The Sounds of Saugus

Here are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus.

Wildlife Encounters Monday!

  It sounds like there’s going to be a fun event on Monday (July 12) at 9:30 a.m. at the Saugus Ironworks National Historic Site. It’s being promoted by the Saugus Public Library as a “live animal show” that’s also “Interactive, educational and fun.” The press release issued by the Saugus Public Library also notes that it will include “farm life”, “pet life” and friendlier wild species of Ambassador Animals. Most of these animals are rescues that were injured, abandoned or displaced… “And they all have their own personal stories! At our discretion – all of these animals may be hands-on.”

   Wildlife Encounters Ecology Center & Farm School of New Hampshire will be leading the live animal program. Their Jr. Zookeeper program celebrates animals and is being held in honor of the Library’s Tails and Tales themed Summer Reading program. It’s informative, interactive and fun. Folks are welcome to bring a blanket or chair.

  For further details or in case of rain, please check the library’s online event calendar on the morning of the program.

  Sounds like a fun program for kids of all ages.

Stumped by the sketch artist

  Nobody submitted the right answer to last week’s entry in the weekly “Guess Who Got Sketched?” contest. Here’s last week’s answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:

  “The answer to last week’s Sketch is the very talented Photographer Ms. Tara Vocino! And here she is in her own words quoted below:

  “Tara Vocino has been freelancing for the Saugus Advocate for a few years. Her hobbies include swimming, exercising, church and country music concerts. She grew up attending Blessed Sacrament Parish in Saugus, where she was a youth leader. Living in a small town in Central and Western Massachusetts before moving to this area, she loves the small town feel that Saugus brings. She graduated from Wheaton College in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in English and Religion.”

  “Thank you Tara keep on shining your light

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

One-day delay for trash/recycling

  The Town of Saugus reminds residents there is a one-day delay with the trash and recycling collection schedule this week (through tomorrow [Saturday, July 10]), as the July 4 holiday was observed on Monday (July 5). The compost site and recycling site will be open tomorrow. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

A “Shout-Out” for Tony Barrie

  As a long-time newspaperman who has been interviewing people and writing stories for close to a half century, I am always thrilled when I get the chance to interview a World War II veteran or a centenarian. So, it was pretty special when I got to spend a couple of hours at Tony Barrie’s home recently.

  The thing that impressed me most about Tony was that he was very articulate, had full command of all of his faculties, had no problem listening to my questions and had excellent recall of his memory banks. And when I was uncustomarily late for my interview with him, he actually called my telephone number in addition to the Advocate News office in Everett.

  It was a fun interview with a man who did not disappoint.

  Happy birthday, Tony. And I hope you get showered with calls from many of the local folks who admire the Tony Barrie Marching Band.

A “Shout-Out” for the pet food drive organizers

  We didn’t receive any nominations this week from readers recommending good candidates worthy of an extra “Shout-Out.” In that case, I shall use my editorial discretion to nominate all those folks working behind the scenes on the Pet Food Donation Drive.

  I received an email this week from Marcia Benson, who wanted to let Saugus residents know about the food drive that the Good Hope Food Pantry is hosting now through July 31.

  Good Hope is located at 47 Grove St in Lynnfield and is part of the Calvary Christian Church. The pantry is held on Thursday mornings and hundreds of vehicles show up from Saugus and area communities.

  Saugus residents who would like to donate some food for our fury, four-legged friends can do so by visiting drop-off spots at Saugus Town Hall, Carpenito Real Estate and the Saugus Public Library.

  Marcia writes that the organizers are seeking wet and dry dog and cat food, treats and litter — and are especially in need of cat food and litter.

  For more details, check out https://create.piktochart.com/output/55052935-pet-food-drive. Or, you can email Marcia at Marciabenson5@icloud.com.

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.

 

A community garden update

  If you are young or old and feel like doing some real earthy community service, why not join the growing team that’s been assisting in the creation of the Community Garden that’s going to help feed the hungry and needy people of Saugus?

  Here’s this week’s message from Rev. John:

  “Dear kind and gentle people,

  You are all warmly invited to join us to help in the garden this Friday or Saturday anytime between 9 and 11. It is my hope that the weather will be a bit more accommodating of the laborers in the field.

  The tomatoes, potatoes, radishes, squash, zucchini, and carrots are doing amazingly well. Some crafty rabbits have made a hole in the fence and have consumed the lettuce and stringbeans. I am grateful to North East Nursery for giving us 100 pepper seedlings (unappealing to rabbits) to replace that which the rabbits have consumed. We will be planting them this weekend.

