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Advocate Newspapers, Everett, MA (2025)

11/25/2025

Two-car crash leads to gas leak at Main Street home

Saugus police responded Saturday morning to reports of a car hitting a home in the 200 block of Main Street.
“Police say the incident occurred after one of the cars involved hit a second vehicle which caused that driver to lose control, careen into a yard then strike the home’s gas meter and air conditioning unit,” according to Kelli O’Hara, a spokesperson for Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli.
National Grid and the Saugus Building Inspector responded to the scene to repair a leak of the resident’s gas service, O’Hara said.
“Luckily, no one was hurt,” she said.
No charges are expected to be filed in connection with the incident, according to police.

11/25/2025

Saugus High School Co-Ed Volleyball Banquet Celebrate Tourney Berth

(Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)

Saugus High School Sachems Co-Ed Varsity Volleyball Team celebrated making it to state turnament, for the second time, alongside Junior Varsity and Freshmen teams last Thursday night at Mixx 360.

CUTLINES:

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Freshmen — Kneeling, shown from left to right, are: Haley Eiuk, Isabela De Souza, Eduarda Dos Santos, Hailey Henderson, Stephanie Truong, Lianny Torres, and Alana Swible. Back row, shown from left to right, are: Isabella Cantrell, Hadassah Andrade, Daniella Quagenti, Amarieliz Martinez, Kendra Webber, and Nicola Batista with Head Coach Cheyann Tooman in her first year coaching.

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Shown from left to right, are: outgoing Captains Maria Silva, who is a NEC All Star, Mara Faiella and Alyson Mabee.

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Junior Varsity — Kneeling, shown from left to right, are: Rania Mrabat, Lindsay O’Brien, Brianna Bitto, Luisfung Chen, and Emmie Ear. Back row, shown from left to right, are: Leila Bariozo, Summer Enos, Ariana Chanica, Casey Hanifan, Anna Laguerre, Kelly Bui, Daniella Braga, Ana Clara and Head Coach Madison Niles during last Thursday night’s Saugus High School Sachems Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team banquet at Mixx 360.

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Varsity — Back row, shown from left to right, are: All Star Aiyana Cruz, Ava Foley, Sophia Desmond, Meghan Xavier, All Star/Captain Maria Silva, and Head Coach Mikayla Kingstad. Kneeling, shown from left to right are: Captain Mara Faiella, Captain Alyson Mabee, Pedro Spalenza, Agatha Gomes, and Beatriz Rodrigues.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Eduarda Dos Santos the Most Improved Award.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Lianny Torres the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Hailey Eliuk the Offensive Player of the Year Award.

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Freshman Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Alana Swible the Leadership Award.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Amarieleleiz Martinez the Unsung Hero Award.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman gave Isabella Cantrell the Coaches’ Award.

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Freshmen Head Coach Cheyann Tooman named Hailey Henderson the Most Valuable Player.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Emmie Ear the Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Summer Enos the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Arianna Chianca the Offensive Player of the Year Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Leila Barrozo the Leadership Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Annaella Laguerre the Unsung Hero Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Lindsay O’Brien the Coaches’ Award.

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Junior Varsity Head Coach Madison Niles gave Daniella Braga the Most Valuable Player Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Ava Foley the Most Improved Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave NEC All Star/Captain Maria Silva the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Captain Mara Faiella the Offensive Player of the Year Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Megan Xavier the Leadership Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Sophia Desmond the Unsung Hero Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Alyson Mabee the Coaches’ Award.

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Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad gave Aiyana Cruz the Most Valuable Player Award.

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Shown from left to right, are: incoming Captain Aiyana Cruz, Head Varsity Coach Mikayla Kingstad and incoming Captain Ava Foley.

11/25/2025

Thanksgiving Heroes
Volunteers collaborate at the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry on Saturday morning so that 140 needy families can enjoy the traditional Thanksgiving Day meal

