Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTOBEr 10, 2025 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus By now, most folks passing through Saugus Center have got to be feeling “The Orange Glow,” a spirit that captivates many town residents this time of year. The First Congregational Church’s 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch is up-and-running and will be open through Halloween, Oct. 31. It was nearly two weeks ago that a tractor trailer arrived with pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico. Dozens of volunteers showed up to help unload the pumpkins. The church has appealed for more volunteers to help unload another shipment that’s due at about 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 11). Pumpkins of all sizes are displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Here’s a message we received this week from Pumpkin Patch coordinator Carl Spencer: “Come and visit our Pumpkin Patch. It will put you in the fall spirit. The pumpkins are going fast, so come and choose yours. This Saturday, October 11 at 9am the 2nd Pumpkin Truck arrives with more pumpkins. Help is needed to unload the truck. The church truly enjoys hosting this great fall event.” The town appears to welcome this tradition, as the volunteer turnout for the first pumpkin unloading demonstrated. If you didn’t get to participate in the first pumpkin unloading or if you have never participated in one, plan on attending tomorrow if you are free. For information please contact Carl Spencer (781-2339196). A fire prevention “Shout Out” Patty Montano, leader of Saugus Girl Scout Troop 63628, offered this “shout out” after members of her troop were treated like guests during a recent visit to the Saugus Fire Department: “On October 1, Girl Scout Troop 63628 kicked off Fire Prevention Month with a fun visit to the Saugus Fire Station! Fire Captain Bill Cross and his son, firefighter Pat Cross, taught the A CALL FOR MORE VOLUNTEERS: On Sept. 27, two weeks ago tomorrow, an army of town volunteers of all ages converged on Saugus Center to help First Congregational Church unload this tractor trailer full of pumpkins for the 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch. Volunteers are needed again tomorrow at 9 a.m. to unload another shipment of pumpkins from the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) girls all about fire safety, showed them the fire trucks, and even demonstrated how firefighters put on their gear. The girls had an amazing time exploring, asking questions, and learning how firefighters help keep our community safe!” 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. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Oct. 10) 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. Trivia Night is Oct. 16! This is a reminder from Selectman Corinne Riley: Members of the Saugus Business Education Collaborative have scheduled their popular fundraising event: “Trivia Night”! If you are interested in securing a table for your team, it will be at Kowloon, October 16 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Register your team from businesses, organizations, teachers, PTOs, friends...all are welcome! You will be competing for a trophy, as well as bragging rights! Teams are at least five members, cost is $275.00 per team or $55.00 per participant. Do you want to come and join in the fun as a spectator? The cost is $25.00 each. Cost includes a buffet dinner. A fun-filled night that benefits the students of our town! If you are interested please email ccriley@comcast.net or peterrossettijr@aol.com to register your team no later than October 14. A return of the Halloween Pet Parade on Oct. 19 The Friends of Breakheart are gearing up for their Third Annual Halloween Pet Parade, which is set for Sunday, Oct. 19. Registration begins at 11 a.m. at the Christopher P. Dunne Memorial Visitor Center (177 Forest St. in Saugus). A $10 donation is required to enter your pet. The Friends will use the proceeds for park activities and future events. Cash or check. No Venmo. Prizes will be awarded for Best Costume, Best Silly Pet Trick and Best Personality. Raffle prizes are open to all who donate. For more information, please call Joyce at 781-233-1855, extension 1019, or Lisa Mirasola at 781808-7817. Alcohol/Drug Recovery program Oct. 20 The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, October 20, at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This will be an hour-long presentation conducted by Sober Shuttle, Inc. explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. This is a free event, and people who are interested are welcome to attend. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-3178 to attend. Walkins are also welcome. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 13
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