The Sounds of Saugus

By Mark E. Vogler

 

Good morning, Saugus!

The political season for the town’s fall elections began officially this week as nomination papers became available at Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s office. As of yesterday, three potential candidates came forward to pull papers.

School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould has said recently that he planned to run for reelection to a third two-year term. He took the first step by collecting nomination papers. He was one of three potential candidates for town-wide office as of yesterday (Thursday, July 27), according to the town clerk. Sandro Pansini Souza also pulled papers for the Board of Selectmen, and Nicholas V. Melanchook walked away with nomination papers for the Housing Authority.

Nothing is official yet. These three candidates may run or decide not to. They have about seven weeks – up until 5 p.m. Sept. 19 to submit nomination papers to the Town Clerk’s Office for certification of signatures. Fifty certified signatures of registered voters are required for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and the Housing Authority. Only 10 certified signatures of registered voters are required for Town Meeting, but each of the signatures must be from registered voters in the candidate’s precinct.

Sept. 15 is the final day to obtain nomination papers – just four days before the filing deadline.

Stay tuned.

 

The Navy Band is coming!

Peter A. Rossetti Jr. of the Friends of Breakheart announced this week that Breakheart Reservation will again be hosting the Navy Band – on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m. “Should be a good time, provided the weather holds. Blankets and mosquito spray are a good idea,” Rossetti said.

The Navy Band has long been a summertime attraction at Breakheart. This year, Rhode Island Sound will be playing the music. Here’s some preliminary information that the Friends provided on the band: “Rhode Island Sound is the most contemporary sounding group from Navy Band Northeast. This ensemble entertains audiences with music ranging from rhythm and blues to classic rock. Performing current popular music at high schools throughout New England, Rhode Island Sound also performs public concerts at a variety of venues. Their versatility and showmanship have always kept them in great demand since their inception in 1974.”

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

 

Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle ride

The Greg King Memorial Fund 4th Motorcycle ride is set for Aug. 6 at the Saugus-Everett Elks. The fund is dedicated to helping erase the stigma of addiction. Besides the ride, there will be a pig roast, DJ, Raffles and 50/50. Proceeds from the event will be given to Healthy Streets serving Lynn and other communities.

 

A Special “Shout Out”

We had no nominations for “Shout Outs” this week. So, here’s a special thank you to School Committee Member Dennis Gould for suggesting that we interview his 101-year-old Aunt Maddie.

“Although she now lives in Florida, she grew up and lived in Saugus on Gould Family Farm on 196 Walnut St. which is now the plaza and behind it storage facility,” Dennis wrote me in an email several weeks ago.

“Thought you might like to write a story of Gould family who started at 196 Walnut with James and Nellie Gould,” he said.

We always welcome readers’ suggestions for neat people to write human interest stories about, so we did take the hour-and-45-minute drive last Friday up to Limerick, Maine, to spend some time with Madeline Grace Gould Armstrong, who is the subject of this week’s interview for “The Advocate Asks.”

I love interviewing 100-year-old people. And Maddie proved to be one of the most interesting centenarians I’ve interviewed during my 51-year journalism career. I tried doing the interview initially over the telephone. After about 90 minutes of talking to the woman on my cell phone, I wondered whether it would be worth the trip to interview this wonderful woman in person and learn what life was like decades ago on a Walnut Street farm that just about everybody in town knew about and loved to visit to get their fresh farm vegetables.

Dennis suggested that I drive up there and sit with Maddie for a spell and really get to know her. And I jumped at the invitation. And the rest is history, as they say. And Maddie is surely a rich part of Saugus living history.

Dennis knew his aunt was special and worth the ride up there for the write-up. Last Friday’s four hours on the road was time well spent. Dennis put me in touch with his cousin, Shawn Buckless, who lives with Maddie. And Shawn was an accommodating and great host.

 

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 (mv***@*****st.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.

 

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Lyn Caissie, whose name was drawn as the winner in last Friday’s Sketch of the Week Contest. Lyn was among several people who guessed correctly. But there can only be one winner of the $10 gift certificate of your choice.

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

“The answer to the sketch is a gentleman who is a mixture of determination and congeniality. A true natural leader who usually finds his way appointed to the top cat position in most organizations he joins.

