The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

  If you don’t have any plans for tomorrow (Saturday, June 17) and you enjoy a nice slice of strawberry shortcake, go down to Legion Hall at 44 Taylor St. The Saugus Historical Society will be hosting its annual Strawberry Festival. I’m told that a couple of ladies dressed in colonial costumes will be serving up Old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake in the Legion Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as hot dogs, chips and soda.

Shortcake is the traditional biscuit kind and they are $5 each. Take-out is available, or they can be eaten at the tables inside the hall with your friends from all over town. And once you get done eating a very tasty Saugus specialty, head next door to the Saugus Garden Club’s plant sale, arts and crafts and yard sale on the Roby School Building lawn on Main Street from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

A hot summer ahead for Saugus Public Schools

  It looks like it’s going to be a very hot, adversarial summer for Saugus Public Schools. Until the past week, very little had come to public light regarding the future of Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon, who has been on paid administrative leave for nearly five months. She is forbidden from visiting the School Department offices or having any public contact with the town’s public education system, pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged misconduct.

If McMahon is eventually vindicated of the allegations, a lot of damage will have still been done to the School District. The town will have shelled out more than half of McMahon’s salary of close to $200,000 a year.

Although she and her attorney say she’s eager to return to administrative offices and resume where she left off, one has to wonder whether her appetite has been soured by the investigation, which the public still knows little about. The superintendent and her attorney claim she’s been kept in the dark, too. And if the investigation eventually raises serious questions about whether McMahon should be serving the School District, that would be a major league setback for the town and Saugus Public Schools.

Whichever way it turns out, Saugus Public Schools faces tough months ahead, based on what I’ve read of the state Open Meeting Law complaint filed recently by McMahon’s attorney.

Stay tuned.

 

Mission Ready was ready

  I got some great news from 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 – Mission Ready. Brandon reports that the 5K fund-raising run/walk through Breakheart Reservation held last week drew close to 90 registered participants and raised about $4,000. The proceeds go to benefit his 501C3 Mission Ready – which provides fitness programs and events to under-resourced youth and veterans.

“We had a great community gathering, and gave a bunch of kids a fun experience as one school brought their 4th grade cross country team,” Brandon told me.

“Mission Ready covered their entry. My kids had a blast that are under Mission Ready and the DCR staff loved us being there too. Really good exposure for MR and hopefully it will lead to more donors, more events, more community and eventually me bringing my organization to Saugus for its next home,” he said.

Brandon lives with his family in Saugus, but his Mission Ready gym is currently located in Woburn. Stay tuned for an update.

 

Maruzzi book launch June 27 at Kowloon

  Michael Maruzzi, a Saugus native who has become a mentor and advocate for spinal cord injured persons, has written a book called “Walking is Overrated.” It’s an inspirational story of overcoming life’s challenges 36 years after a hockey injury left him a quadriplegic. He spent his early years growing up in Everett before his family moved to Saugus. Maruzzi, 54, suffered a devastating injury while playing in a hockey game for Saugus High School on Jan. 17, 1987, when he crashed into the boards head-on, leaving him paralyzed. Though confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life as a quadriplegic, Maruzzi made the most of his opportunities to pursue a career. He is a 1987 graduate of Saugus High School. Maruzzi authored his memoir to show how any human being has the capacity to overcome any physical obstacle. The Kowloon Restaurant will be hosting a book launch from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 27. Food, drink, music, dance, comedians and a copy of the book are included in the $75 ticket charge to the event, which will be held on the outdoor patio.

 

Trash/Recycling on One-Day Holiday Delay

The Town of Saugus announces that trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay for the Juneteenth Holiday. Trash and recycling will not be collected on Monday, June 19, due to the holiday. Collection will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, June 20. Residents are kindly asked to leave trash and recycling curbside by 7 a.m. the day after their normally scheduled collection day. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The holiday is celebrated on the anniversary of the order issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas.

Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions.

 

SAVE will hold 50th Annual Meeting on June 28

The Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will hold its 50th Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, June 28, at the Continental Restaurant (Route 1 North, Saugus) A social hour begins at 6:30 p.m.; dinner buffet to begin at approximately 7:15 p.m.

SAVE was founded in 1973 “to promote a better quality of life in Saugus through environmental concern and action.” Family, friends, community partners, and the public are invited to join us for dinner and a program featuring a look back at our projects, campaigns and successes over the past 50 years of community involvement and passion for our environment.

The dinner buffet will consist of garden salad, pasta, chicken and fish entrees, potato, vegetable, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and tea. A cash bar will be available.

