The Sounds of Saugus

Good Morning, Saugus!

  Are local politicians and citizens who love to participate in Saugus politics on social media sites becoming cyberbullies? And are they getting a little too cruel, crude, vulgar and downright nasty for the good of Saugus while sullying their own reputations?

  As an outside observer who tries to observe, but not get caught up on Facebook and other social media sites, it sure looks like that. Maybe I’m a bit of a prude when it comes to this stuff. But I seldom go onto local social media sites to watch how Saugus politicians and their supporters engage in the notorious blood sport of Saugus politics à la social media.

  Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano now finds himself in a bit of a public controversy because he dabbled a little too much in the town’s seedy side of social media, essentially trash-talking in crude ways that he most likely wouldn’t be doing on the street or in public. And selectmen received a recent email from somebody who criticized the chair for making homophobic comments (please see front page story).

  A lot of newspaper people, including myself, would prefer not to write a story like this. The problem is social media is indeed a public matter, particularly when government emails are used.

  Normally, I wouldn’t be writing a story about people engaging in crude and vulgar trash talk that might be construed as highly inappropriate. But when a public official is involved, and a person claiming to be offended emails a complaint to the entire Board of Selectmen, several prominent town officials and several media outlets – including The Saugus Advocate – it is worth approaching the entire Board of Selectmen for public comment on the matter. And depending upon what they say would dictate doing a story.

  So it goes that this past Tuesday, after receiving a copy of an email addressed to the Board of Selectmen and copied to several Greater Boston newspapers, I decided I needed to put the question to everyone on the Board of Selectmen:

  Do you have any concerns that you want to comment on, regarding the Ross Demore letter that was addressed to the Board of Selectmen in an email today?

  Are the comments made by Mr. Demore a matter that should be addressed by the Board of Selectmen?

  Please feel free to comment or elaborate.

  As it turned out, several of the selectmen expressed concerns to varying degrees about the choice of words used by Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano in a social media jousting match. Nobody’s calling for Cogliano to step down from his leadership role, as Ross Demore had called for. But one colleague called for Cogliano to apologize. Another said he should refrain from similar conduct in the future. Another said that Cogliano’s words and actions didn’t represent the Board of Selectmen.

  Since taking over the editor’s job at The Saugus Advocate seven years ago, I noticed that social media can get downright ugly in Saugus, and I’ve tried to steer clear of it. But perhaps it’s time for all town officials to take a look at the instant case before them and engage in meaningful public discussion about how public officials should conduct themselves on local social media sites. And the discussions shouldn’t just focus on the Cogliano situation. There have been other cases of public officials saying inappropriate things on Facebook and other social media sites. It’s definitely stuff that borders on cyberbullying.

  What kind of example are adults in Saugus setting for the community’s children in matters of this sort? It’s time for a public conversation. Several of Cogliano’s colleagues would probably agree, based on comments they shared in this week’s Saugus Advocate. Stay tuned.

“Saugus over coffee”

  Early last Monday evening (March 13), I was worried about whether our latest edition of “Saugus Over Coffee” would turn out to be a complete disaster. That was a likely possibility if all five Town Meeting members from Precinct 3 failed to show up for the forum.

  Shortly after 6 p.m., I already knew that at least two of the five Town Meeting members in the precinct would be absent. Richard E. Thompson and Rick A. Smith, two very conscientious and active members in the precinct had already notified me that they would be out of town on work-related business. Meanwhile, members Arthur D. Connors and Daniel I. Schena never bothered to respond to the invitation letters I mailed to their homes, or the emails and the phone calls I made to them. I’ve got to wonder whether the residents they represent have received similar treatment.

  Fortunately, Annemarie Tesora, the subject of last week’s “The Advocate Asks” interview, did show up ahead of time. And the show did go on.

  I sensed that Annemarie, the self-described “freshman Town Meeting member” in her precinct, would feel nervous and lonely sitting by herself. So, I invited one of her friends from Precinct 3 to join her at the front table, along with Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta. That may not have been a good call, as Annemarie still seemed nervous while Selectman Panetta fielded most of the questions and did most of the talking, sharing a lot of valuable information that applies to Saugus local government.