   I am grateful for the 100 tomato cages which Saugus citizens have dropped

  I look forward to seeing a number of you this weekend.

  Peace,

  John+

  Contact The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church to get the latest update on how the garden is doing and what you can do to help. Anyone who wants to help out Rev. John on this noble project, call him at 774 961-9881 or send him an email at revjbeach@gmail.com.

  We will keep you posted as the garden continues to grow. Remember folks, this is your garden. Be a part of it.

  The Rev. John Beach

  St. John’s Episcopal Church

  Saugus, Massachusetts 01906

About the veterans’ bricks

  Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley, who is involved with a lot of veterans events and programs in town, passes this note along:

  “The Saugus Veterans Council would like to inform those who ordered bricks prior to May 2021, which were displayed at the Memorial Day Ceremony, that those bricks will be installed at Veterans Park mid August and will be dedicated on Veterans Day.”

Summer Reading Program at the library

  This comes from Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at Saugus Public Library:

  “The Saugus Public Library is reopening just in time for its annual summer reading program. Although the school year is ending, it doesn’t mean that the opportunity to learn and grow has. This summer kids of all ages will explore the animal kingdom as the Saugus Public Library presents its “ Tails and Tales” summer reading program. Activities will include Take & Make crafts, virtual STEM programming, storytimes, outdoor performers and more.

  The Saugus Public School District recommends that students read at least 20 minutes a day this summer. The library is here to help families create a summer reading routine that is fun for kids and their families. The 2021 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult.

  We reward our readers! We’ve once again partnered with local businesses to reward summer reading. We’d like to thank those businesses who generously donated prizes and the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library who purchased others. We’re also participating in Read to Bead – kids collect reading Brag Tags and colorful beads as they go.

  Families are encouraged to register for the animal themed “ Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program using the Beanstack app. It’s easy – just download the Beanstack app, register under the Saugus Public Library, and you’re on your way. It’s like a Fitbit for reading! For more information, or to register in person, stop by the library or visit our website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading-program/).

  It’s been a challenging school year. It’s important to keep reading to retain skills – and an opportunity to catch up with peers. Research shows that children who do not read during the summer fall behind. The effect is cumulative – over many summers these students fall significantly behind their peers.

  Most importantly perhaps, it’s an opportunity to build a reading routine: turn off the media, sit with a child, and enjoy some beautiful story books. Try reading a longer book to them, and let them read to you. With Beanstack kids can take a safari around the world to learn about animals on different continents, listen to animal stories from around the world and do research on their favorites.

  Need some help finding registering for summer reading, or finding a “just-right book” for your child? Stop by the library and see us! All programs are free of charge.”

A political candidate’s primer

  It’s almost that time of year again – which happens every two years. The political season for those who are considering reelection to various offices in town government – or those who aspire to replace them – begins in about two weeks – Monday, July 19.

  That’s the day when candidates considering political office will be able to pick up their nomination papers. For those who are interested, here’s something you can cut out and tape or attach to your refrigerator.

 

Town of Saugus Election Calendar for 2021

  Here are some important dates released by the Saugus Town Clerk’s Office:

  July 19: Local election nomination papers become available.

  Sept. 7, at 5pm Last day for incumbent Town Meeting Members wishing to become a candidate for Re-election to submit written notice to the Town Clerk.

  Sept. 10, at 5pm Last day to OBTAIN nomination papers.

  Sept. 14, at 5pm Last day for candidates to SUBMIT nomination papers to the Board of Registrars (Town Clerk’s Office) for certification of signatures.

  Sept. 30, at 5pm Last day to file objections or withdrawals.

  Sept. 30, at 5:30pm Drawing of ballot positions (Town Hall Auditorium).

  Oct. 13, 2021 at 8:15am-8pm Last day to register to vote.

  Fifty (50) certified signatures of registered voters are required for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Housing Authority. Ten (10) certified signatures of registered voters are required for Town Meeting Members. Signatures must be of registered voters in the candidate’s precinct.

  Oct. 26, Office of Campaign Finance Reports are due on this Monday, the 8th day preceding the election.

  Nov. 2, Town Elections.

  Dec. 2, Office of Campaign Finance Reports are due on the 30th day following the election.

  All candidates are expected to comply with the Town of Saugus Zoning Bylaws (Article 7, Section 7.3, Sub-Section 8) regarding political signs.

