THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, April 11, 2025 Page 15 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus The big headliner for this weekend, if Mother Nature gives us a break by postponing the rain forecast for tomorrow (Saturday, April 12), is Opening Day for the Saugus Little League. Some 270 kids who are eager to see warmer weather so they can play ball have been looking forward to the parade and special ceremonies for weeks. A lot of planning has gone into the event to make it special. Hopefully, the show goes on as planned tomorrow morning and kids and their families won’t see their special Saturday plans cancelled. Here’s hoping to see a good parade, followed by a kickoff to a new baseball season. Books in Bloom today and tomorrow Books in Bloom is back for another year – today (Friday, April 11) and tomorrow (Saturday April 12). The exhibition will be on display from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. Sponsored by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Garden Club, Books in Bloom is an annual event where local gardeners and flower enthusiasts put together floral arrangements that interpret a book’s title, book jacket or a piece of artwork. Want to join in? Go to sauguspubliclibrary.org/getinvolved/ new-friends/ to learn about the New Friends of the SPL. If you are a newcomer to town and have never attended a Books in Bloom event and you love flowers and books, this unique event is probably something you would like to experience. Bring your kids, too. It’s a nice way to make your library visit a special family affair. This week’s “SHOUT OUTs” We did receive any nominations from readers this Ruth Berg is shown with her exhibit “Swimsuit” at last year’s Books in Bloom event at the Saugus Public Library. Ruth and other Saugus residents who love plants and books will have creative entries on display at the library from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today (Friday, April 11) and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, April 12). (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) week to recognize town residents for good deeds, accomplishments or something to make Saugus proud. So I will use my editorial prerogative to offer a few nominees. First, I would like to commend all of the volunteers who contribute their time and the citizens who are generous with their donations to embrace the Saugus Little League and the Saugus Softball Little League programs. These are programs that wouldn’t be successful if not for the backing of dedicated adults who coach kids and work behind the scenes to help the leagues in some volunteer capacity and those who umpire the games. Hats off to you all! Secondly, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it to the Books in Bloom program at the library this weekend, but I applaud the creativity of the folks who submit entries that are put on display. You beautify the library for two days with your floral arrangements linked to a book with a special theme. Thirdly, a commendation for all the folks who worked to make last weekend’s local DAR program honoring Vietnam Veterans so special. And finally, to all the folks from Mango Realty and Reading Cooperative Bank and others who worked to organize the downsizing seminar. It was a program that I looked forward to attending, but missed it when something came up this past Monday. But I look forward to viewing it on SaugusTV at some point soon. Programs like that are invaluable to senior citizens. 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. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. Legion Breakfasts today There’s a good 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 202425 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. Ham Shoot today at the Elks Lodge Steve Doherty, Secretary of Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge #642, wanted to spread the word about the Saugus-Everett Elks hosting their annual Ham Shoot on today (Friday, April 11) at the Lodge at 413 Main St. in Saugus. For just $1.00 per chance, you can win multiple meat prizes, including hams, turkey breasts and pork roasts. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and all proceeds benefit local Elks charities. For more details, email (sauguseverettelks@comcast.net) or call 617-9562560. Another disappointing response For the second week in a row, we only received two responses from Town Meeting members whose precinct was being featured in our column “Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting.” Two out of five members responding is poor, especially during a town election year if some of those members who ignore our invitation intend on running for reelection. The purpose of the column is to inform the public about key issues and ideas that are in the works as the Town Meeting season approaches. This is also intended as a forum to connect residents in each of the precincts with the five people who represent them in the legislative branch of Saugus Town government. Many residents in the precincts that are being featured each week indeed are interested in what the five people who represent their neighborhood have to say about issues that may be coming up at the Annual Town Meeting. Those who decline the invitation to be heard in our column are passing up an opportunity to connect with their constituents. And that’s a real shame. Hopefully, I will get a better response next week from the Town Meeting members of Precinct 8. Stay tuned. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17
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