THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2021 Page 5 Welcome to Saugus! Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley proposes “an open house” that would bring the community together By Mark E. Vogler Riley hopes the Board of SeI t’s been several years since Saugus had a viable Chamber of Commerce or other business organization to promote community events or orient new people to town. Board of Selectmen ViceChair Corinne Riley has come up with an idea she calls “Saugus 411,” which she hopes might fill that void – and more. “It’s a great way to welcome new citizens,” Riley suggested at last Tuesday’s (May 4) meeting of the Board of Selectmen. Riley said it’s not an original idea, but one she borrowed from a neighboring town after attending Wakefield 101 several years ago. She said she found it “a great way to welcome new citizens by inviting them to an open house to find out what their new town has to offer.” “There could be booths from our local government, nonprofit organizations, places of worship, local businesses, PTOs, youth sports ...it can cover so many organizations,” she said lectmen and the town manager would sponsor such an event. A committee would be created to plan, invite and organize it. There wouldn’t be any cost for the tables, and it wouldn’t be used as a fundraiser, she noted. The event would be open to the public, but an effort would be made to RSVP new residents so they could receive a “welcome” bag. There would be a list of new residents developed so that invitations could be mailed out. Reaction from her fellow selectmen was mixed. Selectman Jeff Cicolini said he’s seen similar plans succeed “when they’re nurtured by the community groups.” Selectman Debra Panetta said she thought the Chamber of Commerce should be spearheading an event like this and noted that she would be meeting with Denise Selden, who has served as president of the Saugus Chamber in the past. “She’s been working hard and trying to bring more life into the Chamber,” Panetta said. “Anything that brings more community spirit and lets people learn about their town is a good thing,” she said. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano encouraged Riley to pursue her idea. “Our Chamber has basically done nothing,” Cogliano said. “If you want to spearhead this, Corinne, I support you,” he said. “It’s [the Chamber] not what it used to be. I’m all for it. It’s a serious commitment to get something like this off the ground,” he said. Cicolini noted that Route 1 merchants had the Route 1 Businessmen’s Association years ago and later a Chamber, which hasn’t been very active since he’s been involved in local government. “How can you have a Route 1 in Saugus and not have an active Chamber,” Cicolini said. “It’s mind-boggling,” he added. “I’m very disappointed at how far our Chamber has fallen,” he said. Cicolini wondered if the town could spend some time trying to reinvigorate It’s Feeding Time the Chamber of Commerce. He also urged some careful thought on making sure that the proper procedures be followed, because people would make donations. Selectman Michael Serino wondered whether a nonprofit organization would have to be set up for any fundraising. Riley said her plan didn’t involve a fundraising effort and that companies could contribute what they want for the event. She suggested that the event be held in an “Open House” format for about three hours, a week after the town’s annual Founder’s Day Event. Tables could set up, with businesses sharing information that would help orient town residents. Literature would be available for various town and community services offered to residents. Nonprofit organizations, including the PTOs, the Lions, Rotary, Masons, Knights of Columbus, Historical Society, Elks, Library Foundation, Cable TV, Friends of Breakheart, Veterans Council, VFW, churches, youth sports, Garden Club, Senior Center, state government, Iron Works and Scouts could all participate. Local photographer Charlie Zapolski captured the arrival of the hummingbirds in Saugus recently, in his backyard on Hobson Street. He says the little guests will be around until mid-September. (Courtesy photos by Charlie Zapolski to The Saugus Advocate)
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