By Mark E. Vogler

Sophia Brogna got to experience the meaning of Thanksgiving in a different way last Saturday morning. The 14-year-old Saugus girl spent two and a half hours in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church with a group of more than 40 volunteers at the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry.
“My job was to help out by carrying turkeys to people’s cars parked near the sidewalk outside the church,” Sophia said, explaining her role.
“The people were really welcoming. Everybody was nice to me. They were very grateful and thanked me for helping to make their Thanksgiving a little happier,” she said.
Working alongside Sophia was Lorena Ochoa-Morales, another first-time volunteer preparing Thanksgiving Day meals at the food pantry. “I have lived in the neighborhood and have been a Saugus resident for 13 years,” Ochoa-Morales said. “The reason why I came today was I just wanted to do something for the community. So I carried some turkeys out. The people who received them were very grateful and thanked me for providing the service so that they could prepare a Thanksgiving Day meal.”
Sophia and Ochoa-Morales were a few of the newcomers involved this year in what has become a food pantry tradition for the past three decades.
“We’re happy to do this year after year,” said Debbie Hoye, the wife of Cliftondale Congregational Church Pastor Joseph Hoyle, who has helped her husband organize the Thanksgiving Food Drive for the past five years.
“We have our regular group of people that come back every year. And there’s always a new group of volunteers to join them,” she said.
“There are 140 families again this year that we are helping. And it’s definitely a blessing this year that we have this. With the federal government shutdown, our regular food pantry has increased in the last few weeks,” she said.
Each family that came to pick up their turkey needed some help to carry out the additional food to help make their meal. There was a box containing fresh produce – green beans, onions, carrots, corn, squash, a bag of potatoes, apples, a bag of cranberries – and a jug of apple cider. They also got a blue bag containing canned green beans, canned corn, stuffing mix, desert mix, cranberry sauce, cornbread mix, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Debbie Hoyle said the food pantry’s annual Thanksgiving food drive brings out the best of Saugus – with a showing of tremendous generosity. “There are so many individuals whose names we’ll never know who drop off food and money to help make a Thanksgiving Day meal possible for people who may not otherwise be able to have one,” Debbie said.
“A lot of people and organizations rally around to donate goods. There are seven different organizations that hold food drives for us. And we have a number of corporate people involved – Trader Joe’s of Saugus, Price Rite in Lynn, Whole Foods in Lynfield and Market Basket in Lynn. Stop & Shop in Saugus is also a huge contributor. Local schools, the local YMCA, the VFW and two Girl Scout troops also contribute to the cause, according to Debbie Hoyle.
Saugus High Football Head Coach Steve Cummings has become a regular over the past seven years, bringing with him some of his players. “Just to be able to come down here for a couple of hours and help families have a good Thanksgiving – that’s a good thing to be able to do,” Cummings said on Saturday morning.
“We have some good kids on our team who see the big picture in life and the importance of building community ties. They understand that any time you’re able to give back, it’s a good thing,” he said.
Mary Lou (she didn’t want to give her last name) said she was one of the volunteers about three decades ago when Carol Cashman organized the first Thanksgiving food drive at the food pantry. “I’ve been here – on and off – for about 22 years. It’s a very good thing that the people here are doing,” Mary Lou said.

CUTLINES:

Lorena Ochoa-Morales volunteered at the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s annual Thanksgiving food drive last Saturday, carrying turkeys out to the cars of needy families who wouldn’t otherwise have a Thanksgiving meal. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Fourteen-year-old Sophia Brogna participated in her first Thanksgiving food drive at the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, transporting turkeys to the recipients of Thanksgiving Day meals. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

A corps of volunteers pitched in to help at the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s annual Thanksgiving food drive last Saturday in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

The Saugus High School football team again participated in the Thanksgiving food drive. Left to right: Head Coach Steve Cummings, Senior Captain Chris Mazin, Junior player Paxton Ferraro, Sophomore player Christian Kennedy, Senior Captain Kobe Jette and Coach Mark Poto. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Boxes and bags of food to go with the turkey were lined up in the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry last Saturday for distribution to needy families to provide them with a Thanksgiving Day meal. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

TURKEYS TO GO: Volunteers checked out the turkeys that were given away to needy families who visited the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry last Saturday. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

11/25/2025

Three Saugus police officers promoted

(Editor’s Note: Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office issued the following press release.)

