Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler H ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus. A Veterans weekend in Saugus The town observed its official Veterans Day at Veterans Park yesterday. And in addition, patriotic people in town also geared up to celebrate the 246th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps on Wednesday, Nov. 10. But Capt. Stephen L. Castinetti, U.S. Navy retired and Commander of the Saugus Veterans Council, said there is a special tribute planned for both occasions for folks who don’t mind driving to another North Shore community. The Beverly High School JROTC, under the direction of Sgt. Maj. Ken Oswald, USMC (Ret), will be hosting a ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 13 at Beverly High School at 1830. The keynote speaker will be Commander John Benda, 76th in Command, USS Constitution, with entertainment by the Singing Trooper, Dan Clark. All are invited free of charge. “Let’s get out and support our veterans on Saturday,” Castinetti said. For more details, you can contact Steve by email (stevecastinetti@comcast.net) or phone (781-389-3678). Farewell to my favorite veteran My Uncle Kenny recently passed away just a few weeks after reaching his 99th birthday. Kenneth Almeida was a U.S. Veteran of World War II who did two tours of duty in the European Theatre with the U. S. Navy Air Squadrons, earning European, African, Middle Eastern and World War II victory medals. After his return in 1945, he was assigned to the Parachute Experimental unit in Center Lakehurst, N.J., according to his obituary. “This unit was a new Navy unit to research parachuting safety. While in this unit he earned his Navy Gold Parachute Wings and was designated a Navy Parachutist for experiment and research. “Discharged in 1946 he went to work in the Civil Service at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He retired from the Civil Service in 1973 with 34 years of government service. His job assignment with the government involved aircraft and manufacturing companies in the U. S. involving contracts, spare parts, and assembly lines. His last assignment was in Japan at the Kawasaki Aircraft Company as plant manager for the U.S. Government contracts returning battle damaged aircraft back to duty during the Vietnam War.” A great American patriot, a loving family man – and a man of great faith. That was my Uncle Kenny. And what he did after the service and retirement was also quite impressive, as detailed in the obituary: “Mr Almeida will best be remembered for his work with the programs he set up for the Swansea Recreation Program, in 1957 a model airplane construction school was started to construct aircraft models and learn to fly them. The program got national copy in Model Magazine. In 1958 he started the Swansea SQD of Civil Air Patrol and through this program lots of local boys and girls received top awards. Some of the youth of this area were selected for International Cadet Exchanges. Major Almeida in 1960 was selected for his leadership to escort 10 cadets to Peru on the International Cadet Exchange Program. Again in 1961 Major Almeida was selected as escort officer to take outstanding cadets to Perrin Air Force Base Jet Program. “A very dedicated pilot for 70 years, he will be remembered for his aviation day programs he set up at the Fall River Airport, so families could fly. All the money made was given to charities.” For years, it was kind of neat to mention to some of my friends and acquaintances around the time of Veterans Day every year that my Uncle Kenny was a World War II veteran. So, this is the first year of my life that I can no longer make that proud boast. So it goes, that I got up early one day last week to make the drive down to Swansea to pay my respects to my last surviving uncle – the most accomplished veteran that I ever knew. Of course, he was a great uncle, too – one I will always think of around Veterans Day. Placement on the ballot overrated? GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who correctly identifies between now and Tuesday at noon the Saugonian who was sketched 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”) Political candidates in local elections like to make a big deal about how their name is drawn for placement on the ballot. I wonder how much it really matters. To the discerning voter who takes the time to read the names and pick his or her choice, I question whether it does really matter –unless we have a bunch of lazy voters out there. Just consider these examples from this year’s town election results: Veteran School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski was in the top position among the 10 School Committee members. But he finished dead last among the seven candidates – and more than 500 votes behind the fifth-place finisher and final candidate to get elected. Then you have the case of Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony W. Cogliano, Sr. His name was the last one among 10 selectmen candidates. But he wound up getting the most votes and winning the chairmanship. And back to that School Committee race: former School Committee Member Vincent A. Serino was at the bottom of the ballot. He wound up getting the second-highest vote total to nail down the vice-chairmanship. Then, there is veteran Housing Authority Chair William B. Stewart. He was last among the authority candidates. But he beat his nearest opponent by 384 votes. Go figure. 24th Annual Ghost Story Contest winners announced Saugus.net owner Eric Brown sent us the following press release to let folks learn about the winners for his 24th annual Halloween ghost story contest. “The contest has grown increasingly international, and four of the twelve winners were from outside the United States. None were from Massachusetts this year. “The winners came from England (UK), Georgia, Haryana (India), Illinois, Iowa, Meghalaya (India), New Jersey, South Carolina, Tehran (Iran), Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Entries came from many U.S. states and Canadian provinces as well as a smattering of countries scattered across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “Competition was fierce. As the number of entries coming from out of state and from other countries has been increasing, the number of local winners has been on the average decreasing. “All the winning stories themselves plus charts showing the distribution of winners can be found online at: https://www.saugus.net/Contests/Halloween/ For further information, please contact Eric Brown at eric@saugus.net. Help us fill the Thanksgiving baskets Debora de Paula Hoyle, Administrative Assistant at the Cliftondale Congregational Church, sends along the following request for help, on behalf of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry. It’s that time of year again! The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is gearing up to provide Thanksgiving baskets to neighbors experiencing food insecurity this holiday. Each basket consists of a frozen turkey, fresh produce, and non-perishable Thanksgiving staples like cranberry sauce, gravy, stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, and canned vegetables. We welcome clients to register to receive a Thanksgiving basket by Friday, November 12 at 11 a.m. Pick up information will be provided upon registering. We also count on the generosity of the community. We are seeking donations of food items, grocery store gift cards, and financial contributions. Deliveries may be brought to the side door of the Cliftondale Congregational Church (the driveway between the church and the MEG building) on any Friday morning through Nov. 19 between 8-11 a.m. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is an all-volunteer, collaborative, non-profit, religious organization composed of the town’s churches and community members; donations are tax deductible. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that our neighbors in need enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving! For more information, please contact 781 233 2663, or email cliftondalecc.org. Legion Hall Fridays for breakfast! Great news for people who enjoy the Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210. Legion Hall, which is located at 44 Taylor St., has resumed its Friday breakfasts and will continue through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. MEG Holiday Craft Fair – Nov. 14 Come and enjoy the 2nd annual MEG Holiday Craft Fair on Sunday, Nov. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. in Saugus. Admission is free. The craft fair features handmade wreaths, personal gifts, Christmas decorations and many special crafts perfect for gift giving. For further information contact Kathy at 671-231-2842 or Patty at 781-983-3979. The Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the historic Cliftondale School. The Turkey Trot is back!!! The “Annual” Turkey Trot – a popular race that’s been going for more than 20 years – returns to Breakheart Reservation after health concerns about COVID-19 led to its cancellation last year. This fun race, which usually draws 125 to 150 participants from surrounding towns, is usually held the Sunday before Thanksgiving and offers a great chance to win a turkey for that holiday meal. It’s also a great chance to get outside and enjoy some nice fall weather. The race this year is set for Sunday, Nov. 21, beginning at 10 a.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. This year’s event features a 5K run or 3K walk on mixed terrain, rain or shine! A $10 donation is requested to enter. Proceeds are used by the Friends of Breakheart for park activities and future events. Turkeys will be awarded to the fastTHE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 11
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