SAUGUS Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 28, No.3 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday A MEMORABLE DRAWING 781-233-4446 Friday, January 23, 2026 Election 2026: Lynn Inspectional Division Director Zosia VanMeter is the second Democrat to declare her candidacy for state Rep. Donald Wong’s 9th Essex District House seat By Mark E. Vogler Z osia VanMeter, Lynn’s Inspectional Division Director, recently became the second Democrat from that city to officially declare her candidacy for the 9th Essex District House seat that state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) has comfortably held since 2011. VanMeter, a 39-year-old immigrant from the Philippines who has lived most of her life on the North Shore, hopes to oust Wong, who will seek his ninth twoyear term in the Nov. 3 state election. But, first, she must prevail in the Sept. 1 Democratic Primary over Lynn Ward Fiorella Moreira, a third grader at Belmonte STEAM Academy, displayed the holiday card that state Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) sent out last month based on her award-winning drawing in the senator’s annual holiday card contest. Crighton (right) showed up at Jennifer Nicolo’s class last week to treat Fiorella and her fellow students to a pizza party and a question-and-answer period. Please see inside for more photos and the story. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS - 1st AD - Sought-after Sprawling Ranch boasting 8 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, eat-in kitchen with ceramic tile floor w/slider to heated breezeway, dining room open to large living room with gas fireplace – great for entertaining! Finished lower level with newer ct flooring and fireplace. Central air w/newer condenser, new hot water, new walkways and patio, 1 car garage with newer door, large, level lot, located in desirable Lynn Fells neighborhood, close to everything! MINT-move right in! Offered at $799,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com One Councilor Pete Meaney, who won his second two-year term last November. VanMeter, who has worked the last four and a half years in Lynn city government, including the last three years as acting and later permanent director of the Inspectional Division, told The Saugus Advocate this week that she decided to run for the State House last fall because she didn’t like the way constituents of the 9th Essex House District were being represented. “I think the current representation we get from Donald Wong is nonexistent and nonresponsive,” VanMeter said in an interview. ELECTION 2026 | SEE PAGE 2 ELECTION 2026 A POTENTIAL WONG CHALLENGER: Lynn’s Inspectional Division Director, Zosia VanMeter, announced that she will run for the 9th Essex District House seat as a Democratic candidate in the fall election. (Courtesy photo to the Saugus Advocate) Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 2.64 3.24 3.35 $3.37 Full Service ULS $3.259 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 ELECTION 2026 | FROM PAGE 1 “His attention to performative politics rather than working to get substantive results doesn’t fit well with me. The people of the 9th District deserve better than that. I felt compelled to become part of what fixes this,” she said. “The biggest issue that I want to focus on is affordability – something that affects everyone around the district in Lynn, Saugus and Wakefield – affordability, especially with the housing crisis. My daughter is 19 and she can’t afford an apartment. It’s about helping young adults. It’s also about helping our older residents,” she said. VanMeter said she believes the concept of affordability clashes with what Wong’s family is attempting to do with the Kowloon Restaurant property – “developing it into luxury apartments, which is in opposition to the housing needs of constituents, while contributing to the overdevelopment of Route 1.” Future policies affecting WIN Waste Innovations’ trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 in Saugus and its adjacent ash landfill are of great conTHE ASPIRING CANDIDATE: Lynn’s Inspectional Division Director, Zosia VanMeter, in the early stages of her campaign to take over state Rep. Donald Wong’s (R-Saugus) 9th Essex District House seat. (Courtesy photo of Ferns Francois) Valentine's Special SAVE OVER $100!!! Buy three colors or highlights and get the 4th FREE! Includes cut and blow dry Located inside of Clickers Hair Salon 960 Broadway, Revere ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS! CALL 857-310-7872 Payments accepted: card, cash, venmo Offer expires to Jan. 14, 2026 Over 30 years experience cern to the 9th Essex House District. But VanMeter said she doesn’t think that Wong is representing his constituents well on that issue. She said she opposes farther expansion of the ash landfill and wants to see it closed when it reaches its capacity. “I support and will continue to support policy changes and legislation to bring the Wheelabrator plant in line with current compliance,” she said. She advocates creating a committee of stakeholders who are well-versed to talk about issues related to the plant. “I don’t know what the ideal solution is,” VanMeter said. “It’s going to take a lot of conversation and a lot of planA FAMILY EVENT: Zosia VanMeter with her husband, Jacob VanMeter, and their daughter, Laura, at her 2025 graduation from Lynn English High School. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ning. This would be a big undertaking – something that would need to be done in phases,” she said. She considers Lynn her hometown VanMeter was born in the Philippines in 1986. She was adopted and later moved to the United States when she was about two years old. “I settled down in Lynn and consider it my hometown,” said VanMeter, a 2004 graduate of Lynn English High School. VanMeter graduated from North Shore Community College in August 2022 with an associate’s degree in liberal arts. She has been working on her bachelor’s degree at Salem State University, in Political Science with a concentration in American Government, Law and Policy. She moved to other parts of the North Shore, living in Beverly for one year and in Danvers for five years. But she moved back to Lynn, where she became very involved in the community through her volunteer work and work with nonprofit organizations. VanMeter has a 19-year-old daughter, Laura, from her first marriage. She graduated last year from Lynn English High School and is currently a student at UMass Lowell. VanMeter is married to Jacob VanMeter, a real estate agent with The Drumlin Group of Salem. On her campaign website (https://www.electzvm.com/ meet-zosia), VanMeter recalls growing up on the North Shore in a poor family. “We were dependent upon the generosity of neighbors and charities at the start of every school year, needed oil assistance every winter, and my summers were spent at my mother’s hair salon rather than on playdates or camping trips,” she recalled. “For my entire young childI saw the struggles hood, of a single mother, up close and personal, doing her best to hold her family together with scarred hands and tired eyes; and when my daughter ELECTION 2026 | SEE PAGE 3