Town Manager Scott Crabtree and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli are pleased to announce the appointments of Gina Vozzella, Andrew Cipriano and Bruno Auzec to the Saugus Police Department.
The three officers were officially sworn in as police officers during a ceremony held on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Saugus Town Hall.
Family members and fellow Saugus Police Department personnel offered a round of applause when each officer took the oath of office to protect the town and its residents to the best of their abilities.
Town Manager Scott Crabtree said it was an honor to swear in the three individuals as members of the Saugus Police Department. Town Manager Crabtree, who previously served as a Saugus police officer for more than a decade, said he understands the sacrifices the job requires and the pride it instills in helping others as a law enforcement officer.
“Appointing and promoting police officers is one of the best parts of my job,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “I want to congratulate all three officers and commend them for pursuing a career in law enforcement to serve our community. They are excellent candidates as police officers, and I wish them success as members of the Saugus Police Department.”
• Officer Vozzella grew up in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School in 2013.
She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bridgewater State University and has worked for five years as a public safety dispatcher for the Town of Saugus.
• Another Saugus native, Officer Cipriano is a Class of 2021 graduate from Saugus High
School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University. Officer Cipriano has been enlisted with the United States Army National Guard since 2022, earning the rank of E4/Specialist.
• Officer Auzec was also raised in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School in 2020.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Merrimack College.
The new officers will spend the next six weeks working alongside veteran Saugus patrolmen as they learn the ins and outs of their new job.
Chief Ricciardelli expressed confidence that the newly appointed officers possess the education and experience to thrive with the Saugus Police Department. “I’m very pleased to welcome these new officers to our ranks,” Chief Ricciardelli said. “I’m confident they are ready to serve our community well and to uphold the high standards of the Saugus Police Department.”

CUTLINE:

POLICE DEPARTMENT PROMOTIONS: Left to right: Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli, Saugus Police Officer Andrew Cipriano, Saugus Police Officer Gina Vozzella, Saugus Police Officer Bruno Auzec and Town Manager Scott Crabtree. Cipriano, Vozzella and Auzec were recognized during last week’s promotional ceremony. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)

11/25/2025

Saugus Gardens in the Fall
Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable

By Laura Eisener

So far we have had our first snow (Veterans Day, near the end of the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park), although it melted before it reached the ground, and a few light frosts, but it will still be several weeks at least before the ground is too frozen to plant. Some of my fall garden tasks have been accomplished, such as putting away the birdbath, since the basin of most baths would crack as a result of expansion of the water if it froze. I still have some plants to get in the ground, so I am keeping my planting shovel handy right next to the snow shovel!
Walking around town, it definitely looks like stick season! Last Saturday morning’s rain brought down more leaves, and from the hilltops there are views across town that we have not seen since early last spring. Among the inflated turkeys and cornucopias around town, some snowmen and reindeer are appearing.
The bows are on the tree in Saugus Center, ready to go for the tree lighting on Friday, December 5. Some changes have taken place on the Town Hall lawn, including the recent limbing up of the pin oaks on each side of the front walk, additional pruning on the lower branches of trees along the Hamilton Street side and the removal of two small trees on the left side of the front lawn (near Taylor Street).
December’s full moon is Dec. 4. Often called the Cold Moon, it is the third of three supermoons in a row. Some people are calling it the super cold moon! It’s the last one for 2025, but since January’s full moon will also be a supermoon, it is not the end of the current supermoon streak. The first full moon of 2026, occurring January 3, will also be a supermoon.
Chrysanthemums are stealing the show in most gardens, and they remain among the most popular flowers for Thanksgiving centerpieces, either in cut flower arrangements or in festive pots on the table. The garden club’s centerpiece workshop Saturday at St. John’s resulted in many beautiful and creative arrangements. In my household we celebrate a family member’s November birthday that falls very close to Thanksgiving, and this year’s birthday bouquet features various shades of orange: tangerine colored Transvaal daisies (Gerbera jamesonii), apricot carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), large daisy mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) in a burnt pumpkin hue and for contrast some tiny amber daisy mums.
A walk in any neighborhood this week will be full of fall splendor, from color still lingering on the trees to pumpkin displays in warm colors. Not only are there still some carved pumpkins on porches and steps, but there may be a few in unexpected places. A walk in Rumney Marsh included the finding of a pawprint pumpkin nestled in the branch of a tree near the gate across from Vitale Park, and a recent stroll in Lynnhurst to see views across town was rewarded with a painted pumpkin sitting on a rock on Vinegar Hill. A Thanksgiving walk is one of the best ways to work up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner if you are not juggling pots and pans in the kitchen!
Anyone travelling by car for the holiday should be extra vigilant for deer and other wildlife crossing the road. Signs all along the Mass. Pike warn drivers that 25 percent of deer-related car crashes occur in November. This is the peak of deer mating season, and there are also many other animals out seeking mates and new food sources at this time of year. Not only are people feasting in this season, but woodchucks and other hibernating animals are fattening up for the winter. Birds are flocking to the feeders; a few days ago I looked out the window to see a male northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) above with his beak overflowing with seeds. Cardinals are among the most colorful birds that often stay around all winter, and there is a pair of them that show up to my feeder every day.
Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking.

