The Sounds of Saugus

Addressing “An unfortunate report”

  In my six-plus years as editor of The Saugus Advocate, we have run just a handful of editorials in the paper.

  Other than a few editorials on open government-related matters, I have taken the position that the space would be better used to accommodate our readers, members of the community and town officials who wish to share their views on various issues.

  Occasionally, I will use this column to call attention to what I believe are valid questions raised by readers.

  For instance, last week I attempted to get a comment on a phone message left by a reader on his concerns about the future of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry.

  I had an email exchange with Pastor Joe Hoyle of the

Cliftondale Congregational Church. I shared with him that somebody had left a message with a report that key people had left the food pantry and it was in danger of closing.

  I asked him who the point person for the pantry was these days, whether it was him or another person. I also wanted to know how many regulars they had working at the food pantry.

  We did mention some of these concerns along with Pastor Hoyle’s initial response in last week’s column. He told us “As any organization, we can always use some extra hands, but we are in good shape by our current volunteers and the donations of the community.”

  But after the deadline, we received an additional email response from Pastor Hoyle in an attempt to clarify the situation for all concerned. Here’s what he had to say:

  “That is an unfortunate report. There is no danger of us closing, we are fully stocked and have a consistent volunteer base.  As any non-profit volunteer organization we are always recruiting but we are in good shape overall. We had one key person retire recently, and I am the point person going forward.  I appreciate your concern and would love to talk with you about other food pantry story opportunities-but again, there is no likelihood of the food pantry closing.”

Amen.

  Pastor Hoyle’s comments should bring great comfort to the reader who raised the concerns while also reassuring the general public that the food pantry is in good hands right now – especially with Pastor Hoyle assuming the role as its “point person.” .

  We recognize the food pantry in the basement of the Cliftondale Congregational Church as an important and invaluable volunteer organization which has been a force for good in the community for many years.

  Hopefully, some of Saugus’ most needy residents and other citizens who care about the food pantry will never have to worry about it closing. That would be a tragic shame for the community if it ever gave up on its food pantry.

  Personally, I doubt that will ever happen as long as the Saugus Faith Community is alive and well, and as long as you have people in the community collaborating on projects like the Community Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church and active organizations like “Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.”

  There are too many loving and caring people in Saugus to allow the food pantry to close.

“Shout outs” for the food pantry volunteers

  We didn’t receive any nominations from our readers for people who deserve to be recognized for the betterment of Saugus.

  So, I will exercise my editorial discretion to recognize all of those volunteers who make the food pantry work.

“Shout outs” for the Community Garden volunteers

  This week, I emailed Rev. John Beach, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal Church, for an update on the second year of the Community Garden. I learned he’s away in Switzerland until mid-July. But Rev. John assured me that the garden is proceeding.

In his email to me yesterday, he writes:

“Things are going well:

• We have enjoyed the regular assistance of the girl scouts
• We have had 7 elementary school classes grow seeds in their class room and plant them in the Garden in late May
• We have enjoyed a rota of a dozen volunteers working on Friday and Saturday.
• We have a rota of volunteers to water and scare away the rabbits every day.
• It is my hope and expectations that the volunteers will continue in my absence.”

That certainly sounds encouraging. So, let’s have a few loud “Shout Outs” or those folks.

Congratulations Lt. Coogan!

  More loud “Shout Outs” are in order for Saugus Police Department Lt. Thomas Coogan. He will be retiring effective July 5 with 35 years and one month of creditable service.

  Anybody who spends 35 years of continued service on one law enforcement agency deserves a mountain of “Shout Outs.” Good luck in your retirement, Lt. Coogan.

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 the mention in the subject line, “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph. Anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

St. Margaret’s Annual Yard Sale tomorrow!

1. Margaret’s Church, at 431 Lincoln Ave. in Saugus, will hold its Annual Indoor Yard Sale tomorrow (Saturday, June 25), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower church hall. Lots of treasures to be found!

Everyone is welcome!

For more information, please call the rectory 781-233-1040.

An appreciative superintendent

We got a nice note this week from Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin K. McMahon:

“Thank you for the thoughtful graduation reporting as well as the feature on Ms. Kembo. We are excited for the future of the Class of 2022 and appreciate you capturing it so well. Sincerely, Erin.

Supt. McMahon was referring to our June 10 edition, which included comprehensive coverage and photos of the school’s 151st Commencement Exercises – the first to be held inside the new Christie Serino, Jr. Memorial Stadium. The issue included an “Advocate Asks” interview with Saugus High graduate Crystal Fosung Kembo, who discussed her scholastic success and her parents’ journey from Cameron to America to obtain her higher education. Crystal left Cameron when she was 10 months old. She will be headed to Brown University in the fall to study International and Public Affairs.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Roberta Perry for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched?” Contest. She was 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 Our ‘Guess Who Got Sketched’ # 1 fan… Fran Palczynski!

“Fran is a Mother of five and Grandmother of ten! Fran is a longtime Saugonian.  At a time when Route One’s ol’ giant cactus was a focal point for Saugus Hilltop Restaurant, many remember a pretty, polite, petite waitress who served up signature Hilltop dishes efficiently. These steaks & ribs were served up by the hands of Fran as a Hilltop waitress for 23 years!

  “Fran is quiet in her ways and fun with her pleasant joking manner. She enjoys crossword & cryptic puzzles and keeping active. She is a well-traveled world explorer! She spent many vacations and excursions in other countries.

