The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

 

We are only four days away from the biennial town election (Tuesday, Nov. 7), and I couldn’t be happier, as I am winding down a most grueling stretch of local journalism. Hopefully, from reading through today’s edition and all of the issues last month, our loyal readers have enough information on the 100-plus candidates running so they can make an informed decision when they go to the polls and vote on Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The main event in this year’s election, overshadowing everything else, is Question #1: Shall a commission be elected to revise the Charter of the Town of Saugus? Along with that question, voters will be asked to choose nine of the 27 candidates who are running for Charter Commission.

For those folks who want to know more about the candidates, please punch into Vimeo SaugusTV on your computer and look for the Charter Commission forums cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and SaugusTV that were broadcast Oct. 16-18. I moderated the forums and interviewed the 23 candidates who turned out. One of the forums was a little over an hour, and the other two lasted less than an hour – everything you need to know on each of those 23 candidates, from why they are running, whether they want to see specific changes in Saugus government and what they would do if elected to the commission. If you haven’t viewed them yet, spread them out: Watch one tomorrow, Sunday and Monday, and you will be in a better position to make your nine choices.

As for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee races, we have published political announcements for all seven candidates in each race. We covered the only political forum attended by all seven selectman candidates in last week’s paper. We also published the statements the candidates made to Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE), which sponsored the forum.

This week, I had plans to moderate a forum for the seven candidates running for the School Committee. But that forum got canceled because of the School Committee meeting that was scheduled for Wednesday (Nov. 1) night. However, the same questions that I had given to the School Committee candidates in advance and their responses are published in today’s “The Advocate Asks.” If you are interested in knowing more about the School Committee candidates, take a look at the questions and answers in today’s paper.

As for the respective Town Meeting races, I have been doing my best since January moderating the “Saugus Over Coffee” forums – cosponsored by the Saugus Public Library and The Saugus Advocate. If you missed it, tune into Vimeo on SaugusTV and look for your own precinct, see what your Town Meeting members who attended had to say and take the time to talk to the candidates if you encounter them this weekend. They should be visible in your neighborhood. Fortunately, this year, nobody gets elected to the 50 Town Meeting seats without election competition. Two years ago, Town Meeting candidates in half of the precincts got elected without opposition.

If you consider yourself a civic-minded Saugus resident, show it on Tuesday by going to the polls and voting. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

It looks like the end for Superintendent McMahon

Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon has been on paid administrative leave since January, when the School Committee launched an investigation into alleged misconduct. The School Committee has been mum on the issue for nine months, refusing to answer any questions. Meanwhile, the superintendent has steadfastly insisted she’s innocent of any wrongdoing and has been mistreated by the committee and has been kept in the dark on the nature of the charges against her.

It appears that McMahon’s firing was a possible outcome as we went to press yesterday. But members would have to take a vote to make it official, of course.

There was an executive session posted for the School Committee yesterday (Thursday, Nov. 2), set to begin at 4:30 p.m. in the School Committee Room at 25 Dow St., “to discuss the discipline or dismissal of Superintendent Erin McMahon. Returning to open session.” Unfortunately, it was past our publication deadline. But it sure looks like the superintendent, who was hired on a five-year, $200,000-a-year contract that would have paid her more than a million dollars, has worn out her welcome in Saugus – if the School Committee takes that decisive vote.

There was another executive session held Wednesday (Nov. 1) to discuss the status of Acting Superintendent Michael Hashem and to discuss administrative planning.

Stay tuned for more details in next week’s issue.

 

Hammersmith Quilters Show – Nov. 4-5

If you want a break from local politics this weekend, check out the Hammersmith Quilters Show: Around the Block. It is set for tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 4) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday (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.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Nov. 3) 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.

 

Board of Selectmen Food Drive – Nov. 4

The Board of Selectmen will hold a food drive tomorrow (Saturday, Nov.4), from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Elementary School. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry needs donations, especially with Thanksgiving and other holidays coming soon, as well as people who need help during the year. Saugus has always been extremely giving, and we are asking for you to drive up to the Veterans School (39 Hurd Ave.) and drop off any food item you would like to donate. Nonperishable items, such as canned vegetables, stuffing mix, canned gravy, cranberry sauce, canned soups, cereal and pasta, or any other food item to help people in need, would be appreciated. Please check the expiration dates on your donations to be sure they haven’t passed the use-by date. Thank you for always being there in time of need!

 

“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.

 

Special “Shout Outs”

We didn’t receive any nominations for Shout Outs. So, let’s give a big collective “Shout Out” to everyone involved in helping to make the Thanksgiving meal (Nov. 23) more enjoyable to less fortunate people in the community. All those people down at the Food Pantry and the folks involved in various food drives, hats off to you all.

 

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.

 

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: November 3 and 10.

