The Sounds of Saugus

Good Morning, Saugus!

  As my deadline approached yesterday, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, was still hanging on in hospice as he was nearing the end of life at age 98.

  During my younger days as a reporter, I got to meet Jimmy Carter when he was running for president. Well, sort of. I actually got roughed up by Secret Service bodyguards while trying to interview the then-Democratic presidential candidate.

  Back in the fall of 1976, I was working in Williamsburg, Va., for a local paper that was covering the debate. While hanging around outside a hotel, I noticed Jimmy Carter walk out to remove luggage from a car and greet his wife, Rosalyn. I rushed toward him, with notebook and pen in hand. One of the goons wearing a suit and sunglasses pushed me to the ground, spoiling my chance to grill Jimmy.

I had a legitimate reporter’s pass issued to me by the Newport News Daily Press. But the Secret Service got spooked because I had a different colored pass than the one worn by a group of photographers.

My brief encounter with Carter was a pleasant one. He struck me as a well-intentioned, decent man. Perhaps the best human being to ever serve in the White House.

Carter and his wife Rosalyn spent about 40 years working as volunteers alongside Habitat for Humanity. During that time, they helped to build and fix up more than 4,000 homes in 14 different countries. A remarkable retirement for mankind.

Saugus over Coffee

  I have been disappointed at the low turnout of Saugus residents during the first two “Saugus Over Coffee” forums. These forums give residents in the precinct that is being spotlighted a chance to meet their Town Meeting members and ask them questions about their priorities and top issues in their precinct. But even if just a handful of people show up, these forums are being videotaped by SaugusTV for future airing on local cable television.

  How popular are they?

  I checked yesterday to see how much interest they have drawn. The first forum on Jan.30, cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and Saugus Public Library, featuring Precinct 1, drew 106 viewers, according to the Saugus TV website. The Precinct 2 forum on Feb. 13 attracted 65 viewers. That’s a lot more than the number of people who show up in the Community Room at the library. But I expect that the in-person meetings will pick up as we draw closer to the town elections in the fall.

  Stay tuned for more information as “Saugus Over Coffee” continues.

  Here is the remaining schedule: Precinct 3 – March 13; Precinct 4 – April 17; Precinct 5 – May 8; Precinct 6 – June 12; Precinct 7 – July 10; Precinct 8 – Aug. 14; Precinct 9 – Sept. 11; Precinct 10 – Oct. 23.

  Please check with The Saugus Advocate or library for any changes in dates. Residents can check the programming guide on the station’s website (www.saugustv.org) for dates and times. A video of the forum will also be available for viewing on the station’s vimeo page within a day or two after the event (www.vimeo.com/saugustelevision).

The Breakheart/Benjamin Newhall Johnson legacy

  On Wednesday, March 8, the Saugus Historical Society will hold a program on Breakheart Reservation and the Legacy of Benjamin Newhall Johnson. It will be held at 30 Main St., the headquarters of the Saugus Historical Society and Saugus Cable Television. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. and light refreshments will be served. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The Saugus Historical Society’s team of experts on Johnson and Breakheart include Brett Power, head ranger of Breakheart Reservation; Doug Heath and Alison Simcox, who count among their books “Breakheart Reservation” and “Murder at Breakheart Hill Farm”; and Ron Wallace, who has recently restored Johnson’s tombstone at Riverside Cemetery.

  Benjamin Newhall Johnson was born on June 19, 1856, in Lynn but grew up in Saugus. He became a prominent Lynn businessman and in 1891 teamed up with two other Lynn businessmen to operate a hunting lodge in the woods of Saugus. They moved a log building from Maine to the site and created two ponds and a rhododendron garden on the site. In 1881 he had married Ida Oliver of Saugus, and they had two children. After her death he married Virginia Vernon Newhall and they had three children. His second wife also predeceased him. Johnson died on February 19, 1932. The 600-acre wooded site of their hunting lodge was sold by the heirs to the Metropolitan District Commission, and it eventually became the state park operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation that we know as Breakheart Reservation. Breakheart has been a popular recreational site in Saugus for generations with its popular beach and wooded scenic trails. The park has endured last summer’s drought, fires and other challenges, but the citizens look forward to enjoying it for generations to come.

Seeking Hall of Fame nominations

  Do you know of a former Saugus High School athlete who deserves to be inducted into the Saugus High School Sports Hall of Fame? If you do, nominations are open for the Hall of Fame from now until March 28.

  Previously, there have been 263 athletes inducted since the Hall of Fame’s inception (1987).

