The Sounds of Saugus

What a great community event!

Good Morning, Saugus!

  In my travels around town this week, I heard a few unfair knocks about “Saugus 4-1-1.” A common critique – and one that I believe was unfair and just not true – was that it was “a political event.” The critics pointed to the fact that it had to be “political” because it was organized by Selectman Corinne Riley.

  But I was there the full three hours last Saturday (Oct. 15) morning and saw nothing to substantiate the “political” claim. The only political aspect I saw was the table set up for the Saugus Democratic Town Committee. Selectman Riley’s political leanings, by the way, seem to be Republican. She worked as a campaign manager for state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) on several of his successful State House campaigns. And she stepped down from that position after getting elected to the Board of Selectmen three years ago. By the way, there wasn’t a table for the Republican Town Committee.

  There were about two dozen tables set up on the first floor of the new Saugus Middle-High School. The Saugus Police and Fire Departments had separate tables with handouts. There were five tables from various churches from the Saugus Faith Community. The Saugus Public Schools had a table staffed by Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon and her staff. The Saugus Public Library, with Library Director Alan Thibeault – along with its two supporting nonprofit agencies – New Friends of the Saugus Public Library and Saugus Public Library Foundation – occupied three of the tables. Also staffing tables were representatives of SAVE/Tree Committee, DAR, the MEG Foundation/Saugus Historical Society, Saugus Television, William Sutton Lodge of Masons, Saugus Garden Club, Saugus Everett Elks, Saugus Cub Scout Pack 62, Saugus Lions Club, Saugus Little League, Friends of Saugus Senior Center/Saugus Council on Aging and the Saugus Board of Selectmen. All five selectmen – Riley, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta, Michael Serino and Jeff Cicolini – showed up.

  From what I could see, visitors really needed a shopping bag to pack with the wide range of informative handouts and the assortment of colorful trinkets and gadgets – some of them useful and/or bearing the name and number of a Saugus organization or local government agency. My favorite of the freebies was the small plastic dinosaur that would walk when wound up. I found those babies in a basket at the Cliftondale Congregational Church table. I scooped several of those little dinosaurs up and made sure that a few parents with small children got them to take home. I kept one to give to a friend.

  From all accounts, it was a great event for Saugus newcomers and old-timers alike. Too bad more folks didn’t check it out. Selectman Riley and her team of volunteer organizers have a very good base to build on for next year when they plan “The Second Annual Saugus 4-1-1” event.

 

Town-Wide Fall Street Sweeping

  The Town of Saugus’s Annual Fall Street Sweeping Program began on Oct. 11. Sweepers started in the area of north Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and are working their way across Town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Town asks that residents keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area.

  Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter area. But they should not sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept.

  Residents should keep in mind that street sweepers are unable to collect stones, branches, leaves or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions.

 

Saugus Lions Club fundraiser tomorrow

  The Saugus Lions Club is hosting a Halloween dinner/dance tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 22) at 7 p.m. at the Saugus Knights of Columbus (57 Appleton St.). There will be a full buffet, cash bar, DJ, raffles and door prizes. Costumes are optional but there will be a prize for best costume.

  Tickets are $50 with proceeds supporting the Lions’ efforts in funding eye research. For more information or to purchase tickets, email pattyfierro@hotmail.com or call 781-640-9176.

“A huge Shout Out” to Saugus 4-1-1 team

  Selectman Corinne Riley was clearly the catalyst and driving force behind last Saturday’s “First Annual Saugus 4-1-1” event held at the new Saugus Middle-High School. But, as is the case in many of the events that Selectman Riley spearheads, she prefers to divert the attention to the folks who collaborate on the worthwhile town events which she initiates. So, we will let Selectman Riley lead off this week with the largest “Shout Out” we’ve ever published in this column:

  “This is a huge shout out to all that helped in the success of Saugus 4-1-1! The support from my fellow Board members, Anthony Cogliano, Debra Panetta, Jeff Cicolini and Michael Serino and State Representatives Wong and Giannino, Town Manager Crabtree and from his office, Christine Moreschi and Jeannie Meredith. From the Town Clerk’s office: Ellen Schena, Stephanie Hardy, Andrew DePatto, Inspectional Services: Debbie Nickolas, Dan Kelly, Michael LaVecchia, Chief Mike Ricciardelli, Detective Stacey Forni, and Chief Mike Newbury, Fire Captain Scott Phalen, Bill Cross, Board of Selectmen Clerk Janice Jarosz, Senior Center Laurie Davis, Lynette Terrazzano and Ralph Genzale. Superintendent Erin McMahon, Myra Monto, Andrea Wheeler, Gosia Janik-Knupp, all the wonderful students who gave tours of the facility, Saugus School Committee. Wendy Carpenito, Donna Sordello, Jean Swanson, Jeannie Bartolo, Nancy Vivace, Chris Riley, Jim Harrington, Charles Zapolski, Joanne Mirabello and Corey Berkowitch. These wonderful non-profit organizations, houses of worship and town information tables: Saugus Tree Committee, Saugus Library Foundation, The Saugus Lions Club, New Friends of Saugus Library, Saugus Public Library, Saugus Softball Little League, St. John’s Episcopal Church, William Sutton Lodge, S.A.V.E., Saugus Democratic Committee, Daughters of the Revolution, Saugus Garden Club, Friends of Saugus Senior Center, Council on Aging, S.C.T.V., Michelle Madar Fox, Saugus Historical Society, Cliftondale Congregational Church, East Saugus UMC, M.E. Graves Foundation, Cub Scouts Pack 62, Saugus Fire Department, Saugus Police Department, First Baptist Church, Saugus Catholics Collaborative and Saugus-Everett Elks, Saugus Cultural Council, Mark Vogler from The Saugus Advocate for covering this event many times! And the most important thank you goes out to the residents, old and new, who came to find out about our town! I truly hope I didn’t forget anyone, and I am looking forward to making it bigger and better next year!

  Sue Fleming offered this “Shout Out,” also related to people who made “Saugus 4-1-1” such a great success: “Giving ‘a Shout Out’ to Selectman Corrine Riley and her committee, who organized the ‘Saugus 4-1-1’ event at the Saugus Middle-High School. So much work went into putting on the event and it looked to be very well attended by new residents to the town as well as us ‘old-timers’. The student-led tour of the schools was great. The 2 students who showed us around were very informative and a pleasure to talk with. The school is beautiful and everyone in town should be proud to have such a wonderful place for our kids to learn in. Thanks Corrine!”

  School Committee Member Ryan Fisher also contributed a Saugus 4-1-1-related “Shout Out” to this week’s paper: “I want to do ‘a shout out’ to the student volunteers who gave great tours of the complex. My mother never went beyond the auditorium and was blown away, because you have no idea looking at the outside of the building what an amazing space it is on the inside.”

  Since we have a list of the student volunteers, we will follow up School Committee member Fisher’s “Shout Out” with the names of the student volunteers who helped out at “Saugus 4-1-1”: Logan Goodwin, Nicole Soares, Alex Wallace, Said Baghizov, Seymour Baghizov, Leticia Nunes, Violet Hawley, Matilda Fisher, Wiktoria Biegun, Jay Patel, Josh Farmer, Afnan Tuffaha and Nikki Kath.

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.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Melanie Mabee for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched!” contest. Melanie is one of several readers answering correctly, but she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:

  “The answer to last week’s sketch is Tricia Murphy! Tricia has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education and is North Shore Community College (Early Childhood Education) Certified. One day, Tricia had a dream, and like actor Kevin Costner’s line from the movie, ‘Field of Dreams,’ ‘If you build it, they will come.’ She set out to ‘build it’ and indeed they came! Now, Tricia is accepted to take up to 95 Students at her ‘Shining Stars Learning Center.’ Tricia built her dream and is flourishing and bringing life back into Cliftondale with the fruition of her dream.

  “Tricia was on the Front cover and Featured in ‘The Advocate Asks’ column by Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler in the Aug. 26,2022 edition, pages 4, 5, &10.

  “Liam Jaynes – a former Shining Stars Learning Center student, who was only 3 when he died in a tragic car accident – inspired Tricia to have an annual ‘random acts of kindness day’ in his honor. Tricia is naming the playground /play station after Liam in remembrance of him.

  “There’s a specialness of this Center with staff and families bringing life to its full circle with many past students becoming teachers and/or bringing their children to the ‘Shining Stars Learning Center.’

