The Sounds of Saugus

A great day for Saugus

  Good morning, Saugus!

  What a great day it was for folks who decided to hit Saugus Center for the 41st Annual Founders Day last Saturday. The weather was great. And people of all ages seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  I’ve been to all six of the Founders Day Saturdays that the town has hosted during the last seven years (the 2020 Founders Day got canceled because of health concerns about COVID-19). And I would have to say this was a special one.

  Donna Gould, the beloved founder of Founders Day, has been in declining health in recent years. And she wasn’t around town for last year’s event, and a lot of folks didn’t expect to see her this year. But when it came time for the presentation of this year’s “Person of the Year” Awards at about 12:30 p.m., Donna was there along with her best friend, Kathy Blasingame (a 1995 “Person of the Year” recipient), and other past recipients of this prestigious award to Saugonians who have contributed greatly to the betterment of their community.

  I didn’t recognize her at first because it’s been two years since I last saw her. But she recognized me right away and gave me a huge hug. A lot of people were hugging Donna before and after the ceremony.

  For me, seeing her again was a highlight of this year’s Founders Day. It was a heartwarming moment when she was recognized and applauded by the other living recipients who turned out for the ceremony.

  It’s quite a tradition that has been done since 1993, publicly honoring the man and woman of the year – a vote taken by a meeting of past recipients. The 1989-92 honorees were all men before Founders Day organizers decided to get with the times and start honoring deserving women, too.

  For me, it’s always a moving moment when the Master of Ceremonies (This year it was 2015 “Person of the Year” recipient Joyce Rodenhiser) reads off a full list of past recipients. It’s almost like a quick Saugus history lesson of who’s who among the town’s great citizens over the past four decades.

  This year’s recipients were great choices – Thomas Sheehan (Saugus High Class of 1947) and Laura Eisener (Saugus High School Class of 1973). I have had the pleasure of interviewing both recipients for “The Advocate Asks” question and answer feature. Both are proud, civic-minded Saugonians who have done a lot for the betterment of their hometown.

  And to see “The Founders Day Founder,” Donna Gould, welcoming them to this special club last Saturday made the occasion even more special. Donna is a 2002 “Citizen of the Year” Award recipient.

 

Everybody loves Gino!

  Another high point of Founders Day was watching Gino Figliola, of Haverhill, perform on the drums and watching the way the crowd responded to him. Gino and his agent – or, rather his mom, Brenda Figliola – have become regulars at Founders Day over the years since 2015, when he first performed as a nine-year-old.

  “It’s my way of giving back to the community I grew up in,” Brenda told me a few years ago.

  Gino has no direct connection to Saugus, but the town residents who watch him play apparently love him, appreciate his drumming skills and welcome him every time he returns to Saugus for another performance.

  Gino is 16 ½ and in the ninth grade at Whittier Tech. He’s been drumming for 16 years of his life, according to Brenda.

  “He mainly plays drums, but knows how to play guitar and bass as well. He has performed for seven years for Saugus Founders Day,” Brenda says.

  Gino’s brother, Rocco, is 14 ½ and also attends Whittier Tech. He is also musically talented. He mainly plays guitar, but also plays the drums, bass keyboard and trombone.

  “Both my parents loved music and were a big influence on us,” Brenda told me.

  “My parents moved out of Saugus [in] 1978. I am not a Saugus grad. I graduated from Peabody High. I lived in Saugus for 12 years and only went to Lynnhurst School,” she said.

  But Saugus remains part of her roots – and for good reason. “I have seven siblings and five of them graduated from Saugus High School,” she said.

Founders Day Reflections

  While the weather was great, it’s too bad more Saugus residents weren’t able to get out and enjoy the Founders Day festivities. Some people may still be concerned about the spread of COVID-19, so that could have contributed to some folks staying away.

  I also noticed that there were fewer booths than in past years. Again, COVID-19 may have had something to do with that.

  All in all, it was a successful event for the town and its residents.

  It would be great to see more young people attend – and not just for the fun and games. It’s a way for them to get closer to their Saugus roots and develop an appreciation for what the community’s founding fathers – and more recently, the “Citizen of the Year” Award recipients – did in the history of this town. It’s a great opportunity for them to learn about their local history – and the people whose contributions are celebrated by Founders Day. Founders Day honors the Citizens of Saugus – past and present. It’s a great tradition to keep going.

