Counting Your Blessings in Saugus

Selectmen share their reflections on what they and town residents should be thankful for this Thanksgiving

  With Saugus and the rest of the nation set to celebrate Thanksgiving Day tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 24), members of the Board of Selectmen shared their views on how residents should be counting their blessings. Here’s what they had to say:

  Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano: We should all be thankful for our families, friends, and good health throughout the holiday season and to know that better days and positive change are in our future. On a personal note I am thankful that the residents continue to put their trust in me and my colleagues to lead this Town forward. In my opinion we can always be better and I’m determined to get us there…sooner than later. Happy Thanksgiving to all and God Bless.

  Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta: I think everyone is relieved that COVID cases have dramatically dropped, even though we all still need to be careful.

  I count my blessings every day knowing that I have a family that loves me and many wonderful friendships.

  In Town, we are fortunate to be a full-service community, with dedicated and responsive Police and Fire Departments. Our students are blessed with a state-of-the-art Middle/High School with teachers that deeply care about their education. I think we have the best Senior Center around — and the best staff. Saugus residents are blessed with Breakheart Reservation, the Iron Works, and Prankers Pond to enjoy. Most of all, we are blessed with all the wonderful volunteers that serve on the many committees, commissions, and boards in our town. People of Saugus take great pride in their community and stay involved. I wish everyone a joyful and safe Thanksgiving.

  Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini: As the holiday season is upon us I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe holiday season. I hope everyone can find the time to spend quality time with their family, friends and loved ones. It is a great opportunity to reflect on just how fortunate we are to have these people in our lives and spread peace and prosperity every day we are together. Be well, stay safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving my friend.

  The residents can also be thankful that they live in a town that is financially stable, we have brand new schools, parks, playgrounds and we are exploring opportunities for new revenue streams to help us maintain our low property taxes in a full-service community. We also have our Thanksgiving Day football game tradition continuing against our rival Peabody and the game is home at Serino stadium this year. I hope we have a great showing of community support.

  Selectman Corinne Riley: I believe the biggest reason for our residents to count their blessings, and I hope that everyone feels this, is that Saugus is a community that will always be there to help those in need, especially in tough times. I have seen it so many times and in so many ways, whether houses of worship reaching out, individuals who look to give to those having difficult times, public servants in countless ways, community nonprofits helping with toy drives, hat and mitten drives, or just neighbors helping neighbors. I have been in this town my whole life and have seen everyone put differences aside whenever support is needed, we come together as one. I am thankful for my family, friends, health and just being at peace…. I wish for everyone this Thanksgiving holiday to have a wonderful time with friends and family and if you are alone, reach out to a neighbor or friend because no one knows you’re alone unless you let us know.