“The man of many hats caricature drawing is Mr. John Cannon! John’s favorite expression when asked, How are you? most likely will be his signature exclamation with a smile ‘I am living the dream.’

“John who is a U.S.N. Veteran, served as a cook and Galley Watch Captain for the Navy. He generously drew upon his skills of cooking for 100’s of soldiers at a time in the Navy to add a breakfast fundraiser to Saugus American Legion post #210. At Saugus American Legion Post # 210 he accomplished several fundraising events and organized Super-bowl parties and raffles. The first breakfast he had started had nine people in attendance and it was up to 45 people when he decided to move on.

“Mr. Cannon is an American Legion District 8 Commander of Essex County which includes overseeing 33 Posts. He assists with fundraising, membership drives, general guidance and unexpected circumstances within these 33 posts.

“Mr. Cannon is on the Board of Directors for the American Legion Dept. of the Massachusetts State Finance Committee which oversees the American Legion budget.

“John was appointed to a one-year Board member position on Saugus Zoning Board of Appeals; this is his second year serving! He was re-appointed to a five-year term.

“John served two terms as vice president of the North Shore Model Railroad Club of Wakefield – he was then Elected President which he is now on his second term.

“John is Chairperson of the North Shore Model Railroad Club Show Committee which involves fundraising and selling product at railroad shows all over New England to raise money for North Shore Model Railroad Club as this defines their budget.

“John previously served for three years as Chairperson on the Board of Directors for Saugus Housing Authority.

“Mr. John Cannon often states, ‘I truly believe in teamwork’ and ‘no man is an island’ and he models these quotes in his daily life.

“John grew up with a quote his parents taught him ‘You only get out of life what you put into it’

“And John pours forth into his life with a joy de vivre! (a delight in simply living your life)

“While sketching John, his sense of humor had him delighted over several caricature drawings which he immediately texted these caricatures to all of his address book friends.

“On a fine weather’s day you can find John at the beach or walking (he tries to walk 75 miles a month.)

“John’s highlight and love of his life is spending time with his family. He enjoys the companionship of his daughter Joelle’s mini Dachshunds dogs named Éclair and Chase.

“You are a bright light and a true strong leader, keep shining forth and ignore the light stompers!

“Thank you. Yours truly,

“The Sketch Artist”

 

“Saugus Over Coffee”

We are just two weeks away from featuring the five Town Meeting members of Precinct 8. Our invitations went out last week for those folks.

And we hope that it will be a better turnout this time than the five Town Meeting members who were absent from our July 10 forum. The lack of Town Meeting members attending the last forum deprived the seven citizens who showed up an opportunity to get to meet the members who represent them at Town Meeting. And that also sends a bad message to the Precinct 7 residents who tuned into Saugus TV to watch the program. But with the town election season officially underway this week, I would think that our final three forums will be well-attended by Town Meeting members who plan on running for reelection.

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 8 – Aug. 14

Precinct 9 – Sept. 11

Precinct 10 – Oct. 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.

 

CHaRM facility is open

  The CHaRM facility will be open during the summer 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.

 

Community Garden needs some help

St. John’s Episcopal Church near Saugus Center has a community garden where vegetables are grown for the Saugus food pantry. This is the third growing season for this all-volunteer project. This year there are raised beds in front of the church as well as a larger garden area behind the rectory. Volunteers are needed to help weed and water the garden. If you would like to volunteer for an hour or so a week, or for any period of time during the summer, please call the church office at 781-233-1242 or email St***********@***il.com and leave a message with your contact information!

 

2023 Summer Concerts at the Saugus Iron Works, 244 Central St.

The Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service are proud to bring another summer of music to the Saugus Iron Works. These free, weekly concerts are open to the public and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays through August 30. The 2023 lineup:

August 2: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown).

August 9: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s).

August 16: Jumpstreet (Rock, R&B, Blues & Jazz).

August 23: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop).

August 30: Memorylaners (50s, 60s, 70s).

Bring chairs or a blanket and a picnic! Enjoy a summer evening at the Iron Works with great music and friends!

