The Sounds of Saugus

Good morning, Saugus!

  The main event for this upcoming week will be the Annual Town Meeting, which is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 1 in the second floor auditorium of Saugus Town Hall. It’s one of those opening nights of a Town Meeting session when the main business will be the Special Town Meeting business that will come before the Annual Town Meeting.

  But Article 22, which would create a Cliftondale Square Zoning Overlay District, takes up 17 pages of the warrant and is considered to be by far the most controversial of the articles. Some opponents have already complained that it could change the character of the Cliftondale neighborhood by allowing the construction of tall buildings – some as high as 50 feet in Cliftondale.

Forum on Manoogian articles

  Town Meeting members who weren’t able to make Tuesday night’s briefing at the Saugus Public Library by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian on three articles he’s introduced will get another chance. Manoogian will host another forum tomorrow (Saturday, April 29), from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library to learn about Articles 17, 18 and 19, which are on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting.

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  It was disappointing that more residents didn’t attend this past Tuesday’s (April 25) “Saugus Over Coffee” forum at the Saugus Public Library, where the focus was on Precinct 4. Only four town residents – three of them who don’t live in Precinct 4 – attended. The good news is that four of the five Precinct 4 Town Meeting members attended, which made for a productive discussion during the evening. Town Moderator Stephen Doherty and Members Maureen Whitcomb, Glen Davis and Robert Northrup attended, and all of them were eager to contribute to discussion of a wide range of issues.

  Town Meeting Member Bill Leuci was the only one absent. He told us earlier in the day that he wanted to attend, but was unable to because of illness. We wish him a speedy recovery.

  The next “Saugus Over Coffee” forum is set for Tuesday, May 2, with the five Town Meeting members from Precinct 5 invited to attend. They will be there to meet Precinct 5 residents and answer questions about issues facing Precinct 5. Please see this week’s “The Advocate Asks,” which features an interview with Town Meeting Member Ronald M. Wallace.

  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.

  One of my major hopes for the forums is that it spurs an interest for citizens to become potential candidates for Town Meeting in this fall’s town election. 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 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.

 

Community Garden Plans growing

  The community garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church is preparing for its third year this spring. At 9 a.m. today (Friday, April 28) volunteers will be meeting for a few hours to spread topsoil and compost and fill the new raised beds at the front of St. John’s Episcopal Church on Central Street. Some volunteers may also join in on Saturday morning. There will be plenty to do over the course of the growing season, and people will be needed to weed and water as well as plant and spend a little time out in the garden.

  Food grown is donated to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which is in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St.

Community Cleanup Sunday

  WIN Waste Innovations and Saugus Softball are sponsoring a Community Cleanup and Educational Event on Sunday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Home of Saugus Softball, 25 Dow St. Join us to clean up. Beautify the park and protect the surrounding marsh. There will be environmental learning stations, food prizes and fun.

Remembering Carmine Moschella

  On Wednesday evening, May 10, Carla Moschella will present a program about the many contributions her father – the late Carmine Moschella – made to Saugus. He taught industrial arts for many years in the Saugus Public Schools and is remembered by many generations of Saugonians who learned new skills from him over their lifetime. From the selectmen’s

desks in Town Hall to the World War I monument beside Saugus Town Hall, his work remains a recognizable part of town life. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Cable TV studio at 30 Main St., Saugus. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

A June run for Mission Ready

  Marine veteran Brandon Montella, the U.S. Marine veteran who completed a 100-mile run last Veterans Day to honor local veterans and to raise money for his nonprofit cause, announced he has scheduled a 5K fund-raising run/walk through Breakheart Reservation this summer. The event – set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10 – is to benefit his 501c3 Mission Ready, which provides fitness programs and events to under-resourced youth and veterans. Here’s a link to the event with all the information and sponsors on the site: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Saugus/MissionReady5K

 

Multiple “Shout Outs” this week

  It’s a great week when we receive more than one “shout out.” It was one of those weeks, as we received multiple “shout outs.” This week’s nominations:

  Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Ronald M. Wallace: “I would like to do a ‘shout out’ to the Saugus DPW and any other town employees involved with re-installing both Dana H Johnson signs at the Lynnhurst park. Much appreciated!”

  Rick Kasabuski, a behind the scenes guy who worked with the Saugus Little League on organizing this year’s Opening Day Ceremonies. He is the father of Joe Kasabuski, one of the 12 players on the 2003 Little League World Series team. He offered the following mega “shout out”:

  “A special thanks to the Saugus Little League for inviting the 2003 Little League World Series players and Families for the Opening Day pitch and parade! Also for the nice spread by Louie and Lucy Mellillo to start the day! Thanks to all the different help from the town, Saugus Police Department and the Saugus Fire Department, Park and Recreation Department, the Saugus Senior Center, Guy Moley, and all the Veterans! And especially the townspeople who came out to help support the league and make the day a great community event for the 2023 season at Grabowski Field at Hurd Ave! Enjoy, have fun, Summer is here! From the entire 2003 Little League World Series Players and Families! Much Appreciated Saugus! Thank You All! – that year should be the 2023 season at Grabowski!

