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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 Page 15 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 14 We have also taken some public computers out of service for this reason. “Due to the reopening, we will end Front Door Pickup services after Thursday, June 3rd. For the time being, we will not be hosting meetings or events in our building. Most ongoing virtual programming will continue. In addition, we are planning some outdoor, in-person programs during the summer months. “We look forward to the resumption of in-person programs and events in the Library in what we hope is the not-too-distant future. We’d like to thank our patrons for their patience and support during this extended shutdown. “We’d also like to thank the Town of Saugus for its continued support of public library services, efforts toward keeping the community safe during this pandemic, and for their invaluable assistance in our reopening preparations. “Beginning on June 7th, we will be open in accordance with our Summer schedule: Monday thru Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We look forward to welcoming you all back into your Library on June 7th! “– Alan Thibeault, Director, Saugus Public Library “SAU@NOBLENET.ORG” Let’s hear it for strawberries! The Saugus Historical Society will hold its annual strawberry festival at the Legion Hall on June 19 in conjunction with the Saugus Garden Club plant sale. Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake will be served in the American Legion Hall (44 Taylor St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with hot dogs, chips and drinks. Shortcakes are $5.00 each and can be eaten on the premises or taken out. Hot dogs are 2.00; water or soda, $1.00 each. The Garden Club plant sale will be held on the Roby School lawn from 9-2, and there will be several craft vendors, including jewelry, hair products and many other items of interest. A community garden update If you are young or old and feel like doing some real earthy community service, why not join the growing team that’s been assisting in the creation of the Community Garden that’s going to help feed the hungry and needy people of Saugus? Contact The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church to get the latest update on how the garden is doing and what you can do to help. Anyone who wants to help out Rev. John on this noble project, call him at 774 961-9881 or send him an email at revjbeach@gmail.com. Here is a copy of a letter that Rev. John emailed us yesterday: Dear kind people, Greetings. We have planted all of the seedlings which have been brought to the garden this past week. It is looking gorgeous and the rain has saved us from the task of watering. We invite any who are available to join us for an hour between 9 and 11 in the morning on Friday or Saturday. We shall be constructing the trellis for the peas, spreading fertilizer, and distributing the mulch. It would be a joy to see you there. Also, if any among you have some tomato cages or stakes, or some wire cutters we can borrow for the morning, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. Peace, John+ The Rev. John Beach St. John’s Episcopal Church Saugus, Massachusetts 01906 We will keep you posted as the garden continues to grow. Remember folks, this is your garden. Be a part of it. So, what do the kids have to say? I have received an interesting email from Fae Saulenas – an avid reader of local newspapers, including The Saugus Advocate – and outspoken advocate of the public’s right to know. I don’t know any other Saugus resident who champions the first amendment as vigorously as Fae does (She was responsible for getting the library to set up a special panel discussion on the Open Meeting and Public Records Laws a couple of years ago). She still believes that newspapers have to play a vital role as a watchdog of Public Records and Open Meeting Laws if a community like Saugus is to have any chance of good government. Oftentimes, she sends an email accompanied by letters she has written chastising public officials for not being more transparent and for ignoring records requests she has made. Usually, she requests that her name be left out of the emails if local reporters choose to follow-up on any of her leads. But emails are public records under the state Public Records Law. So, I choose to share this particular with our readers: “Mark, you often ask if readers have any suggestions for your column, The Advocate Asks, this is mine: I would sincerely like to hear from the young people whose behavior has been the subject of so many recent news articles. See attached pdf. In particular, I’m very curious about their messaging which has been described by some as terrorizing. In my opinion, the actions of the young can underlie a great many things that they do not yet know how to put into words. I strongly believe that these young people have a message that the community needs to hear. My hope is that if they are given an impartial and safe space to share in words what their actions are meant to convey ... they might be able to do it. You are an exceptionally astute interviewer. Prior to Covid19, my daughter Lauren and I encountered these youngsters on bikes late at night many times on Central Street. I’d pull her HP van over to the side of the road, kill the lights and watch their acrobatic wheelies. After their performance ended they’d leave and we’d proceed to our destination. The behavior is nothing new but it has certainly escalated. Thank you for considering my request.” Thanks for the email, Fae. Since I believe in providing a public forum for any reader who wants to broach a local issue, I will do what I can to seek feedback from young readers. Okay, young readers of The Saugus Advocate. Here’s your invitation to speak out if you choose. I will be glad to meet with you in the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site some morning or afternoon and have a casual conversation – on the record – offering your own thoughts on this recent vandalism, which has led to a crackdown on bad youth behavior. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Cliftondale forum coming up The Cliftondale Revitalization Committee is organizing a public forum for June 21 at 7 p.m., with a location to be determined. Members are hoping to get all the stakeholders, particularly, the Planning Department, Cliftondale property owners (landlords) and business owners, involved. Change for Grab-N-Go Meals Saugus Public Schools is providing free meals on Tuesdays and Fridays from the Saugus Middle High School at 1 Pearce Memorial Dr. Grab-N-Go meals are available from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All Saugus families are encouraged to pick up meals. Meals will be available through June 30. Meals are no longer available for pick up at the Veterans Memorial School. Through a USDA grant, Saugus Public Schools is providing free meals to all Saugus students while in-person learning or remotely learning from home. Project Bread partners with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) through the Child Nutrition Outreach Program to provide free meals to kids across Massachusetts. CHaRM Center Recycling Drop-Off site open for season The community’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) site is open. This site will remain 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. At the CHaRM center, the Town will accept the same recycling items that can be placed outside for curbside collection each week, such as paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and glass containers. No shredded paper is accepted for on-site recycling. Additional acceptable items include TVs and computers (up to three per year per address); car tires up to 22” (for a fee of $3); books; and textiles, such as clothing, bedding, pocketbooks, belts and shoes. Plastic bags are not permitted; residents are kindly asked to empty recyclables out of any plastic bags and to remove the bags from the site. Also, rigid plastics are not being accepted for recycling at this time. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Compost Site reopens The town Compost Site is 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 (DPW) at 515 Main St. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the DPW located at the site when making your visit to the site. The Town 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. Help the Vietnam Vets “Roll To DC” This came in from Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a Vietnam War Era veteran who served four years with the U.S. Navy. He has organized a fundraising drive that will help area Vietnam War Era veterans visit Washington, D.C., in the fall of next year. “I am glad to announce that we will have a ‘Roll to DC’ for Vietnam Era Veterans from Melrose, Saugus, Lynn and surrounding towns September 2022. “The managers of this effort will be Saugus VFW Post # 2346. “Gould will be Chair and David Nelson, Saugus American Legion and Stacey Minchello, Melrose Senior Center will be Vice Chairs. “Stan King, Quartermaster Post # 2346 be Treasurer. “The trip will be a four night trip to DC staying at Presidential Inn on Andrews Air Force Base, home of Presidential Aircraft. It will include a ceremony and laying of a wreath at the Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier as well as visiting all Military Memorials and Statues.” “We are looking for major sponsorship and donations from all. The Vietnam Veterans will go on this trip free, but it will take approximately $70,000 of sponsorship and donations,” Gould said. “If you would like to be a major sponsor, please contact chairman Dennis Gould cell 617 257 4847 or e mail “Jdgould1969@aol.com “If you would like to send in a donation, please make check out to: “‘Saugus VFW–Roll to DC’ write ‘Roll to DC 2022’ in comment Line and mail to: “Saugus VFW Post 2346 “190C Main St “Saugus Ma 01906 “Any questions or if you would like to volunteer to assist the committee, please contact Dennis at contact info above.” 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 volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for shortterm or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 21

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