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SAUGUS Vol. 25, No. 4 -FREETh e Advocate – A household word in Saugus! DVOD Advocating For The Voke www.advocatenews.net CCATTEAT Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, January 28, 2022 An election victory for future Voke students Saugus joins voters from a dozen communities in landslide support of a new Northeast Metro Tech School By Mark E. Vogler N ortheast Metro Tech Principal Carla Scuzzarella says she wasn’t taking anything for granted late Tuesday afternoon as she stood on the sidewalk in front of the Saugus Senior Center with a cup of hot coff ee in one hand and a campaign sign in the other, seeking support from town voters. The sign read: “Northeast Needs You. Please Vote Yes! Our Kids Need A Future.” “I’m cautiously optimistic that the vote will be positive in all of our communities,” Scuzzarella told a reporter as she waved to honking cars passing by toward the end of her four-hour shift. As far as Scuzzarella was concerned, the voters in Saugus – her hometown – and the other 11 communities that make up the Northeast Metropolitan VICTORY | SEE PAGE 6 A Show of Sachem Spirit CAMPAIGNING FOR HER SCHOOL: Northeast Metro Tech School Principal Carla Scuzzarella stood on the sidewalk outside the parking lot of the Saugus Senior Center during Tuesday’s Special Election, urging residents to vote “Yes” on the question of whether to fund a new Northeast Metro Tech. Residents in Saugus and the 11 other communities in the vocational school district voted by an 83 percent margin in favor of the new school project. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Selectmen broach the height issue Two taller buildings may be safer than three shorter ones at Kowloon Restaurant site, according to a fi re chief By Mark E. Vogler T wo selectmen have expressed support for the Wong family’s request for a Special Permit (S-2) that would allow the construction of two six-story buildings on the Route 1 North property where their popular Kowloon Restaurant is currently located. The board’s chair, Anthony Cogliano, and Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini said during a continued public hearing on Tuesday (Jan. 25) night that they believe a proposed mixed-use project involving two buildings reaching a height of 67 feet and 8 inches is more SELECTMEN | SEE PAGE 7 Co-Captain Maryemma LeBlanc and her teammates are shown performing last Friday (Jan. 21) in the gymnasium. See page 11 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.239 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.599 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.499 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Ask about our Conditioner! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 The Brotherhood of All Mankind “The Four Chaplains” will be remembered on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 Special to the Saugus Advocate By Jay Pinette W 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 Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net FOR ADVERTISING WITH RESULTS, CALL THE ADVOCATE NEWSPAPERS AT 781-233-4446 OR INFO@ADVOCATENEWS.NET hen one sees the coverage of natural and manmade disasters in the media, I can’t help but wonder if many of us consider how we might react if we were faced with a true life or death decision. “Valor is a gift,” Carl Sandburg once said. “Those having it never know for sure whether they have it until the test comes.” I have had the opportunity to speak with recipients of the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. To a man, none of them considers himself a hero. They generally said that they were doing their job and that the true heroes were their buddies who didn’t come home. At a time when we seem to have trivialized the notion of what it takes to be a hero, there is a small memorial in Wakefield to four men that exemplifies the true meaning of the word. In the early morning hours of February 3, 1943, US Army Transport Ship (U.S.A.T.) Dorchester, a conver ted cruise ship, was torpedoed by a German submarine in the icy seas off Labrador in the North Atlantic. Heavily damaged by the torpedo, it is believed that the Dorchester took on water and sank within 20 minutes of the torpedo strike. Survivors of the sinking reported that during the ensuing pandemonium four men were seen offering encouragement, support and even their own life jackets to those in need. The four men were Reverend George Lansing Fox, a Methodist Minister from Gilman, Vt.; Doctor Alexander David Goode, a Rabbi from Washington, D.C.; Reverend Clarke Vandersall Poling, a Minister of the First Reformed Church from Schenectady, N.Y.; and the Reverend John Patrick Washington, a Catholic Priest from Arlington, N.J.. They are known to this day as “The Four Chaplains.” Immediately after the Dorchester was hit, witnesses reported that The Four Chaplains were moving among their fellow passengers ministering to the injured, offering direction and support for those clambering for lifeboats and ultimately removing their own life jackets and offering them to others when the supply of lifejackets was exhausted. “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said John Ladd, a survivor who saw the chaplains’ selfless acts. There were 902 men aboard the U.S.A.T. Dorchester that cold February night. Six hundred seventy-two died and there were 230 survivors. When the news of the Dorchester’s sinking reached America, the public was stunned by the magnitude of the tragedy and by the heroic conduct of The Four Chaplains. The Four Chaplains were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart on December 19, 1944. A Special Medal for Heroism was authorized by Congress and awarded posthumously by President Eisenhower on January 18, 1961. Congress officially designated Feb. 3 as Four Chaplains Day in 1988. Observances are held each year across the nation. It came as some surprise to discover that Wakefield has a memorial to The Four Chaplains. On May 30, 1955, a dedication ceremony took place at Temple Emmanuel in Wakefield. An Interfaith Memorial Plaque was presented to Temple Emmanuel by Dr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Leavitt. According to the records of the Temple, the gifts of The Four Chaplains Plaque and the Memorial Marker were given “in recognition of the Brotherhood of all Mankind.” The Temple record continues, “The tablet at the entrance to the Temple commemorates the heroic sacrifice in selfless devotion of the Four Chaplains. It is an enduring reminder of the love and loyalty which is productive of understanding among those of all faiths and a respect of the dignity of all men. It symbolizes men’s best hope for peace in his longing for World Brotherhood.” Temple Emmanuel is located at 120 Chestnut Street in Wakefield. “The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession”—Mark Twain (Editor’s Note: Jay Pinette is the Saugus Veterans’ Services Officer, and he can be reached at 781-231-4010. He is also a member of the Wakefield Veterans Advisory Board.)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 3 Rep. Wong supports $55M supplemental budget to fund COVID-19 testing and school masks B OSTON – State Representative Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) recently supported a $55 million supplemental budget that provides funding for expanded COVID-19 testing and the distribution of masks for public school districts, while also setting a date for the 2022 state primary election. House Bill 4340, An Act relative to immediate COVID recovery needs, was engrossed on a vote of 1590 in the House of Representatives on January 19, 2022. On January 24 the Senate Committee on Ways and Means recDonald H. Wong State Representative ommended passage of the bill with an amendment (S.2622). Representative Wong said the spending proposal earmarks $25 million to help establish and expand COVID-19 testing sites across Massachusetts and to purchase tests. Funding will be made available for on-site testing locations – such as community health centers, urgent care centers and nonprofit organizations – which will be required to provide walk-up appointments. An additional $25 million will be used to acquire N95 and KN95 Supt. McMahon makes her budget case “Based on Saugus’ Strategic Plan, ‘Connecting our Past, Defining Our Future 2035,’ high-quality schools are its missing piece,” superintendent says as School Committee backs her proposed budget By Mark E. Vogler in our community for the longterm success of this generation S uperintendent Erin McMahon considers strong classroom instruction, programs based on student and family needs and high expectations as key components of her fiveyear plan to transform Saugus Public Schools from the bottom 10 percent of education districts into the top 10. “The budget that I have presented to the School Committee directly aligns with that vision,” McMahon told School Committee members last Thursday (Jan. 20) night as she explained the need for the budget she had crafted for the 2023 fiscal year