Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 9, 2024 Reading reaps rewards There are prizes galore for kids who spend some time this summer at the Saugus Public Library T here are winners every day this summer at the Saugus Public Library, according to Children’s Librarian Kathryn Walton. Ten-year-old Jase Martin of Belmonte STEAM Academy is just one of a few. “Last week, Jase collected his summer reading prize for reading for 25 hours!” Walton said. “His Mom reported that he was determined to reach this goal, which completes the challenge. He even has a friendly competition going with his brothers,” she said. “The Saugus Public Library is grateful to all the local businesses who generously donated prizes, enabling us to incentivize reading all summer long.” Delving into books expands young, inquisitive minds. But the chance to win a wide range of rewards adds fun to the learning experience. There are about 350 kids participating in the library’s summer reading program, according to Amy Melton, head of Children’s Services Jase Martin, 10, of Belmonte STEAM Academy (Courtesy Photo of Kathryn Walton) Matthew Doherty, 5, of Veteran’s Early Learning Center, loves reading “Dino” books by Lisa Wheeler. (Courtesy Photo of Amy Melton) at the library. “We are so proud of them! They are having a great time this summer, and they’re making time for reading,” Melton said. “We encourage parents to keep reading to their kids, let them read to you, and make it a fun part of every day. We have all kinds of great stories, and informational texts to keep them engaged. Our Summer Reading program runs through August 23rd. It’s all free all summer at the Saugus Public Library!” The many prizes being ofPATROLLING| FROM PAGE 4 bike patrols to the rail trail and the feedback has been very positive thus far. I have full confidence that our leadership at the SPD will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments and add resources as necessary,” Cicolini said. “I am proud of the great work our police department does to keep our residents safe and allow them the ability to roam freely in our community without feeling at risk,” he said. “Most people are respectful” More than 20 Saugus police officers have been trained to ride mountain bikes and patrol the rail trail, according to Chief Ricciardelli. The department has six mountain bikes in commission and is in the process of adding several more to the bike fleet, he said. Assistant Police Chief Ron Giorgetti oversees the rail trail patrol. He confers daily with the volunteer officers who are assigned to one of two shifts – one that runs from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. followed by another shift that runs from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Some patrols have two officers working in tandem. Some have one offiJames Venezia, 5, of Veteran’s Early Learning Center, won a raffle prize pass to VinKari Playground of Woburn. (Courtesy Photo of Amy Melton) fered include tickets to Canobie Lake Park, books donated by the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library, watercolors, vouchers for ice cream at Soc’s, Banana Splitz, Paradise Mini Golf and Saugus McDonald’s. We have many prizes to give away, she said. cer riding solo. It depends on the availability of personnel on a given day, according to Giorgetti. “It’s been well-received by the public,” Giorgetti said. “It gives them a sense of security, having a police presence out there. It gives the officers an opportunity to speak to the residents and the youth. This interaction with the public also educates residents about bike safety and what’s prohibited, pending the bylaw going into effect,” he said. Giorgetti said he wasn’t aware of any citations given out, as the Police Department isn’t able to use the bylaw regulations yet. “We don’t get a lot of calls [about potential violations],” the assistant chief said. “Right now, we’re working more as a police presence, just to deter in case of any violations,” Giorgetti said. No statistics were available on the number of bicycle-car or pedestrian-car accidents at the intersections where the rail trail crosses a street. Pedestrians and bicyclists are supposed to hit the button to activate the flashing warning light that alerts motorists approaching the crosswalk to stop because of pedestrians or PATROLLING | SEE PAGE 9
9 Publizr Home