The Sounds of Saugus

Ash landfill debate continues

  WIN Waste Innovations is expected to reach capacity at its ash landfill adjacent to its trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 within two years. When it runs out of space, WIN will have to truck the ash to another location. But WIN has offered the town a proposed Host Community Agreement to consider: WIN pays the town up to $15 million in exchange for adding 25 additional years to the life of the ash landfill.

  There was an interesting Facebook posting that was brought to my attention recently. “It’s about time, but I’m not sure taking 15 million from WIN waste is a good idea. I’d rather they take their 15 million and bring their polluting incinerator up to date with the rest in the state….feels like a bribe and the cost is our health. I’d rather pay more and breathe clean air, just my opinion….we do need the fire station though.”

  That’s one of many opinions floating around town on what surely will wind up the most polarizing question for the town to consider in recent memory: Should Saugus make a multimillion-dollar deal with WIN to extend the life of the ash landfill?

  Saugus residents and people from neighboring communities will get a chance to share their views on the question when the Board of Health’s Landfill Subcommittee holds a public feedback session next week (at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the second floor auditorium of Saugus Town Hall). Town residents and others who wish to submit questions or comments for the Aug. 17 meeting can email them to Selectman Corinne Riley at criley@Saugus-ma.gov.

  “I have received just one question so far,” Selectman Riley said recently. Her town email is being used for public feedback because she is the secretary of the Landfill Subcommittee (which has been referred to as the Wheelabrator Subcommittee, the WIN Waste Innovations Subcommittee and by a few other names).

  “There will be citizen comment during the meeting where anyone will be able to ask a question or make a comment. Any member of the committee can be contacted, just as any other board or committee members are approachable. My email is still being used for submitting questions/comments,” Riley said.

  The subcommittee, which is being co-chaired by Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano and Board of Health Chair William Heffernan, will be meeting several times before making its recommendation to the full Board of Health on whether to accept or reject WIN Waste’s proposed Host Community Agreement. It’s important to note that it will take many more meetings involving several town and state agencies before a Host Community Agreement becomes a reality.

  If Saugus residents don’t get a chance to attend next Wednesday’s meeting, there will be plenty of opportunity for them to express their concerns before any agreement is reached.

It’s not a done deal. The subcommittee had been meeting with WIN officials for about 18 months to discuss a wide range of issues, which has improved relations between the town and trash-to-energy plant owners and, hopefully, will lead to the betterment of Saugus.

  Stay tuned.

Back-to-School countdown

  Hey, Saugus kids! Hope you’ve made the most of your summer vacation, as you will be headed back to school two weeks from this coming Monday (Aug. 15).

  Classes begin on Aug. 30 for students in grades 1 to 12. Kindergarten and Pre-K classes start on Aug. 31.

  Enjoy the remaining days of your summer. Read a little. Have fun. Relax.

  If you are interested in local places to visit to spice up your summer, go to the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Breakheart Reservation, the Youth & Recreation Department or the Saugus Senior Center. Collectively, these places offer a lot of summertime options for Saugus residents.

Navy Band Concert – Aug. 24

  The Friends of Breakheart are hosting the U.S. Navy Band’s “Rhode Island Sound Machine” on Wednesday, August 24. This is a free concert and a very popular one that’s been enjoyed by local residents over the years.

  The band will travel here from Rhode Island and will arrive at about 3 p.m.to set up. The Friends of Breakheart will serve them supper and the concert will begin at 6 p.m. The program will feature a mix of popular music, old favorites and patriotic themes.

  So if you don’t have any plans for the night of Aug. 24, the Gazebo Lawn at Breakheart Reservation would be a great place to be. Chairs and blankets are recommended for those who plan on attending. This event is proudly cosponsored by the nonprofit, all-volunteer Friends of

Breakheart Reservation and the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Michael Piccardi for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Michael was one of several readers answering correctly, but he was the only one to have his 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 Saugus Vietnam Veteran war Hero Dennis J. Moschella!

  “Thank you for your service!

  “Dennis has put so much effort into making sure our Country never forgets our Veterans. Dennis has done outreaches to Communities to bring awareness to our Veterans aftermath of wars. Some who may be silently struggling, he reaches out to with V. A.V to offer hope.

  “He has appeared in many papers, The Saugus Advocate, The Boston Herald to name a few; Bringing awareness to Veteran causes & needs

  “In The Saugus Advocate; Editor Mark E. Vogler’s column ‘The Advocate Asks,’ he interviewed Dennis in depth in the July 7, 2017 edition. Dennis talks about his experience in Vietnam and life after Vietnam. In this article, he talks with resilience, fortitude and strength and a greatness for starting up V.A.V. Organization to help other Veterans.

  “Dennis is a retired Revere Police Officer and served with the U. S. Marshal Services. Dennis and his V.A.V. has put together the ‘WELCOME HOME VETERANS’ concerts and has assisted in helping Veterans keeping their homes, buying wheelchairs, whatever is needed.

  “They help ‘however they can’ 1-781-316-4486. Dennis Co-founder / President of Veterans Assisting Veterans (V.A.V.).

  “I am sure these words have been written somewhere before but it’s worth repeating: ‘It is because of the sacrifice of our brave men and women of yesterday that we are free today; lets never forget their sacrifice.’ great quote of unknown source.

  “Although Dennis was featured in Saugus Advocate throughout the years, the more recent article is July 22, 2022 page 3, 5 in The Saugus Advocate article by Mark E. Vogler ‘Concerts for Causes’ in this article both Dennis J. Moschella and Steve Castinetti of Saugus Veterans Council team up for Kowloon’s Concerts Fundraisers benefiting Veterans.

