs and presentations to our honorees. Town Clerk Ellen Schena will be honored as our Public Servant of the Year and Principal of Northeast Metro-Tech Carla Scuzzarella as our Educator of the Year.

Tickets for the dinner are $15 per person and can be reserved by contacting chairman Steve Doherty at precinct4steve@gmail.com or 617-956-2560. All proceeds benefit local Elks charities.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 6) from 9:30-11 a.m.

 

Legion Breakfast today

There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2023-24 season. 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 for free.

 

Special “Shout Outs”

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree offered a special “Shout Out” after learning that Saugus has been awarded $11,700 in funds from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) Recycling Dividends Program:

“We’re thrilled to receive this grant. I want to give a special thanks to Scott Brazis for his efforts as the Town’s Director of Solid Waste/Recycling. These funds are in recognition of the commitment our residents and businesses have made to reducing the waste stream so that less material flows to landfills and incinerators. These funds will help us continue to expand our efforts. When we all recycle, everyone benefits.”

MassDEP awards municipalities funds from the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. The Town of Saugus has earned nine points and will receive $11,700. The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program was created under 310 CMR 19.300-303 and the Green Communities Act, which directs a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Waste Energy Certificates to recycling programs approved by MassDEP. This year, MassDEP is awarding more than $5 million total to 283 municipalities and regional groups.

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Public Works Director Brendan O’Regan offered high praise for Brett Lincoln and Charles Graffeo, two “new team members” who have been hired for the Saugus Department of Public Works. Lincoln has spent the past nine years as a Marine Terminal Operator for Global Petroleum in Revere. Graffeo has been a temporary seasonal employee at the Saugus DPW during the past two years and recently graduated from University of New Hampshire. Both new team members are Saugus residents.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of both Mr. Graffeo and Mr. Lincoln,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “They both value the importance of public service and will be dedicated to responsive and professional service to the people and businesses of Saugus.”

“I’m thrilled to add these two gentlemen to our team,” said DPW Director O’Regan. “Brett and Charlie are top-notch, and I know the people of Saugus will be well served by both of them.”

 

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.

 

Historical Society hosts talk on Appleton’s Pulpit

On Wednesday, Oct. 11, Paul Kenworthy will give a talk on “Appleton’s Pulpit: Samuel Appleton and The First American Revolution” at the Saugus Historical Society meeting at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. Paul is a National Park Ranger at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and Vice President of the Saugus Historical Society. In 1687, words were spoken from the top of a large rock outcrop in Saugus against the tyranny of Great Britain in its demands from the colonies. The meeting is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

 

Town Election Watch

  The countdown is on for the biennial town election – set for Nov. 7. There are only four more editions after today until the election. I’m making comprehensive coverage of the candidates and the issues my top priority for the next four editions after today.

We should know by today (Friday, Oct. 6) about the placement of candidates on this year’s town election ballot. Town Clerk Ellen Schena and the Board of Registrars met yesterday in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall for a drawing of the ballot positions. Getting their name placed higher on the ballot could provide an edge to candidates in races where a lot of folks are running.

And, of course, nothing beats staying visible and getting the word out to potential voters. As a public service, The Saugus Advocate again will provide free political announcements accompanied by a headshot photo. But please be concise and straightforward in getting your message out. Candidates should be able to say what they need to say in 200 to 400 words. Introduce yourself, summarize your background and state what makes your candidacy special. But be brief and don’t wait until the final weeks to make your announcement.

One of the most important jobs of any newspaper is to provide accurate, fair and thorough coverage of a local election. For the next five weeks up until election day, The Saugus Advocate will strive to do that. And hopefully, win or lose, the election campaign will be a positive experience for the participating candidates. Hopefully, each candidate, through the campaign, will contribute to the betterment of Saugus.

At the moment, I am in talks with SaugusTV, in hopes of arranging several candidate debates or forums to better educate the voters about the major issues being debated in the context of this year’s political campaign. Like the previous three town election campaigns I have covered since taking over as editor of The Saugus Advocate in March 2016, we will be dedicating “The Advocate Asks” column to questioning the Board of Selectmen and School Committee candidates about important issues which concern them. We will also take a closer look at the Charter Commission and the Housing Authority races as well as the 10 Town Meeting races.

 

SAVE Selectmen candidates forum – Oct. 25

  This late-breaking announcement is from Pamela J. Goodwin, secretary for Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE). “Once again, SAVE is hosting its Environmental Candidates Night for Board of Selectmen candidates. The event will be held at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, October 25rd, from 7 to 9 p.m.”

Stay tuned.

 

Candidates’ announcements on Saugus TV

Saugus TV cordially invites candidates for the Saugus Board of Selectmen and School Committee to take advantage of our three-minute speech opportunities at Saugus TV. This is an excellent chance for you to introduce yourself to the community and share your vision for the upcoming election. Our state-of-the-art studio, conveniently located at 30 Main Street, will be available to candidates to deliver their speeches. To secure your time slot, kindly get in touch with Rachel Brugman, Saugus TV’s Operations Manager, at 781-231-2883 or R.Brugman@SaugusTV.org. All speeches must be recorded by 5 p.m. on October 19, 2023. Additionally, we are pleased to offer digital signage opportunities for candidates running for all offices, granting you exposure on our community bulletin board located on Comcast Channel 8 in Saugus. These slides will run from October 7 to November 7. We look forward to collaborating with all of you!

