SAUGUS Vol. 23, No. 42 -FREEThe Advocate–A Household Word in Saugus! OCATC E DOCAT www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree has declared the modFirst Congregational Church member Marilyn Panico embraced a snowfl ake, baby pumpkin last Saturday (Oct. 10) after the long-awaited arrival of pumpkins. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be available for sale on the church lawn, every day through Halloween (Oct. 31). See page 6 for story and photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) One letter makes a difference ifi cation of school and municipal buildings so they are “pandemic proof” as his top priority. Crabtree told selectmen at Tuesday (Oct. 13) night’s meeting that the project – which he hopes to complete by year’s end – could cost up to $2.5 million and involves about a dozen town buildings. What began as a discussion on goals and objectives of the Board of Selectmen turned quickly into Crabtree briefing the board on “modifi cations to TE Friday, October 16, 2020 Pumpkin Patch Time $2.5 million That’s what Crabtree estimates it could cost Saugus to make school and municipal buildings “pandemic proof” By Mark E. Vogler deal with COVID-19 and make it safe for the community.” Crabtree told selectmen that his administration already has some “performance specifications” and is developing “a rapid response for COVID-19 and updating the buildings with HVAC [Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning] systems” so that they are safe for Town of Saugus employees, Saugus residents and others to enter. But how soon Saugus Town Hall and Saugus Public Schools can fully reopen is another matter. Crabtree hinted at Tuesday $2.5 MILLION | SEE PAGE 9 Options to consider Ballard School Study Committee fi les its report with the Town By Mark E. Vogler W This giant truck sign parked in front of First Congregational Church in Saugus Center on Wednesday (Oct. 14) is clearly a call for town residents to “defend” the Saugus Police Department. But take away the red E that was placed on top of a U, and it’s an entirely diff erent message (“DEFUND YOUR POLICE”). The provocative sign drew attention away from the annual “orange glow” of the Saugus Pumpkin Patch. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Beautiful 3 Bdrm. Ranch style home situated in a great side street location. Enjoy 1 level living in this updated home. This home features a fireplace lvrm. leading to an open concept kitchen & dnrm. w/makes for a great entertaining home. Kitchen has custom wood cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Three generous size bdrms., master bdrm. offers an oversize double closet and has its own private master bath. Gleaming hrdwd. flrs. throughout. Walk out basement is partly finished & would be great for extended family or just to have for extra living space. There are 2 driveways for plenty of off street parking and 1 car gar. under which also offers room for extra storage. Cent. air, newer roof and many more updates. Home sits on 12,590 sq. ft. level lot. Offered at $499,900 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com iht 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 f th y View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. g hatever the town decides to do with the vacant and often-unkept Ballard School property, it should be maintained, the Ballard School Study Committee recommended in its fi nal report. “The neighbors to the school made it clear that they wanted the building and grounds to be kept up, regardless of use,” the committee noted in the 10-page document it fi led yesterday (Thursday, Oct. 15) at Town Hall. “Said maintenance shall include grounds, fencing and adjacent sidewalks as well as the physical structure by establishing a specifi ed routine of monitoring and maintenance,” the report advises. That was one of four recommendations made by the fi vemember committee in a report it hopes will be accepted at the next Special or Annual Town Meeting, whichever comes fi rst. The committee also recommended that: –A budget recommendation to fund the maintenance be submitted – if necessary – to Town Meeting for considOPTIONS | SEE PAGE 8 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $1.879 MidUnleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.279 KERO $4.159 Diesel $1.959 HEATING OI 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 AD O A E Prices subject to change HAPPY FALL! Y FLEET
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