Mums for Youth Soccer

  Starting today (Friday, Sept. 16), Saugus Youth Soccer will be selling beautiful, hardy mums at Anna Parker Field at 124 Essex St. (next to Fire Station). There will be multiple colors to choose from – red, lavender, yellow, orange and white – priced at $8.00 each. The mums will be sold starting today around 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday (if needed) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  They have ordered over 300 hardy mums, so don’t hesitate and come down to the field to support Saugus Youth Soccer! Thank you and if you have any questions please contact Mary Migliore at mry8765@aol.com or 781-521-5081.

Multiple “Shout-outs” this week!

  It’s always a great week for The Saugus Advocate when we receive several nominations from readers for folks they think are deserving of a few shout-outs. The more, the merrier, I always say.

  This week, we heard from:

  Albert Rodenhiser: “Let’s have Shout Outs, please, for Donna Gould and Kathy Blasingame.  Donna Gould started Founders Day thirty years ago and Kathy Blasingame has helped her all along!  All that you see in Saugus Center on Founders Day is a result of their ideas and the work of their committees through these last Thirty years!!  Such a lot of volunteer work!!

  Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager for American Legion Post 210:

  “Cpl Scott J Procopio Saugus American Legion would like to Shout Out and give a big thank you to all those who supported the Legion at Founder’s Day by buying a raffle ticket or purchasing hand-crocheted goods of various kinds. The winner of this year’s basket of $250 in scratch tickets was Lisa Tracia.”

  Jeanie Bartolo, the Precinct 6 Town Meeting member who initiated the “Shout-Out” feature in “The Sounds of Saugus” column and has been a frequent contributor ever since: “I have two ‘Shout Outs’:

  “The first ‘Shout Out’ goes to Laurie Davis congratulating her on being appointed as Director of the Saugus Senior Center. Laurie is beloved by all who frequent the Senior Center and could not be happier for her!

  “The second ‘Shout Out’ goes to Crystal Cakounes. After working nearly a year as Interim Director she was just appointed Director of the Youth & Recreation Department. Congratulations and best of luck Crystal!!”

  Michelle Nadeau, senior marketing strategist at WIN Waste Innovations, wanted to recognize Eugene Decareau for being one of 32 people recently receiving the “New England Community Champion Award” from the New England Patriots Foundation: “Gene Decareau is an absolute gem.

  “We chose him from hundreds of community partners we work with in the region and we are proud to see him honored for all the good that he has done in the community for more than a half-century.”

  Sue Fleming: “I would like to give a Shout Out to the Saugus Public Library for all of the wonderful programs they have done over the summer. There were so many things for the kids of Saugus to take advantage of, the programs at the Saugus Iron Works, the new teen program they are starting, the reading groups for kids and adults over the summer, the adult coloring group and the on-going book sale. We are lucky to have a wonderful library in our town. Thanks to the entire library staff! From Sue Fleming aka Maddy, Jack and Isabella’s Nana.”

  Joanie Allbee: “CONGRATULATIONS to Woman of the Year 2022 Laura Eisener!!! A BIG Shout out to such a talented exceptional woman! She’s such a GREAT person! All around in everything Laura does, there is a caring excellence in her quality. Laura aims to GIVE her very best, even when no one’s looking. Laura’s a fine true friend.

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.

Legion breakfasts resume

  We received this announcement from Debra Dion Faust, the House Manager of Saugus American Legion Post 210:

  “At last night’s (Aug. 30) E-Board meeting it was decided that, when we reopen the breakfast at the American Legion for the 2022-23 season on Friday, September 9, with breakfast served from 8 – 9 a.m., we will need to raise the donation for it to $8 rather than $7 due to the great increase in the price of food.

  “I will be sending out an email to those of our guests who have signed onto a group emailing list laying this out, on Friday, September 2, but I thought you might want the information to include in The Advocate. (And thank you.) …”

  Even with the increase, this is welcome news for the folks who look forward to the Friday morning breakfasts at Legion Hall. Bon appétit!

We have a winner!

  Congratulations to Patricia Arsenault for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched!” contest. Patricia was one of several readers answering correctly. But she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap.

  Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:

  “The answer to last week’s sketch is U.S. Army Veteran Joe Johnson and U.S. Marine Veteran Michael Arsenault and the Rolling to Washington trip! Joe Johnson and Michael Arsenault are two of the eleven Saugonians that headed out to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. on September 11, early Sunday morning for a five-day, four-night excursion. (See Saugus Advocate September 2,2022 front cover and page 3 ,7 article & pictures. Rolling to Washington By Mark E. Vogler).

