The Sounds of Saugus

Here’s to a good school year

  Welcome back to the students, faculty, staff and administration of Saugus Public Schools.

  This is the second of five years of Superintendent Erin McMahon’s “shoot for the moon” academic improvement plan. When the MCAS results are released in a few years, that should give an indication of whether the school district is making good progress. Stay tuned.

Fall festival hopes prevail

  Peter A. Rossetti Jr. of the Friends of Breakheart was optimistic this week about Breakheart Reservation hosting a fall festival on Oct. 1, as in past years – despite the fire that’s been burning for several weeks. The state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) has tree-cutting crews set to go into the woods soon to remove the dead wood so that visitors will not be exposed to the dangers of falling trees.

  “With any kind of luck, they hope to have it open pretty soon so people can enjoy the place,” Rossetti said this week. “The crews were supposed to be in there yesterday (Aug. 30) doing cleanup,” he said. Rossetti noted that most of the fire damage has been on the Wakefield/Main Street side of the park.

  Meanwhile, Rossetti said he’s confident that the fall festival set for Oct. 1 will not be canceled. “This will be the First Annual Breakheart Family Festival,” Rossetti said. “It had been called the Fall Festival in the past and it was something we had been going to for 20 years. It’s going to be the same idea, but they will do away with pumpkin-decorating, which DCR just doesn’t have the staff to do anymore,” he said. “DCR is downplaying the hands-on arts and crafts decorating of pumpkins. We do expect face-painting, some music activities and games for kids to play. It will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 1.”

  Rossetti said he believes the festival will include a petting zoo and some nature exhibits featuring raptors and birds of prey. There will be a mounted unit, either from the State Police or the DCR. The festival will be cosponsored by DCR and the Friends of Breakheart.

Old Glory gets some respect

  We received an email from U.S. Army Vietnam War Era veteran Joe Johnson stating that the tattered and torn American flags that he complained about in last week’s (Aug. 26) edition of The Saugus Advocate have been removed. “The flags have been replaced. Thanks again,” Johnson wrote in an email to the paper this week.

  “Funny how things happen when you put it in the paper,” he added.

  There were two flags at the Saugus Middle-High School, another flag at the Saugus Senior Center and another one at World Series Park that were tattered and torn, according to Johnson. He said he approached the paper last week after feeling frustrated that his concerns weren’t being addressed in a timely fashion. This is an issue that has come up before and is certain to happen again as the American flag flies on municipal flagstaffs during windy and stormy weather.

  It really shouldn’t take a few weeks to resolve. The municipal workers who raise and lower the flag at school and town buildings should have a pretty good idea when it’s time to replace the flag and make the request to their superiors as soon as they notice a flag is ripping or tearing and is too damaged to continue using. Another possible solution is to have the local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops monitor the condition of flags at various locations. Hopefully, it won’t have to take a veteran to make a public stink about it in the local paper.

Legion breakfasts resume next week

  We received this announcement from Debra Dion Faust, the House Manager of Saugus American Legion Post 210:

  “At last night’s (Aug. 30) E-Board meeting it was decided that, when we reopen the breakfast at the American Legion for the 2022-23 season on Friday, September 9, with breakfast served from 8 – 9 a.m., we will need to raise the donation for it to $8 rather than $7 due to the great increase in the price of food.

  “I will be sending out an email to those of our guests who have signed onto a group emailing list laying this out, on Friday, September 2, but I thought you might want the information to include in The Advocate. (And thank you.) …”

  Even with the increase, this is welcome news for the folks who look forward to the Friday morning breakfasts at Legion Hall. Bon appétit!

Saugus Historical Society Notes

This just in from Laura Eisener of the Saugus Historical Society:

“The Saugus Historical Society’s first meeting of the fall will be on Wednesday, September 14 at 7 p.m. at 30 Main Street, the home of Saugus Historical Society and Saugus Cable Television station.

  “As is our custom, the meeting is open to the public and you are not required to be a member to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

  “Members of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present a program on their organization which has an emphasis on historical preservation. The national organization was formed in 1890 and is a lineage-based organization whose members can trace their ancestry back to the American Revolution.

