Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 21, 2026 Saugus Olympics Day is five weeks away Boys & Girls Club and Challenger Baseball will benefit S augus Olympics Day at World Series Park in Saugus will be held on Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For nine years World Series Park has hosted a Special Olympics Day, raising $150,000 for Special Olympics. The event has been revived this year as a fundraiser that will benefit Challenger Baseball and the Boys & Girls Club. “This type of event has great meaning and satisfaction, so we wanted to bring it back this year with different non-profit organizations,” Superintendent of World Series Park Bob Davis said in a recent statement. A baseball tournament involving Challenger Baseball teams from the area will start at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., the opening ceremony and parade of athletes will take place. Several dignitaries will take part. Gerry Agganis will throw out the first pitch. Nancy Kerrigan, a former Olympics medalist in figure skating, will be available to meet & greet those in attendance. Other former Olympics Nancy Kerrigan, a former Olympics medalist in figure skating, will take part in Olympics Day opening ceremonies at World Series Park in Saugus on Sept. 26, 2026. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) medalists have also been invited to participate. The Olympic athletes will be honored during the opening ceremony. Entertainment will start on the stage at 10 a.m. and will be provided by the Saugus High Chorus, the Memorylaners featuring Howie “Sachmo” Conley, Beat ConnXtionz dancers, Just The Tree of Us, the Rosa Singers and Joey B-Bop. The whole day will take on a festival atmosphere: raffles, a moon bounce, antique cars, booths, carnival games, hayrides, costumed characters and a large variety of food and drinks. Admission to the event is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend. The rain date will be the next day, Sunday, September 27. World Series Park is proud to again sponsor this type of event, with all proceeds going to Challenger Baseball and the Boys & Girls Club. Donations from businesses and individuals can be made prior to that day and will be acknowledged at the event. A fishbowl will be available for donations at the event. All checks should be made payable to World Series Park, 8 Holden Ave., Saugus, MA 01906. Annual Walk of Hope to Benefit ALS scheduled for Sept. 12 W alkers are signing up for the 25th annual Walk of Hope for ALS, a 3.5-mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research, on Saturday, September 12. A release of doves in honor of those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and those who have lost their courageous battle to the disease will be held prior to the start of the walk. The walk begins with registration at 9 a.m. followed by the start of the walk at 11 a.m.In addition to the walk around Lake Quannapowitt, the event includes activities and refreshments for all registered walkers. The Angel Fund for ALS Research is a nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting ALS research. ALS — more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease — is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease that leads to muscle weakness and, as it progresses, results in total paralysis and the inability to speak and swallow while the mind and senses remain intact. “For 25 years, the Walk of Hope for ALS has been much more than a walk—it has been a powerful demonstration of hope, compassion, and determination. Every step taken around Lake Quannapowitt honors those living with ALS, remembers the loved ones we have lost, and brings us closer to finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure, said The Angel Fund President Rich Kennedy. “We invite families, friends, businesses, and our entire community to join us on September 12th. Together, we can send a powerful message to those affected by ALS that they are not alone, and together, we can continue to Step Up to Cure ALS.” Walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate as individuals or as a team. To register as a walker or to register a team, log on to The Angel Fund website at www.theangelfund.org or call the organization at 781-245-7070. The Angel Fund will also honor those who have ALS and those who have lost their battle with the disease with the Faces of ALS®. Any participating team or individual who would like to honor a loved one with a poster WALK OF HOPE | SEE PAGE 11 Savvy Senior Robotic Pets Can Provide by Jim Miller Comfort to Elderly Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, My mother, who has dementia, recently moved into an assisted living facility that doesn’t allow pets. I’m thinking about getting her a robotic pet to cheer her up. Are they worth it, and if so, which one do you recommend? --Inquiring Daughter Dear Inquiring, It’s completely natural to want to bring a little furry joy into your mom’s life. Moving into a new home without her pets can be tough, and sometimes even a small companion can make a big difference. Robotic pets – lifelike, interactive companions – can brighten the days of seniors with dementia in ways you might not expect. They’re more than just cute gadgets; they offer comfort, companionship, and a sense of purpose, along with plenty of smiles and fun. Before you pick one, here’s what you should know. Why pets matter Pets aren’t just cute – they’re family. They bring happiness, companionship, and even a gentle sense of routine. Studies have shown that pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, encourage light activity, and improve overall well-being. They can also provide a sense of connection, which can be especially grounding for seniors living with cognitive changes. Unfortunately, many seniors, like your mom, have to give up pets when they move into care facilities or can no longer care for them on their own. That’s where robotic pets can step in. Many studies have shown that robotic companion animals can improve quality of life by offering comfort, interaction, and a sense of companionship. Still, it’s important to remember that not all seniors connect with robotic pets. Some may ignore them completely, while others enjoy holding them or respond positively to a lifelike companion that reacts and even “talks back.” Best options If you’re looking for a high-tech option, Jennie, a new Labrador puppy from Tombot (tombot. com), is the most impressive option available. Soft, cuddly, and very lifelike, she reacts to touch and voice, moves naturally, and even barks on command. A smartphone app lets you name her, customize her behavior, and track interactions. She runs on a rechargeable battery and is expected to cost around $1,500, with financing available. Jennie is currently on back order, with new units expected this summer or fall, so interested buyers may need to join a waitlist. If that’s more than you want to spend, Joy for All Companion Pets (joyforall.com) are a wonderful alternative. These cats and dogs cost $160 or $180 and respond to touch with purring or barking. They can move their heads, lift their paws, and open and close their eyes. With soft, brushable fur and a gentle “heartbeat,” they feel surprisingly real. They also give seniors a comforting routine, like stroking or “feeding” their pet, which can be both calming and engaging. For seniors who use a walker, the Walker Squawker bird ($65), also available from Joy for All, attaches to the device and chirps when the walker stops moving. It responds to touch and sound, offering a playful companion and gentle encouragement to stay active. Small touches like this can make a big difference in lifting spirits and keeping seniors engaged. Robotic pets aren’t a replacement for real animals, but they can bring companionship, comfort, and joy to seniors who can no longer have a furry friend. They are especially well-suited for seniors with dementia, providing interaction, routine, and a sense of connection. Whether you choose a sophisticated option like Jennie or a more affordable Joy for All pet, these interactive companions can turn moments of loneliness into smiles, connection, and a little extra joy every day. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior,P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
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