  But the purpose of these forums is to focus on precinct-specific issues, with residents from the precinct being showcased doing most of the talking, along with their representatives on the Town Meeting.

  I drew some criticism from several Town Meeting members from other precincts about allowing a selectman to sit on a panel that was meant for Town Meeting members. Naturally, any selectman with Debra Panetta’s background in local government is going to command a great deal of respect. And she did what any selectman would do – keep the discussion going and sharing her views on a wide variety of subjects.

  So, here are the “positive” and the “negative” takeaways from Monday’s forum. On the positive side:

  1. Seven Precinct 3 residents – more than the first two forums combined – showed up for the forum. Three of those residents, in addition to Annemarie, spoke publicly on issues that concerned them. In the previous forums, most of those attending were from other precincts.

  2. There was passionate and quality discussion. The residents who spoke complained about issues near and dear to them.

  3. The Precinct 3 residents who spoke came prepared, with notes and written material.

  4. One of the absent Town Meeting members prepared a statement that was read.

  On the negative side:

  1. Only one of five Town Meeting members participated in the discussion. This is the worst attendance so far

  2. At one point, one of the residents tried to engage in a debate with the panel members in an adversarial fashion.

  3. The overall discussion involved too much time on procedural matters and townwide issues instead of Precinct 3 issues.

  Tuesday, April 25, will be the next forum in the “Saugus Over Coffee” series. The original date has been changed because April 17 is Patriots’ Day – a state holiday when the Saugus Public Library is closed. Precinct 4 will be the focus that night.

  Stay tuned for more information as “Saugus Over Coffee” continues. Here is the remaining schedule:

  Precinct 4 – April 25

  Precinct 5 – May 8

  Precinct 6 – June 12

  Precinct 7 – July 10

  Precinct 8 – August 14

  Precinct 9 – September 11

  Precinct 10 – October 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).

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.

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 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 ormail 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 for the month, and next week will feature Jimmy Dunn (Friday, March 24) at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and showtime 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 announced 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. “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.

Food Pantry notes

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

Veterans bricks available

  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) or $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.

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Joe Johnson for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. There were several winners. But Joe was the lucky reader to have his name drawn from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Joe wins a $10 gift certificate, compliments of JIMMY’S STEER HOUSE at 114 Broadway (Rt. 1 North) in Saugus.

  We would like to point out that our original winner graciously declined the offer of a gift certificate and requested that we “give it to a veteran or some other deserving person.” As things turned out, the winner’s wish was honored when we drew Joe Johnson’s name from the hat. Joe is a Vietnam Era veteran who served as a Spec 4-E4 with the U.S. Army.

  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 a young man who is like a barrel of light and focused like a laser beam on the greater good and service to mankind.

  “Jake D’Eon!

  “Jake is a 16-year-old, three sports student athlete at Essex North Shore Agricultural School and Technical School, competing in football, swimming & track & field team.

  “Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler chose Jake D’Eon for “The Advocate Asks” interview. D’Eon is on the March 3 Front Cover and article & photos are pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 8. The article is an inspiring read, and I would encourage you to read for more encouragement about our youth.

  “This scout from Troop 62 has consistently through the years laid the track down to obtain his Eagle Scout Badge. With 33 Merit badges – 11 more than the required 21, he already shows a young Boy Scout Soaring high above the crowd.

  “At the Fundraiser March 9th at Prince Pizza /Comedy Show, there were basket raffles to help raise funds for Jake to obtain his Eagle Scout Badge by building needed picnic tables for Breakheart.

  “He plans on building 8 handicap accessible picnic tables. Jake states in the article on page 3 of the March 3rd Advocate, ‘The picnic table idea is to make them feel more included, so they don’t feel like they are separated from the group they are a part of or are able to be a part of’

  “How many times have we seen the person in the wheelchair off to the side because they could not sit with the crowd at the table? Well young Jake solves this in his proposal. When asked if the tables will be raised so wheelchairs can fit under them, Jake states ‘Oh yes. Some of them are long tables and the benches are short. A lot of the tables at the site are not handicapped accessible.’ This is such a compassionate effort; wonder if the Disabilities Commission reached out to this young man with help in fundraising since he’s making major strides to ensure people with disabilities have comfort and inclusion in Nature, park and recreation?…

  “When asked if Jake will build more tables than eight? Jake states on page 4 of the article ‘oh yes. there’s a possibility there will be more depending on donations. However much money we raise will determine how many tables we will manage, what can be done and how much nicer they can be.’