  “The original Parson Roby Chapter was very active in Saugus in the early to mid-twentieth century and was very instrumental in preserving the Appleton Taylor Mansfield house and the Saugus Ironworks site which is now a national park, particularly due to the activism of M. Louise Hawkes who was also president of Saugus Historical Society for approximately 2 decades.

  “In the later Twentieth Century and the beginning of this one the Saugus chapter was inactive until just a few years ago when the current group of ladies resurrected it. Their most visible recent activity may be the Wreaths Across America project which had a large showing in our town this year, with wreaths being donated to many veterans’ graves and a moving ceremony at Riverside.

  “Our October meeting will feature Andrew Biggio, whose March 2022 program had to be canceled due to exposure to COVID. It will be held on October 12, at 7 p.m. at the usual location. Andrew Biggio is the author of ‘The Rifle, Combat Stories from America’s Last World War II Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand,’ published in 2021. Biggio, the former Veterans Service officer from Saugus, is currently a Boston Police officer. He served as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He founded the ‘Wounded Veterans Run’ and is president of the ‘New England Wounded Veterans, Inc.’ a non-profit organization.

  “To gather material for the book, Biggio interviewed Army, Navy, Air Corps, and Marine veterans from around the country, bringing an M1 Garand rifle to trigger memories of their experiences. Two hundred veterans signed the rifle, and the book includes personal experiences of many of them. Among them is the last Marine Medal of Honor recipient Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams. Mr. Biggio will have copies of his book available at the meeting.

  “Our November meeting will be on November 9 and will be about remnants of railroad in Saugus and surrounding areas, including views of historic depots and other buildings, tracks, and railroad memorabilia from the area. Railroad buffs Paul Kenworthy, Jack Klecker, Laura Eisener and possibly others will share their interest in trains and discuss the ‘Saugus Branch’ Railroad which served the community for 100 years and which inspired a novel in 1947.

  “We are also working on an exhibit about the Saugus High School Band and other music groups in the area. The display will be based on uniforms and other items in our collection but we are looking for recollections of the band’s activities especially in the 60’s and 70’s from former band members and others connected with it. Please call Laura Eisener at 781-231-5988 if you have reminiscences to share or wish to discuss this Project.”

  For additional information, you can contact Laura Eisener at LDELD@shore.net or 781-231-5988

MassDEP officials to visit Saugus on Sept. 28

  If you have concerns about whether to close the ash landfill near the WIN Waste Innovations trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 or support its expansion, this is a meeting that you might want to mark down on your calendar. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) representatives are scheduled to meet with town officials and concerned residents at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the second-floor auditorium at Town Hall for what is expected to be a discussion on the potential future of the ash landfill.

  The meeting comes at a time when WIN Waste Innovation officials have offered to pay the town up to $18.8 million in return for using the ash landfill for another 25 years. A major obstacle to any deal would be whether MassDEP would allow extending the life of the ash landfill – which is expected to meet its capacity by the end of 2025.

A subcommittee of what?

  When you get right down to it, it doesn’t really matter what town officials call the subcommittee which has been meeting with WIN Waste Innovation officials for about 20 months in an effort to improve communications between the company and the town. There has actually been considerable progress on a multitude of mutual issues, especially on efforts to reduce and to even eliminate the noise emanating from the plant – which has been the subject of numerous complaints from neighborhoods in East Saugus and Revere.

  The Wheelabrator Subcommittee? Initially, it was created by the Board of Health, which also approved the appointment of its members. When Wheelabrator changed its name to WIN Waste Innovations, people started calling it the Landfill Subcommittee or the WIN Waste Innovations Subcommittee.

  But it kind of struck me as odd last week when Board of Health Chair William Heffernan said that the subcommittee is not an entity of the Board of Health and did not report to the Board of Health. I attended all of those Board of Health meetings nearly two years ago, and it was pretty clear that the subcommittee was the creation of the Board of Health. The committee voted to establish the subcommittee and then voted to appoint its members.

  So, why wouldn’t the subcommittee be handing its final report and recommendations over to the Board of Health and not the Board of Selectmen? The only connection between the subcommittee and the Board of Selectmen is that Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano made his recommendations to the Board of Health and he co-chaired the subcommittee with Board of Health Chair Heffernan.

