Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 7, 2023 ~ in remembrance ~ More than just a boss to me By Joe McConnell F or the better part of three decades, there was one constant in my journalism career, and that was working for the Everett Advocate and its sister publications in Revere, Saugus and Malden. The Chelsea Advocate was started in Chelsea by James Donald Mitchell, Jr., who was a distinguished advertising executive for many years at the Malden Evening News, Medford Mercury and Melrose Evening News. He always wanted to publish a newspaper in his hometown after serving its residents in the political arena. But his passion was always in the print medium, while also understanding what the business was all about, and what readers wanted from their local newspaper. He eventually passed on that enthusiasm to his son, Jim, who came aboard in 1992. Within a year, they expanded into Everett and Revere. I witnessed that growth first-hand as their sportswriter, an association I was able to maintain to this day. That’s why when I read Jim’s Facebook post last Saturday I was struck with sudden sadness. He stated that his dad had passed away on Friday at the age of 86, before elaborating eloquently on his well-rounded life. After reading Jim’s straight from the heart eulogy on his If he needed a ride home after many late nights wrapping up the papers at the office, I’d give him a lift back to Chelsea. There were times he needed to get to an advertiser – even on weekends – and I’d be right there to help him out. I was just proud to be a part of a fast-growing business. Jim’s dad never got pushed around. But for those who didn’t have the wherewithal to defend themselves like special needs kids he was right there for them. Kids like Phil constantly hung out in the office, because he always made them feel right at home. There was also the late BobJames D. Mitchell, Jr. dad, so many fond memories started racing through my mind. I can honestly say my experiences writing for them was never dull. Jim’s dad never sat idly by if he saw a wrong that needed to be righted. He pointed out those indiscretions – many of them emanating from city government – in his popular “Sounds of Everett” column that became a must-read every Friday from Day 1 in 1993. Throughout the years, I also helped the Mitchells out as a photographer, typesetter and courier. At times, I was even Jim’s Uber driver, before there was ever such a thing. by C, an actor who had small parts in major motion pictures, who was misunderstood by many, but Jim’s dad made him feel important, and if he needed a few extra bucks, he was right there to give him some, or the ability to earn it by cleaning up the office weekly. For me personally, there are so many stories. I will never forget him for his support of me when my mom passed away two days after 9/11. It was a Thursday, and I was coming into work when my dad called to tell me she had just died. I was on my way to Revere to pick up pictures for that week’s papers, but when I returned, I met Jim outside to tell him the sad news. He naturally told me to go home. I remembered Kristen, who helped the Mitchells paginate the papers back then, telling me afterwards that he was quiet for the rest of the day. He just quickly wrapped up Everett. Once done, Kristen stayed to finish up Revere, while he went home to call me to see if I was OK. The day of my mom’s wake he came to Somerville with his wife and son to pay their respects. I’ll never forget this. A year later, he helped me secure a mortgage on my condo with a letter of employment and how much he paid me. He’d also often say to anyone who’d listen that I was the greatest writer he ever knew, who never went to every game. Jim’s dad would make many of us who worked for him over the years feel like a part of his family. I carried that a step further about eight years ago when I used Joe Mitchell as a pen name, when I wrote for his Lynnfield Advocate to avoid any conflict of interests with another North Shore publisher that employed me at that time. I didn’t think twice about it, because it seemed so natural for me, and that’s why the news of his death remains difficult for me to comprehend. Ironically, he died on the day The Advocate hits the streets, a sure sign that he was a true professional newspaperman right to the very end. Free summer concert series begins next week Saugus iron Works National Historic Site and the Saugus Public library unite for another summer concert series T he Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site will again partner with the Saugus Public Library to host a community concert series this summer beginning this Wednesday (July 12) at 6 p.m. The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the site during evening hours. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Saugus Public Library for our third summer in a row to offer this fun for all ages concert series! Opening the park unit to the community in the evening is a way to meet our neighbors and welcome visitors who may not be able to explore the park during the day,” said Superintendent Jennifer Hardin of the Salem Maritime and Saugus Iron Works national historic sites. “Engaging with local musicians helps us provide expanded opportunities for the public to enjoy this amazing landscape in a new way,” Hardin said. “The Saugus Public Library is pleased to be partnering again this year with the National Park Service and we’re excited about this year’s renewed series of eight free outdoor summer concerts,” said Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault. “Our partnership with the Saugus Iron Works has been a real boon to the library and has provided enriching outdoor opportunities for our patrons. We’re grateful to the NPS for making the historic Saugus Iron Works available in new ways to our citizens through programs and events such as this concert series, our outdoor Story Hours, and other family-friendly library events.” The Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, is also providing partial funding. There will be a free concert at the park every Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 30, weather permitting. The concerts will be held on the upper lawn located at 234 Central St. in Saugus. Bring chairs or a blanket and a picnic! Enjoy a summer evening at the Iron Works with great music and friends! Here is the lineup: July 12: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun & Zydeco). July 19: Atwater & Donnelly (Traditional American & Celtic Folk & Dance). July 26: Decades of Rock (Classic Rock: 60s, 70s, 80s). August 2: Sweet Soul Sounds (Motown). August 9: Ditto (Folk & Rock: 60s and 70s). August 16: Jumpstreet (Rock, R&B, Blues & Jazz). August 23: Headlands (Folk, Country, Americana Pop). August 30: Memorylaners (50s, 60s, 70s). For Advertising with RESULTS, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or info@advocatenews.net
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