The Sounds of Saugus

Good morning, Saugus!

  Happy Spring! Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy Ramadan! And wishes to all people celebrating other religious holidays this weekend.

  The daffodils are in bloom and were very noticeable as I traveled about town this week. They are my favorite of the spring.

  Back in the early to mid-1990s, when I was editor of The Nantucket Beacon, I developed a deep love of these yellow babies. They were sprouting all over the island, thanks to the Nantucket Garden, which had bombarded the island with thousands of daffodil bulbs many years ago. The ladies knew what they were doing, knowing that the deer and other wild creatures would seldom touch the daffodils, and they preferred to prey on tulips. What a colorful sight it was to walk all over the island and see the daffies displaying their colors.

  Islanders love the daffodil so much that they celebrate a special festival – the Annual Daffodil Festival. It all started back in May of 1975.

  If you love daffies and want to see something spectacular, take a day trip down to Hyannis and board a ferry to the island so you can watch the Annual Daffodil Festival on April 27-30. There will be a Daffodil Festival Parade, featuring classic cars, floats and ordinary cars decorated with daffodils and driven by people dressed in yellow. Even the dogs out for a walk with their owners will have yellow or daffies on their collars. And many people – islanders and spectators – will be decked out in yellow that day.

  In the seven-plus years I’ve been editor of The Saugus Advocate, I’ve written about the daffy mania that grips Nantucket and I’ve mentioned that I would love to see the Saugus Garden Club try to replicate the daffy plantings on the mainland of Saugus. Here’s hoping they do some day.

 

One week until Books in Bloom!

  One of the great events that promotes reading and gardening in the spring is right around the corner. The Community Room at the Saugus Public Library will be hosting the always festive Books in Bloom event next Friday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event is free and features literary-themed floral displays throughout the library and is sponsored by the Saugus Garden Club. Stay tuned for more details.

  I have attended most of these during my second go-around covering Saugus. And it’s quite a colorful, worthwhile event.

Town Meeting convenes on May 1

  We’re less than a month away from one of the most important civic events in Saugus – the Annual Town Meeting, which is set for the first Monday in May – May 1. The 50-members who make up this town legislative body have the responsibility for passing the town’s municipal budget. They also have the responsibility for approving various articles, including zoning articles.

  Selectmen closed the warrant on Tuesday for the Annual Town Meeting. One of the major items this year will be a package of zoning regulations crafted specifically for Cliftondale Square. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione – the driving force behind the most recent Cliftondale revitalization effort since getting first elected to Town Meeting in 2019 – is behind the Cliftondale zoning proposal, which is controversial and is expected to draw considerable debate on the floor of Town Meeting.

  Stay tuned.

 

A Special Opening Day for Saugus Little League

  Next time you’re in Saugus Town Hall, go up to the second floor auditorium, take a look at the wall to the right of the door and you will see this giant photo of the baseball team that made the summer of 2003 a memorable one. We’re talking about the team from Saugus that traveled all the way to Williamsport, Pa., to compete in the Little League World Series that year.

  Plans are already in the works to invite the 12 boys, their coaches and manager to help kick off this year’s Little League season. The 20th anniversary of that special team will feature a “duck boat” as the signature piece of this year’s Little League Parade, which kicks off from Anna Parker Field on Saturday, April 22, at 10 a.m., heads through Cliftondale Square and marches down to Hurd Avenue for the opening ceremonies, which will honor the 2003 team.

  Anyone who loves Little League baseball should circle this event on your calendar. There will be a food truck and a DJ entertaining the crowd. If the weather cooperates, this should be a great event for the town. In the event of rain, a makeup date is scheduled for April 23.

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  This is a reminder to our readers that the next edition of “Saugus Over Coffee” will be for Precinct 4 on Tuesday, April 25, and not April 17 as originally scheduled. April 17 happens to be Patriots’ Day, a state holiday – a day when the Saugus Public Library and all municipal and school buildings in Saugus will be closed.

  We also decided to change the date of the “Saugus Over Coffee” forum that was planned for Precinct 5 on May 8. As it turns out, Saugus’ Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 1. And each Town Meeting session happens on a Monday. So the Town Meeting would most likely be meeting on May 8. Because of that potential conflict, we switched the forum for Precinct 5 to a Tuesday, May 2.

