Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEBrUAry 13, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our readers and the citizens of Saugus. May your Valentine’s Day be full of lots of love, happiness and good health. Going back to my childhood, I always sent out Valentine’s Day cards – to my parents, my grandparents, aunts and uncles, a handful of close friends (including girlfriends) and old folks in my life. These days, the cards go out to my brother, my cousin and his wife who live across the street and a small circle of longtime friends. The days of spending hundreds at my favorite candy store are over, as my parents, my grandparents, all of my aunts and uncles have passed. A few of some very special people in my life still get some candy in addition to the card. This time of year, I like to hum the song “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” the original version sung by Jackie DeShannon back in 1965. The late Burt Bacharach composed this beautiful song and the late Hal David wrote the lyrics. This classic song became popularized by peace groups during the Vietnam War. But at a time when our country, from Washington to Saugus, is so polarized, I think the song would be just as relevant in today’s world. I know from covering town government and milling around the town over the past decade (my 10-year anniversary will be on March 1), I think the dedicated Saugus citizens who chose to run for public office or participate in the process could use a little more love from the public – and also show it by serving the public well. In this case the love would incorporate patience, civility, compassion and serving the greater good of the town instead of engaging in petty and polarizing politics. Over the years, I’ve seen so many citizens get involved with local government with the best of intentions – only to overshadow the good they do with petty politics while forgetting the main reason they ran for public office – for the betterment of Saugus (or whatever town or city I happened to be covering). Let’s hope the new Town Meeting, Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Housing Authority strive for that common goal this year – for the betterment of Saugus. Last Thursday night’s forum on E-Bike Safety was a great starting point for what could turn out to be a shining example of productive discourse in Town Hall, which can lead to positive action when elected town and appointed town officials collaborate on possible solutions to a serious public safety issue. See this week’s cover story. Stay tuned. One-day trash delay for holiday The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recyA HOST OF HEARTS: These are a few hearts from Joanie Allbee’s collection of all-natural materials that formed heart shapes. They are made of wood, sea glass, rubber, shells, rocks, concrete and tree bark – all as she found them on her walks. She offered this photo to express “Happy Valentine’s Day” to all of our readers. (Courtesy photo by Joanie Allbee) cling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Presidents’ Day holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday, Feb. 16, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, Feb. 17. 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 781231-4036 with any questions. A relaxing week of fun ahead Saugus residents should be in great spirits, beginning tomorrow with the celebration of Valentine’s Day and the holiday weekend extended to Monday (Feb. 17) with the observance of Washington’s Birthday, the name for the federal holiday also known as Presidents’ Day. The students of Saugus Public Schools will be on school vacation for the rest of the week. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Feb. 13) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. Legion Breakfast on Fridays 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 2026 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. SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 7
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