The Sounds of Saugus

Good morning, Saugus!

  Town Meeting is beginning to crank up and it should prove interesting at 7:30 p.m. next Monday, with the Cliftondale Rezoning article expected to draw some hot debate. There are several other articles that could pique the interest of Town Meeting members and residents.

  One of them is a proposal initiated by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian to rename the property known as the Ballard School to Ballard Gardens. Manoogian has organized a neighborhood meeting for 4 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, May 13) on the Ballard School Property primarily for the immediate neighbors to discuss the Ballard Garden Proposal that will be coming up on Monday (May 15) at Town Meeting, at 7:30 p.m.  in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall.

  “If you are a neighbor or nearby abutter, I encourage you to attend, preferably both on Saturday and Monday,” Manoogian wrote in a flier he’s been circulating.

  “It is clear there WILL BE OPPOSITION to the creation of this park/greenspace. The main argument AGAINST is ‘we should have a plan for all the vacant buildings before we commit to one,’” he wrote. “Yet those who make this argument have no suggestion (at least that they will publicly willing state) for this 30,000 sq. ft. single family residentially zoned parcel.”

  “As neighbors and abutters your voice is important. Your Precinct 10 Town Meeting Members will need your help to get this passed. Please call or text me if you have questions,” Manoogian said.

  Anyone interested in further details can contact Manoogian at 781-820-5690 or email – pm1963@comcast.net

  “Town Meeting, by its vote, supports the concept of demolishing the existing building, site preparation, repurposing where appropriate, elements and materials that can be incorporated into a passive green space with topographical features and designs that may include perennial planting, trees, brick walkways, a gazebo, a separately fenced area for dogs and a separate tot lot,” according to Article 17. “It is further understood that all planning, site decisions, and procurement are within the purview of the Saugus Town Manager who will seek input from neighbors, the Saugus Tree Committee, the Saugus Garden Club as well as the general public and furthermore that any appropriation necessary for construction must be adopted by a vote of Town Meeting.”

“Saugus Over Coffee”

  With a strong likelihood that Town Meeting sessions will continue on Mondays now through June, we decided it was best to reschedule our next “Saugus over Coffee” forum. The new date is Tuesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m., when we will be featuring Precinct 6. We will be sending out an invitation soon – via email and letters to the homes of each of the five Town Meeting members.

  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 they spur 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 20

  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).

Saugus Garden Club Fundraiser 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).

  This is the year’s top event for the Saugus Garden Club and the program always draws a large gathering.

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 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.

How Scottish POWs shaped New England

  The Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site has an interesting forum set for 1 p.m.  at the park on May 21. The press release issued recently by the Iron Works invited historic-minded residents and others to attend and “share your ideas to help shape the future of an exciting research project.”

  “New research conducted by an international team of archaeologists and historians is unearthing the fascinating story of some of the workers at the Saugus Ironworks,” it continued.

  “Landscapes of Indenture is an international investigation of the lives of the Scots, and the environmental impact they and other laborers had on the New England frontier. National Park Service is a partner in the project along with Salem State University, the University of New Hampshire, Old Berwick Historical Society, Durham University in England, and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. The team of archaeologists, historians and paleoecologists are currently conducting fieldwork on sites associated with the Scots,” the press release noted. “The story of 400 Scottish soldiers taken prisoner at the Battles of Dunbar (1650) and Worcester (1651) and shipped to New England as forced labor is one of the most compelling immigrant stories in early American history. Many Scots served their five-to-seven-year indentures at the Saugus Ironworks, and the rest worked in other hard and dangerous jobs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.”

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

  We can never get enough “shout outs.” So, it’s always a great week when you have more than one “Shout Out” to heap praise on town residents who show acts of kindness or a good deed that contributes to the betterment of the community. Here are the nominations:

  Editor’s Choice: “For all of the Saugus mothers out there, for all you do throughout the year, to make a happy home for your children while also performing acts of kindness as volunteers with various groups to help make Saugus a better place.