The hall’s first class included Arthur Spinney, a Saugus High football great who played for two NFL championship teams with the Baltimore Colts in 1958 and 1959.

  A Saugus High athlete has to be out of school for at least 10 years before he or she can be nominated. Anyone looking to nominate a former Saugus High athlete can mail their letter of nomination to Barbara Wall at 28 Pleasant St., Saugus, MA 01906.

Library joins Boston Bruins PJ Drive

  The Saugus Public Library and the Boston Bruins are teammates again. From now through March 15, the library will be accepting donations of pajamas for the Boston Bruins PJ Drive to benefit the Wonderfund of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Cradles to Crayons. The Saugus Public Library’s goal is to collect 100 pairs of new pajamas, according to Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services. Many of the pajamas donated will benefit local homeless kids and teens, she said.

  Melton said there are two ways to donate: This year you can donate either by making a monetary donation directly to the pajama drive, or by shopping for them yourself. The library is collecting new pairs of pajamas for children and teens: size 2T through adult medium. The library asks that people not donate holiday pajamas.

  The most-needed sizes:

• GIRLS: 5/6 – 18/20 or adult S
• BOYS: 7/8 – 18/20 or adult M

  There is a collection bin at the library.

SAVE 2023 Environmental Scholarship

  Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is very pleased to announce that it is offering a $1,000 Environmental Scholarship to Saugus residents of the Graduating Class of 2023 or to Saugus residents who are currently first-year college attendees. This is a scholarship for students who will be or are attending a two/four-year college or other educational institution and pursuing a degree in an area that would positively impact the environment.

  Applicants can download the SAVE 2023 Environmental Scholarship Application Form found at www.saugusSAVE.org

  Together with the completed application form, please include a separate sheet (identified with your initials only) that provides a brief summary of any of your activities relating to the environment and describe how you feel your career choice will positively impact the environment. Please email (preferred method) your application – no later than midnight on April 21, 2023 – to: SAVE Co-President Ann Devlin at adevlin@aisle10.net or mail your application (postmarked by April 21, 2023) to: SAVE, P.O. Box 908, Saugus, MA 01906. Again, the deadline to submit your application is April 21, 2023.

Comedy at the Kowloon

  The Kowloon Restaurant has its latest comedy lineup set, and it will feature Mike Donovan today (Friday, Feb. 24) at 8 p.m. Here’s next month’s lineup:

  March 3: PAUL D’ANGELO – 8 p.m. – $20.

  March 10: COREY RODRIGUES – 8 p.m. – $20.

  March 24: JIMMY DUNN – 8 p.m. – $20.

  Tickets are $20 and show time is 8 p.m. at the Kowloon Restaurant (Route 1 North in Saugus). For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077.

 

Bingo is back!

  The Kowloon Restaurant announces Bingo every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week with a grand prize set at the finale in March.

A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shi pork, salt and pepper calamari, and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais and scorpion bowls.

 

Celebrating the Saugus High band

  The Saugus Historical Society is planning its spring season of programs and a new exhibit that will open in March. The exhibit will feature Saugus High School Band memorabilia from several time periods and some Color Day posters recently donated to the society. Anyone who was a band member at any time, or who had an ancestor who was a band member, is invited to share some of their memories. Please call Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener at 781-231-5988 to share your story.

  “We are looking for some anecdotes and stories from people involved in Saugus High School Band at any time,” Laura says. “The Historical Society is putting together a display of band uniforms, parents’ jackets, photos etc. which will be ready by the first meeting in the

Spring,” she said.

 

Help this Eagle fly

  It sounds like Jake D’Eon of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 has a great public service project in pursuit of his Eagle Scout Badge – scouting’s highest honor. His project involves the construction of eight new picnic tables that are handicap accessible at Pinetops picnic area at Breakheart Reservation.

  “My project will improve access for people with disabilities to this area of Breakheart,” Jake wrote in a recent letter to selectmen, inviting them to attend a special fundraiser.

  Jake is also appealing to the public for a little help in getting the supplies he needs for his project: lumber, paint and other materials.

  If you want to help Jake out while also enjoying a night of a few good laughs, then check out the Pizza and Comedy Show in the Giggles Comedy Club set for Prince Pizzeria on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. There are basketball raffles for adults. Tickets cost $35. All proceeds go to Jake’s picnic table project. Check it out!

  Jake, 16, has spent a decade in scouting, beginning with the local Cub Scout pack.

  Being an Eagle Scout myself (Troop 26 of Swansea, Mass., back in 1968), I love to shine a public spotlight on these outstanding young men who accomplish something achieved by about only six percent of the boys involved in scouting.