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 3 Saugus cheerleaders excelled on the two Northeast Elite teams that competed in national competition in Florida By Charlene Berridge T he Northeast Elite teams are selected from the Northeast Commonwealth Youth Football & Cheerleading league, with tryouts open to athletes from 16 cities and towns. Coaches for the elite teams also represent multiple communities across the league. Both teams had strong national performances in the American Youth Cheer Championship in Florida. The U14 Elite team finished third in the nation, and the U12 Elite team finished in second reached school age, I knew I wanted a better childhood for her and children like her,” she said. “And that’s why community matters – it’s not just where we live, but it’s where we make memories and the people we make them with. It’s where we place in the nation. In addition to competing for their home teams, these athletes took on the added commitment of participating on the elite teams throughout the season. Two Saugus coaches were also selected to coach at the elite level, with Brooke Brennan serving as head coach for the U12 Elite team and Charlene Berridge as assistant coach. As both a mom and a coach, it was truly amazing to watch these athletes cheer one another on the sideline as competitors and then come together as ELECTION 2026 | FROM PAGE 2 should feel safe and supported so that no child worries about their next meal and no adult feels like an island. I have spent the past decade working with nonprofits and other groups in the North Shore area to make that vision a reality – from Here are the nine Saugus athletes who earned spots on this year’s two Northeast Elite teams. This photo was taken after their tryout and when they learned they made the teams. The U12 Elite (in the 10 to 12 age bracket) includes Elizabeth Silipigni, Eva Colaianni, Avaleigh Kohr and Evelyn Lauziere. The U14 Elite (in the 12 to 14 age bracket) includes Holly Berridge, Aryanna DiPietro, Stella Bulla, Sadi Bulla and Sophia Alexandre. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) teammates. At the local competitions, hearing the roar of the crowd and the entire gymnasium cheer on athletes from all communities was incredibly uniting. bringing safe, fun community events for families to enjoy; to providing winter jackets to those with the most need; to delivering meals to homebound seniors; to running confidence-building workshops for women in recovery; and so ELECTION 2026 | SEE PAGE 5 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 For safety’s sake Town sets e-bike and scooter forum for Feb. 5 By Mark E. Vogler T he collaboration of town officials on ways to protect the public from the potential dangers of e-bikes and motorized scooters on the bike trail and on streets throughout town has resulted in a public forum planned for 7 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the second-floor auditorium at Town Hall. “It’s really been a team effort to bring this to our community,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said at last week’s (Jan. 13) selectmen’s meeting. “We’ve all heard loud and clear that e-bikes and scooters are a problem in our town and we want to be proactive and try to bring education to If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available everyone,” she said. Panetta praised Saugus Police Chief Michael Riccardelli for taking an active role in ongoing discussions with town officials in coming up with ways to improve safety. Saugus Middle High School Principal Carla Scuzzarella has also been involved in the discussions and is expected to participate in the forum along with School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini, who has been involved in efforts to coordinate a wide range of town and local officials for the forum, said he recently received confirmation from all three members of the state legislative delegation – state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus), State Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) and state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) – that they will be attending next month’s forum. “I look forward to getting a status update on the legislation [affecting e-bikes],” Cicolini said. “This is the perfect time to try to address this, obviously, because once the spring hits, that’s when the bikes will be back on the road again,” he said. “Anything we can do beforehand would be great,” he said. Cicolini commended the efforts of Town Meeting members to contribute to the discussion, particularly Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Mark Bell. He also mentioned the efforts of Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso Sr. to set up barriers to slow down e-bikes and other vehicles approaching street crossings along the rail trail. “There are a lot of options for us to consider,” Cicolini said. Bishop Fenwick High honors Saugus student I sabella Santoro, a sophomore student at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, was recently honored with the Fenwick First Award for her contributions to the school community. Fenwick First is an award recognizing those in the Fenwick community who go “above and beyond.” “Bishop Fenwick High School is delighted to recognize Isabella Santoro, Class of 2028, of Saugus, as a recipient of this week’s Fenwick FIRST award,” the school said in a statement this week. “A graduate of East Boston Central Catholic School, Santoro exemplifies the core values that define the Bishop Fenwick community: Faith, Integrity, Relationship, Scholarship, and Tradition.” The following is part of her nomination: “Isabella shows integrity by putting in her sincere, best effort in everything she does – in the classroom, on the field, or on stage. “She exemplifies tradition Isabella Santoro was recently named the recipient of the school’s Fenwick First Award. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) through her well-roundedness. She is a member of the softball and mock trial teams, she sings in the chorus, and she performed beautifully and courageously at Fenwick Follies.”
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 5 A Winning Holiday Card A third-grader’s drawing gets the senator’s attention and leads to a pizza party at Belmonte STEAM Academy F iorella Moreira had to be the most popular third-grader at Belmonte STEAM Academy last week – at least among the students in Jennifer Nicolo’s third-grade class. Mrs. Nicolo’s class was one of many throughout the area participating in state Sen. Brendan P. Crighton’s (D-Lynn) annual holiday card contest, and Fiorella’s drawing wound up winning. Crighton made it the cover of his holiday card, which went out to more than 1,000 recipients. Last week (Jan. 13), the senator rewarded the student by throwing a pizza party in her classroom. “Students were able to have a question and answer session with him as well,” Mrs. Nicolo said. “A A PRIZE-WINNING PIZZA PARTY: State Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) and students in Jennifer Nicolo’s thirdgrade class at Belmonte Middle School celebrated the winning entry in Crighton’s annual holiday card contest. Fiorella Moreira’s drawing was judged “the best.” (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) great day for all!” The senator has been hostELECTION 2026 | FROM PAGE 3 much more.” A commitment to community engagement Volunteerism with various organizations for a number of causes has been an integral part of VanMeter’s adult life. “What separates me from my opponents is the amount of community engagement that I do,” VanMeter said. “I sit on three nonprofit boards. Community service work is important. Every other Thursday, I take lunch break at a sober home to conduct a workplace readiness program for women in recovery. On Thursdays, I do literacy tutoring at Girls, Inc. Outside of that, food security is a big issue for me,” she said. VanMeter and her daughter have a longstanding tradition of either delivering food or ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. Celebrate 135 years of strength & commitment to our community with a special 135-day CD offer. LIMITED-TIME OFFER: 4.00% APY* 135-Day CD *New money only. $250,000 maximum deposit. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. A minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF ing the special holiday contest for several years. serving food on Thanksgiving. “This is something we’ve been doing for nearly two decades. I want to instill in my daughter a sense of community responsibility,” she said. A “people-driven” campaign Since organizing last September, VanMeter has been running a low-budget campaign compared to her oppoELECTION 2026 | SEE PAGE МС THE WINNING CARD: State Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) chose this as the cover for a holiday card he sent out to more than 1,000 people last month. Fiorella Moreira, a third-grader at Belmonte STEAM Academy, designed the card, and her drawing won Crighton’s annual contest. