Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FrIDAy, AprIl 17, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Spring Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener M onday afternoon’s warmth and sun brought many people out for walks. In addition to the many spring bulbs in bloom now, flowering trees and shrubs are making a great show this week. Just a little before sunset that evening, I heard spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) in Pirate’s Glen. The mating calls of these tiny frogs create a musical chorus in damp, woodsy areas as the weather warms. Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22. The Saugus Garden Club will appropriately have its member luncheon at Breakheart that day. Forsythias (Forsythia intermedia and hybrids) are in full bloom now. They are popular planted as hedges, since their fast growth makes them a privacy screen quickly. This is one of the most bright and cheerful spring blooming shrubs, with its sunny yellow four-petalled blossoms before the green leaves emerge. Washington DC’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival concluded last weekend with a parade and other festive activities, but in our colder zone we are just seeing the start SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 9 Country Club in Marblehead, continuing a growing tradition that brings together local businesses, families and community supporters for a day of golf and giving back. The Sachem Classic has quickly become one of SYFC’s premier fundraising events, helping to support equipment purchases, uniforms and program enhancements for young athletes across Saugus. Proceeds from the event also fund SYFC’s annual high school scholarships and provide financial assistance to ensure that all athletes — regardless of financial circumstances — have the opportunity to participate in the program. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses and community partners interested in supporting the program while gaining valuable exposure. Several sponsorship Forsythia shrubs light up most neighborhoods with their bright yellow flowers this week. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) of blossoms on our trees. The first buds of early cherry species, such as Japanese cherry (Prunus yedoensis) and weeping cherry (Prunus subhirtella pendula), are showing color before and as their leaves begin to emerge. We have a few more weeks to wait for the later Kwanzan cherry (Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’), which blooms when its foliage is already out. Also in bloom this week here are flowering plums (Prunus blieriana and hybrids), which are similar to the cherries and closely related small trees with pink or white blossoms. Once levels are offered, including Sachem, Platinum, Gold, Dinner and Tee Box sponsors. Benefits include recognition on marketing materials and social media, signage throughout the tournament and visibility during the event. For those interested in participating on the course, golfer registration will open on May 1. Spots are expected to fill quickly based on strong interest in previous years. “This tournament is a cornerstone event for our organization,” said David Silipigni, SYFC Board Member. “The support we receive from local businesses and families directly impacts our ability to provide a positive, structured environment for our athletes. It also allows us to give back through scholarships and ensure that every child who wants to play has that opportunity.” ‘Northern Lights’ pansy is a new variety with blue-purple and yellow blossoms. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) the leaves come out, several ornamental plums have purplish foliage. Last weekend was another delightful Books in Bloom show at the Saugus Public Library. For several years my husband and I have both participated, and the many beautiful designs did not disappoint. Finally this week the weather is warming, and we can actually do some planting outdoors. Pansies (Viola cornuta, Viola tricolor and hybrids) are among the most popular spring flowers. Many nurseries, garden centers and markets have them available in early spring. They have some impressive ranges All sponsorships are tax-deductible, with proceeds directly benefiting SYFC’s mission of promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among Saugus youth. Those interested in sponsoring or learning more about the event may contact SachemClassic@saugusyfc.com. 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 19-June 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. of color combinations and have been favorites of breeders in recent years. They can bloom several months through the spring and early summer if faded flowers are picked off. Once the temperatures become too warm though, they will stop blooming. If they are in containers, they can be moved into a more shaded spot to make them last a bit longer. Sometimes considered tender biennials, while others think of them as hardy annuals, pansies are somewhat difficult plants to categorize. Unlike tropical annuals like petunias, they are tolerant of light frosts, For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com Theatre Company of Saugus Youth Theatre Workshop (YTW) Summer Program 2026 Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) is excited to announce that Early Bird Registration is now open for the Summer 2026 Youth Theatre Workshops. NOTE: Early Bird Registration is a discounted rate that applies through May 25, 2026. Registered and paid in full by Monday, May 25 = $500.00. Registered and/or payment received after Monday, May 25 = $550.00. Multi-Child Rate = email us for more information. Sessions and Shows: • Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical Jr.”: Session I – Grades 1 although they would not survive our winters without protection. On the other hand, they do not like hot summers the way most popular annuals do. In most of New England, they thrive in spring and fall. Traditionally seeds are planted in fall in cool greenhouses, or outdoors in the ground with a thick mulch, to bloom the following spring or fall. In my Saugus childhood, I remember going to Sim’s Carnation Company in East Saugus, where the pansies were planted in fall under a thick blanket of salt marsh hay. Around this time of year, they would rake off the hay and let people dig their favorites to fill a sixpack. We would walk around the field many times, trying to decide on the last couple of plants, since there were so many color combinations. Two six-packs might have been too extravagant for our allowances! While temperatures remain cool in early spring, they like sun, but if you want to try keeping them into the hot months of summer, they need to be shaded to stretch out the bloom period. In any location, pansies will continue blooming longer if the faded flowers are removed. to 8; meet and greet/auditions week of July 13. Program Duration: July 20–31, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tech Week: July 27-31. Performance dates: one show July 31, two shows August 1. • “Mean Girls Jr.”: Session II – Grades 8 and Up; meet and greet/auditions week of June 15. Rehearsals in the evenings June 22 through August 15, three nights a week, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Tech Week: August 10-14. Performance dates: one show August 14, two shows August 15. We are also hiring for staff positions. The deadline for Staff Application submissions was Friday, April 10, 2026. (Tech Director position for “Mean Girls Jr.” has been filled.) Interns: Students in at least Grade 9 as of fall 2026 are able to apply for an Internship with Session I and/or Session II this sumTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11
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