  “That really tells the story a mere 1,000 words could never reflect … It’s a story that paints a picture of hope in a loving family-like atmosphere. It’s encouraging to sense the fertile soil Tricia provides for her staff to bloom. As Tricia stated in the article [page 10], ‘We don’t have a-lot of turnover in staff. Our staff is there for years and years.’ That is contentment and commendable! This speaks volumes as to what kind of Leader of the Program Tricia Murphy is; Outstanding comes to mind. Tricia, you are loved by Saugus Community

  “Keep up the A-plus work with our young Saugonians. Keep shining!

  “You truly are a candle in Cliftondale burning brightly with hope and great promise!

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

Legion breakfasts

  Saugus American Legion Post 210 is hosting its popular breakfasts from 8-9 a.m. on Fridays. The price is $8 for those who are looking for a delicious meal at Legion Hall. Bon appétit!

A chance to vote early – starting tomorrow

  The Town Clerk’s Office has posted the early voting hours for the Nov. 8 general election on the town website.

  The First Week of Early Voting

  Saturday, October 22 – 9 am to 3 p.m.

  No Sunday

  Monday, October 24 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  Tuesday, October 25 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Wednesday, October 26 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Thursday, October 27 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Friday, October 28 – 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

  The Second Week of Early Voting

  Saturday, October 29 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last day to register to vote)

  No Sunday

  Monday, October 31 – 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  Tuesday, November 1 – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Wednesday, November 2 – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Thursday, November 3 – 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Friday, November 4 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Comedy at the Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant continues its comedy shows today (Friday, Oct. 21) with Jimmy Dunn. Tickets are $20 and show time is 8 p.m. at the Kowloon Restaurant on Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.

  Here’s a little background about this week’s comedian: Jimmy Dunn is an actor and stand-up comedian from Boston who recently co-starred on the CBS comedy “The McCarthys” as Sean McCarthy. He got his start in the comedy world telling jokes at a bar in Gloucester, Mass., where he was paid in beer and fried clams.

  If you got any kind of funny bone, you might check out Jimmy’s performance tonight.

Fall Curbside Leaf Collection starts next week

  The Town of Saugus announced that fall curbside leaf collection will take place during the weeks of Oct. 24–28, Nov. 14–18 and Nov. 28–Dec. 2. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day. Leaves should be left outside 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. 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 pick-ups” will not be conducted.

Congratulations, Mike!

  Glad to hear that former Saugus Advertiser Editor Michael Gaffney has landed on his feet since resigning from his newspaper job back in the spring. In September, he began working as Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator for Gloucester Public Schools. It sounds like a great position that must pay a heck of a lot more than he was making after covering Saugus for 18 years.

  During the time I worked alongside Mike, covering important Saugus stories, I always considered him a hardworking and accomplished news reporter/writer who would be an asset to any Massachusetts weekly or daily newspaper. He was a true gentleman in the profession, whom I viewed more as a colleague than competition. The Advertiser’s loss is Gloucester Public Schools’ gain.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

  Residents are invited to dispose of their household hazardous waste in an environmentally responsible manner during a collection event on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. This event will be held at the Belmonte Upper Elementary School located at 25 Dow St. This year it will be a contactless event and there will be no preregistration. Residents must stay in their vehicles and hold up a driver’s license, and all materials must be placed in the trunk or rear of the vehicle.

  The rain-or-shine event will allow residents to dispose of a series of household waste products, including rubber cement, airplane glue, fiberglass resins, aerosol cans, photo chemicals, furniture polish, floor and metal polish, oven cleaner, drain and toilet cleaner, spot remover, rug and upholstery cleaner, hobby and artist supplies, photography chemicals, turpentine and chemistry sets. The following garage supplies will also be accepted: fuel, gasoline, kerosene, engine degreaser, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, transmission fluid, car wax, polishes, driveway sealer, car batteries, antifreeze, cesspool cleaners, roofing tar, swimming pool chemicals, motor oil and car batteries. Accepted workbench waste includes oil-based paints, stains, varnishes, wood preservatives, paint strippers or thinners, solvent adhesives and lighter fluid. Residents may also bring the following yard waste: weed killer, chemical fertilizers, flea control products, moth balls, poisons, insecticides, herbicides, pesticides and fungicides.