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) 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 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 ~ Saugus Winter Sports Roundup: learning curves, league tests and signs of traction ~ By Dom Nicastro becomes,” she said. A s January grinds on and league play tightens, Saugus High School winter teams are getting a clearer sense of who they are — and what still needs to travel when the competition ramps up. The Sachems are being tested by some of the strongest programs in the Northeastern Conference and beyond while progress shows up in effort, defensive identity and flashes of confidence that hint at what’s still possible in the second half of the season. GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: EXECUTION GAPS, GROWTH MOMENTS AGAINST DIVISION 2 CONTENDERS Saugus girls’ basketball faced a challenging stretch last week, dropping games to Masconomet (47-32) and Arlington Catholic (60-29), two of the tougher Division 2 matchups on the schedule. The losses pushed the Sachems further into the midseason grind at 3-6, but Head Coach Taylor Bogdanski saw encouraging signs beneath the final scores. “I feel like our defense was good,” Bogdanski said. “I feel like they just hit shots, and we just didn’t. I think that’s really what it came down to — shot percentage and accuracy.” Against Arlington Catholic, Bogdanski said, the game plan was sound, even as the shots refused to fall. “Great looks too,” she said. “They just weren’t falling.” Saugus sophomore John Morello earned player of the game honors with four points against Everett last week. (Advocate photo by Emily Harney) Rather than focusing solely on the scoreboard, Bogdanski said, her emphasis was on execution, adaptability and effort — especially against high-level opponents. “What I care about most was if they were adjusting,” she said. “Are you playing defense? Are you being a presence? Are we running the offensive plays that we have and getting good looks? I was looking for the execution of doing what we know best.” Bogdanski credited Arlington Catholic’s ability to make difficult shots despite strong defensive pressure. “They killed us on their 3-point shots,” she said. “We were right there in their face. Sometimes you’ve got to give credit where credit’s due.” The Masconomet loss came under Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee difficult circumstances, with several players battling illness. “A lot of our girls were sick and not feeling well,” Bogdanski said. “Masco broke us down. Really good offensively. They hit the gaps that we were leaving open.” Offensively, Peyton DiBiasio and Katie Hashem led Saugus in both losses, while Natalie Justice made her presence felt. “Natalie Justice played a huge presence inside the paint for us against Arlington Catholic defensively,” Bogdanski said. As the Sachems approach a pivotal week against Salem, Beverly and Manchester Essex, Bogdanski has been direct with her team about what’s at stake. “This is a huge week for us,” she said. “It really could go in our favor if we show up.” A major part of that preparation has come in practice, where Bogdanski and assistant coach Emma Found — a former Worcester State player and All-Conference standout at Matignon — have been jumping into drills themselves. Bogdanski had a fine playing career at Endicott College. “Sometimes her and I will throw ourselves in there and play with them,” Bogdanski said. “We’ll get in their faces and make them work.” Bogdanski’s message remains consistent. “The harder you play defense, the better our offense BOYS’ BASKETBALL: DEFENSE HOLDING, OFFENSE STILL CATCHING UP Saugus boys’ basketball continued its run through one of the NEC’s toughest stretches, falling 68-35 to Masconomet, a top 10 Division 2 team, while showing signs of progress in competitiveness and defensive structure. Huey Josama led the Sachems with 10 points, while Ryan Shea added nine. Despite the margin, Head Coach Joe Bertrand said his team remained engaged early. “We competed with them,” Bertrand said. “We were down six at the end of the first quarter. We kept them under 30 points in the first half.” Scoring consistency remains the primary hurdle. “It’s the same story with us right now,” Bertrand said. “We kind of struggled to score. I think part of it is turning the ball over a lot, so we’re just getting less opportunities to actually shoot.” Bertrand pointed again to defense as a stabilizing force as Saugus works through a brutal stretch that includes Masconomet, Salem and Beverly. “Our defense is playing really well,” he said. “Kids are working hard.” Despite the losses, Bertrand believes these matchups are laying the foundation for the stretch run. “This Masco game and then these games this week are just going to get us ready for that second half of the season,” he said. BOYS’ HOCKEY: OFFENSIVE DEPTH SHOWS, CONSISTENCY REMAINS THE FOCUS The Saugus/Peabody/Swampscott boys hockey co-op split a pair of games, rolling to a 9-1 win over Everett/Revere after dropping a tightly contested 4-2 decision to Masconomet. In the win over Everett/Revere, Saugus sophomore John Morello earned player of the game honors with four points, while Saugus junior Artie O’Leary added three. Peabody senior goalie Evan Tybinkowski made 25 saves. “I think we tried to roll everyone right from the start,” Head Coach Donnie Shaw said. “When we decided that we were going to take complete control of the game, we were very dominant.” ROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 13
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 7 Why Saugus-Peabody wrestling keeps winning — and why it’s no accident By Dom Nicastro W ant to talk about growth? Look no further than the Saugus-Peabody wrestling team. In the COVID-19 season (shortened season), they were 3-5 in their first year as a cooperative program. The first full season? 11-10. Then 12-9. That brings us to the last two seasons: 17-4 and finally 23-1 last season. This season? 12-0 start. That’s 52-5 the last three seasons if you’re counting. Growth is still there, if even that’s possible with such a successful program. The team is off to another great season and has three 100-win wrestlers: Jackson Deleidi and Mike Maraio of Peabody and Justin Bremberg of Saugus. The Saugus Advocate caught up for a Q&A with Saugus-Peabody coach Wayne Moda: Advocate: 12-0. What a start. Or a continuation, really, of the success from recent seasons. What makes this team able to be so consistent? Moda: A good foundation. When I took this job in 2021, I had 14 wrestlers and no assistant coaches. It was important to build a wrestling culture, which neither town had. Recruiting in the offseason and key factors to bringing together two schools and making it work? Moda: It is a real challenge Justin Bremberg of Saugus Tucker Landry of Saugus Mike Maraio of Peabody getting kids from both schools to get an interest in the sport has been the key to building the program. It becomes easier to get new athletes when you are winning. We have been developing athletes from eighth grade and up, and at the same time we implemented a youth program and are looking forward to seeing the fruits of that labor in the next year or so. Advocate: You’ve got three 100-match winners on one team. That’s incredible. Can you tell me about what each of them contributes and what makes each special? Moda: All captains and all ranked this season in the AllState. Peabody’s Jackson Deleidi (132 pounds), Peabody’s Mike Maraio (150 pounds) and Saugus’ Justin Bremberg (157 pounds) are great captains and wrestlers. Jackson is an incredibly hard worker, always