Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2022 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Addressing “An unfortunate report” In my six-plus years as editor of The Saugus Advocate, we have run just a handful of editorials in the paper. Other than a few editorials on open government-related matters, I have taken the position that the space would be better used to accommodate our readers, members of the community and town offi cials who wish to share their views on various issues. Occasionally, I will use this column to call attention to what I believe are valid questions raised by readers. For instance, last week I attempted to get a comment on a phone message left by a reader on his concerns about the future of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry. I had an email exchange with Pastor Joe Hoyle of the Cliftondale Congregational Church. I shared with him that somebody had left a message with a report that key people had left the food pantry and it was in danger of closing. I asked him who the point person for the pantry was these days, whether it was him or another person. I also wanted to know how many regulars they had working at the food pantry. We did mention some of these concerns along with Pastor Hoyle’s initial response in last week’s column. He told us “As any organization, we can always use some extra hands, but we are in good shape by our current volunteers and the donations of the community.” But after the deadline, we received an additional email response from Pastor Hoyle in an attempt to clarify the situation for all concerned. Here’s what he had to say: “That is an unfortunate report. There is no danger of us closing, we are fully stocked and have a consistent volunteer base.As any non-profit volunteer organization we are always recruiting but we are in good shape overall. We had one key person retire recently, and I am the point person going forward.I appreciate your concern and would love to talk with you about other food pantry story opportunities-but again, there is no likelihood of the food pantry closing.” Amen. Pastor Hoyle’s comments should bring great comfort to the reader who raised the concerns while also reassuring the general public that the food pantry is in good hands right now — especially with Pastor Hoyle assuming the role as its “point person.” . We recognize the food pantry in the basement of the Cliftondale Congregational Church as an important and invaluable volunteer organization which has been a force for good in the community for many years. Hopefully, some of Saugus’ most needy residents and other citizens who care about the food pantry will never have to worry about it closing. That would be a tragic shame for the community if it ever gave up on its food pantry. Personally, I doubt that will ever happen as long as the Saugus Faith Community is alive and well, and as long as you have people in the community collaborating on projects like the Community Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church and active organizations like “Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.” There are too many loving and caring people in Saugus to allow the food pantry to close. “Shout outs” for the food pantry volunteers We didn’t receive any nominations from our readers for people who deserve to be recognized for the betterment of Saugus. So, I will exercise my editorial discretion to recognize all of those volunteers who make the food pantry work. “Shout outs” for the Community Garden volunteers This week, I emailed Rev. John Beach, pastor of the St. John’s Episcopal Church, for an update on the second year of the Community Garden. I learned he’s away in Switzerland until mid-July. But Rev. John assured me that the garden is proceeding. In his email to me yesterday, he writes: “Things are going well: • We have enjoyed the regular assistance of the girl scouts • We have had 7 elementary school classes grow seeds in their class room and plant them in the Garden in late May • We have enjoyed a rota of a dozen volunteers working on Friday and Saturday. • We have a rota of volunteers to water and scare away the rabbits every day. • It is my hope and expectations that the volunteers will continue in my absence.” That certainly sounds encouraging. So, let’s have a few loud “Shout Outs” or those folks. Congratulations Lt. Coogan! More loud “Shout Outs” are in order for Saugus Police Department Lt. Thomas Coogan. He will be retiring effective July 5 with 35 years and one month of creditable service. Anybody who spends 35 years of continued service on one law enforcement agency deserves a mountain of “Shout Outs.” Good luck in your retirement, Lt. Coogan. 