  “The article also mentions ‘one Vietnam Veteran who won’t be joining the trip but was credited with helping to organize it and was a generous donor is VFW Post Commander Jim Marshall . He volunteered for the Seabees after graduating High school and served from 1969-1972, including 8 Months in Vietnam, where he was a gunner on an 81 mm Mortar team.’ ‘Commander Jim Marshall of VFW Post 2346 was the biggest individual Supporter ‘ Dennis Gould. The top Company Supporters were WINN Waste Innovations and GLSS!

  “Jay Pinette stated “it’s great to be able to get a group together for some much-needed recognition.

  “Veteran Michael Arsenault served as an E-4 Corporal in the U. S. He stated he was with the third battalion third Marines and there were 100 men in battle that lost their lives- seven he knew.

  “Veteran Joe Johnson served as a specialist 4 with the U.S. Army. Joe stated in the article ‘Just being with the guys from the same era is going to be part of the healing process for me. These are guys who served their Country during crazy times- during a period when Vietnam Veterans were not treated well’.

  “May they all get the recognition, dignity and honor they all deserve and respect; that has been long overdue!

  “Thank you to All those who served. Enjoy your Rolling to Washington trip!

  “Yours Truly,

  “The Sketch Artist”

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.

  Curious about snakes? See you tomorrow! Cape Ann Vernal Ponds will present “Snakes of New England & the World” tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 17) at 10:30 a.m. outdoors at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. This special program, which is cosponsored by the Saugus Public Library and the Iron Works, is open to folks of all ages – from children to senior citizens – of people who are interested in learning more about snakes. No registration is required. Please check the library’s online event calendar for weather-related updates.

  Just Sew! Saugonians are welcome to join a new monthly sewing class for adults that will be held the third Monday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Saugus Public Library. The next meeting is Monday, Sept. 19. The class will cover basic topics like sewing buttons, hemming clothing and mending torn fabric and will move onto more advanced topics in the coming weeks. This class is free. (Seesauguspubliclibrary.org)

  A neat, new teen club: new Manga & Anime Club starting in September! Chat with friends! Make crafts! Try Japanese snacks! Grades 6 & up. The first meeting will be tomorrow (Saturday, Sept 17) from 10-11 a.m. in the Teen Room. Club meetings will continue on Saturdays through May from 10-11 a.m. They will be held on Oct. 1, Nov. 12, Dec. 10, Jan. 7, Feb. 4, March 4, April 1 and 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

  Owls for Oct. 1 at the Iron Works! “The World of Owls” – presented by WINGMASTERS and the Saugus Public Library – will be at the Saugus Iron Works on Saturday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on! No registration is required. This free program is recommended for adults, teens and children ages six and up. Check the website after 9:15 the day of the event for weather-related updates.

  Owls are probably more misunderstood than any other kind of bird. These are hunting birds, yet their sharp beaks and talons are partly hidden under feathers. Owls have more and softer feathers than most other birds, and this unique plumage gives them a plump, rounded look. Add an upright posture and huge eyes set in front like ours, and you have what looks irresistibly like a small, bemused person wearing a fur coat.

  In reality, owls are superbly adapted nocturnal hunters. This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A variety of live North American owls provides the focus of this presentation.

  WINGMASTERS is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed wildlife rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey at their center in Leverett, Mass. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped.

  Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these non-releasable raptors and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994, WINGMASTERS has presented over 10,000

programs at schools, libraries and museums throughout New England

  This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

  Saugus Public Library contact info: 295 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906; 781-231-4168; sauguspubliclibrary.org–  facebook.com/SaugusPublicLibrary/

First Annual Family Fall Festival features owls

  There will be a free family-friendly live owl show titled “Owls: Silent Hunters of The Night” at Breakheart Reservation next month. Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is pleased to sponsor the following free educational program as part of Breakheart Reservation’s First Annual Fall Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Working together with its community partners – the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) and the Friends of Breakheart – SAVE is excited to sponsor the program “Owls: Silent Hunters of the Night” as a wonderful opportunity for everyone to view local wildlife up close and personal, as well as learn more about these incredible animals. This environmental education program about owls will be presented by York Center for Wildlife of Maine at 11:00 a.m. and again at 1:00 p.m., both at the Breakheart Gazebo area located next to the Visitor’s Center. The entire Festival will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a number of activities available.