  “Well let’s all do what we can even if it’s a little, as that good ol’ story of long ago (like birds with a little water in each beak we together can put out a forest fire so to speak.)

  “Jake is a Sophomore at Essex Agricultural & Technical School he is a student in Advanced Manufacturing.

  “Let’s help Jake D’Eon rightfully sit among the ranks of Eagle Scout by helping with fundraising and or perhaps swinging a hammer or two to volunteer during his April School Vacation to build these tables.

  “Any Business for volunteer lunches for Jake and his crew on picnic table Building Day? Go Jake SOAR like your meant to and onward where your dreams and visions take you!

  “It’s a pleasure to sketch a young Adult who has more maturity than many adults.

  “Congratulations on your way to earning your Eagle Scout’s badge! Much Success to your clear vision of your future goals as a Navy Seal.

  “As you continue on your Career path of service to people and our Country may your brilliant light continue to shine on.

  “Jake in this Sketch Artist’s little bird beak I bring to you $ 50.00 dollars for the handicap accessible picnic tables! Any other little sparrows? ….

  “Thankyou

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

“Sketch Artist” takes a break

  Beginning today, the “Sketch Artist” takes a well-deserved break while we search for sponsors for future sketches to anchor “The Sounds of Saugus” column. Any local restaurant, coffee shop or business that wishes to sponsor future sketches should contact The Saugus Advocate at mvoge@comcast.net. Over the past several years, sponsors have donated small gift certificates to award the winners of our “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest.

  Also, we are looking for suggestions from readers on Saugus residents who might be good subjects for future sketches by “The Sketch Artist.” If you have some ideas, please mail them to mvoge@comcast.net, naming the person and key reasons why he or she contributes to the betterment of Saugus. The recurring theme throughout “The Sketch Artist’s” work is shining the light on positive people involved in positive activities in town

  “The Sketch Artist” is our local version of “a thousand points of life.” For those who don’t recall the origin of that phrase, it was coined by U.S. President George H.W. Bush. His speech writers were credited with crafting the language that was used for Bush’s acceptance speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention. The speech characterized volunteerism in America as “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”

  After getting elected, Bush repeated his praise of volunteerism in his Jan. 20, 1989, inaugural address. “I have spoken of a thousand points of light of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good,” the late former president said.

  At the time that Bush was a big booster for volunteerism, so was my Editor, Dan Warner, who presided over the newsroom at The (North Andover) Eagle-Tribune. Dan decided he wanted his newspaper to devote regular feature articles to spotlight “a thousand points of light” across the Greater Lawrence area in the Merrimack Valley and our circulation communities of Southern Vermont.

  Well, we hope “the Sketch Artist” can keep sketching positive people who make up “a thousand points of light” in Saugus. Stay tuned.

A few good “Shout Outs”

  This week we received a couple of shout outs.

  From Laura Eisener, the articulate and ecologically minded author of “Saugus Gardens,” a major weekly feature in The Saugus Advocate: “I’d like to give a shout-out to Deb Panetta for moving Saugus toward non-poisonous rat control options. The death of the mother eagle in Arlington was very upsetting to many people and we should make every effort to avoid having that happen here. This afternoon I saw a small group of photographers out looking for the eagles, and I am glad to hear that the birds are being seen frequently here again this year. We hope their offspring will have a better outcome this season.”

  From “The Sketch Artist,” who wanted to acknowledge the recent support of a sponsoring business: “I would Love to give a BIG Shout Out to Jimmy’s Steer House at 114 Broadway (Rt. 1 North) Saugus 781-233-8600! Jimmy’s generously sponsored the ‘Guess Who Got Sketched’ Contest with FIVE of their gift cards at $10 each for our contest winners! Thank you and much gratitude! yours Truly, ‘The Sketch Artist’”

  Here’s an Editor’s Choice: Everyone who turned out to Prince Pizzeria last Friday for Eagle Scout candidate Jake D’Eon’s fundraiser so he can purchase supplies to build eight handicap accessible picnic tables at Breakheart Reservation.

