THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, February 1, 2019 Page 11 SOUNDS | from page 10 in the children’s area still had a few books available, he noted. Of course, when you have a team that has won so many playoff games and competed for the NFL title practically every other year over the last two decades, young people are spoiled and cling to unrealistic expectations. Consider this: Anyone 18 years old and younger has never endured a losing Patriots season. All they know about is winning. More turnover at Town Hall Candidates who are serious about running for the Board of Selectmen in the town’s fall elections this year might want to broach Town Hall turnover as a campaign issue worthy of public discussion. Kelley Anne Ferretti, a recent hire as the town’s Human Resources person, reportedly got fired last week – apparently after some kind disagreement with Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. Ferretti, a Beverly resident who is also a member of that city’s School Committee, didn’t return several phone calls from The Saugus Advocate inquiring about her short time in a most crucial position in town government. She is the daughter of former Saugus Town Meeting Member Brian Costin, who has served on the Board of Registrars. Ferretti’s departure is getting attention on Saugus social media. Of course, people need to be careful about what they read into social media comments critical of town government. Unless there’s some kind of lawsuit getting filed against the town, the public will never know for sure what happened in this personnel matter. But it is worth looking into why employees in important town positions don’t hang around too long at Town Hall. Coller calling out “Fab 5” It’s only the beginning of the second month of the new year, and aspiring Board of Selectmen candidate Michael Coller has already come out swinging – against the popular Board of Selectmen that he calls “The Fabulous Five.” “Ok. Let’s set this straight. The only people speeding recently are doing drive by shootings,” Coller said in a recent email, criticizing selectmen for their decisions in recent months to lower the speed limit to 25 mph on 10 Saugus streets. “You can only travel 5 MPH on Route One due to over development. So the ‘Fab Five’ only address ‘low hanging fruit,’ not the ‘root’ of our challenges. Total nonsensical approach and wasted time due to ‘cowardice’ and fear to take on challenges,” he said. Coller came back with a later email, further clarifying his criticism of the board. “Home Invasions? Drive By Shootings? Clandestine and ‘Slippery’ Tax Increases? Overdevelopment? Traffic? “But speeding and stop signs are critical. Surely they are, but where does Town Government take on real and credible challenges!” Coller, who is running as a local political candidate for the third consecutive year – and the second time for selectman – does need to clarify the year he plans to take office. A recent ad identifies 2020 as his year. However, if voters elect Coller to a seat in the November town elections, he would take office in late 2019. Stay tuned. Main Attractions at the Saugus Public Library There’s always something interesting or entertaining going on at the Saugus Public Library – for people of all ages – from young children to senior citizens. Here are a few events to check out: Friendship Storytime on Fridays continues. This special program for children, which begins at 9:30 a.m., is sponsored by the Coordinated Family Community Engagement Grant. It can help parents nurture their child’s social and early literacy skill with structured story time. Keeping Us in Stitches returned recently. It will continue every second and third Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.; Grade 2 and up, and older children can learn to sew using needle, thread (and maybe a sewing machine) with teachers Miss Joyce and Miss Margie. Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten playgroup! This program, which is sponsored by the Coordinated Community Engagement Grant, runs from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays. It’s recommended for children ages three through five. How about a Galentine’s Day Party? Thursday, Feb. 7, 3-5 p.m. The event will feature Henna/Art/Valentines/Treats; ages six to 14. Registration is required. Lindsay & her Puppet Pals! Life-size puppets that she makes herself will visit the library to entertain local kids on Wednesday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. – not a bad way for kids to enjoy their February vacation week. Homework helpers at the library The Saugus Public Library is again offering tutoring and homework help twice a week to the town’s elementary school students. Members of the Junior National Honor Society from the Belmonte Middle School will work with students in the library’s Community Room on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3 to 5 p.m. Under the program, which has received rave reviews in town, the elementary school students get help while the Belmonte students get credits for community service. The library again will be partnering with the Belmonte Middle School to offer free, drop-in homework help in the Community Room to Saugus elementary school students to help foster strong academic and study skills outside of school hours. No registration is required, but students must be signed in/out by a parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must remain on library grounds while student is receiving homework assistance pursuant to an unaccompanied minors policy. This program is open to students in grades K-5. The subjects students can get help with are math, science, grammar, reading, social studies, geography and more. Hey parents, here’s some help if you child needs it. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 13 Every kind of job for one kind of person. Exceptional. Encore Boston Harbor is hiring. Explore thousands of fulfilling careers. You deserve an Encore. In accordance with our host and surrounding community agreements, hiring preference is given to properly qualified residents of the cities of (1) Everett, (2) Malden, and (3) Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Medford, and Somerville.
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