THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 21, 2024 Page 15 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Summer is officially underway, and that means parents with school-age kids are going to be looking for things to do for the days on which they don’t have vacation activities planned. For parents who are interested in a wide variety of activities in a nice, cool environment – relief from the summer heat as well as a place to find things to do that are actually cool – check out the Saugus Public Library. The Summer Reading program is already underway. There are also some events that kids will find educational, engaging and entertaining. Parents who would like to get their kids outdoors can count on some fun activities and special events at two locations: • The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site at 244 Central St. Call 781-233-0050 or check out the website https:// www.nps.gov/sair/index.htm. There are a lot of great nature and history programs offered at the park during the summer months. • Breakheart Reservation at 177 Forest St. Call 781-2330834 or check out the website https://www.mass.gov/locations/breakheart-reservation. It’s a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature and everything that makes the great outdoors a wonderful place to be on a summer day. During my eight-plus years of covering Saugus for The Saugus Advocate, I’ve run into a lot of parents whose kids have never been to either place. And that’s a shame – to have any Saugus families unfamiliar with two great natural resources like Breakheart Reservation and the Saugus Iron Works. There’s all sorts of free activities and opportunities awaiting Saugus kids this summer in the wilds of Saugus. Saugus celebrates the Celtics Some avid Boston Celtics basketball fan used the Saugus Soldiers and Sailors Monument to salute the 2024 NBA champions after their series-clinching victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night (June 17). “We went out this morning and saw the sailor sporting a Celtics jersey,” said Laura Eisener, who writes the weekly “Saugus Gardens” column for The Saugus Advocate. “It’s kind of nice to see this tradition when one of BosA SAUGUS SALUTE TO THE CELTICS: The sailor on the Saugus Civil War monument has been given a Celtics jersey to celebrate their 18th NBA championship. (Courtesy photo of Laura Eisener) ton’s team wins their trophy, whatever sport it may be,” she wrote in an email to me accompanying a photo of the “green team” fever displayed at Saugus Centre. I asked Laura to give me some historical context about this kind of celebration. “It usually happens when one of the teams wins a championship, like when the Bruins win the Stanley Cup or the Patriots win the Super Bowl etc. It’s kind of a mystery who does it, since it’s a pretty public spot, even late at night I would think,” Laura said. “Some people figure it’s a policeman who does it since otherwise they might tell them they couldn’t climb up on the monument. But I really have no idea who does it, and if it’s the same person every time or different people,” she said. “I don’t remember the Red Sox jersey on there but I might just not have been there on the day after they won - Bruins and Patriots I have definitely seen. Since the soldier on the other side is wearing a greatcoat, you can’t get a jersey on him, but the sailor is a bit easier to manage. The jersey is a bit askew because they can’t get it all the way on over the elbows.” Well, it’s been 16 years since the Celtics won their 17th NBA title – 16 years ago to the same day (June 17) that the Celts won their most recent banner – Banner 18. Friends who are sports fans have some good memories intertwined with accomplishments of their team. Sixteen years ago this past Monday after watching a Red Sox-Phillies game in Philadelphia with good friend and fellow journalist Jack Knarr, we watched the Celts beat LA for the NBA title in a motel room in Chester, Pa., near Widener University. It was a memorable night and was one of the last Phillies-Sox series we watched together before Jack passed away in 2018. Jack was a 76ers fan and loved basketball and was happy to see the Celts beat the Lakers that night. He was happy, too, about his Phillies, who went on to win the 2008 World Series – a year after the Red Sox won their title in 2007. If you are a passionate sports fan, watching your favorite team win a title in the company of good friends or family makes the memory more lasting. Kane’s won the donut bet against Dallas Kane’s Donut owner Maria Delios has had a lot of fun this week, rubbing it in on social media after winning a bet with Rings Donuts of Dallas on the NBA championship series. Because of the Boston Celtics’ victory over the Dallas Mavericks, Rings will be sending a dozen of its donuts and a pound of its coffee to Saugus as payback for losing the bet. Kane’s put up a dozen donuts of its own to go with a pound of Stella Blue Coffee. But those donuts and the coffee will be staying here in Saugus, and Delios will get to gloat until the next sports wager. Kane’s has been a frequent participant in friendly wagers against other donut shops across the country over the years. But it’s been a few years since a sure bet. The Boston sports teams haven’t won a title since the New England Patriots beat the LA Rams, 13-3, in the February 2019 Super Bowl. Summer Concerts “In The Park” Here’s some good summer music to your ears. Once again, the Saugus Public Library and the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will be teaming up to bring free outdoor concerts “In The Park” at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. The Squeezebox Stompers, a Boston area Americana Roots band, will kick off the summer series on July 10. “They’ve performed Americana, Cajun, zydeco, blues, folk, and originals all over New England for the past 15 years,” according to promotional information provided by the Iron Works. “Members of the band have received Boston Music Awards and Songwriting Awards. They are noted for their step-lively up-beat music inspiring audiences to get up and dance. Their instrumentation includes accordion, keyboards, fiddle, saxophone, harmonica, penny whistle, guitar, bass, and drums. The Squeezebox Stompers guarantee a rockin’ good time.” These free weekly concerts are open to the public and begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning July 10 through August 28. Here’s the 2024 lineup: July 10: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun & Zydeco). July 17: Memorylaners (50s & 60s). July 24: Mamadou (World Music, West African Rhythms). July 31: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown, Funk, Hip Hop). August 7: Atwater & Donnelly (Trad. American & Celtic Folk & Dance). August 14: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s). August 21: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop). THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17
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