The Sounds of Saugus

Good morning, Saugus!

  Tonight will be a memorable occasion – perhaps one of the major highlights of my journalism career – if not the biggest one. I am looking forward to going to the New England Newspaper & Press Association Convention at the Westin Waltham Boston Hotel, where I will be among five people inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame. I am 70 years old and in my 51st year as a newspaperman, so I consider this a lifetime achievement award for my five decades-plus of work as a reporter, editor, columnist and photographer – mostly for New England papers – including my last seven years as editor of the Saugus Advocate.

  And at last week’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, I got a real surprise after coming in late for a meeting. Selectmen asked me to walk up to the lectern, which I did – not knowing what was up. So, it was indeed a surprise when the board presented me with a citation congratulating me for my induction into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame.

  And I thought it was a classy act and I appreciated the unanimous public recognition from a local government body – the first time in my career that this has happened. But usually grizzled newspaper reporters don’t receive such honors unless they’re close to retirement or leaving the profession.

  So, with these events in recent weeks, people I meet in my travels are naturally asking whether I am contemplating retirement any time soon. As I told selectmen last week – whether it’s 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 months or 10 years, my health would be a major factor as to if and when I would retire. I also told them that I’ve always enjoyed a good working relationship with the Board of Selectmen, that I enjoy writing stories about Saugus events and people and that I would continue to do so as long as my health allows me to.

  If health doesn’t become an issue, there is one other matter that would force me to make a decision. If Advocate Newspapers were to follow a common trend of newspapers in survival mode across the country – converting from newsprint to totally online – I would not be interested in becoming an online editor or reporter. I’ve been a print media guy all of my adult working life. So, if you take the paper out of newspaper journalism, I am not interested in becoming a computer age news reporter or editor.

  But, there are some adjustments I need to make – not just for my health’s sake – but also for the benefit of our readers.

  Since the departure of the Saugus Advertiser from the local news scene (the paper merged with the Melrose Free Press, but doesn’t really cover Saugus news anymore), we have been getting deluged with community news and notices that were usually given to just the Saugus Advertiser. This kind of news, of course, is the basic bread and butter information of community newspapers. So, it takes away my time hustling stories while also shrinking the news hole. The result: less time to go after local stories that I would normally do and less space to print them.

  One of the adjustments I’ve been doing is to not get hung up on covering meetings. I do attend most Board of Selectmen’s meetings and Town Meetings to remain current with the issues of local government news. A future adjustment would be to develop a system of coverage that would highlight the government news while spending time on overview articles that focus on important issues.

  Actually, in recent years, the Saugus Advocate has been morphing into more of a weekly news magazine. And it will continue to go in that direction. It is a better service to our readers to publish stories which separate the wheat from the chaff instead of getting bogged down in the process and the Saugus body politic.

  I know that a lot of reporters who travel across the Saugus landscape love to cover Saugus because of its history of feisty, controversial politics. But after more than a dozen years of covering Saugus at two different papers 20 years apart, it’s clear to me that some of the controversial news that makes for spicy news copy and great headlines may overshadow the important news stories that need to be told. And in the post-COVID-19 days, there’s a question of balance on how we use a shrinking news hole. How much government news vs. human interest features?

  By virtue of being a weekly newspaper, there’s a risk in trying to be a daily newspaper when you get too focused on the mundane meeting coverage. The game plan since I’ve been editor of The Saugus Advocate has been to encourage an open forum for discussion of a wide range of issues and mix that with some interesting feature stories and interviews that people aren’t going to read in the daily newspapers or other competitive media.

  What should we be doing and what can we do better? Those are the ongoing questions that challenge us as we strive to be an informative, entertaining, relevant and must-read publication for our readers. The bottom line is figuring out how can we be more effective and more efficient in the way we report and how we use the news hole.

  Stay tuned.

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  One of our major projects of the year, which goes hand in hand with our election coverage, is the “Saugus Over Coffee” project. With Tuesday night’s (May 21) forum that focused on Precinct 5, we are half through. We will cover Precincts 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 over the next five months through October. Each forum so far has had good points and bad points.

  On Tuesday night, I’m sure the rain may have contributed to low public turnout. There were only seven people in the audience, most of them Precinct 5 residents, which was a disappointment. But all five Town Meeting members showed up: Brenton H. Spencer, Pamela J. Goodwin, Mary Frances Migliore, Jaclyn A. Hicman and Ronald Wallace. And each member offered quality participation, most of it focused on the issues relevant to Precinct 5 residents.

  Getting all five Town Meeting members in a precinct to show is a huge bonus. All five of Precinct 2’s Town Meeting members attended their forum back in February. Last week there were four members from Precinct 4. And if not for one member having an illness, there would have been five.

  A panel of five members talking on issues in a particular precinct makes for a good program to be aired on Saugus Cable TV. So, that was a definite plus for this week’s forum.