  Residents are urged to take caution when transporting household hazardous materials. Locals may do so by keeping the materials in their original containers, tightening caps and lids, sorting and packing products separately and packing containers in sturdy upright boxes padded with newspaper. Please remember never to mix chemicals or to smoke while handling hazardous materials.

  The hazardous household waste collection will not accept commercial waste. Residents will be limited to two carloads, the equivalent of 50 pounds or 50 gallons, of hazardous waste.

  The following items will not be accepted: empty containers or trash, latex paint, commercial or industrial waste, radioactive waste, smoke detectors, infectious and biological wastes, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, fire extinguishers or syringes. TVs, computers and car tires may be recycled at the drop-off site located at 515 Main St. on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Jeannie Meredith 781-231-4111 with any questions.

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

  For schoolchildren looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St.).

  Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a monthly sewing class for adults that is held the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Saugus Public Library. The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 21. The class will cover basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing and mending torn fabric and will move on to more advanced topics in the coming weeks. This class is free. (See sauguspubliclibrary.org.)

  A neat, new teen group called Manga & Anime Club: The Manga & Anime Club began recently. And, from all accounts, it’s a lot of fun for kids in Grades 6 and up. So, if you are curious, check out the Teen Room. Chat with friends! Make crafts! Try Japanese snacks! Club meetings will continue on Saturdays, through May, from 10-11 a.m. They will be held on Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and May 13. Please sign up in advance; call 781-231-4168 or stop by the Reference Desk (https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/new-manga-anime-club…/)

  Learn about crystals on Nov. 3

  If you have a passion or just a passing interest in geology, go ahead and check out “All About Crystals with Leeza Masia,” which is set for Thursday, Nov. 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room of the Saugus Public Library. This presentation is geared toward kids in the 5th grade and up. Leeza will be showcasing some of her favorite crystals from her personal collection. She will talk about geological & metaphysical aspects of crystals, and how to cleanse and “charge” any stone. Learn which chakras particular crystals associate with and how to make two types of crystal grids. There will be a crystal giveaway at the end of the workshop!

  Please sign up in advance. Call 781-231-4168 or come to the Reference Desk.

Youth Cross Country

  Hey, parents! If you have a child or several kids who could use an opportunity to get into a healthier lifestyle, which might, in turn, lead to better academic scores, consider getting them to sign up for Youth Cross Country. Here’s a simple outline of what this entails.

  Who: any Saugus child in grades one through five.

  When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m., at the Belmonte Track; Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center at Breakheart Reservation.

  Dates: The program will last through Nov. 15.

  Why: to learn to enjoy cross-country running and make new friends.

  Cost: $100 for new runners, $50 for returning runners.

  This weekly program is guided by Coach Steve Boudreau and Coach Chris Tarantino. Children will learn good stretching techniques and the basics of exercise and cross-country running. Best of all, this is a great way to make new friends.

  Participants need to wear a good pair of sneakers, dress in comfortable running clothes and bring a water bottle. For more details, contact Coach T (Not Mr. T.) at 781-854-6778.

  Sounds like a worthwhile and affordable fitness program with lots of upside for grade school kids.

Recalling a Route 1 Restaurant legacy

  Like any newspaper, large or small, we make mistakes. And when they are brought to our attention, we correct them. Even if the error occurs in this column – which is an eclectic column that contains upcoming events, local political satire, editorial barbs, positive “shout outs” to praise Saugonians who contribute to the betterment of their hometown, the “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest and “the sketch artist’s” answer to the previous week’s sketch, and some interesting reader feedback.

  So it goes that Prince Pizzeria owner Steven Castraberti wrote this remark to feedback section of The Advocate News website recently: “Mark Vogler wrote in Oct 7 issue that Leonard Zohn was the owner of Prince Pizzeria. News to me!! fact check time!” Castraberti also texted me “Mark this is Steve from Prince. Who told you Leonard Zahn was the owner here. Simply wrong.

  We publish numerous items in “The Sounds of Saugus” from press releases announcing upcoming events. And one item appearing in the Oct. 7 column titled “Autism Eats and Wally” did incorrectly identify Lenard Zohn as “owner of Prince Pizzeria” who was “hosting the restaurant’s annual Autism Eats with Red Sox Wally” event at the restaurant on Oct. 13.

Clearly it was an error.

