Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 2, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Hope you weathered last weekend’s storm without much trouble. I didn’t have to go far to experience the wrath of the nor’easter. The high winds toppled a large tree in my backyard which shook the house early Sunday morning. The falling tree actually bent part of my gutter. But the house didn’t seem to receive much damage, fortunately. Having to clean up a massive wood debris field is a major inconvenience, though a welcomed option that I would prefer to the tree landing on top of my house. Hats off to all of the volunteers who showed up at Saugus Center last Saturday morning to unload the truck that hauled 4,600 pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico, to the lawn of First Congregational Church. The 24th Annual “Pumpkin Patch” officially began its month-long event, which will last through Oct. 31, Halloween. Pumpkins in all shapes and sizes are for sale as part of a charitable event which has become a rich Saugus tradition that brings joy to visitors of all ages. It’s a great place to bring kids. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Oct. 2), 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 at 781-233-2663 or go to the website cliftondalecc.org for details. This week’s “Shout Outs” We received two “shout outs” this week from Jeannie Meredith. ● “A special shout out to Senior Center Director Laurie Davis and her wonderful staff! Laurie does an amazing job making our seniors feel welcome, valued, and connected. Her creativity is endless, from dances and exercise classes to plays, A downed tree snarled traffic along Walnut Street last Saturday afternoon (Sept. 26) during the nor’easter. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) murder mysteries and so many other activities, she truly works to make sure there is something for everyone. “On a personal note, after losing my dad, the Senior Center became such a special place for my mom. She has made wonderful friendships and found a safe, fun, and welcoming place to spend time and enjoy herself. That means more to our family than Laurie probably realizes. Thank you, Laurie, and your entire staff for the kindness, energy, and heart you put into making the Senior Center such a special place for our seniors. You are truly appreciated!” ● “A huge shout out to Dante Hibbard of ASAP Tree! “When Dante heard about a cat that had been stuck high up in a tree for days, he dropped what he was doing, rearranged his work schedule, and came to the rescue. What makes it even more incredible is that Dante climbed that tree with a broken arm to safely bring the cat down! “Dante has a huge heart and is always willing to step up when someone needs help, especially when it’s a four-legged friend. Thank you, Dante, for going above and beyond. Your kindness did not go unnoticed!” 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. Early Voting for Nov. 3 Election Saugus Town Clerk Ellen Schena this week released the In-Person Early Voting dates for the Nov. 3 State Election, which is only four weeks away from next Tuesday (Oct. 6). If you are a registered voter in town, you should have received an 87-page voter information pamphlet in the mail from Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin detailing the nine questions that will be on this year’s ballot. With so many questions to consider along with a vote on the gubernatorial race, other state offices, the U.S. Senate and Congressional races local and regional offices, this might be a convenient option for voters. Here are the dozen dates for In-Person Early Voting in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus. Voter should use the Taylor Street Entrance. ● Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ● No Sunday ● Monday, October 19, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ● Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Wednesday, October 21, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Thursday, October 22, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Friday, October 23, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ● Saturday, October 24, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (also, last day to register to vote for Election) ● No Sunday ● Monday, October 26, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ● Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Thursday, October 29, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Friday, October 30, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. COVID-19/flu vaccine clinics The first of four COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics – free to Saugus residents and town employees – begins today (Friday, Oct. 2) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 10
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