  “And to Bucky Cole for a great job on the National Anthem

  “And finally, Saugus Little League President John Benoit and his Executive Board and helpers on making the Saugus Little League fields safe and Looking Beautiful !!! Great job! The boat ride waters were smooth!”

  Saugus Little League Vice President Craig Smith: “Special Shout Outs to the following companies – Agganis – getting us started into this field revamp; Water Works – prioritizing the work on our new sprinkler system and supporting our needs for field start up and shut down each season; CRN Plumbing; Old School Apparel for coming through with great uniforms; and last but not least, Vier – Eck Fence!!!”

  Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of the Saugus American Legion Post 210, a “shout out” to Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler:

  “I noted in last Friday’s Advocate (April 14) that you are going to be inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame next month. I just wanted to congratulate you on this milestone, which I feel is richly deserved. Back in the 1980’s, when I first moved to Saugus, my husband and I subscribed to the Saugus Advertiser to keep abreast of town news. However, recently, with the selling of the company, the ‘Saugus’ Advertiser has eventually and rightly changed its name, because it no longer performs such a service to the town – to the point at which we did not renew our subscription for 2023 (and they didn’t even bother to question why). However, as they receded more and more from town news service, The Advocate stepped up and began to cover high school sports and other areas of town coverage that had been dropped by them. And when I say The Advocate, I believe I actually mean you – and want to commend you on the thorough job you do, and the inclusive nature of the publication. (And not only that, you don’t charge for it. You should get into Heaven for that alone.) Thanks for all that you do, and best wishes, from all of us at the American Legion Post 210.”

Girls Softball Opening Day tomorrow at 11 AM

  Weather permitting, Opening Day Ceremonies for Saugus Little League Softball is set for tomorrow (Saturday, April 29) beginning at 11 a.m. in an effort to beat the rains, at the field behind the Belmonte STEAM Academy.

Spring Curbside Leaf Collection

  The Town of Saugus announced that spring curbside leaf collection will take place during the week of May 8. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday, May 8 and Friday, May 12. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling.

  Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall at 298 Central St., Saugus. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible.

  Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches, and brush will not be accepted.

  Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pick-ups” will not be conducted. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

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.

Saugus celebrates Arbor Day today

  Arbor Day is April 28, and as always the Saugus Tree Committee is working on celebrating this annual holiday. On April 8, three volunteers worked at clearing overgrowth and checking on the tree situation after last year’s drought. The Saugus Tree Committee is hoping Saugus will receive our Tree City USA status again in 2023, and the chairman is working on that application.

  Although the tree farm site is in an area which may be wetter than ideal for nurturing some tree species, this site does have two necessary features for tree growth: a source of water (there is a faucet and hose) and a high fence to protect sapling trees from deer and vandals. At the tree farm, small trees are nurtured to a size suitable for planting on streets, parks and other public areas in Saugus. Volunteers are needed to help plant trees, weed and water this spring, and a few tree volunteer days will be scheduled. To volunteer or for more information, contact Nancy Prag at nrprag@gmail.com.

 Students in several classes are working on posters about the importance of trees for the poster contest, and the Tree Committee hopes to be planting some new trees this year in public areas around town. In 2021, due in part to some grants and donations, a record number of street trees were planted in locations requested by nearby property owners, but the drought in 2022 made extensive tree plantings impractical for that season.

Kindergarten registration information

  Saugus Public Schools announced that Kindergarten registration packets for the 2023-24 school year in the Saugus Public Schools are available. The packets can be picked up at the Veterans Early Learning Center’s main office through Friday, April 28, between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The VELC is located at 39 Hurd Ave. in Saugus. The packet is also available on the Saugus Public Schools’ website.

  Completed registration packets should be dropped off at the VELC on Wednesday, May 17 or Thursday, May 18 between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Mandatory Kindergarten screenings will be scheduled at this time. The screenings will be held on Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, and will last about 20 minutes. There is no deadline for registration; however, they ask that students register by May 19 to allow for staff and program planning. Students must be five years old by Aug. 31, 2023, in order to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2023; there are no exceptions.

  Saugus moved to a free, all-day kindergarten model to better prepare students academically, socially and emotionally. A half-day option is not available. For more information, please contact the Veterans Early Learning Center at 781-231-8166.

 

Seeking Sachem sports historical data

  If you are knowledgeable about the Saugus High Sachem Boys and Girls sports teams 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.

