Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 8, 2025 Owls visit the Saugus Public Library T By Laura Eisener he Saugus Public Library brought the extremely popular “Eyes on Owls” program to Saugus last week. It had been scheduled to be held outdoors at Saugus Iron Works. Unfortunately, the rain Thursday morning caused the program to be moved indoors. The Community Room in the library is much smaller than the Iron Works lawn, so some audience members had to be turned away. The Wilsons kindly stayed after the program to show a few owls to those who were willing to wait until the program ended to see some of the birds. Mark and Marcia Wilson have been bringing live owls to school groups, libraries and other organizations since 1994. The owls they house need to live in a protected environment due to injuries. The program includes information on several owl species and presents information on hazards facing owls. They also bring Mark Wilson holds a barred owl (Strix varia). (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) Marcia Wilson holds two eastern screech owls (Megascops asio). (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener). along some non-owl species, like the kestrel they showed at the library program. Mark and Marcia prefer to be emailed at info@eyesonowls.com. Their website – eyesonowls.com – includes interesting information about owls in general and suggestions for ways to reduce owl hazards and to help injured birds, as well as links to other organizations. August 4 each year is International Owl Awareness Day. Owls are important predators and help control pest rodent populations, but rodenticides and sticky traps sometimes used to reduce these pests can kill owls, as well as eagles, other predators and pets. Owls are primarily night hunters, so it is not extremely common to see one during the day, although some have been spotted at Breakheart and elsewhere during daylight hours. An American kestrel is held by Mark Wilson (Falco sparverius). (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) BBB Tip: Back to school shopping for tech supplies A s the back-to-school season approaches, parents and students are gearing up for the annual shopping spree. Whether you prefer in-person shopping or browsing online, staying informed and prepared can make this busy time more manageable and cost-effective. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has tips to help you navigate back-to-school shopping. What you’ll learn: • Steps to take to prepare for back-to-school shopping • How to maximize savings from sales and tax-free weekends • The types of sales and discounts you might be able to leverage Before determining what students might need for the year, set a budget. Planning ahead as much as possible will help keep expenses to a minimum and help everyone involved stay on task. BBB recommends the following tips when looking for school-related items, either in person or online: In-person shopping • Create a shopping list before heading to the store. This helps you to stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. • Shop early. To avoid crowds and ensure you get the best selection, start your shopping early in the season. • Compare prices between retailers, save coupons, sign up for email alerts and redeem any cash-back or rebate offers. This will help you get the best deals and stay within budget. • Check store policies. Be aware of return policies, especially for electronics and clothing, in case you need to make exchanges or returns. Research big-ticket items • Read reviews. Look for reviews from credible sources to understand the pros and cons of different models. • Check specifications. When buying new equipment, check with your child’s school to learn about any technical requirements and determine if any changes are necessary to the home’s high-speed internet. Before purchasing an expensive laptop, tablet or computer accessory, research the brands, warranty, customer reviews and prices at various stores to ensure the best deal. Also, look up the retailer’s reputation on BBB.org. • Look for student discounts. Many tech companies offer discounts for students. Verify eligibility and take advantage of these savings. Shop smart with sales and tax-free weekends • Plan ahead. Mark your calendar for upcoming sales and tax-free weekends. These are ideal times to buy school supplies, clothing and electronics without paying sales tax. Check out the Federation of Tax Administrators to see what your state offers. • Make a priority list. Decide which items are most crucial to purchase during these sales to maximize your savings. • Combine discounts. Look for opportunities to combine store sales with manufacturer rebates or coupons. Asking for discounts • Don’t hesitate to ask. When shopping in person, inquire if there are any available discounts, especially for bulk purchases or floor models. • Leverage loyalty programs. Sign up for store loyalty proBACK TO SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 15
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