THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 7, 2026 Page 9 Cars and Cops A car show to help raise money for comfort and therapy dogs for law enforcement provided a Saturday of family fun in the Saugus Middle-High School parking lot By Joanie Allbee L ast Saturday was a beautiful day for spectators of all ages to hang out at the Saugus Middle-High School. Kids hurried their paces to the school parking lot, leaving parents trailing behind, just as soon as exciting cars and characters came into view at the 7th Annual “Cars and Cops” Car Show. Batman, Bat Girl, The Joker, a Hulk Hogan actor and Police greeted guests warmly and offered to pose for photos. “It’s been a blast,” exclaimed Saugus Police Officer Domenic Montano, the founder and president of the “Cars and Cops” Car Show. “We had awesome cars, police cars, theme and movie cars, muscle cars that all came to help raise money for comfort and therapy dogs for law enforcement. Therapy and comfort working dogs are a valuable asset for community members and first responders and veterans,” Montano said. “[The comfort and therapy dogs are] truly one of our most overlooked tools we have in our belt and truly something we should have more of. All VACANCY | FROM PAGE 2 in a press release issued by his office last Sept. 26. “Her distinguished military background, combined with her extensive work supporting veterans and managing human services programs, make her uniquely qualified to serve as our full-time Veterans’ Service Officer. We are proud to welcome her to this vital role, and we are confident she will have a positive impact on the lives of Saugus veterans and their families,” the town manager said. In an interview this week, Castinetti said Cancelliere should be the next full-time VSO. “Since there is a vacancy now, I’m hoping Paul Cancelliere applies for it bebenefit from therapy and comfort dogs. Thank you for coming out to support our fourlegged friends. I will see you at the 8th annual ‘Cars and Cops’ car show,” he said. Officer Montano credits his “Team” for making it happen. The members include his wife, Deanna Montano, the accountant and gate manager; Nicole Stanley, the fundraiser coordinator; Ronald Mikol, the communications supervisor; Robert Rubchinuk, on-site operations; Eddie Ardolino, photographer and provider of assistance wherever needed; and a whole crew of great, hardworking volunteers who put on a fantastic family fundraiser to help bring those in law enforcement therapy and comfort through canines. Montano expressed deep gratitude for all who came together to give Saugus a memorable “Cars and Cops“ car show. Lt. Jim Harkins of “Peabody Cops For Kids With Cancer“ and his team cooked up delicious breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs and hamburgers for the hungry crowds. “Great Car show and Fundraiser cause,” said Kenny McDonough, of Stoneham, who cause he should still be the Veterans Service Officer today,” Castinetti said. “There’s no reason for him to have been replaced by the town manager. There’s no reason for him to not have been picked for a position he had done part-time for over two years,” Castinetti said. No matter who the town manager hires to be the next VSO, Pinette said, he hopes that filling the position with a qualified candidate as soon as possible is a top priority. “It’s very important that we maintain continuity in delivering Chapter 115 benefits to our neediest veterans and their dependents,” Pinette said. “The role of the VSO has expanded greatly over the annually enters his 1937 Packard Super 8 exclusive convertible. “And it’s wonderful for families. And every year this car show gets bigger and bigger,” McDonough said. Karen and Bob Mercurio accompanied their 1970 Ford Mustang in Calypso Coral, of which Carol fondly said, “We just call it orange cause it’s more of an orange color than coral.” “This is our favorite car show. We come every year,” Carol said. Bob nodded in agreement, with smiles. Bob and Carol set their car up as if it were at a carhop drivein – complete with popcorn, milkshake, French fries, burgers, mustard and relish food props and a drive-in speaker. The Mercurios said they love to provide a refreshing walk down memory lane to the guests. Karen was having fun pretending she was a carhop waitress serving Bob at a drive-in. Andrew Wilgermein arrived from New York with his 2011 Ford Crown Victoria that was formerly a Westchester County, New York Police Department vehicle. “I enjoy preserving the history of Law Enforcement, last few years on the VA benefits front. State and Federal funds that are returned to the town as a result of the VSO’s actions make a tremendous difference in the community,” he said. What the job entails The candidate hired by the town manager to be the next VSO will receive a salary of $75,000 to $85,000 annually, according to the job posting. Their chief responsibilities will be to: · Administer the Chapter 115 benefits program for eligible Saugus veterans and their dependents, including processing applications, auditing payments, and generating reports. · Assist veterans in applying for federal and state history in the car community as well as honoring the members of the Law Enforcement Community who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Wilgermein said Eager ticket holders waved streams of blue tickets and gathered around as Saugus Police Officer Montano announced winners. Faces registered shock over the abundance of prizes. There was over $2,000 worth of generous Raffle prizes. One winner’s prize was two Boston Red Sox Tickets for the August 18 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. (The game tickets were donated by Jeff Cicolini.) One woman whose ticket was called hugged the quilt she had won; truly, it was a perfect match. Trophies were given out for the most popular cars. Guy Moley of Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angel’s enjoyed being immersed in cars and friends. “I thought the Cars and Cops car show was a complete success,” Moley said. “As I was walking around, I was stopped by the car attendees saying what a great show it was. I knew it would be. Domenic and his wife Deanbenefits, such as disability, pensions, Aid and Attendance, VA health-care programs, and DD 214 upgrades. · Serve as the Town’s primary resource for veterans’ services, connecting veterans and their families with counseling, health care, housing assistance and social service programs; will also help families with burial benefits and grave markers. · Collaborate with other Town departments and community partners to maintain veterans’ memorials and organize events and outreach initiatives. · Represent the Veterans’ Services Office at Veterans Advisory Board meetings, coordinate budgets for na work very hard to make the show a success. Also, the fact that there were other car shows going on at competing times goes to show the ‘Cars and Cops’ car show is one people look forward to because it’s a well-oiled machine,” Moley said. Cordial Saugus Police Officers were meshed in the crowds, overseeing safety and assuring a fun family atmosphere and relaxed assurance. Madeline Pratico and Patrick Walsh of the Endicott College Police Department handed out stickers and pens and chatted with guests. As two o’clock drew near, cars were exiting. It was as if an energetic ball of great togetherness that existed throughout the day was slowly dissipating, leaving behind a parking lot of emptiness yet imparting “Cars and Cops” fans with a day of interacting and spectating at a spectacular, successful fundraising event – with the money going for a great cause. “The Cars and Cops car show is always a great event in Saugus, and it brings Saugus together; always good to see the Classic cars,” Saugonian Mark Turco said. the department, and work closely with the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) and regional VSOs. · Maintain the confidentiality of veterans’ records, manage departmental staff and projects and participate in continuing education and accreditation. Residents seeking assistance or information about veterans’ benefits and programs are encouraged to contact the Saugus Veterans’ Services Office at 781231-4010 or visit www.saugus-ma.gov/veterans-services-office. The Saugus Veterans’ Service Office is also staffed by Nancy Stead, the Veterans’ Services Office Administrative Assistant, who can be reached at 781-2314196.
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