that begins July 1. The superintendent made her case, using a PowerPoint presentation that cited a preliminary Master Plan goal of Saugus being “a model to the region, emof students,” McMahon said. “The kids who are right now in pre-K, in 2035 will be sophomores in college or potentially juniors,” she said. School Committee members Erin McMahon phasizing its commitment to fiscal responsibility, sustainability and high-quality schools.” “Based on Saugus’ Strategic Plan, “Connecting our Past, Defining Our Future 2035,” high-quality schools are its missing piece,” she said, referring to the Master Plan document. “It is essential for us to have that long-term vision of what a town is planning for 2035, to invest now voted 5-0 in support of McMahon’s $31.3 million budget, which includes an increase of close to $1.5 million, or 4.87 percent, over the current budget. School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould stressed it is important for the School Department to develop “a collaborative plan prior to getting to the Finance Committee and Town Meeting.” “As we all know, once it hits Town Meeting, it’s too late to make any changes. So, I’m hoping there’s a lot of dialogue to nail McMAHON | SEE PAGE 13 masks for distribution to students, staff and faculty at elementary and secondary public schools no later than February 28. The remaining $5 million is being set aside to help increase WONG | SEE PAGE 4

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 This week on Saugus TV The COVID-19 Update • Sunday, Jan. 30 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). • Monday, Jan. 31 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). • Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from Jan. 25. • Wednesday, Feb. 2 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Appeals Meeting from Jan. 27. • Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting ***live***. • Friday, Feb. 4 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 8 – Know Your Town with Andrew Whitcomb. • Saturday, Feb. 5 at 5:30 p.m. on Channel 8 – What’s Cookin’? With Mona Ahmad. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** Town reports 214 newly confirmed cases over the past seven days, five new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T he number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to drop dramatically in Saugus after the month began with two consecutive weeks of more than 600 cases. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced that the state Department of Public Health (DPH) has notified the town of 214 new cases over the past seven days through yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 27), bringing the overall total to 8,344 cases since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March of 2020. WONG | FROM PAGE 3 vaccination rates for children between the ages of five and 11 living in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Representative Wong noted that the bill requires the Baker-Polito Crabtree also noted that the DPH confirmed five additional COVID-19-related deaths, bringing the overall total to 99. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. Last week, the town reported 336 COVID-19 cases, which followed its record highs of 623 and 668 cases from the previous two weeks. The town has reported 3.004 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 22. The ongoing surge prompted the Board of Health to adopt an indoor mask manAdministration to seek federal reimbursement at the highest allowable rate for all eligible expenditures contained in the bill. The supplemental budget also establishes the 2022 state primary date for Tuesday, September 6. This authorization is needed to ensure that Massachusetts is following the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, which requires absentee ballots to be mailed to qualifying military and overseas voters who apply for a ballot at least 45 days before the November 8 state election. House Bill 4340 also temporarily extends certain pandemic emergency provisions that had expired in December. According to Representative Wong, municipalities will be allowed to continue holding remote public meetings until July 15, 2022, to help mitigate the transmission of COVID-19, and remote notarization using electronic video conferencing will continue to be authorized through the same date. House Bill 4340 contains an additional provision allowing certain retired state, county and municipal employees to continue working during the pandemic as a consultant or an independent contractor without impacting their pension. This provision does not apply to individuals who were retired undate three weeks ago. Meanwhile, Saugus Public Schools also experienced a reduction of cases in its four buildings, going from 101 cases (Jan. 13-19) to 65 cases (Jan. 20-26). This week, there were 12 cases reported in Saugus High, 11 in Saugus Middle School, 25 in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and 17 in the Veterans Early Learning Center. A week ago, there were 39 cases in the High School, 20 in the Middle School, 25 in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and 17 in the Veterans Early Learning Center. der a general or special disability law. Before the final vote on the bill, additional language was adopted via a consolidated amendment that would: · allow funding to be used for the COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Initiative to increase booster shot rates in disproportionately impacted communities • allow for Town Meetings to meet remotely until July 15, 2022, and to be conducted with a reduced quorum requirement equal to not less than 10 percent of the normal quorum requirement • provide health care professionals and health care facilities with immunity from liability while providing health care services during the COVID-19 emergency – retroactive to November 22, 2021, and effective until February 28, 2022 – provided they acted in good faith and in accordance with emergency rules and applicable laws • extend the period for which a public corporation may conduct an annual or special meeting of the shareholders from December 15, 2021, to July 15, 2022 • extend the period for which directors of charitable corporations may hold remote meetings and other modifications from December 15, 2021, to July 15, 2022 Saugonians named to Dean’s List at University of New England augus residents Amanda Castle, Sarah McGonigle and Olivia Rando were named to the Dean’s List at the University of New EnS gland for the 2021 fall semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must attain a grade point average of 3.3 or better.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 5

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 VICTORY | FROM PAGE 1 Regional Vocational School District didn’t disappoint her. Saugus was among the 11 communities that voted overwhelmingly in support of a proposed new Northeast Metro Tech School. Seven percent of the town’s 20,509 registered voters turned out, and about 63 percent of them voted “Yes” on the question of whether to authorize the borrowing of about $317.4 million to pay costs of designing, constructing and originally equipping a new Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School and related athletic facilities, located at 100 Hemlock Rd. in Wakefield. A lopsided vote for The Voke school Overall, the question prevailed on a lopsided vote – about 83 percent of voters supporting the school project – which has already received an award of $140.8 million from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The school project needed to win by just a simple majority. Only voters in Chelsea – which has the second-highest enrollment (238) of the district’s 1,281 students – opposed the project. Of the 283 residents in that city who voted, only 109 (39 percent) voted “Yes.” Saugus, which has 170 students enrolled at Northeast Metro Tech – the third-highest enrollment (13 percent) in the district, had the most voters (1,468) turning out of all of the communities. Wakefield, where the school is based, drew 1,069 voters. Revere, which has the highest enrollment (248, 19 percent) of Northeast Metro Tech students, had a turnout of only 417 voters. Construction of the school is not expected to begin until the spring of 2023, with a targeted completion in early 2026. Superintendent David DiBarri issued the following statement on Wednesday, on behalf of the Northeast Metropolitan Vocational Technical School Committee: “We are deeply grateful to the voters in our 12 sending communities for their participation in today’s vote, their collective support of a new school building, and for securing a vision for a 21st-century career technical education that will position our students for success after graduation. “Input from the Northeast community has been an integral part of this process. School officials, construction experts, and School Committee and Building Committee members from all 12 communities worked diligently to create a proposal that reflects that community feedback, and respects the cost to taxpayers. “Our work is just beginning. We welcome community feedback as we refine this project, and look forward to the day we celebrate a new chapter for Northeast Metro Tech.” Northeast/Deputy Director Scuzzarella, who is also a Precinct 10 Town Meeting member in Saugus, echoed DiBarri’s sentiments about the vote. “We are grateful and ecstatic!” she said. The next step for Saugus is how the town will pay its share for the new school. “The powers that be have about three years SEEKING SAUGUS SUPPORT: Left to right: Peter A. Rossetti, Jr., the longtime Saugus representative on the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee, and Kevin Nigro of PMA Consultants, LLC, the project director/senior project manager of the proposed new Northeast Metro Tech School, are shown trying to influence Saugus voters headed into the Senior Center parking lot for Tuesday’s Special Election on the new Voke school project. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) to figure out how to pay for it,” Scuzzarella said. Another debt excursion vote may be coming The district’s share of the project is $176.6 million. Town officials have already said the community would have to hold another special election to decide on how to finance the project, which has been estimated to cost up to $40 million over a 30year period. At the end of Tuesday (Jan. 25) night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting, the board’s chair, Anthony Cogliano, thanked Saugus voters for approving the new Voke school. He also alluded to the upcoming challenge of winning town-wide support for financing the project. “I think it’s the smart thing to do to support education,” Cogliano said. “I know we’re going to have our hands full to get the word out there as to how we’re going to fund that school – but that’s a topic for another day. I’m sure we’ll do our part to educate the public on that,” he said. Peter A. Rossetti, Jr., the longtime Saugus representative on the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee and a Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member, said he expects town officials will begin work on crafting a debt exclusion campaign by year’s end. Rossetti, who spent several hours outside the Senior Center parking lot on Tuesday holding a sign campaigning for the new school project, was in a celebratory mood when an election worker posted the unofficial election results at the entrance of the Senior Center. “Excellent! Now it’s time to get moving on the actual construction and Saugus finances. The sooner we start, the sooner we finish,” Rossetti said. “Thank you, Saugus! It’s nice to see the support for the school and the future kids who will go there,” Rossetti said. Rossetti credits the strong support for the project in Saugus from The Voke alumni and tradespeople who hire Northeast Metro Tech graduates. “I noticed a lot of commercial vehicles driving into the parking VICTORY | SEE PAGE 7

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 7 SELECTMEN | FROM PAGE 1 desirable and safer than having three four-story buildings built on the same property. But Selectman Michael Serino and the board’s Vice-Chair, Debra Panetta, said they have some concerns about granting a variance that would allow the proposed buildings to exceed the four stories and 55 feet in height that town zoning currently allows within the Route One Business Highway Sustainable Development Zoning District (BHSD). It requires a four-fifths vote for the board to issue an S-2 permit. “I’m worried about the precedent that is going to be set up and down Route 1,” Serino told his colleagues at Tuesday night’s meeting. “When we’re talking about this height variance, it should be a last resort and not a first option,” he said. But Cicolini didn’t agree with Serino’s position. To support his case, he read a letter from Saugus Fire Chief Michael Newbury, who said that the two taller buildings – made of steel and concrete – are a better and safer option than the shorter four-story buildings made VICTORY | FROM PAGE 6 lot today to vote,” Rossetti said. “These are people who look like they’re tradespeople, people who would be big supporters of the school.” The new school will feature 21st-century learning environments, improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, state-ofthe-art shop and technical lab space, expanded program offerings, a new primary access roadway from Farm Street to reduce traffic congestion, a full-size gym, a 750-seat auditorium, outdoor learning space and a new cafeteria. School officials say the current enrollment of 1,280 students will increase by approximately 320 students versus the current enrollment. This is a major benefit of the project, as the District currently rejects more freshman applicaof wood. “I’m less concerned about setting a precedent and more concerned about public safety,” Cicolini said. Cogliano – who, along with Cicolini, had attended a recent informational meeting held by the developer at Kowloon Restaurant to get feedback from neighbors who live near the project – said he thinks the three-building option “would encroach the neighborhood more than the two buildings.” “My honest impression – it’s less of an impact on the neighborhood than the three buildings,” Cogliano said. Vice-Chair Panetta said she felt uncomfortable reviewing the S-2 Permit request without having the same information as Cogliano and Cicolini. “This is a super important vote for this board, and I want to make sure I have all of the information to make the right decision,” Panetta said, suggesting that a site visit to the property might be helpful. Other board members agreed and voted to continue the hearing to 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 5 for a site visit to the Kowloon property. Neighbors are welcome to attend the site visit in which the project’s develtions than they accept due to space limitations. The construction of a new Northeast Metro Tech would allow for additional programs for Marketing, Medical Assisting and Biotechnology, school officials say. Northeast Metro Tech was built 53 years ago in 1968, and the facility has outlived its intended lifespan. Classrooms and shops are overcrowded, infrastructure systems are outdated and the building does not comply with existing Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, according to school officials. Northeast Metro Tech has not had any significant renovations, additions or improvements since then. Students are facing several issues that are reducing the quality of the educational experience the school is able to provide. The school is at capacity and more than 300 students are waitlisted every year. Special Election Results Community ............... Yes .............. No ...............Percent for Chelsea ............................109 ................. 174 ................. 39% Malden ............................666 ................. 151 ................. 82% Melrose ............................979 ................. 132 ................. 88% North Reading ..............836 ................. 51 .................... 94% Reading ...........................663 ................. 83 .................... 89% Revere ..............................354 ................. 63 .................... 85% Saugus ......................921 ............. 547 .............63% Stoneham .......................334 ................. 34 .................... 91% Wakefield ........................919 ................. 150 ................. 86% Winchester .....................679 ................. 60 .................... 92% Winthrop .........................267 ................. 43 .................... 86% Woburn ...........................759 ................. 80 .................... 91% Total .......................... 7,486.......... 1,568 ..........83% oper will meet with selectmen to answer questions about the project. Cogliano and Cicolini both said they were impressed with what they observed when the Kowloon family and its project representatives held a meeting which allowed neighbors to share their concerns. Attorney Richard M. Magnan said a number of changes have been made on the project based on the feedback from the neighbors. Several of the neighbors have written emails supporting the project. “We’re really trying to be respectful of the neighborhood,” said Michael McKeown, architect of the Manchester, N.H., firm, Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects. “The Wong family along with their partners are envisioning an elegant, desirable destination for Saugus that will stand the test of time in its design, aesthetic and construction, paying homage and respect to the history of this site,” McKeown said. The first floor of both buildings would include commercial tenant space. Floors one through six would have one-bedroom luxury apartments, according to the architect. The proposed project includes 220 apartment units in the two buildings, he said, noting that one building would have 130 units and the smaller building would have 90 units.

