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SAUGUS Vol. 24, No. 7 -FREEThe Advocate–A household word in Saugus! AOCODDV C TECAT www.advocatenews.net Making Route 1 right for Saugus Special Town Meeting approves bylaw changes to steer new development in business highway district toward more commercial and less residential By Mark E. Vogler S everal members marveled at Tuesday night’s Special Town Meeting on how well Town Moderator Stephen N. Doherty completed a tedious, but necessary task before one of the most important votes in recent years. Doherty spent close to 78 minutes reading into the record a 24-page article to revamp the Route 1 Business Highway Sustainable Zoning District (BHSD) bylaw adopted back in 2015. Town Meeting members spent another hour debating the pros and cons of the measure coauthored by Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione and Selectman Michael Serino. But in the end, the bylaw changes – which were opposed vigorously by Planning Board Chair Peter A. Rosetti, Jr., who warned they might send the wrong message to developers and infl uence them to “bypass Saugus” – breezed through with considerably more than the ROUTE | SEE PAGE 6 Headed to Hybrid Providing there’s not another postvacation COVID-19 spike, Saugus Public Schools are scheduled to reopen classes for the fi rst time in a nearly a year By Mark E. Vogler A fter three announced starts got cancelled because of a sudden surge in confirmed COVID-19 cases in town, Saugus Public Schools are making defi nitive plans to reopen. “I am comfortable in saying I think it’s time as a district that we begin to bring kids back,” School Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. told the School Committee at last week’s (Thursday, Feb. 11) meeting. “We’re ready to come back … Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, February 19, 2021 A cross on the forehead Parishioner Donna Zinna of Blessed Sacrament Parish administers ashes to Robert O’Leary on Wednesday (Feb. 17) during the church’s fi rst Ash Wednesday drive-by observance, with precautions taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People administering and receiving the ashes wore facial coverings. An estimated crowd of about 400 people showed up for the observance, which marks the beginning of Lent for people of the Christian faith. For the story and photos, please see page 5. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) We have the PPE [personal protection equipment],” he said. On the next day, he released a 10-minute video (Superintendent’s Special Report – February 12, 2021) in which he outlined the specifi c details for reopening under the so-called Hybrid learning model – which allows two days of in-person learning a week, alternating with remote learning. Under the school district plans Dr. DeRuosi briefed the School Committee on last week: HYBRID | SEE PAGE 7 While people often think of robins as a sign of spring, not all of them migrate south for the winter – like this robin in a tree near Pirate’s Glen. For story and photo highlights, see this week’s Saugus gardens in the pandemic on page 12. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.419 Mid Unleaded $2.529 Super $2.659 Diesel Fuel $2.819 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.259 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Warmer days ahead Prices subject to change Happy New Year! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Rep Giannino assigned legislative committees B OSTON – On Friday, February 12, 2021, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy) appointed legislators to various legislative committees for the 2021-2022 Session of the General Court. Newly elected State Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere) was appointed to serve on four committees: • The Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture • The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies • The Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity • The Joint Committee on Election Laws “I want to express my gratitude to Speaker Mariano for appointing me to these four committees, and I am excited to get to work on the business at hand for the upcoming session,” said Representative Giannino. “In their own ways, each committee will allow me to advocate for various needs of the Sixteenth Suffolk District in unique ways.” The Joint Committee on En$2.19 vironment, Natural Resources and Agriculture is charged with considering matters concerning the Department of Conservation & Recreation, natural resources and the environment, air, water and noise pollution, as well as hunting and fishing, conservation, solid waste disposal and sewerage. “Representing a coastal district that is home to not only America’s First Public Beach, but key regional rivers, and one of the most significant saltwater marshes north of Boston, as well as host to the nation’s oldest solid waste incinerator and an unlined ash landfill that is in the midst of an Area of Critical Environmental Concern, I am excited to serve on the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture,” said Representative Giannino. “I believe that I will be able to use my voice on the Jessica A. Giannino State Representative ENRA Committee to advocate for a cleaner, healthier environment for communities like Revere, Chelsea, and Saugus which have been plagued with a myriad of environmental issues. I look forward to working with Chairwoman Dykema and the other members of the committee to advance legislation that will help to improve our Commonwealth’s environment.” The Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies is responsible for considering legislation relative to commercial and industrial establishments, casino gambling and gaming, industrial development, the racing industry, science and technology, economic development, retention of science or technology-intensive industries, innovation systems from research to development, medical technology, medical devices, environmental technologies, classroom applications, and workforce technology training and development. “As the State Representative who represents three communities which have economic development on the forefront of their municipal agendas, I am beyond excited to serve on the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies,” said Representative Giannino. “Serving on this committee will give me good insight into the overarching picture that Revere, Chelsea and Saugus have been painting in recent years to attract development that creates jobs and spurs the regional economy. I am thrilled to get to work with Chairman Parisella and the members of the committee to support policies which will make our Commonwealth’s economy stronger.” The Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity is a newly created legislative committee this year that is tasked with considering issues relating to advanced information technology, cybersecurity and cyber threats, as well as advanced public telecommunications networks, the internet, broadband access, and fifth-generation telecommunications. “Since the onset of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, I have become increasingly concerned for the urgent need for widespread broadband access, especially in Gateway Cities like Revere and Chelsea. The pandemic, which has changed our lives in so many ways, has shown just how much of a necessity internet access is in the twenty-first century,” said Representative Giannino. “Additionally, as the internet continues to evolve, and more of our daily activities become virtual, cybersecurity must be at the forefront of issues to consider. I look forward to working with Chairwoman Campbell, and am hopeful the work of this committee creates policy to help make our information technology more secure.” The role of the Joint Committee on Election Laws is to consider bills in the Legislature that concern elections. “Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and ensuring that our elections – from local to state to federal – are safe, fair and equitable is something all representatives in a democratic government should seek to preserve,” said Representative Giannino. “I look forward to working alongside Chairman Ryan this session on this committee.” Former Saugus postal worker charged with stealing gift cards last year from residents on his mail route A former letter carrier who worked for nearly 20 years in Saugus has been fired following his arrest for stealing gift cards from customers on his mail route. Brian Thibodeau, 48, of Danvers, was indicted on one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, according to a recent press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston. Thibodeau, who had delivered mail for the Saugus Post Office beginning in 2001, allegedly stole customers’ gift cards sent in the mail and spent them for his personal use, according to federal prosecutors. They said he admitted to stealing about $2,000 worth of gift cards from postal customers on his route last year. Federal agents arrested Thibodeau at his home last week. He was released on conditions following an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler. If convicted, Thibodeau faces a possible prison sentence of up to five years. He also could receive three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and the Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, Matthew Modafferi, made the announcement last week. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, Deputy Chief of Lelling’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, is prosecuting the case. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 3 Honoring a “Saugus Legend” Family of the late Dick Barry expresses thanks to Saugus Annual Town Meeting for voting to rename the Saugus Senior Center after longtime town government and community leader Editor’s Note: At Tuesday night’s (Feb. 16) Special Town Meeting, members voted unanimously to rename the Saugus Senior Center Building “The Richard Barry Senior Center,” in honor of the late Saugus resident’s contributions to local and community affairs over the last 50 years – particularly for the Senior Center. At the time of his death last October, at the age of 89, Barry was still serving Saugus as a longtime member of the Council on Aging, which he chaired for many years. The following is the letter which Barry’s daughter, Kathleen Capobianco, read to Town Meeting members on Tuesday night before they voted to rename the Senior Center after Barry. G ood evening, I am Richard “Dick” Barry’s daughter, Kathleen Capobianco. On behalf of my mother Eleanor and my siblings Maureen, Rich and Stephen I would like to start off by thanking the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Chairman Anthony Cogliano, Corrine Riley, Jeff Cicolini, Deb Panetta, and Michael Serino for voting to put forth the warrant to name the Saugus Senior Center the Richard J. “Dick” Barry Saugus Senior Center. It is fitting that my Dad’s fifty plus years of town service started in Town Meeting as a Precinct 10 town meeting member and the circle is now complete that Town Meeting will vote today on honoring his legacy by naming the Senior Center after him. Interestingly, one of his most treasured possessions was his gavel from when he served as Town Moderator. He was well versed in Robert’s Rules of Order and was a stickler for running a good meeting on time so I will try to be brief. Naming the Senior Center after my dad would be the utmost honor to end a lifetime of dedication to community service. My dad loved the Town of Saugus and the town of Saugus loved him. He has been called a “Saugus Legend” having served for 40 years in the elected offices of Town Moderator, Chairman of the School Committee, and on the Board of Selectmen. He then spent another ten plus years as Chairman of the Council on Aging. His civic contributions included Director of CYO, Member of Saugus American Little League, he was Grand Marshall of the homecoming parade for the boys who made it to the Little League World Senisce about the good old days. My father would be so humbled to have the Senior Center bear his name. As a family we could not be any prouder of all of my dad’s accomplishments and are so grateful to the town for this beautiful tribute. It would be our hope as a family that his name will live on as a person dedicated to his town and community and that upon seeing his name on the Senior Center, others will be inspired to follow in his footsteps. Thank you to all of the Town Meeting members for your consideration in this vote. SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS PROUD TO LEAD: The late Richard J. “Dick” Barry took great pride in holding a gavel while presiding over meetings – as Saugus Town Meeting moderator, Chair of the Saugus School Committee and chair of the Saugus Council on Aging. Barry also served as a Saugus Selectman. During a Special Town Meeting this week, members recognized his decades of public service and community involvement by voting to rename the Saugus Senior Center after him. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ries in 2003, Director of Saugus High School Sports Hall of Fame, a church usher at St. Margaret’s, and a member of the Saugus VFW, Saugus Historical Society, Saugus Lodge of Elks, Lifetime Member of Saugus Knights of Columbus and the Saugus Italian-American Club where he might have been the only Irish member at the time. He became the friendly voice of the Saugus High Football games for over nine years. He worked selflessly to build the new Saugus Senior Center helping secure a $750,000 state grant to help offset the cost. The bench out front of the Saugus Senior Center bears his name as does a plaque at the Veteran’s Baseball field for all his years of involvement with town Little League. During his retirement he wrote the monthly article for the Senior Center Golden Spirit Newsletter and included a column for jokes. He was also President of the Men’s Club. His record of service to the community of Saugus is unmatched. Saugus is a better place because of the hard work, care and dedication of Dick Barry. He helped anyone who asked for his help and gave his time to causes he held dear to his heart. To this day when any of us say we are Dick Barry’s children, someone inevitably replies I know your dad from Little League, CYO basketball, town politics, the senior center – what a great guy. He was once quoted in the paper after being honored for the Community Service Award as saying “I could never be the one who sat on the sidelines. I was never good at practical things like fixing stuff around the house but I could handle finances and politics and speaking in public. I liked being involved.” He spent a good deal of his retirement golfing and participating in events at the Senior Center he helped build. He enjoyed emceeing many events and attending holiday parties there where he would sit with the new and old elected town officials and remiPickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 “Express Yourself! Fun and easy art experiments” Local artist Kelly Slater and the Saugus Public Library invite the public to enjoy free online art workshops Editor’s Note: The following info is from a joint press release by local artist Kelly Slater and the Saugus Public Library – to let Saugus town residents know about a series of free online art workshops which begin next week (Thursday, Feb. 25). K elly Slater teams up with the Saugus Public Library this winter and spring to present four free online workshops, “Express Yourself! Fun and Easy Art Experiments.” Ranging in subject from kitchen table printmaking to artists accordion books, the workshops share a common emphasis on fun and experimentation. No previous art experience is required, and all art supplies will be provided free at the Saugus Public Library in “Take and Make” bags. • The series will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 25 with “Kitchen Table Printmaking.” Participants will explore the many possibilities of making “trace” or “transfer” prints using common arts and crafts supplies, as well as office supplies. • In the second workshop, to be held Thursday, March 11, we will explore several different ways of making watercolor prints. • The third session, scheduled for Thursday, April 15, will focus on drawing experiments and will invite participants to overcome any and all fears of drawing by letting go of control. • Finally, the series will conclude on Thursday, April 29 with a foray into making accordion-style artists books. All four sessions will last 90 minutes – running from 6:308:00 p.m. on a Thursday. Workshops are open to ages teens through adults. Students may sign up for anywhere from one to all four sessions. Advance registration is required through the Saugus Public Library. Zoom information, as well as information about how and when to pick up “Take and Make” art supply bags, will be sent to all registered students. Space is limited – so be sure save your spot by registering by Monday, February 22 at the latest for the first workshop. At the end of the four sessions, interested students can submit class work for a virtual art exhibit, hosted through the Saugus Public Library website. To reserve your space at the www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM free workshop, send an email to sau@noblenet.org with “SPL workshops” in the subject line. If you have questions about the content of the workshops, please contact Slater at kellyslaterart@ hotmail.com with “SPL workshops” in the subject line. This program is supported in WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Zoom support is provided by the Saugus Public Library, and select art supplies are provided by your local Artist & Craftsman Supply, which is located at 751 Broadway (Rte. 1 South) in Saugus. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Kelly Slater (www.kellyslaterart.com) is a self-taught artist who specializes in abstracts of landscapes and trees. For the past several years, she has focused on the landscapes of New England. Her philosophy is that art making is not just for experts. Instead, art can and should be fun and accessible. All people can improve both their artistic skills and their quality of life simply by making art into a playful and experimental form of recreation. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) SOME OF KELLY SLATER’S WORK: Birch Trees. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)                                        

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 5 A COVID-19-safe beginning to Lent First Ash Wednesday drive-by draws hundreds to Blessed Sacrament Parish By Tara Vocino A bout 400 people – most of them wearing facial coverings while practicing social distancing – received ashes during Blessed Sacrament Parish’s first Ash Wednesday drive-by. “There was a tremendous demand for ashes,” Father Rev. Tim Kelleher said. “Everyone felt safe and comfortable while remaining in their car, masked.” He and fellow clergy distributed ashes using a Q-tip while drivers and passengers remained in their car during the Wednesday (Feb. 17) observance. YOUNG WORSHIPERS: Coming out during February School Vacation to accept ashes on their foreheads are friends Hunter Arsenault, 13; Mia Shawdee, 10; Teaghan Arsenault, 10; and Cadin Arsenault, 7. (Saugus Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) ADMINISTERS OF THE ASH: Pictured from left to right are Deacon Rev. Jorge Patino, parishioner Donna Zinna and Rev. Timothy Kelleher during the administering of ashes during the first Ash Wednesday drive-by at Blessed Sacrament Parish on Wednesday (Feb. 17). Deacon Rev. Jorge Patino said it was rewarding to see hundreds of people being faithful to church tradition. “It was an overwhelming feeling to see so many people coming to our parish,” Patino said. Approximately 250 people came in the morning shift, including children on February School Vacation, according to Kelleher. A PASSIONATE TURNOUT: The line was backed up in the church parking lot and down Summer Street. Kelleher explained that Ash Wednesday, in the Roman Catholic tradition, is an internal disposition to reflect on how people can improve their lives in relation to God. It also marks Saugus Democratic Town Committee hosts Zoom meeting on Feb. 28 he Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet via Zoom on Sunday, February 28 at 7 p.m. The topics will include the 2021 yearly calendar, speaker roster and long-range planning. All Saugus Democrats are welcome to join the SDTC to help elect Democrats to public office. For information on attending and membership, please email us at saugusdtc@ gmsil.com. T the first day of Lent observed by many of the Christian faith, seven weeks before Easter. Parishioner Donna Zinna, who helped to distribute ashes, said they were touched SIGN OF THE CROSS: Robert Gatchell received his ashes. by people’s appreciation and reverence, even more so than in previous years. “They were worried about us standing out in the cold,” Zinna said. “They made sure we’re okay.”

