Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, January 3, 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW | from page 1 Santoro brothers reflect on four decades of running the family sub shop, which closes next month after more than 65 years as a Saugus family business along Route 1. Quick response by the Saugus Fire Department saves a Cleveland Street home from total destruction; property damage is estimated at $200,000. Caitlin Lopez’s essay wins a national grant to fund a handwriting improvement project for her kindergarten class at Oaklandvale Elementary School. Selectmen vote to reduce the speed limit on Central Street to 25 mph. Stephen “Steve” G. Rauseo, 74, dies in a freak accident when his car crashes through a garage and down an embankment at his Hammersmith Drive home; his family believes a heart attack or medical emergency caused the crash. Chief Giorgetti credits three members of the Saugus Police Department with helping to save a newborn baby boy’s life after he was born unresponsive in his parents’ minivan; a dispatcher helps the dad deliver the baby. February From Southern New Hampshire to Cape Cod, New England Patriots fans come to Saugus to get their hair cut and colored in red, white and blue at George’s Barber Shop. Interim Police Chief Ronald Giorgetti says a special traffic enforcement unit staffed by three fulltime police officers would go a long way toward improving traffic safety. Square One Mall and Wheelabrator rank first and second in 2019 property taxes in Saugus. Walkers and bicyclists at risk: emergency crews respond to 30 accidents over the past two years, Fire Department records show. Absenteeism alert: School Committee targets major changes in student attendance policy as a top priority. Sidewalk improvements: A multiyear project has replaced 7,490 feet since 2014, according to town manager. Vacant for three decades: A five-unit townhouse on Vine Street near Pennybrook Gardens apartments is still nobody’s home 30 years after it was built. Kelly’s Saugus celebrates 25 years on Route 1. State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) introduces several bills to help reduce congestion on Route 1. Saugus town officials urge residents to complain about proposed MBTA bus route changes. Fran Carlino and Alan Thibeault join the Saugus Lions Club. Selectmen approve Kane’s Donuts’s application for a license to open a shop on Route 1. The state Department of Environmental Protection gives Wheelabrator a four-month extension to answer concerns about the emission control plan it submitted last year. Brazilian national admits to skimming ATMs in several towns north of Boston, including in Saugus. Saugus Snow Angels: Volunteers offer to shovel driveways and sidewalks for snowbound seniors and the disabled. Revere and Saugus collaborate on Route 1 and Route 99 improvements as the Everett casino nears completion. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree wants the town to benefit from the Everett casino set to open in June; he seeks a $50,000 grant “to undertake some marketing and to spread some awareness” about a video he said the town government would make highlighting Saugus attractions and hospitality options. Half a century of hometown drama: The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) opens the second half of its 50th anniversary season; TCS President Amanda Allen discusses the group and its history. March The state Department of Transportation denies the town’s request to reduce the speed limit to 25 mph on three major town roads – proper documentation and data lacking; the town government needs A CLEAN SWEEP: Saugus voters elected a brand-new School Committee to replace the one that eliminated the jobs of 21 school custodians. Pictured from left to right are Joseph “Dennis” Gould, Thomas Whittredge, former School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski, Ryan Fischer and former School Committee Member John Hatch. (Saugus Advocate file photos by Mark E. Vogler) to conduct speed studies, the state says. Officials say the failure of electrical wiring in an attic caused a two-alarm blaze on Bennett Avenue with an estimated $200,000 in property damage. Grown-ups love the pinewood derby, too. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree says getting money to fund a new unit staffed by three police officers is a top priority in the town budget he is recommending for the 2020 fiscal year that beROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. faces the challenge of correcting a host of deficiencies found by the “District Review Report” and turning around MCAS scores at two different schools. gins July 1. The town manager and chief of police announce the appointment of new Police Officers Jenna Loverme and Vince Johnston. World Series Park looks forward to its 15th season this year. State Representative Donald Wong withdraws his support from proposed legislation that would ban children in the seventh grade or lower from playing tackle football; Wong says he was unaware of the civil fines being part of the bill and opposes them. The selectmen say lower speed limits will have to wait until a consultant completes a town-wide study. Saugus and Lynn Area Chambers of Commerce boards consolidate as one. The state Seaport Economic Council awards Saugus an additional $1 million for the final design and construction of the first phase of the Ballard Street RiverWalk, a local development project along the river aimed at providing direct access to the waterfront and economic opportunities in the area. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is having problems hiring replacements for two key Planning and Development Department jobs. A Vietnam War Era veteran dedicates his birthday present to the Veterans Relief Fund. Saugus Police and Fire Department officials help Oaklandvale Elementary School celebrate Dr. Seuss and “Read Across America Day.” Town Manager Crabtree makes public safety the top priority in the budget he has crafted for the 2020 fiscal year, which begins July 1; he includes funds for three new police officers and two new firefighters. The Police Department’s beloved German Shepherd dog, “K9 Bruin,” gets an emotional public tribute during his final ride through the streets of Saugus before being taken to the vet to be put to sleep. Former Saugus Health Director Frank Giacalone returns to Saugus for temporary, part-time duty as the town government seeks to fill the health director’s vacancy. Lawyers for the development of a proposed residential and commercial project located on Central Street claim approval of its site plan on a technicality because the Planning Board failed to file paperwork on time, but the town’s special counsel disputes the claim. Four Precinct 3 Town Meeting members elect Saugus Youth & Recreation Director Gregory Nickolas to fill a vacant seat created by the departure of member Steven W. Murphy, who resigned after moving out of town with nine months remaining to his two-year term. Local concerns about Airbnbs prompt Town Manager Crabtree to call for a special Town Meeting next month. Selectmen celebrate 25 Saugus Pop Warner players as All-American Scholar Athletes. Saugus native Kristin Kelly receives a gubernatorial appointment to the Massachusetts Fire Safety Commission’s Automatic Sprinkler Appeals Board. Saugus Police Lt. Anthony LoPresti talks about his plans to run in this year’s Boston Marathon on Patriots Day, April 15. Finance Committee member Stephen M. Horlick says he has some concerns about the possible financial impact that a proposed two-year moratorium on multifamily dwellings could have on the town’s revenues. Town Manager Crabtree calls the neglected and deteriorating playground at the center of town behind Veterans Park an eyesore. Fixing up Evans Park is YEAR IN REVIEW| SEE PAGE 11
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