Page 8 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler I missed the Blizzard of ’78 I’m a Massachusetts native and have lived in the Bay State most of my life except for an aggregate of about 10 years when I lived and worked as a newspaperman in the states of Florida, Texas, Maine, New York and Virginia. It will be 44 years ago next week that the historic Blizzard of ’78 pounded New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Metropolitan New York area. Had I been working in Massachusetts at the time, I’m sure I would have been part of a news reporting team dispatched to cover that epic nor’easter that left hundreds of cars stuck on Massachusetts highways and basically paralyzed the region. Other than from what I’ve gleaned from newspaper stories and photographs chronicling the blizzard, I can’t relate to the blizzard at all, because I was working as a reporter at the time in West Texas for the San Angelo Standard-Times. And while friends and family were dealing with the blizzard, I was out in the Davis Mountains area covering a range fi re. It was an usual assignment in that the fi refi ghters and public safety crews who were trying to contain the fi re did enjoy some good barbecue and beer and were willing to share that and some good stories with reporters who were covering the event. What’s amazing is that during the three days I was out in the wilderness covering the spot news event, I was able to fi nd a telephone and fi le several front-page stories in the San Angelo-Standard-Times. And when it got dark, I slept in my Renault, which was parked in a wooded area far from the fi re scene. After a few days out in the woods, I returned to Midland, Texas, where I remember reading and watching TV news with great interest about the great blizzard that hit my home state and New England. Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 We have a winner! Congratulations to Laura Eisener for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched!” contest. She was the only reader answering correctly, so she won without having to have his name selected from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is one of our three Saugus Firefi ghter recipients of the Meritorious medal, Firefighter Greg Cinelli!! “I tried to capture in his sketch the ability of his on the job ready for anything and very focused essence. “Firefighter Greg Cinelli has been with our Saugus Fire Dept. since 1999. “As our Saugus Firefi ghter, he has received several Commonwealth achievement awards for his service. In 2015 he received an ‘Excellence in Leadership’ Award. “Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Public Safety Security Secretary Terrence M. Reid and Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey for the Massachusetts Firefighter Awards Ceremony honored Greg Cinelli with the distinguished Individual Medal of Valor Award which is hard to achieve against an already high expectations standard for Commonwealth Firefi ghters! What an Achievement! “At the same 2021 Awards Ceremony Firefi ghter Greg Cinelli was also awarded a Group Award of Meritorious Conduct for acts of bravery and dedication along with Captain Vinard and Sean Bohannon! “Firefighter Cinelli is a United States Navy Veteran. He then went above and beyond any duty and rejoined the Navy. As a Navy reserve, he spent half a dozen years in combat duty. During these six years, he was away from his family so in all due respect to his family (who served as well) keeping the home fi res burning; thank you for serving alongside our servicemen. “It’s great what Lt. Governor Karyn Polito had said as quoted in The Saugus Advocate Nov. 24th page 2. Lt. Governor Polito had said at the awards Ceremony: ‘It’s a privilege to recognize this year’s award winners and thank fi re services personnel across the Commonwealth for doing such a diffi cult, dangerous job so well every day.’ “Thank you for your service and congratulations on your well deSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9 CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@ comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon correctly identifi es the Saugonian being sketched qualifi es to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certifi cate to J&M Italian American Cuisine (340 Central St., Saugus). But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identifi cation in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 9 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 8 serving awards! “Yours truly, “The Sketch Artist” Saugus author/poet pens another book A pair of “Shout-Outs” for the week We received two nominations this week for people deserving of “Shout-Outs.” The first recognition comes from Sue Fleming: “This is a little delayed but I would like to give a Shout Out to the Saugus Public Library Foundation for the fun evening of Virtual Bingo on January 13. It was well organized by Kristen Tozza and John Smolinsky called the numbers and made it very entertaining. It was great to be able to support the Foundation virtually and hopeful that next year we can do it in person.” Eugene Decareau offers this “Shout-Out”: “Please give a ‘Shout Out’ to all of the volunteers of the Saugus Food Pantry, because they all do such a magnificent job.” Food pantry seeking driver volunteers The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry seeks volunteers to make food and bread pickups on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Anyone who has the time and interest to help out should contact Jeff Hirtle at 781922-0661. The food pantry operates out of the basement at Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. A Feb. 4 concert at the MEG Tonal Chaos, the Saugus High School a cappella group formerly known as “The Sachimes,” will be performing their International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA) competition pieces, with a few special guests and performances, in a preview concert on Friday, February 4 at 6 p.m. at the MEG Building at 58 Essex St. in Saugus. A suggested donation of $5 per person can be made to the Venmo account @tonal-chaos (please note your name and how many seats you will need), or in cash at the door. There will also be a raffle and bake sale at the event. Tickets to the ICHSA performance on Sunday, February 13, Saugus author and poet Thomas Sheehan, in his 94th year (Saugus High School Class of 1947 and Boston College Class of 1956), in the grip of macular degeneration, with four Boston Globe Ideas to date, has just received word that Pocol Press has released with incredible honor their ninth and 10th collections of his Western books, “The Townsman” and “The Horseman Cometh and Other Stories.” The release says readers can ride shotgun with this prolific author as he blazes new Western tales across the prairie in Amazon and Kindle versions. The Saugonian pens moralistic short stories brimming with frothy beverages imbibed at local saloons, passionate revenge, romantic sequences and plenty of gunplay. His understanding of the mythic West in America remains as strong as a cowboy’s rope. And somewhere, Tom Mix is smiling. A more recent release from Winning Writers editor Adam Cohen says: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Tom Sheehan’s The Saugus Book won First Prize in our 2021 poetry competition. He will receive $1,000; a free marketing consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson; a $300 credit at Book Baby; a free ad in our email newsletter (a $175 value); publication of an excerpt from his book at Winning Writers; and a certificate of award.” Sheehan has now written 56 books, of which 34 have been by publishers and 22 have been self-published. Friday breakfasts at Legion Hall still on hold Concerns about COVID-19 have led to a temporary shutdown of the popular Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210 Legion Hall located at 44 Taylor St. Legion Hall was supposed to reopen recently for the breakfasts. But the reopening has been delayed again. Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210, has said the American Legion membership voted to delay the re-opening until Friday, Feb. 4. Looking for book donations The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; the library does not have storage space for other genres or media. Please.... clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers! Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops. A special memorial service for veterans Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti, reSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 14 2022, at 3 p.m., can also be purchased: Venue: Galvin Middle School, 525 Main St., Wakefield. Phone: 781-246-6410. Website: http://wakefieldpublicschools.org/WPS/galvin/. 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 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Saugus gardens in the winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener W inter is surely set in, as the ponds have all become frozen over and most now support a thin layer of snow. There aren’t a lot of flowers blooming outdoors in Saugus in late January, but there are a few. My pink heath mentioned in my last column is still blooming and seems quite able to stand up to the freezing temperatures, wind chill and anything else the winter may throw at it. Flower buds are coming up on the Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) near my front porch as well, and I hope to see it in full bloom in a week or so. Indoors, there are plenty of flowers – we have a few pots of tete-a-tete daffodils blooming and a few amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.), not to mention a fresh bouquet of mixed carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), roses (Rosa spp.) and Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria sp.). If we consider all the houseplants the windows can hold and some dried flowers here and there, what we may lack in blossoms outdoors can be compensated for indoors. The amaryllis may be the most dramatic flowering bulb RED AMARYLLIS: This has had flowers blooming for a week on its 14” tall stem, but a new, shorter stalk bloomed just a few inches from the bulb. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) you can find for winter bloom indoors but also one of the easiest, since the bulbs almost always bloom without much attention, at least the first time! While they are popular gifts and decorations at Christmas, in January you can often find discounted bulbs and can easily turn your countertop into a tropical paradise! Bulbs you buy from a garden center, florist, or even supermarket, will soon send up a budded stalk which will open to four individual flowers. There A LOVE-LY SIGHT: Hearts have appeared on the library windows! (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) are quite a few hybrid forms with flowers that may be red, pink, salmon or white, sometimes bicolor, and there are a few less common varieties that may have greenish petals and sepals with stripes of several colors. The flower stalk can be over a foot tall, or the flowers may open just a few inches from the top of the bulb. Very tall stalks may need to be staked to keep them from tipping over – if they do tip and break, you can usually still enjoy the blossoms if you cut the stem and put the flowers in a vase. Bulbs are usually sold in a pot with the bulbs in soil, or as kits where you can plant the bulb yourself, but a fairly recent phenomenon is the waxed bulb, where the entire bulb except the growing tip is encased in colorful wax. They can bloom without water and are amazing for windowsills or tabletops where you might not want the nuisance of dealing with dirt or spilling water. Once they’ve flowered, you can usually remove the wax and pot them up to allow their leaves to develop normally, if you wish. A few people have told me they actually got their waxed amaryllis to bloom a second year without removing the wax or watering them! I was very, very skeptical. Two bulbs from last year did A WINTER SCENE: The old pumping station on Hawkes Pond stands out on the snow-covered reservoir in North Saugus, looking from Route 1 toward Lynnfield. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) develop leaves, but they did not last as long as the bulbs I had in soil and a traditional pot. After the leaves turned brown and faded, I stuck them on a shelf in the garage and wished I had removed the BONUS FLOWERS COMING: This double white amaryllis has four frilly flowers in bloom now, and three more stalks are on their way! (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) wax and given them a fighting chance. Once planting season was done, I was getting ready to throw them out when I glimpsed a tiny bit of green and thought I’d at least put them on the windowsill for a few weeks just in case, and I did dribble a little water into the tops. Both of them got the beginnings of leaves and now have buds! So I will report in the next few weeks if the flowers actually do materialize. Around the same time the amaryllis flowers or soon thereafter, the bud will send up some long, strap-like leaves. The bulbs are often able to produce flowers again the following year, and often for many years to come, with a little care and not much fussing. The leaves need to get enough water and sunlight through the summer to encourage flower buds to form inside the bulb, and then the TWO WAXED BULBS: These bloomed last year and are getting ready to flower again. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) leaves turn brown and go dormant for a few months before sending up shoots again for the next season. The plants we usually call amaryllis, also known as Barbados lilies, are considered by botanists to be among the 90 species now recognized in the genus Hippeastrum, generally from South America. The genus Amaryllis currently belongs to a few species originating in Africa. 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.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 11 Meet the 2022 SHS Sachems Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders SHS Sachems Varsity Basketball Cheering Team, pictured from left to right: Kneeling: Emily Lima, Noelle LoConte, Maryemma LeBlanc, Maia Castle, Maria Ferraro and Maxxine Stephens; second row: Brooke Diaz, Layla Guarino, Cassidy Cheney, Anna Felicio, Aly Mabee, Sophia Manuppelli, McKenna Zell and Katie Barletta; third row: Assistant Coach Hannah Phelan, Alexandra Couseillant, Mara Faiella, Lanyelis Guadalupe Perez, Mariana Zeferino, Savannah Carreiro, Gabi Mund, Rhianna Rodriguez and Head Coach Courtney Whitaker. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Eighth-graders, pictured from left to right: Kneeling: Brooke Diaz, Aly Mabee and Sophia Manuppelli; back row: Lanyelis Guadalupe Perez, Cassidy Cheney and Mara Faiella. Freshmen, pictured from left to right: Kneeling: Anna Felicio and Gabi Mund; standing: Savannah Carreiro, Katie Barletta and Rhianna Rodriguez. Sophia Manuppelli, an eighth-grader on the Saugus High School Sachems Varsity Basketball Cheerleading Team, is shown performing a heel stretch last Friday (Jan. 21) in the gymnasium. Co-Captain Maryemma LeBlanc does an arabesque. Juniors, kneeling, pictured from left to right: Co-Captains Maryemma LeBlanc, Noelle LoConte, Maia Castle and Maria Ferraro. Back row, pictured from left to right: Alexandra Couseillant, Mariana Zeferino and Mckenna Zell. Shown from left to right are Assistant Coach Hannah Phelan, the lone senior on the tam, Maxxine Stephens, and Head Coach Courtney Whittaker last Friday night in the high school gymnasium. Sophomores, shown from left to right: Layla Guarino and Emily Lima.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Saugus girls go 5-1 after slow start By Greg Phipps T he Saugus High School girls’ basketball team seems to have found its footing at the midway point of the season. The Sachems finished off a stretch of five wins in six games with a 42-34 victory over the Danvers Falcons on Tuesday night at the Middle-High School gym. Saugus was coming off an impressive 51-40 home triumph over the Lynn Classical Rams the night before. The Sachems appeared a bit out of sorts with their execution through portions of Tuesday’s contest against Danvers but managed to execute when needed to notch the win. The Sachems held the visitors to just eight points in the Saugus guard Peyton DiBiasio is shown driving around two Danvers defenders on Tuesday. first half and owned a comfortable 22-8 lead at halftime. The Falcons proved to be a tougher foe during the next 16 minutes, outscoring Saugus 2620 over the final two quarters. The Falcons beat the Sachems earlier this season at Danvers. Key fourth-quarter three-pointers from Ella Castle Sachems tie Beverly, lose to Matignon in overtime By Greg Phipps T he Sau - gus High School hockey team earned a 4-3 win over Revere/Everett last week to get back in the win column after being outscored by a wide margin in its previous two games – both losses. The Sachems then took on Northeastern Conference (NEC) South opponent Beverly last Saturday at Kasabuski Arena, and the result was not a bad one, but it was probably not what Saugus was looking for. The Sachems ended up playing to a 1-1 deadlock against the visiting Panthers. The highlight of the contest was not T Saugus senior Fallon Millerick is shown trying to muscle past a Danvers defender in Tuesday’s home win. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) and April Aldred helped quiet a Danvers resurgence and preserve the Saugus win. Castle ended up as leading scorer with 10 points, followed by Saugus’s Ashleen Escobar looks to power to the basket against Danvers. eighth-grader Peyton DiBiasio with eight, Fallon Millerick with seven and Aldred and BASKETBALL | SEE PAGE 13 Basketball: Sachem boys back on winning track By Greg Phipps he Saugus High School boys’ basketball team lost its first two contests when the season resumed after a three-week layoff due to the recent COVID-19 surge. It appears the Sachems have gotten themselves back on track after scoring three straight wins beginning with a 54-49 home win over Essex Tech last Thursday. Against Essex, Ryan Mabee explodSaugus goalie Matt Smith stopped 39 of 40 shots in last Saturday’s 1-1 tie against NEC South foe Beverly. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps) ference play. On Wednesday, the Sachems went necessarily what Head Coach Jeff Natalucci wanted to see from his team defensively either. Goalie Matt Smith was peppered with 40 shots by the Panthers and came up big, making 39 saves, to help the Sachems escape with the tie. Saugus’s only goal came off the stick of Massey Ventre. Neither team was able to dent the net in overtime. The Sachems are still tied with Beverly for the top spot in the NEC South. As of this week, both teams have four wins overall and one win and a tie in conto overtime again in a non-league contest against Matignon at Kasabuski. The visitors scored in the extra session to break a 3-3 deadlock and earn a 4-3 victory. Chris Regnetta scored twice for Saugus while Ryan Jones contributed a single tally. The Sachems, now 4-7-1 overall, are back on the road after a lengthy home stand. They are scheduled to travel to Haverhill Valley Forum on Saturday afternoon to take on Masconomet. However, with the forecast for significant snow Saturday, the game could get called. The Sachems are 1-3-1 in their last five games and have been outscored 53-32 overall in their 12 contests to date this season. Saugus is back home at Kasabuski next Wednesday to face Somerville. ed for 25 points and teammate Tyrone Manderson reached double figures with 15. Jeury Barbosa added nine in the win. Saugus went on to score an even bigger 63-60 home victory over Marblehead last Friday. Manderson had a monster outing against the visiting Magicians by producing a double-double effort of 22 points and 14 rebounds. He wasn’t the only Sachems player to come away with a double-double performance on the night. Two others achieved the feat. Guard Ben Tapia-Gately poured in 10 points and dished out 10 assists while Jeury Barbosa collected an identical 10 points and 10 assists to go along with six boards. Also getting into the scoring act was Mabee: He netted 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Sachems put on their defensive shoes on Tuesday when they traveled to take on the Danvers Falcons. Manderson was the driving force once again on offense, producing 18 points in a low-scoring 47-39 victory. Tapia-Gately aided the cause by scoring 14, and Mabee was the other SaOn Tuesday at Danvers, Saugus guard Ben Tapia-Gately poured in 14 points to help the Sachems to their third straight win. He also produced a double-double effort in a win over Marblehead last week. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps) chem in double figures with 11. The threesome combined for all but four of Saugus’s points for the night. Still, it was enough to fend off the host Falcons, who were unable to reach the 40-point plateau, as Saugus put forth perhaps its best defensive effort of the season. The 6-2 Sachems hosted Masconomet on Thursday (after press deadline) and play Peabody at home on Friday. The Sachems continue a busy stretch of games when they travel to Manchester-Essex next Monday and Gloucester next Tuesday.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 13 Meet the 2022 SHS Sachems Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team SHS Sachems Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team, pictured from left to right: Jeury Barbosa, Ben Tapia-Gately, Mark MacEachern, Ryan Anderson and Max Anajjar; back row: Assistant Coach William Cahill, Isaiah Garcia, Tyrone Manderson, Kevin Jolicoeur, Ryan Mabee and Head Coach Joseph Bertrand, Class of 2014. Not pictured: Brendan Kelleher and Daniel Shea. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Co-Captains, pictured from left to right: Tyrone Manderson and Ryan Mabee. Juniors, pictured from left to right: kneeling: Ben Tapia Gately, Brendan Kelleher, Max Anajjar – and the lone sophomore on the team, Isaiah Rodriguez; standing: Assistant Coach William Cahill, Jeury Barbosa, Kevin Jolicoeur, Isaiah Garcia and Head Coach Joseph Bertrand. BASKETBALL | FROM PAGE 12 Ashleen Escobar with six each. In the previous night ’s win over Classical, Millerick poured in 14 points and Castle contributed 12 to lead Saugus, which pulled away after holding a close 25-23 lead after two periods. AshMcMAHON | FROM PAGE 3 down a budget that makes sense for the schools,” he said. Gould noted that the town is facing some fiscal challenges. “We have a lot going on,” he said, noting various projects that could impact local taxes. “We have a third fire station that people have been pressing for,” Gould said. He also noted that Saugus will have to pay its fair share on the proposed new Northeast Metro Tech school. In recent years, Saugus school superintendents have not been successful in lobbying for large increases in the School Departleigh Moore added seven points, DiBiasio and Aldred, six each, and Cassandra Israelson, three. Escobar hauled down nine rebounds. Head Coach Mark Schruender praised the all-around play of his squad after the game. “I loved the way we moved and distributed the ment budget. School officials have consistently argued that the town’s public education has been underfunded. Meanwhile, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Finance Committee members have argued that adequate funding has been provided for schools. Town and school officials have often sparred at Finance Committee meetings over the question of whether Saugus Public Schools are adequately funded or underfunded. “We’re not talking about the schools in opposition to the town,” McMahon said. “We’re actually talking about the schools in service to the town. Assistant Coach William Cahill with seniors, pictured from left to right – Tyrone Manderson, Ryan Anderson, Mark MacEachern and Ryan Mabee – and Head Coach Joseph Bertrand. ball out there,” he told the press. “The girls were incredibly unselfish, and we had a ton of girls make shots for us.” Last Friday night, the Sachems rebounded from the previous evening’s 58-43 loss at Masconomet with a low-scoring, hard-fought 3028 victory at Marblehead, a The investment we’re making now is really 1 to 3 percent of the overall town government budget,” she said. School Committee Member Ryan Fisher noted that an important question that often comes up in conversation with people who are considering moving here is “Tell me about the schools in Saugus.” School Committee Member John Hatch said he agreed with Fisher’s observation. “The education itself is the investment,” Hatch said. “That is the Number One thing that brings new families to town, as Mr. Fisher says.” In her PowerPoint presentateam that had seven wins entering the contest. Both teams played stellar defense. The Sachems came out on top with the aid of a clutch threepoint shot by Jessica Bremberg with about a minute left in the game. Castle led the Sachems with eight points and DiBiasio had six. tion, the superintendent notes: “In fact, we’ve heard clearly – from both town residents and MA DESE [state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education] – that schools are important but new buildings are not enough.” McMahon’s PowerPoint presentation also includes a summary of some of the most glaring deficiencies cited in the District Review published by DESE in 2019: insufficient training for staff and educators to administer effective teaching in new facilities, inconsistency in quality of instruction districtwide, insufficient feedback system for stuMillerick produced a big offensive effort with 17 points in the loss at Masco. Also contributing on the scoreboard were DiBiasio with 12 and Bremberg with four. The 6-4 Sachems face a huge test on Friday night when they play at 10-1 Peabody. dents, lack of focus on the diverse learning needs of all students, lack of rigorous learning opportunities, lack of focus on the development of higher order thinking skills, insufficient educator evaluation systems, no sense of urgency in the district office, lack of transparency in budgeting on the school level, incomplete district improvement plans or school improvement plans. “The 2023 Proposed Budget addresses the root causes of the 2019 DESE Report,” McMahon concluded in her PowerPoint presentation. “Further, it works to close the gaps caused by COVID,” she said.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 9 tired U.S. Navy captain, passes along this special invitation to all the veterans of Saugus: The 79th Annual American Legion, District 8 Four Chaplains Memorial Service will be hosted this year by Augustus P. Gardner Post 227, Middleton. The Memorial Service will be Sunday, February 6, and will start at 2 p.m. at the Middleton Congregational Church, (66 Maple St. [Rt 62]). The service will be followed by a collation in the lower hall of the church. All Veterans and their families are cordially invited to attend this year’s commemorative service honoring the valiant sacrifice of Four Chaplains of different faiths in the Atlantic on the sinking troop ship Dorchester that February night in World War II. Directions: From 128 North, take the Middleton exit (Rt 114) to Middleton square. Take a right onto Rt. 62 (Maple Street). The Church will be on your left just past the Senior Center. If you come from 128 South, you can also take Rt. 62 toward Danvers/Middleton, and the church will be on your right after you pass Farmer Brown’s and Liberty Street. There is ample parking at the church (lower level parking lot), and the church is handicapped accessible (side entrance and elevator). Saugus Plaza sells for $39.5 million The Boston Real Estate Times reported late last week that Grossman Companies and North Colony have acquired Saugus Plaza for $39.5 million. JLL Capital Markets, which represented the seller, Federal Realty Investment Trust, announced it had closed the “sale of Saugus Plaza, a 165,800-square-foot neighborhood shopping center anchored by Stop & Shop Supermarket and Floor & Décor in the close-in Boston suburb of Saugus, Massachusetts.” Stop & Shop, New England’s largest grocer, has been located in Saugus Plaza for more than 40 years. “The 97-percent-leased center’s diverse tenant mix also includes Floor & Décor, Buffalo Wild Wings, North Shore Liquor and King Crab.” Saugus Plaza