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 ROUTE | FROM PAGE 1 two-thirds vote necessary for adoption. Members voted 38-2, with one abstention, to pass Article 2, which, according to its makers, essentially “tweaks” the 2015 bylaw that created a zoning district on Route 1 which encouraged mixed use development. But the primary mission of the revamped Route 1 zoning district is focused on correcting some fl aws which prompted a Special Town Meeting to pass a two-year moratorium on building multifamily dwellings of three or more units. Town offi cials expressed concerns that an unanticipated increase in the construction of multifamily dwellings was hurting the town’s tax base. “Route 1 is our commercial corridor,” Selectman Serino told Town Meeting members. “To allow residential only would not be good for the town,” he said. With the two-year moratorium set to end later this year, Serino said it was important for the town to protect itself from developers who might take advantage of fl aws in the current zoning district. “The moratorium was a reaction to poor development,” Vecchione said. “And this proposal is a remedy to the moratorium four years later,” he said. The minority view The article for the revamped Route 1 zoning district bylaw crafted by Serino and Vecchione, with help from Alex Mello of the Planning Department, drew support from the Planning Board, a 4-1 endorsement – with the lone opposition from its chair, Rossetti, who is also a longtime Precinct 2 Town Meeting member. Rossetti told Town Meeting members that it didn’t seem practical to adopt new zoning regulations for the Route 1 district when the town was in the process of adopting a new Master Plan. “The new zoning may have to be tweaked,” Rossetti said. “It would seem to make more sense to fi rst create the Master Plan, then make new zoning changes. ...It kind of seemed to be putting the cart before the horse,” he said of the new zoning changes. Rossetti also said he believes the inclusion of ratios in the bylaw changes, which are designed to encourage more commercial development, is unrealistic and might actually hurt the town fi nancially by aff ecting the tax base. He warned that the vacancies of buildings on Route 1 could increase because of the new zoning. To make his argument, Rossetti cited a proposed Route 1 development that will be coming before the Planning Board. It involves about 200 condominium units that are set back from the highway. The buildings would reach a height of four stories. Under AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash For Your Car, Truck or SUV! 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 4X4 Crew Cab, Z71 Package, Just Serviced, Clean Title, Only 126K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $11,900 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com 2010 MERCURY MILAN 4-Door, Auto., Most Power Options, Clean Title, New Tires, Only 130K Miles, Runs & Drives Great, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $3,995 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! SALUTE TO SENIORS: The Saugus Girls’ Varsity Basketball Sachems enjoyed a win over Gloucester High School, 41-33, on Tuesday during February Vacation Week. Pictured here is the fi nal home game for seniors Captain/forward Cat Schena and Guard Haley McLaughlin. (Courtesy photo, Ellen Schena) the new regulations, the entire fi rst fl oor of the development – 25 percent of the project – would be for commercial use. “I don’t see that happening,” Rossetti said. “That’s going to make the project unworkable,” he said. “When you send a message like that to developers, they’re going to bypass Saugus,” Rossetti warned. “...And we’re going to see more and more vacancies on Route 1 with our commercial buildings,” he added. Rossetti advocated that the article be tabled or defeated outright. Town Meeting members voted 32-7 against the motion to table. Supporting Rossetti in the motion to table were Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member William B. Stewart, Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Kevin D. Currie and Precinct 8 Town Meeting Members Joia C. Cicolini, William E. Cross III, Joan Fowler and Thomas E. Traverse. In the fi nal vote, only Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Stewart continued to back Rossetti. “Route 1 is going to change whether we like it or not,” Stewart said. “The Mall isn’t going to exist,” he noted. He said the article should be tabled “until we see how the world is changing.” “Keep Route 1 on Route 1” But the measure drew strong praise from most of the Town Meeting members who spoke in support of it. “Route 1 is outdated and it’s time for a fresh look,” Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Delios declared. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso, Sr. said he was glad to see protection provided to residents in neighborhoods adjacent to Route 1. “My concern is ‘keep Route 1 on Route 1,’” Camuso said. “Don’t access it through our neighborhoods. I really think the impact of Route 1 needs to stay on Route 1,” he said. Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Rick A. Smith called the measure “a win for the town.” He complained about not being able to visit a Route 1 business because of the lack of available parking. “It’s time we make changes for Route 1,” Smith said, adding that he thought the proposal would enhance the quality of life on Saugus’s major commercial corridor. “I’m hoping that the Planning Board gets the message that the town wants to see quality development,” Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian said. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Steven C. DiVirgilio said he abstained from the vote because there was too much information for him to review on short notice prior to the meeting. That was also a complaint of some of the supporters. “We had four days to decide,” Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Traverse said. “It’s crazy.” Traverse took umbrage with the fact that the article was the primary work product of just a handful of people – which included just two Town Meeting members. “It’s insulting to the work that was previously done,” he said. Serino cites key bylaw changes Selectman Serino stressed that the new bylaw contains about 75 percent of the original version that was approved in 2015. He said the key changes to the BHSD bylaw include: • Requiring a minimum percentage of commercial uses ranging from 10 percent to 35 percent depending on lot size • Including language requiring that setbacks be maintained and preserved as open space • Including language that all developments over 100,000 square feet will require a minimum common space area of at least fi ve percent of the gross fl oor area • Adjustment in regards to building height setback requirements • Lowering the units per acre from 30 to 25 units per acre • Adjusting parking requirements to refl ect realistic parking needs • Including language to prevent traffi c from a development accessing neighborhood streets – requiring Route 1 access only. • Encouraging collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding acceleration/deceleration lanes on Route 1 Congratulations, Lady Sachem Seniors

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 7 HYBRID | FROM PAGE 1 –Cohort A of the students in grades Kindergarten through 5 will return to the Hybrid model on Thursday, Feb. 25. During the regular week, they will have in-person classes on Tuesday and Thursday. –Cohort B of the students in grades Kindergarten through 5 will return to the Hybrid model on Friday, Feb. 26. During the regular week, they will have in-person classes on Wednesday and Friday. –Students in grades 6 through 12 are scheduled for their return to the classroom on Tuesday, March 2 at the Saugus Middle High School Complex. –Parents of students throughout the entire school system will continue to have the option of having their children remain in remote learning at home, but will have to at least remain there for five weeks if they request to transfer into the hybrid learning model later. –“Grab and Go” lunches will be provided instead of the traditional school meals served in the cafeteria, at least for the current time. –Parents with questions should contact the building principal for the school that their child attends. School Committee supports DeRuosi The full committee publicly supported the superintendent wholeheartedly at last week’s (Feb. 12) meeting. There was no formal vote, because it was DeRuosi’s decision to make. Committee members called on the community at-large to help by not engaging in activity that could lead to another spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saugus. “If we spike again, it’s out of our hands,” Committee Chair Tom Whittredge said. “We can keep kids safe in school, but we can’t control what goes on outside of school,” he said. Committee Member Arthur Grabowski said it would behoove the community to reflect on the spikes in COVID-19 cases which occurred after the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday vacations because some town residents didn’t practice social distancing, wear masks or face coverings and wash their hands frequently. “It’s up to the community,” Grabowski said. “If you want your child in school, then let’s abide by the guidelines,” he said. Grabowski said it’s obvious from what he has observed that some residents are still participating in family gatherings and not taking proper precautions to protect themselves by practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings. Quarantines present “biggest challenge” In his 10-minute video, which can be viewed by clicking the bar for school administration on the town website or going to https://www.saugus.k12. ma.us/, DeRuosi talked about the uncertainty of going into the hybrid mode. “The biggest challenge we face is the inevitable moment that a classroom or a school is faced with the need to quarantine staff members and students,” DeRuosi said. “Other districts that are already back have struggled with this as we will as we come back to an in-person learning model. We will be monitoring our numbers related to any kind of COVID absenteeism or quarantining daily,” he said. Classrooms where students may be required to work remotely. “This is part of the new reality we must face and deal with as we move forward in an in-person TELLING IT LIKE IT IS: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. provides parents a briefing on what to expect and how to prepare while announcing plans for the school district to begin reopening classes next week for K-5 and the following week for Grades 6 through 12. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) or staff come in close contact with COVID-19 will be required to switch from in-person learning to remote for a 10-day period. Like an unanticipated snow day, parents should be prepared to field an early morning call that their child’s class, team or school learning model,” DeRuosi said. “On March 13, 2020, we closed our schools for what we all thought would be two weeks. Almost a year later, we are just attempting to bring our students back,” he said. “We all have to make the adjustments to deal with life in a COVID world.” Then DeRuosi offered the simple advice which state and federal health officials are telling citizens every day: • Wear masks. • Do your best to socially distance. • Wash your hands. “These are simple procedures that have been demonstrated to work to curb the spread of this virus,” DeRuosi said.