  I interviewed Jake about four years ago when he was a 12-year-old tenderfoot scout competing in a Pinewood Derby race. And I remember him expressing high aspirations to one day become an Eagle Scout. Well, this project should help put him in that elite category that will serve him well as he embarks on his college education and his chosen career.

  It was in scouting that I earned a journalism merit badge for articles I wrote about troop activities for local newspapers, and that planted the seeds for a 50-year career as a newspaperman.

  “Quite an impressive young man,” Selectmen Jeffrey Cicolini said at Tuesday night’s meeting. He hailed Jake’s Eagle Scout public service project – “a Herculean effort.”

 

Food Pantry

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, Feb. 17) from 9:30-11 a.m.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Jean Lyons for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Jean was the lone reader to answer correctly after the sketch had readers stumped the previous week. Jean wins a $10 gift certificate, compliments of JIMMY’S STEER HOUSE at 114 Broadway (Rt. 1 North) in Saugus. Here’s the correct answer offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:

  “The answer to the mystery Valentine’s Series sketch that had readers stumped two weeks ago is Ron and Karen Tamulonis!

  “Ron and Karen are celebrating over 56 years of marriage and still counting! Both longtime Saugonians call Saugus their home going on 58-plus years. Ron is a Veteran and served as a past member of the Conservation Commission. Ron retired from the Dept. Of Environmental Engineering.

  “Ron said he has enjoyed a-lot of tent camping. Karen spent many years as a Cub Scout Den Mother. She worked at Oaklandvale School, a shop called ‘Lady Grace’ and was front desk Customer Service Representative at ‘Partner’s in Rehabilitation.’ (These were all Saugus Businesses.)

  “Ron and Karen are seen in many places together participating in, and supporting events. Many of the same events where years ago they were volunteers and Leaders. I asked this humble couple what a few of their secrets were for their marriage success and if they had any words of advice for Newlyweds. They gave these tips that they themselves do:

• “listening to each other
• “Never go to bed angry
• “respect each of their wishes

  “Thankyou

  “Wishing you many more happy years together !

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

Another “Zoom” session on Cliftondale Wednesday

  Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione has scheduled another public informational meeting and public feedback session for his proposed zoning of Cliftondale Square for Wednesday (March 1) via Zoom videoconferencing. This one is set for 7:30 p.m.

  Here are some excerpts from an email Joe put out earlier this week:

  “Thank you all who attended last month’s session regarding the article I intend to put forth in this year’s ATM to create a zoning overlay for Cliftondale Square in order to incentivize and provide the required flexibility needed to realistically revitalize Cliftondale Square. This overlay is a result of 8 years of work studying multiple reports procured over 40 years, a year-long effort with the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee, attending Main Streets America conferences, and studying the square day in and day out. As a Precinct 2 representative, an architect, and mostly, a resident of the area, I will do everything I can to get this passed come May as I want to see this neighborhood begin to turn around after decades of decline and inaction.”

  “From this meeting, given the ATM warrant closes on April 3rd, I will begin formalizing the final draft of the overlay which will be available to you all to review well before the ATM. Additionally, I will be reaching out to you all throughout March to solicit your opinions, concerns, thoughts and insights ahead of the ATM. I want everyone to have a chance to ask questions and provide feedback ahead of the ATM. The last meeting yielded some great feedback, much of which I will incorporate. I hope many of you can attend on March 1st to give your constructive feedback. Instead of coming to the meeting saying ‘I don’t support this because’ – let’s work to make this something we can support through a collaborative effort.

  “As we approach Session 2, I did want to clarify a few misconceptions that I’ve seen get out there in recent weeks whether through the paper or social media. I’ll be happy to elaborate more on March 1st as well with more detail:

  “1. I am not proposing residential only development or simply want ‘low income housing’. Commercial use will be required on the ground floor and the housing component is not there just to be there. It is to provide flexibility and economic viability to property owners looking to improve their property to provide a steady source of revenue in their development given the high demand for housing. Small scale, low rise infill development has become very popular, especially in Downtown Districts. I recently assisted on a three-story mixed use infill development in Downtown Melrose at 524-530 Main. See for yourself what we could potentially attract if we allow that flexibility in our zoning to simply allow what we used to build: https://www.bergmeyer.com/work/mixed-use-development-at-524-530-main-street. This was not a developer funded project. It was the owner of a local construction company funding and constructing the project.

