The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

 

Tomorrow, the nation celebrates Veterans Day, a special holiday that commemorates the service of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces – not to be confused with Memorial Day – a day which honors those Americans who died while serving their country in the military.

The origin of Veterans Day goes back to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when hostilities of World War I ended when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

The day originally known as Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Saugus residents who take pride in their community and their country should head down to Veterans Park at the corner of Central and Winter Streets for a low key ceremony that is set to begin at about 11 a.m., rain or shine. If you go, take the time to show your appreciation for every veteran you make eye contact with. Thank them for their service to the nation.

If you are down in Saugus Center, take the time to view the Veterans Day Field of Flags on the front lawn of Saugus Town Hall, which was organized by the Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR. The flags were planted in this patriotic display in memory of veterans – living and dead. Some kind person who knows the story of my late twin brother, Lance – a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force and died on Memorial Day 1978 in a motorcycle accident – had a miniature flag placed in the Field of Flags for the second consecutive year. I plan to be in Saugus to take a look at that flag and reflect.

All of the veterans who attend the Veterans Day ceremony at Veterans Park are invited to attend a collation after the ceremony at VFW Post 2346, also known as Staff Sgt. Arthur F. De Franzo Post, which is located at 190 C Main St. in Saugus.

 

CHaRM facility/Compost Site closed tomorrow

The Town of Saugus announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (ChaRM) facility/Compost Site located at 515 Main St. will be closed tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. The CHaRM facility/Compost Site will reopen on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. For more information about the Town of Saugus, visit www.saugus-ma.gov.

 

A recipe for reform

Even though voters defeated Ballot Question 1 in this week’s biennial town election, they have begun what could be a meaningful conversation on how to improve Saugus town government. Over the past few weeks, I’ve heard several people suggest that Town Meeting create a standing committee to consider possible changes or updates in the Saugus Town Charter. There has been some talk about staggered terms for both the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee. I have heard several town officials recommend expansion of the 50-member Town Meeting body.

Whether the Moving Saugus Forward Committee intended so or not, they set in motion the opportunity for Saugus to take a look at its current form of government and decide whether anything can be done to improve it so it better serves its citizens.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Nov. 10) 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”

We have several nominations this week:

From Town Clerk Ellen Schena: “On behalf of the Clerk’s Office, we would like to thank all those involved during the Local Town Election and every Election. Starting with Superintendent Hashem, having us use the schools as 6 polling locations. The Senior Center encompassing their building for 2 precincts. As well as, the Knights of Columbus and the Italian American Club, each hosting a precinct. A big thank you to Building Maintenance and DPW that do a great job setting up all 10 precincts in one day before the elections. Thank you to the Saugus Police that not only secure the precincts, but help up during the day with anything the election workers and our office need. To the Board of Registrars that tirelessly aid the Town Clerk’s office, thank you. Lastly and most important, THANK YOU to all the Elections Workers that worked Tuesday. As always you did a fantastic job.”

From Laura Eisener: “I really enjoyed reading Heather Savoie’s poem ‘The Prowler’ – certainly a moving piece of work reflecting the concerns many people feel about this animal. I’d like to shout out this local writer’s work!”

We have several “Shout Outs” this week from Precinct Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “Once again some after Election Comic Relief is needed. This ‘Shout Out’ is for all the LAWN SIGNS in town for the candidates who had one. These sturdy, trusty, hard working LAWN SIGNS withstood sun, rain, wet leaves, and near hurricane winds for the owners and have earned a well deserved rest and a ‘Shout Out.’

“I would like to thank all the residents of Precinct 6 who voted for me to serve another term as your representative Town Meeting Member. I am truly grateful for your continued faith in me and the ability to serve our community.

“I have another ‘Shout Out’: I was at the Senior Center after the polls closed last night [Tuesday, Nov. 7^th] when Sebastian DiModica IV learned he lost his bid for Selectman. This ‘Shout Out’ is for him because he was the epitome of a gentleman on how he handled the news and earned my respect. I tip my hat to him!”

  Sue Fleming provided the following “Shout Out”: “I would like to give a Shout Out to the Saugus Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the opportunity to have a flag placed in front of Town Hall to honor Veterans. It gave me the opportunity to honor my husband, an Air Force Veteran and in memory of my mother, a Navy Veteran. We need to thank all Veterans for their service and keeping our country safe. Thank You!!”

Former Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Chris Riley introduced the article earlier this year which sought to have the area known as Veterans Park formally and finally have a sign installed on-site. He offered the following multiple “Shout Outs”: “Thank you to Saugus Town Meeting for unanimously supporting this project, Dan Prezioso Sr for creating the sign, Dan Mahoney for making the sign posts, Pat Roche and crew at Stefano’s Landscaping for installation, Saugus Veterans Council for help with design, and Town Manager Scott Crabtree. All were very generous with their time and talent and I am very grateful.”

  Joe Vecchione sent this “Shout Out” our way: “Just wanted to send a shout out to you and the Saugus Advocate for this week’s paper for organizing the Charter Forums and Saugus Over Coffee along with continuous unbiased local coverage over the Election Season. We are lucky to have you here.

“Also, congratulations to all of the candidates that were elected and to the Precinct 2 constituency for their support the past 4 years as I move on from Town Meeting opting to not seek re-election.”

Selectman Michael Serino sent us this mega “Shoutout”: “I would like to thank the voters of Saugus who had the trust and confidence in me by re-electing me to the Board of Selectmen. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead over the next two years. Saugus is a great community to live in and I will do my best to make it even better.”

 

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, for a meal box that includes a turkey, fresh produce, dessert and other staples (50 Essex St. in Saugus).

 

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.

 

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.

Come relax with our continuing Adult Coloring Group on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. 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.

  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. 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 is underway

The Town of Saugus announced 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 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.