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Firefighter training tempered by COVID-19 Virus concerns kept two Saugus Fire Dept. lieutenants from seeing their sons’ fire academy graduation ceremony By Mark E. Vogler F ive first-year Saugus firefighters and a Saugus resident who is a member of a Fire Department in another town were among the recent graduates of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. But family members didn’t get to celebrate their accomplishment earlier this month because of concerns about the graduation ceremony being a super-spreader for the Coronavirus. Two fathers of the new graduates – who are also veteran officers of the Saugus Fire Department – were especially disappointed. “Bittersweet for me,” said Saugus Fire Lieutenant Damian Drella, whose 32-year-old son, Alex Drella, graduated as Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com SAUGUS FIREFIGHTER RECRUITS: Celebrating their recent graduation from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA) are, left to right, Christopher Hunt, James Cresta-Devine, Patrick Cross, Ryan Henehan and Drew Oxley. Oxley graduated at the top of his class as the MFA Class 289 Honor graduate. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) a paramedic/firefighter of the Mendon Fire Department. “Due to COVID restrictions, no one was able to attend the ceremonies. Myself graduating 30 years ago, 193 classes apart, I could not be prouder,” Lt. Drella said. Alex, a 2006 Saugus High School graduate, was an EMT for several years and studied and achieved his Paramedic credentials a few years ago. After graduating from the academy’s career recruitment firefighting program, he returned to duty last week in Mendon and took over as the EMS coordinator for the Mendon Fire Department. He also joined the Worcester County scuba dive rescue team and will be training with them in the future. Saugus Fire Lieutenant William E. Cross III also lamented missing what would have been one of those memorable family events that got spoiled by COVID-19. He wishes he could have been there to share the moment with son Patrick, 23, who is a third-generation firefighter. “It was really tough,” said Lt. Cross, whose father – William E. Cross, Jr. – is a retired Chelsea Fire Department captain who served with that city’s fire service for 35 years. “Graduations are special and a lot of work goes into them. I graduated from the academy in a class of 42 guys in 1995 and the academy lasted 12 weeks,” Cross said. “Patrick’s academy lasted 10 weeks and there were only 19 members in the class, because of the COVID. Wish I could have been there, but you gotta make the best of a bad situation…” he said. RECENT GRADUATE: Alex Drella, the son of Saugus Fire Lieutenant Damian Drella, is a Mendon Fire Department firefighter/paramedic. He shows off his diploma after completing a grueling 10-week training program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy earlier this month. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) Patrick is a 2016 Saugus High School graduate. He played for and was captain of the hockey and golf teams. Here are the other four Saugus Fire Department recruits who just graduated from the Firefighting Academy: Jimmy Cresta-Devine, 24, is a 2014 Saugus High School graduate. He’s been a member of the Army National Guard for more than five years. His mother and sister are teachers in Saugus. Ryan Henehan, 26, is a 2013 Saugus High School graduate. He played basketball, football and baseball and was captain of the basketball and football teams. He’s been a Sergeant in the Army National Guard since 2013. Christopher Hunt, 22, is a 2017 Saugus High School graduate. He wanted to be a firefighter ever since junior year of High School where he shadowed the Fire Department and met with the firefighters. He said he “loved everything about it and knew right away that it was a perfect fit for me.” Drew Oxley, 27, is a Saugus High School Class of 2012 graduate. He was an assistant captain of the Hockey Team. Two other Saugus recruits are expected to attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy next month – Jonathan Crombie and Nick Landry – according to Lt. Cross. FIREFIGHTER | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 9 Northeast Metro Tech students help with renovation of historic Stoneham Fire Station W AKEFIELD – Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Superintendent David DiBarri of Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School (Northeast Metro Tech) recently announced a collaboration between the Stoneham Fire Department and Northeast Metro Tech. Approximately 30 students from the plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC programs will be working at the 105-year-old fire station for the next few months in order to help renovate and update the space. Students will work in groups of five in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. The work will consist of renovating a second floor to accommodate the needs of the department, relocating the kitchen to the second floor and turning the former kitchen space into a gear storage room – and various other small projects, such as replacing the wheelchair ramp at the front of the building. These projects will help to upgrade the space, as well as increase health and safety conditions at the facility for members of the department. Currently, the kitchen is located right off the apparatus floor and gear is stored nearby as well. Creating this separation of the working and living areas will help to reduce this risk of exposing firefighters to carcinogens left on gear before it is washed and cleaned after being worn and used for a call. The bathroom renovation will help to fix plumbing leaks and repair the dilapidated bathroom to provide an upgraded space for firefighters to use. To ensure the work maintained the historic nature of partners,” DiBarri said. “Partnerships like this help to enrich the lives of our students and I know this is something that they really look forward to each week.” Saugus Youth Soccer Association Northeast Metro Tech students repaired the ramp outside of the Stoneham Fire Department to allow for safer access to the building. (Photo Courtesy of the Stoneham Fire Department) the building, Grafton presented the plans to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which approved the plans. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” Grafton said. “The students learn from their experience, the fire department has a healthier work environment and taxpayers are able to save a significant amount of money by not having to pay the cost of labor. We greatly appreciate Northeast Metro Tech for helping us and are happy to help them gain this experience. This work wouldn’t be possible without them.” The group initially began working on the project in early 2020, but had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Already, the group, which works over the course of a few hours four days a week, has made progress on the bathroom renovations and completed the THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, February 21 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, February 22 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, February 23 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Special Town Meeting from February 16. Wednesday, February 24 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from February 17. Thursday, February 25 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from February 18. Friday, February 26 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Boys Basketball vs. Peabody from February 18. Saturday, February 27 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Hockey vs. Swampscott from February 17. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may change without notice*** 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM NMLS #443050 Member FDIC Member DIF WHETHER YOU’RE READY TO BUY OR REFINANCE, WE’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS. TALK TO ONE OF OUR RESIDENTIAL LENDERS TODAY. 617-381-3663 new ramp. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Stoneham Fire to help our students gain handson experience and show their support for our community Registration for our G-4 thru G-8 Spring Travel programs is now open. Please register your son or daughter at saugusyouthsoccer.com The cost for the season is $150 and does not include the uniform cost. Please contact Mike Bluette at bluette4@comcast.net for more information or if you have any questions. We can help you buy a house. So you can create a home.

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Prince Pizzeria, William Sutton Lodge donates pizzas, Valentine’s Day cards for hundreds of seniors grab-and-go style T By Tara Vocino he William Sutton Masonic Lodge, Saugus Senior Center and Prince Pizzeria cosponsored a Valentine’s Day graband-go luncheon last Friday morning at the Senior Center. “We know some of the seniors through the lodge,” William Sutton Masonic Lodge Master Todd Galarneau said. “It’s a good way to give back, putting a smile on their faces.” The fraternal, civic organization split the cost of the takeand-bake pizzas with Prince Pizzeria. First Lady Lisa Galarneau made approximately 250 Valentine’s Day cards out of card stock, stencils and ribbons. Local businesses and community groups frequently step up to sponsor the monthly luncheons, which are often centered around the holidays. The next one will be St. Patrick’s Pictured in the top row, from left to right, are Chaplain Mahmoud Diab, 4th District Deputy Grandmaster Alan Welch, William Sutton Lodge Master Todd Galarneau, Marshal Robert “Toby” Reed, senior Kenneth Strum, First Lady/Grand Deputy Lisa Galarneau and Lodge candidate Antonio Manenti. Pictured in the bottom row, from left to right, are Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen with Administrative Assistant Laurie Davis. Day, according to Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen. For the Valentine’s Day luncheon, Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center put together bags of candy to accompany the main meal of two individual take-and-bake pizzas from Prince Pizzeria. Seniors said they appreciated the gifts, although they didn’t stay long due to temperatures in the single digits. Senior Kenneth Strum, who lives on Endicott Street, said it’s a great treat to have while everyone is shut in during the pandemic. Following the event, 26 meals were delivered to the homebound. Senior William Mills, inside the car, with Lodge Master Todd Galarneau Beside a “Thank You” sign, pictured from left to right, are William Sutton Masonic Lodge Marshal Tobey Reed, wearing a heart tie, with Senior Center Administrative Assistant Laurie Davis, wearing a heart headband, and Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen. First Lady Lisa Galarneau said it took her approximately three weeks to make these festive cards out of stencils, card stock and ribbons. Senior Carl Spencer, holding the bag of pizza at right, thanked Lodge Master Todd Galarneau for the Prince Pizzeria pizza and handmade Valentine’s Day card. Last Friday morning at the Senior Center, senior Louis Fantasia drove by to receive his grab-and-go Valentine’s Day luncheon, which was provided by Prince Pizzeria and the William Sutton Masonic Lodge. Harrison Avenue residents Robert and Linda Teal said they appreciate the Valentine’s Day gifts. Senior Shirley Bogdan, far right, with Senior Center staff, including kitchen manager Michelle Kelley, kitchen staff Ann Swanson and outreach coordinator Cheryl Roberts Fifty-year mason David Hart came out to distribute pizza after a recent surgery.