  “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.

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 it has continued since his death in 2007. Beatle Juice plays regularly at venues throughout New England.

  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased 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.

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.

See Jake the Snake Roberts

  The Kowloon Restaurant on Route 1 North in Saugus is set to host WWE Hall of Famer Jake the Snake Roberts on May 8. The event includes a meet and greet from 6 to 7 p.m. with the star. VIP tickets are $75 and include early admission, priority seating and meet & greet with a selfie. Tickets for the show are only $40 per person, $40 for a selfie or autograph, and an additional $60 for a selfie and autograph combination.

  Jake the Snake Roberts is an American professional wrestler, actor and WCW World Heavyweight Champion. He’s also a four-time tag-team champion, a two-time U.S. champion, and a TV champion. Roberts is hailed as one of the most important iconic wrestling figures – often bringing snakes into the ring, most famously a python. For tickets, go to Kowloonrestaurant.com

VFW Benefit May 20

  The Saugus VFW Post 2346 Run To Home Base Benefit is set for 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, at the VFW post (190C Main St., Saugus). Only 100 tickets will be sold, and they will be available at the VFW Bar. If interested, leave a message at 339-600-7325 or contact a member.

  The cost is $50 per person, which covers a live band with dancing, a local comedian and a buffet dinner. There will also be a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar and a lottery raffle.

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 sport of track & 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 grades: $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. For more details, you can reach Coach Tarantino by calling him at 781-854-6778 or emailing him at christophertarantino24@gmail.com.

C.H.A.R.M. Center is open

  The Town of Saugus announced that the community’s C.H.A.R.M Center (compost site) will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works 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.

 

Pam Harris Scholarship

  The Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) is offering the following $500 Pam Harris Memorial Scholarship for the spring of 2023. This scholarship will recognize and support graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated environmental leadership and plan to continue in the environmental field through a course of study in college or as volunteers. Send in applications by May 26 to Mary Lester – marylester@saugusriver.org

  Applicants must be able to demonstrate their personal commitment to protecting the environment. Examples include volunteer work associated with environmental conservation, part-time jobs working to protect the environment, academic achievement and/or selecting a college course of study in the environmental field. They must also demonstrate a commitment to public health aspects of environmental protection.

  Pam Harris was a nurse, volunteer member of the Saugus Board of Health and an SRWC Board Member. Pam was committed to improving public health for families in the Saugus River watershed by addressing the most troubling sources of pollution.

  Applicants must be graduating from high school during the spring of 2023 and live in one of the 11 communities that are part of the watershed council, including Saugus. SRWC staff, contractors, board members or members of their immediate families are not eligible to apply.

  Join the SRWC in person for takeout on May 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria on Route 1 South.

Saugus Youth Baseball/Softball Scholarship

  The family of Stephen Wing is pleased to announce the availability of a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior from any area high school who participated in a Saugus youth baseball or softball program. Applicants must be planning to attend a post-secondary school.

  The $500 Stephen Wing Memorial Scholarship was created by Stephen’s family in memory of a boy who loved life and thoroughly enjoyed playing and participating in youth baseball programs. Stephen’s desire to improve and willingness to work hard to achieve a goal enabled him to be considered a skilled baseball player. Stephen lost his battle with illness at the age of 10.

  Interested seniors are asked to provide the screening committee with the following: (1) a copy of your student data sheet (resume) and (2) a persuasive cover letter indicating why the applicant is an appropriate candidate for the scholarship. (Cover letter should indicate the teams/leagues participated in and the candidate’s efforts to work hard to achieve goals.) Additionally, the Wing Family seeks a candidate who demonstrates persistence and teamwork.

  The student data sheet (resume) and cover letter should be submitted to the Wing Memorial scholarship c/o Ed Nazzaro (enazzaro47@comcast.net) on or before Friday, May 19, 2023.

Food Pantry notes

  The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, April 28) 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 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 who served in the military to be included, please send a photograph and name to stevecastinetti@comcast.net.

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.

  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 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)

  Pastel Class at the Library: “Color Your World in Pastels” with Sharon Morley is a fun, hands on workshop that novice and experienced artists alike will enjoy! No drawing experience required! Just a wish to explore pastel freely! Participants will have the chance to create a painting using pastels, which Sharon will provide. After a short demonstration on the varying ways to use pastels, Sharon will supply each person with pastel paper and soft pastels and they can either work from a still life set up, which she will provide, or their favorite photograph. Sharon will also touch on how to frame paintings with a focus on archival materials so the work will be well protected.

  Date: Monday May 8, 2023; time: 6–8 p.m.; location: Community Room, Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St. (781-231-4168). There is no charge for this adult program, but registration is required. To register, please see our website Events Calendar at 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. It will be held on 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.

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.