The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

  This time next week, your head might be spinning a little as you try to do some homework on the 27 candidates running for nine seats on the Saugus Charter Commission in the Nov. 7 town election.

I know my head was whirling at high speed this week after having completed the task of moderating three straight nights (Monday-Wednesday) of forums in the second-floor auditorium at Town Hall, which were attended by 23 of the candidates. In my 51 years as a newspaper reporter covering local politics, I have never had to interview so many candidates.in one setting.

In my days as the Lake County government reporter for The Leesburg Commercial in Central Florida, I had to cover a dozen candidates running for county commission – but not all at once. And it was kind of a fun assignment, because I had to travel all over the country, meeting the candidates at their homes or offices. I was assigned to do long human-interest pieces for the paper. And it was a lot of fun, doing magazine length interviews. It was manageable, too, because my work was spread out over a couple weeks.

The recent forums I moderated in Saugus Town Hall were a lot more challenging, especially organizing a plan of action and sending emails to the candidates on very short notice. But, after three nights of talks from candidates whose names will be on the Nov. 7 election ballot, at least the voters will have a good source of knowledge about the Charter Commission candidates and the process for studying and making refinements in Saugus government – if that’s an option that Saugus voters want to consider. Stay tuned.

 

SAVE Selectmen candidates forum Oct. 25

Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will sponsor a forum for candidates for the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, Oct. 25, starting at 7 p.m. at the Saugus Town Hall Auditorium (298 Central St.). Doors will be open to the public at 6:30 p.m. for this free event.

As we have in the past, SAVE provides this public-service forum for candidates for the Board of Selectmen so that each candidate can share their views of the critical environmental issues facing our town. The event will also be televised live on Comcast Channel 8 by SCTV in order to reach as many residents as possible. In addition, the public will be able to view the event the following day at https://vimeo.com/saugustelevision. SAVE hopes the public will plan to join us for this informative event.

For more information about SAVE, please contact Ann at http://adevlin@aisle10.net. You can also visit our website at http://www.saugussave.com or follow the link to our Facebook page.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 20) 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”

  Joyce Vecchiarelli, of Peter A. Rossetti Insurance Agency, Inc., is grateful that things are falling into place as other organizers are preparing for the First Annual Pet Parade, which is set for next Saturday, Oct. 28: “We would like to thank the following people for their participation in Breakheart’s First Annual Pet Parade taking place on Saturday October 28. Registration begins at 10:00. Saugus Animal Hospital, Poochies Dog Grooming and Bry-Anne Mustone, animal trainer to name a few. Costumes are optional prizes for best costume and best personality.”

There will be Raffle prizes and giveaways.

 

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.

 

Hammersmith Quilters Show – Nov. 4-5

  The Hammersmith Quilters Show: Around the Block is just two weekends away. It is set for Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. Admission is $6; age 12 and under free. There will be quilts on display, a boutique with quilts and homemade items for sale, vendors, penny sale baskets and more! The show will feature a featherweight sewing machine raffle as well. Handicap accessible and plenty of parking.

 

Appleton’s Faithful Workers

  On Sunday, Oct. 15, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution, Regent and Woman of the Year 2023 Gail Cassarino, Vice Regent Wendy Renda and Chaplain Jacalyn Bracewell and Jack Klecker 2023 Man of the Year were out cleaning, raking, weeding and planting new fall / winter plants at Appleton’s Pulpit. Jack Klecker’s truck was filled to the brim with bags of leaves and sticks. To quote the sign on Appleton’s pulpit “In 1687 Major Appleton of Ipswich made an announcement on this rock denouncing the tyranny of the Royal Governor Sir Edmond Andros a watch was stationed on the hill to give warning of any approach of the Crown Officials.” D.A.R. has taken on this area for restoration as their project; submitted by Joan Allbee, secretary of the DAR work team.

 

A pet parade at Breakheart

Breakheart Reservation will host its First Annual Pet Parade on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Christopher Dunne Visitor Center, 177 Forest St., Saugus. A $10 cash only donation is requested to enter the contest. Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume and Best Personality to the animals that parade around in front of the center. Raffle prizes will be open to all who donate. Proceeds will be used by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation for park activities and future events. The event is being sponsored by the Friends and Peter A. Rossetti Insurance.

 

“The Old Sachem” to address Saugus Historical Society on Nov. 8

On Wednesday, November 8 at 7 p.m., “The Nation’s First Subway System” will be the topic of the Saugus Historical Society meeting at 30 Main St. Bill Stewart, “The Old Sachem,” who writes a weekly column in The Saugus Advocate, will speak about the beginning of the subway system in Boston, the first such transportation in the country. Light refreshments will be available, and this event will be recorded by Saugus TV. As always, this meeting is free and open to the general public. We are hoping to reschedule the Appleton’s Pulpit lecture, which was canceled due to illness in October.

 

Thanksgiving at Saugus United Parish Food Pantry – sign up for a Thanksgiving meal box

Register in person by Friday, Nov. 10, at the times and dates listed below for a meal box that includes a turkey, fresh produce, dessert and other staples (50 Essex St. in Saugus).

Fridays: 9:30-11:00 a.m. during Food Pantry: October 20, 27; November 3 and 10.

Wednesdays: 6:00-7:00 p.m. – sign up only, no Food Pantry: November 1 and 8.

 

Able to donate or volunteer?

Give thanks by helping us to support our neighbors and strengthen our communities! Contact office@cliftondalecc.org to set up a food drive or volunteer. Donate by Friday, November 10: jarred or canned gravy, cranberry sauce, canned veggies, canned fruit, boxed stuffing mix, boxed mashed potatoes, boxed mac & cheese, corn bread mix. Other nonperishable foods like pasta, rice, canned soup, canned beans, etc. are also welcome.

Volunteer Friday, November 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and/or Saturday, November 18 from 7 a.m.-12 p.m.: help to sort, pack and distribute.

 

For loss of loved ones

The Saugus YMCA is hosting a session, “Grieving A Loved One,” every Thursday in October, from 6:30 to 7:30. The topics include the grieving process, coping skills and moving forward. The Facilitator is 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.

 

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.

Tarot for Teens: Thursday, November 2, 4-5 p.m. in the Brooks Room; age 11 and up. Learn the meanings of the cards and have a group reading done.

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 in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library.

 

Curbside pickup begins Monday

The Town of Saugus announces that fall curbside leaf collection will take place during the following weeks:

Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27, 2023

Monday, November 6 – Friday, November 10, 2023

Monday, November 27 – Friday, December 1, 2023

Residents should place leaves outside by 7 a.m. during their regularly scheduled collection day on the dates listed above. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If using barrels, however, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall, at 298 Central St. in Saugus, or at the DPW at 515 Main St. in Saugus. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches, and brush will not be accepted.

Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pick-ups” will not be conducted.

Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

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.