putting in the extra time after practice to get his conditioning to its peak. Mike is an amazing leader and does a great job mentoring the underclassmen and really demonstrates the fiber of our team. Justin has been with me since eighth grade and always raises the bar with his performances every season since I started coaching him. Advocate: Can you tell me about some up-and-comers whose futures look bright? Moda: Last year’s starter Tucker Landry (Saugus, 126 pounds) is now a freshman, and he is having another great season. Tucker is tough and only a freshman. He has the potential to be one of the best to come out of the program. Eighth grader Oscar Sanchez (Saugus, 144 pounds) and freshman David Miguel (Saugus, 165) have both done amazing this season in their JV debuts. With no previous wrestling experience, these guys have really taken to the sport. They pick up technique quickly, and with some off-season training, I can see both making the varsity lineup next season. Advocate: What are some big team competitions coming up? Moda: Wednesday (Jan. 21) will be a big dual against Gloucester. A win would pave the way for a NEC championship repeat. As we near the end of the season, the D2 State Duals will be a big day for us on Feb 7. We are currently ranked No. 2 in the state, so this dual meet tournament will really show us where we stand. Advocate: This co-op functions seamlessly. What are the having a co-op. From an admin standpoint, everything that has to be done, has to be done two times, for each school. Secondly, getting kids to practice from one school to another is also a big challenge. It may seem odd to have rival schools forming a co-op, but nowadays with social media, these kids are all connected differently than 20 years ago. The kids all get along, and the friendships they have made are that of true schoolmates. Setting the expectations early on is key to making the whole operation run, especially with limited staff. Myself and Assistant Coach Tom St. Cyr really need to put the team through the paces at practice, while at the same time making sure the school commitments are completed. With the help of our great managers Brooke Diaz (Saugus) and Jasmine Johnson (Peabody), we have been able to streamline the tasks so we can spend most of the time wrestling. Lastly, with strong leadership from our captains, the bar has been set and the underclassmen follow suit. Coach T.’s Saugus Cross Country Program enjoyed a successful season Special to The Advocate A group of young Saugus athletes who don’t run for a school team – though they still love to run – concluded a successful Cross Country program this past fall. 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Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener W e certainly had some significant snowfall on Monday, turning the whole town into a winter wonderland. Throughout the day, while snow continued to fall, I saw a lot of people clearing their driveways and walks. On some streets it looked as though residents were practicing their synchronized snow blowing for the upcoming winter Olympics! New Patriots’ banners and lawn flags had sprouted through the snow. The sailor on the Civil War monument confided that he is hoping to have a new jersey in a few weeks for the first time in several years! I did, of course, warn him not to speak too soon and jinx it. A thick coat of fluffy snow coated the branches of all the trees and the rooftops between Sunday night and most of the day on Monday. I woke up several times in the night to watch it fall in the glow from the streetlight, and Monday morning the landscape looked completely different than it had the previous day. In locations where the sunny afternoon caused melting, in some places it refroze to create icicles on branches and roof edges. While there were only a few small icicles on the front of the Breakheart Visitors’ Center on Monday afternoon, the back side of the building had a long continuous row of them, just a few inches long, hanging OBITUARIES Robert H. Simmons O f Saugus, formerly of Stoneham, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Monday, January 12, 2026. He was 83 years of age. Born on Sunday, October 11, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, Robert was the loving son of the late Homer Clay Simmons and Marguerite (Hurlock) Simmons. Robert was a warm, kind, loyal, gentle and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be truly missed. Robert was the beloved husband of Beatrice (Connors) Simmons. He was the devoted father of Brenda Hill and her husband ThomThis crabapple at Breakheart Reservation provides a welcome bright color as well as some winter food for the birds. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) straight down as you would expect. In contrast the wind blows the branches of a French pussywillow (Salix caprea) to-and-fro beside my house, and as a consequence the icicles there develop odd curves and unexpected shapes and even seem to hang sideways at times. In keeping with the feline theme of the shrub’s name, the icicles remind me of the fangs of a saber-tooth tiger or, perhaps, large ferocious, transparent claws! In other areas of the plant, the snow had not yet melted off the branches until nearly dusk. This is one of the first shrubs to bloom in winter, blooming as early as December and as late as March in past years. This European relative of our native pussywillow (Salix discolor) has somewhat larger buds than the local one, but they are similar in appearance. Both are wind pollinated. The seeds are also often dispersed by wind or water, so new plants may appear where no human gardener planted them. In addition to having the first blossoms of the new year, the landscape is not yet done with the fruits of the past season. When walking in Breakheart near the end of the snowfall on Monday, I noticed some goldfinches (Spinus tristis) feeding on tiny red crabapples (Malus spp.) and shaking the snow off the branches as it fed. Both male and female goldfinches have a subtle buff color in the winter, but as we get closer to their breeding season, the male goldfinches develop vivid yellow feathers. Many birds appreciate the bright red and yellow colors of various crabapple, hawthorn and other fruits that linger well into the as, Pamela DeMichaelis and her husband Kevin and Alison Brangiforte and her husband Joseph. The cherished grandfather of Jason, Kevin, Ryan, Calan, Avary and Aidan. Robert was the dear brother of the late Peggy Ann McAllister and her late husband Maurice. He was also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored him. Robert graduated from UMASS Amherst in 1964 and continued his education by receiving a Master’s Degree in Education from Salam State College. He dedicated 35 years to the Lynnfield School System from 1970 to his retirement in 2005. He served as a sixth-grade teacher, math and science coordinator, and acting principal at Summer St and Huckleberry Hill Schools. A passionate educator, he was deeply committed to inspiring curiosity and excellence in science, while also cherishing his beloved family. Throughout his career, he brought forward innovative programs and initiatives that left a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike. He also initiated the Title 1 Program and worked with students in the Star Lab. He will forever be remembered in the Lynnfield School Systems. His most memorable and enjoyAn English primrose in a pot shaped like a watering can reminds us of the colors and activities of spring even in the midst of winter. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) end of winter, in addition to the seeds they may find at feeders. If the wintry weather is not to your taste, some reminders of spring can be enjoyed indoors. While primroses are not among the most frequently seen flowers in our gardens, they appear for sale as houseplants and New Years’ gifts starting the last week of December. English primrose (Primula vulgaris) actually grows wild in many locations in Northern Europe and is hardy for our climate if the soil and moisture is to its liking. Even indoors, the reason the plants may not thrive is that they like to be kept consistently more moist than most other houseplants that are currently popular. Yellow is the most common color but they can also have pink, purple, red or white petals, and sometimes combinations of these colors able moments were spent with his wife, three daughters, and grandchildren. He especially loved sailing the waters of Granger Pond in the summer and riding snowmobile trails in the winter in Denmark Maine. Robert and his wife were responsible for tracking the loon count on Granger Pond, which promoted safety and protection for wildlife. Along with his wife, Robert was an active member with deep involvement at St John’s Episcopal Church in Saugus. His love for family was his greatest devotion. He firmly believed that family was everything and he found joy in life’s simple pleasures. Robert had a remarkable ability to see beauty in all things. A lifelong teacher both inside and outside of the classroom, Robert cherished every opportunity to teach, especially teaching life lessons to his grandchildren. His kindness, and yellow nearer the center. By hybridizing them with other primrose species, double-flowering forms have also been made available. If you have a primrose on the windowsill indoors now, you can keep it alive until the ground warms up in the spring and it can be planted outdoors in late April or May, where it may survive as a perennial for several years. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as 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. patience and humble ways will always live within us. A Funeral Mass Celebrating Robert’s Eternal Life was held on Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 at 11am in Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 8 Prospect Street, Saugus. Interment was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Lynnfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert’s memory to support Maine Audubon’s loon protection work at http:// maineaudubon.org/support/give/. Checks can be mailed to The National Audubon Society ATTN:Donations, 225 Varick St. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014. Arrangements by the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) Stoneham. For directions or to send a memorial condolence, www.barilefuneral.com or www. facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 9 Savvy Senior TRUST INCOME TAX RETURNS FOR 2025 TAX YEAR F or this upcoming tax season, whether you have previously executed a revocable trust or irrevocable trust, it is important to know the Trust income tax return filing requirements. If you have executed a revocable Trust, it will be treated as a grantor-type Trust and therefore no separate tax return will be required to be filed for the Trust. If you were to open a stock brokerage account or money market account in the name of such a trust, for example, you can have the bank or financial institution simply use your social security number for IRS 1099 reporting purposes. Upon your death as the Settlor of such a revocable Trust, the Trust would then become irrevocable and would no longer be classified as a grantor-type trust. In such an event, if the Trust generates income, whether interest, dividend, capital gain income, or net rental income from rental real estate, then a separate Trust tax return would need to be filed. Furthermore, the Trustee would have to file for a federal ID number for the Trust with the IRS. If the Trust does not distribute its income, it will have to pay taxes at the Trust level. The highest tax bracket for Trusts of 37 percent starts at only $15,650 in taxable income. Therefore, it is often more desirable to distribute the income to the income beneficiaries in order to claim an income distribution deduction provisions that would need to be included in the irrevocable Trust in order for it to be treated as a grantor-type Trust for tax purposes. Since the irrevocable Trust is drafted to be treated as a at the Trust level to zero out the Trust’s taxable income. The income will then be taxed to the income beneficiaries who actually receive the distribution on their individual income tax returns. For the 2025 calendar year, the 22 percent tax bracket for a married couple does not begin until taxable income reaches $96,950. The 37 percent tax bracket for the same couple does not begin until taxable income reaches $751,600. With a Medicaid irrevocable Trust executed for asset protection purposes, a tax return would have to be filed by the Trust under its federal ID number in the event it generates taxable income. The Trust should be drafted in such a way as to be treated as a grantor-type Trust. If this Trust is generating taxable income, there would then be a grantor letter issued to the Settlor/ Grantor/Trustor of the Trust in order for that person to report the items of income on his or her individual income tax return. There are several Trust grantor-type Trust, it does not matter if interest income, dividend income, capital gain income or net rental income is actually distributed to the Grantor. Those items of income will pass through to the Grantor of the Trust via the grantor letter and will be reported on his or her Form 1040. The Trust will not be paying the income taxes on the income it generates. Upon the death of the Settlor of the irrevocable Trust, the Trust will no longer be treated as a grantor-type Trust. Consequently, any net income generated by the Trust will be taxed at higher Trust income tax rates unless the net income is actually distributed to the income beneficiaries or remainder beneficiaries. For this upcoming tax season, be aware of the income tax rules pertaining to revocable and irrevocable Trusts when determining whether or not a tax return needs to be filed, and if so, which type of Trust income tax return. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. by Jim Miller How To Find a Quality Nursing Home for Your Loved One Dear Savvy Senior, Can you give me some tips on picking a good nursing home for my father? Since his stroke, I’ve been taking care of him at home, but he’s gotten to the point where it’s too much for me to handle. Exhausted Daughter Dear Exhausted, Choosing a nursing home for a loved one that provides quality is a very important decision that requires careful evaluation and some homework. Here are some steps you can take that can help you find a good facility and avoid a bad one. Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top nursing homes in your area including the Area Agency on Aging (call 800-6771116 or visit Eldercare.acl.gov for contact information); your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who may have had a loved one in a nursing home; and online at Medicare’s nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/ care-compare. This tool will not only help you locate nursing homes in your area, but it also provides a 5-star rating system on recent health inspections, staffing, quality of care, and overall rating. Also, keep in mind that it’s always best to choose a nursing home that’s close to family members and friends who can visit often, because residents with frequent visitors usually get better care. Call your long-term care ombudsman: This is a government official who investigates nursing home complaints and advocates for residents and their families. This person can tell you which nursing homes have had complaints or problems in the past and can help you locate a good facility. Visit LTCombudsman.org for local contact information. Contact the nursing homes: Once you’ve narrowed your search, call the nursing homes you’re interested in to verify that they can facilitate your dad’s needs. Also, find out if they have any vacancies, what they charge, and if they