  For those unfamiliar with the “Saugus Over Coffee” forums, they are cosponsored by The Saugus Advocate and the Saugus Public Library. The primary purpose is to give citizens in each of the town’s 10 precincts an opportunity to voice their concerns about top issues in their respective precincts. It also gives them an opportunity to meet their Town Meeting representatives and chat over a cup of coffee or tea. Town Meeting members will benefit by getting to know more about concerns in their precincts. Viewers of the forums videotaped by Saugus TV will also get to learn a little about the history or interesting things about the precinct being featured each month.

  Finally, the town and each respective precinct benefits by the potential of the forums spurring new candidates for Town Meeting. The public should keep in mind that there was a paucity of candidates for Town Meeting seats in the town elections back in 2021. In five of the 10 precincts, only five candidates ran for the five seats. That means half of the 50-member body was elected without competition.

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

  Precinct 4 – April 25

  Precinct 5 – May 2

  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 Sachem Sports Historical Data

  If you are knowledgeable about the Saugus High Sachem Boys and Girls sports team prior to 1969, Saugus Public Schools could use your help. The School District is looking for data on Saugus High Sachem Boys and Girls sports teams prior to 1969 that won a conference, regional and/or State Championship.

  “For example, we need data on the 1966, ’67 or ’68 Saugus varsity cross country team that won the State Championship,” Saugus School Committee Member Dennis Gould wrote in a press release this week.

  “We need the team, the year and what championship they won. Pictures of the teams, trophies or old banners would be great also,” Gould said. “The data will be used by the School District to generate historical banners to hang in the new complex and to give to the Saugus Sports Hall of Fame for permanent record.”

  If you happen to have access or knowledge of such data, please email it to Dennis Gould, School Committee, jdgould1969@aol.com. Dennis can also be reached at 1-617-257-4847.

Saugus History and Parson Roby discussion

  Learn about Parson Roby and Saugus’ contribution to the American Revolution. A special program is set for at 7 p.m. on April 12 at the Saugus Historical Society at 30 Main St. Historical Society President Laura Eisener will present the history of this dramatic figure who carried his sermon under one arm and his musket under the other. The program is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

  When the American colonists began to consider separating from England, our town of Saugus was still part of Lynn, but its residents were ready to fight when the time came. One of those most eager was the minister of the church, Joseph Roby, known by his title of “Parson.” Joseph Roby (May 12, 1724–January 31, 1803) was minister of what was known as Lynn’s Third Parish Church (the ancestor of First Congregational Church of Saugus) for a total of 51 years. He lived on Main Street, and the elm he had planted on his front lawn was once the most famous tree in Saugus. Roby’s influence on the town’s participation in the fight for independence, and his own activities during the battle of Lexington and Concord in 1775, have earned him a permanent place in our history. He was buried in the cemetery in Saugus Center. The local Daughters of the American Revolution named their chapter after him, and the brick school that later became the School Superintendent’s office for many years was also named for him.

Who is the Saugus Cultural Council?

  As a matter of public education, Tori Darnell of the Saugus Cultural Council requested that we use this column to educate readers who may not know much about the council. Here’s what Tori would like the public to know:

  We are a group of resident volunteers that have a passion to fund arts and cultural opportunities for Saugus residents. Working as your Local Cultural Council since 1998, the Council has awarded 587 grants, funded through the Mass Cultural Council (massculturalcouncil.org).

  We are continuing our support to bridge connection within our community through arts and cultural activities and events! This year we have distributed $14,900 grant funds towards 32 different projects in and around Saugus.

  To learn more about the Saugus Cultural Council or our grant process, then please email saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com or attend any of our upcoming public meetings. We will share public meeting dates two weeks in advance on social media and press releases.

  We are also looking to expand the Saugus Cultural Council and gain fresh ideas to help promote the arts, sciences and culture. Please reach out to learn more about the Council’s volunteer responsibilities and how to apply, via email or social media (https://www.facebook.com/SaugusCulturalCouncil)

Happy Birthday, Panda

  Today is a special day for my best buddy, my long-haired tuxedo cat Panda, who turns 14 today.

  When I was at The Eagle-Tribune, three women in the newsroom talked me into getting a kitty. Our coworker Kathie Ragsdale had a sister, Annette, in Michigan, who was trying to find a nice home for one of the kitties. I became a focus of the adoption campaign. The ladies made it easy by recommending which of the kittens I should take home.

  It was really no contest, as Panda was the most gorgeous of the litter. He was black with some white and these beautiful baby blue/navy blue eyes that later turned marine green.

