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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 Page 11 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 10 “The Saugus Public Library is reopening just in time for its annual summer reading program. Although the school year is ending, it doesn’t mean that the opportunity to learn and grow has. This summer kids of all ages will explore the animal kingdom as the Saugus Public Library presents its ‘Tails and Tales’ summer reading program. Activities will include Take & Make crafts, virtual STEM programming, storytimes, outdoor performers and more. “The Saugus Public School District recommends that students read at least 20 minutes a day this summer. The library is here to help families create a summer reading routine that is fun for kids and their families. The 2021 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult. “We reward our readers! We’ve once again partnered with local businesses to reward summer reading. We’d like to thank those businesses who generously donated prizes and the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library who purchased others. We’re also participating in Read to Bead – kids collect reading Brag Tags and colorful beads as they go. “Families are encouraged to register for the animal themed ‘Tails and Tales’ Summer Reading Program using the Beanstack app. It’s easy – just download the Beanstack app, register under the Saugus Public Library, and you’re on your way. It’s like a Fitbit for reading! For more information, or to register in person, stop by the library or visit our website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading-program/). “It’s been a challenging school year. It’s important to keep reading to retain skills – and an opportunity to catch up with peers. Research shows that children who do not read during the summer fall behind. The effect is cumulative – over many summers these students fall significantly behind their peers. “Most importantly perhaps, it’s an opportunity to build a reading routine: turn off the media, sit with a child, and enjoy some beautiful story books. Try reading a longer book to them, and let them read to you. With Beanstack kids can take a safari around the world to learn about animals on different continents, listen to animal stories from around the world and do research on their favorites. “Need some help finding registering for summer reading, or finding a “just-right book” for your child? Stop by the library and see us! All programs are free of charge.” 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 of Saugus 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 open 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 Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check “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 WHERE IS THIS? In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea what popular Saugus event is being sketched this week and where it is? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who correctly identifies the event being sketched between now and Tuesday at noon qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway Saugus location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) 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 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. 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 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. Helping the Vet During these challenging times, your local Veterans’ 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 you are 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% of the approved benefits, and your city or town pays for 25%. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are: Family of 1 – monthly income less than $2,081and an asset limit of $5,000. Family of 2 – 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, 781-979-4186, kburke@cityofmelrose.org Wakefield: David Mangan, 781-246-6377, dmangan@ wakefield.ma.us Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781-231-4010, jpinette@saugus-ma. gov

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