Tickets are $30 per person. Please RSVP as soon as possible, but no later than June 19, at https://tinyurl.com/SAVE6-28 to join us for a fun evening of celebration. For further information, please visit http://www.saugussave.org or contact Ann at adevlin@aisle10.net or Mary at Mkinsell@verizon.net

Free parking is available on-site and the facility is ADA-accessible.

 

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Frederick Lewis, a frequent visitor to the Saugus Senior Center. He is one of numerous Saugus Advocate readers who guessed correctly in last week’s “Can You Guess Who?” contest. But Fred was the lucky winner who had his name selected in a drawing. He will have his choice of $10 worth of meals or fees for program participation at the Saugus Senior Center – the sponsor of last week’s contest.

Now here is the answer by the Saugus resident who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist:”

“The answer to last week’s light hearted caricature sketch is Annette Slocomb. Annette is our savvy new Centenarian bopping about town in her Chevy. Annette is good natured, easy going and kind. She has that Joie De Vie (joy of life).

“Annette standing next to her car was featured on the front page of The Saugus Advocate June 2, 2023 The article ‘The Advocate Asks’ by Editor Mark E. Vogler is a two page Q & A interview on pages 2 & 3 of The Saugus Advocate.

  “In Annette’s interview, she expressed her love of her family, how she loves to cook and that she keeps herself very busy. She freely gave a few tips on what secrets contribute to a long life; tips such as to make the most of every day and to take one day at a time and more.

“I would encourage you to read Annette Slocomb’s interview to find out more. *(there’s copies still floating about)

“In the article, Annette mentions how she loves being at the Saugus Senior Center, so in honor of Annette’s choice our winner this week will receive a Saugus Senior Center $10.00 gift certificate for classes or lunches; Director Laurie Davis and Saugus Senior Center 466 Central Street Saugus is generously sponsoring this week’s prize. Thank you Director Laurie Davis!

“Thank you Annette Happy 100th Birthday lady! May you have a joyous and prosperous year! Joie De Vie.

“Yours Truly,

“THE SKETCH ARTIST”

 

Summer Class Registration at the Y

The Saugus Family YMCA opened its registration on Monday, June 5, for members and on June 12 for nonmembers. Summer is our favorite season at the Y. We have hundreds of programs and classes designed to help you build strength, skills and confidence and reach your health and fitness goals – gymnastics swim lessons, sports, weight lifting, strength and conditioning, teen classes, enrichment classes, and more. The Summer Session lasts from June 26–August 27.

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

The next “Saugus Over Coffee” forum has been set for Tuesday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m., when we will be featuring Precinct 6. We will be sending out 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 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 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.

 

Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market

The Saugus Knights of Columbus will hold its Outdoor Craft Fair and Flea Market Saturday, August 19. Our last events were all sold out. Reserve your space now. A 12 x 12 space costs $30. Vendors must bring their own tables and chairs. Call Paul Giannetta for reservations or info – 978-239-1392.

 

Multiple “Shout Outs” this week

  Once again, we’ve received several “shout outs” from our readers:

  Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano: “I wanted to give a special mention to our Inspectional Services Department who were inadvertently left out when we acknowledged all our town employees for the outstanding job they did during COVID-19.

“So, thank you Mike LaVecchia, Dan Kelly, Dave Ricciardelli. Chris Hunt and Debbie Nickolas. You are very much appreciated.”

Selectman Corinne Riley: “I’d like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to the Saugus Police Department, the Saugus Fire department and the Armstrong EMTs. We had an incident at our home with a gentleman who stopped looking for help and was very distraught. We called for the police and ambulance. The way these men spoke with this man with kindness, respect and professionalism certainly deserve recognition.”

Betty Manders: “I want to give a shout out to the wonderful Police Officers and Firemen and women who serve this town. I live at Laurel Towers and they are here multiple times during the week, sometimes a couple of times a day.

“No matter how many times they are called, they show up so quickly. They are always so professional, kind, patient, caring and respectful.

“Theirs is not an easy job but they make our life easier when they show up!

“They make the town of Saugus proud. I wish them many blessings and safety always. Thanking them sincerely.”

 

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.

 

Want to serve on the FinCom?

  Saugus Town Moderator Stephen N. Doherty is seeking volunteers to serve on the Town’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing all financial articles that come before Town Meeting and advising the members on their feasibility. Applicants can send a letter of interest outlining their qualifications to precinct4steve@gmail.com or can mail it to the Saugus Town Clerk’s Office at 298 Central St., Suite 7, Saugus, MA 01906 marked “Attention Town Moderator”. Letters should be submitted by June 30, 2023, for consideration.

 

MEG Foundation offers Dedicated Chairs to Families

  The MEG Foundation Board of Directors is hoping to return former Saugus High School Library chairs, at no charge, which were originally donated to the Saugus High School Library by many families and friends, in their memory. We hope the chairs will find their way back to their loved ones. We have approximately 50 dedicated chairs available to relatives. Please contact Janice Jarosz at 339-222-2178 or Linda Ross at 781-233-4607 for further information.