  Perhaps the subcommittee should have been referred to as an ad hoc committee or special study group if the intent was to distance itself from the Board of Health. But, as long as town officials are calling it a subcommittee, they can’t sever its ties to its creator – the Board of Health.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Roberta Williams for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Roberta was one of 14 readers answering correctly. That is the most calls and emails we have received in any week from readers submitting the right answer. But Roberta 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 local D. J. Alan LaBella! Alan is a dynamic, lively entertainer with a large following of fans for his DJ performances!

  “Have you ever seen a movie with Adam Sandler Called the ‘The Wedding Singer’?…

  “That’s a perfect description of what you receive for your party with Alan LaBella! Adam Sandler, Alan La Bella who is who? Lots of fun and positive energy for your event!

  “Alan lives to put a smile on people’s faces. He loves encouraging others into singing, dancing and having a good time! As people sit in their chairs, Alan has them hold hands to songs, sing-alongs, swaying in chairs to the music. He conducts music trains and has the party up and moving all around the place!

  “He has the crowd line dancing, laughing, waving napkins and singing songs in the mike! Alan is 100 percent authentic and he is full of props like glow rings, disco balls, hats, T-shirts and he’s right there dancing along, enjoying every beat of the party!

  “Alan’s parties and events are usually sold out fast, although he gets gigs by word of mouth … A lot of folks love him as their party Entertainer! He does not advertise and has been an Entertainer for over 40 years.

  “Originally from East Boston, he’s a graduate of Boston Latin. He’s lived in Saugus for over 30 years. Alan is married to Debbie and will be celebrating a 39-year Anniversary in October! Alan and Debbie have two daughters Ashley and Cassie. Ashley’s two children – Logan and Brady – often help their grandfather ‘Papa’ with his Senior Citizen DJ gigs!

  “Alan & Debbie will soon be celebrating another grandchild; Cassie is expecting her first baby in October!

  “You can watch videos online of his parties from various functions and organizations people have posted. Although Alan is private, he can be contacted to host Entertain & DJ parties by calling 1-781-820-8702 and by contacting him on Facebook Alan LaBella.

  “Alan often does events in East Boston, Lynn Knights of Columbus, Malden Moose Club and many surrounding towns too. He is a very respectable honest man with much integrity. He lets his light shine for others, by providing a platform of energetic fun to forget the stresses of life while being entertained.

  “Thank you. Happy October Anniversary!

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

This week’s “shout-outs”

  It’s always a great week when we receive multiple “shout-outs,” as we did this week.

  Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano offered a posthumous “shout-out” for the late Tony Barrie, the renown Saugus musician and bandleader who passed away this week (Aug. 28): “I knew Tony my entire life…he was part of our Bristow Street Family. He made the annual feast special with his band. The thing I’ll always remember about Tony was his smile – it was permanently affixed to his face. He will surely be missed by all.”

  As a special tribute to Tony, we have reprinted an interview we had conducted with him in his living room last summer for “The Advocate Asks.”

  Joe Johnson observed an act of kindness for our four-legged friends who have been suffering under the summer heat: “A Shout out to Anthony Vasi owner of Vasi AC for helping our furry friends stay hydrated along the rail trail. He’s on the corner of School and Essex streets.”

  Joan Allbee nominated “Gloria’s husband, Joe Johnson” for “a BIG SHOUTOUT”…. “for having the courage to speak out about the condition of our American flags!”

  “It is because of men and women like U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Joe Johnson that we are able to fly our American flag freely to begin with. Let’s show some respect as Veteran Joe Johnson asked for and many voiceless want, and hoist down and retire the ol’ tattered flags of Glory.; Post new American Flags to rise high on duty! Much gratitude.”

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.

“Zoom” Book Study

  The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church wants to get the word out to Saugonians who might be interested in participating in a new book study via Zoom videoconferencing. The book is “The Violence Project: How to Stop A Mass Shooting Epidemic” by Jillian Peterson, PhD and James Densley, PhD. It’s the Winner of the 2022 Minnesota Book Award.

