THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 9 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 7 mation or assistance, please email hs2information@gmail. com or visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page. Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will continue to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. “For the protection of our volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries,” said Wendy Reed, Clerk of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, who also oversees the operation of the all-volunteer food pantry. “We understand clients may receive items they don’t want or need, but feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for short term or one-time assistance are encouraged to come.” The food pantry is in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Food help for veterans Saugus offers a Veterans Food Pantry on the third Wednesday of each month. “We have been holding it in Melrose since the Saugus Senior Center has been closed,” Saugus Veteran Service Officer Jay Pinette said. “The pantry provides a mix of fresh produce and non-perishable foods. The pantry is open to Veterans and/or surviving spouses. Registration is required and may be done by contacting the Veterans Services Office. “The food market is generally held at the Saugus Senior Center, but given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently offering a contact-free, drive-thru food pantry at Memorial Hall on Main Street in Melrose. If you are unable to pick-up, some limited deliveries may be available. This offering is year round. Please call the Saugus Veterans’ Service Office at 781-2314010 or e-mail VeteransServices@saugus-ma.gov in order to register. Proof of Veteran status is required.” Helping the Vets During these challenging times, your local Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) would like to share some information on a benefit program that is available to those who qualify. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the “Chapter 115 Benefits Program” is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for Veterans and/or their surviving spouses who reside in Massachusetts and meet certain income and asset guidelines. Benefits may include monthly ordinary benefits and/or payment/reimbursement for medical expenses. Whether laid off, in transition or living on a fixed income, the program is designed to provide short-term or long-term assistance as needed to provide relief. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local VSOs. Every town or district in Massachusetts has a VSO. VSOs assist Veterans and their dependents in learning about, applying for and receiving Chapter 115 benefits. VSOs can also help you in applying for other benefits and connecting with local resources. Your local VSO handles applications, obtains program approval from DVS and provides local benefits. The program is funded by a combination of state and local funds. DVS pays for 75 percent of the approved benefits and your city or town pays for 25 percent. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are: • Family of one – monthly income less than $2,081and an asset limit of $5,000 • Family of two – monthly income less than $2,818 and an asset limit of $9,800 To determine if you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Chapter 115 program, visit the following link and follow the instructions – https://massvetben.org/ – or call your local VSO for more information. The VSOs are also able to help Veterans apply for Federal VA benefits and local benefits and provide food assistance monthly. For example, did you know that if you own a home and have a VA service–connected disability you are eligible for a partial or full exemption of your property taxes? “Please contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer for more information on any of the services mentioned. We are all here to assist. We are regularly checking voicemails and emails as we continue to work remotely and in our offices throughout COVID-19.” Melrose: Karen Burke, 781979-4186, kburke@cityofmelrose.org. Wakefield: David Mangan, 781-246-6377, dmangan@ wakefield.ma.us. Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781231-4010, jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. your vets Buy a brick to honor “Veterans Buy-a-Brick Program. Due to the low number of orders and the uncertainty of how a Veterans Day ceremony will be allowed, the program will be extended until May. The installation of bricks will be during the Memorial Day ceremony. We will be contacting the people who have already purchased a brick. Any questions, please call 781-231-7995.” Side Door Pickup at the Saugus Public Library To help keep the building and staff warmer during the winter, the Saugus Public Library moved its Front Door Pickup service from Central Street to Taylor Street in mid-December. Patrons are required to place items on hold via the library’s online catalog and then, once notified that their item(s) are ready, schedule a pickup date. Pickup times remain the same: Tuesday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Thursday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. “In addition to the slight change in location, the library has made it easier for its patrons to retrieve their items. Instead of waiting for a librarian to place your item on the table, we’ll place all scheduled holds on a table in the Taylor Street hallway. All you’ll have to do is walk in (one at a time, please, and don’t forget to wear a mask!) and retrieve the bag with your name on it. The library also provides remote printing pickup and take & make crafts from the Taylor Street hallway. “Should you need assistance, a librarian will be standing by near the hallway to THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17
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