The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

As we all know, Monday will be a federal holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – also referred to as MLK Day – in honor of the late civil rights leader who led the nonviolent civil disobedience-style battle against racial discrimination and injustice during the 1950s and 1960s, up until the time of his assassination on April 4, 1968.

Ever since 1986, when the holiday was first observed, most of America has paused to celebrate the life and accomplishments of MLK on the third Monday of January every year. Dr. King’s actual birthday is Jan. 15, 1929. Dr. King’s work is credited with helping to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – which outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, facilities and employment – and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In addition to championing the cause of African-Americans to guarantee their civil rights, King was also a formidable voice for disadvantaged and poor people. King was the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1964.

As every school kid in America should know, King led the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where he delivered his inspirational “I have a dream” speech to a reported crowd of more than 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial. It has been called one of the most important speeches in U.S. history.

As much as we treat the day as a national holiday to pursue fun and leisure pursuits, many Americans use Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day of reflection – a time to celebrate the great civil rights gains achieved by Dr. King and others he collaborated with, while also assessing the unfinished work remaining for us.

I think it’s important to note that Congress in 1964 passed legislation that declares the national holiday as a National Day of Service: The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service. It was intended to challenge Americans to dedicate themselves to turning their holiday into a day of citizen action – volunteer service in honor of Dr. King. There’s a federal agency called AmeriCorps which, for the past 30 years, has been awarding grants to organizations that coordinate service activities on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

I’m not aware of any organized event planned in town to commemorate the holiday or to recognize the progress made in racial equality locally. But my sense is that progressive-thinking social studies and history teachers in Saugus Public Schools dedicated some recent class discussions to the role Dr. King played in American history.

It’s clear that the Saugus Public Library is doing its part to help educate young minds about the great civil rights leader. This week, I noticed a nice display of about two dozen books about MLK propped up on three shelves against the wall in the children’s section of the library.

What a neat thing it would be to see all 24 of those books checked out by grade school students from Saugus, or their parents, for some weekend reading.

 

A one-day holiday trash delay

The Town of Saugus reminds residents that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay next week. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday (Jan. 15) due to the observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday (Jan. 16). Residents are kindly asked to leave trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day.

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.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Jan. 12) 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 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free.

 

Special “Shout Outs”

We have a couple of nominations for “shout outs” this week.

  Amy Melton, head of Children’s Services at the Saugus Public Library, offered high praise to two young people who contributed to the recent success of a special holiday presentation of “The Nutcracker story” in the library’s Community Room: “Victoria de Assuncao also helped. She is from Saugus, and also works part-time in the Children’s Room. She is a senior at the same school as Lila Giamanco (one of the ballet dancers who performed at the library). She created the lovely backdrop and acted out the part of Herr Drosselmeyer, and helped kids with the crafts.

“Last but not least is Alexander Sokolovic from Malden, who attends Mystic Valley Charter School. He volunteered his time for this event, helping with crafts and acting out the story of Fritz and the Nutcracker.”

In last week’s paper, Melton singled out ballet dancers Lila Giamanco (who played the part of Clara) and Mackenzie Bright (who played the Sugar Plum Fairy), who danced and played their parts as children at the library listened to “The Nutcracker story.”

“Certainly, Lila and Mackenzie were the stars,” Melton said, adding that she believed that Victoria and Alexander deserved to be praised for their contributions, too.

  Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered this nomination: “This sad ‘Shout Out’ is for Mary Ciccarelli who passed away last week, owner of Bisbee Porcella Funeral Home. Although tiny in stature, she had a heart as big as Saugus. You never saw her without a smile on her face and always a kind word. If someone was in need she was the first to offer help. Such a great lady and a class act. She will be missed by 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 (mv***@*****st.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.

 

Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site winter hours

The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site is closed for the winter. But it will reopen for recycling on the third Saturday of January, February and March 2024 weather permitting. Please note the following dates that the site will be open during the period from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Please contact Scott Brazis, Director of Solid Waste/Recycling, with any questions at 781-231-4036.

 

Who Wants to be a Magician?

Have you ever dreamed of being a magician? Want to know how to pull a rabbit out of a hat? Or make objects disappear into thin air?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, plan on showing up for a special program on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library. Come meet a member of the Salem chapter of the Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) and learn how to become a master of magic! There’s even a Society of American Magicians Youth Program for would-be-Harry Potters and Hermione Grangers. Those who show up for this magic workshop will be able to obtain information about the Society of American Magicians as well as the Society of American Magicians Youth Program, which ranges from ages seven through 17.

Tony Gangi, one of the organizers of the upcoming workshop, said folks who attend shouldn’t consider the event a magic show. “It’s a recruiting event where there will certainly be magic performed and some tricks will even be taught, but there is no formal show,” Gangi said. “It’s more of a ‘come hang out with magicians’ event,” he said.

The organizers are hoping that more than a few of the Saugus residents who attend will be interested in becoming members of the Society of American Magicians or the Society of American Magicians Youth Program.

 

Town Meeting Sessions

Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian is providing an opportunity for Saugus citizens who want to learn the basics about Town Meeting – the legislative body of Saugus town government. Manoogian is a veteran of about four decades in local town government at various levels – including many years as a Town Meeting member. The three sessions Manoogian will be leading this year are tailored for newly elected Town Meeting members or veterans who want to refresh themselves about Robert’s Rules of Order or how to put forward an article for consideration.

But the sessions that Manoogian is planning are free and open to the public – for all interested citizens. The sessions will take place on four nights in 2024 – Jan. 29, Feb. 16 & 29 and March 25 – from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St.

