Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 18, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus As far as the weather is concerned, the 45th Annual Founder’s Day held last Saturday in front of Saugus Town Hall could not have been better. I have been to every one of these 10 terrific events the town has put on since I became editor of The Saugus Advocate in March of 2016 (it was cancelled in 2020 because of COVID), and this was the best weather yet: a nice cool Autumn-like day without the humidity. There seemed to be a good crowd out there enjoying one of the final Saturdays of the Summer. (The first official calendar day of Fall is next Wednesday, Sept. 23). It would have been nice to see Howie Conley and his popular local group – the Memorylaners – playing and singing their Oldies and Doo-Wops in front of the steps of Town Hall. Here’s hoping they will be back next year. And I missed not seeing the free Harrows Chicken Pies tent. I also heard a few folks complain that the Troop 62 Boy Scouts didn’t have their booth set up to sell their hot dogs. When I couldn’t find the Harrows people, I had a hankering for a hot dog, too. But all in all, it was great weather for another great event – and its signature moment – honoring this year’s “Woman of the Year” and “Man of the Year” at High Noon. There seemed to be a larger crowd watching the ceremony this year as Julie Cicolini and Nelson Chang – two great unassuming, humble and behind-the-scenes-type volunteers – received well-deserved public recognition of their respectful efforts in the betterment of Saugus. Two great choices, from what I have observed. “It was nice to see so many residents having a great time at Founder’s Day and coming together to celebrate our town,” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree declared in a press release after the event. “This is truly a special day for our community. I want to thank our dedicated town staff and volunteers for all of their hard work, which made this Founder’s Day such an overwhelming success.” I wholeheartedly agree with that assessment. The one thing I will remember about Founder’s Day when my reporting days are done will be the “Person of the Year Award” presentations. That’s a great tradition I haven’t seen anywhere in my travels during more than a half century of newspaper journalism in Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, Texas, Virginia and New York. But I think the town can do a little more to honor its 80 “Person of the Year Award” recipients. There’s a plaque on the wall near the men’s room on the second floor of Saugus Town Hall that few people notice – unless they’re a 6-foottall guy headed into the men’s room. The name plates honoring the recipients are three years behind now, with the last date being 2023. Whoever is responsible for maintaining that plaque needs to attach three more name plates for the six recent recipients. And while you are at it, move the plaque to a better location – to some visible wall space in the Town Hall lobby. There are two nicely lit spots as you pass by the Town Clerk’s Office just before the Town Hall bulletin board. Somebody needs to step up and embrace this outstanding town tradition. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, September 18) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. This week’s “Shout Outs” We received several “shout outs” this week: From Sue Fleming: “After attending the 9/11 RememHere are a few important community events for your calendar: ● Today (Friday, Sept. 18) the Saugus Veterans Council will hold the POW/MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, corner of Central and Winter Streets. This recognition of Prisoners of War and Missing In Action is to honor and know “You are not forgotten.” ● Today (Friday, Sept. 18) the A SPECIAL TRIBUTE: The Saugus Public Library is celebrating longtime Children’s Room volunteer Kelley Masters, who recently delivered her 100th storytime. As a young parent, Kelley was an avid library user and later chose to give back by volunteering to provide afterschool storytimes. Over the years, she has delighted children and families with stories and creative activities, including bubble-making, pumpkin volcanoes, Lunar New Year dragons and St. Patrick’s Day treasure hunts. Kelley always brought the fun to the Saugus Public Library, and we are grateful for her many years of service and dedication to our community. Congratulations, Kelley, on 100 storytimes! (Photo courtesy of Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at Saugus Public Library) brance at Town Hall on Friday night, I would like to give a big ‘Shout Out’ to Debra Panetta, Corrine Riley and everyone else involved in putting together a very moving ceremony. It was very touching with wonderful speakers remembering all the victims of that tragic day. Thank you everyone! Never Forget!” From Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “I have two ‘Shout Outs.’ A ‘Shout Out’ and a ‘Thank you’ to Deb Panetta and Corrine [Riley] for organizing the 9/11 Remembrance service. It was a very moving memorial. Let us Never Forget. “Also, a ‘Shout Out’ to Julie Cicolini and Nelson Chang for being crowned Woman and Man of the Year at Founders Day. Both are truly great people who have contributed to make Saugus better for years. They truly deserve to be recognized!” Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. 7th Annual Saugus Youth Soccer Mums Fall Fundraiser begins at Anna Parker Field, located at 124 Essex St. (next door to the Essex Street Fire Station). Saugus Youth Soccer will be selling beautiful, hardy Mums. There will be multi colors to choose from. The fundraiser will run now through Sunday (Sept. 20), while supplies last. The Mums are priced at $9 each or 3 for $25. Saugus Youth Soccer has ordered more than 250 hardy Mums, so don’t hesitate to come down to the field to support Saugus Youth Soccer. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Furey at paulsgs3@yahoo.com or call 617-548-4993. Trails and Sails events The 25th Trails and Sails continues through Sunday, Sept. 27. Printed booklets are available atthe Saugus Iron Works at the Visitors’ Center, and updated events listing and more information can be found at https://trailsandsails.org. Events are free but some require preregistration. Activities in Saugus include a special guided nature walk at 9 a.m. on September 20 and the “Water Wheels Extravaganza” – both at the Saugus Iron Works. Essex National Heritage Area has partnered with historical societies, museums, parks and individuals to offer an array of walks, talks, open houses and other events throughout the county. Events later this month ● On Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Breakheart Reservation will host the Fall Family Festival 2026. Free events will include lawn games, THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9
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