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Good Morning, Saugus!
It’s been a little more than seven weeks since Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon went on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an investigation into unspecified allegations of misconduct. Very little has come out publicly about the nature of the investigation or who has been running it since then. There were rumors early on that the probe involved alleged misappropriation of funds.
The superintendent’s brief statement at the time that she went on leave alluded to potential concerns about the School District’s fiscal management. But she denied that there was any truth to such reports. “The district’s financial records are audited every year by independent CPAs who have never reported to me that the school department should change or adjust any practices,” McMahon said in her statement.
The longer the superintendent remains on administrative leave, the more uncertainty clouds her future with the School Department, potentially jeopardizing her lofty goals of having Saugus Public Schools climb from a scholastic ranking of the bottom 10 percent of the schools in the state to the top 10 percent within five years.
Considering the huge investment that the School Committee made in McMahon two years ago – a five-year contract worth close to a million dollars – it would be another disappointing setback for the School District if the investigation ends with Saugus being forced to launch another in depth search for a top caliber administrator to lead the town’s public education system. It also could get costly for the town, as the superintendent vowed in her letter to “zealously and transparently defend my unblemished professional reputation,” with the assistance of her two attorneys.
“Any allegations of wrongdoing on my part are false,” she declared.
The big question that remains is this: By the time the superintendent gets done clearing her name – assuming she had done nothing improper – would she want to continue working for Saugus Public Schools? Inquiring minds in Saugus would like to know.
“Saugus Over coffee”
Precinct 3 will be the focus of our next “Saugus Over Coffee” forum, which will get underway on Monday (March 13) at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. Saugus residents who want to talk about Precinct 3 issues that concern them are invited to the library to speak their mind during an informative session that will last up to an hour and be videotaped and later aired on SaugusTV. They also will get to drink complimentary coffee or tea with some of the Town Meeting members who represent them.
All five Precinct 3 Town Meeting members received personal letters and emails inviting them to attend the forum. Each member will have the opportunity to share their views on what makes Precinct 3 special and also highlight what they believe are the top challenges and issues facing the precinct. Following the presentations by Town Meeting members, Precinct 3 residents in the audience will have an opportunity to question any of their Town Meeting representatives or offer their own comments in what is meant to be a constructive sharing of ideas – not a confrontational debate. Because this is a town election year, any candidate for Town Meeting in Precinct 3 will receive an opportunity to introduce themselves and to share their views on what makes their precinct special and issues that concern them.
“Saugus Over Coffee” is cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and the Saugus Public Library. Each month through October, a different precinct will be featured.
Precinct 3 residents who are unable to attend Monday’s forum should be able view it within a day or two on https://vimeo.com/saugustelevision. But any residents in the precinct who have issues that concern them should show up and articulate those concerns on Monday night. After all, part of the duties of being a Town Meeting member is to listen to the concerns of the residents they represent and advocate for them.
Whenever a neighborhood issue comes before the Board of Selectmen, it’s usually because of one or more Town Meeting members working behind the scenes to help solve a problem for somebody in their precinct.
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.
Maple Sugarin’ at Breakheart Tomorrow
Experience the process of maple sugarin’ – from tapping a tree to sampling maple syrup – tomorrow (Saturday, March 11) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Breakheart Reservation. Go to the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus). This program is cosponsored by the state Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Breakheart Reservation. Enjoy some refreshments inside the Visitor Center for a $5.00 donation to the Friends of Breakheart Reservation ($20 for family of five to six) and then join in on a free tour of the maple sugarin’ process. Tour includes: history of maple sugaring, tree identification & tapping, wood splitting and the evaporator! For more information, please call 781-233-0834.
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.
There have been 263 athletes inducted since the Hall of Fame’s inception (1987). The Hall of Fame’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 & 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 will feature Corey Rodrigues today (Friday, March 10) at 8 p.m. Here’s the rest of this month’s lineup: March 24: JIMMY DUNN – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and showtime is at the Kowloon Restaurant on 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. A new exhibit opened in March. The exhibit features 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.
Food Pantry notes
The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, March 10) from 9:30-11 a.m.
We have a winner!
Congratulations to Gloria Johnson for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched!” contest. There were several winners. But Gloria was the lucky reader to have her name drawn from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Gloria wins a $10 gift certificate, compliments of JIMMY’S STEER HOUSE, 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 sketch is Deacon Francis and his wife Joanne M. Gaffney. Francis and Joanne have been married over 60 plus years.
“They were among 120 Catholics in the Boston Archdiocese to receive the Bishop Cheverus Award Medals. It is rare for a couple to receive the Bishop Cheverus Awards.
“Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler wrote an ‘Advocate Asks’ extensive article on this couple’s achievements, which also included photos (Saugus Advocate October 21, 2022 pages 3, 4, 7, 9, 11 & 14.) It’s an inspiring read about Francis and Joanne Gaffney.
“The Gaffney’s are Faith Leaders in the Saugus Catholic Collaborative. They taught marriage Prep classes for over 40 plus years. Joanne worked for the Archdiocese for 21 years. Deacon Francis has performed Baptisms, funerals, weddings and preaches one time per month. The Deacon and his wife have a generous servant’s heart with the attitude if it comes their way to serve, they do it.
“I would encourage you to view the ‘Advocate Asks’ article about Deacon Francis and Joanne Gaffney. Thank you for all you do! keep letting your light shine brightly!
