THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 13, 2026 Page 9 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus If you don’t have any plans for next Saturday (March 21), here’s a worthwhile event that every Saugus resident could benefit from attending – particularly newcomers to town. The Saugus Cultural Council and the Saugus 411 Committee will present the first annual Saugus Community Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saugus Middle High School complex. The six-hour program will feature performances, activities, food and more to celebrate the culture and diversity of the townspeople who make Saugus the community it is. Its organizers are promoting it as a great way for Saugus residents of all ages – from school-age children to senior citizens – to learn more about their community and what it has to offer. It’s an opportunity for newcomers to town to get better acquainted with how to make life easier and various attractions. It’s also a chance for longtime residents to refresh themselves with knowledge about their hometown and to renew connections. Put it on your calendar, Saugonians! Take some pride in your community and seize the opportunity to learn a few things you never knew about your town. Stay tuned for more details. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, March 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 781-2332663 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. This week’s “Shout Outs” We didn’t receive any recommendations from our readers for “shout outs” this week. So, exercising my editorial discretion, I want to give some public recognition to the members of the Saugus Veterans Council who are hard at work planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade, which is set for Saturday, May 23. Council Commander Steve Castinetti told me that he’s personally disappointed in the declining public participation in the ceremony in recent years. So, he and other council members are committed to making this year’s parade and ceremony one of the best-attended in years. That’s a noble goal and an appropriate way to honor all of the Saugus residents who have sacrificed their lives while serving their country in the armed forces over the years. 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. Maple Sugarin’ Tomorrow Here’s a sweet event that should offer great family fun. Breakheart Reservation will be offering a free Maple Sugarin’ time tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s your chance to tap a tree, collect the sap and sample real maple syrup. Go to 177 Forest St. in Saugus. Please call 781-233-0834 for more details. St. John’s craft fair tomorrow St. John’s Episcopal Church will host an Artisan Marketplace tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8 Prospect St. in Saugus. The Marketplace will feature talented local artisans offering a variety of exquisite, handcrafted items. Shoppers will find unique gifts for birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day and anniversaries, or special touches for the home. Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments from the snack bar and a special 11 a.m. appearance by musician Chris D’Agostino, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist. He covers musical genres across various decades: rock, pop, soul and folk. Children ages 10 and under may register from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. to participate in a 1:00 p.m. Easter egg hunt. St. Patrick’s Day Party at VFW tomorrow Saugus VFW Post 2346 will host a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) from noon to 4 p.m. at the VFW at 190C Main St. in Saugus. The Post will honor veterans from the Veterans Home at Chelsea as special guests. There will be live Irish music, traditional Irish food and green beer served. The post invites all of its members and the auxiliary to come dressed in green for the celebration. SRWC Annual Meeting Monday The Saugus River Watershed Council will host its Annual Dinner Meeting on Monday (March 16) at 6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The Wharf (543 North Shore Rd. in Revere). This is being billed as a fun night with stewardship awards, silent auctions and raffles. Steve Fantone will present the keynote presentation and wildlife slide show. Those who attend the annual meeting can also learn about the new Rumney Marsh Conservancy. Tickets cost $35. For details, go to www.saugusriver.org. Art on the Wing Join the library and Wingmasters for this unique opportunity! Draw or paint live birds of prey! Wingmasters will present five live birds for 10-15 minutes each while the audience draws and asks questions. Participants need to bring their own art supplies. The library will provide plain paper, pencils and colored pencils. Saturday, March 21, from 1011 a.m. in the Community Room; age eight and up. Please register online. Sideshow Tony at library March 21 On Saturday, March 21, at noon, the Saugus Public Library will welcome back magician and street organist Tony Gangi as he blends music, history and magic for audiences of all ages. Gangi of Great American Street Organ brings a beautifully restored, hand-cranked organ to life, filling the air with lively melodies while sharing fascinating stories about the history of these remarkable instruments. As the tunes play, Tony weaves in moments of wonder with clever feats of magic, surprising audiences of all ages. Part concert, part storytelling and part magical spectacle, this immersive experience celebrates the charm of old-world music and the joy of live performance in a truly unforgettable way. Coach T.’s spring track program Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information. Who: Grades K-6th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19June 11. This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp. Cost: $150 first year, $75 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781-854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail. com
10 Publizr Home