accept Medicaid. Tour your top choices: During your nursing home visit, notice the cleanness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Additionally, be sure to taste the food, and talk to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s also a good idea to visit several times at different times of the day and different days of the week to get a broader perspective. And be sure to find out about their staff screening and training procedures, staff-to-patient ratio, and the staff turnover rate. To help you rate your visit, Medicare offers a helpful checklist of questions to ask at Medicare.gov/ media/document/12130nursing-home-checklist508.pdf that you can print and take with you on your visit. Paying for Care With nursing home costs now averaging $324 per day nationally for a semi-private room and nearly $371 for a private room, paying for care is another area you may have questions about or need assistance with. Medicare only helps pay up to 100 days of rehabilitative nursing home care, which must occur after a hospital stay of at least three days. Most nursing home residents pay for care from either personal savings, a long-term care insurance policy, or through Medicaid once their savings are depleted. Or, if your dad is a veteran, he may be able to get funds through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit (see VA.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound). To learn more about the payment options, ask the nursing home director. You can also get help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free counseling on all Medicare and Medicaid issues. To find a local SHIP counselor visit ShipHelp.org or call 877839-2675. And for more information, see Medicare’s booklet “Your Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home” (product # 02174). You can view it online at Medicare.gov/Publications. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus It should be an interesting year for state politics, particularly in the race for the 9th Essex House District seat, which state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) has practically owned since he got elected back in 2010, unseating then-Democratic incumbent state Rep. Mark Falzone by 382 votes. Wong, who will be seeking his ninth twoyear term at the State House, has been elected without opposition in the last three elections. But two Democrats from Lynn city government have declared their intentions of running for Wong’s seat. Wong and the Massachusetts Republican Party made clear in a December party fundrais- LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Probate and Family Court 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 744-1020 Docket No. ES26P0052EA Estate of: DIANNE M. YOUNG Date of Death: 12/25/2025 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Holly V. Patterson of Windsor, VT requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Holly V. Patterson of Windsor, VT be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 02/09/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice of this Court. Date: January 09, 2026 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE January 23, 2026 WINTER’S ART: Due to the wind moving the branches around, the icicles on this pussywillow branch have taken on some interesting claw-like shapes! (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) ing email that they’re aware of the challengers, according to a recent story by State House News Service. “Democrats are coming for me and I need your help!” Wong said. “This won’t be an easy fight. I’m facing two Democratic opponents and I expect one of them to raise nearly $100K by year’s end.” Wong’s December campaign finance report featured a $1,000 donation from Republican candidate for governor Michael Kennealy and $500 donations from political action committees that represent correction officers, firefighters, State Police and the Massachusetts Dental Society. Wong might be worried, as it’s been a while since he faced a challenger. But beating him will be no easy task, especially by candidates running from Lynn. Saugus is the heart of the district, with its eight precincts accounting for about 60 percent of the vote, with Lynn and Wakefield each accounting for about 20 percent. The Nov. 3 state election is more than nine months away. But two Democratic challengers who face each other in the Sept. 1 State Primary Election are already making some noise. Stay tuned. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Jan. 23) from 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. Legion Breakfast on Fridays There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2026 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. This week’s “Shout Outs” We received no nominations from our readers this week for individuals or groups deserving of some public praise. Using my editorial discretion, I will send a special “Shout Out” to the members of the Saugus Cultural Council, the Saugus 411 Committee and all of the other people who are hard at work planning the upcoming Saugus Community Festival: Culture and 411, which is set for Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saugus Middle High School. This free event is a day to celebrate culture and community. Stay tuned for more details. Another “Shout Out” is in order for Cummings Community Giving, which recently announced the awarding of $2,000 grants totaling $8,000 to four Saugus nonprofit organizations: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) Inc., Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, and YMCA of Metro North. This annual grant program allows employees of Woburn-based real estate developer Cummings Properties to each direct up to $2,000 from the company to a nonprofit of their choice. Now in its 14th year, the initiative is designed to support the communities where Cummings team members live and work. More than 240 organizations across approximately 80 local cities and towns will benefit from this cycle of Cummings Community Giving. The program’s latest round awarded a combined $520,000. Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 11 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 10 This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast. net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. Saugus Youth Football & Cheer Scholarships In celebration of its 55th Anniversary, Saugus Youth Football & Cheer is proud to give back to the Town of Saugus by supporting former athletes as they take the next step in their educational journey. As part of this milestone year, Saugus Youth Football & Cheer will award two $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who previously participated in Saugus Pop Warner and/or Saugus Youth Football & Cheer. One scholarship will be awarded to a former football participant and one to a former cheer participant. These scholarships reflect the organization’s longstanding commitment to building character, leadership and community values through youth sports. Eligible applicants must be members of the Class of 2026, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, have participated in at least one season between 2015 and 2022 and plan to continue their education at a trade school, twoyear college or four-year college. Applicants must submit a 300-word or longer essay by Sunday, April 26. Scholarship recipients will be announced in June 2026. For application details and more information, visit www. saugusyfc.com. Essays and questions may be submitted to scholarship@saugusyfc.com. 26 SRWC Annual Meeting Jan. The Saugus River Watershed Council will hold its annual meeting Monday, Jan. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The Wharf (543 North Shore Rd. in Revere). This is being billed as a fun night with stewardship awards, silent auctions and raffles. Steve Fantone will present the keynote presentation and wildlife slide show. Those who “Nature’s Winter Ensconce”: This 16 by 20 inch acrylic painting was done by Joanie Allbee, AKA “The Sketch Artist.” (Photo courtesy of Joanie Allbee) attend the annual meeting can also learn about the new Rumney Marsh Conservancy. Tickets cost $35. For details, go to www.saugusriver.org. Sideshow Tony returns to library on Feb. 7 On Saturday, February 7, at 11 a.m., the Saugus Public Library welcomes back magician and music man Tony Gangi. Step back in time for a oneof-a-kind performance that blends music, history and magic. Tony Gangi of Great American Street Organ brings a beautifully restored, hand-cranked organ to life, filling the air with lively melodies while sharing fascinating stories about the history of these remarkable instruments. As the tunes play, Tony weaves in moments of wonder with clever feats of magic, surprising audiences of all ages. Part concert, part storytelling and part magical spectacle, this immersive experience celebrates the charm of old-world music and the joy of live performance in a truly unforgettable way. The fashions of “Downton Abbey” on Feb. 7 Saugus residents who love “Downton Abbey” will have a special treat at the Saugus Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Community Room. Join us for an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. Travel with us through time while we explore the styles of 1912 through the 1920s. Presenting the Program is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Register online starting January 24 (sauguspubliclibrary.org). SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 12 - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Division Docket No. ES26P0051EA Estate of: MICHAEL A. MORICO Also Known As: MICHAEL ANTHONY MORICO Date of Death: October 19, 2023 INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above-captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Elizabeth A. Morico of Saugus, MA Elizabeth A. Morico of Saugus, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve with surety on the bond The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. January 23, 2026 • Basement Renovation & Restoration • Bathroom Remodeling • All Aspects of Carpentry • Chimneys Rebuilt/Repaired • Roofing & Siding Installed/Repaired • Masonry Repairs • Foundation Leaks Repaired • Waterproofing • Interior Painting & Much More Free Estimates & Consultation Fully Licensed & Insured 617-955-5164 Toughbuildmasonry.com Johntoughbuild@gmail.com 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS 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 Chau, Emmy V Kelleher, Elizabeth Orent, Daniel Pellegrini, Nicola BUYER2 Vo, Julie D Thorsteinesson, Asdis Ryan, Taylor SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 11 Teen Creative Writing Group meets Feb. 9 Teenagers who want to get creative are welcome to join the Teen Creative Writing Program being offered at the Saugus Public Library at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, in the Brooks Room on the second floor. You SELLER1 Le, Linh H 906 Lewis O Gray Drive Nt Kelly, Laurie A 62 Chestnut Street LLC Trickett, Scott P can work on any creative writing project, such as a story, novel or poem. No registration required. This program is suitable for 5th graders and up. For details, please contact Rachel Huntington, the Reference and Young Adult Librarian, at 781-231-4168 or rhuntington@noblenet.org C.H.a.R.M. Center Winter Dates The Town of Saugus Solid Waste/Recycling Department announced that the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (C.H.a.R.M.) will be open on the following winter dates, weather permitting: Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, March 21, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The C.H.a.R.M Center is locat~LEGAL NOTICE~ SELLER2 ADDRESS 58 Summer St 906 Lewis O Gray Dr #906 62 Chestnut St #4 18 Nason Rd CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus ed at 515 Main St., Saugus, behind the Saugus Department of Public Works. Residents will have access to the compost facilities as well as to the recycling facilities during the winter dates. Go to https://www. saugus-ma.gov/solid-waste-recycling-department and click on “Recycling Guide” for a comprehensive list of items that are DATE 12.29.25 12.30.25 12.30.25 12.30.25 PRICE 460000 570000 320000 675000 accepted or not accepted at the C.H.a.R.M. Center, in addition are guidelines for how to prepare different items for disposal at the facility. By purchasing a $25 sticker, residents will be permitted to dispose of yard waste and brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. The $25 stickers purchased in 2025 are still valid for yard waste/ brush disposal on the winter C.H.a.R.M. Center dates. Please note that the C.H.a.R.M. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Land Court Department Trial Court NORFOLK, SS. Ephesus LLC v. Cumex Mortgage Corporation Inc. TO: any former stockholders, officers, creditors, and any other persons claiming any interest in Cumex Mortgage Corporation Inc., a defunct Massachusetts corporation with a former principal place of business in Saugus, Essex County, and said Commonwealth, or their heirs, devises, legal representatives, successors or assigns: You are hereby notified that a complaint has been filed by the above-named plaintiff in which you are named as an interested party. This complaint concerns a certain parcel of land in Braintree, Norfolk County, and said Commonwealth being known as and numbered 87 Arborway Drive. Plaintiff alleges that title to the Property is clouded by a paid-in-full but improperly discharged mortgage of record. Plaintiff seeks a judgment equitably discharging the mortgage from prior owners Thomas J. Woods, Jr. and Patricia A. Woods to Telephone Workers Credit Union dated October 21, 1993, in the amount of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00), filed in the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds at Book 10163 Page 599, on October 21, 1993, declaring plaintiff holds title to the Property free and clear of any claims of the defendants, and for such other relief deemed just. This complaint may be examined at the Land Court, Boston, Massachusetts, or online at www.masscourts.org. Information on how to search Land Court dockets is available on the Land Court website: www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-land-court-case-docket. A copy of said complaint may also be obtained from plaintiff’s attorney. If you intend to make any defense, you are hereby required to serve upon the plaintiff’s attorney, Kurt F. Stuckel, Esq. of 17 Grant Street, Stoneham, MA 02180, an answer to the complaint on or before the second day of March, 2026, next, the return day, hereof, and a copy thereof must be filed in this court on or before said day. If you fail to do so, judgment by default will be taken against you for relief demanded in the complaint. Unless otherwise provided by Rule 13(a), your answer must state as a counterclaim any claim which you may have against the plaintiff which arise out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the plaintiffs’ claim, or you will thereafter be barred from making such claim in any other action. Witness, Gordon H. Piper, Chief Justice of the Land Court, the sixteenth day of January, 2026. Attest: Deborah J. Patterson Recorder January 23, 2026 CASE NO. 26 MISC 000006 (DRR) Center does not accept any household trash or construction materials and debris. The Town of Saugus reserves the right to refuse any material if quantity or quality is questionable. Saugus residents are also allowed to dispose of three TVs or computer/CRT monitors for free, per household, each year at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. Free stickers from 2025 will no longer be valid for the disposal of televisions and computer/CRT monitors. Residents will need to get new stickers for 2026 free of charge when visiting the C.H.a.R.M. Center. Please contact Solid Waste/ Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. About The Saugus Advocate We welcome press releases, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo to submit, please email me at mvoge@ comcast.