The list includes the following Dedicated Chairs: Aubrey, Flo & Al; Favuzza, Josephine; Barry, Diane; Favuzza, Frank; Biffin, Theodore; Fioravanti, Ann; Blair, James, A.; Franlins, Beatrice T.; Bly, Belden G. Jr.; Gloria & Jackie (59); Borghetti, Joseph; Harrington, Mike; Bourgeois, Eleanor Statuto; Kelley, Maureen; Braid, Robert M.; MacNeil, Bill; Bucchiere, John; McKinney, William; Butler, Laurence; Mekalian Family; Celandes, Wilbur; Jean Henderson; Class of 1938 –  Melewski, Roberta; Class of 1941 – Melewski, Sophie; Class of 1947 – Morrison, Mary A.; Class of 1960 – Moschella, Carmen Jr.; Class of 1966 – Moylan, Albert J.; Cogliano, Anthony; O’Connor, Mae & Larry; Colby, Virginia; O’Neil, Nellie; Courant, Barbara Henderson; Parrish, Charles L.; Dahlberg, Frank; Pincess, Abraham; Dahlberg, Frank and Sarah; Polese, Lisa A.; DeSteuben, Albert, Jr.; Saugus High School 2001 – Dewling, Debi Sanders; Secor, John; Diamond, Beverly; Sketchley, John; Fabrizio, Bonnie McHale; Sorenson, Andy; Fabrizio, Kenneth; Steward, Doris; Favuzza, Geraldine; Whyte, Chris.

 

Attention 2016-18 Saugus High grads

The Saugus High School graduate classes of 2016, 2017 and 2018 Cumulative Record Folders will be destroyed on July 15, 2023. Any graduates from the dates above of Saugus High School wishing to obtain their records before they are destroyed, please email Kim Alba at kalba@saugus.k12.ma.us. The pick-up dates and times will be given to you via email. If you would like them mailed, please include an address in your email.

 

Seeking Sachems sports historical data

If you are knowledgeable about the Saugus High Sachems 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 Sachems 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.

 

Kowloon outdoor dining and concerts

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North) in Saugus, opened its outdoor dining venue on May 17 – serving a full food and bar menu. 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:

This month’s Outdoor Concert Lineup includes:

  June 16: Live Music: Back to the 80’s Band – 8:00 p.m. – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person.

  June 18: Sunday Country Night Live with Cashwood – 6:00 p.m. – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person.

  June 24: Live Music: WildFire Band – 8:00 p.m. – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person.

  June 25: Sunday Country Night Live with Houston Bernard Band – 6:00 p.m. – free admission, reserved seating is $10 per person.

Stevie B on July 22: Hailed as the “King of Freestyle,” Stevie B is set to perform live in concert at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outside venue; slated for Saturday, July 22 at 9 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. The “Party Your Body” event will feature the singer performing “In My Eyes,” “I Wanna Be the One,” “Because I Love You,” “Spring Love,” and “Dreamin’ of Love.”

Also in the lineup mixing is DJ Ricky P., formerly of The Palace, Stars Dance Club, The Rack, KISS 108 FM, JAMN 94.5 FM and STAR 93.7 FM.

Tickets are: VIP Golden Front Seats, $65.00; General Reserved Seats, $55.00; Limited Standing Room Only, $40.00. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or access online: www.kowloonrestaurant.com

 

Rockin 4 Vets concerts are coming to Kowloon!

  Rockin 4 Vets presents a classic rock Summer Sun-Days Veterans Benefit Concert Series starting on July 16 with Garry Goudreau’s Engine Room and continuing to August 20 with Dyer, Goodwin, Chakosur and Brian Templeton; with an initiative to assist veterans’ organizations throughout Massachusetts with PTSD, addictions and homelessness. The concert series lineup includes:

July 16: Barry Goudreau’s Engine Room, led by Barry Goudreau, former guitarist for the classic rock band Boston.

  July 30: Johnny A. Trio, fronted by the former guitarist for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Yardbirds.

  August 6: John Butcher with special guest Sal Baglio – led by guitarist and frontman of the Jon Butcher Axis, along with Baglio, former leader of the band The Stompers.

  August 13: James Montgomery’s Rhythm & Blues Revue with Christine Ohlman & Barrence Whitfield, hailed as a legendary New England blues performer and former member of the Johnny Winter Band.

  August 20: Dyer, Goodwin, Chakour with special guest Brian Templeton, longtime members who played with Joe Cocker, Tina Turner and the J. Geils Band.