  I have never interviewed or met Steve Castraberti during my six-and-a-half-plus years as editor of The Saugus Advocate. But I’m very familiar with his family’s legacy that turned the Route 1 pizza drive-in/joint into a Route 1 restaurant landmark.

  The late Arthur Castraberti – the current owner’s dad – had a dream of owning his own restaurant. The U.S. Army veteran who served in World War II worked for Prince Macaroni Manufacturing Company, which owned a 12-seat drive-in pizza place in Saugus, known as the “The Leaning Tower of Pizza,” according to the historical account on Prince Pizzeria’s website. He later bought the pizza joint, which he named Prince Pizzeria, and turned it into a Greater Boston dining destination and area function venue that seats up to 650 guests and has become one of the largest independent restaurants in the country. Steve Castraberti took over as the owner after his dad’s death in 2011.

  Over the past six-plus years in Saugus, I’ve covered a number of banquets and special events, such as “Unsung heroes” of Saugus Public Schools, post-election political parties and the Saugus Lions Club’s Saugus High-Peabody senior football banquet. I’ve also conducted a number of interviews for stories while munching on slices of pizza. And I always enjoy reading the messages on the sign board in the parking lot facing Route 1.

  I’m still not sure how the error happened in the Oct. 7 edition. But I’m sure many more Saugus Advocate readers will notice this correction more than our goof that was published two weeks ago. And crafting a correction gave us the opportunity to share this rich local restaurant history with our readers – many of them who pass by Prince Pizzeria daily.

First Baptist Church presents “Can We Talk…”

  First Baptist Church Pastor Leroy Mahoney invites troubled people to join others in a special program called “Can We Talk … Community conversations on Trauma and Healing” the first Thursday of every month, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rev. Isaac Mitchell Jr. Fellowship Hall (105 Main St. in Saugus). “Join us as we gather in community to share our stories, thoughts and feelings about whatever you are going through,” Rev. Mahoney writes in a written announcement.

  “As always, it is a safe space to come together in community,” he says.

Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Program Resumes for the 22-23 School Year

(Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.)

  Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families that enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends.

  How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at Saugus Public schools on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9

  Want to partner with us: We would love to partner with organizations, sports teams, youth groups, PTO’s, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com

  HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at: https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus

Saugus seeks student poll workers

  Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s Office is looking for student election workers. It is a great way for them to learn how their government functions and how important it is to vote. Sixteen-year-old students are eligible to work a half day (six to eight hours); 17-18-year-old students may work a full day (eight to 12 hours). All students can receive community service, which is imperative to them in order to satisfy their High School requirement mandated for graduation, or they can be paid for their hours worked. In addition, the Town Clerk’s Office will gladly write letters of recommendation for the National Honor Society, Colleges, etc.

  Interested students can stop by Town Hall or contact the Town Clerk’s Office to apply for work. Ask for Andrew DePatto, the Saugus Election Coordinator. He can be reached at 781-231-4102.

Food pantry prepares for Thanksgiving

  Debora de Paula Hoyle, Administrative Assistant at Cliftondale Congregational Church, submitted the following announcement on behalf of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which operates with a team of volunteers out of the church basement each Friday:

  “Every year the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry provides the local community with Thanksgiving meals that include a frozen turkey, fresh produce, dessert, and Thanksgiving staples like cranberry sauce, gravy, and stuffing. Last year, we served over 70 families with full meals and anticipate potentially serving more this year with the increasing cost of groceries.

  “We welcome anyone in need to register to receive a Thanksgiving meal on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. between now and Friday, November 11. Pick up information will be provided upon registering.

  “We also count on the generosity of the community. We are seeking donations of non-perishable food items (please no frozen or refrigerated items), grocery store gift cards, and financial contributions. Deliveries may be brought to the side door of the Cliftondale Congregational Church (the driveway between the church and the MEG building) on any Friday morning through Nov. 11 between 8-11 a.m.

  “The Food Pantry will be closed on Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of Thanksgiving.”

  “P.S. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is an all-volunteer, collaborative, non-profit, religious organization composed of the town’s churches and community members; donations are tax deductible. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that our neighbors in need enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving! For more information, please contact 781 233 2663, or email cliftondalecc.org.”

  If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., distributing prepackaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

Let’s hear it!

  Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net.

  Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis.

  If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site.

CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifies the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Hammersmith Family Restaurant (330 Central St. in Saugus). But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”)