is situated about eight miles from downtown Boston and encompasses 16.58 acres at 180 Main St. along Route 1 South, the primary retail and commuter corridor for more than 110,000 vehicles per day. The plaza “is adjacent to the Simon-owned Square One Mall and in a growing area with more than 1,157 multi-housing units being developed.” “The JLL Capital Markets Investment Sales Advisory team representing the seller was led by Managing Director Nat Heald, Senior Managing Director Chris Angelone and Associate Zach Nitsche.” “We are very pleased to have been involved in the sale of Saugus Plaza,” Heald said, according to the Times. “Investor demand for grocery anchored properties in metro Boston far outstrips supply, and we saw competitive bidding from the full spectrum of investor-types, including REITs, funds and private groups.” “JLL Capital Markets is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The firm’s in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients – whether investment sales and advisory, debt advisory, equity advisory or a recapitalization. The firm has more than 3,000 Capital Markets specialists worldwide with offices in nearly 50 countries.” Live Bingo at the Kowloon The Kowloon Restaurant kicked off its Live Bingo this week and will continue with Bingo every Wednesday through March 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. in SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 16

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 15 Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus “Saugus Needs a Dog Park” ~ Letter to the Editor ~ recognizes Everett Grace Food Pantry for ongoing support Dear Editor: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Everett Grace Food Pantry for contributing food for our program. Under the leadership of Irene Cardillo, she and her amazing team of volunteers have assisted HS2 weekly with various nonperishable food items. This partnership allows HS2 to continue to serve our students/ families in need. Everett Grace Food Pantry Grace Food Pantry is a non-profit organization serving the Everett Community and North Shore Area. Our mission is to help families in need with food insecurities with care and dignity; together we can make a difference. The pantry is located at 40 Church Street in Everett and is open to the public on Saturdays from 8:30am-10:00am. Check out their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/ gracefoodpantryeverett/ Healthy StudentsHealthy Saugus Healthy Saugus-Healthy StuLEADING THE TEAM: Irene Cardillo oversees volunteers of the Everett Grace Food Pantry, a group that has made invaluable food contributions to Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2). (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) dents (HS2) is a non-profit group that helps to offset food insecure households. HS2 provides a weekend supply of nutritious food for weekends or school holidays during the school year. Check out their Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/ HealthyStudentsHealthy Saugus Sincerely, Julie Cicolini That’s the name of a new Facebook page that is gathering friends in Saugus – and support from Selectman Jeff Cicolini By Mark E. Vogler Rick Lavoie has begun S augus Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini and a handful of other elected town officials who share a passion for creating a dog park in Saugus are off and running with their dream. “It’s definitely something everybody is screaming for,” Cicolini told colleagues of the interest in such a project. Cicolini, who vowed late last year to make it a personal goal to help create a place where town residents can walk their dogs for exercise, briefed selectmen on his informal dog park committee at Tuesday (Jan. 25) night’s meeting. In a short period of time, Cicolini and the small group have developed a plan that focuses on Stocker Field as a possible location. He said the group has also discussed organizing into a nonprofit organization with intentions of having a “zero impact” on the town. called champ? 10. On Jan. 31, 1940, Ida 1. On Jan. 28, 1985, 45 recording artists met in Hollywood to sing what charity single? 2. In 1999 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl, what U.S. women’s team won an international sporting event? 3. In what part of the world is a Boston bun (also known as Sally Lunn) traditional? 4. What is an affogato? 5. On Jan. 29, 1995, what team became the first to win the Super Bowl five times? 6. In what John Steinbeck novel’s first chapter is the word “dust” used 24 times? 7. What are lotus shoes? 8. On Jan. 30, 1995, a TV Guide survey found that who was the most trusted media personality? 9. What country has a dish May Fuller, of Brattleboro, Vt., received the first of what type of check after paying only three years of payroll taxes ($25)? 11. What culture has a traditional red telephone box? 12. On Feb. 1, 2022, what culture celebrates the New Year? 13. In 2022 in Hawaii, Cameron Smith won the golf Tournament of Champions with the lowest-ever score; how many strokes under par was it: 10, 21 or 34? 14. On Feb. 2, 1887, the first Groundhog Day was observed in the town of Punxsutawney in what state? 15. The Vogue Doll Compaa Facebook page called “Saugus Needs a Dog Park,” which he said has already attracted many members. Cicolini said he plans to meet with Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to develop a dog park strategy and make a presentation to selectmen in the near future. “I think this is great,” Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta told Cicolini. “I’ve been 100 percent supportive of a dog park for a long time. I am really excited about this dog park,” she said. Cicolini said, “It’s been a long time coming.” Selectman Corinne Riley wondered whether there were laws covering the operation of dog parks. Cicolini said there would be various logistics involving insurance, leasing arrangements and other matters that the group’s organizers would have to review in order to proceed with the project. “Some folks may think it is ny, which had manufacturing plants in Malden, Medford and Melrose, started producing the Ginny doll in what decade: the 1920s, the 1940s or the 1960s? 16. On Feb. 3, 1902, after an NYC snowstorm, the Morning Telegraph debuted the nickname “the Great White Way” for what? 17. In the 1934 movie “Here is My Heart,” what actor/singer with a nickname introduced the song “June in January”? 18. What instrument has felt-covered hammers? 19. On Feb. 4, 1938, what play by Thornton Wilder set in Grover’s Corners, N.H., opened in NYC? an easy task, throw up some fence and lay down some mulch and call it a dog park,” Cicolini said in a posting on the Facebook page “Saugus Needs A Dog Park.” “We will strive to do this the right way, like Bob Davis did at World Series. This will keep the costs away from the taxpayers and develop a long term plan to pay for maintenance as upkeep. Trust me when I tell you, we are moving forward full steam ahead. We will be expanding the committee in the future to add additional members for input and assistance,” he said. “We also need to determine the use of other properties coming offline and that will take community input sessions etc. as there are many factors to identifying a site vs. having the site become the dog park location. For example, there are some insurance regulations we need to consider based on the potential location. I for one like Stocker as a potential site.” ANSWERS 1. “We Are the World” 2. Women’s World Cup for soccer 3. Australia and New Zealand (Reportedly, the inventor of the Boston bun came from Boston during Australia’s gold rush in the 1850s.) 4. Espresso and vanilla ice cream 5. The San Francisco 49ers 6. “The Grapes of Wrath” (due to the Dust Bowl setting) 7. The tiny shoes Chinese women wore after their feet were bound. 8. Walter Cronkite 9. Ireland (a mashed potato/scallion dish) 10. Social Security 11. British 12. Chinese (the Lunar New Year, or Year of the Tiger) 13. 34 14. Pennsylvania 15. 1948 16. Broadway 17. Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby Jr. 18. Piano 19. “Our Town”

