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SAUGUS Vol. 27, No.8 Your Local News & Sports Online! Scan & Subscribe Here! C TE D O AT CAT -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, February 21, 2025 EAGLE EYES AT STOCKER PLAYGROUND A Wrongful Firing An arbitrator rules Saugus School Committee fi red Ex-Supt. McMahon without proper cause; awards her substantial lost wages and benefi ts to make her whole By Mark E. Vogler E x-Saugus School Superintendent Erin McMahon only got about halfway through the second year of an unprecedented fi ve-year, million-dollar contract before going on paid administrative leave in early January of 2023 as she was being investigated for alleged misconduct, which led to her fi ring 10 months later. But McMahon, who maintained from the outset that the School Committee violated her contract and later fi red her unfairly based on a fl awed report, has convinced an arbitrator that the committee failed to justify her termination. “On the merits, the School How will this bald eagle – perched on a branch overlooking the basketball court at Stocker Playground earlier this month – and other wildlife be aff ected by a proposed dog park? Please see inside for more photos, a story about the Conservation Commission review of the project and letters to the editor. (Courtesy photo of Shannon Monks) Committee did not establish that there was good cause for the termination,” arbitrator Sherrie Rose Talmadge wrote in a recent 30-page report that awarded McMahon “all lost wages and benefi ts” from the date of her Nov. 2, 2023, termination to the end of her employment agreement, which would have expired on June 30, 2026. Megan C. Deluhery, of the Boston law fi rm of Todd & Weld LLP, welcomed the American Arbitration Association Labor Arbitration Decision And Award as a vindication of her client, who was the fi rst woman school superintendent hired by the Town of Saugus. “Dr. McMahon is gratifi ed by the outcome which confi rms there was insuffi cient evidence to support termination of her employment for the reasons set out in the investigation report,” Deluhery told The Saugus Advocate. “The parties have yet to confer on the calculation of the award, but with 2.5 years remaining in her contract which requires payment of her annual salary of just under $200,000 plus benefi ts less post-termination earnings, we anticipate the dollar value will be substantial,” she said. No comment from Saugus School Committee Saugus School Committee Chair Vincent Serino issued a comment on behalf of the entire School Committee that essentially declined to rebut the FIRING | SEE PAGE 2 MARCHETTI CORP. 46 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2024 Regular Unleaded $2.839 MidUnleaded $3.379 Super $3.479 Diesel Fuel $3.539 Kerosene Available! HEATING O L IL ULS $4.759 $3.39 9 DEF Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! 24-Hour Burner Service Open an account and order online at: Hours: Monday thru Friday 6 AM to 7 PM / Saturdays 7 AM to 5 PM / Sundays 9 AM to 5 PM FLEET Prices subject to change

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 FIRING | FROM PAGE 1 decision. “You and your readers will note that the Saugus School Committee has refrained from making any public comment concerning the former superintendent since she placed herself on administrative leave in January of 2023,” the statement began. “Since that time, the investigative report, the former superintendent’s response and the entirety of the disciplinary hearing have been publicly released. Our main focus has been and will continue to be the district and Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING *REASONABLE RATES * PROMPT SERVICE * PARKING LOTS USA 781-521-9927 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 the students, teachers and support staff . We will continue to refrain from making any public statements.” Serino declined to provide a copy of the arbitration report to The Saugus Advocate, citing the advice of the committee’s attorney. “It’s not public,” he said in an email to the newspaper. However, The Saugus Advocate was able to obtain the report from two sources. Several state websites post arbitration decisions periodically. The decisions are fi led and are the basis for fi nancial settlements. No attorney fees are warranted pursuant to the terms of Section 12.1, which provides “The parties…shall be responsible for their own legal fees.” The arbitrator will retain jurisdiction for 60 days from receipt of the award to assist with issues implementing the remedial order, if requested. She came to Saugus with high expectations McMahon was hired by the School Committee to turn around the Saugus Public Schools (District), which, according to the 2019 state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education report, was on a state watch list. The hiring marked the fi rst time in recent memory that the School Committee approved a fiveyear contract for an incoming superintendent to lead the town’s public education system. Ex-Saugus School Superintendent Erin McMahon addressed the School Committee on the day of her fi ring before the committee voted unanimously to fi re her. (Courtesy photo of Saugus TV to The Saugus Advocate) And no Saugus School Committee has ever invested so much money – close to a million dollars over the life of the contract – for a school administrator. But School Committee members were unanimous in their belief that it was worth every penny that they approved to bring in Erin McMahon with the great expectation that she would drastically improve the town’s school system. The committee members were so impressed with her credentials and her interview that they entered into an Employment Agreement with her for a fi ve year term: July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2026. At the time of her hiring, McMahon was the senior advisor to then-state Education Commissioner Jeff rey C. Riley. She was the committee’s 4-0 unanimous choice to replace retiring School Superintendent David DeRuosi, Jr. Then School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge abstained from the vote because of a potential conflict of interest, as his sister, Dawn Trainor, is the executive director of Pupil Personnel Services & Special Education – a high administrative position that reports directly to the superintendent. Lack of “good cause” “The School Committee did not meet its burden of establishing good cause for the termination of Dr. McMahon as required by Section 12.1 of the FIRING | SEE PAGE 3 Call Driveways from $35

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 3 FIRING | FROM PAGE 2 Employment Agreement,” Arbitrator Talmadge concluded. “Section 12.1 states, ‘good cause’ herein shall be defined as any ground put forth by the Committee in good faith that is not arbitrary, irrational, unreasonable or irrelevant to the task of building and maintaining an efficient school system,” it continued. “The School Committee relied on the findings of the independent law firm, Arrowood, to terminate the Superintendent. Those findings included that the Superintendent: 1) accepted payments from consultants without proper disclosure or notice, 2) approved invoices from a vendor that included inflated hours, unapproved hours, and alcohol, and 3) spent excessive time out of the district. The Arrowood report These are highlights from the report that were the basis for the School Committee voting to fire McMahon: • The superintendent had a longstanding relationship with Relay, performed paid consulting services for Relay, which she did not disclose to the School Committee nor did she submit any conflict-of-interest disclosure about said consulting until April 6, about 15 minutes before she was scheduled to be interviewed in connection with this investigation and more than a year after her initial consulting services were provided to Relay. • McMahon also received gratis professional development training from Relay, which she did not disclose to the School Committee nor reference in her conflict-of-interest disclosure. Superintendent McMahon retained Relay to provide professional development services for the District at a cost of $84,000, of which $56,000 was contracted for and paid out after she performed her initial consulting services for Relay, representing tuition costs for four individuals to attend professional development training in New York City and Denver, Colorado, and does not include any expenses paid directly to those individuals in connection with their attendance at that program. • The superintendent either intentionally or negligently permitted a professional development provider (Excellence Reflex Consulting LLC) to charge the District in excess of amounts actually earned for the services provided to the District. • Superintendent McMahon either intentionally or negligently permitted a professional development provider (Excellence Reflex Consulting LLC) to charge the District for the purchase of alcohol on one occasion from Title I grant funds, and did so in spite of her receipt of an admonition from at least one member of the District’s leadership team that such charges could not be made to the District, through permitting the use of multiple revised invoices from said professional development provider. • Between July 1, 2022, and January 19, 2023 (the date on which she began administrative leave), Superintendent McMahon was out of district 40.5 days, nearly double the amount of time the previous superintendent spent out of district. But in each instance, the arbitrator’s report concluded there was no basis to substantiate the allegations. On November 2, 2023, the Committee conducted the hearing in an open public session at Dr. McMahon’s request. At the November 2 termination hearing, Dr. McMahon only knew the information provided in the redacted Executive Summary given to her. Right before the public session started, Dr. McMahon provided the School Committee with a large number of documents in a rebuttal statement to respond to the information disclosed in the redacted Executive Summary. Chair Serino summarized the four matters from the August 30 letter at the outset of the hearing. While certain Committee members testified that they had an issue with McMahon providing this information at the hearing, she was unable to provide the information beforehand because the parties had reached a settlement in principle, and she understood that the Rebuttal would not be necessary. However, the settlement fell through 48 hours prior to the hearing. McMahon received notice of the November 2 termination hearing on October 31, two days prior to the termination hearing. Dr. McMahon’s counsel made a request for the full report on the record, and Chair Serino replied by implying the Committee had not seen the full report, although this was not the case. After Dr. McMahon was given an opportunity to orally address the School Committee, she asked the Committee to review and consider her Rebuttal, and invited the Committee to ask any questions. The hearing lasted 25 minutes. The Rebuttal consisted of a nine-page written statement by Dr. McMahon with 18 exhibits, including an affidavit of Chi FIRING | SEE PAGE 4 RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM Great Classified Ad Rates! 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Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 ~ The Old Sachem ~ The Sinking of the USS Maine T By Bill Stewart he USS Maine was a second-class battleship that started being built in 1888 and was completed in 1895. It was one of the fi rst American battleships and weighed more than 6,000 pounds and cost more than two million dollars to build. The ship was the fi rst named for the State of Maine and was followed by the USS Texas. The Maine was described as an armored cruiser or second-class battleship. The two were built as an advance on warship design, which followed the latest design of European naval 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! development. Both ships had two-gun turrets, and full sailing masts were omitted, as steam engines replaced sail. Due to the fact that both ships required nine years to build, both were somewhat obsolete by the time of completion. The Maine made a friendly visit to Cuba and reached the harbor on February 15th, 1898, to protect the interests of Americans in Cuba, after a rebellion against Spain broke out in Havana in January. It is known as the Cuban War of Independence. The American government wanted to protect the Americans who lived in Cuba during the fi ghting. The Cubans fought from 1895 to 1898 against Spain in the new world. The Maine exploded in Havana Harbor. American newspapers, which wanted to boost circulation, used yellow journalism to provoke the public to believe that the Spanish were the ones to blow up the ship. They created the phrase “Remember the Maine! To hell FIRING | FROM PAGE 3 www.810bargrille.com Tschang, who was referenced in the Arrowood report although he had not been interviewed. Some of the Committee members briefl y reviewed the materials, although none requested a brief recess so they could do so. No one asked Dr. McMahon with Spain!” which became a cry for action. The U.S. Naval Court of Inquiry ruled in March that the ship was blown up in the harbor by an external explosion from a mine. The explosion sank the ship and 286 sailors were killed, which was three-quarters of the crew. The United States then deployed forces in Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippine Islands to fi ght Spain. Some U.S. Naval offi cers disagreed with the verdict and suggested that the ship’s magazines had been ignited by a spontaneous fi re in a coal bunker. The coal used in the Maine was bituminous, which was known for releasing gasses composed primarily of fl ammable methane that often exploded. An investigation by Admiral Hyman Rickover in 1974 agreed with the coal fi re idea, but the sinking remains a subject of a military situation. The ship remained in the harbor bottom until 1911. Then a cofferdam was built around the ship. They patched the ship and were able to fl oat the remains, then the Maine was towed out to sea and sunk again. It lies on the seaany questions. Shortly following the Superintendent’s presentation, the Committee unanimously voted to terminate Dr. McMahon’s contract. Chair Serino stated that the Committee’s vote was based on the fi ndings and potential violations of law suggested by Arrowood in the “The Old Sachem,” Bill Stewart. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) bed 3,600 feet below the surface. The main mast is now a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. We will never know for sure what caused the explosion, but we will honor the men who died in Havana Harbor. (Editor’s Note: Bill Stewart, who is better known to Saugus Advocate readers as “The Old Sachem,” writes a weekly column – sometimes about sports. He also opines on current or historical events or famous people.) Executive Summary. After the termination on November 7, 2023, the School Committee provided the full unredacted Arrowood report to Dr. McMahon, which included t he name of the whistleblower, Dr. Ferrick. The Arrowood report was also leaked to the media. — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 5 Former Saugus High School football coach walks his last postal route in Winthrop Special to Th e Saugus Advocate D onny Trainor always felt a personal connection to Winthrop, even as he settled, raised a family and coached high school football in Saugus. Winthrop is where both his parents were raised. So, when he took over a postal route there 39 years ago, it was sort of a homecoming. A fixture on his route, “Donny the Mailman” walked the route for the last time at the end of January – retiring from the job that was always more than “a job” to him. Neighbors greeted him with good luck signs and balloons to celebrate his service and commitment. Donny contributed in many ways to the community, helping to run the annual Winthrop Food Drive and organizing friends and family to pitch in. He developed a kinship with the people on his route – lending a hand to help carry in groceries, shovel out walkways or take part in snowball fi ghts with the kids. And every year he would help Santa’s elves during the holiday season by delivering the letters from the North Pole, making sure the kids who left letters for him to deliver to Santa got a handwritten, personal reply from the man himself. The people on his route, his friends and family in town are the reason he loved his job. He would walk roughly 30,000 steps a day by the time he finished making all his stops and chatting with friendly faces along the way. Donny has always had a positive impact on any community he has been a part of. In his hometown of Saugus, he coached the high school football team for more than 30 years and took part in many community events and activities. An interesting day on his route would be the day after a Saugus-Winthrop football game. There was extra incentive for Saugus to win, so he wouldn’t get heckled on his route. In retirement, he is looking forward to spending time with his wife, children and granddaughter. He plans on doing a lot of traveling and golfi ng with his newly found free time. (And he’ll probably walk the course.) If you have any nice stories about mailman Donny, we would love to hear them! Please email us at MailmanDon02152@gmail.com “DONNY THE MAILMAN:” Former Saugus High School Football Coach Donny Trainor on his postal route in Winthrop. He recently retired after four decades of working for the U.S. Postal Service. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) TAKING A BREAK: Donny Trainor in his mail truck. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) 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 Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 “A Zero Smoking Policy” Housing Authority votes unanimously to revise current smoking policy; chair calls for tougher enforcement By Mark E. Vogler Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 S augus Housing Authority Chair John Cannon is calling for “a zero smoking policy” on authority properties – both inside the buildings and on the premises. “There’s a smoking problem still existing in this building [Heritage Heights] and I will not tolerate it,” Cannon told colleagues at last week’s (Feb. 12) meeting. “We need to adopt a zero smoking policy,” he said. Authority Executive DirecCelebrating 51 Years! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 HANDMADE CIGARS! Four-Year-Old Tobacco * 100% Long Filler * Cellophane $49.95 STORE HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, humidifier, hygrometer, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 A QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE: Housing Authority Board of Directors Chair John Cannon at last week’s meeting said the Housing Authority needs to revise the current “no smoking policy” and begin enforcing the regulations for the sake of the tenants. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) tor Katelynn M. Lemieux told Cannon “We already have one in place.” Lemieux said she can’t guarantee smoke-free premises, adding that strict enforcement entails the fi ling of incident reports. But Cannon insisted the current policy is not being enforced well enough and also needs to be revised to comply with current federal regulations. “We can adopt a policy and build on it,” Cannon said. The authority voted 5-0 for a revision of the current smoking policy. Lemieux said she can work on revisions of the current policy and have it ready to be presented to authority members at a meeting next month. Smoking at Heritage Heights on Talbot Street has been an ongoing concern of tenants for several years and the source of numerous comSMOKING POLICY | SEE PAGE 7 Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today! ■ Support Veteran Nonprofi ts. ■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction. Donate Your Vehicle Today 866-618-0011 www.veterancardonations.org/dnt122 While we appreciate every donation, in some cases, we fi nd that we are unable to accept certain vehicles, watercraft, and/or recreational vehicles due to the prohibitive costs of acquisition. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (866) 618-0011.

Longtime Saugonian supports the proposed Dog Park at Stocker Playground Page 7 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Dear Editor: I am writing to express my suppor t for the proposed Dog Park to be located at Stocker Playground. As a youngster growing up in the area with many other neighborhood children, Stocker Playground was one of the best places to walk to and enjoy. During the early fifties, the playground was just an endless large field with a beautiful gazebo right in the middle. When the SMOKING POLICY | FROM PAGE 6 plaints. Following tenant complaints last year about smoking in the gazebo, Lemieux worked with former authority Chair William Stewart to designate a “smoking table” near the visitors’ parking lot of Heritage Heights. “According to the federal HUD regulations, you’re not supposed to smoke in the buildings or on the property,” Cannon said in an interview this week. “It’s concerning to me and I’ve raised a lot of hell about it. And I’ve also gotten a lot of support from the tenants. The current regulations aren’t being enforced by the ausun was too hot, the gazebo provided shelter and Ms. Fran Williams, a ‘camp’ counselor gave us crayons and paper, taught us how to draw flowers, told us funny little stories and always made us feel so special – it was a wonderful time! When reviewing the Notice of Intent for the proposed dog park , I was amazed to learn that Rich Williams, of Williams and Sparages, the engineering firm hired by the Town thority staff and that needs to change,” Cannon said. “She [Lemieux] is going to put forth a new ‘no smoking’ policy for consideration. We’ll get to vote on it in April and move forward. This is a quality of life issue that I ran on when I got elected to the board last year. We don’t need people being subjected to smoke and having their health aff ected,” he said. The current policy hinges on the fi ling of reports by residents or staff who witness smoking incidents. The first smoking off ense is punishable by a fi ne of $100. A second offense carries a $250 penalty. A third off ense carries a $500 fi ne and the commencement of eviction proceedings. to draft the Notice of Intent for the proposed dog park! How ironic, as Rich is the grandson of Fran Williams and whose dad, Richard (Doc), and his brother Bruce, were two of the playmates at the field all those years ago! I have confidence that state, federal and local officials, the Saugus Conservation Commission, and especially the Williams family, who cherished this park, will approve a final Agreement that will restore this often-neglected area into a multi-purpose playground for all to enjoy. Thank you, Janice Jarosz 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! RESPONDING TO THE CHAIR: Housing Authority Executive Director Katelynn M. Lemieux (far right) at last week’s Housing Authority meeting said she will work with the authority members in presenting a revised “no smoking policy.” Pictured from left to right are Housing Authority Board of Directors Chair John Cannon, Vice Chair William Stewart and Assistant Treasurer James Tozza. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 ConCom begins review of dog park proposal D Panel hears citizens’ pros and cons of contentious project at Stocker Playground; hearing continued until March 19 By Mark E. Vogler og poop and its environmental impact on the wetlands and Saugus River near the site of a proposed dog park at Stocker Playground was the focus of considerable discussion at last week’s Conservation Commission meeting. “Everyone is concerned about the poop,” said Chris P. Sparages, a civil engineer of Williams & Sparages who briefed the commission on the Notice of Intent (NOI) he helped fi le on behalf of the town for the dog park project. Sparages, a Saugus resident, stressed that the project organizers are “making sure we have a great plan in place to pick up the poop so it doesn’t wash into the river.” Sparages noted that the town would do its due diligence by having pet waste containers at the site and that Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree “is committed to hiring a part-time dog offi cer” to help monitor the park. Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, an avid supporter of the dog park and herself a dog owner, said picking up dog waste shouldn’t be a problem. “If you don’t pick up poop, the other owners will shame you into picking up poop,” she said. Julie Mills, a vocal opponent of the dog park, downplayed dog poop as an issue. “Everyone is concerned about picking up dog poop. Dog poop is not the biggest problem,” Mills said. “Pathogens and parasites being carried by dog urine is more of a concern than the dog poop,” she said. Mills said she is worried about the health and environmental impacts of having a high concentration of dogs in one area – a situation which would lead to a heavy concentration of dog urine, which she said He’s Back...and Better Than Ever! John A. 