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 the mention in the subject line, “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph. Anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. St. Margaret’s Annual Yard Sale tomorrow! ST. Margaret’s Church, at 431 Lincoln Ave. in Saugus, will hold its Annual Indoor Yard Sale tomorrow (Saturday, June 25), from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower church hall. Lots of treasures to be found! Everyone is welcome! For more information, please call the rectory 781-233-1040. An appreciative superintendent We got a nice note this week from Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin K. McMahon: “Thank you for the thoughtful graduation reporting as well as the feature on Ms. Kembo. We are excited for the future of the Class of 2022 and appreciate you capturing it so well. Sincerely, Erin. Supt. McMahon was referring to our June 10 edition, which included comprehensive coverage and photos of the school’s 151st Commencement Exercises — the fi rst to be held inside the new Christie Serino, Jr. Memorial Stadium. The issue included an “Advocate Asks” interview with Saugus High graduate Crystal Fosung Kembo, who discussed her scholastic success and her parents’ journey from Cameron to America to obtain her higher education. Crystal left Cameron when she was 10 months old. She will be headed to Brown University in the fall to study International and Public Aff airs. We have a winner! Congratulations to Roberta Perry for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched?” Contest. She was one of several readers answering correctly. But, she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is Our ‘Guess Who Got Sketched’ # 1 fan… Fran Palczynski! “Fran is a Mother of fi ve and Grandmother of ten! Fran is a longtime Saugonian.At a time when Route One’s ol’ giant cactus was a focal point for Saugus Hilltop Restaurant, many remember a pretty, polite, petite waitress who served up signature Hilltop dishes effi ciently. These steaks & ribs were served up by the hands of Fran as a Hilltop waitress for 23 years! “Fran is quiet in her ways and fun with her pleasant joking manner. She enjoys crossword & cryptic puzzles and keeping active. She is a well-traveled world explorer! She spent many vacations and excursions in other countries. “Fran’s feet walked lands such as Morocco, London, Iceland & Bermuda to name a few. She has an adventurous spirit, once her husband asked her where & what would they do for Thanksgiving? She replied, ‘Let’s go to Turkey. Seems natural right? Thanksgiving….Turkey.’ Her husband agreed … So off they all fl ew to Turkey! To share the Turkey day! “Fran enjoys adventures and traveled to Spain and Nova Scotia herself. She will be celebrating her 90th Birthday This July 21, 2022. “We wish you a Happy Birthday!!! Fran, May you be surrounded by Love, family & friends. Keep radiating your encouragement, goodness & Love of others ! Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” No “Guess Who Got Sketched?” Sorry to report to our readers who enjoy competing in our “Guess Who Got Sketched?” contest, there is no new sketch in this week’s paper. “The Sketch Artist” is taking a well-deserved week off . You will just have to wait for next week’s paper Last call to serve on the Finance Committee The Saugus Town Moderator is seeking citizens interested in serving on the Town Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing all fi nancial articles coming before Town Meeting and making recommendations to the elected offi cials. Interested individuals can send an email to precinct4steve@gmail.com or a letter of interest to the Town Clerk’s Offi ce at 298 Central St. Saugus, MA 01906 attention: Town Moderator. Letters or emails should be submitted no later than today (Friday, June 24th) for consideration. Two more days of COVID-19 drive-through testing The Saugus Senior Center was busy for two days this week, as cars showed up to take advantage of some drivethrough testing. If you happened to miss the tests being conducted Tuesday and yesterday (Thursday, June 23), you still have another chance this coming week. Saugus residents who want to know if they are infected with COVID-19 will have a chance to participate in these drive-through clinics being hosted by the center, at 498 Central St. • 6/28/22 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. • 6/30/22 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. “Where this will be a drivethrough event, all dates are not weather-permitting and you will receive on-site instructions in the event of any change in protocol,” the town noted in a press release issued last week. “All residents that may have exposure concerns are asked to wear masks when interacting with all staff . The Town of Saugus appreciates the opportunity to continue to provide COVID19 resources to all its residents.” The clinics began earlier this month as a result of a grant the town received from the Massachusetts Health Offi cers Association to conduct COVID-19 PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing. This diagnostic test determines if a person is infected through analysis of samples to see if they contain genetic material from the virus. Broad Institute of Cambridge will send the results via the THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17
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