CHaRM Center Recycling Drop-Off site open for season

  The community’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) site has opened. This site will remain open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main Street.

  At the CHaRM center, the Town will accept the same recycling items that can be placed outside for curbside collection each week, such as paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, and glass containers. No shredded paper accepted for recycling on site.

  Additional acceptable items include: TVs and computers (up to three per year per address); car tires up to 22” (for a fee of $3); and textiles such as books, clothing, bedding, pocketbooks, belts, and shoes.

  Plastic bags are not permitted, residents are kindly asked to empty recyclables out of any plastic bags,and remove the bags from the site. Also, rigid plastics are not being accepted for recycling at this time.

  Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

Compost site reopens

  The town compost site has opened to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you!

  Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of the residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted.

  Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves, and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

  We ask all residents to please wear a mask, maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site.

  Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

Help the Vietnam Vets “Roll To DC

  A reminder from Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a Vietnam War Era veteran who served four years with the U.S. Navy, has organized a fund-raising drive that will help area Vietnam Era veterans visit Washington, D.C. in the fall of next year.

  “I am glad to announce that we will have a “Roll to DC” for Vietnam Era Veterans from Melrose, Saugus, Lynn and surrounding towns September 2022.

  The managers of this effort will be Saugus VFW Post # 2346.

  Gould will be Chair and David Nelson, Saugus American Legion and Stacey Minchello, Melrose Senior Center will be Vice Chairs.

  Stan King, Quartermaster Post # 2346 be Treasurer.

  The trip will be a four night trip to DC staying at Presidential Inn on Andrews Air Force Base, home of Presidential Aircraft. It will include a ceremony and laying of a wreath at the Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier as well as visiting all Military Memorials and Statues.

  “We are looking for major sponsorship and donations from all. The Vietnam Veterans will go on this trip free, but it will take approximately $70,000 of sponsorship and donations,” Gould said.

  If you would like to be a major sponsor, please contact chairman Dennis Gould cell 617 257 4847 or e mail

  Jdgould1969@aol.com

  If you would like to send in a donation, please make check out to:

  “Saugus VFW – Roll to DC “ write “Roll to DC 2022” in comment Line and mail to:

  Saugus VFW Post 2346

  190C Main St

  Saugus Ma 01906

  Any questions or if you would like to volunteer to assist the committee, please contact Dennis at contact info above.

Food Pantry still open

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will continue to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Fridays despite concerns over the Coronavirus.

  They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food.

  For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries,

  Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for short term or one-time assistance are encouraged to come.

  The food pantry is located in the basement of the Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus.

Helping the Vet

  During these challenging times, your local Veterans’ Service Officers would like to share some information on a benefit program that is available to those who qualify. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the “Chapter 115 Benefits Program” is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for Veterans and/or their surviving spouses who reside in Massachusetts and meet certain income and asset guidelines. Benefits may include monthly ordinary benefits and/or payment/reimbursement for medical expenses. Whether laid off, in transition or living on a fixed income, the program is designed to provide short term or long term assistance as needed to provide relief. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs).

  Every town or district in Massachusetts has a VSO. VSOs assist Veterans and their dependents in learning about, applying for, and receiving Chapter 115 benefits. VSOs can also help you in applying for other benefits and connecting with local resources. Your local VSO handles applications, obtains program approval from DVS, and provides local benefits. The program is funded by a combination of state and local funds. DVS pays for 75% and your city or town pays for 25% of the approved benefits. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are:

  Family of 1-monthly income less than $2081and an asset limit of $5000

  Family of 2-monthly income less than $2818 and an asset limit of $9800

  To determine if you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Chapter 115 program, visit the following link and follow the instructions: https://massvetben.org/ or call your local VSO for more information.

  The VSOs are also able to help Veterans apply for Federal VA benefits, local benefits and provide food assistance monthly. For example, did you know that if you own a home and have a VA service-connected disability, you are eligible for a partial or full exemption of your property taxes?

  Please contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer for more information on any of the services mentioned. We are all here to assist. We are regularly checking voicemails and emails as we continue to work remotely and in our offices throughout COVID-19.

  Melrose: Karen Burke 781-979-4186

  kburke@cityofmelrose.org

  Wakefield: David Mangan 781-246-6377

  dmangan@wakefield.ma.us

  Saugus: Jay Pinette 781-231-4010

  jpinette@saugus-ma.gov

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 over five 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.