CUTLINES:

A fall centerpiece for my niece’s late November birthday looks like it will last through Thanksgiving! (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

Kevin, the ornamental goose, is dressed in her turkey costume this week in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

“Let’s Eat” says this turkey in the Saugus Center neighborhood as we thankfully sit down to our feast. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

A male cardinal pauses with his mouth full of seeds from a fall feast of seeds. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

Three mini-mums share a pot in a small space to bring fall color inside. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

A pumpkin in a tree at Rumney Marsh is carved in a pattern of pet paws. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

11/25/2025

The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

Good morning, Saugus
Whether you plan to travel away to a special holiday destination or will be spending your time at home for the traditional Thanksgiving, best wishes to our readers for a safe, healthy and happy holiday weekend. Enjoy your time with family and friends. Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving. Be grateful for all the good things in your lives and count your blessings.

This week’s “Shout Outs”
We received a “shout out” this week from Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo, who wanted to congratulate the three new Saugus police officers who were recently sworn in: Officer Gina Vozzella, Officer Andrew Cipriano and Officer Bruno Auzec.
Editor’s Choice: Hats off to the more than 40 volunteers who showed up Saturday morning in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church for the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s annual Thanksgiving food drive. Collectively, they helped to make tomorrow brighter for 140 families who received a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal, including the turkey.

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 (mvogeatcomcast.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 will be closed this week (Friday, Nov. 28) in observance of the Thanksgiving Day holiday. It will reopen on Dec. 5, operating at its normal Friday hours 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.

Community Art Project
The Saugus Cultural Council is organizing a community art project that everyone can participate in! The submission deadline is Friday, Dec. 5. Paper squares with diagonal or zigzag lines representing parts of a bridge can be picked up at the Saugus Public Library or the Saugus Senior Center. Use the square to show your cultural or personal identity using any art medium: drawing, painting, writing, collage or other. Submit your square before closing time on Friday, Dec. 5, by dropping it off at the library or the Senior Center in the receptacle provided at each site. Your square will become part of a large-scale community artwork celebrating the diverse cultures and generations of our town of Saugus! This is open to Saugus residents of all ages The assembled final product will be displayed on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Saugus Community Festival: Culture & 411. If you have questions, email the Saugus Cultural Council at [email protected]

Tree Lighting set for Dec. 5
Saugus is little more than a week away from celebrating one of the town’s signature community events – the Tree Lighting Ceremony and holiday festivities, which is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. outside Saugus Town Hall. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is one of the most special days in our community when families gather together to enjoy some holiday magic, with highlights that include: riding the trackless train (weather permitting), the petting zoo, sleigh rides, the bounce house, photos with winter characters and complimentary treats, such as cookies, hot cocoa and cider. The festivities all lead up to the big moment at 7 p.m. sharp when Santa arrives and turns on the dazzling lights strung up on trees on the Town Hall grounds and Saugus Center rotary.
“Please join us for the Tree Lighting to celebrate the start of the holiday season,” Town Manager Scott Crabtree said in a press release issued recently by his office. “This is a wonderful event for the whole community to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you there!”
Town Manager Crabtree thanked the dedicated municipal employees, volunteers and local businesses whose contributions help make the Tree Lighting such a resounding success each year. The Youth and Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, Building Maintenance Department, and other town employees all play key roles in planning and setting up the Tree Lighting.

Senior Center Basket Raffle underway
The Saugus Senior Center has launched the holidays with a Basket Raffle Fundraiser, featuring more than 40 baskets and 25 gift cards. The fundraiser will be open at the center (466 Central St.) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fifteen tickets cost $10 with a chance to win a door prize. The drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. at the center. All proceeds benefit the Saugus Senior Center.

Holiday crafts fair at St. John’s Dec. 6
St. John’s Episcopal Church is hosting a Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8 Prospect St. in Saugus. We will have a number of assorted crafts, baked goods and vendor tables, as well as an indoor yard sale, snack bar, etc.

Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection Presentation Dec. 8
The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee and Eagle Bank are sponsoring a Free Presentation for Wills, Trusts and Asset Protection. This event will be held on Monday, Dec. 8, from 10-11 a.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). Eagle Bank will be providing an attorney to discuss many issues: estate taxes, Medicaid, probate, property assignments, advantages and disadvantages of wills and living trusts and much more. To attend this free event, please call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178. Light refreshments will be served and walk-in’s are welcome.

