Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 7, 2025 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus In another 13 days, spring will officially arrive. But if you don’t want to wait that long, there are a few good reasons to get out of the house and enjoy several local activities this weekend. It’s Maple Sugarin’ time at Breakheart Reservation. If you’re eager for a fun experience and the taste of maple sugar, there’s a special event worth attending at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus) on Saturday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Why not take a tour of the Maple Sugarin’ process, sponsored by the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and cosponsored by the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. The tour includes a history of maple sugaring, tree identification, tapping, wood splitting, the evaporator and a tasting station. You can also enjoy some light refreshment inside the Visitor Center. For more information, call 781-233-0834. Special DAR Program tomorrow Here’s a special invitation from the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who will host a special program tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) at 11 a.m. in the Saugus High School Auditorium at Pearce Drive in Saugus: “An event worth attending – the Women’s Issue Project with Ms. Jasmine Grace, guest speaker and founder of Jasmine Grace Ministries - Bags of Hope which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of rescuing young people who are affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness. “Jasmine Grace grew up in our town, Saugus and appeared to be living a normal life. She attended school and lived at home, but something very sinister was happening. She met a man at a local club at a very young age and slowly … he groomed her into a life of human trafficking, lasting for years. When she was finally able to break away from his A FESTIVAL OF FLAGS: Some two dozen flags from foreign countries lined the hallways of the Saugus Middle High School on Feb. 23 during the First Annual Saugus Cultural Festival. (Courtesy photo of Annielly Camargo). hold, she started a non-profit organization to help and assist both young men and women by offering a path to freedom from human trafficking “Her presentation is both sad and powerful and filled with stories of innocent victims who found themselves brainwashed and victimized. She explains how she was able to survive and finally breakthrough escaping the grips of her [capturers]. “This is a free event; however, we kindly ask that you donate an item needed for the Bags of Hope. Our goal is to fill 30 Bags of Hope to donate to her cause. Items still needed are: Shower Gel, Shampoo 12 oz, Conditioner 12 oz, Hats, Deodorant, Visine, Body Lotion, Hair brush, Nail Polish, Socks, Toothbrush, ChapStick, Hair Ties, Water Bottle, Shower Puff, Floss, Mittens/ Gloves, Trail Mix. “For any questions or concerns, please contact Gail Cassarino, Regent – Parson Roby Chapter NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) at parsonroby. saugusdar@gmail.com or Janice Jarosz, at 339-222- 2178.” A polar plunge on March 9 Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni wants to spread the word about a special fund-raising event that the Saugus Police and Fire Departments will be collaborating on this Sunday (March 9). They will be hosting their first Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Knights of Columbus located at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Check-in for the plunge is at noon. The actual plunge starts at 1 p.m. “I hope everyone’s new year has started out well and everyone is attempting to make healthy choices/resolutions for the new year… with that in mind I wanted to reach out to everyone and see if we could ALL get together and start the new year off with a healthy polar plunge together!!!” Detective Stacey wrote in an email message to police and firefighters who are planning to plunge. “Research has shown that polar plunges help boost your immune system, improve your mood and focus, help with stress management, boost metabolism and improve circulation. Not only would you be doing something to benefit your health, but by registering you’d also be donating to the Special Olympics,” she said. “If you do not want to plunge you can register as a towel holder. This event is open to friends and family, so encourage as many people as you can. “For those wondering about attire and other information about the plunge: “Attire - You can wear whatever you want from a speedo/bikini to a snowsuit and/ or uniform. “What are we plunging into? - It’s a portable pool that the Special Olympics brings in. “Can I change and get warm before and after the plunge? – Yes, the K of C will be open and we plan on having refreshments and goodies inside for you while you stay warm. “Medical – There will be an ambulance stationed on scene and Saugus Fire’s Divers will be posted in the pool to assist anyone with exiting the pool after they plunge. “Any other questions please feel free to ask.” “It is open to the public and we welcome anyone interested in signing up or even donating coffee or snacks for the day of the plunge. If anyone has any questions in regards to the plunge they can contact me at 781-941-1190,” Detective Forni wrote. For more information, go to POLARPLNGEMA.ORG Saugus 4-1-1 set for March Planning for the Saugus 4-115 1 forum that is scheduled for March 15 at the Saugus Middle High School continues. This is the special event aimed at briefing new residents, as well as those folks who have lived in Saugus for years, on what the town has to offer. There will be at least 30 tables set up to welcome Saugus newcomers to the community from 9 a.m. to noon. A wide range of nonprofit organizations, houses of worship and representatives of local government will be there to help to provide some helpful insight as to what makes Saugus the town it is. “It’s for everybody,” declared Selectman Corinne Riley – one of the organizers of the event – at this week’s Board of Selectmen meeting. “Come and see what Saugus has to offer,” she said. Selectman Riley was the driving force behind the nifty program, which had two previous well-attended Saturdays at the Saugus Middle High School in THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15
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