THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 Page 9 Northeast Metro Tech students help with renovation of historic Stoneham Fire Station W AKEFIELD – Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Superintendent David DiBarri of Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School (Northeast Metro Tech) recently announced a collaboration between the Stoneham Fire Department and Northeast Metro Tech. Approximately 30 students from the plumbing, electrical, carpentry and HVAC programs will be working at the 105-year-old fire station for the next few months in order to help renovate and update the space. Students will work in groups of five in order to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. The work will consist of renovating a second floor to accommodate the needs of the department, relocating the kitchen to the second floor and turning the former kitchen space into a gear storage room – and various other small projects, such as replacing the wheelchair ramp at the front of the building. These projects will help to upgrade the space, as well as increase health and safety conditions at the facility for members of the department. Currently, the kitchen is located right off the apparatus floor and gear is stored nearby as well. Creating this separation of the working and living areas will help to reduce this risk of exposing firefighters to carcinogens left on gear before it is washed and cleaned after being worn and used for a call. The bathroom renovation will help to fix plumbing leaks and repair the dilapidated bathroom to provide an upgraded space for firefighters to use. To ensure the work maintained the historic nature of partners,” DiBarri said. “Partnerships like this help to enrich the lives of our students and I know this is something that they really look forward to each week.” Saugus Youth Soccer Association Northeast Metro Tech students repaired the ramp outside of the Stoneham Fire Department to allow for safer access to the building. (Photo Courtesy of the Stoneham Fire Department) the building, Grafton presented the plans to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, which approved the plans. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” Grafton said. “The students learn from their experience, the fire department has a healthier work environment and taxpayers are able to save a significant amount of money by not having to pay the cost of labor. We greatly appreciate Northeast Metro Tech for helping us and are happy to help them gain this experience. This work wouldn’t be possible without them.” The group initially began working on the project in early 2020, but had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Already, the group, which works over the course of a few hours four days a week, has made progress on the bathroom renovations and completed the THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, February 21 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, February 22 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, February 23 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Special Town Meeting from February 16. Wednesday, February 24 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from February 17. Thursday, February 25 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from February 18. Friday, February 26 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Boys Basketball vs. Peabody from February 18. Saturday, February 27 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Hockey vs. Swampscott from February 17. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may change without notice*** 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM NMLS #443050 Member FDIC Member DIF WHETHER YOU’RE READY TO BUY OR REFINANCE, WE’LL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS. TALK TO ONE OF OUR RESIDENTIAL LENDERS TODAY. 617-381-3663 new ramp. “We are thrilled to be able to partner with Stoneham Fire to help our students gain handson experience and show their support for our community Registration for our G-4 thru G-8 Spring Travel programs is now open. Please register your son or daughter at saugusyouthsoccer.com The cost for the season is $150 and does not include the uniform cost. Please contact Mike Bluette at bluette4@comcast.net for more information or if you have any questions. We can help you buy a house. So you can create a home.
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