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Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2022 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler “The Advocate in the Classroom” In this week’s paper, we begin a series of occasional stories about what’s going on in the Classrooms of Saugus Public Schools. These will be in-person stories by an Advocate reporter, who will observe and take photos. This week, I accepted a gracious invitation from veteran teacher Brigitte Vaudo’s fourth grade class at the Belmonte STEAM Academy to sit in on a demonstration of their nifty project, in which the students created postcards based on local monuments that inspired them. This was probably the best time I had all week. I was inspired by the demonstration I saw to extend an invitation to teachers in the school district to publicize some of their nifty school projects. Here’s a chance for them to talk about special programs they have going to help their students learn in innovative ways. If you have an idea, feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast. net or call me at 978-382-8151. Get a new sound system for Town Hall? With all of the push for technological improvements throughout Saugus Municipal Government, when the heck are they going to fi x the stinking sound system? It’s ridiculous. And it doesn’t help when Town Meeting members and other residents who go to the lectern to opine on various proposals don’t speak into the microphone. At this past Monday’s meeting, I had Town Meeting members who knew I was observing as a reporter asking me if I could hear any of the speakers. I was sitting in the fi rst row behind the seats behind the last row tables and chairs on the left side of the hall that were occupied by Town Meeting Members. There was an interesting challenge by Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian of Precinct 10 to table the vote on Article 6 to raise and appropriate funds for the Water Enterprise Fund for the 2023 Fiscal Year that begins on July 1. This has to do with the 6 percent increase in water rates recommended by the Finance Committee. That would mean a $28 increase for the annual residential user. All I could hear from Manoogian was that he spent all weekend researching questions he sought answers for. And he called on Town Meeting to table the article until he got those answers. It passed unanimously. But I didn’t know why because I couldn’t hear much of Manoogian’s presentation. I asked him for a copy of the one-page sheet of questions. They included these points: —The MWRA Assessment is projected to be $4,882,255, but the final assessment is $21,268 less. Why was a higher number used? —The town budgeted $611,779 in retained earnings as an appropriation, yet it was not projected as a revenue for FY2022. Why? —Projected expenditures for FY2022 were $7,970,588, and this was identical to what was budgeted as expenditures for FY2022. Why after 10 months in the fi scal year isn’t there an accurate expenditures analysis, or should we assume that projected expenditures match, to the dollar, what was budgeted? —“Other Expenditures” for FY2022 are stated to be $796,486. This is $286,610 more than in the previous year and far exceeds each of the previous four years by a similar amount. Manoogian wants to see an itemization of those expenditures. “I believe that each of these four questions are reasonable, and answers should be provided prior to voting on this article,” Manoogian said, as he made the motion to table and it prevailed. Stay tuned for an explanation at the next session of Town Meeting, which reconvenes at 7:30 p.m. Monday night. I look forward to hearing the debate. A Call to clean up the town Earth Day in Saugus isn’t over yet, as far as Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta is concerned. Sure, it was officially observed around the United States on April 22. And various groups have had get-togethers for several weeks in diff erent parts of Saugus. But those were just warm-ups for the “Saugus Town-wide clean-up” set for later this month. “The Town of Saugus is seeking volunteers to help collect trash as part of a community-wide spring clean-up on Saturday, May 21, 2022,” reads the press release that the environmentally conscious Panetta has been circulating. “Interested teenagers and adults are encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help beautify our community. This cleanup is an excellent way for students to earn community service credits Additional credits will be given to students who are able to recruit an adult to participate. “Adults are also needed to supervise small groups at various locations throughout Town. All volunteers should meet at the Saugus High School, 1 Pearce Memorial Drive, upper-level parking lot at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The Town will provide disposable gloves and trash bags. “Hope to see you all there! Thank you.” For more information, please contact Selectman Debra Panetta at 781-233-9720. Want to learn about raptors? This just in from Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at Saugus Public Library, who wants to spread the word about The New Friends of Saugus Public Library sponsoring “a very special FUN, FREE event,” which is set for next weekend: “Join the acclaimed WINGMASTERS for a live, birds of prey demonstration! The program will be held at the Saugus Iron Works, 244 Central Street, 10:30AM on SATURDAY, MAY 21st. “This live presentation will include fi ve birds of prey all native to New England. “Did you know that raptors boast the best eyesight and sharpest hearing in the animal kingdom? Did you know that the word raptor comes from a Latin word, “to seize”? Raptors include hawks, falcons and owls. Come learn more about these graceful birds! Recommended for children ages 6+. Adults are welcome. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket to sit on!” And don’t forget to access the link to raptor-related words for kids: http://www.wingmasters.net/rrwords.htm To fi nd out more, call Amy at 781-231-4168 or stop by the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus. Calling all Saugus servicemen and women The Town of Saugus, along with the Saugus Veterans Council and the American Legion Post, extends an invitation to all local servicemen and women to join us at the Memorial Day Parade on May 28, 2022. Please contact the Board of Selectmen’s Offi ce at 298 Central St., Saugus, Mass. or email the Board at jjarosz@ saugus-ma.gov for further information. Come march with town offi cials, residents, students and fellow soldiers to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. The parade — which is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28 (Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 30, the designated holiday) — will be “historical” this year, according to Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti. Billie June “BJ” Farrell, the 77th Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution — and the fi rst woman offi cer in charge during the ship’s 224year history — has accepted an invitation to be the grand marshal of this year’s Annual Memorial Day Parade and keynote speaker for the town’s Memorial Day Ceremony. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you cannot miss!” said Castinetti, a retired U.S. Navy captain. “It’s historical because Commander Farrell became the fi rst female Commanding Offi cer of this great ship in 224 years. Come out and welcome Commander Farrell to Massachusetts and, more importantly to Saugus!! Meet the new Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, on May 28,” he said. Find out if you have any Revolutionary War relatives There could be a Patriot among us! Have you ever wondered if there was an ancestor who was a Patriot in your family tree? The Parson Roby Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is hosting a Genealogy Workshop for prospective members and the public to explore your family tree and perhaps fi nd that Revolutionary War hero in your family. The event will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MEG Building (54 Essex St., Saugus). DAR members will be offering helpful tips and assistance to you in your search for family members that may have contributed to service or aid during the American Revolution. Experienced genealogists and researchers will also be on hand to guide you with your search. Plan to drop in and let them help you fi nd that long lost Patriot relative! The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is the largest women’s service organization in our country! For further information please contact Regent Charlotte Line at linesat33@gmail. com A Salute to Saugus High baseball seniors This in from Julie Cicolini: “Saugus High School Baseball Team will be celebrating their 2022 Seniors on Friday May 27th. “We are inviting the local newspapers to cover the pre game festivities in addition to the game against Everett at World Series Park. “Senior events begin at 3:30 “Game begins at 4:00 “We hope you can make it and spotlight the Seniors from Saugus High School.” Want to help make a better Library? The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Saugus Library Board of Trustees. This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit a letter of interest/resume no later than June 1 to the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central St., Suite 4, Saugus, MA 01906. Interested in town zoning matters? The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Saugus. This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit letter of interest/resume no later than today (May 13) to the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central St., Suite 4, Saugus, MA 01906. 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

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