  “2. I’m not proposing ‘high rise, high density’ apartments. The maximum allowed stories by right will be 3 (no change to the current B-1 district or nearby Waterfront mixed-use district) in line with the scale of the rest of Cliftondale Square which is predominantly three story (including surrounding residences). This regulation also permits by code economically efficient Type 5 wood frame construction which can be utilized in low rise, infill development of three stories or less and under 50 feet. In unique cases where there are dimensional issues on site based on dimensional regulations (setbacks, driveways, irregular plots) with a 4/5 vote, the BOS may grant a special permit allowing 4 stories, 50 feet, consistent with the amendments passed overwhelmingly by Town Meeting last May and still well within the context of Cliftondale Square as the heights of multistory buildings (including residential plots vary from 35-63 ft in height. The proposed density is 20 units per acre which is consistent town wide per Town Meeting’s vote last May. The current average density in Cliftondale is roughly 22 units per acre. As no property in Cliftondale is close to an acre, no development will actually contain 20 units. I have done a calculation of the total number of possible units in the proposed boundaries along with a calculation of what would realistically be developed and the overall potential impact from both a traffic and congestion standpoint given the existing infrastructure and traffic generation produced by small scale infill development would be negligible to what exists today. I think the benefits this overlay brings far outweigh the fear of compounded congestion which will likely not be a significant factor here. I can provide specifics on March 1st.

  “3. I am not proposing a zero parking minimum and long term parkers will not be utilizing municipal lots, private lots or street parking to satisfy their minimum parking requirements. Long term parking for residents and employees will be required within any development calculated per unit and per employee / square footage depending on the use. The purpose and intent is to provide a realistic parking count that satisfies long term parking for residents and employees while allowing for short term visitors and business patrons to park in municipal lots and on streets. The final parking count is at the discretion of the Planning Board as is typical. For example, the Planning Board is requesting 5 more parking spots than required by the zoning bylaw at 180 Central given the context of the area. Parking needs to be approached on a case by case basis given the variation of property and existing conditions.

  “4. Please feel free to contact me prior or after March 1st with any comments, questions, or clarifications. I very much look forward to speaking with all of you and urge everyone to keep an open mind when it comes to the potential opportunities that exist in Cliftondale if we give it the flexibility in needs to thrive

  People interested in the latest “Zoom” session can type into

https://bergmeyer.zoom.us/j/81492967217?pwd=RmRiVVhTNWs4QU12R2l4QSs1YVRBQT09

  The meeting ID is 814 9296 7217. The Passcode is 666546. Or call Joe on his cell phone at: 781-520-9859.

“Shout Outs”

  We didn’t receive any reader nominations for “shout outs” this week. And it is always a shame whenever that happens, because there are always worthy candidates – particularly unsung heroes – to cast a public spotlight on.

  So, the Editor’s Choice this week goes to a newborn, sixth generation Saugonian – Leila Capano Cross – who was born on Feb. 21, weighing in at 8 pounds and 4 ounces. She is the second child of Mike and Gabriela Cross. Her sister, Luciana, was born on March 16, 2021. They are both sixth-generation Saugonians and the granddaughters of Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, who received congratulations from his selectmen colleagues when the announcement was made at Tuesday night’s meeting.

  “Nothing I like better than being a grandfather and now I have another one,” Cogliano told his board members.

Excessive recesses

  If you look at the video on the Saugus TV website for Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, it looked like the meeting lasted just under 50 minutes. But it actually took an hour and 38 minutes to complete the meeting because of three recesses that were called, which totaled about 48 minutes.

  With an otherwise light agenda, the meeting nearly doubled timewise because the board was at the mercy of time slots for several public hearings. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano suggested the board would be better off in eliminating specific time slots on the agenda.

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.

Legion breakfasts on Friday mornings

  Saugus American Legion Post 210 hosts its popular breakfasts from 8-9 a.m. on Fridays. The Legion requests a donation of $8 from those who are looking for a delicious meal at Legion Hall. The Legion also welcomes veterans who can’t afford the meal to enjoy a free breakfast. Bon appétit!

Shakespeare play hits Saugus stage

  The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) presents “The Comedy of Errors,” one of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays. Performances are the first two weekends of March 2023.

  “The Comedy of Errors” is a farce about two sets of identical twins who were separated in a shipwreck shortly after birth. Now adults, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in the town of Ephesus, which happens to be where their long-lost twins, Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus, live. When the Syracusan twins encounter the friends and families of their siblings, a series of mishaps based on mistaken identity result in wrongful beatings, a near-seduction, the arrest of the Ephesian twins and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness and demonic possession. Eventually it all gets sorted out!

