Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2022 PREJUDICE | FROM PAGE 1 Ninety-year-old Saugus resident Ruth Berg, one of the most visible local members of the Jewish faith, turned on the switch that illuminated the middle bulb of the ninebranched candelabrum set up on the lawn to celebrate the eight-day Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. “Although we’ve lit the Menorah in Town Hall in years past, it was nothing like this year’s celebration,” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said in an interview later. Veterans join Rabbi Yossi Lipsker at the ceremony. $3.85 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 Neighborhood kids spread some Christmas joy among area’s less fortunate people By Mark E. Vogler A group of 18 kids from six different families that live on Summer Street and Summer Drive collaborated on a neighborhood project to spread some Christmas joy among some needy people. It wasn’t a school project, but one conceived and organized by parents. The kids made 200 bagged snacks that were filled with juice, cookies, Goldfish and Pringles and brought them to My Brother’s Table in Lynn on Monday (Dec 19), according to Ashley Panzini, one of the CHRISTMAS KIDS WITH KIND HEARTS: Pictured from left to right: Top row: Nicholas Kohr, Luke Martin, Benjamin Dineen, Daniel Doherty, Jase Martin and Jared Martin; next row: Ava Doherty, Avaleigh Kohr, Millie Dineen, Emersyn Nichols and Brielle Doherty; bottom row: Michael Doherty, Matthew Doherty, Hadley Nichols (She’s holding two-month old Kenzie Nichols), Marie Venezia and Clare Venezia. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) parents. “They wanted to help people in need this holiday season,” Panzini said. “It was a neighborhood thing. We decided to have nothing to do with the schools!!!! We thought the kids would enjoy giving to the less fortunate for the holidays and we were hoping to give them a big shout out in the newspaper!” Panzini said this was the first year of the neighborhood kids getting together for a special community project, “but definitely won’t be our last!” “They are Neighborhood friends that live on Summer street and Summer Drive in Saugus,” Panzini said. “The parents came together to ask the kids what they wanted to do to give back for this holiday season and they decided to feed people who go to My Brother’s Table on Lynn for food. The parents organized it for them and they helped package bags for the people for My Brother’s Table,” she said. “Just hearing from Ruth Berg that it was the best day of her life made it all worthwhile. Rabbi Yossi Lipsker has become a friend of mine, and the Town and I think we’ve started a great new tradition here. I pride myself on doing great things for Saugus, and I have to say... this was right up there with some of my favorites,” Cogliano said. Rabbi Lipsker played his guitar at the outset of the ceremony and during his remarks conveyed a positive message to the crowd. “I think we’ve come a long way since we gathered here last time,” the Rabbi said. “We built some lovely bridges. We’ve gained some new friends. We’ve learned a little bit more about each other. We feel comfortable with one another,” he said. “What we’re doing here toLocal public officials show their support. day is gathering to make a statement; we can communicate with love, understanding, with compassion and tolerance, “he said. At one point, the Rabbi asked the veterans attending the ceremony to come up and stand with him. Saugus Police Chief Mike Ricciardelli, who spoke at the September rally, also participated in the Menorah Lighting ceremony, turning the first light on. Chief Ricciardelli said his department received numerous calls on the day of the anti-Semitic incident. “Fortunately, we haven’t had anything similar since then” Chief Ricciardelli said. After the ceremony, those who attended enjoyed coffee, apple cider and pastries at a table set up along the sidewalk to the Town Hall entrance.
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