  SAVE will also sponsor the “It’s New to You” SWAP once again this year at the Festival. The SWAP – an effort to help keep usable items out of the waste stream – will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Breakheart’s Christopher P. Dunne Visitor Center. The SWAP is part of SAVE’s continuing efforts to increase recycling by repurposing still usable goods and reducing what is put out as trash and incinerated. The SWAP is another free event – no money, just a simple swap. You can bring items or take items; you do not have to do both. Bring usable items in good condition to the SWAP, typically those things you no longer want but that are too good to throw away, and perhaps find a treasure or two to take home with you. (Please, do not bring items that require special disposal.)

  SAVE and DCR will also sponsor a short ecological tree tour, led by SAVE member Ryan Duggan, to help introduce visitors to the large variety of trees within Breakheart Reservation. Meet at the Visitor Center at noon to join this easy tour.

  For more information about the SWAP, please contact Ann at adevlin@aisle10.net. You can also visit the SAVE website at www.SaugusSave.org.

  Peter A. Rossetti Jr. of the Friends of Breakheart was optimistic about the fall festival – despite the fire that was burning for several weeks. DCR has had tree cutting crews set to go into the woods to remove the dead wood so that visitors are not exposed to the dangers of falling trees.

  “This will be the First Annual Breakheart Family Festival,” Rossetti said. “It had been called the Fall Festival in the past and it was something we had been going to for 20 years. It’s going to be the same idea, but they will do away with pumpkin-decorating, which DCR just doesn’t have the staff to do anymore,” he said. “DCR is downplaying the hands-on arts and crafts decorating of pumpkins. We do expect face-painting, some music activities and games for kids to play.”

  Rossetti said he believes the festival will include a petting zoo. There will be a mounted unit, either from the State Police or the DCR.

Youth Cross Country

  Hey, parents! If you have children who could use an opportunity to get into a more healthy lifestyle – which might in turn – lead to better academic scores, consider getting them to sign up for Youth Cross Country. Here’s a simple outline of what this entails:

  Who: any Saugus child in grades 1 through 5.

  When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the Belmonte Track; Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Visitor Center at Breakheart Reservation.

  Dates: The program will last through Nov. 15.

  Why: to learn to enjoy cross-country running and make new friends.

  Cost: $100 for new runners; $50 for returning runners.

  This weekly program will be guided by Coaches Steve Boudreau and Chris Tarantino. Children will learn good stretching techniques and the basics of exercise and cross-country running. Best of all, this will be a great way to make new friends. Participants need to wear a good pair of sneakers, dress in comfortable running clothes and bring a water bottle.

  For details, contact Coach T (Not Mr. T.) at 781-854-6778.

  Sounds like a worthwhile and affordable fitness program with lots of upside for grade school kids.

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, providing information about the return of the program for the new school year.)

  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

 

MassDEP officials to visit Saugus on Sept. 28

  If you have concerns about whether to close the ash landfill near the WIN Waste Innovations trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 or support its expansion, this is a meeting that you might want to mark down on your calendar. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) representatives are scheduled to meet with town officials and concerned residents at 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the second floor auditorium at Town Hall for what is expected to be a discussion on the potential future of the ash landfill.

  The meeting comes at a time when WIN Waste Innovation officials have offered to pay the town up to $18.8 million in return for using the ash landfill for another 25 years. A major obstacle to any deal would be whether MassDEP would allow extending the life of the ash landfill – which is expected to meet its capacity by the end of 2025.

Volunteer to serve on a town board

  The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Saugus Cemetery Commission for the Town of Saugus. This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit a letter of interest / resume, no later than today, Sept. 16, to: Saugus Board of Selectmen, Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central St., Suite 4, Saugus, MA 01906.

“Saugus 411” is coming soon!

  Selectman Corinne Riley has been busy, helping to organize “Saugus 411.”

  “Dialing 4-1-1 was the old way to get information on the phone,” Riley said this week. “On the logo we use, it’s buttons to push the 411. The younger people will never know what it was like to call for a phone number.”