  TCS is pleased to have Waltham resident Francine Davis as the director of the show and a troupe of talented actors from all over the North Shore of Massachusetts. TCS welcomes some performers new to the group: Reading resident Bryan Deroo as Antipholus of Syracuse, Ryan Marchant from Arlington as Antipholus of Ephesus, Amanda Flicop of Malden as Adriana, David Lee Vincent of Newburyport as the Duke, Roland “Boot” Boutwell of Winchester as Egeon, Shelove Duperior of Malden as the Courtesan and Olga Karasik-Updike of Newbury as the Foreign Merchant. TCS welcomes some returning veterans of its stage to the show: Billy Jenkins of Stoneham as Dromio of Ephesus, Vi Patch of Wakefield as Dromio of Syracuse, John Leonard of Andover as the Map Seller, Kaycee Renee Wilson of Brighton as Luciana, Kathy Rapino of Saugus as the Abbess, Larry Segel of Winthrop as Angelo and Sherri Wilcauskas of Middleton as Nell. Lauren Lyon of Natick is the stage manager.

  Performances of “The Comedy of Errors” are on March 3-4-5 and 10-11-12, 2023, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and at Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets purchased at the door are $22-$24. Tickets purchased in advance are $19-$21 – online at TCSaugus.org/tickets.

  The venue is the American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus, Mass. The performance space is not wheelchair accessible, but it does feature a bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks. Snacks and raffle tickets are available for purchase before the show and during intermission. For more information, see the TCS website at TCSaugus.org.

Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site open tomorrow

  The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site is closed for the winter season. But the site will reopen for recycling, weather permitting, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact Scott Brazis, Director of Solid Waste/Recycling, at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library

  For schoolchildren looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this fall, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library. There are some very good programs offered for grownups, too.

  Join our Teen Advisory Board: first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Teen Room; Grades 5 and up; meet with the Teen Librarian once a month to talk about what you’d like for programs and materials at the library. Your opinion matters! No registration required. Snacks provided! sauguspubliclibrary.org – 781-231-4168.

  A neat teen group called Manga & Anime Club: The Manga & Anime Club, from all accounts, is a lot of fun for kids in Grades 6 and up. So, if you are curious, check out the Teen Room. Chat with friends! Make crafts! Try Japanese snacks! Club meetings will continue on Saturdays through May from 10-11 a.m. They will be held on 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…/) – Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., Saugus, Mass.)

  Adult Coloring Group: Come relax with the continuing Adult Coloring Group. It’s a great opportunity to take time to unwind, be creative and have fun – no experience necessary! There are pencils and coloring pages ready and waiting. See you there! Space is limited; please call 781-231-4168 x 3106 to register. When: Wednesday, March 8, at 10 a.m. Where: Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., Saugus, Brooks Room on the second floor.

First Baptist Church presents “Can We Talk…”

  First Baptist Church Pastor Leroy Mahoney invites troubled people to join others in a special program called “Can We Talk … Community conversations on Trauma and Healing” the first Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at Rev. Isaac Mitchell Jr. Fellowship Hall (105 Main St. in Saugus). “Join us as we gather in community to share our stories, thoughts and feelings about whatever you are going through,” Rev. Mahoney states in a written announcement.

  “As always, it is a safe space to come together in community,” he says.

Scholarship available to Saugus High students

  Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) is accepting applications from high school seniors through the Lique Human Services Scholarship. Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have an interest in or are considering a career in human services and who have made an impact in their community or the world through community service. The Lique Human Services Scholarship will be awarded to two seniors who attend one of the eight high schools located in GLSS’ service area – including Saugus High School.

  The scholarship is named in memory of Vince Lique, the Agency’s long-time Executive Director, who devoted his career to helping others, particularly vulnerable senior citizens and people of all ages with disabilities, demanding that all people be treated with dignity and respect.

  “Vince’s legacy is firmly rooted in his compassion for people. He measured success by the quality of his service to and advocacy for others,” said Kathryn C. Burns, GLSS’ Chief Executive Officer. “I believe in Vince’s theory that one’s individual success is directly related to the benefits received by those around us. The Lique Human Services scholarship honors the man and his service by encouraging others to do the same.”

  Applications are available through each high school’s guidance office or can be completed online at www.glssnet/LiqueScholarship. Completed applications are due on or before Friday, April 7.

Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus

  (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.)

  Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends.

  How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at Saugus Public schools on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9

  Want to partner with us: We would love to partner with organizations, sports teams, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com

  HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five C/O Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus

About The Saugus Advocate

  We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea or an article or photo to submit, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.

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 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 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 National Historic Site.

CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK

GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email your name, address and the answer to mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who answers correctly between now and Tuesday at noon 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 JIMMY’S STEER HOUSE at 114 Broadway (Rt. 1 North) in Saugus. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”)