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But Conservation Commission Member Paul Petkewich expressed some concerns about the weather. “If there’s snow on the ground, we’ll have to delay,” Petkewich said. “It’s still an open forum,” he said, with tentative plans to resume the hearing on March 19 if the site review has taken place. Plans for the proposed dog park The NOI fi led last month stated the town planned to use .64 acres of the 6.35-acre Stocker Playground, which is 10% of the property, as a dog park. In his presentation to the ConCom, Sparages displayed several maps and artist renderings of the dog park and argued his case that the project complied with wetlands and other environmental regulations. Sparages said the dog park would take up to 13 percent of the entire Stocker Field lot, converting the area encompassing a rundown basketball court and tennis court to a fenced-in dog park. “The important thing is we’re reducing the impervious surface,” Sparages said of plans to remove the asphalt. “What we propose to do is plant some trees and shrubs to replenish the area,” he said. “We are defi nitely improving the existing condition of stormwater management.” According to the current Division of Fisheries and WildORIENTATION TIME: Chris P. Sparages (left), a civil engineer of Williams & Sparages, used a map as he briefed the Conservation Commission last week on the proposed dog park at Stocker Playground while Conservation Commission Member Bill Leuci listened to the presentation. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) MAKING HIS CASE: Chris P. Sparages, a civil engineer of Williams & Sparages, welcomes questions from the Conservation Commission after briefing them on the proposed dog park at Stocker Playground and why he believes it complies with all environmental and wetlands regulations. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) life, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Atlas (15th Edition, August 1, 2021), the property is not mapped as Priority Habitat or Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife. In addition, the property is not mapped as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), and there are no mapped certifi ed or potential pools on or around the parcel. No adjacent waterways or wetHEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL CONCERNS: Julie Mills, a vocal opponent of the proposed dog park at Stocker Playground, testifi ed at last week’s Conservation Commission hearing that the project threatens public health, local wildlife and the environment. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) lands are shown as Outstanding Resource Waters. The dog park is proposed to contain play areas, dog runs, a nature play area with trees, boulders and grass, a water play area with a pool, fountain and shower station, and a yard hydrant and an agility training course. The entire dog park area is proposed to be fenced in with a fi ve-foot chain-link fence, with additional fi ve-foot chain-link DOG PARK | SEE PAGE 9

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 9 DOG PARK | FROM PAGE 8 fencing separating a small-dogonly area from the rest of the park. The small-dog area will have its own dog run and play area separate from the rest of the park’s amenities. Both the large-dog area and the smalldog area will have double gated entrances for safety. The total size of the dog park is proposed to be approximately 0.64 acres, with the large-dog area totaling approximately 0.50 acres and the small-dog area totaling approximately 0.14 acres. ConCom members had a chance to question Sparages about the project after his presentation. Commission Member Bill Leuci wanted to know whether the project included plans “to rejuvenate the whole park.” “An area like this, you should have something for the small kids as well as the big kids,” Leuci said. Later in the meeting Leuci asked whether the park plans were ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant. Leuci expressed concerns about a senior citizen falling and not being able to get up. Commission Member Petkewich wanted to know what the estimated usage of the park was, whether there was a dog limit and whether there was a breakdown between the ballfield parking and the parking for the dog park. Sparages said 50 cars in the parking area would be a conservative guess. He didn’t have any information on a breakdown on the parking and said there was no limit on the number of dogs. Public feedback favored the park Dog park advocates outnumbered the opponents to the dog park. Several of the residents who turned out to speak against the dog park left the meeting early and never testified. Richard Lavoie, creator of the Dogs of Saugus Facebook Page, said the change.org petition drive for the dog park has garnered more than 400 signatures. Lavoie called the dog park “a well-thought-out idea.” The change-org petition he’s promoting concludes: “This amenity would be the only space in Saugus where offleash play is legally permitted for dogs other than the small park that is located in Breakheart Reservation which is not easily accessible to handicapped and seniors.” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeffrey Cicolini, who is also a member of the Dog Park Committee, said town officials wanted to make sure that all concerns about the park are heard. “We don’t want to jam it down the public’s throat,” Cicolini said. At the same time, Cicolini was vocal in his support of the project and noted that the town is ready to make an investment with security cameras and an assistant animal control officer assigned to the area. The design and construction of this park will be primarily grant-funded through the Stanton Foundation, which has provided design and construction grants for dozens of dog parks across the Commonwealth. “We’re also committed to start a ‘Friends of Saugus Dog Park.’ We’re going to make this park for residents,” he said of the park’s supporters. A dog park would be a substantial improvement of the current area, which is now occupied by a basketball court and a tennis court, according to Cicolini. “What’s going on in that park now is a disgrace. There’s drugs and drinking,” he said. Cicolini said people have misconceptions about the potential harm that a dog park could cause to wildlife that live in the area encompassing Stocker Playground. “We have more activity on the rail trail than before,” he said, noting that bikers and hikers get to see eagles now, where they didn’t before. Town Manager’s Office Administrative Aide Jeannie Meredith called the project “a major environmental improvement to the area.” Dog park opponent Julie Mills said she is concerned about the potential negative impact on wildlife. “Eagles are breeding and nesting at Stocker,” Mills said. Mills also cited Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, an amendment that protects public open spaces, as a key barrier to plans for the dog park going forward. “The request to put in this dog park should have gone through Town Meeting,” Mills said. “It needs a two-thirds vote of the Town Meeting. If it receives two-thirds vote, it then goes to the Legislature,” she said. Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Mark V. Sacco Jr., who has advocated on behalf of abutters and residents who live near Stocker Playground who oppose the dog park, wrote a letter to the ConCom urging members to delay their vote. Sacco didn’t attend the meeting. “By proceeding without the required two-thirds Town Meeting vote, the administration is not only sidestepping legal obligations under Article 97 but also ignoring the original intent of the deed that has protected Stocker Playground for nearly a century. This sets a dangerous precedent for repurposing protected public lands without proper due process,” he wrote in his letter. “Given these serious legal and ethical concerns, I urge the Conservation Commission to take no further action on this proposal until the required Town Meeting vote has occurred. Allowing this process to move forward under the current circumstances would be an endorsement of an unlawful overreach by the administration,” Sacco wrote. DOG PARK | SEE PAGE 10 A CLOSE-UP LOOK: The proposed dog park would use .64 acres of the 6.35-acre Stocker Playground, about 10 percent of the property. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 A Day of Drama Saugus High School will host the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival on March 1; Saugus High will be among eight student entries T he Saugus High School Drama Club (SHSDC) and Director Nicholas Raponi are gearing up to host a preliminary round of the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s High School Drama Festival in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium at Saugus Middle High School on Saturday, March 1. The METG Festival is a statewide, multi-round competition that occurs throughout March at different schools around the state. SHSDC will be welcoming students from Boston Latin High School, North Reading High School, Salem High School, Swampscott High School, Manchester Essex Regional High School, Clark School and Lynn English High School, who along with Saugus High School will perform their 40 minute shows in a jampacked day of theatre starting at 9:00 a.m.! Four winners from each preliminary round will advance to the semifinals on March 15. All participating schools will begin arriving at Saugus High School at around 7:30 a.m. with their costumes, props and scenery – ready to entertain. The SHSDC will have two showings of their entry into the festival – “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined)” – originally written by Georg Buchner, adapted by assistant director Kyle Gregory. A preview show will be on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium; $5 students and $10 adults. Your second opportunity is on the day of the festival with the performance slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.; $10 gains you entry to the entire festival to view all eight shows. “Woyzeck,” originally written in 1836, follows Woyzeck, an army barber who endures psychological humiliation by his captain and painful physical experimentation by his doctor to make extra money for Marie, his common-law wife, and their child. Woyzeck is jealous of Marie’s affair with a drum major. Filled with rage, he explodes into violence as he experiences a series of flashbacks and apocalyptic visions and hallucinations. Büchner based Woyzeck on an account of an actual murder case in which a TEEN THEATRE PERFORMERS: Here’s the schedule for the eight schools competing on March 1 in the preliminary round of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s High School Drama Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium at Saugus Middle High School. The Saugus High School Drama Club members will present a preview show of their entry, “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined),” on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium. (Courtesy art to The Saugus Advocate) soldier killed his mistress in a jealous frenzy and was subsequently the object of medical controversy regarding his sanity. This play is widely studied by theatre scholars as its fragmented and unfinished nature combines elements of expressionism and naturalism as we see a critique of social injustice and the exploitation of the poor. Please join us as we explore the descent into madness of a man pushed to the brink by soDOG PARK | FROM PAGE 9 Town Counsel John Vasapolli issued a legal opinion last week that determined the proposed use of a portion of the playground as a recreational area for families and their dogs falls within the scope of uses allowed under the deed restriction. Vasapolli also concluded in his opinion requested by the Dog Park Committee that the proposal to replace existing seldom used sports courts with a cietal pressures and abuse. We are very excited to bring this daring, edgy and rarely produced play to life! Tickets can be purchased in advance, or with CASH at the door! https://metg.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F13224 Editor’s Note: Nicholas V. Raponi is the Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Director at Saugus High School. dog park doesn’t trigger Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, an amendment that protects public open spaces. Abutters of the proposed dog park recently filed a lawsuit in Land Court, attempting to stop the removal of the basketball and tennis courts. Meanwhile, the Saugus ConCom will continue with its review before deciding whether the dog park project complies with environmental regulations and poses no threat to the nearby wetlands.