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 14 the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week with a grand prize set at the finale. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt and pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu including, the signature mai tais. Call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 to reserve your table. Town posts Compost Site Winter Schedule The Town of Saugus has announced that the community’s compost site and recycling center will be open to residents the third Saturday of the month during the winter months. The site will be open Feb. 19 and March 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. At this time residents will not need a compost site sticker to access the site. The Town asks all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus program (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers that are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/ soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/ sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms. gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTO’s, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to Salem Five C/O Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 8555 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/ HealthySaugus. Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry continues to remain open between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Fridays despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/ gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries.Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for shortterm or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Clarifying some veterans’ issues Jay Pinette, the Veterans Service Officer for the Town of Saugus, wanted to pass along a few words to promote a better understanding of how his office works. “Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are not VA employees and do not have direct access to VA systems or information,” Jay wrote in an email to us. “Local VSOs are employees of their respective cities and towns. VSOs are generally able to assist veterans and eligible dependents with VA-related claims and benefits activities. “One of the primary duties of the VSOs is to administer a program for veterans and eligible dependents that is referred to as ‘Chapter 115’. Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. CH. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial assistance for low income veterans and their dependents. Qualified veterans and their dependents who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria may receive monthly financial benefits that are intended to assist the veteran with housing and living expenses. “If local Veterans wish to enroll in VA healthcare and/or obtain a VA ID card, representatives from the VA Bedford will be on-site at the Lynn VA Clinic twice a month. The on-site enrollment will be held on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are advised and the dates and times are subject to change. The Lynn VA Clinic is located at 225 Boston Street, Suite 107. For more information or to schedule an appointment for enrollment, call 781-687-3348 or e-mail vabedoutreach@va.gov. “The Veterans Services Offices of Saugus and other surrounding communities have partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to hold monthly mobile food markets for veterans. With the closure of the Saugus Senior Center during the pandemic, the food market was moved to Melrose. We have now moved the food market back to the Saugus Senior Center. The veterans mobile food market is held on the third Wednesday of each month. Veterans and eligiSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 17 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 16 ble dependents must sign up with the Saugus Veterans Service Office to determine eligibility. VSO Jay Pinette can be reached at 781231-4010 or at jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Or on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906.” A smoke alarm alert for seniors The state Fire Marshal’s Office has launched a new public service announcement campaign that is geared toward encouraging smoke alarm awareness among senior citizens – the people who are at greater risk of dying in a fire. And this should be of particular interest to Saugus residents who may recall the house fire that killed two elderly people on Richard Street last July. Fire investigators found no evidence of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms in the home. The “Dear Grandma / Querida Abuela” campaign began this month on television and radio stations in the Boston, Worcester and Springfield media markets. Recorded in both English and Spanish, it features a granddaughter writing a letter to her grandmother about all the things she looks forward to doing together, interspersed with messages about the importance of having working smoke alarms and replacing alarms after 10 years. “In Massachusetts and nationwide, people over 65 have a disproportionately high risk of dying in a fire,” state Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a press release this week. “Everyone should have working smoke alarms in their homes, but we developed this PSA to reach older adults in particular because of the higher statistical risk they face. Installing smoke alarms on every floor of the home, checking them regularly, and replacing them after 10 years can dramatically reduce that risk.” Nationwide, about 60 percent of fatal fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms. And in Massachusetts, people 65 and older comprise about 17 percent of the population but about 50 percent of last year’s fatal fire victims. “Working smoke alarms are often the first line of defense against injury and tragedy in a fire,” Ostroskey said. “We invite our partners in the fire service, family members, caregivers, and social service providers to share these PSAs and emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms, especially among seniors.” Last year when Louis Gallo, 78, and his sister Rosemarie Naples, 80, died in the three-alarm house fire on Richard Street, fire officials stressed that working smoke alarms in your home can double your chances of survival if a fire occurs. Home fire deaths have been cut in half since the early 1970s, when smoke alarms were first marketed, and about 40 percent of fire deaths in the United States take place in the four percent of homes without smoke alarms. People should install smoke alarms throughout their home, test them monthly and replace the batteries when they change their clocks. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced, according to fire officials. The PSAs are available for distribution through the Department of Fire Services (DFS). They can be downloaded at the DFS webpage and can be linked or shared from the DFS YouTube channel. They complement the DFS Senior SAFE program, which provides grant funding for local fire departments to provide fire and life safety education for older adults. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been close to six years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works. ~ Obituaries ~ Joseph M. Bono A ge 76, of Danvers, former l y of Saugus and Everett, lost his battle with brain cancer and died at the Life Care Center in Stoneham on Friday, January 21. He was the beloved husband of Mary (Famiglietti) Bono with whom he shared 48 years of marriage. Born in Boston and raised in Everett, Joe was the son of the late Vincent and Lucia (Sclafani) Bono. He was a member of the National Guard and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Bentley College. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his son, Joseph M. Bono, Jr. and his wife, Sherri of Revere; his granddaughter, Natalie; his brothers Francis Bono of West Virginia and Vincent Bono of Saugus; and his sister, Josephine Frate of Medford. He was predeceased by his sister, Nina Esposito, and his brothers, Anthony and Augustus Bono. Joe lived for his family and was always the life of every get together. His happy go lucky nature and ability to make people laugh made him always fun to be around. He worked hard and played hard and was a great example of a life well lived. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stJude.org. James W. Martin Age 88, of Saugus, died on January 18 at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill. He was the husband of Jean (Ciarletta) Martin and the late A. Marcia (Robertson) Martin. Born and raised in Revere, he was the son of the late Henry and Lillian (Ege) Martin. A U.S. Navy veteran, James “Big Jim” Martin owned and operated Martin’s Autobody in Lynn for many years. He enjoyed boating, working around his house, and spending time with his family. Besides his wife, he is survived by his five children; Melinda Gagnon and her husband Richard of Maine, Cathy Ciociolo and her husband Robert of FL, James Martin Jr. and his wife Maureen of Saugus, Lori Gordon and her husband George of NH, Pattye Griffin and her husband Thomas of Peabody, 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Mr. Martin was predeceased by his siblings; Gertrude Sidebottom, Lorraine Palm, and Clara Schmidt. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the charity of your choice.

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Cash Pay Guaranteed! "If it snows, you'll be working!" 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 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446 For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President Welcome to New England in winter. Due to the extremely cold temperatures, our office may not be open every day. Please call the number below for an immediate response. WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! LISTED BY NORMA & ROSEMARIE SOLD! CONDO - NEW PRICE - $449,900 30 CHELSEA ST. #812 EVERETT CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 SOLD! SINGLE FAMILY 39 ARLINGTON ST., EVERETT $529,900 NEW LISTING UNDER AGREEMENT BY NORMA AS BUYER’S AGENT SOLD BY NORMA TAUNTON SOLD BY SANDY! HUGE 3 FAMILY 21-23 CLEVELAND AVE., EVERETT $980,000 32 RIDGE RD., READING $675,000 NEW LISTING BY NORMA CONDO 120 WYLLIS AVE., UNIT #310 SOLD BY JOE! 6 FAMILY CHARLES STREET, MALDEN $1,250,000 CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 UNDER AGREEMENT SINGLE FAMILY 20 BAKER RD., EVERETT $509,900 SOLD BY MICHAEL AS BUYER’S AGENT 58 BRADFORD ST. EVERETT Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 Open Daily From 10:0 Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate :0 00 AM 5:00 PM www.jrs-properties.com Follow Us On: 617.448.0854 Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022

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