  Saugus TV Interim Executive Director Rachel Brugman: “I am very pleased to announce that our one and only, John Prudent has been nominated for a New England EMMY AWARD for his Saugus TV production of The Cops and Cars Show 2022. We are very, very proud of his hard work and are going to celebrate this victory with an Emmy Pre-Party BBQ Bash that will take place Saturday, June 10^th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the Saugus TV front lawn. The event is sponsored by Polcaris and there will be free pizza. This isn’t just for Saugus TV members, everyone and everyone they know is invited for food, friends, and fun. The Emmy winner will be announced later that evening so everyone better wish him luck! We will see you and everyone you know then!

  Editor’s Choice: “Let’s have 200 shout outs for Joanie Allbee, AKA ‘The Sketch Artist.’ Over the past three years, the local artist/writer and frequent contributor to The Saugus Advocate has spent untold hours spreading positivity and joy through town with her sketches of people from all walks of life who contribute to the betterment of Saugus. Joanie would network with a handful of businesses in the community to provide a $10 gift certificate for contest winners each week. She would follow up the sketch with a story about the person or people being sketched. That is a few thousand hours of volunteer work shining a public light on Saugus people who make a huge difference in their efforts to make Saugus a better place. Now that she has revealed herself as the artist and writer behind the sketches, she deserves as many shout outs as readers feel like making. She is also the designer of the ‘Hope rings’ that have been left in places all around.”

  Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo: “A ‘Shout Out’ to Saugus Residents regarding the Rezoning of Cliftondale Square: The next Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., second floor of Town Hall. Town Meeting Members will discuss and VOTE on ARTICLE 21; the REZONING OF CLIFTONDALE SQUARE. All residents are welcome to attend and speak if they wish on this very important issue.

  “Of all the things I have worked on during my time as a Town Meeting Member this Rezoning of Cliftondale Square is the biggest. An overwhelming majority of the residents who live here, including myself, are against it. I got 100 telephone calls against it and only 1 telephone call for it.”

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.

 

An Earth Day fundraiser

  Earth Day is actually over. But the Saugus River Watershed Council will be holding an “Earth Day” fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria on May 25, from 4 to 8 p.m.  – either in person or takeout. People who want to contribute to causes organized by the environmental group can purchase Prince vouchers, including one for a slice of the Saugus River Watershed at $25. This includes the popular Take ‘n Bake pizza in three-pack boxes.

Kindergarten registration information

  Saugus Public Schools has announced that Kindergarten registration packets for the 2023-24 school year in the Saugus Public Schools are already 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 will also be 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, we ask that students register by May 19 to allow for staff and program planning.

  Saugus moved to a free, all-day kindergarten model for the 2021-21 school year to better prepare students academically, socially and emotionally. A half-day option is not available.

  Students must be five years old by Aug. 31, 2023, in order to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2023; there are no exceptions. For more information, please contact the VELC at 781-231-8166.

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.

Kowloon launches outdoor dining next week

  The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North) in Saugus, is set to open its outdoor dining venue on May 17 – serving a full food and bar menu. Their outdoor concert series kicks off on May 19 with Beatlejuice. The Kowloon Restaurant is open every day from noon till closing, and the outdoor venue is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 p.m.  to closing.

  This month’s Outdoor Concert Lineup:

  May 19: Beatlejuice, presented by the Saugus Lions Club. Tickets are $35 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show is at 7 p.m.  For tickets, call 781-727-5629.

  May 26: WildFire Band – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m.

  May 27: Cover Story Entertainment – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Beatlejuice 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, Saugus). Beatlejuice 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. Beatlejuice 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 announced Bingo every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m.  in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week with a grand prize set at the finale in March. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt and pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais and scorpion bowls.

VFW Benefit May 20

  The Saugus VFW Post 2346 Run To Home Base Benefit is set for 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., 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 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.

  He started out with Spring Track and Field behind the Belmonte STEAM Academy starting on April 25 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.

  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 Prince Pizzeria, 6 p.m.; July 8, In-house meet at Belmonte starting at 10 a.m.; July 10-13, Retrain week; July 15, Summer Showdown, 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 the following: Camp t-shirt, pasta dinner, entry in Summer Showdown and uniform.

  Please register for Summer Track Camp by June 1 to assure a 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 compost C.H.a.R.M Center 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 12) 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 that 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 also 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 that 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. Samples of her works will be on display and questions about any aspect of painting, exhibiting, etc. will be encouraged.

  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” 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 Program Resumes for the 22-23 School Year

  (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 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 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.