 

Karaoke Night tomorrow

Saugus Knights of Columbus Council 1829 will be holding a Karaoke Night tomorrow (Saturday, Jan.13), starting at 7:30 p.m. The address is 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. There is plenty of free parking. Free admission. Wear your dancing shoes and be prepared to laugh. Alan LaBella will be providing the entertainment. A cash bar and refreshments will be available.

 

Cornhole League begins Feb. 8

The Knights of Columbus is holding a Cornhole League, starting Feb. 8. It will be held at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. For more information and league rules, please sign up at https://www.volosports.com/l/6569015e70de58f41da6e7af

 

What’s new at the Saugus Public Library?

  There’s always something interesting going on. Here’s a few activities worth checking out:

  $5 for a bag of books: If you love reading, here’s a great deal. Buy a New Friends of the Saugus Public Library mesh book bag for $5 and fill it with as many books as you’d like. Proceeds benefit the New Friends so they can support public library service in Saugus.

  The Saugus Public Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It will reopen at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Here are a few best bets for this coming week:

—Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Tiny Tots Playgroup offers great opportunities for toddlers to children up to age five in the Community Room. Meet other families, and children. Play and participate in safe and developmentally appropriate activities. Registration required; for more information or to register, please call 781-656-5028 or email Kathy Torosian at to*******@*********ls.org.

—Tuesday from 3:30 to 4 p.m., drop by the Craft Room for Friendship Storytime & Craft. Join Miss Steph for stories and activities focused on friendship & feelings! This is recommended for ages three and older. No registration necessary. Contact: Amy Melton at 781-231-4168 or email her at me****@******et.org.

—Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 9:30 to 10 a.m., drop by the Community Room. Join us for Baby & Me, an early literacy program for babies and their caregivers. We build early literacy skills through rhyme, movement, singing and stories. Talk, sing, read, play! Recommended for ages newborn to 18 months; best suited to non-walkers! No registration necessary. Contact: Kathryn Walton at 781-231-4168 or email her at kw*****@******et.org.

—Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 3:30 to 4 p.m. in the Craft Room – Drop-in Story & Craft with Miss Janice. Join Miss Janice after school on Wednesdays for seasonal stories, activities and crafts! Ages three and up. Contact: Amy Melton at 781-231-4168 or email her at me****@******et.org.

—Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. in the Brooks Meeting Room on the second floor – Math Tutoring for grades K-12 by students from the Pioneer Charter School of Science 2. There is no charge and students from all schools are welcome.

—Wednesday, Jan. 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – The Yoga Experience in the Community Room; a free, basic yoga class that is ideal for beginners. This 45-minute slow flow class opens with a brief meditation, followed by a gentle warmup, some core strengthening, standing postures and flexibility poses. Each session winds down with deep relaxation. Lisa Poto is a registered yoga teacher and a member of the Yoga Alliance. She graduated from Barre & Soul’s 200-hour yoga teacher training program.

—Thursday, Jan. 18, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. – Music and Mother Goose in the Community Room. No registration required at this time, recommended for ages up to four. Contact: Amy Melton at 781-231-4168 or email her at me****@******et.org.

—Friday, Jan. 19, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. – CFCE Story Time in the Community Room. Registration required; ages up to six. Contact: Kathleen Torosian to register at 781-656-5028 or email her at to*******@*********ls.org.

—Saturday Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. – Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten, with Miss Steph. Join us for fun, educational activities to help prepare your preschooler for kindergarten. Registration is not required.

 

Kowloon Komedy Lineup

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus, has set its Komedy Lineup for January 2024:

—January 12: Christine Hurley; 8 p.m. – $20.

—January 26: Paul D’Angelo; 8 p.m. – $20

For all tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online: www.kowloonrestaurant.com.

 

Winter is calling at Breakheart

If you love hiking, nature and the great outdoors, there’s a lot going on this winter at Breakheart Reservation – courtesy of the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR). All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Parking fees may apply depending on the program’s location. For more information, please email Jessica Narog-Hutton, Visitor Services Supervisor, at je******************@**ss.gov

Here are a few programs that DCR has in the works:

• On Sundays now through March, why not do something easy, like a Sunday morning hike from 10 a.m. to noon? Check in at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Join the Park Interpreter for a 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. This activity is best suited for ages eight years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center. The hike will be canceled in the event of heavy rain.
• On Thursdays now through March, the Camp Nihan Educational Center (121 Walnut St., Saugus) will offer the Wild Breakheart Series from 9 to 10 a.m. Join Breakheart staff for this rotating nature series that will explore different aspects of Breakheart in the wintertime. This month, check out the Winter Tree ID. Next month learn about animal tracking. Discover how tracks that animals leave behind can tell us a story about what they do when no one is around. In March, be a part of the Breakheart Birding Club. Discover what birds are starting to come back for the spring and what birds from the winter stay.
• On Fridays, now through March, check out Kidleidoscope from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Come join a 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. This activity is appropriate for families with children who are three to five years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
• On Saturdays now through March, “Step into the Past” from 10 a.m.to noon at the Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). Join the park interpreter to discover the park history. Hikes are about 2.5 miles and are moderate difficulty along rocky trails with several stops – best for adults and older children with a keen interest in history. Meet outside the Visitor Center. This activity will be canceled in the event of rain.
• First and third Saturdays – Stories in Stone: Breakheart has been shaped not only by nature but by the many people who have called it home.
• Second and fourth Saturdays – Glacial Giants: Countless clues to a glacial past dot the landscape. If one knows where to look, this hidden geologic history can be revealed.

 

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 mv***@*****st.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.