Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler Happy holidays, Saugus residents Best wishes to people of all faiths in town who are observing their religious holidays. For the folks who celebrate Christmas, enjoy your time with family and friends. And there’s plenty of opportunity to celebrate with your kids tonight if you have children. The town’s annual Santa Claus Christmas Eve Parade runs from 6 to 9 tonight. Check Santa’s parade posted in today’s paper. Also check out the children’s Christmas pageant that will start at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. People from all faiths and congregations are welcome. All community children are welcome to participate in the pageant. And if you’re bored, dress up in some warm clothes and walk through the neighborhoods of Saugus, checking out those Christmas light displays. Whatever you do, be smart. Be safe. Wear your mask or face-covering if you are in a crowd or inside. If you are enjoying some beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages, be smart and get a designated driver. If you are by yourself and going to a party (which should be a concern with COVID-19), stick to two drinks and eat some food. It’s the third drink that usually gets you in trouble. And that can turn out to be costly, and even dangerous, to you and others. Best wishes for the holidays, Saugus. Stay safe. A Christmas story “Shout-Out” Prolific “Shout-Out” contributor Jeanie Bartolo sent us an email this week, offering to share “A heartwarming ‘Shout Out’ Christmas Story” “Every day, little Liam Walton walks to and from Kindergarten via Stone Street with his mother Wilma and me and we stop in front of a house so Liam can say hello to three inflatable Christmas statues that are on the front lawn,” Jeanie says. “Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco! We also did this when the same homeowner had an inflatable turkey who Liam named Tom during Thanksgiving. Well, today as Liam and his mother were walking home from school there was a gift waiting for Liam from Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco!!! He came straight to my house so I could see his gift,” she says. “His face was lit up like a Christmas Tree, he was so excited to receive a gift from his friends Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco! I want to thank the homeowner for her kindness and let her know she not only brightened little Liam’s days but his mom’s and mine too! Such a wonderful thing to do for a little boy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!!” Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@ comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. A chance for children participation The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church has offered a wonderful invitation to the children of Saugus: Come participate in the Christmas Eve pageant the church has planned for later today. Rev. Beach is encouraging the town’s children to come and participate in the reenacting of the Nativity of Jesus. In the spirit of Christmas, he has also invited all adults in the community “who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a childlike heart” to come and watch this Christmas Eve pageant at 5 p.m. today (Friday, Dec. 24). For those kids who want to perform, the young actors will be gathering at the church at 3 p.m. for the distribution of costumes and a brief rehearsal. If you are interested, please contact The Rev. John Beach at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 8 Prospect St., Saugus. You can email him at revjbeach@gmail.com. ic class of breed themselves but nevertheless they have their height/weight standards. A Juliana pig is colorful & spotted no more than 65 pounds usually being 20-40 lbs. “Mushroom was a wonderful choice for the Saugus Christmas Tree Lights petting zoo! “Jeannie Meredith, an Administrative assistant of the Saugus Town Hall oversaw and encouraged others to participate at the petting zoo and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies. She was seen holding the animals and helping the Children to feel more secure in doing the same! “Jeannie graduated from Saugus High School and holds her parents as her Inspiration. “Jeannie has been an active volunteer in the community, and especially at her church, where she has been a Education Coordinator at St. Margaret’s/Blessed Sacrament Church. She has also served as Eucharistic Minister and as a Member of Society of St. Vincent DePaul. “Jeannie helps make Families with children exGUESS 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 between now and Tuesday at noon correctly identifies the Saugonian being 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”) Or call him at the church office phone: 781-233-1242. We have a winner! Congratulations to Andrew Whitcomb for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched!” contest and then being the one selected from among several readers whose names were entered into the green Boston Red Sox cap. Andrew was actually the first of many people to contact The Saugus Advocate with the right answer. And attached to the email he sent with that answer was also a photo of him with Jeannie Meredith, who was holding Mushroom, the Juliana potbellied pig, at the petting zoo of the town’s (Dec. 3) Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities event. There was no doubt about it, as Andrew wrote in his email: “That is Jeannie Meredith holding the pig in this week’s issue. She is one of the greatest people Saugus has ever seen and she has done more for the kids than most people will ever realize. I have seen it first hand, though she doesn’t like credit. Hope all is well. Merry Christmas.” These dynamics were actually a first in our weekly “Guess Who Got Sketched Contest.” It marked the first time that a winner sent in a photo that matched up with the person being sketched. Andrew also contributed a persuasive “Shout-Out” along with guessing the right answer. In any event, here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “Last Week’s Sketch is of Jeannie Meredith holding a blanket wrapped Mushroom! Mushroom is a Juliana pot bellied pig. Pigs are very sociable, affectionate and love being held and petted. They are known for being more intelligent and trainable than many breeds of dogs. Juliana pigs are not really a scientifperience a fuller Merrier Christmas time volunteering with toy collections. She’s a member of Sachem Friends and one of the Specially ‘hand picked’ elves who assisted Kevin Andrews in his toy drive at the MEG Building. “Decked out in elves’ hats Jeannie & Kevin Andrews were on page 3 of ‘Saugus Advocate’ Friday Dec. 10th . They spent their Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 till Dec. 21, at the M.E.G. receiving toy donations for families. Jeannie’s usually found in the center of Saugus Town Events giving her all with enthusiasm! “With a true Mother’s heart, Jeannie loves children and it shows with all the concern about their safety and well-being. “She truly ensures that all the layers of Maslow’s chart of human basic needs are met with children. Jeannie holds a Leadership Position for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2). This is a Non-Profit school Children’s meal program providing snacks & nutrition for weekends & school vacations. “As a former Chair of the Saugus School Committee, she strived to enrich Children’s lives and protect their welfare. She also served on the Saugus Public School’s Anti-Vaping Committee and anti-drug. “She has introduced ideas as therapy dogs in Saugus Schools, and is fighting for better tech & tools to assist Children in receiving greater Education. She Supports the G.O.A.L.S. Program. The Goals program designed by 2014 Saugus Graduate Jonathan McTague’s is abbreviated for Gaining Opportunity, Access, Leadership, Success. “She has been quoted in various media with such positive statements as “if you can save one child you have done your job.’ “She has been on committees such as Saugus High School Building Committee, and many various volunteer projects. Jeannie Meredith and Julie Cicolini were voted 2 of Essex Media Group Person’s of the Year 2020! “Thank you For all you do for Saugus! You shine so brightly for our children! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” Breakheart’s “First Day Hike” So, have you resolved to lose some weight for the new year and engage in a more healthy life? If so, start off the New Year with an invigorating “First Day Hike” and make a resolution to burn off those extra holiday calories. The state Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Friends of Breakheart Reservation are cosponsoring “Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike” again. A flier issued recently by both groups notes “We will have two guided hikes through the paved loops of Breakheart. “Be prepared for cold weather – dress in layers and wear winter boots. Bring your friends and family and THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 13
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