  For tickets, go to the ticketing link gimmeLIVE.com. VIP tickets are available for pre-show meet and greet with performers. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. and the shows are at 1:00 p.m.; 100% percent of the concert series’ profits will benefit veterans’ organizations, including: Hidden Battles Foundation, https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/; Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, https://mmsfi.org/; Veterans Northeast Outreach Shelter, https://vneoc4vets.org/; Boston Rescue Mission and 22 Mohawks, https://22mohawks.com/.

  Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC is a New England-based concert promoter, who, along with Alive & Kicking Productions, are the producers for this benefit event. Jim Tirabassi is the founder and director of Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC. Rockin’ 4 Vets, LLC and Alive & Kicking Productions produce benefit concerts throughout New England to provide support to organizations assisting Vets with issues related to PTSD, addiction and homelessness.

 

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. 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.

 

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 summer track camp. Tarantino said the summer program targets kids in grades 1 to 8, in the age bracket of five to 14. The program is sponsored by the town’s Youth & Recreation Department.

Here are some of the details: The camp will be scheduled on running days behind the Belmonte, from 6-8 p.m. Some important dates for six to18 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 – 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 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.

 

Sharon’s Sneaker Crew is back

  Sharon Genovese and her group – Sharon’s Sneaker Crew – will be walking on Oct. 1 in the Boston Marathon Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Walk. The group will also be holding a Jimmy Fund yard sale on Saturday, June 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 23 Lily Pond Ave. The crew will also be sponsoring a craft fair in September. All the proceeds will be going to the Jimmy Fund. If you need any more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617 966 3475 or email her at sunkin1@aol.com.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, June 16) 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.

 

Saugus High Class BBQ on Aug. 26

Saugus High alumni Mike Allan (1979) and Pete Nicolo (1980) are hosting this year’s annual Saugus High Class BBQ, which is set for 1 to 5 p.m. at Saugus Everett Elks Grove on Saturday, Aug. 26. There’s an outdoor shelter, so the event will go on, rain or shine.

“Last year we had over 250 people attend (mostly Saugonians) and we are expecting maybe even a larger crowd,” Nicolo said. “Saugus High Classmates from multiple years, along with some of our Saugus Politicians, Coaches and Teachers attended.”

All Saugus High Classes are welcome. There will be a cash bar during the day event. The action will move to Elks Hall at 401 Main St., from 5 to 8 p.m.

“Most of us have kept in touch with some of our classmates / friends throughout the years,” Nicolo wrote in a recent letter. “But what about the classmates/friends that you would love to see and have not seen in decades? This is what made our recent Saugus High Class BBQ this past September 2022 such a success. Take advantage of this Opportunity to possibly meet them there or reach out to anyone you’d like to see and reconnect!”

“Last year’s Saugus High Class BBQ had some classmates traveling from places as far away as England, Hawaii, California, Florida, North Carolina and other parts of the US. Many old friendships were rekindled, while new friendships with old Classmates were made,” Nicolo said. “Some friends/classmates had not seen each other in decades (over 40 years), while so many from surrounding classes mingled together and had a blast. It was quite a wonderful experience for many.”

Nicolo said the event has already generated great interest, but asks that people who plan to go RSVP by Aug. 5 or sooner to help the organizers plan the event better. Make checks ($45 per person) payable to: Saugus High Class BBQ, 13 Bourbon St., Unit 55, Peabody, MA 01960 or Venmo: Pete Nicolo@Pete-Nicolo

Alumni with questions can contact Peter Nicolo (1980) at psnicolo2533@comcast.net – 978-815-8234 or Mike Allan (1979) at Allan7915@gmail.com – (781) 953-2279.

 

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.

Teen Summer Reading 2023! June 20-August 25: Visit our website (sauguspubliclibrary.org) to fill out a book review form for every book you read or listen to over the summer. All books count – fiction, nonfiction, manga, graphic novels, audio books, required reading, etc. One reader will win a $50 gift card to Amazon! The more you read, the better your chance!

Tween and Teen Crafts & Snacks! June 30; July 7, 14 and 28; August 4, 11, 18 and 25; weekly summer crafts Fridays from 10-11 a.m. in the Brooks Room for 5^th-12^th grades. No registration necessary; just come by and bring your friends! We will be making bracelets, clay animals, flower prints, earbud holders, wizard wands, mini light sabers and fabric bookmarks and doing some cookie decorating.

Adult Coloring Group:  Come relax with our continuing Adult Coloring Group. It’s a great opportunity to take time to unwind, be creative and have fun – no experience necessary! We have pencils and coloring pages ready and waiting … see you there! Space is limited; please call 781-231-4168 x 3106 to register. Interested folks should show up at the library on Wednesday, June 14, at 10 a.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the library.

  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)

 

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.

 

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.