  In an email this week, Riley updated us on what’s been done and what’s left to do for the special orientation event for new Saugus residents – Saugus 411 – which is set for Oct.15 from 9 a.m. to noon. “Invitations went out to the newly-moved in residents. The list did not include all of 2022, just the beginning of the year I believe,” Riley said. “We did include some of 2020 and 2021 as that was the first list we were supposed to have invited pre-pandemic. However, hopefully with information in papers and social media, they will know that even though it’s an invitation to new residents, it is also open to all who want to come by.

  “There are many people who have lived here for years and don’t know some of the things that are ongoing here. Then next year, if this is a success and we would like to hold it again, we will send invites out to the previous year of newly moved in residents.

  “Invitations to the non-profit organizations, houses of worship, committees that I could find that were still active. We have already received a dozen confirmed tables to get their information to the residents and they were just mailed out on Thursday. I’m sure we missed some, but hopefully by spreading the word, it will get to others we may have missed.

  “The other part of the schedule besides the tables of information, there will be a tour by students of the new High/Middle school complex. I’m glad the district will be a part of this event. They will also be hosting tables to get their information on their educational programs.

  “We will be getting information out on social media to all Saugus businesses and services to see if they want to send business cards, or menus, or pens, etc. Nothing monetary, but to promote their businesses in a ‘welcome bag’ that we will be giving out.

  “There will be tables to help residents on town permitting, voting, CHARM center, and other town questions we can help them with. Also, we will be passing out a list of State and local elected officials with contact information so they know who they are and will help them with what precinct they live in to give them their Town Meeting representatives.

  “I really feel this is a great community outreach and hope we get a great turnout.”

  Stay tuned for more details, Saugus residents, especially newcomers.

Saugus seeks student poll workers

  Town Clerk Ellen Schena’s Office is looking for student election workers. It is a great way for them to learn how their government functions and how important it is to vote. Sixteen-year-old students are eligible to work a half day (six to eight hours); 17-18-year-old students may work a full day (eight to 12 hours). All students can receive community service, which is imperative in order to satisfy their high school requirement mandated for graduation, or they can be paid for their hours worked. In addition, the Town Clerk’s Office will gladly write letters of recommendation for National Honor Society, Colleges, etc.

  Interested students can stop by Town Hall or contact the Town Clerk’s Office to apply for work. Ask for Andrew DePatto, the Saugus Election Coordinator. He can be reached at 781-231-4102.

Food pantry seeks volunteers

  Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of Cliftondale Congregational Church about a collaborative community commitment to help needy Saugus residents:

  “The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity.

  “With faithful donations and volunteers, we have been able to give out thousands of meals to our neighbors in need throughout the years.

  “The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-11am, distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St.

  “We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc.org or 781-233-2663.”

1979/1980 Class BBQ

  See your Saugus Classmates and Friends!

  See you at the 1979/1980 Class BBQ set for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Elks Grove (401 Main St., Saugus). Friends and classmates from other classes are welcomed; $40 per person. RSVP by Sept. 10, 2022, to: Peter Nicolo (1980) – 13 Bourbon St., Unit 55, Peabody, MA 01960, or email psnicolo2533@comcast.net or call 978-815-8234. Or contact Mike Allan (1979) – 4 Glen Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983; Allan7915@gmail.com – (781) 953-2279.

  “We hope you take this Opportunity to come see your High School friends and help make this a memorable event for all of us!” says Peter S. Nicolo.

Kowloon will host Asian Restaurant Association Gala

  The Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association is set to hold its 2022 Gala at the Kowloon Restaurant (948 Broadway, Route 1 North, Saugus) on Sept. 21. The event is slated for 6 to 10 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.). Tickets are $35 per person and include a gourmet Kowloon buffet dinner, guest speakers from the industry, networking and music.

  The Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association is a nonprofit organization that provides a platform connecting Asian restaurant members with professional services in the food industry. The organization also provides information sharing, advocacy, training, money-saving options and support.

  For additional information, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 or go to the Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association’s website at www.ma-ara.org/

Looking for book donations

  The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please…clean and newer books only – no tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers!

  Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops.

Compost site now open

  The community’s 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 of Saugus accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. 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.

  We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information.

POW/MIA Ceremony today

  The Saugus Veterans Council has scheduled a POW/MIA ceremony at 6 p.m. today at Veterans Park to remember the sacrifices of Prisoners of War (POW) and service members who are Missing in Action (MIA). The ceremony will feature a table set for the service members who never returned home.

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 nearly 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.