  Another huge plus was having three of the town’s five selectmen show up to watch the forum. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta and Selectmen Jeffrey Cicolini and Michael Serino attended the forum. All three selectmen contributed some great comments. Panetta and Cicolini are Precinct 5 residents, so their perspectives and participation enhanced the overall forum.

  “The energy in the room felt positive,” Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault said of what he observed in the library’s Community Room, before and after offering his introductory remarks to the audience. I told Alan that this week’s forum “turned out to be the best one yet,” because of the three selectmen joining five Town Meeting members.

  It was super and very engaging. From what I observed as moderator, participants were really pumped up. And it was great to see the selectmen, Town Meeting members and Precinct 5 residents mingling and talking after the forum concluded. Yes, a very good night for Saugus, despite the rain. I was really happy and thrilled with the quality of the participation Tuesday night.

  The next “Saugus Over Coffee” forum is set for Monday, June 12, with the five Town Meeting members from Precinct 6 invited to attend. They will be there to meet Precinct 6 residents and answer questions about issues facing Precinct 6. However, we will confer with Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault for an alternate date next month in the event the Annual Town Meeting meets on that Monday to complete its business or that Town Meeting members convene for a Special Town Meeting. Those two scenarios are indeed possible and have occurred in recent history.

  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 6 – June 12 (tentative, as Town Meeting may still be meeting on Monday nights or need that day to convene for a Special Town Meeting)

  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.

The Cultural Council wants to see you Tuesday

  This just in from Tori Darnell, treasurer of the Saugus Cultural Council:

  The Saugus Cultural Council will be having a public meeting on Tuesday, May 9, from 6-7 p.m. in the Brooks Room at the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St.). We will have a brainstorming session on how to increase our community engagement, and plan the remainder of the year and

start building goals for 2024.

  All residents are encouraged to come in person and sit in (or join virtually via Google Meets – meet.google.com/xbc-sfyd-kkp) and ask questions and share ideas. This would also be a great time to ask questions about our grant process or how to become a Council member.

  Can’t wait until the meeting? Then feel free to reach out to us online at saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com or on Facebook, facebook.com/SaugusCulturalCouncil.

  We look forward to continuing to advance and promote the arts and culture for our community.

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. in Saugus. It is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Saugus Garden Club Fundraiser on May 17

  Lisa Greene, a Master Designer and teacher, will be the guest speaker at the Saugus Garden Club’s Annual Fundraiser, which is set for Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. The program will feature an auction of floral centerpieces, raffle baskets, door prizes and refreshments.

  Tickets for the evening will cost $5 and will be available at the door or you can purchase tickets from Garden Club members. For more details, please contact Garden Club Co-Presidents Lorraine DiMilla (Home: 781-233-7541) and Donna Manoogian (Home: 781-233-5640 or Cell Phone: 617-240-9003).

Kane’s Donuts will host breast cancer event

  Both Kane’s Donuts locations in Saugus will participate during the period May 12-18 in Bakes for Breast Cancer Massachusetts – a campaign to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Kane’s Donuts will dedicate 100% of the sales from one of their featured donuts back to Bakes for Breast Cancer.

  “We are on a mission to end breast cancer for good, one sweet treat at a time,” said Bakes for Breast Cancer Founder Carol Sneider. “The Massachusetts culinary scene is thriving, and in addition to our trusted partners that have participated year after year, we had more new venues reach out to us more than in years past. Here’s to what is shaping up to be our most successful year to date.”

  There are two ways to participate in Bakes for Breast Cancer Massachusetts: Establishments can offer one designated dessert where 100 percent of the proceeds go towards Bakes for Breast Cancer, or they can offer up their entire dessert roster where 50 percent of the proceeds go back to the organization.

  Since its inception in 1999, Bakes for Breast Cancer has raised more than two million dollars. To date, more than 4,500 different bakeries, cafés, pastry shops, supermarkets and restaurants have participated in annual events in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and the Cape & Islands.

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

A “Shout Out” to Rob Camuso

  Karen Lobbregt offered a “Shout Out” this week to Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso, Sr. “We have several Saugus Facebook pages,” Karen said. “But Robert really puts in the effort to moderate his page effectively, and he takes responsibility for seeking out and sharing relevant information to the people in the town (e.g. trash schedule changes, leaf pickup dates),” she said. “Anything in our Town of Saugus Massachusetts’ has become my go-to page for pertinent town information, and I really appreciate Robert’s efforts to make his page a valuable resource. Thank you.”

 

Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian?

  This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo.

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 you are 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.

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 today (Friday, May 5) 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 & greet with the star from 6 to 7 p.m. 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 you are 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.

  He started out on April 25 with Spring Track and Field behind the Belmonte STEAM Academy, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 5:15 p.m., 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.

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, May 5) 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 their 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.