THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 29, 2024 Page 13 Celebrating African Culture Pioneer Charter School of Science ii students plan Afrochella Festival for April 5; area schools invited (Editor’s Note: The Pioneer Charter School of Science II issued the following press release this week.) S tudents at Pioneer Charter School of Science II (PCSSII) in Saugus are gearing up for their biggest event of the year, Afrochella, a yearly gala celebrating African and Caribbean culture. Led by the African Student Union, the April 5th festivities consist of a slew of activities leading up to Gala night, including a volleyball night, movie night, and a five-onfive basketball tournament. Each activity, including the Gala, raises money for international charities Mer in South Sudan and Sudan, Sisters Building Sisters in Congo, and locally in Lynn for My Brother’s Table. SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 3 of my accomplishments and honored to be part of the town of Saugus, the place I call home.’ “He generously volunteers & contributes to Saugus Events. At the annual Christmas Eve Parade Guy is seated beside his lovely wife Brenda as Mr & Mrs Santa Claus. “Brenda, his June bride of 23 years and happily counting has been has Mrs. Claus for seven years. Together they spread cheer and goodwill as they ride through the streets of Saugus with their Holiday entourage. “Guy is multi talented, artistic and creative in many areas. He has designed multiple sets and scenes. “One such example is his wonderful Winter scenes complete with dancing penguins, igloos and caroling snowmen. When touring his snowy escapades of caricature animations, you could easily think you’re at Stoneham Zoo lights. “Guy founded The Cancer fighting Angels car shows . Guy explains how that all began ‘My mom passed of esophageal cancer 15 years ago and we joined the relay for life of Lynn to honor her. We were part of the Lynn overnight cancer walk for 3 years creating our team name moms cancer fighting angels. We then joined the wakefield relay for life overnight cancer walk and food, games, poetry, and dance. The night will also feature a photo booth, African Diner, African Family Feud, bracelet-making, a henna station, and prizes. “We’re trying to build confidence in our school so that young people can be proud of their identity, proud of where they came from,” said Tajowk Deng, an eleventh-grader from Lynn. “We want to build that pride in our school and the student body to have something fun to do.” Formed in 2022, the AfriPictured from left to right, Adeyinka Olowu and Tajowk Deng, members of the African Student Union, talk about the upcoming festival to promote African culture in the Pioneer Charter School II Community. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) The PCSSII student body and their families, along with area schools, will gathdecided to try a fundraiser car show with the RT.1 Rider’s Car Club and Saugus Fuddruckers; it was so successful that we decided to move it from a Thursday night to the 3rd Sunday in July and has run every year with the exception of 2020 for 9 successful years raising over $50 thousand … for the American cancer society since we began. This year we are very excited to see our 10th annual car show take place at Saugus Middle High School as we are calling it bringing it back to where it all began.’ “Guy is also a person filled with thankfulness and gratitude as he reflects upon a fond remembrance and thankful attitude such as statements like this “‘I had also learned to run a car show from the owner of the former Full of Bull restaurant Bill Pappas. He used to run Broadway Bill’s Saugus Lion’s Club Car Show at Saugus High. I worked at Full of Bull restaurant for 20 years before joining the staff of the Saugus Housing Authority where I have been employed for 36 years.’ “Guy you radiate goodness “Thankyou for all you do for Saugus! “Yours truly, “The Sketch Artist” This week’s “Shout Outs” We didn’t receive any nominations from readers this week, so I will exercise my editorial discretion to nominate all of the adults and kids who contributed to the making of Food Pantry notes The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is open today (Friday, March 29) from 9:3011 a.m. Legion Breakfast today There’s a good breakfast er to celebrate their cultural backgrounds and learn more about each other through Saugus’ newest Eagle Scout, Emmitt Lozano, who was honored by the Board of Selectmen this week. As Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said to Emmitt at the ceremony, “Kudos to you and your family because it really does take a village some time to earn that Eagle Scout badge.” For instance, there was a merit badge counselor for every one of the 21 merit badges that Emmitt earned. Whoever helped him on his Eagle Scout public service project deserves a “thank you.” So does everyone.else who helped during Emmitt’s 12year scouting career from the first grade on. 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. can Student Union aims to spread cultural awareness, inspire confidence, and raise money to give back. The group meets each Friday in person and holds online meetings as necessary. ASU President Adeyinka Olowu, deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2023-24 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. Saugus Democratic Town Committee meets Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, April 10, 7 p.m., on the 2nd floor of the Police Station on Hamilton Street. We will have our Annual Election of Officers. In addition, Eileen Duff, Candidate for Registrar of Deeds, will join us. For additional information, contact sdtc@gmail.com Town Meeting forum at the library In recent weeks, Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian has been providing a wonderful opportunity for Saugus citizens who want to learn the basics about Town Meeting – the legislative body of Saugus town government. Manoogian has presided over several Town Meeting forums held at the Saugus Public Library. Manoogian is a veteran of about four decades in local town government at various levels, including many years as a Town Meeting member. Manoogian will be leading one more session this year – on April 22, from 6:30 p.m. to an eleventh-grader from Peabody, notes that the group is dedicated, meets whenever necessary outside of class, and welcomes anyone within the African community. “ASU feels like a family. I can rely on the people in the club,” said Olowu. “I have a place where I can be me, I can share my ideas and will be heard. We’re a community. We’re there for each other.” The group has spread awareness about Afrochella through social media, fliers, and student word-of-mouth, with a bit of help from an email blast courtesy of the school’s Dean of Students. Afrochella is on Friday, April 5th, at Pioneer Charter School of Science II in Saugus. It is open to the PCSS community, families, and schools in the area. 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the library. The session is tailored for newly elected Town Meeting members or veterans who want to refresh themselves about Robert’s Rules of Order or how to put forward an article for consideration. Welcome to Cliftondale The Meg Foundation Board of Directors is inviting former students, family members, friends or anyone interested to attend an “Open House” event at The MEG Building – formerly known as the Cliftondale School – from May 4–5, 2024. Many of our visitors to the school, which is located at 5458 Essex St., have shared with us incredibly special memories of their childhood while attending the first, second, third and fourth grades. Oftentimes they bring their grandchildren as well to take a tour of the building and view firsthand what an elementary school looked like those many years ago. The purpose of this event is to highlight Cliftondale, the school, the people and the businesses that have made this part of Saugus special. Presently board members are in the process of gathering historical items, class pictures, schoolbooks and handwritten letters of young students. If you have any class pictures or school memorabilia that the committee could borrow SOUNDS| SEE PAGE 15
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