 

Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market

The Saugus Knights of Columbus will hold its Outdoor Craft Fair and Flea Market on Saturday, August 19. Their 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.

 

The Saugus Cultural Council seeks help

The Saugus Cultural Council is recruiting new members. If you have a passion for arts, education, community engagement and building an inclusive community, feel free to apply. Please send a letter of interest and brief resume to the Saugus Board of Selectmen. The Saugus Cultural Council is a local agency funded by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. For more information, please contact sa*******************@***il.com.

 

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, that 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.

 

Saugus Democratic Town Committee seeks new members

The Saugus Democratic Town Committee currently has openings for new members. The primary function of the Committee is the selection and support of Democratic candidates for office both locally and at the state level. It also works to support voter education and voter registration. If you are a registered Democratic living in Saugus and are interested in playing an active role in the political process in Saugus as a Democrat, contact Committee Chairman Joe Malone at li***********@*****on.net.

 

Kowloon launches outdoor dining

The Kowloon Restaurant, which is located at 948 Broadway (Route 1 North), Saugus, has opened its outdoor dining venue, serving a full food and bar menu. The restaurant’s outdoor concert series has kicked off. 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.

 

Rockin’ 4 Vets concerts are coming to Kowloon!

  Rockin’ 4 Vets presents a classic rock Summer Sun-Days Veterans Benefit Concert Series that will last through 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 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. One hundred percent of the concert series’ profits will benefit the 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.

 

Another coming attraction

The Kowloon Restaurant continues its Outdoor Summer Concert Series with the The Platters. The concert is slated for August 5; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $55 for VIP, center stage reserved seating and $45 per person for general admission.

 

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.

 

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 crew will also be sponsoring a craft fair in September. All the proceeds will be going to the Jimmy Fund. If you need more information, you can call or text Sharon at 617-966-3475 or email her at su*****@*ol.com.

 

Food Pantry notes

The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, July 28 from 9:30-11 a.m.).

 

Veterans bricks available

  The Saugus War Monument Committee, once again, is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4″ X 8″ brick (three lines) or $200 for 8″ X 8″ brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising.

The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications.

 

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 he 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 ps**********@*****st.net – 978-815-8234 or Mike Allan (1979) at Al*******@***il.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.

  Atlantic White Shark Conservancy: On Monday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m., the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will visit the Saugus Public Library. The Cape Cod-based organization will teach kids about sharks and challenge misconceptions with fun true-or-false questions. Grades K-4; coincides with the Kids’ 2023 Summer Reading Theme, Reading is Jawsome!

  Barbie Bash at the Iron Works: Calling all Barbies! Join us at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site on Tuesday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m. for a story and sparkly fun! Bring your favorite Barbie doll. Dress up encouraged!

  Wildlife Encounters: Join us at the Saugus Iron Works on Thursday, August 17, at 9:30 a.m. to meet and learn about wild animals in this educational wildlife program. Last year the animals we met included a Flemish giant hare, African millipede and even a wallaby! This program is for ages three-plus, with no registration required. Be sure to check the online calendar for any weather-related updates.

  Toe Jam Puppet Band! Celebrate the end of the Summer Reading with a performance by the Toe Jam Puppet Band! Join us at the Iron Works on Thursday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m. All ages welcome, no registration required. This program is funded in part by the Saugus Cultural Council. Be sure to check the online calendar for any weather-related updates.

  Storywalk: Check out a Storywalk – also on Thursday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m. – at the Iron Works. This event, which is led by Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) will feature a back-to-school story, “All Are Welcome,” by Alexandra Penfold.

  Snakes of New England: Snakes of New England – and the World! On Monday, August 28, at 10:30 a.m., at the Iron Works! Meet some amazing snakes presented by Rick Roth of Cape Ann Vernal Ponds. All outdoor events at the Iron Works are subject to change due to the weather. Please check the online event calendar on the morning of the event for updates.

  Teen Summer Reading 2023! Through 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! July 28, August 4, 11, 18 and 25; weekly summer crafts on Fridays from 10-11 a.m. in the Brooks Room; fifth through 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.

  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 6:30-7:30 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 mv***@*****st.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 mv***@*****st.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