Library hosts Teen Creative Writing Group Dec. 8
Please join us on December 8 in the Brooks Room of the Saugus Public Library at 4 p.m. for a teen creative writing program! You can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration is required; suitable for fifth grade and up. For details, contact Rachel at 781-231-4168 (Reference) or [email protected].

Wreaths Across America deadline Nov. 28
On December 13 at noon, the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American
Revolution (MA0136P) is sponsoring a Wreaths Across America event helping both Riverside and Old Burying Ground Cemeteries to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
To sponsor your wreath(s) at $17 each or to volunteer to help place wreaths on December 13, please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/MA0136P . There will be a brief ceremony at noon to honor all branches of the military followed by laying wreaths on our fallen heroes. Invite your friends and family to join us in honoring our servicemen and women. The cut-off date to order is November 28.
In 2021, our first year sponsoring this event, we had over 360 wreaths sponsored. The community really stepped up and we are grateful for all the support we received. However, there are more than 1,200 veterans’ graves in Riverside and we are hoping that between the community and businesses there will be enough sponsored wreaths to cover all those graves this year.
The Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission is to preserve American history and secure America’s future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to participate or “What We Do,” email the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at [email protected]/MA0136P
This ensures your wreath(s) are placed at Riverside Cemetery.

Opening on the Finance Committee
The Town Moderator is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Town’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing the Town’s annual budget and any financial articles on the Town Warrant and advising Town Meeting on their feasibility. Interested parties should send a letter of interest citing their qualifications to the Town Moderator at [email protected]

Fall curbside leaf collection dates
Town Manager Scott Crabtree announced this week that fall curbside leaf collection will take place from Monday, Dec. 8 to Friday, Dec. 12. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection day, between Monday and Friday on these dates listed. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.
Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Yard waste stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., or at the Saugus Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.
Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day.
Missed pickups will not be conducted. Please contact Recycling Director Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

About The Saugus Advocate
We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or a photo to submit, please email me at [email protected] or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.

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GRATEFUL ABUNDANCE: The Saugus Advocate wishes all of our readers a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving Day weekend. If you like this 16 by 20 inch acrylic painting by Joanie Allbee, please enter a special drawing by calling 978-683-7773. The winner will be notified next week.

11/25/2025

Friends of Breakheart Reservation Annual Turkey Trot Photo Highlights

(Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)

The Friends of Breakheart Reservation sponsored Sunday’s Annual Turkey Trot at Breakheart. Winners received turkeys.

CUTLINES:

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First place winner Deirde Lowe, first place winner Andrew Breck and second place winner Adam Cook During Sunday’s Annual Turkey Trot at Breakheart Reservation.

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Third place winner Zach Martin and first place winner Andrew Breck.

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Andrew Breck placed first at 18:38.

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Runners hit the road at the starting line.

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Peter Rosetti kicked off the race.

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Shown from left to right, are: Brenda Rotago, Julianna Gerardo, Jackson Rogato, Jessica Gerardo, and Mila Rogato.

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Shown from left to right, are: Bradley, 8, Tucker, 7, and Michael Nelson.

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Amanda Vieira and Gustavo Santos.

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Ronnie Giovino, 7, with his mother, Brandy.

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Shown from left to right, are; Jade, 7, Quinn, 9, Vanessa, Ryan and Cole Peterson, 4.

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Nurialle Gerard, at left, and Amy Porter.

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First place winner Deirdre Lowe timed 22:25 and Evan Lowe placed 22:45.

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Saugus resident Tristan Frees and Victor Skop, both 14.

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Shown from left to right, are: Marianne Eybye, Krissy Pawlicki, James Pawlicki and Kelly Pheulpin.

11/25/2025

“A Fantastic Teammate”
Saugus Lions honor Sachem senior Josh Sheehan with “Heisman Award” at Annual Football Meeting and Dinner