“Thank you,
“Yours Truly,
“The Sketch Artist”
A “Shout Out” to a future Eagle
Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo offered a giant “Shout Out” to Jake D’Eon of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62:
“Jake is the son of former Selectman Jen D’Eon and Deputy Chief Tom D’Eon of the Saugus Fire Department. Jake is on his way to earning his Eagle Scout Badge. If my research is correct only 6% of Boy Scouts nationwide attain this level, two of our former Presidents and Selectman Deb Panetta’s son Mark are among them. Jake will be overseeing the building of eight handicap picnic tables at Breakheart Reservation. He will be accomplishing this during April school vacation. So many times handicapped people get overlooked and forgotten. This is such a great idea and something that will last for years at Breakheart. I have no doubt that Jake will succeed not only in this endeavor but anything that he attempts in the future. ‘Jakie’ as I always called him when he was younger was the type of ‘kid’ that you loved to be around and hats off and credit to his parents and sister Allie for this. Best of Luck ‘Jakie’ all of Saugus is proud of you!”
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.
Run For a Cause, Run with the Y
Join the Saugus Family YMCA’s Not a Walk in the Park 5k and help support your community. This family-friendly run/walk takes you through the beautiful scenery of Breakheart Reservation in Saugus. Registration includes post-race refreshments and prizes for runners in every age category. All proceeds support the YMCA of Metro North Annual Fund to provide access to YMCA child care, camp and health and wellness programs to everyone.
Race Details: Saturday, April 22, 8:30 a.m. race start. Packet pick-up for preregistered runners: 7:00 a.m. Race day registration: 7:00 a.m. Where: Breakheart Reservation – 177 Forest St., Saugus.
Packet Pick-up: Friday, April 21, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Saugus Family YMCA, 298 Main St., Saugus.
Race Features: Chip Timing by Bay State Race Services; post-race refreshments; awards to the top finishers in each age group; T-shirt guaranteed to those who register prior to April 7.
The YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series raises funds for a variety of charitable activities that benefit our community. Participants in their four unique 5k races run or walk to support the YMCA of Metro North Annual Fund and raise money to provide access to YMCA child care, camp and health and wellness programs for everyone. In 2022 the YMCA of Metro North provided more than 1.6 million dollars in financial aid – providing all children, adults and families with opportunities to develop a healthy spirit, mind and body regardless of income.
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!
Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site
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!
Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a monthly sewing class for adults that is held the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library. The class covers basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing and mending torn fabric and will move on to more advanced topics in the coming weeks. This class is free. (See sauguspubliclibrary.org)
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 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…/)
Bento Boxes presented by Table for Two. Learn how to make lunch the Japanese way! Why is using five colors of food important? What does it mean to eat with your eyes? Join us to make two Japanese rice balls, one traditional triangle shape and one cute penguin. Turn cherry tomatoes into hearts and cucumbers into quick pickles. You will get your very own bento box to take home. When: Thursday, March 23, 4:30-6 p.m. in the Community Room. Age 11 and up. Please sign up in advance; call or register online from our Event Calendar(https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events/).
Saugus Public Library, 781-231-4168, 295 Central St., Saugus, Mass., www.sauguspubliclibrary.org
Tree science and art classes at the Lynn Museum
Saugus artist Kelly Slater and landscape designer/horticultural instructor Laura Eisener will be teaching several classes on looking at and drawing trees at the Lynn Museum this month and in April. Participants will learn how to identify trees in winter and also how to draw them using several fun drawing techniques. The Lynn Museum is located at 590 Washington St. in Lynn, Mass.
The first workshop is an all-ages exploration of trees in winter and will begin with Laura’s introduction to identifying trees through their twigs, cones and other visible features, even in the dormant season. Kelly will then facilitate an experimental drawing workshop using locally collected twigs and cones as subjects. Participants will explore ways of looking deeply at tree characteristics and experiment with playful approaches to drawing tree twigs and cones. It will be held on March 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free, with no registration required.
On Tuesday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Eisener and Slater will present a two-part workshop on urban tree care and printmaking inspired by trees. Laura’s workshop, Urban Tree Care, will include information about the significance of urban trees in improving life for residents and those who work in these environments, how trees improve morale and property values, enhance safety and separation of vehicle traffic and pedestrians, decrease noise and glare, improve air quality, reduce heating costs, improve views, and provide other benefits. There will be sufficient time for questions and answers.
Kelly will lead participants in a trace monotype workshop. Inspired by urban and old-growth trees of Massachusetts, participants will make one-of-a-kind prints without a press using the simple but expressive trace monotype technique. Participants will have the opportunity to use the solvent-free, least toxic Akua Intaglio Inks and one or two homemade inks created with items like blue spirulina powder, turmeric, rice paste and honey. Photos of urban and old-growth trees will be provided for inspiration, but people are encouraged to bring pictures or drawings of their favorite trees. Registration is required for this workshop.
These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Lynn Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional support is provided through a Sustaining Practice Grant awarded to Kelly Slater by the Collective Futures Fund.
Finally, participants will be able to exhibit one or more of their creations at an upcoming Lynn Museum exhibit. Opening in May, the exhibit “A Closer Look at Trees: From Old-Growth to our Urban Forest” will display the work of Kelly and participants in Kelly’s and Laura’s early spring workshops at the Lynn Museum/LynnArts from May through August. Works will include experimental drawings of twigs and cones, trace monotypes of trees, artist’s books, and woodblock prints using nontoxic, plant-derived inks. The opening reception will include a short artists’ talk and a chance to ask questions of participating artists.
For more details, or to register for the March 21 class, follow the link below:
https://lynnmuseum.org/events/second-saturday-march-23/
Laura D. Eisener is the landscape designer at Northeast Nursery and teaches in the horticulture department at North Shore Community College. She also writes the weekly column on Saugus gardens in The Saugus Advocate. Kelly Slater is a local painter and printmaker who teaches stress-free improvisational art workshops. Both women are longtime Saugus residents.
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 over 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” interviewof 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, 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”)