  “The article mentions that If you can’t go to these concerts and still want to buy a ticket to support Veterans who can’t afford to go, they will give your ticket to a seemingly forgotten soldier at the Soldier’s Home so they are able to go. This article states, ‘last year they took 30 people and including some staff.’

  “If anyone is interested in buying a ticket, you can call 1-781-316-4486. Dennis continues doing many great things in small behind the scenes ways to improve quality of life for Veterans.

  “The motto for V.A.V is ‘All in and All out’ All the money they raise goes out, there is no overhead. *Dennis and his wife pay for their own tickets at the fundraiser events.

  “We thank you greatly for ALL you do and for having the compassion and empathy for fellow Veterans to start up V.A.V.

  “Wishing much success and prosperity with V.A.V.

  “Thank you!

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

A “Happy birthday” shout-out

  Jeannie Meredith made a special nomination this week to a Saugonian with whom she shares a birthday – Aug. 18. “I would like to give a Shout Out to Jeanie Bartolo on her birthday! Happy birthday fellow Leo!”

  Jeanie Bartolo is the originator of the “Shout-Out” feature of “The Sounds of Saugus” column. And she has been a frequent “Shout-Out” contributor, spreading good will throughout town.

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.

Summer Concert Series continues Wednesday

  The National Parks Service and Saugus Public Library are cosponsoring a free Summer Concert Series that continues next Wednesday (Aug. 17) at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site located at 244 Central St. in Saugus. Here is the rest of the Summer Concert Series at a glance:

• August 17 – Decades of Rock Band: classic rock of the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s
• August 24 – Marina & Bernardo: acoustic folk

  Each concert will be held outdoors, weather permitting (see SaugusPublicLibrary.org for updates/cancellations). Bring your own chair or blanket. Picnics welcome!

“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 the website The Violence Project, “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 Sandy Hook Promise Co-Founder/Managing Director Nicole Hockley, “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.

  “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.”

Library offers free “Zoom” program on college search

  Parents and High School students can feel like they are overwhelmed when it’s time to explore their options for college. But the Saugus Public Library will be offering a special hour-long program titled “Navigating the College Search” via Zoom videoconferencing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 22. It’s free, but registration is required.

  “Navigating the college search is stressful especially if it is your first time doing it,” says a press release issued by the library. “With college counselor and tutor Dr. Karen Droisen’s expert help, parents and high school students can master the art of applying for college. By the end of Dr. Droisen’s presentation, the steps from making a list of college choices, writing the personal essay to at last hitting the submit button will feel manageable and even exciting.”

  Dr. Droisen graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English and earned her PhD from the University of Virginia. After teaching English at the college level, Dr. Droisen opened KAD Tutoring and College Counseling, and she is a member of the New England Association for College Admissions Counseling (NEACAC).

  Parents and students are both welcome to join this free event! Navigating the College Search is being offered in person and by Zoom. To register to attend in person at the Saugus Public Library, please either email sau@noblenet.org, call 781-231-4168 ext. 3107 or visit the Reference Desk. To register for the Zoom meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwudO6hpzsrGtGVGvEZqs7gg7q5k_NKs8rz

  “I’m an engaged, dedicated, supportive tutor and college counselor working in-person in the Boston area and remotely,” Droisen said.

  “In 1988, I earned my BA in English from Barnard College, Columbia University. I went on to earn an MA and PhD in English literature at the University of Virginia. After completing my doctorate, I joined the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a tenure-track assistant professor of English,” she said. “In subsequent years, I worked as a fundraiser for local and international non-profit organizations. In 2015, I returned to my first love – education – and became a full-time tutor and college counselor.”

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 ½ 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.

In-Person Early Voting

  Town Election Coordinator Andrew DePatto also 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. There are several dates when folks can participate in Early Voting at the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St., Taylor Street Entrance):

• Saturday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Also last day to register to vote for September’s Election.)
• Monday, August 29, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 30, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, August 31, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 1, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, Sept. 2, 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.

  Home Grown Rock Lineup – doors open at 3 p.m. – concert at 4 p.m.

  AUGUST: 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.

  AUGUST: 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 are available upon request.

More outdoor music at Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant announced their outdoor concert series for August with a variety of live bands at their Route 1 North in Saugus outdoor venue. For tickets call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.

  Live Music: Legends of Summer, August 12, 7 p.m.

  Kowloon Country Night Live with Carly Tefft, The Darren Bessette Band & Samantha Rae; $10 reserved seating, $15 VIP (best stage view); Saturday, August 13, 7 p.m.

  Live Music: Legends of Summer, Friday, August 19, 7 p.m.

  Live Music: Closing Time, Saturday, August 20, 7 p.m.

  Live Music: WildFire, Friday, August 26, 7 p.m. ($10 per person for reserved seating)

  Live Music: The Adam Hanna Band, Saturday, August 27, 7 p.m.

A benefit event for Saugus Youth and sports

  While we are on the subject of music, here’s an event where you can enjoy a night out – and help the youths of Saugus.

  Dennis Moschella, a longtime Saugus resident and Vietnam War veteran who has helped many veterans causes through his group Veterans Assisting Veterans (VAV), has a date that the parents of Saugus school-age kids might want to put on their calendars: Thursday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. Moschella has been working hard behind the scenes to organize a benefit event for Saugus youth and sports activities – featuring Panorama (a Cars tribute band). Doors open at 6. Moschella said this event is planned as a special favor to thank Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano. This fundraiser is designed to help one of Cogliano’s favorite causes: Saugus youth and sports activities.

  Anyone interested in tickets for the Aug. 25 concert can contact Dennis Moschella at 781-316-4486. You may also order tickets by calling the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.

If you can’t make the concert, Moschella suggests that you still buy the ticket and give it to somebody who can’t afford to go.

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 an 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

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.

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 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 (DPW) at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the 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.

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 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 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”)