By Mark E. Vogler

Saugus High School senior Josh Sheehan missed the entire football season last year after suffering a shoulder injury during the team’s first practice. But Sheehan’s dedication and perseverance enabled him to become a starter on this year’s team and an invaluable player, according to Coach Steve Cummings, who said the 17-year-old Sachem safety “really embodies what it is to be a fantastic teammate.”
“Josh has been a reliable player for us and is one of those guys who figured out what his role was and embraced it every week,” Cummings said in an interview last week after presenting Sheehan with this year’s Saugus Heisman Award at the 53rd Annual Saugus and Peabody Lions Clubs’ Football Meeting and Dinner, which was held last week Gametime sports bar and restaurant in Peabody.
During a short speech honoring Sheehan, Cummings told of how the senior set an example as the type of player that his teammates can look up to. “And we have a young man on our team who, ever since he stepped foot in our program, has done everything anyone has ever asked of him, even when it wasn’t easy,” Cummings said.
“This year, he’s a guy who has learned multiple positions because he knows that at any moment he’s going to go to a position where he’s needed. He’s not the starting quarterback. He’s not the starting running back. But he prepares every single day like he’s going to have to go in and make a big difference in that football game,” Cummings said. “And that’s why I have no doubt that this kid’s going to be a very successful adult. He’s got the ability to figure out where he fits in and how he makes everybody else better. And I couldn’t be more proud to present our 2025 Saugus Heisman Award to Josh Sheehan.”
Sheehan, who is an Honor Roll student, said he hasn’t decided his future goals after graduation. But he’s considering the University of Massachusetts Amherst as one school he would like to attend.
During his talk last week, Coach Cummings congratulated the table full of Saugus and Peabody seniors who broke bread together in a banquet that has become a tradition between the two schools because of the Saugus and Peabody Lions Clubs. “You seniors on both sides, I just want to congratulate you guys on finishing what a lot of people never get to do. A lot of people do not get to experience what you guys have experienced over the past three to four years or for however long you have been involved in the sport. This is a special thing,” Cummings said.
“Being 47 years old, I can still tell you most of the characteristics of my Thanksgiving Day game as a senior in Duxbury. We won 40 to 20. We took the opening kick back for a touchdown. There are so many things about that day that I will remember for the rest of my life,” he said.
Cummings offered some advice to the seniors, who will be playing their final High School game tomorrow. “When you get on the field on Thursday, do yourself a favor: take a minute, look around, recognize some of the faces, take it all in because this is the one sport that you never get to do again,” he said.
“You can play in rec league basketball. You can play in adult league baseball. But you never get to do this again. So, take advantage of it. It’s a special situation. It will get emotional. For most of you, this will be the last time you get to suit up.”
Tomorrow will be the seventh Thanksgiving Day game for Cummings as the Saugus High Coach. “I feel very fortunate to be a part of this rivalry game,” he said.
Peabody Tanners Head Coach Mark Bettencourt told the audience at Gametime sports that he’s a longtime participant in the Lions Club football banquets honoring Saugus and Peabody seniors. He’s attended the banquet for 14 years as the coach.
“It’s nostalgic to think I once sat here. I was the senior. I had to do ‘The Lions’ Roar,’ just like these guys had to do…The tradition of this banquet is really what New England football is all about: the tradition of playing Thanksgiving morning,” Bettencourt said.
“I like to make sure that all the seniors on both teams understand something. Like Coach Cummings says, he remembers his game when he played down on the South Shore.
“I remember my game. I remember my game my senior year when Saugus was 8-1 and Peabody was 9-0. The winner of that game went to the Super Bowl. All the cards were on the table. All the money was pushed in for that Thanksgiving game. They said there were close to 20,000 people at that game. One of the biggest games as far as the Peabody-Saugus rivalry of what was on the line in that game. I remember it like it was yesterday. Yes. Of course, we won. We went to the Super Bowl,” he said.
But the most memorable Thanksgiving game Bettencourt said he played was probably the one in his junior year. Both teams had .500 records and were scheduled to play at the old Stackpole Field in Saugus. “That year there was a blizzard the night before Thanksgiving. We had to push that game to Friday. We played the game on Friday that year. For all intents and purposes, it was a meaningless game. There was no Super Bowl on the line like there was my senior year. It was just a traditional rivalry game. Their quarterback was a kid named Mark Fauci, a phenomenal athlete that went on to play quarterback at Boston University,” Bettencourt said. “They had some really good players on their team. We had some really good players on our team, but the records didn’t reflect anything. And we fought. We fought in the mud at Stackpole Field. Once that snow melted, the entire field turned to mud. You couldn’t read the numbers on our jerseys. I had mud stuck in my ear for a week after that game. We won 14-13. We stopped Mark Fauci on the one-yard line as he went for a two-point conversion to win that game with no time left on the clock.”

CUTLINES:

Joshua Sheehan hoists the giant “Heisman Trophy,” which is on permanent display at Saugus High School to honor all past recipients. Sheehan’s name will be added to the trophy. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Joining their “fantastic teammate” and this year’s “Heisman Trophy” winner Josh Sheehan were coaches and senior members of the Saugus High School Sachems football team at last week’s 53rd Annual Saugus and Peabody Lions Club Football Meeting and Dinner. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

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