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 11 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Stocker Playground is “the worst possible choice” to locate a dog park in Saugus (Editor’s Note: Jim Harrington of Winter Street in Saugus wrote the following as an “Open Letter to Saugus Conservation Commission and residents of Saugus,” regarding the proposed dog park at Stocker Playground.) Hello, I’m Jim Harrington, a life-long Saugus resident. I strongly urge the Saugus Conservation Commission to keep in mind their mission statement goals as related to the planned dog park at Stocker Playground. Diverse, native wildlife and large groups of dogs along a river is a bad mix. The local raptors already face the threat of Bird Flu this year. Building a facility, for a concentration of dogs, in an area where so much wildlife depends on the adjacent Saugus River will, without a doubt, have a detrimental impact on: Eagles, Osprey, Merlin, Harriers, Falcons, Herons and countless other birds and mammals. Killdeer lay eggs on the ground here. These “native” animals depend on this area for survival! An Osprey platform is less than 200 yards from the proposed site. 200 YARDS! Osprey raise young here EVERY Spring and they have done so for over 10 years. Bald Eagles catch fish and eels all along Saugus river. They often eat the meals they catch on the Osprey platform during Winter. The ent i re area where the park would sit… floods with several inches of water during extreme high tides. That water then runs back into the river as the tide goes out. That fact alone should prevent this project from moving forward. This location is the worst possible choice. Has the town made any recent upgrades to “this” property to promote use as a playground...by children? The answer is no. What other locations were considered? Now an expensive dog park is planned which may include concrete pavement, parking spaces, lights, fencing, barricades, fountains, security cameras... for the benefi t of dogs. Nothing new here for the town’s children. If this project is built, that will violate the intent of the land transfer which stipulates that the land is to be used as a playground, forever. This construction work and large groups of dogs will most certainly have a negative impact on the diverse wildlife along the Saugus River. There’s no doubt about that. Several abutters to the An Osprey relaxes on a branch not far from Stocker Playground. (Courtesy photo of Jim Harrington) property are strongly opposed to the project. Take a ride to the end of Riverside Court and experience how peaceful it currently is, without 15 or 20 dogs right below their homes. If the project is built raptors may just disappear from the area. A dog park is NOT a playground. There are better places in town for a dog park. Of all the possible locations, this location is the worst possible choice due to the proximity to Saugus River and raptor habitat. Due to the popularity of the plans, especially among so many town officials, the Con9-MONTH CD 4.255% Unlock Tomorrow’s Potential. There’s Every Bank, Then There’s *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. Member FDIC | Member DIF APY* This Osprey platform is less than 200 yards from the proposed site of the dog park at Stocker Playground. (Courtesy photo of Jim Harrington) servation Commission members may be feeling pressure to comply. Please do the right thing for fragile wildlife in this area and the Saugus River. Reject this site as a choice. Thank you - Jim Harrington - Winter St. A BIRD’S EYE VIEW: The fenced-in area of the Stocker Playground on the right side of this photo is the proposed site of a dog park near the Saugus River. (Drone Aerial Photo by Jim Harrington)

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Saugus High School Sachems Girls Basketball Host Senior Night Taylor Deleidi sets up a shot. Ella Castle scored 9-three pointers for a career high of 27 points against Dracut. Madison Botta, #2, with parents, Matt and Susan Botta, brother, Mason and Grandparents Paul and Gloria. Ella Castle with her parents on Senior Night. Taylor Deleidi, #1, and teammate/sister Sydney, #21, flanked by parents Jamie and Erin Deleidi. Madison Botta dribbles down court. Saugus finishes regular season with huge upset win over Chelmsford By Dom Nicastro The Sachems beat Division 2 L ook out, Massachusetts Division 3 girls basketball. Saugus will be in the mix. And it will be ready for any challenge. It’s not some corny rallying cry. The Sachems should be a force to be reckoned with evidenced by results from its final week of regular-season basketball. Dracut (5-15), 61-59, and Division 1 Chelmsford (16-4), 4644. Each team competes in the super competitive Merrimack Valley Conference. Meanwhile, the Division 3 Sachems, the Northeastern Conference champions, came up super clutch down the stretch in their two wins and finished 13-7 in the regular season. In Division 3 rankings, they are ranked No. 24 and await their postseason fate this coming weekend. Against Chelmsford, a team that beat Saugus, 48-40, in the season-opener, Peyton DiBiasio had 25 points to lead Saugus to the upset win over the hosts. She calmly sank two free throws with 2.4 seconds left to lift Saugus to the victory. The Sachems had to mount a comeback from eight points down in the final quarter. Angelina Dow, Madison Botta and Shay Sewell came up with a great defensive effort. Taylor Deleidi had a clutch 3-pointer in the fourth. Saugus got great leadership from Ella Castle and DiBiasio. Deleidi had nine points, and Shawn Sewell added five, while Botta, Castle and Shay Sewell chipped in with two. Botta, coming off an historic girls soccer season, has been a defensive force the whole season for Saugus. “I think we went into the game like every other game and knew we had to play hard,” Botta said. “We played Chelmsford the first game HUGE UPSET WIN | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 13 ~ Saugus High School Sachems Sports roundup ~ By Dom Nicastro SAUGUS BOYS BASKETBALL FINISHES SEASON WITH CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCE The Saugus High School boys basketball team finished 7-13 this season, ending its campaign in the finals of the Patton Tournament at Hamilton-Wenham High School. The Sachems fell to the hosts, 59-54. Ryan Shea and Huey Josama each added 18 points in the season finale. The Sachems’ seven wins improved on their four from a year ago. Saugus made the championship after its 77-45 win over Northeast Voke in the opening round. Shea led the way with 15 points, and Danny Zeitz and Ryan Dupuy each added 12 points. Saugus split its two games heading into the tourney. It fell to Peabody, 60-42, led by Cam Victor with 12 points and contributions from many players. Shea led the way with 28 points in Saugus’ 54-40 win over Minuteman. Jordan Rodriguez added 10 points, and Dupuy (seven) and Victor (six) contributed to the victory. SAUGUS GIRLS, BOYS TRACK CELEBRATES STRONG SEASON Saugus competed in the girls track Division 4 state championships at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston last Saturday. Soraya Mathieu, Destiny Okoye, Layla Manderson and Angie Lopez finished eighth out of 23 teams in the 4x200 relay in 1:53 in the Division 4 state meet. Okoye took sixth in the high jump at 5-0. Mathieu took 17th out of 24 competitors in the long jump in 15-0.75. “As the indoor track season wraps up, it is so nice to reflect on our accomplishments for the past 10 weeks,” Saugus coach Amy O’Neill said. “We started off winning our first meet against Winthrop with a great showing from both our boys and girls teams. This was an awesome way to kick off the season and really got the energy up over the next few very competitive weeks. We made steady progress with new PRs and more points each week and each meet.” The younger crew had a great showing at the HUGE UPSET WIN | FROM PAGE 12 of the season so we already got to see them play, and I think that helped ease any nerves. This was definitely good preparation for the tournament since they were ranked pretty high up and were a very good team.” Botta said the key to competing with Chelmsford and being able to come back and win was because of her team’s effort and toughness. “We are very vertically challenged compared to most teams so we have to overcome them with our constant pressure and aggression,” Botta said. “We are a team that pressed the whole game, and Saugus’ Justin Bremberg in the 5 spot. Northeastern Conference Freshman/Sophomore Championship with Pharaoh Brandenburg placing fourth in the 1,000-meter run and third in the high jump. Okoye placed first in the high jump and sixth in the 55-meter dash. Soraya Mathieu placed third in the 55-meter dash and second in the long jump. The girls 4x200-meter relay team of Okoye, Soraya Mathieu, Teaghan Arsenault and Sydney Ferreira we are very good in transition which is why we were able to come on top vs. Chelmsford. Going into the fourth, we were down eight, and we were able to put high pressure on them which ultimately made them tired and forced them to turn over the ball a few times, and we finished the opportunities.” Saugus is very strong defensively and can hold teams to Saugus’ Max LoRusso in the 3 spot. placed third overall. This successful meet was followed quickly by the MSTCA Division 4 State Relay Championships. The boys high jump team, consisting of Brandenburg, Connor Bloom and Kaeleb Mathieu, earned a fifth-place finish. At the Northeast Conference Championships, the girls 4x200-meter relay finished third. Soraya Mathieu placed third in the 55-meter dash. Okoye placed fifth in the high jump, and Bloom took fourth in high jump. “We remained competitive all season with a ton of outstanding individual improved performances and multiple state qualifiers,” O’Neill said. They included: • Brandenburg: high jump • Bloom: high jump • Okoye: high jump, 55-meter dash • Soraya Mathieu: long jump, 55-meter dash • Alesha Bien-Aime: shotput • Girls 2x200-meter relay: Okoye, Soraya Mathieu, Lopez, Manderson The season will officially end on Feb. 26 when sophomore Brandenburg will compete in the MSTCA Pentathlon, an event that showcases skill with athletes competing in the 55-meter hurdles, the 1,000-meter run, high jump, long jump and shotput. It has been many years since Saugus has had an athlete compete in this event, and we are excited for him to have this opportunity,” O’Neill said. Freshman Soraya Mathieu qualified for New Balance Nationals in both the 55-meter dash and the long lump. “This is a huge accomplishment as the standards are very difficult,” the coach said, ‘and she has worked hard, steadily improving all season, to qualify for both events.” SAUGUS/PEABODY WRESTLING COMPETES IN D1 NORTH STATES Saugus/Peabody wrestling had five wrestlers finish in the top five at the Division 1 North sectional event. They move onto the Division 1 State meet this coming weekend. • 120 pounds: Peabody’s Jackson Deleidi, fifth • 132 pounds: Peabody’s Landon Rodriguez, fourth • 144 pounds: Saugus’ Max LoRusso, third • 150 pounds: Peabody’s Mike Maraio, third • 157 pounds: Saugus’ Justin Bremberg, fifth a low score which helps, she added. “Our coach emphasizes stamina and being able to play hard through a whole game which we work on in practice,” Botta said. “This translates into the game because we are able to play hard and apply constant pressure which makes other teams fatigued. Overall it was a great team win, and I’m very proud of everyone’s efforts.” Against Dracut, Castle had a career night with 27 points on nine 3-pointers. Deleidi added 13, and DiBiasio had 10, including a game-winning 3-pointer in the final moments. Shay Sewell and Katie Hashem each added four, and Shawn Sewell chipped in with three points.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener O nce again this week, our gardens were largely covered in snow, and on the Presidents’ Day Weekend everything got an additional coating. Snow piles on parking lots along Route 1 have become mountains. The rain that ended that storm on Sunday froze a crust on the surface in a billowy pattern that looked a lot like an extra thick comforter. Any warmth to be found was definitely indoors though, since the wind made it feel much colder for several days this week, and the ice underfoot was treacherous. Deicing salts were hard to find anywhere. Hopefully, the kids got to have fun sledding and skating during this February vacation week, as it wraps up today. During the brief intervals between storms, it has sometimes been possible to see a bit of green as foliage of daffodils and a few other bulbs peek up from the ground – the snowy blanket has been a boon to anything emerging, since it keeps the soil surface insulated a bit from fluctuating temperatures and drying winds. Birds are certainly flocking to the feeders, and other wildlife may be taking advantage of them, too. Monday, I saw a squirrel break open the door on a suet cake feeder, and carry the suet cake off down the street! Suet cakes and feeder mixes containing suet are a good source of fats that help keep birds and other wildlife warm. When the squirrel put the suet cake down for a while near the base of a tree, several birds came over and dined on it before the squirrel carried it farther away. There are still a few seeds from the fall pumpkins, and late at night I often see a rabbit and occasionally two out looking among the pumpkin remnants for any remaining seeds. There are many different birds through the winter at our feeders. Among the most frequent visitors are mourning doves (Zenaida macroura). There are several who remain through the winter, although in the late fall I counted over a dozen in the front yard at once, so some of those were probably migrating farther south and had just stopped for a short while in the midst of their travels. Mourning doves usually only lay two eggs at a time but may have two to three broods a year in our climate, and twice as many in warmer parts of the country. Despite the wintry weather, it is becoming very noticeable that the days are lengthening. Sunrise is close to 6:30 a.m. and sunset nearly 5:30 p.m., giving us just over 10 hours of daylight in Saugus today. If we are hoping for flowA pair of mourning doves surveyed the snow from their perch in a red maple. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) A peach colored rosebud in a small vase is a nice contrast to the wintry weather outdoors. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) Plow drivers kept the roads passable during several snowstorms this month. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) ers, we are only likely to find them indoors. Many households may still be enjoying Valentine bouquets from last Friday, and the lengthening days are encouraging some houseplants to bloom. I have several geraniums (Pelargonium spp.) that have produced flowers on the windowsills, and the calandiva (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) from Chinese New Year is still prosperous and blooming. A seedling ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) in a pot I brought in from the porch in December has sprouted some leaves on the top. Common jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is a vine with extraordinarily fragrant snowy white flowers from Asia and the Near East which can be successfully grown as a house plant here. Dee LeMay’s profusely blooming plant is perfuming her whole house right now, and its graceful green branches with pinnately compound leaves reach out from the pink plant stand that sets off the plant’s shape beautifully. Jasmine has become very popular worldwide both as a garden plant in warmer climates and a houseplant in colder areas. There are a few different species, but common jasmine, also known as poet’s Jasmine, summer jasIndoors, Dee LeMay’s extremely fragrant jasmine is in full bloom. (Photo courtesy of Dee LeMay) mine and sometimes jessamine, is the most well-known world-wide. It has been used for centuries in perfume and essential oil. The flowers are sometimes added to green tea for additional scent and flavor. The 13th Century Persian poet Rumi is quoted as saying “When you go to a garden, do you look at thorns or flowers? Spend more time with the roses and jasmine.” Like many white flowers that can reflect low levels of light, jasmine blooms through the night and its scent is often strongest then. Outdoors in its native lands and many of the countries in Europe where it has naturalized, this serves to attract night-flying insects GARDENS | SEE PAGE 20 The Saugus Civil War monument and snow-coated shrubbery reflected in the wet pavement on Sunday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 15 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus There’s only two more days until the town hosts the first Saugus Cultural Festival, which is set for Sunday, Feb. 23 at Saugus Middle High School from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This inclusive and family-friendly event will celebrate Saugus’ cultural diversity through the showcase of food, performances and other activities, according to Tori Darnell, Co-chair of the Saugus Cultural Council – the event’s organizers. The Cultural Council has invited musicians, dancers, poets, actors and artists of all kinds to showcase their talents on the local stage. There will also be food vendors on hand to share their culinary creations with festival-goers. This is a great opportunity to share new experiences with the community and participate in an event that is truly unique to Saugus. Joseph “Dennis” Gould, who cochairs the Cultural Council with Darnell, said he learned that there are at least 25 different languages spoken in Saugus. Wouldn’t it be neat to hear residents speak those languages at the event? Wouldn’t it be neat to sample some of the exotic food that’s prepared by Saugus residents who immigrated to this country in pursuit of the American Dream? And wouldn’t it be neat to watch some of these talented people perform? Well, if you are not doing anything on Sunday, head over to the High School between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Cultural Council and the small core of other volunteers working with the council wrapped up their planning on Tuesday night. Darnell told The Saugus Advocate that the final planning session for the festival was a productive one. Items completed on the punch list included the following: volunteer badges, a land acknowledgment statement supported by the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA), finalized vendor tables and volunteer schedules. “We confirmed that representatives from the Mass CulTHE LINEUP (Courtesy Art to The Saugus Advocate) tural Council and MCNAA plan to attend the festival,” Darnell said. Darnell followed up a busy night with another busy one on Wednesday when she was the guest speaker at the Saugus Lions Club, which had its dinner meeting at Polcari’s. Dining with the Lions was a great opportunity to spread the word about the upcoming event. To learn more information about the Saugus Cultural Festival, please contact the Cultural Council at email – saugusculturalcouncil@gmail.com – or by phone: 339-440-1017. 15 Saugus 4-1-1 set for March Planning for The Saugus 4-11 forum that is scheduled for March 15 at the Saugus Middle High School continues. This is the special event aimed at briefing new residents, as well as those folks who have lived in Saugus for years, on what the town has to offer. “The letters were mailed to all the nonprofits last week, and we already have 15 tables secured for the event,” Selectman Corinne Riley said this week in an email to The Saugus Advocate. “Letters to the recently moved-in residents will be mailed beginning of next week. We have a new participant this year from the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts after a Troop Leader of Saugus referred me to them. They will be giving out information to try to get volunteers to become much needed Troop Leaders,” she said. “We have already heard from the Garden Club, Saugus Fire Department, Saugus Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA, Saugus Youth Football and Cheer, SCTV....Just to name a few.” Selectman Riley was the driving force behind the nifty program, which had two previous well-attended Saturdays at the Saugus Middle High School in recent years (2022 and 2023). Stay tuned for more details. Legion Breakfasts today There’s a good 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 2024-25 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 didn’t receive any nominations this week from readers who want to recommend Saugonians who they believe are worthy of special recognition for doing something that should make the town proud. That’s a shame, because there are so many things going on in town which too often get overshadowed by a down and dirty brand of Saugus politics – especially in a town election year. Using my editorial discretion, I’ll dedicate a super “shout out” for all of those volunteers who have helped organize the First Annual Saugus Cultural Festival, which is set for Sunday (Feb. 23) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Saugus Middle High School. Members of the Saugus Cultural Council are especially deserving of high praise for their collective planning that went into an event that was designed to showcase the diversity of Saugus residents in the area of food and performances. Hats off to Joseph “Dennis” Gould, one of the council’s co-chairs, for proposing the idea shortly after joining the council last year, and the other co-chair – Tori Darnell – for her tireless efforts to promote the first-ever Saugus event. Also kudos for the entire staff and the legion of volunteers who made it all possible. I would also like to extend a “shout out” to the members of the Saugus Fire Department and friends who participated in the BFit Challenge at TD Garden earlier this month. The funds they raised go directly to the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts’ New England Firefighter Cancer Fund. 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. February Fireside Chats at Breakheart For a period of consecutive Wednesday mornings, through Feb. 26, Breakheart Reservation will host a Fireside Chat at its Christopher P. Dunne Memorial Visitor Center (177 Forest St., Saugus) from 10 to 11 a.m. Each week come warm up by a fire and join a staff member from the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) who will be sharing their expertise and experiences at our parks. DCR staff goes well beyond the people you normally meet in the parks. There are many “behind the scenes” experts who are excited to share their role in keeping the park properties safe and healthy for the public. The lineup for the final Fireside Chat is as follows: Feb. 26, Eric Seaborn, Director of Natural Resources. Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting Beginning next week, in our Feb. 28 issue of The Saugus Advocate, we will for the second consecutive year publish a series of articles titled “Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting.” The 2025 Annual Town THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 18

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Rodrigues continued, “This bill If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall. com or call us at (617) 720-1562. Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 50 - Report No. 7 February 10-14, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.\ By Bob Katzen G ET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://MASSterList/subscribe/ THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senator’s votes on roll calls from the week of Feb. 10-14. There were no roll Calls in the House last week. $425 MILLION FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (EA) SHELTER SYSTEM (S 16) Senate 33-6, approved a fi scal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s emergency shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility for it. The vote was almost strictly along party lines with all Republicans voting against it and all but one Democrat voting for it. The Democrats say the measure makes major reforms. The Republicans say while the bill includes some reforms they have long sought, it does not go far enough, and they all voted against it. The House has already approved a diff erent version of the bill and a House-Senate conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. The bill would cap capacity in the system at 4,000 families for the period Dec. 31, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2026. There were more than 6,000 families relying on the system at the end of January. Other provisions reduce the maximum length in a shelter from nine to six consecutive months; phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency housing by the end of this year; require a report on strategies to prevent homelessness and promote stable rehousing; and make temporary respite sites available to families that appear eligible for the system for up to 30 days upon arrival in Massachusetts. “Today we struck a balance between our fi scal responsibility to Massachusetts taxpayers and our moral obligation to moms, dads and kids who are in a diffi - cult moment,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “We prioritize Massachusetts families in need, ensure transparency in the program and lay the groundwork for long-term solutions to homelessness.” “I’m pleased that the Senate has passed this supplemental budget to provide funding and further clarify supportive services for unhoused families in the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Senate has largely concurred with the House in making these important but necessary changes to the family shelter system. These adjustments will allow families to transfer out of these temporary housing units more readily, continue our track of providing sustainable employment and provide a glide path for exiting the system.” strikes a balance by supporting families in crisis, while responsibly managing taxpayer dollars as we redouble our eff orts to move the EA shelter system towards a fi scally sustainable future. Going forward, this legislation also puts more stringent reporting requirements from the Administration, so the Legislature can continue to track and monitor the EA shelter program.” “I strongly oppose spending an additional $425 million on the unaccountable, unsustainable EA shelter program,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “For years, I have sounded the alarm bell that the right to shelter law is in desperate need of reform. Yesterday, the Legislature embarrassed itself by loudly rejecting amendments to prioritize Massachusetts residents in shelters and to perform background checks. We’ve seen countless cases of rape, assault, drug trafficking and even death in the shelters.” Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) said he voted against the bill, as he has voted against every spending bill that has included exorbitant funding for our shelter system since a migrant crisis emerged in late 2023. “Simply put, our state cannot aff ord to keep pouring massive sums of money into this unsustainable system,” said O’Connor. “We need serious reforms to our EA shelter system and our Right to Shelter law, which is why I’ve also fi led a bill to restrict the right to shelter to Massachusetts residents - as was the original intent of the law. It is my hope that we will achieve significant reforms to the EA shelter system that will ensure its long-term fi scal sustainability and protect this valuable resource for Massachusetts residents.” “For the last three years, the Senate and legislature has been spending billions of dollars for the shelter program riddled with active criminals, yet they still refuse to impose comprehensive background checks,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “How many more years will it take before the Legislature fi nally sees the value in national and international background checks is unknown. What is known is that the Senate is happy to join the House in spending more of our taxpayer money to bail out the failed shelter program.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, to study the feasibility of conducting a National Crime Information Center background check for each adult or benefi ciary applying for the emergency shelter program. “It should be our goal to verify that individuals with violent criminal backgrounds are not endangering others in our temporary emergency shelter system,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “If adopted, this amendment would help us review each applicant’s history more thoroughly, including off enses from outside of the commonwealth.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes PRIORITY TO BAY STATE RESIDENTS (S 15) Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would require that the state prioritize giving long term shelter to legal Massachusetts residents whose initial cause of homelessness and application for shelter occurred while they were residing legally in Massachusetts.” Amendment supporters said it is fair to give Bay State residents priority over people who recently came here from other states. Sen. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the amendment is extremely broad and applies not only to emergency assistance but to all state-funded housing programs. He noted it could cause confusion and negatively impact residents at state housing. He asked senators to Imagine a single mother with a child fl eeing a domestic violence situation in a neighboring state. This would prohibit them from seeking safe shelter in Massachusetts. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment giving priority to Massachusetts residents. A ”No” vote is against giving priority.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No 12-MONTH RESIDENCY REQUIRED (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require that to be eligible for benefi ts under the emergency assistance shelter program, an applicant must have resided in Massachusetts for twelve consecutive months immediately prior to the date of their application. The applicant must also provide an acceptable form of verifi cation such as tax returns; a MA REAL-ID; a utility bill; a lease or mortgage; or pay stubs showing Massachusetts employment. The residency requirement would not apply to victims of domestic violence or to any person whose living situation has been aff ected by a fi re or other natural disaster that occurred in the Bay State. Amendment supporters said the amendment is fair and reasonable and makes it easy to prove a 12-month residency. Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) said the amendment is unconstitutional and immoral. He said that the U.S. Supreme Court and the state’s Supreme Judicial Court have ruled that a state cannot discriminate against people who have not lived in the state very long. (A “Yes” vote is for the 12-month residency requirement. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SHELTER PROGRAM (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would have required an independent review of the emergency assistance housing program by the Inspector General, to help identify savings and potential cost recovery. “Two things about the emergency assistance shelter system are clear. First, the costs have skyrocketed well beyond the point of sustainability, and second, we would benefi t from fresh eyes and an independent review of the system to help improve the program’s fi nancial sustainability and eff ectiveness,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “We need this review, particularly as additional BEACON | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 changes are made to further restrict access to the system, even as we have not seen any cost savings by prior access restriction changes, perhaps because those further imposed rules and restrictions raise administrative costs. The Inspector General and his team are trained experts in this type of work, and it is squarely within their jurisdiction to do the work described in this amendment.” Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) said the Inspector General’s office is an independent body not beholden to the Legislature and already has the power to inspect any state agency. He said that it is not the role of the Legislature to direct the Inspector General on what to inspect. (A “Yes” vote is for requiring the review. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No INVESTIGATE SECURITY LAPSES AND SHORTCOMINGS (S 15) Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would require the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight to investigate the emergency housing assistance program’s security lapses and shortcomings which amendment supporters say have compromised public safety, health and security. “There are still so many unanswered questions about the emergency shelter system,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “We still don’t have answers on the process to admit families into shelters, where money is being spent and how public safety issues are addressed. The purpose of the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight is to audit the performance of legislative programs, like the emergency shelter system. This amendment would have provided transparency to both the Legislature and the public and it is unfortunate that it was not passed.” Amendment opponents said it’s not the job of senators to direct a Senate committee on how to do its job. They noted that the bill itself already makes safety reform a priority and includes background checks. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No ADOPT JOINT HOUSE-SENATE RULES FOR 2025-2026 SES“This comprehensive rule proposal was a collaborative effort that makes the work we do here in the Senate more transparent, more efficient and respectful to the needs of members and residents,” said Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem), Chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. “We are proud of the Senate’s work, and we want people to know what is going on in The People’s House. These measures take meaningful steps towards a more transparent Legislature and allow for more access to information by members of the public about our work, including easier participation.” (A “Yes” vote is for the rules package.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes MORE TIME TO READ CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow members 48 hours to read the conference committee version of a bill. A conference version of SION (S 15) Senate 39-0, adopted and sent to the House for consideration joint House-Senate rules for the 2025-2026 session. Provisions include increasing the time for notifying the public about joint committee hearings from 72 hours to five days; requiring that all first meetings of a conference committee be open to the public and media; requiring at least one full day between a conference committee report filing and a legislative vote on the report; requiring sponsors of all bills to submit bill summaries which must be made publicly available alongside the bill text; changing the name of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to the Committee on Climate, Utilities and Energy; the Committee on Elder Affairs to the Committee on Aging and Independence; and the Committee on Agriculture to the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “These changes would provide more opportunity to residents to participate in the Legislature’s work, encourage greater insight into bills being considered by the Legislature and provide more transparency on legislators’ positions on issues that impact Massachusetts residents,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). a bill is the compromise version that is hammered out by a joint House-Senate committee when the House and Senate approve different versions of legislation. “I voted for this amendment … because it ensures that both the appointed conference committee members and the public have sufficient time to understand and evaluate complex bills before they are voted on,” said Sen. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton). “By setting a clear deadline and allowing more time to analyze the final conference report, this change promotes transparency to the public and helps prevent the Legislature from acting without proper deliberation and input from our communities.” Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on the defeat of his amendment. Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said the bill itself already allows one calendar day for members to read a conference committee bill and argued that it is a sufficient amount of time. (A “Yes” vote is for the 48 hours. A “No” vote is against the 48 hours.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No REQUIRE ROLL CALL ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15) Senate 9-29, rejected an amendment that would require that a roll call vote be held on all conference committee versions of a bill. “Constituents frequently ask how I have voted on major bills and how my colleagues have voted,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy) “This amendment sought to ensure the people we represent know how we vote on important matters like conference committee reports.” Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said this new rule is not necessary because members already have the opportunity to ask for a roll call vote when a conference committee bill comes before the Senate for a vote. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring a roll call vote. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Brendan Crighton No Portal To Hope (“PTH”) serves people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and related assault crimes. Job Opportunities Available: PTH is seeking a Victim Advocate and a Licensed Social Worker to join our team! If you would like to join PTH’s award-winning team and share your leadership in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678 for more information; or, email portaltohope@aol.com. EXPAND CONFLICT OF INTEREST BAN (S 15) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment to a rule that would prohibit legislators from purchasing, directly or indirectly, the stock or other securities of any corporation or association, knowing that there is pending before the Legislature any measure specially “granting the corporation or association any immunity, exemption, privilege or benefit or any measure providing for the creation of, or directly affecting any, contractual relations between the corporation or association and the state.” The amendment would expand the ban to include any immediate family member of a legislator. “Public service needs to be as far removed from unfair financial incentives and advantages as possible,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “The commonwealth already prohibits legislators from buying stock based on the information they learn through their work at the Statehouse, but this amendment, which the Senate adopted on a unanimous roll call vote, will also prohibit legislators using this information to sell stock and will restrict their family members from making similar financial transactions based on knowledge legislators have gained as a result of their positions.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment expanding the ban to apply to immediate family members.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL BEACON | SEE PAGE 19