  “Fran’s feet walked lands such as Morocco, London, Iceland & Bermuda to name a few. She has an adventurous spirit, once her husband asked her where & what would they do for Thanksgiving? She replied, ‘Let’s go to Turkey. Seems natural right? Thanksgiving….Turkey.’ Her husband agreed … So off they all flew to Turkey! To share the Turkey day!

“Fran enjoys adventures and traveled to Spain and Nova Scotia herself. She will be celebrating her 90th Birthday This July 21, 2022.

 “We wish you a Happy Birthday!!!

Fran, May you be surrounded by Love, family & friends. Keep radiating your encouragement, goodness & Love of others !

Yours Truly,

 “The Sketch Artist”

No “Guess Who Got Sketched?”

  Sorry to report to our readers who enjoy competing in our “Guess Who Got Sketched?” contest, there is no new sketch in this week’s paper. “The Sketch Artist” is taking a well-deserved week off. You will just have to wait for next week’s paper

Last call to serve on the Finance Committee

  The Saugus Town Moderator is seeking citizens interested in serving on the Town Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing all financial articles coming before Town Meeting and making recommendations to the elected officials. Interested individuals can send an email to precinct4steve@gmail.com or a letter of interest to the Town Clerk’s Office at 298 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906 attention: Town Moderator. Letters or emails should be submitted no later than today (Friday, June 24^th) for consideration.

Two more days of COVID-19 drive-through testing

  The Saugus Senior Center was busy for two days this week, as cars showed up to take advantage of some drive-through testing.

If you happened to miss the tests being conducted Tuesday and yesterday (Thursday, June 23), you still have another chance this coming week.

Saugus residents who want to know if they are infected with COVID-19 will have a chance to participate in these drive-through clinics being hosted by the center, at 498 Central St.

• 6/28/22 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• 6/30/22 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

  “Where this will be a drive-through event, all dates are not weather-permitting and you will receive on-site instructions in the event of any change in protocol,” the town noted in a press release issued last week.

“All residents that may have exposure concerns are asked to wear masks when interacting with all staff. The Town of Saugus appreciates the opportunity to continue to provide COVID19 resources to all its residents.”

The clinics began earlier this month as a result of a grant the town received from the Massachusetts Health Officers Association to conduct COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. This diagnostic test determines if a person is infected through analysis of samples to see if they contain genetic material from the virus.

  Broad Institute of Cambridge will send the results via the email provided by residents at check-in. Results are typically received within 24-36 hours of testing.

  The Saugus Board of Health will also be providing at-home rapid antigen tests to all participating residents (Max 3 per vehicle while supplies last), Fralick said.

  “We hope that folks will use this as a resource,” Public Health Director John R. Fralick III said in a recent interview.

“It’s for free and will be available at these drive-through clinics to Saugus residents only. Residents need to show their state-issued ID to show proof of residence.”

 

Food pantry seeks volunteers

  Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of the 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.”

Compost site now open

The community’s compost site will be 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.

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.

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, Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices go to Tickets@GIMMELIVE.COM.

Home Grown Rock Lineup – Doors open at 3 p.m. – Concert at 4 p.m.

JUNE: June 26 – Entrain

JULY: July 10 — Fat City; July 17 — Victor Wainwright and the Train;

July 24 – ft. Johnny A; July 31 — Anthony Gomes

AUGUST: August 7 – Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters; August 14 — Rockin the House! Deric Dyer; August 21 — James Montgomery – Christine Ohlman; August 28 — Veronica Lewis.

Tribute Bands — Doors open at 6pm – Concert at 7 p.m.

JUNE: June 23 — Barefoot Rebel – Skynyrd; June 30 – Mystical Highway – Creedence Clearwater

JULY: July 7 – Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac; July 14 — Cold Spring Harbor – Billy Joel; July 21 — Shot of Poison – Poison; July 28 — Aerosmith

AUGUST: August 4 — Chicago; August 11 — What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers;August 18 — Another Tequila Sunrise – Eagles; August 25 – Panorama – The Cars.

SEPTEMBER: September 1 — Being Petty – Tom Petty; 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 available upon request.

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 from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines), $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. 15th to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley 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 years who would like to join them.

The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for their 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, 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

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; we 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.

Want to be a Knight?

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

Veterans invited to July 4 parade in Wakefield

The Town of Wakefield will be celebrating the 100th anniversary year of its 4th of July parade and activities. This will be their 74th physical parade.

 

Parade organizers are inviting all veterans to participate in this historic event. There will be an air conditioned trolley they can ride on, along the parade route. There are usually between 60,000 and 80,000 people watching the parade each year.

There will be a viewing stand near the end of the parade route with a limited number of seats available to veteran spouses and family, to watch them.

There is also the option to walk the route, though it can still be pretty hot sometimes at 5 p.m. (when the parade starts) in July!

Anyone interested should contact Maureen Buckley

Veterans Coordinator, Wakefield Independence Day Parade Committee at maureen.buckley@julyparade.org or by calling 781-572-2068.

 

 

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 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 and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

WELCOME TO MY GARDEN: One my favorite summertime hobbies are growing marigolds in a variety of different shapes and colors. I have been doing this for about 17 years now in front of my home in Methuen. Frequent visitors include bumblebee bees and dragonflies. If watered, weeded, dead-headed on a regular basis, the marigolds will flourish straight through the first frost. And they provide great harvest colors for my favorite season – autumn. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)