Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 2020 | FROM PAGE 9 ment of Revenue rejects the selectmen’s vote of $350,000 to cover a cost overrun in the construction of a new cable TV studio. Confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 391; the town death toll is now at 18. State Rep. Donald Wong helps secure free masks for thousands in district and statewide. Saugus High School Class of 2020 Valedictorian Matthew Lanney discusses a possible parade-style graduation and the legacy of the seniors who endure the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 cases increase to 432; the town death toll is now at 23. Saugus’s Julia Harrington achieves Salutatorian honors – second highest ranking student – among 340 seniors graduating from Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School. Nick Finnie of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 launches a public service project for his Eagle Scout badge – documenting the names of everyone buried in the town’s two cemeteries. The Friends of Breakheart Reservation Board chair says the beach isn’t prepared for governor’s reopening because there are no lifeguards, no bathroom facilities with handwashing, and no supervision. Saugus High School Class of 2020 Salutatorian Ronnie DiBiasio credits his two older sisters for helping to inspire his scholastic success as the second top student of this year’s class. The Selectmen give Apex Entertainment the green light to locate at Square One Mall. Confirmed Saugus COVID-19 cases increase to 480; the death toll rises to 27. Linda and Robert Patenaude each receive a Medal of Liberty honoring their uncles who were killed in action during World War II. Two veterans in the real estate business say they have seen a lot of changes in the way people buy and sell houses since the outbreak of the virus. Confirmed Saugus COVID-19 cases surpass 500; the death toll is now at 28. Six Route 1 eateries seek temporary modifications of outdoor seating and entertainment from the selectmen. LED Street Light conversion is underway. Saugus police respond to a bird call as a wild turkey in flight crashes through a closed bedroom window. Saugus remembers its fallen heroes in a nontraditional Memorial Day ceremony shaped by COVID-19 in Riverside Cemetery. June Erin Bradley, operator of Peas in a Pod nursery school, fears that the state’s response to COVID-19 will cripple the childcare business. Saugus’s Ashley Firth discusses her nursing duties at Mass General Hospital, caring for COVID-19 patients; she has been hailed as a hometown hero for putting her health at risk. Confirmed COVID-19 cases reach 526 with the death toll at 30. Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Riley proposes creation of an Emergency Relief Fund that would help Saugus residents during desperate times, like the COVID-19 pandemic. A rolling rally organized with COVID-19 precautions in mind honors nine students as Unsung Heroes for their academic achievements. With the start of Phase 2 of Gov. Baker’s Reopening Plan, town restaurants are taking their businesses outside. Confirmed COVID-19 cases increase to 545; the death toll is now at 31. The Selectmen hope for better days by approving an S-2 permit for an unpopular auto repair business on Hamilton Street; the deal hinges on ownership transfer for Saugus Auto Repair, Inc. The Saugus High Class of 2020 turns its cancelled graduation night into a parade of memories for students and faculty. Saugonians continue to partner with Whitsons to feed needy families. The Selectmen set a date for Town Meeting – eight weeks late and with an abbreviated warrant restricted to financial articles. Staff Sgt. Wesley Santos credits COVID-19 for helping National Guard recruitment efforts. With confirmed cases at 553, the town has the 21st highest COVID-19 rate in the state. Front Door Pickup is coming to the Saugus Public Library. The Selectmen approve more outdoor seating for Saugus restaurants. A Veterans housing project planned for the former Amato’s Liquor Store property on Lincoln Avenue draws heavy criticism from neighbors and Precinct 10 Town Meeting members. Counter-protestors and protestors unite during ongoing demonstrations in Saugus Center to support police and against racial injustice. Town Manager Crabtree names Saugus Police Lt. Michael Ricciardelli to take charge as the new police chief. Local veterans lead the charge against a veterans housing project proposed for Lincoln Avenue. Sophia Ponte is named the recipient of a SAVE 2020 Environmental Scholarship. COVID-19 cases increase to 556; the death toll is at 36. Saugus’s Ginnie Rooney, also known as “Ninja Nana,” seeks a black belt in Karate for her 80th birthday. Kowloon Restaurant prepares to open a new Car Hop and Drivein, featuring a 22-foot-high-by40-foot-wide movie screen in the restaurant’s parking lot. July Town Meeting Members take unprecedented safety precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19 as they pass a new “REALLY, TOM?”: The electric sign in front of Prince Pizzeria let everyone know that management wasn’t happy about the departure of New England Patriots star quarterback Tom Brady to Tampa Bay. fiscal year budget. The state reports no new confirmed Saugus COVID-19 cases as the town passes the third consecutive week with fewer than 10 new cases reported; the total remains at 556 cases and 36 deaths; but the town still has the 21st highest COVID-19 rate in the state. Saugus Cable TV gets money to complete a studio, but with audit provisions approved by Town Meeting. Longtime Lincoln Avenue residents Karen and John Coburn say a proposed veterans housing project will