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 15 Meeting convenes on Monday, May 5. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we will reach out to the 50 Town Meeting members, focusing on one precinct each week, in the weeks leading up to the start of Town Meeting, asking members about their expectations for the upcoming Town Meeting. Next week, we will reach out for comment from the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 1. Like last year, we will ask each of the Town Meeting members these four questions: Question One: What do you consider the top priority for the town as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session? Question Two: What do you consider the top priority for residents in your precinct as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session? Question Three: Are you working independently or in collaboration with other members on articles to be introduced for this year’s Town Meeting? Could you please elaborate? Summarize your article and what you hope to accomplish. Question Four: Please feel free to share any other views about the upcoming Town Meeting. The purpose of the column is to inform the public about key issues and ideas that are in the works as the Town Meeting season approaches. This is also intended as a forum to connect residents in each of the precincts with the five people who represent them in the Legislative branch of Saugus Town government. Town Democrats meet DRAMA DAYS AT SAUGUS HIGH: Aspiring teenage actors will perform twice next week in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium at Saugus Middle High School. (Courtesy show poster designed by Seamus Burke) March 4 The Saugus Democratic Town Committee announced this week that their Feb. 26 meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Saugus Public Safety Building at 27 Hamilton St. Special DAR Program March 8 Here’s a special invitation from the local Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who will host a special program on Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m. in the Saugus High School Auditorium at Pearce Drive in Saugus: “An event worth attending – the Women’s Issue Project with Ms. Jasmine Grace, guest speaker and founder of Jasmine Grace Ministries - Bags of Hope which is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cause of rescuing young people who are affected by trafficking, prostitution, addiction and homelessness. “Jasmine Grace grew up in our town, Saugus and appeared to be living a normal life. She attended school and lived at home, but something very sinister was happening. She met a man at a local club at a very young age and slowly … he groomed her into a life of human trafficking, lasting for years. When she was finally able to break away from his hold, she started a non-profit organization to help and assist both young men and women FRESH CATCH ON THE SAUGUS RIVER: Within a quarter of a mile of the proposed dog park at the Stocker Playground, this osprey enjoys a successful fishing outing. (Courtesy photo of Jim Harrington) by offering a path to freedom from human trafficking. “Her presentation is both sad and powerful and filled with stories of innocent victims who found themselves brainwashed and victimized. She explains how she was able to survive and finally breakthrough escaping the grips of her [capturers]. “This is a free event; however, we kindly ask that you donate an item needed for the Bags of Hope. Our goal is to fill 30 Bags of Hope to donate to her cause. Items still needed are: Shower Gel, Shampoo 12 oz, Conditioner 12 oz, Hats, Deodorant, Visine, Body Lotion, Hair brush, Nail Polish, Socks, Toothbrush, ChapStick, Hair Ties, Water Bottle, Shower Puff, Floss, Mittens/ Gloves, Trail Mix. “For any questions or concerns, please contact Gail Cassarino, Regent – Parson Roby Chapter NSDAR (National Society Daughters of the American Revolution) at parsonroby. saugusdar@gmail.com or Janice Jarosz, at 339-222- 2178.” What’s going on at the library · A workshop for aspiring writers: Pen to Paper: A Writing Workshop, by Laura Eisener, local journalist, historian and horticulturist. For those folks who missed the past Tuesday class, there are still four more workshops scheduled – Feb. 25 and March 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus. Do you want to write? Perhaps you have thought about starting a blog, creating a memoir, writing your sixth murder mystery in a series, developing a series of articles, explaining how to knit or recreate a special family recipe or writing a textbook or the great American novel? Whatever your level of experience, goals or preferred literary genre, this free workshop can help you enjoy writing more and encourage you to keep at it. We will use a combination of discussions, prompts and writing exercises to give you new incentives and confidence. There is some optional “homework,” but no preregistration is required, and you can attend as often as your schedule allows. · Styling with vintage & thrifted fashion: Saturday, February 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 21

Sa nior Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller How to Choose and Use a Home Blood Pressure Monitor Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. Just Turned 63 Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or higher) should have a home blood pressure monitor. Home monitoring can help you keep tabs on your blood pressure in a comfortable setting. Plus, if you’re taking medication it will make certain it’s working, and alert you to a health problem if it arises. Here are some top-rated blood pressure monitors to consider along with some tips to help ensure you take an accurate reading. Best Monitors The most accurate and easiest to use home blood pressure monitors today are electric/battery powered automatic arm monitors, which are more reliable than wrist or fi ngertip monitors. With an automatic arm monitor, you simply wrap the cuff around your bicep and with the push of one button the cuff infl ates and defl ates automatically giving you your blood pressure reading on the display window in a matter of seconds. Many automatic monitors also come with additional features such as irregular heartbeat detection that checks for arrhythmias and other abnormalities; a risk category indicator that tells you whether your blood pressure is in the high range; a data-averaging function that allows you to take multiple readings and get an overall average; multiple user memory that allows two or more users to save their readings; and downloadable memory that lets you transmit your data to your smartphone or computer. The top five automatic arm monitors as recommended by Consumer Reports for 2025 are the Omron Platinum BP5450 ($90), Omron 10 Series BP7450 ($70), Omron Evolv BP7000 ($70), A&D Medical UA767F ($55), and Omron 3 Series BP7100 ($55). And the top wrist monitors are the Omron 7 Series BP6350 ($55) and the Equate (Walmart) 4500 Series ($40). You can purchase these blood pressure monitors at pharmacies, medical supply stores or online and you don’t need a prescription to buy one. Prices, however, will vary slightly depending on where you buy. How to Measure After you buy your monitor, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s offi ce so they can check its accuracy and make sure you’re using it properly. Here are some additional steps to follow to ensure you get accurate measurements at home. Be still: Don’t exercise, smoke or drink caff einated drinks or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before measuring. Empty your bladder and ensure at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before measurements. Sit correctly: Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be fl at on the fl oor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a fl at surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the bend of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration. Don’t measure over cloths: Put the cuff directly on your bare skin. Putting it over clothes can raise your systolic (upper) number by up to 40 mmHg. Measure at the same time: It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as in the morning before taking medications, or evening before dinner. Take multiple readings: Each time you measure, take at least two readings one minute apart and record the results. For more information on high blood pressure numbers and how to accurately measure it at home, visit Heart.org/HBP. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 AG CAMPBELL JOINS LAWSUIT TARGETING ELON MUSK - Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, along with twelve other Attorneys General, fi led a lawsuit challenging the exercise of executive power by Elon Musk. The lawsuit argues that President Trump has violated the United States Constitution by creating a new federal Department without Congressional approval and by granting Musk sweeping powers over the entire federal government without seeking the advice and consent of the Senate. “The President cannot create a new department to restructure the federal government and certainly cannot give unchecked power to a billionaire friend without Congressional action,” said Campbell. “Our lawsuit seeks to put an end to the ongoing corruption and abuse of power at DOGE that threatens funding for crucial needs such as healthcare, education and more.” U.S. ATTORNEY LEAH FOLEY’S OFFICE COLLECTS MORE THAN $60 MILLION IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS - United States Attorney Leah Foley announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts collected $60.17 million in criminal and civil actions in fi scal year 2024, including $19.56 million in criminal actions and $40.6 million in civil actions. “The American people deserve a government that is both accountable and eff ective in protecting their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Foley. “These substantial recoveries refl ect our unwavering commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars, holding wrongdoers accountable and securing justice for victims of fraud and other off enses. Whether through civil enforcement, asset recovery or criminal prosecution, our offi ce will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to defraud the government and exploit the public.” $158 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING – Gov. Maura Healey announced $158 million in low-income housing tax credit and subsidy awards for fourteen aff ordable housing projects across the state. These awards are aimed at supporting the production and preservation of Page 19 1,138 aff ordable units for seniors and families across the state. “High housing costs are one of the biggest challenges facing Massachusetts residents,” said Healey. “Our administration is refusing to kick the can down the road. We need to increase housing production across the state to lower costs – and these aff ordable housing awards will help us get there. Because of our tax cuts package, we are able to give out more funding than ever before, which will directly support the creation of more than 1,000 affordable homes for seniors and families across our state.” EXCLUDE TIPS FROM TAXABLE INCOME – Rep. Michael Soter (R-Bellingham) filed legislation that would exclude tipped wages from taxable Income. The measure is aimed at providing tax relief for service industry workers who rely on tips as a major source of their earnings. Supporters said that by excluding tipped wages from state income tax calculations, the bill would allow workers in restaurants, hosBEACON | SEE PAGE 20 - 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. ES25P0478EA Estate of: PAULINE A. CASEY Date of Death: 12/15/2024 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 Pamela Casey O’Brien of Saugus, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Pamela Casey O’Brien of Saugus, MA 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 03/21/2025. 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: February 14, 2025 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE February 21, 2025