 

A word from “The Pumpkin Patch”

  The First Congregational Annual Pumpkin Patch is up-and-running and will be open through Halloween, October 31. Pumpkins of all sizes are displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Come and visit our Pumpkin Patch. It will put you in the fall spirit,” Pumpkin Patch coordinator Carl Spencer said. “The pumpkins are going fast, so come and choose yours. On Saturday, October 14 at 9am the second Pumpkin Truck arrives with more pumpkins. Help will be needed to unload the truck. The church truly enjoys hosting this great fall event.”

 

Town Democrats meet Oct. 18

  The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will hold its monthly meeting on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. in the Police Training Room at the Saugus Public Safety Building (27 Hamilton St.). Members of the public are welcome to attend. The primary function of the Committee is the support of Democratic candidates for office, both locally and at the state level. For questions contact saugusdtc@gmail.com.

 

Town Republicans meet Oct. 12

  The next meeting of the Saugus Republican Town Committee will be on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the MEG Building (58 Essex St.). There are several important items of business on the committee’s agenda:

• Nomination papers for the Saugus Republican Town Committee membership
• Signature petition papers for the Voter Identification Requirement
• Signature petition papers for Auditing of State Legislature
• Meet & Greet” table at the “New Saugus Resident” (Saugus 4-1-1) event on Saturday, Oct. 14

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  The final “Saugus Over Coffee” forum is set for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library and will feature Precinct 10.

For those Saugus residents who are 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. 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.

Stay tuned for more information as “Saugus Over Coffee” continues. 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.

 

For loss of loved ones

The Saugus YMCA will host a session, “Grieving A Loved One,” every Thursday in October, from 6:30 to 7:30. The topics will include the grieving process, coping skills and moving forward. The Facilitator will be Ed Bernard, Health Care Chaplain and Pastor (508-245-8885). There is no charge. All that is asked of participants in these groups is to respect the privacy of others without judgment. Please email dcolarossi@metronorthymca.org to register or with any questions.

 

Saugus Cultural Council Seeking Funding Proposals

Educational, artistic and community-engagement project organizers in Saugus and neighboring residents are encouraged to apply for a part of the $14,900 funding the Saugus Cultural Council has received from Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, to award in a Local Cultural Council (LCC) grant. The deadline to submit an application for an LCC grant is October 17. These grants can support a variety of activities in Saugus, including exhibits, classes, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, performances in schools, workshops and lectures. Previously funded Saugus Cultural Council projects include Saugus Concerts at the Iron Works, classical music concerts at the Saugus Public Library, school field trips to the Boston Tea Party Museum and North Shore Music Theater and passes for the Museum of Science, various workshops for children, adults and seniors, and numerous other activities and performances throughout the region.

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the Mass Cultural Council Website to learn more about the MCC LCC Program Guidelines and to view the Saugus Cultural Council’s priorities at https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/saugus/. Contact the Saugus Cultural Council at saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com for more information or questions before submitting.

 

Upcoming Fall events at Breakheart

The state Department of Conservation & Recreation has released the following listing of events at Breakheart Reservation this fall.

Easy Like a Sunday Morning Hike: Join the park interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features that make Breakheart unique. Hikes will be moderately paced and range from two to three miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages eight years and up. Meet at the Visitor’s Center. Heavy rain cancels. Wednesday, October 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Breakheart Birding Club: Help our park interpreter identify and count the many different birds that visit Breakheart! Take part in this worldwide project to document the distribution, abundance and movements of thousands of species of birds. Binoculars are encouraged but not necessary. First time birders welcome! Best for adults and older children. Meet outside the Visitor’s Center. Rain cancels. Fridays: October 6 and 13, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Kidleidoscope: Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately one mile, though not accessible for strollers; appropriate for families with children three to five years old. Meet at the Visitor’s Center on Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Family Fishing at Camp Nihan: Join our park interpreter for a drop-in fishing program! Learn how to fish, what fish live in our ponds and how to catch and release responsibly. Bait and a handful of rods will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gear and share your tips! No license required if fishing in this program. Appropriate for families with children five years and older. Meet at Camp Nihan; follow signs once you’re there. Rain cancels.

 

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.

  Create your own Wearable Art: Join us on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. when fiber artist Rhonda M. Fazio will guide participants in making wearable art. Each participant will design their own three-color silk scarf. Each color is handcrafted from natural, raw materials extracted without the use of harmful chemicals. By the end of the class, you will have a unique and beautiful piece of wearable art made entirely by you and you’ll have learned about the history and origins of color.

Rhonda’s studio, Dyer Maker Studio, is a transportable maker space specializing in the art and craft of sustainable textile design and wearable art – clothing for every body type, naturally. Rhonda is a graduate of art history from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Prior to UMD, she studied Professional Craft: Fiber and Clay at Haywood Community College near Asheville, North Carolina

This is a free class for adults, but space is limited. Please sign up on our website – sauguspubliclibrary.org – or call the Reference Department at 781-231-4168.

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)

  Calling all Teen Club Readers: Lisa LeJeune, Young Adult/Reference Librarian, invites members of the Teen Club to meet once a month to discuss a teen graphic novel. Interested club members can pick up copies of the book at the Main Desk. Club meetings will be held on the last Tuesday of the month from 5-5:30 p.m. in the Teen Room. Grade 5 and up – to sign up, please call 781-231-4168, come in or sign up using the library’s Online Events Calendar. The first book will be “Pumpkinheads” by Rainbow Rowell.

  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)

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, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library.

 

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 National Historic Site.