THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 12, 2025 Page 13 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Only 13 days until Christmas – and just 11 days before this year’s final edition of The Saugus Advocate, which will be delivered to Saugus pickup spots sometime during the afternoon of Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). The newspaper will resume publishing on its normal Friday schedule on Jan. 2, when we will publish our “Year-In-Review” edition, featuring the top 10 stories of the year, while recapping major events that took place in Saugus each month. We’ll ask town officials to rank what they think were the top stories of 2025 and compare that to our own analysis of what stories and issues made the front page the most times during the year. What are the goals of the Board of Selectmen or the School Committee as they prepare for the New Year? Stay tuned. Menorah Lighting Ceremony Dec. 15 The Town Manager’s Office issued the following press release this week: “Congregation Ahavas Sholom is inviting the community to attend a Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate Hanukkah on Monday, Dec. 15, at 4 p.m. in front of Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central St. “During the ceremony, members of Congregation Ahavas Sholom will light the Menorah, which in Judaism symbolizes the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and represents a celebration of light over darkness. “All are welcome to join in this celebration. “The Menorah is a central symbol in the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in the second century BCE when the Jewish people successfully rebelled against the Seleucid Empire. “The Menorah Lighting Ceremony is open to all, as it seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of different cultural traditions within our Community.” ing of the leaves this ‘Shout Out’ is to thank my neighbors Don and Tina Tran, who own Diamond Nail Salon on Jackson Street, for taking over 40 bags of my leaves. I raked over a hundred bags this year. Tina and Don make my life so much easier and I am so grateful. Tina uses the leaves for her compost and grows the most delicious fruits and vegetables and the best part is they share what they grow with me!!!” In a press release recapping last Friday’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities, Town Manager Scott Crabtree heaped high praise on the countless town employees and citizens whom he credited with contributing to the continued success of one Saugus’ signature community events: “The Tree Lighting is one of the most special days of the year in Saugus. It’s a great tradition that really brings our community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. I truly appreciate all of the hard work from everyone who pitches in to make sure residents can enjoy this fantastic experience.” The press release issued this MENORAH LIGHTING SET FOR DEC. 15: Congregation Ahavas Sholom is inviting the community to attend a Menorah Lighting Ceremony to celebrate Hanukkah on Monday (Dec. 15) at 4 p.m. in front of Saugus Town Hall (298 Central St.). Here’s a look back at a Menorah Lighting ceremony several years ago. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) Hot chocolate and doughnuts will be provided. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Dec. 12) from 9:3011 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 (781233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. Legion Breakfast today There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2025-26 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. This week’s “Shout Outs” We had several nominations this week: Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered two “shout outs. She directed a collective “Shout Out” to “Selectman Anthony Cogliano, Town Meeting Member Bob Camuso from Precinct4, Selectman Jeff Cicolini, Junkster owner Leo Getz, Jim Harrington, and Town Meeting Member Ron Wallace from Precinct 5, among others cleaning up various areas in town. Most recently the littered area behind Blessed Sacrament Church. Corrine Riley stopped by with hot coffee and donuts. Other areas they have cleaned up [are] Eustis Street and Walnut Street. Thank you to all of you for giving up your time on a weekend morning to clean up all these areas. You are the best!” Bartolo offered another “Shout Out” to some businesspeople in her neighborhood: “Now that we all have reached the last of the rakweek by the Town Manager’s Office goes on to say: “The Tree Lighting is such a resounding annual success because of the support of dedicated town departments, employees, volunteers, and local businesses, such as: • Saugus Police Department (Candy goodie bags) • Town of Saugus employees who put up the holiday lights and light up displays on the Town Hall grounds and Saugus Center • Stop & Shop – (Chocolate chip cookies) • Hammersmith Fami ly Restaurant (Hot cocoa and cups) • TrueVine Church (Hot apple cider) • Saugus High School Band and Saugus High School Chorus (Entertained the crowd with songs such as ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas.’ THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15
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