worsen neighborhood drainage problems. A Foundation Trust grant allows for 34 trees. The Town finally hires a full-time health director after an 18-month search to fill the position; Stoneham Health Agent John Fralick III accepts the position, receiving high praise from the town manager. Four financial articles receive favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Saugus TV Program Manager Rachel Brugman discusses future cooking shows and other plans for the new cable TV office and studio. Town officials mourn the loss of longtime local government participant Stephen M. Horlick. State Rep. Donald Wong announces $625,257 in road and bridge funding for Saugus. The state reports just one new confirmed COVID-19 case, raising the total to 557; but the town still has the 22nd highest COVID-19 rate in the state. “Retired” Saugus Police Officer Nichols gets the green light again from Town Meeting to seek legislative approval to extend his career from age 65 to 70. A legal opinion surfaces at the Conservation Commission that says a veterans housing project isn’t covered by the Dover Amendment. A 57-year-old Saugus woman is accused of animal cruelty after the State Police respond to a Revere Beach bathhouse where firefighters were attempting to resuscitate a Chihuahua. As he anticipates turning 100, US Navy veteran Maurice DiBlasi still likes to discuss surviving a torpedo attack in World War II. Four patrolmen begin their careers at the Saugus Police Department. The Coronavirus appears to be leveling off in Saugus as five new cases increase the overall total to 562. Brighter days are ahead at Kasabuski Rink as selectmen and town manager announce termination of the lease and sublease agreement; the state will regain the rink operation and invest up to $4 million. The Saugus Advocate begins “Guess Who Got Sketched?” – a new feature where a local artist goes out and mingles with townsfolk and sketches them. Readers are asked to identify the sketch for a small prize. Town Meeting members vote to rename the town’s Department of Public Works Building after the late Joseph Attubato, a long-time Town Meeting member who served half a century as a town employee – 28 years as the DPW Chief. During a Special Town Meeting, members also vote to reactivate a plan to locate a new Saugus Fire Station on the west side of Route 1 and initiate a plan to seek relief from flooding and take steps to address flooding. Roller World owner Jerry Breen warns illegal dumpers to come back and retrieve the trash they tossed behind his building – or risk prosecution. World War II veteran Maurice DiBlasi receives a surprise birthday celebration outside his home after turning 100: State Rep. Donald Wong is among a small group of well-wishers and he presents a special legislative citation to the Navy veteran, who survived a torpedo attack on his ship. Saugus High Senior Class President Kiley Ronan says she hopes the Class of 2020 “is remembered for their perseverance.” COVID-19 cancels the Merchants Celebration in Cliftondale. Armen Missakiane and Moisey Brailovskiy of A.M. Detail, Inc. of Saugus present a restored and remodeled 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 – which they made into an old-fashioned police cruiser – as a gift for the town: Saugus Police Car 66. Saugus residents turn out to show their support for police officers and President Trump. Confirmed COVID-19 cases increase to 566 and its death toll to 38; this marks the sixth consecutive week that there were fewer than 10 new cases reported. The School Committee approves the superintendent’s recommendations for a “hybrid” learning model when classes resume. Saugus High School graduate Michelle Lee Barowski crosses the stage at Stackpole Field with her five-year-old son in her arms as she receives her diploma at the school’s 149th Commencement Exercises; 155 students wearing masks graduate. Saugus’s new Director of Public Health, John Fralick, discusses key legacies of his life and career. The Planning Department is back at full strength as the Town of Saugus hires Christopher Reilly as the new director of planning and economic development, filling a crucial position which had been vacant for 33 months. Confirmed COVID-19 cases increase to 579 while the death toll remains at 38. August An electrical short causes Wheelabrator to lose power and creates smoke nuisance. Saugus’s new Director of Planning & Economic Development Reilly declares “getting the Route 1 thing right” is his top challenge. The House passes a bill that would authorize local retired Officer Nichols to return to the police force. Two dozen new confirmed COVID-19 cases raises the total to 603; the death toll remains at 38. Three Saugus police officers are stabbed while investigating a report of a stolen U-Haul. Town Manager touts the hiring of new Facilities Engineer Godfred Mbengam as key to operating the new Saugus Middle-High School. Mbengam discusses his role in making sure the new school and other town buildings run efficiently. Longtime Saugus Building Inspector Fred Varone passes at 81. Confirmed Coronavirus cases in Saugus rise to 616; the death toll remains at 38. The Conservation Commission opens a public hearing on the proposed Ballard Street RiverWalk project. The state’s designation of the town as “high risk” or “red” for COVID-19 casts uncertainty over reopening of the Town of Saugus and school buildings. Lewis Lane home owner Tisha Borseti says it’s time for the town to spruce up East Saugus. Crabtree hires John Hume as the new assistant DPW chief. Young vandals damage World Series Park. 2020 | SEE PAGE 15
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