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 13 PROGRAM | FROM PAGE 7 try Championship at Gannon Golf Course, Lynn, followed by a pizza lunch at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. “ The program officially wrapped up two days later when acknowledgements and recognitions were made,celebrating the many achievements realized through goal setting and hard work throughout the three month journey,” said Coach Chris Tarantino, who has been running the program for several years. “Over that time this dynamic group grew as runners as well as conscientious athletes and teammates. Along ROUNDUP | FROM PAGE 6 Defensively, Shaw highligh ted contr ibutions across the lineup, including Saugus junior defenseman Coby Cook, who earned his first consistent playing time after transferring from Malden Catholic. “He proved himself really well,” Shaw said. “He plays with his heart.” The loss to Masconomet was a much tighter affair, with the co-op outshooting Masco, 37-29, but undone by penalties and turnovers. Saugus sophomore Jake Kelley and Peabody senior Nathan Carne scored unassisted goals. “When we want to take complete control of the game, we’re very dominant,” Shaw said. “It just took a little bit to get there.” Despite the result, Shaw sees momentum building. The team is 4-4-1 and on pace to make the postseason. “I think we’re starting to hit the turning point,” he said. “All the boys are starting to realize it, too.” Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 the way they enjoyed training games, team challenges, long runs, hill workouts, popsicle practice, and a fun run,” said Tarantino, who is also known by his runners as “Coach T.” Here are the results from the Nov. 11 championship competition: K-3 graders ran .66 miles. The 4-5 graders ran 1.17 miles. The top 10 runners medaled. The boys in the K-3 grades included 34 runners. Here are the Saugus runners who competed in that category (some of them were winners): • Santino Diciero–2nd grade–5th place • Mark Haley–2nd grade– 6th place • Brody Melon–3rd grade– 9th place • Jeremy Martin–1st grade • Jaxson Maddox–1st grade • Benji Lopez–K • Gabriel Lopez–2nd grade The girls in the 4th and 5th grades included 88 runners. These are the Saugus runners who competed in that category: • Gabby Sousa–5th grade APARTMENT FOR RENT Malden apartment rental, 5 Rooms, 2 Bedrooms, Maplewood section, near Public Transportation. Utilities not incl. $2,200/month. First/Security Dep. Call: 781-321-2731 The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 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 American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. • Alicia Barrera–4th grade (unable to attend meet) The boys in 4-5 grades included 100 runners. Here are the Saugus participants (some were winners): • Luke Porrazzo–5th grade– 1st place • AJ Diciero–4th grade– 10th place • John McKanas–4th grade • Xavier Marariego-Darnell–4th grade “We also had five middle schoolers and had an in-house meet for three of them for culmination,” Tarantino said. • Annalisa Ferrara–6th grade–national level track athlete par t icipated in off-season training • Ramon Os talaza–6th grade • Bailey Trabuco–7th grade • Luis Sena–6th grade–successfully took part in the Junior Olympics Cross Country Program • Naomi Tarantino–8th grade–alumni mentor, assistant coach BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Get your Mortgage Resolutions with Beyond Financing, Inc. New Year rates @ www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge Beyond Financing, Inc. Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX • Purchase • Refinance • Investment 999 Broadway, Suite 500-N, Saugus-MA 01906 www.BEYONDFINANCING.COM 857.410.1391 NMLS ID: 2394496 IN CA, CT & MA: Mortgage Broker Only, not a Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. In FL, NH, NC, RI, SC & TX: Mortgage Broker and Correspondent Lender. Loans are available fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability, or ancestry. TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 28 Osprey Rd., Saugus 01906 - Commercial Rental List Price: $3,500 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 A 2 story building in Prime Location with the 2nd level unit available for rental office space to sublet consisting of approximately 4000 sq ft of 7 furnished offices and a designated kitchen along with 2 restrooms. Upon entering the unit you are greeted into a Large foyer entrance that opens into a spacious reception room which leads to a huge spacious office that leads out to a long hallway consisting of another 4 offices (2 smaller offices and 2 ex lg) and a designated kitchen that includes a refrigerator along the hallway is a men and women restrooms....rental price includes all utilities (Heat/electric/AC/water) .Move-in condition...office furniture included...Wi-Fi negotiable Easy access to Rt 99 near Lowe's and Rt C-1 exit in front of building... Available Jan 1,2026 722 Lowell Street, Peabody 01960 - Rental Rental List Price: $3,500 Listed by: Lucia Ponte Cell: 781.8838130 Spacious and Beautifully Renovated Duplex! This stunning home has been completed with well planned details and layout, throughout. Much elegance is expressed in the large foyer that introduces you to the open-concept living and dining space, both with decorative FP. The beautiful, huge kitchen features custom cabinetry, large center island, pendant lighting, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, w/breakfast area. The second level offers a spacious primary bedroom with cathedral ceiling, two generous closets, and a beautiful ensuite bath with sky light. Two additional bedrooms, with beamed vaulted ceilings Unit is sun filled and has been meticulously maintained. Additional highlights include in-unit laundry in the basement & two-car parking 781.231.9800 230 Broadway, #2, Lynn 01904 - Rental Rental List Price: $2,400 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 A freshly painted 2nd floor apartment consisting of a 5 Room/2 Bedroom owner occupied house that is located in a desirable area near Wyoma Square... Features include lots of cabinet space in the kitchen with electric stove, new refrigerator, tiled floor and a walk through that leads to an open dining room/living room with hardwood floors and natural woodwork with built-in china cabinet.. two bedrooms and a newer bathroom with tiled floor finish off this great layout with closet space and hardwood floors in the bedroom as well...covered parking for one car under the carport and front and rear porches for sitting outdoors...Available for Feb 1..Must have good references..1st month rent, last month rent, and one month security deposit is required at signing a one year lease. 3 Hunnewell St., Melrose, MA 02176 List Price: $1,375,000 Listed by: Dale Brousseau Cell: 617.957.2728 Three family in Melrose represents a strong investment opportunity with immediate income & long-term upside. Set on a nice13k sq ft lot, the property offers exceptional parking capacity & outdoor space. Unit 1 delivers a desirable three bedrooms, including a Primary Suite, plus a lower-level family room with private entrance & in-unit laundry. This unit currently rents for $3,400 per month & includes exclusive use of the oversized two-car garage, enhancing both appeal & revenue potential. Units are occupied by long-term tenants, providing stable, predictable income. All units have separate utilities, hardwood floors and replacement windows throughout. Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. Commercial Rental FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR SALE
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAy, JAnUARy 23, 2026 Page 15
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