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.
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