  According to theviolenceprojectbook.com, “Using data from the writers’ groundbreaking research on mass shooters, including first-person accounts from the perpetrators themselves, The Violence Project charts new pathways to prevention and innovative ways to stop the social contagion of violence. Frustrated by reactionary policy conversations that never seemed to convert into meaningful action, special investigator and psychologist Jill Peterson and sociologist James Densley built The Violence Project, the first comprehensive database of mass

shooters. Their goal was to establish the root causes of mass shootings and figure out how to stop them…”

  According to Nicole Hockley, the cofounder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, “If you ever wondered how can we stop mass shootings, this is the book for you. By mixing compelling first-person interviews with mass shooters and significant data analysis, The Violence Project illustrates the tangible ways we can intervene and prevent a tragedy from occurring. No one is helpless—read this book and help stop violence before it starts.”

  Rev. Beach says the book study group meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 – 8:30 East Coast Time from Sept.7 through Oct. 5. For more information, contact The Rev. John Beach at revjbeach@gmail.com

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

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

  Curious about snakes? Cape Ann Vernal Ponds will present “Snakes of New England & the World” on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 10:30 a.m. outdoors at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. This special program, which is cosponsored by the Saugus Public Library and the Iron Works, is open to folks of all ages – from children to senior citizens – of people who are interested in learning more about snakes. No registration is required. Please check the library’s online event calendar for weather-related updates.

  Reading Squad: The Reading Squad will be meeting on Sept. 8 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library, where there will be discussion, activities and snacks. Squad members will read the award-winning novel “The Year of the Dog” by Grace Lin. Copies are available at the Children’s Desk. This program is recommended for children from age nine to 12.

  “Be Cool! Learn to Sew! Here’s a great idea offered by Joyce Rodenhiser: “Would you like to save and have fun? JUST SEW! Come to the Saugus Public Library and learn to sew on the second Monday of the month at 6 P.M. The class is tailored to the needs of the students! We teach basic sewing skills that you can use now! It’s air conditioned and we can do a lot in an hour. Join the JUST SEW class, it’s Free.”

  A neat, new teen club: new Manga & Anime Club starting in September! Chat with friends! Make crafts! Try Japanese snacks! Grades six & up. The first meeting will be on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10-11 a.m. in the Teen Room. Club meetings will continue on Saturdays, through May, from 10-11 a.m. They will be held on Sept. 17, Oct. 1, 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…/

Grand Knights Banquet in September

  The Saugus Knights of Columbus Council #1829 is hosting a Grand Knights’ Banquet on Friday, Sept. 9. The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall (57 Appleton St., Saugus) starting at 6 p.m. This event is to recognize all past Grand Knights, but it’s in special recognition of Former Grand Knight Chris Luongo for his devotion to charity and the Saugus Community.

  The Knights of Columbus was founded in 1882 and has 1.9 million members around the world. Core values include integrity, professionalism, excellence and respect. Charity is at the heart of everything they do.

  Everyone is welcome to attend this event! Tickets are $30 each. For more information, please call Richard at 781-858-1117.

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.

One more day of In-Person Early Voting

  Town Election Coordinator Andrew DePatto wants Saugus residents to know about some important dates coming up, as it relates to In-Person Early Voting for the Sept. 6 State Primary Election. There is one more date when folks can participate in Early Voting at the Saugus Public Library: 295 Central Street (Taylor Street Entrance): today (Friday, Sept. 2) from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  This pertinent information regarding early voting is also on the Town of Saugus website under the Town Clerk, https://www.saugus-ma.gov/town-clerk/bulletins/person-early-voting

Food pantry seeks volunteers

  Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of Cliftondale Congregational Church about a collaborative community commitment to help needy Saugus residents:

  “The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity.”

  “With faithful donations and volunteers, we have been able to give out thousands of meals to our neighbors in need throughout the years. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-11am, distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

  “We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663.”

Concerts for vets

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents “Homegrown Rock Concerts” and “Throw Back Thursdays” for New England Vets this summer at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outdoor venue on Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices go to gimmelive.com.