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 11 The latest Coronavirus Count State health officials notify Saugus of 68 new cases over the past week; death toll remains at 63 By Mark E. Vogler he Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) advised the town of 68 new confirmed COVID-19 cases yesterday, raising the overall total to 3,450 since the outbreak of the virus last March. Meanwhile, the number of deaths in Saugus linked to the virus remained at 63, according to the latest statistics released yesterday by Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s office. A week ago, the state had reT ported 90 newly confirmed cases, slightly up from the 79 new cases reported in the previous week. Three weeks ago, Saugus officials had learned of 153 new cases. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said in the latest press release updating the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Massachusetts health officials have announced, as of Feb. 16, the deaths of 55 more people in Massachusetts after contracting COVID-19, bringing the state total to 15,312. In addition, there were 1,322 newly reported cases. So far, 533,024 cases in total have been confirmed while 15,140,864 total tests for the virus have been administered. The press release notes the following COVID-19-related information as a public service to town residents: “The Town of Saugus has partnered with the Commonwealth, Fallon Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Square One Mall as a collaborative effort to work to downgrade the Town’s designated “High Risk” red COVID-19 status by establishing and extending the folBy Mark E. Vogler H ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus. The “Dick” Barry Show Tuesday night’s Special Town Meeting got off to a positive, uplifting start as several current and former members of the Board of Selectmen who served with the late Richard J. “Dick” Barry or followed his career in Saugus’s local government shared some of their favorite stories – both serious and humorous. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano called the article he initiated to rename the Saugus Senior Center after Barry – a long time participant in Saugus town government – “probably the easiest thing I ever put before the Town Meeting.” As a result of Tuesday night’s unanimous vote at the meeting, a sign will go up on the outside of the building declaring it “The Richard J. Barry Senior Center,” and a plaque honoring Barry will be installed inside the building. “He made you feel good about being with him and he would honor your person,” Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian recalled of the gentleman selectman he served with. Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Long, who also served with Manoogian and Barry, suggested that Barry was “also the protector of fellow board members.” Long recalled an incident after a contentious board meeting where he was being approached by an angry man who looked like he was going to “put some bodily harm on me.” Without any regard for his own safety, Barry jumped in between the two men and perhaps saved Long from being physically attacked. Selectman Debra Panetta told Town Meeting members that Barry inspired her to get involved in town politics. Selectman Michael Serino recalled passing out campaign literature for Barry. “He was involved in everything in this town,” Serino recalled. “He loved Saugus even if he was from Lynn.” Calling young artists If you are a school-age student living in Saugus and love to draw or paint or take photographs, here’s your chance to display your artistic talents – for everyone 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’s being 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 the Saugonian being sketched between now and Tuesday at noon qualifies to have their name put in a hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ Donuts 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”) in your hometown to see. The Selectmen’s Office is seeking any original artwork and/or photographs created by any Saugus school-age child to be included in the Town of Saulowing COVID-19 testing site in Saugus: Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall (Far Side Parking Lot on Essex Street), located at 1201 Broadway with entry off of Essex Street, will offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed. [Residents] drive-up and register using a tablet when they arrive. Saugus Police will be assisting with traffic. The testing site will be staffed by 10-12 individuals to handle registrations. All samples go directly to the Broad [Institute] in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24-36 hour turnaround time. Notification of results will be made for negative results via emails while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results. These sites do close when it rains because of risk of test contamination. The state has indicated the site will remain open until further notice. “This information will be on the Town’s website and on the state’s website: https://www.mass.gov/ info-details/stop-the-spread?rgja#saugus“The Board of Health and the Saugus Health Department will continue to partner with the state and are working on a planned response to the COVID-19. They are analyzing the data from the past couple of weeks and developing specific strategies to combat the spread through additional enforcement and intervention measures. We need to do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves, family, neighbors, and communities safe. Continue to wear your masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings, and continue to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines. The Saugus Health Department strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases DO exist in Saugus. Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals may THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS gus Annual Report. One will be chosen for the Annual Report cover. Artwork should include student’s name and age and may be sent to: Saugus Board of Selectmen, 298 Central Street. Artwork must be received by the selectmen’s office no later than next Thursday – Feb. 25. This sounds like a great opportunity We’ve altered the rules for “Sketch” contest The person who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist” recommends that the winners of our weekly “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest have their name drawn from a hat instead of being selected for being the first one to call or email with the correct answer. The artist also has noticed that some of our readers may not get the paper until Sunday or Monday, so they figure that there’s no point in entering because a winner has already been selected. It’s also possible for folks who have access to a computer to phone or email the correct answer before the paper hits the streets on Friday – by checking out our online digital version of the paper, which is often available for viewing late Thursday night or early Friday. So, to improve the fairness of the contest and open it up to as many readers as possible, we have decided to make a change. If you don’t see the paper until Tuesday morning, you still have a chance to win. Anyone who submits the correct answer by noon on Tuesdays still has a chance to win. The winning entry will be selected from a hat. We have a winner! We have a winner in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Congratulations to Paul Kenworthy, who contacted us first and offered the correct answer. Thanks to other readers who responded by email or phone message. Try again this week. Here’s last week’s answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to the Sketch is one Exceptional Saugus Artist who is a very talented lady. Kelly Slater! Here are Kelly’s own words: Kelly Slater is a figurative abstract painter and printmaker who specializes in the landscapes and plants of the northeast region. Working primarily in watercolTHE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 15 not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why Governor Baker [directed] to wear a cloth face [covering] when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance. “Again, this is a reminder that … the CDC and MDPH [have] provided guidance to everyone regarding preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth. “Please follow CDC and MDPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: • Clean your hands often for at least: 20 seconds • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth • Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others “Please stay healthy and please call us with any needs.” “For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at 781-231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s office at 781231-4111.”

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Saugus gardens in the pandemic Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener t’s great weather for icicles! They have grown very long on the north side of my house. One of my icicles reached 60" long. The buildings of Saugus Ironworks have an impressive collection of icicles, too. When winter seems its coldI est, a little aromatherapy indoors never hurts. Oriental hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), sometimes known as Dutch hyacinth, is one of the most fragrant of all flowers. Some people tell me they don’t like its scent, as it is very strong indoors, but I am one of the ones who like it. Flowers come in shades of purple from very dark to nearly blue, as well as pink, yellow, salmon and white. In another month and a half or so, we can expect hyacinths to be flowering in our gardens, but for now the bulbs forced into early bloom can be a stand-in for those still sleeping under the snow. French pussy willow, also known as goat willow (Salix caprea), is a European shrub often grown for its late winter flowers. We have a native pussy willow species (Salix discolor) which commonly grows here on the edges of ponds and streams. It typically blooms in February, often flowering through the snow. The flowers are grayish on both these species and look furry like a little gray kitten. Something blooming this early would not be very successful if it were not pollinated by wind, since at this time of year there is plenty of wind, while most self-rePUSSY WILLOW BRANCH AND FLOWER: You should not put them in water, but let them dry naturally in the air. (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) specting pollinators have not roused themselves for the spring. While pussy willows don’t have showy petals or fragrance to lure insects, most insects which do emerge on a warmish winter day will find their way to the flowers. Many kinds of bee, fly and ant are among them. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants, and since male flowers are slightly larger and showier, that is what you will find in most bouquets. Shrubs sold in nurseries are also almost always male for the same reason. However, if you find our American pussy willow out in the woods, it is not easy to distinguish them except at the point when they are in full bloom. Male plants can be recognized by their production of pollen, which is bright yellow in most willow species. A NICE DISPLAY FOR WINTER MONTHS: A pussy willow bouquet near fireplace. I store them in a vase in a closet and bring them out for display in January and February. The best way to enjoy a pussy willow bouquet for a long time is to get them when the buds have just opened but the flowers are not yet fully formed. At this point if you cut them from the shrub or purchase them from the florist, you should not put them in water, but let them dry naturally in the air. They can do this easily in a vase. Over time they will become somewhat brittle, but I have had pussy willows for several years that have not lost their shape or color. I store them in a vase in a closet and bring them out for display in January and February. If you wish to grow a new shrub from a purchased pussy willow bouquet, check that it is fresh and that there is a little green under the bark. Then you can put a stem or two in a vase with water, and roots will Special Town Meeting Members vote to create a committee that would take another look at Cliftondale Square revitalization By Mark E. Vogler T own Counsel John Vasapolli didn’t agree with the original language of a proposed article that focused on the revitalization of the Cliftondale Square business and housing district. “The duties of this committee include procurement of a parking and egress study, conducting polls and round table with property owners, collaborating with local and state agencies, exploring state grants, providing recommendations to the town manager for capital improvements and preparing zoning amendments,” Vasapolli wrote in a Feb. 11 legal opinion which concluded that Town Meeting was not authorized to vote to establish a committee in the way Article 3 was crafted by Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione. “Any planning for revitalization of the Cliftondale Square business and housing district as proposed in this article are duties that fall under the powers and duties of town manager through the planning department, the planning board and all other appointed employees and agents,” Vasapolli wrote. ‘It is a well settled principle of law that a town meeting is not authorized to establish committees or perform municipal duties that are otherwise vested by law in designated town officers. But Vasapolli worked with Vecchione to revise an article that still received unanimous approval of Town Meeting members at Tuesday night’s (Feb. 17) Special Town Meeting. A committee, comprised of IT’S SO COLD OUTSIDE! Icicles outside the window. grow within a few weeks. Completely dried out stems will not be able to grow roots. The gray, fuzzy flowers will elongate and in all likelihood produce greenish and then yellowish pollen-covered stamens, since most pussy willows sold are male. In a few weeks the flowers will shrivel and fall off and then green leaves will develop. At this point the new plant can be moved into a pot to await the weather warming up enough for the new plant to be put outside, usually in April or May. While we often think of robins as a sign of spring, not all of them migrate south for the winter. One kept up a cheery chirping with its friends when I walked by Pirate’s Glen recently. With worms being unavailable in the frozen ground, robins in winter subsist mostly on dried fruits and berries, like grapes, hawthorn and small crabapples, that are still hanging on trees and shrubs. At the nine members — six of them Town Meeting members appointed by Town Moderator Stephen N. Doherty, two selectmen and the town manager or one of his designees — will study ways to revitalize the Cliftondale Square business and housing district. “I think the committee is a great idea,” said Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Thomas E. Traverse, who also chairs the Town Manager’s Economic Development Committee. The committee is charged with filing a report by Nov. 1 which will offer nonbinding recommendations for the revitalization of Cliftondale. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Steven C. DiVirgilio offered an amendment that would expand the committee from seven to nine-members. THE SCENT OF SPRING: Even in the middle of the winter, indoor flowers offer a preview of precious blooms to come. This pink hyacinth is one of the most fragrant of the hardy bulbs. feeder, they may eat unsalted peanuts and suet. Whether the robins in Lynnhurst stayed all winter or came north a little early I could not say, but robins do seem to become more numerous as spring approaches. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design and plant selection, placement of trees and shrubs, and perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking the streets in their neighborhoods as a way to get some exercise and get out of the house during the global pandemic. “I do wholeheartedly agree that Cliftondale Square belongs to Saugus,” Vecchione said. “I’m more inclined to open it up to all Town Meeting members,” he said. Planning Board Chair Peter A. Rossetti, Jr., who is also a Precinct 2 Town Meeting member who lives and works in Cliftondale, said he thought it would be a mistake to limit the committee to a small size. “I think it’s a mistake to exclude people,” he said. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian advocated that Town Meeting members should “let the moderator moderate” in filling seats on the committee. “I’m sure the moderator can find the right balance of members,” Manoogian said.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 13 FIREFIGHTER | FROM PAGE 8 Meanwhile, Lt. Drella has another son who is interested in following in his career footsteps. Christian Drella, 26, graduated from the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield after going through the Saugus Public Schools. Christian is a full-time EMT at Cataldo Ambulance service and a per-diem EMT at the Mendon Fire Department. He is currently taking civil service entrance exams and aspires to be a full-time firefighter like his dad and brother. The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy (MFA), a division of the Department of Fire Services, offers its intensive, 10-week program tuition-free for municipal firefighters. It involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live firefighting practice. Today’s firefighters do far more than fight fires. They train to respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspectOBITUARIES Susan T. Inserra peacefully at home on February 13 after a brief illness. Susan was the daughter of the late Vito and Mary T. (Alves) Inserra, whom she lovingly cared for for 21 years. 63, of Saugus passed away Susan grew up in Saugus and graduated from Saugus High School, class of 1975. She graduated from North Shore Community College in 2002 with a business degree. She worked for more than 30 years as a controller at the former Saugus Co-Operative Bank and remained with the bank after it merged with North Shore Bank until her retirement in 2019. She loved Charlie Brown and Snoopy, as well as the Boston Bruins. One of her favorite things to do was to go to Maine to see Cape Neddick Nubble Light. She also loved photography and never missed a chance to get a photo of a good sunset. Susan leaves behind a sister, Linda Krause (and her husband, Stephen), and nephew, Andrew Krause, as well as several cousins and friends, all of whom loved her dearly. ed presence of carbon monoxide to Fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice or who has locked himself in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and those who are trapped in vehicle crashes. They test and maintain their equipment, including Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they learn all these skills and more from certified fire instructors who are also experienced firefighters. Students learn all the basic skills they need to respond to fires, to contain and to control them, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management and self-rescue techniques. “First responders are on the frontlines protecting their communities and these newest firefighters are needed now more than ever,” Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier said of the recent academy graduates. “We have taken advantage of technology, reduced class size for social distancing, implemented daily screening and required mask-wearing to keep our instructors and students as safe as possible during these uncertain times,” Fournier said. 81 Main St., Everett, Available March 1, 2021 Commercial Property For Rent 600 Sq. Feet, 2 Parking Spots, 2 levels Private Bath, Prime location on Main Street at the top of Broadway Circle - $2K/Month Contact SHEILA: (310) 508-3119 SHEILAMBRUZZESE@GMAIL.COM

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen By Bob Katzen A note from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Join me this Sunday night and every Sunday night between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Show.” Jump in my time capsule and come back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. My guest on Sunday, February 21st on my WMEX 1510 AM Radio and online show will be two icons of Boston television—Bob Lobel and Susan Wornick. Bob is synonymous with Boston sports and Susan is synonymous with Boston news and consumer reporting. Don’t miss it! There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on RADIO. COM” Download the free RADIO.COM app on your phone or tablet Listen online at: www.radio. com/1510wmex/listen Tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio Visit us at www.bobkatzenshow. com THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of February 8-12. There were no roll calls in the House last week. All roll calls are on proposed amendments to the rules by which the Senate operates. Senators proposed a total of 50 amendments to the rules but only seven were approved while 43 were rejected. Sponsors and proponents of the defeated amendments said that the amendments were needed in order to ensure more transparency and to make the rules fairer to both parties. “The Senate did important work by passing a rules package with changes that will promote the vital values of diversity, transparency, safety and training,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) who headed the task of drafting new rules for the 2021-2022 session. “A majority of senators rejected inserting a third check-in to continue doing business at 10 p.m. in addition to the ones at 8 p.m. and midnight; mandating immediate anti-harassment and bystander intervention training because development of online trainings, given COVID-19 are still underway; setting standards for hearings in the Senate and joint rules because they are more appropriately included in the emergency rules; and tripling the representation of the minority party on the Redistricting Committee because we [already] passed [an] amendment doubling this representation. I am proud of the amendments that did pass that made an already strong package of rules even stronger.” REQUIRE UNANIMOUS VOTE TO GO BEYOND MIDNIGHT (S 10) Senate 6-34, rejected an amendment that would require a unanimous vote for the Senate to continue any session beyond midnight. Current Senate rules require a twothirds vote to go beyond midnight. Amendment supporters said sessions after midnight when taxpayers are sleeping, and some members are barely awake, are irresponsible and should only be held if 100 percent of the senators agree there is a major emergency. Amendment opponents said going beyond midnight currently is only done when there is a dire emergency. They said it is often impossible to get a unanimous vote on anything and argued it is not wise to give a single member the power to adjourn the Senate. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring a unanimous vote to go beyond midnight. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No REQUIRE TWO-THIRDS VOTE TO GO BEYOND 10 P.M. (S 10) Senate 6-34, rejected an amendment that would require a twothirds vote for the Senate to continue any session beyond 10 p.m. Current rules require a two-thirds vote to continue beyond 8 p.m. and a separate two-thirds vote to continue beyond midnight but do not require any vote at all to continue from 10 p.m. to midnight. Amendment supporters said this is another useful opportunity for members to control late night BEACON | SEE PAGE 17 2021-2022 Senate Committee Assignments Majority Leadership President Majority Leader President Pro Tempore President Emerita Assistant Majority Leader Assistant Majority Leader Assistant Majority Leader Majority Whip Assistant Majority Whip Ways and Means Rodrigues - CHAIR Friedman - VICE Lewis - ASST VICE Barrett Boncore Brady Feeney Finegold Gobi Hinds Jehlen Lesser Keenan Moore Rush Spilka Creem Brownsberger Chandler Lovely Barrett DiDomenico Rush Cyr Senate Standing Committees Bills in Third Reading DiDomenico - CHAIR Lovely - VICE Brownsberger Rodrigues Lesser - CHAIR Creem - VICE Boncore Friedman Lewis Intergovernmental Affairs Rush - CHAIR Hinds - VICE Montigny Crighton Moore Personnel and Administration Boncore - CHAIR Crighton - VICE DiDomenico Feeney Friedman Ethics Global Warming and Climate Change Creem - CHAIR Barrett - VICE Brady Lovely Pacheco Post Audit and Oversight Moore - CHAIR Eldridge - VICE Chandler Finegold Jehlen Keenan Redistricting Brownsberger - CHAIR Gobi - VICE Chang-Díaz Cyr Gomez Hinds Steering and Policy Montigny - CHAIR Rodrigues - VICE DiDomenico Lovely Reimagining Massachusetts: PostPandemic Resliency Hinds - CHAIR Lewis - VICE Chang-Díaz Jehlen Keenan Lovely Lovely- CHAIR Boncore - VICE Hinds Brownsberger Friedman Sa enir Sa y Senior Senio BY JIM MILLER Do I Need to Sign-Up for D I N d t SiU f Medicare If I’m Still Working? Dear Savvy Senior, I will turn 65 in a few months and plan to keep working for several more years. I have good health insurance from my employer now. Do I have to sign up for Medicare when I reach 65? Looking Ahead Dear Looking, Whether you need to enroll in Medicare at 65 if you continue to work and have health insurance through your job depends on how large your employer is. The same rules apply if your health insurance comes from your spouse’s job. But fi rst, let’s review the basics. Remember that original Medicare has two parts: Part A, which provides hospital coverage and is free for most people. And Part B, which covers doctor’s bills, lab tests and outpatient care. Part B also has a monthly premium, which is $148.50 for most benefi ciaries in 2021, but is higher for individuals earning above $88,000. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you’ll automatically be enrolled in parts A and B when you turn 65, and you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. It will include instructions to return it if you have work coverage that qualifi es you for late enrollment. If you aren’t yet receiving Social Security, you will have to apply, which you can do online at SSA.gov/medicare. If you plan to continue working past the age of 65 and have health insurance from your job, your fi rst step is to ask your benefits manager or human resources department how your employer insurance works with Medicare. In most cases, you should at least take Medicare Part A because it’s free. (Note: If you’re funding a health savings account you may not want to take Part A because you can’t make contributions after you enroll). But to decide whether to take Part B or not will depend on the size of your employer. Small Employer If your current employer has Rules fewer than 20 employees, Medicare will be your primary insurer and you should enroll in Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period. This is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. If you miss the seven-month sign-up window, you’ll have to wait until the next general enrollment period, which runs from Jan. 1 to March 31 with benefi ts beginning the following July 1. You’ll also incur a 10 percent penalty for each year you wait beyond your initial enrollment period, which will be tacked on to your monthly Part B premium. Large Employer If your employer has 20 or more employees, your employer’s group health plan will be your primary insurer as long as you remain an active employee. If this is the case, you don’t need to enroll in Part B when you turn 65 if you’re satisfi ed with the coverage you are getting through your job. But if you do decide to enroll in Medicare, it will supplement your employer insurance by paying secondary on all of your claims. Once your employment or group health coverage ends, you will then have eight months to sign up for Part B without a penalty. This is known as the Special Enrollment Period. Check Drug Coverage You also need to verify your prescription drug coverage. Call your benefi ts manager or insurance company to fi nd out if your employer’s prescription drug coverage is considered “creditable.” If it is, you don’t need to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. If it isn’t, you should purchase a plan (see Medicare.gov/ plan-compare) during your initial enrollment period or you’ll incur a premium penalty (1 percent of the average national premium for every month you don’t have coverage) if you enroll later. If you have more questions or need help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see ShiptaCenter. org), which off ers free Medicare counseling. Or call the Medicare Rights Center helpline at 800333-4114. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 15 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 11 1. On Feb. 19, 1945, U.S. Marines landed on what island? 2. What do starfish mostly eat? 3. In what city would you find Christ the Redeemer, Ipanema and Sugarloaf? 4. In 1980 the Super Bowl had its highest attendance – how many people: 61,946, 103,985 or 272, 903? 5. On Feb. 20, 1962, who said, “Cape is go, and I am go”? 6. How are mashie, niblick and wedge similar? 7. On Feb. 21, 1828, the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Indian language newspaper, was published in New Echota in what state? 8. What is the world’s second-largest freshwater lake? 9. What two popular poker games are named after places in the United States? 10. On Feb. 22, 1860, the workers struck at what Massachusetts city that was the nation’s shoemaking center? 11. In which movie did Mae West and W.C. Fields both appear? 12. How are Delta, Mu and Nu similar? 13. The Lunar New Year – the Year of the Ox – begins in what month? 14. On Feb. 23, 1954, Pittsburgh schoolchildren received the first field testing of what vaccine? 15. Fearless Fosdick was a fictional detective in what comic strip? 16. On Feb. 24, 1868, who did the U.S. House of Representatives accuse of “high crimes and misdemeanors”? 17. How are Leavenworth, Kansas; Terre Haute, Indiana; and Lee, Virginia, similar? 18. What explorer took a fox terrier named Igloo to the Antarctic and Arctic? 19. How are Like, Haha and Wow similar? 20. On Feb. 25, 1901, the U.S. Steel Corporation was organized under whose directorship? ANSWERS ors and water-soluble inks on paper, she seeks to express the spirit of the trees, grasses and plant communities of places she deeply loves–including the North Country of New Hampshire, the northern Berkshires, and the Cape, and Breakheart Reservation. Currently she is teaching art workshops on Zoom and exploring combining watercolor painting, pen and ink drawing, and press-free printmaking techniques. She is an artist member of the Gallery at WREN, the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, the Monotype Guild of New England, and BANTER Arts. Her art can be seen at kellyslaterart.com and on Instagram at kellyslaterart. “Kelly also put together the Rumney Marsh Art Exhibit as well as several Art classes held at Wakefield’s Breakheart Reservation. Kelly is a very popular well sought after artist! Thankyou Kelly, keep shining your star! Yours Truly, The Sketch Artist” A food drive later this month Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley wants to remind Saugus residents of an important, upcoming food drive. “The Town of Saugus, organized by the Board of Selectmen, has scheduled a much needed drop-off food and necessities drive to benefit the Saugus Senior Center and the Saugus Food Pantry, on Saturday, February 27th from 10 a.m. to noon at the Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St. If inclement weather, it will be held the following Saturday, March 6th, same time. “All items are appreciated, but items that are most needed are small individual boxes of cereal as well as full size boxes of cereal, oatmeal, canned fruit, bread, canned tuna fish, soup, FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes, toilet paper, sanitizer, shelf stable milk, snacks/crackers, peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables, canned spaghetti sauce, pasta and macaroni and cheese. “This food drive will be missing Wendy Reed, who was the Director of the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry. There are many great people who volunteer their time for those in need, and although Wendy will be sorely missed, this work will continue to help those in our community who have fallen on hard times.” If you feel like doing something to honor Wendy’s memory, this is that type of event. (Wendy died of an apparent heart attack on Feb. 5 at the age of 57). Another Wendy shout-out Here’s a shout-out from Saugus Troop 61 Scoutmaster Kevin Wildman, who wanted to reflect on the recent passing of Wendy Reed, the beloved clerk of the Saugus Board of Selectmen who, he recalled, “had a “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior huge heart and a huge smile.” “I have known Wendy for many years. She has always helped me out when I was trying to deal with the Board of Selectmen for Scouting issues SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 16 Office/Commercial Space for Lease 3 Large rooms, each with walk-in storage area. Ideal for Law Office or Aerobics Studio. Like new condition. Second floor elevator direct to unit. Seperate entrances - New Baths - Large Parking Area. On MBTA Bus Route #429. Located on Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza Rte. 1 South 425 Broadway Saugus Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 1. Iwo Jima 2. Mollusks 3. Rio de Janeiro 4. 103, 985 5. John Glenn (as he started a three-orbit flight of earth) 6. They are names of golf club irons. 7. Georgia 8. Lake Victoria in Africa 9. Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi (or Hi-Lo) 10. Lynn 11. “My Little Chickadee” 12. They are letters in the Greek alphabet. 13. February 14. Dr. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine 15. “Li’l Abner” 16. President Andrew Johnson 17. They are sites of U.S. penitentiaries. 18. Admiral Richard Byrd 19. They are Facebook reactions. 20. J.P. Morgan

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 15 and citations etc. “But I have really been impressed with her selfless actions since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. “As we know, many, many individuals and families started really struggling to have enough food to eat when the pandemic hit. “Months before the pandemic, I started a food drive in our Masonic lodge to help the Saugus Food Pantry and the Health Students Healthy Saugus program. “I was pleasantly surprised to see Wendy running the Saugus Food Pantry. We made many food donations during the year of pandemic and also a few monetary donations. The last time I saw her at the Pantry I gave her a big check on behalf of the lodge. She had the biggest smile and could not thank us enough. She always made sure to thank us for our donations with an email afterwards. “She works tirelessly for the benefi t of the community and has helped so many people, all without expecting any recognition. “She had a huge heart and a huge smile as she worked to help others. “Her legacy will live on through the pantry she helped organize as it continues to provide much needed assistance. “She was a wonderful servant to the Town of Saugus' citizens and will be surely missed.” A “shout-out” for snow helpers Sue Fleming offered this all-encompassing “shout-out” for winter heroes. “I guess winter is still with us! I would like to give a shout out to everyone who helps others with cleaning up after snow storms. There is always a plow driver who helps someone or someone who helps with shoveling. Our neighbor Dave came across the street two Sunday nights ago with his snowblower and did a fantastic job on our driveway. We truly appreciate Dave as a neighbor. Thank you Dave!” Sue Fleming 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 photo. Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244 Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 14 sessions and make them as rare as possible. Amendment opponents said the amendment goes too far and is unnecessary. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring a twothirds vote to go beyond 10 p.m. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No ANTI-HARASSMENT TRAINING (S 10) Senate 10-29, rejected an amendment that would require all State House members, officers and staff, regardless of when they are hired, to receive anti-harassment and bystander intervention training within 90 days of beginning employment. The current rules require members, officers and staff who are employed at the beginning of the biennial session to receive the training within 90 days of the opening of the session while employees hired after the first training must complete their training at the “next available training opportunity.” Amendment supporters said “next available training opportunity” is vague and could mean the training would not take place for many months or even a year. They said the amendment guarantees everyone gets the training during their first 90 days of employment. Amendment opponents said that the training was held in person pre-pandemic but will soon be online. They said it is unclear when that will occur and argued it is too early to adjust this rule when it is not yet known whether the online sessions will be live or on video. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No Joint Standing Committees Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity Finegold - CHAIR Moran - VICE Lewis Lesser Montigny Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Gomez - CHAIR Velis - VICE Crighton Eldridge Rausch Education Lewis - CHAIR DiDomenico - VICE Cronin Gomez Jehlen Export Development DiZoglio - CHAIR Montigny - VICE Collins DiDomenico Pacheco Housing Keenan - CHAIR Jehlen - VICE Barrett Chandler Lovely Municipalities and Regional Government Cronin - CHAIR Dizoglio - VICE Kennedy Moran Velis Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion Chang-Díaz - CHAIR Cyr - VICE Comerford Gomez Hinds Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Kennedy - CHAIR Cronin - VICE Moran Timilty Velis Collins Rausch Timilty Chang-Díaz Creem Velis Public Health Comerford - CHAIR Moran - VICE Chandler Rausch Cyr Revenue Hinds - CHAIR Crighton - VICE Boncore Kennedy Moran Judiciary Eldridge - CHAIR Lesser - VICE DiZoglio Gobi Gomez Financial Services Crighton - CHAIR Moore - VICE Cyr Feeney Keenan Lesser Labor and Workforce Development Jehlen - CHAIR Timilty - VICE DiDomenico Feeney Lewis Public Safety and Homeland Security Timilty - CHAIR Chang-Díaz - VICE Eldridge Moore Rausch Velis State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Pacheco - CHAIR Rausch - VICE Cronin Timilty Velis Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Cyr - CHAIR Velis - VICE Collins Comerford Crighton Keenan Public Service Brady - CHAIR Finegold - VICE Collins DiZoglio Eldridge Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Barrett - CHAIR Pacheco - VICE Hinds Cyr Finegold Transportation Boncore - CHAIR Keenan - VICE Chandler Lesser Moran Rush Veterans and Federal Affairs Velis - CHAIR Rush - VICE Brady Collins Gobi Boncore DiZoglio Pacheco Timilty Community Development and Small Business Collins - CHAIR Kennedy - VICE Cronin Gobi Rausch Elder Affairs Jehlen - CHAIR Cyr - VICE Brady Creem Eldridge Health Care Financing Friedman - CHAIR Chandler - VICE Bonding Feeney - CHAIR Collins - VICE DiZoglio Gomez Moran Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Moran - CHAIR Feeney - VICE Brady Crighton Kennedy Election Laws Finegold - CHAIR Gomez - VICE Cannabis Policy Chang-Díaz - CHAIR Collins - VICE Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management Comerford - CHAIR Friedman - VICE Cronin Cyr Lesser Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Lesser - CHAIR Brady - VICE Chang-Díaz Cronin Feeney Kennedy Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Rausch - CHAIR Eldridge - VICE Comerford Moore Rush Higher Education Gobi - CHAIR Comerford - VICE Kennedy Pacheco Rush WATCH REMOTE HEARINGS (S 10) Senate 6-33, rejected an amendment that would require any public hearing conducted remotely to utilize technology that allows people to view or hear the hearing live on one or more publicly accessible platforms which allow people to tune into the hearing via computer and telephone. Amendment supporters said that it is important to have a standardized system and requirements in the regular, non-emergency Senate rules, that ensure the public can access these hearings. Amendment opponents said that this amendment is already included in the emergency rules the Senate has adopted for use during the pandemic. They argued it is not necessary to put the requirement in the regular rules at the present time. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No REDISTRICTING (S 10) Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment requiring that the Redistricting Committee consist of six members—three from the majority party (currently the Democrats) and three from the minority party (currently the Republicans). Current rules provide for a seven-member commission with five Democrats and two Republicans. Redistricting, performed every 10 years based on the federal census, is the process of drawing new congressional and state legislative district boundaries. It will be done this year based on the 2020 census. BEACON | SEE PAGE 18

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 “I filed [this] amendment to ensure that there is equal representation on the redistricting,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “This will guarantee that the redistricting process is a fair, bipartisan effort.” Amendment opponents noted that the new rules already double the current number of minority party members on the committee from one to two. They said going further than that is not necessary and noted that all Senate committees have more majority members than minority members. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No 72 HOURS NOTICE (S 10) Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would require senators to receive 72 hours notice before a bill is considered unless the threeday notice requirement is suspended by a unanimous vote, or a two-thirds vote in the event of an emergency. Current law only requires 24 hours notice and can be suspended for both an emergency and non-emergency by a twothirds vote. “We must be given sufficient time to review matters presented for consideration, to reach out and feel the pulse of our communities, to ascertain how proposed legislation may affect those we represent, to hear the concerns and reconcile them with the support,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen). “This amendment would increase transparency of the actions of the Senate and further better the performance of our jobs.” Amendment opponents said the one-day notice has worked well and the Senate leadership often gives members more than 24 hours to read the bills. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring the 72-hour notice. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No GIVE TWO MORE DAYS TO READ BUDGET (S 10) Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would increase from five to seven the number of days senators and the public would be given to read the state budget before the Senate votes on it. The Senate version of the state’s fiscal 2021 state budget was 331 pages long and had a price tag of $46 billion. Amendment supporters said this would simply give members and the public an additional two days to read, digest, understand and draft amendments to the most important bill the Legislature considers annually. Amendment opponents said the five-day period is sufficient and has worked well. They noted that the additional two days would tie the hands of the Ways and Means Committee and prevent quick action when it is needed as it was with the most recent budget that was delayed for months because of the COVID pandemic. (A “Yes” vote is for the seven days. A “No” vote is against the seven days.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of February 8-12, the House met for a total of 41 minutes while the Senate met for a total of six hours and 28 minutes. Mon. February 8 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Senate 11:13 a.m. to 11:16 a.m. Tues. February 9 No House session Wed. February 10 No House session No Senate session No Senate session Thurs. February 11 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:21 a.m. Senate 12:16 p.m. to 6:41 p.m. Fri. February 12 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 Blackett, Geoffrey Dasilva, Robson Crowe, Joanne E White, Kenneth M Lawton Marlene R Est Lawton, Raymond F SELLER2 ADDRESS 56 Cleveland Ave 18 Crescent Ave CITY Saugus Saugus DATE 28.01.2021 26.01.2021 PRICE $440 000,00 $440 000,00

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President A chill is in the air but Everett house prices are still Hot. Call today to learn the value of your home! WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING BY SANDY UNDER AGREEMENT! SINGLE FAMILY UNDER AGREEMENT! 40 EASTERN AVE., REVERE $464,888 LISTED BY SANDY 3 BEDROOM SINGLE 158 GROVER ST., EVERETT $589,900 NEW LISTING BY NORMA SOLD! TWO FAMILY 45-47 SYCAMORE ST., EVERETT $724,900 NEW LISTING BY MARIA UNDER AGREEMENT! TWO FAMILY 141 GARLAND ST., EVERETT $925,000 CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS: 617-448-0854 LISTED BY ROSEMARIE NEW COMMERCIAL LISTING SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,300,000 CHELSEA RENTAL 3 BEDROOMS, 2ND FLOOR AVAILABLE NOW PLEASE CALL MARIA FOR DETAILS 781-808-6877 EVERETT RENTAL 2 BEDROOMS MOVE IN CONDITION COMMERCIAL BUILDING 14,000 SQ FT LOT SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,700,000 PLEASE CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS 617-590-9143 SOLD! 17 EVELYN RD., EVERETT $519,900 SOLD! 25 HAWKES ST., SAUGUS NEW PRICE! $434,900 LISTED BY NORMA Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 Open Daily From 10:0 Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate :0 00 AM 5:00 PM www.jrs-properties.com Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! LITTLEFIELD REAL ESTATE SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial. New windows, siding, new kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances, new cabinets. New hardwood flooring throughout house. New heat. Central AC. New maintenance free deck..........$570,000 SAUGUS ~ Desirable 2 family. Each unit has 2 beds, updated kitchens and baths, vinyl siding, in-unit laundry, rear decks .......$499,000 SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial, 4-5 bedroom, 2 full baths, gas heat, central AC, new siding, new roof, hardwood flooring, fresh paint, new kitchen with SS appliances quartz counters ...............$559,900 38 Main Street, Saugus MA WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM 781-233-1401 SAUGUS ~ Raised ranch, 3 bed, 3 bath, gas heat, central AC, garage under, great location, master bedroom with master bath and walk in closet, finished lower level for the extended family......... $579,900 Call Rhonda Combe For all your SAUGUS ~ 4 bed, 3 bath colonial. Spacious kitchen, SS appliances, Oversized one car garage, irrigation, gas heat enclosed porch, centralVac, finished lower level ... $569,900 real estate needs!! 781-706-0842 SAUGUS ~ 3 bed, 1.5 bath colonial. Open concept 1st floor, 2 car garage, newer gas heat, roof and HW heater, prof landscaping....$439,900 REVERE ~ 2 family located in the Beachmont area, 3 beds, one bath in top unit, 2 beds, one bath lower unit.....................................$639,000 LAND FOR SALE WILMINGTON ~ Colonial featuring 4 beds and 2 full baths, great dead end location, central AC, hardwood flooring, finished lower level..$534,900 SAUGUS ~ 3 bed ranch, open concept, stainless appliances, private dead end street, newer gas heat, hardwood flooring, 10k lot, garage ..............$435,000 LYNN ~ New construction. 3400 sq feet, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, gas heat, central AC, hardwood flooring, walking closet, great cul de sac location, garage under........... $879,999 SAUGUS Call Rhonda Combe at 781-706-0842 for details!! SOLD SOLD UNDER CONTRACT SOLD

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