  But even at age 14, friends and relatives still tell me how “gorgeous” Panda is. And he’s strictly a house cat, who is very intelligent with a very sweet temperament.

Beatle Juice at Kowloon

  The Saugus Lions Club will present Beatle Juice in Concert at 6 p.m. on May 19 at the Kowloon Restaurant (948 Broadway in Saugus). Beatle Juice is an American Beatles cover band based in New England, and features some of the region’s finest rock musicians. It initially featured Brad Delp, former frontman for the band Boston, and has continued since his death in 2007. Beatle Juice plays regularly at venues throughout New England.

  Tickets are $35 and can be purchase from Frank Rossetti (frank@mycbagents.com), Nelson C. Chang (nelsonchang@nelsonchanglaw.com), Tom Traverse (781-727-5629) or your local Saugus Lion. In the event of rain, the club has set a makeup date for May 20. Stay tuned for more details.

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

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 April 14.

  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.

Spring and Summer Track camps gearing up

  Chris Tarantino – a 1990 Saugus High School graduate who has a reputation for mentoring young athletes in the sports of track and field – is gearing up for the start of another Saugus Sachems track camp. Tarantino said the summer program targets kids in grades one to eight, in the age bracket of five to 14 years old. The program is sponsored by the town’s Youth & Recreation Department.

  But first things first. He will start out with Spring Track and Field behind the Belmonte STEAM Academy, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 5:15 p.m., starting April 25 and running for five weeks, with the last day Thursday, May 25. “This is developmental and instructional, serving as a precursor to the summer camp,” Tarantino said.

  “Returning athletes will be given the opportunity to get a leg up on training while first year students will get a run through in the fundamentals of the sport,” he said.

  The cost: first-fifth grade: $100 first year. Those runners returning from last spring will only have to pay $50.

  Now for some details on the Summer Track Camp, which will be scheduled on running days behind the Belmonte, from 6-8 p.m. Some important dates for six to 18 year olds:

  June 19-22: Trial and final registration week.

  June 26-30: First formal week.

  July 3-7: Second formal week.

  July 7: Pasta Dinner at Prince Pizzeria at 6 p.m.

  July 8: In-house meet at Belmonte starting at 10 a.m.

  July 10-13: Retrain week.

  July 15: Summer Showdown at Cranston, R.I.

  First-year runners will be charged $250. The price will be $200 for runners returning from spring; $150 for returning runners from spring who have a uniform; $100 for runners with three-plus years in the program; and $50 for those with three-plus years in the program who have a uniform. The cost includes Camp t-shirt, pasta dinner, entry in Summer Showdown and uniform.

  Please register for Summer Track Camp by June 1 to assure uniform for Cranston.

C.H.A.R.M. Center opens next weekend

  The Town of Saugus announced that the community’s C.H.a.R.M. compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning on Saturday, April 15. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St.

  Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town accepts checks only for payment of the $25. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you!

  Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted.

  Residents may call Scott Brazis at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions.

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.

Celebrating the Saugus High band

  The Saugus Historical Society recently opened a new exhibit at its Main Street quarters which showcases the Saugus High School band. 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.

  Laura can be reached at 781-231-5988.

 

Food Pantry notes:

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, April 7) 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.

Media truck will honor late veterans

  The Saugus Veterans Council will be doing something new this year in the Memorial Day Parade. There will be a media truck displaying sites that honor our veterans, and photos of our deceased military men and women to remember them during the parade. If you want a deceased family member or friend that served in the military to be included, please send a photograph and name to stevecastinetti@comcast.net

A senior “Shout Out” to Laurie

  We received one nomination this week from Barbara Trainor, who wanted to publicly recognize Saugus Senior Center Director Laurie Davis:

  “Laurie has been hiding plastic Easter eggs in the Senior Center all week with little prizes. Thank you for making our Easter a little bit special.”

 

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 & 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 & wellness programs to 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!

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.

  Service Dog Project Visit! April school vacation week: Wednesday, April 19, 10-11 a.m. in the Community Room; age 11 and up. Meet and pet Great Danes! De-stress from school, homework, relationships, etc. Come by the library to visit with these gentle giants! Please register in advance, call 781-231-4168 or register online. “This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

  Join our Teen Advisory Board: first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Teen Room; Fifth grade 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 will be held the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Saugus Public Library. The class will cover 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…/).

  Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., Saugus, Mass.

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” on 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, 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 about 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.