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

 

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Pam Emery for being selected as the winner of last week’s “Contest Sketch of the Week.” She will receive a $10 gift certificate from the Hammersmith Family Restaurant – the sponsor of the contest.

Now, for this week’s answer, from the Saugus resident who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist:

“The answer to last week’s sketch is the talented Miss Heather Savoie . Heather is a Saugonian, artist and Published poet. I thought it would be nice to share one of Heather’s poems and see for yourself her love of creatures, wildlife and her heart of gold. Yours Truly The Sketch Artist”

 

THE PROWLER

A poem by Heather Savoie

 

Mysterious creature – prowler in the night

To some, you are lovely. To others – a fright

With large, pointed ears, bushy tail, and bright eyes

Are you truly as mischievous as we’d characterize?

We ponder how you got here – you’re a stranger, it would seem

While we’ve dug up your land, and laid claim to your stream

Down lantern-lit paths, we’ve forced you to roam

As you traverse urban sidewalks, do you long for your home?

Does your heart give a flutter, when that forest, you recall?

Does your melancholy cry express a longing to us all?

Though adapting well, are you – do you still feel the pain

When, driven from the wilds, into our suburbs, you came?

As we glimpse you from our windows, and hear your mournful cries

Your presence, do we love, or do we, your face, despise?

With our neighbors, we often argue – have you right to be alive?

While, roaming through our streets, you need fight, now, to survive

Fearing our pets’ safety, you’re a sight most hate to observe

Yet, verily, there’s no creature, that would ever, death, deserve

Showing you respect, respect, for us, you’ll show

Living side-by-side, in our knowledge, we can grow

Mysterious coyote – prowling through the night

To some, you are lovely. To others – a fright

As you wander through our town, bushy tail, gleaming eyes

Are you truly much more marvelous than we may ever realize?

 

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.

  Explore new places and seek new adventures: Looking for new places to walk, explore or kayak? Come meet Heather Goss of Area Essex National Heritage Area – Connecting Essex County, Mass. (essexheritage.org) – and discover all the places and activities you didn’t know are available to you in your own backyard. Learn how you can spend a night in a lighthouse, follow historic trails and learn about local flora and fauna and Essex County history. No registration is required – all ages – Monday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

Comedy lineup at the Kowloon Restaurant

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus, has set its autumn comedy lineup continuing into November with shows, including starring Tony V from Comedy Central. Here’s the schedule:

  Nov. 3: Brad Mastrangelo (“Comics Come Home”), Danny Kelly, Dustin Pueschel.

  Nov. 10: Tony V (“Seinfeld,” “The Heat” and “The Town”), Mark Scalia, Andrew Della Volpe.

  Nov. 24: Mark Riley (Boston Comedy Festival Runner-Up, former NHL referee), Carolyn Plummer, James Hamilton.

Shows start at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for reserved seating are $20. Must be 18 years or older to attend. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online (www.kowloonrestaurant.com).

 

Curbside pickup begins Monday

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

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

 

Reaching out to Sachem sports champs

Calling all former Saugus High School athletes – boys and girls – who played on regional and/or state championship teams. Saugus Public Schools officials invite you to be part of a special upcoming event planned for the fall that seeks to honor any members of Saugus High School girls and boys sports who were on Conference, Regional and/or State Championship teams who could come to the new MSHS complex for the unveiling ceremony for new banners in the Gym. The Saugus School Committee’s Athletic sub-committee, along with Acting Superintendent Mike Hashem, are looking to locate Saugus High School athletes who participated on the following Conference and/or State Championship Teams to invite them to the unveiling of the Saugus High School Championship Banners.

This event will take place on Tuesday, November 21, at 6 p.m. during Saugus High Spirit Week. If you played on any of these girls or boys teams, please email Saugus School Committee Member Dennis Gould at jdgould1969@aol.com or call him at his cell phone – 617-257-4847. Any members of these championship Saugus High School teams in their respective sports will be welcome guests on Nov. 21.

  Girls Volleyball: 2021.

  Girls Softball: 1972, 1975, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1999, 2001, 2011, 2021 and 2023.

Girls Field Hockey: 1978, 1982, 1986, 1987, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  Girls Basketball: 1973, 1984, 1985, 1987, 2017, 2019 and 2023.

  Girls Soccer: 2004, 2005 and 2018.

  Girls Tennis: 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Girls Track Indoors: 2005, 2006 and 2007.

  Outdoors: 2005.

  Cheerleading: 1984, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012.

  Boys Baseball: 1969 and 1984.

  Boys Basketball: 1991 and 1984.

  Boys Hockey: 1948, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

  Boys Soccer: 1975, 1995, 1997 and 2022.

  Boys Golf: 1981, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002.

Boys Track Indoors: 2020.

Boys Tennis: 1997 and 2007.

  Boys Football: 1944, 1959, 1975 and 1977.

  Boys Cross-Country: 1967.

 

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.