  Tribute Bands – doors open at 6 p.m. – concert at 7 p.m. September: September 8–Studio Two–The Beatles; September 15–Completely Unleashed–Van Halen

  If you would like to attend a show, please call Lauren at 617-247-4112. Band photos are available upon request.

A Sunday Jam session – Sept. 4

  The Kowloon Restaurant on Route 1 North in Saugus is set to host a “90’s End Of Summer Dance Jam Under the Stars” at their outdoor venue on Sept. 4 – featuring Grammy Award-winner All-4-One. Also performing is Vinyl Groove playing 70’s and 80’s music and Betty Dee, the freestyle dance diva. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $49 per person for general admission and $69 per person for VIP reserved seating. All-4-One is best known for “I Swear,” “So Much in Love” and “I Can Love You Like That.” The group is comprised of Jamie Jones, Delious Kennedy, Alfred Nevarez and Tony Borowiak – from the Antelope Valley and Mojave, California, areas. The group has sold 69 million records worldwide.

  For tickets, please call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.

Founders Day Sept. 10

  The Youth & Recreation Department is already busy making preparations for the town’s Annual Founders Day, which is set for Saturday, Sept. 10. It is indeed one of the community’s signature events – an event so popular it draws folks from neighboring towns to enjoy a day of fun and fellowship at Saugus Center. It is a major fundraising day for various community and youth organizations that gather in booths near Town Hall and the Saugus Public Library and on both sides of Central Street, headed to the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. Sept. 10! Mark the date down on your calendar and stay tuned for details.

Mums for Youth Soccer

  Starting on Friday, Sept. 16, Saugus Youth Soccer will be selling beautiful, hardy mums at

Anna Parker Field at 124 Essex St. (next to Fire Station). There will be multiple colors to choose from – red, lavender, yellow, orange and white – priced at $8.00 each. The mums will be sold starting Friday around 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday (if needed) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  They have ordered over 300 hardy mums, so don’t hesitate and come down to the field to support Saugus Youth Soccer! If you have any questions, please contact Mary Migliore at mry8765@aol.com or 781-521-5081.

Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran

  The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) and $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

  The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

SHS Class of ’62 plans 60th reunion

  Leaders of the Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to contact fellow classmates as well as other alumni who would like to join them.

  The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax and gratuities – plus Howie Conley’s group – and is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks.

  There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the following people know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates.

• Donna “Cann” Olivera – 781-987-4308
• Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona – 781-439-4200
• Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy – 617-512-2097
• Larry Seavers – 704-906-2606

1979/1980 Class BBQ

  See your Saugus Classmates and Friends! See you at the 1979/1980 Class BBQ set for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Elks Grove (401 Main St., Saugus). Friends and classmates from other classes are welcomed; $40 per person. RSVP by Sept. 10, 2022, to:  Peter Nicolo (1980) – 13 Bourbon St., Unit 55, Peabody, MA 01960 – or email psnicolo2533@comcast.net or call (978) 815-8234 or contact Mike Allan (1979) of Glen Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983; Allan7915@gmail.com; (781) 953-2279.

  “We hope you take this Opportunity to come see your High School friends and help make this a memorable event for all of us!” says Peter S. Nicolo.

Kowloon will host Asian Restaurant Association Gala

  The Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association is set to hold its 2022 Gala at the Kowloon Restaurant (948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus) on Sept. 21. The event is slated from 6 to 10 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) Tickets are $35 per person and include a gourmet Kowloon buffet dinner, guest speakers from the industry, networking and music.

  The Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association is a nonprofit organization that provides a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional services in the food industry. The organization also provides information sharing, advocacy, training, money-saving options, and support.

  For additional information, call The Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or go to the Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association’s website at www.ma-ara.org/

Looking for book donations

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please….clean and newer books only – no tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers!

  Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

  The ongoing New Friends Book Sale will be closed from Friday, August 26 through Friday, September 2 due to the Town holding early voting in the Community Room. They’ll be back in business on Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Want to be a Knight?

  The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858.

Compost site now open

  The community’s compost site is 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 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 of Saugus 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 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 and 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.

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 nearly 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 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.

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CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

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And the photo and caption should go in a colored box to the bottom left of the page.

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 Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your