  “It was incredible! Off the chart successful,” Jake’s mom – former Saugus Selectman Jen D’Eon – wrote to us in a recent text.

  “Anthony Cogliano got the Eagle photo. He paid $300,” she wrote. “Very, very generous of Anthony.”

  As an Eagle Scout from Troop 26 of Swansea, Mass., I had put in what I thought was a generous bid of $50 for the Eagle photo artwork donated by Stephen MacDougall, and was even thinking about doubling or tripling that original bid. But I still would have come up way short.

  Selectman Jeff Cicolini paid $300 for the lighthouse art in the silent auction last Monday night. The entire Board of Selectmen – including Board Vice Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Corinne Riley and Michael Serino – all turned out to support the future Eagle Scout.

  “We had 140 people,” Jen D’Eon wrote to us. “We have not reconciled the whole fundraiser (we had to pay Prince and the comedians) but I know we made the goal … people came after reading your article. Boosted our numbers!”

  Sure glad to help out. If Saugus residents want to help build some extra picnic tables at Breakheart beyond the eight, make out a check to Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62, indicating “Eagle Scout Public Service Project” and mail it to Jake D’Eon at 34 Myrtle St., Saugus, MA 01906.

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 childcare, 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 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 Information

  The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site is closed for the winter season. But the site will reopen for recycling on the third Saturday of the month weather permitting – tomorrow (Saturday, March 18), from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please contact Scott Brazis, Director of Solid Waste/Recycling, at 781-231-4036 with any questions. For more information about the Town of Saugus, visit www.saugus-ma.gov.

Spring cleanup at Riverside Cemetery

  The Saugus Cemetery Department announced this week that the spring grounds cleanup will begin at Riverside Cemetery on Monday, April 3. The Cemetery Commission kindly asks members of the public to remove any personal and/or holiday/seasonal items from the grounds before the cleanup begins.

  All Veteran flags will be placed back on gravesites in May, prior to Memorial Day. For more information, please contact the Cemetery Department at 781-231-4170 or email Stacy Billingsley at sbillingsley@saugus-ma.gov.

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

  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 Street in Lynn, Mass.

  On Tuesday, March 21 – International Day of Forests – from 5:30–7:30 p.m., Laura D. Eisener and Kelly 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 class. 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 such as 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.

  The workshop is free to participants, thanks in part to a grant from the Lynn Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Additional support for Kelly’s participation is provided by a Sustaining Practice Grant from the Collective Futures Fund, which is administered by Tufts University and funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation. The purpose of Kelly’s Collective Future’s Fund grant is to allow her to research the feasibility of a multiyear project depicting, teaching about and leading art workshops on old-growth trees of Massachusetts.

  As part of her overall project, Kelly will be visiting Mohawk Trail State Forest (in Charlemont, Mass.) to photograph and depict old-growth areas; teaching free art workshops both in Essex County and at the Mohawk Trail State Forest, which will include information on the benefit of both old-growth and all trees; and having an exhibit and artist talk that will focus on old-growth and urban trees.

  Registration for this workshop is required. Participants can register through the Lynn Museum website at lynnmuseum.org.

  For more information about workshop content, contact Kelly by email at kellyslaterart@hotmail.com or by phone at 617-529-0181 (cell) or 781-231-6864 (landline).

  Here are the Lynn Museum links to the upcoming programs: https://lynnmuseum.org/events/after-hours-art-making-featuring-urban-tree-care-presentation-and-tree-inspired-printmaking-workshop/ and https://lynnmuseum.org/exhibits-and-collections/

  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.

  Participants will be able to exhibit one or more of their creations at the 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 and Laura’s early spring workshop. Kelly and participants in her tree art workshop at the Lynn Museum/LynnArts will exhibit their work depicting both old-growth trees and the trees of our local urban forest 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 this link: https://lynnmuseum.org/events/second-saturday-march-23/

 

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.