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 19 pitality and other tipped professions to take home more of their income. “This last election, the service industry made it clear that they would rather keep tips than have the government set an hourly rate,” said Soter. “This is an industry full of hard-working individuals that deserve to keep all their hard-earned money by not taxing tips. These servers and the industry were hit the hardest after COVID, and this would give much relief to these hard-working citizens who deal with such unpredictable weekly incomes.” QUOTABLE QUOTES – BY THE DOLLAR EDITION The state’s Offi ce of Campaign and Political Finance released fi gures showing that committees that supported or opposed the fi ve questions on the November 5 ballot spent a total of $25.2 million. Here is the breakdown: Question 1 (passed): Give State Auditor the Authority to Audit the Legislature Supporters: $414,808 Opponents: $0 Question 2 (passed): Elimination of MCAS as High School Graduation Requirement Supporters: $950,000 Opponents: $5,318,258 Question 3 (passed) Unionization for Uber, Lyft and other Transportation Network Drivers Supporters: $7,259,067 Opponents: $0 GARDENS | FROM PAGE 14 that can serve to pollinate the fl owers. For this reason, too, it is sometimes seen as a fl ower that encourages hope in adversity, since it throws out its fragrance in the darkest hours. Another jasmine species which also has fragrant white fl owers is often called Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), but the two vines can be easthaniel Hawthorne on a trip to the state? 1. On Feb. 21, 1885, what monument was dedicated on the Mall in D.C.? 2. In 1901 what president offi - cially named the White House? 3. On Feb. 22, 1980, what U.S. team defeated the Soviets at the Winter Olympics? 4. What U.S. president was sworn in by his nickname? 5. According to the American Kennel Club, what dog breed (“Sammies”) has a smile that keeps it from drooling and forming icicles? 6. In 1919 in the Boston Evening Transcript was “See the dancing snowfl akes. Practicing for the snowball, I suppose”; it was located on what street with a president’s name? 7. On Feb. 23, 1848, what president (middle name is a city) died in the U.S. House? 8. What president from New Hampshire accompanied Na9. Where is the world’s largest granite quarry: Egypt, North Carolina or Oregon? 10. On Feb. 24, 1942, the Voice of America fi rst broadcasted – in what language? 11. What is a whipper-in? 12. What Asian board game is considered now the world’s oldest in continuous play? 13. On Feb. 25, 1873, what Italian-American “fi rst international recording star” was born? 14. What American newspaperman/author said, “One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives”? Question 4 (failed) Limited Legalization and Regulation of Some Natural Psychedelic Substances Supporters: $7,723,405 Opponents: $128,803 Question 5 (failed) Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers Supporters: $889,526 Opponents: $2,515,568 HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency ily distinguished by looking at the leaves: Arabian jasmine does not have compound foliage. Arabian jasmine flowers are used in leis in Hawaii, where they are known as pikake, and this species is the national fl ower of the Philippines, where it is called sampaguita. There are about 200 species of jasmine. They are members of the olive family (Oleaceae). Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is 15. Why does Guadeloupe (in the Caribbean) have the euro for currency? 16. On Feb. 26, 1919, Congress approved establishing what fi rst national park east of the Mississippi? 17. Generation Y people are more commonly known as what? 18. In 1952 what magazine debuted with the line “Tales calculated to drive you Mad – humor in a jugular vein”? 19. What slang word means a style with bucolic inspirations? 20. On Feb. 27, 1807, what poet who wrote “The Village Blacksmith” was born? and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of Feb. 1014, the House met for a total of eight minutes while the Senate met for a total of 15 hours and 59 minutes. MonFeb. 10House 11:03 a.m. to 11:09 a.m. Senate 11:30 a.m. to 11:57 a.m. Tues. Feb. 11No House session No Senate session Wed.Feb. 12No House session Senate 11:05 a.m. to 8:05 p.m. Thurs. Feb. 13House 11:02 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Senate 10:04 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. Fri.Feb. 14No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall. com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. 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 off ered 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. ANSWERS 1. The Washington Monument obelisk; at the time it was the world’s highest manmade structure. 2. Teddy Roosevelt (It had been called other things, such as the President’s Palace.) 3. Ice hockey 4. Jimmy Carter 5. Samoyed 6. Washington (once “Newspaper Row”) 7. John Quincy Adams (died after having a stroke on the House Floor) 8. Franklin Pierce (the author died during the trip) 9. Mount Airy, North Carolina 10. German (against Nazi propaganda) 11. A huntsman’s assistant with works with dogs 12. Go 13. Enrico Caruso 14. Mark Twain 15. It is an overseas département of France so is part of the eurozone. 16. Acadia National Park 17. Millennials (born in 1980s-1990s) 18. Mad 19. Cottagecore 20. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 21 OBITUARIES Christopher W. Peatridge O f Saugus, Massachusetts and originally from Dorchester. Passed away on February 9, 2025 after a long illness. He is survived by his partner of 30 years, Gail M. Murray of Saugus, his daughter Katherine Peatridge Walsh and her husband Michael of Missouri, his son Christopher Charles Peatridge of Colorado, and two grandchildren, Margot and Ted Walsh. He was the son of the late William and Margaret Peatridge of Dorchester and special father Henry T. Keneally of Rockland, his sisters Mary Collins of Quincy and Martha McGoldrick of Marshfield and two brothers who predeceased him, Michael J. and William F. Peatridge, several nieces, nephews and many dear friends. Christopher is a graduate of South Boston High School, attended Bridgewater State College and received a bachelors and master’s degree at Northeastern University. He was the owner of Blackhorse Group, a private security and consulting firm specializing in political advance assignments and security, covering several presidential, congressional, senate campaigns and private assignments. He was a SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 18 Community Room; Karen (Ren) Antonowicz from Spirits of Fashion will be presenting the program. Did you know that you can create a unique wardrobe that suits your “style personality” without breaking the bank? Join us for this fun styling workshop where we explore ways to treasure hunt for vintage and secondhand clothing and accessoTown of Saugus police officer and a pilot, which was one of his greatest joys and experiences in life. Christopher was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, committee member of the Arthur G. Allen Memorial Scholarship at Bridgewater State University, Association of the First Corp of Cadets, Association of Naval Aviation Inc., Patriot Squadron, Association of Retired Police Officers, Classic Jet Aircraft Association, EAA Warbirds of America, Massachusetts Military Reserve, the Tailhook Association, Fox Hill Yacht Club, Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission, Massachusetts Military Reserve, Merrimack Valley Flyers Association, New England Escadrille , NE Warbirds, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, and VFW Men’s Auxiliary. The wake will be held on Sunday, February 23rd at Hamel-Lydon Funeral Home, 650 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Funeral services will be Monday, February 24th at 10:00 am and followed by a funeral mass at 11:00am at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church located at 237 Sea Street, Quincy, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (dogood.t2t.org). Burial will be private at a later date. Funeral Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Hamel-Lydon Chapel. For information and online condolences, please visit HamelLydon.com. Diane M. (Savage) Stevenson O f Saugus and Lake Wor th, FL. Passed away peacefully on ries that speak to you and will inspire a new way of dressing. Fill your own closet with a personalized wardrobe that will bring you joy for years to come. Registration began Saturday, Feb. 8, on our online Events Calendar – sauguspubliclibrary.org · Watercolor Heart Mosaic: Please join us for creating a watercolor heart mosaic – with a professional! This event will be in the Brooks Room from 5:30Savage. Diane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness and compassion touched many lives and her memory will be in their hearts forever. Relatives and friends were Saturday, February 15th at the Greenwood Nursing Facility in Wakefield at the age of 82. She was the beloved wife of Francis J. Stevenson with whom she shared 43 years of marriage. Born on December 20, 1942, in Boston, Diane was the daughter of the late Colonel Charles and Florence (Eagan) Savage. Diane grew up travelling the world as an Army “brat” before finally settling in Saugus. She worked for years with her mom, Flo, at Kelly’s Kreme on Revere Beach. Diane dedicated her life to her family and friends. Diane loved spending time with her grandchildren and having them visit her at her house in Florida. She enjoyed going to the Continental Restaurant on the weekends, Saratoga, NY in the summers and Florida in the winter. In addition to her husband, Diane is survived by her children, Paul Shumski, Peter and Maria Shumski, Lynn and Paul Melanson, Judy and Kevin Gill, and Jean McGovern; her grandchildren, Kendra, Matthew, Meghan, Christopher, Daniel, Nicholas, Mark, Peri, Andrew and Annalise; her sister-in-law, Patricia Savage; nephew, Robert Savage; and her ex-husband and great friend, Paul J. Shumski. She was preceded in death by her son Anthony D’Agostino and her brother Charles 7:00 on Monday, February 24. Registration required – 5th grade and up. · Cookie decorating: Come join us for our cookie decorating program! We will be having a professional come over on Monday, March 3, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Brooks Room on the second floor. Fifth grade and up – registration required. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 22 invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Wednesday, February 19. A funeral service was held in the funeral home on Thursday followed by interment at Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. Muriel (Perkins) Prentice O f Saugus. Died on Monday, February 10th at the Alliance at Rosewood in Peabody at the age of 91. She was the wife of the late John D. Prentice. Born in and a lifelong resident of Saugus, Mrs. Prentice was the daughter of the late Fred H. and Mildred (Hanright) Pekins, Sr. Muriel was a former secretary to the Director of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. She was an avid Red Sox fan and loved gardening. Mrs. Prentice is survived by her four sons, Larry Prentice and his wife Nancy of Chelmsford, Scott Prentice and his wife Maria of Epping, NH, David Prentice and his wife Barbara of Raymond, NH and John R. Prentice of Saugus; nine grandsons, Jonathan, Ryan, Tyler, Jesse, Joshua, Joseph, Scott, Shane and John; and three great-grandsons, Maverick, Chase, and Bodhi. She was predeceased by her brother, Fred H. Perkins Jr. and stepsister, Gertrude. Relatives and friends were invited to visitation in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Saturday, February 15 followed by a service in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in Muriel’s memory. Your Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $200 per paper in-town per year or $225 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149

Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 21 Saugus Sachems Spring We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Track Program 2025 Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known aff ectionately as “Coach T” – announced this week plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and fi eld athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email this week. Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents need to know: Who: Grades K-5th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:15 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays; May 6-June 12. Cost: $100 fi rst year, $50 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please 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. 855-GO-4-GLAS Frank Berardino MA License 31811 Steps Stoops Rebuilt or Repaired Chimney Rebuilt or Repaired House Foundation Leaks Repaired All Basement Repairs Chimney Inspection Drainage Masonry Repairs Window Installation & Repairs Drywall & Carpentry Waterproofing • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount 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 contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com 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 a 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. For Advertising with RESULTS, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or info@advocatenews.net Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 21, 2025 Page 23 Spacious & Well-Maintained Legal 3-Family Property in Everett Brand-New Move-In Ready Units in the Heart of Saugus Experience upscale living in the heart of Saugus with these brand-new, move-in-ready rental units. Designed for comfort and convenience, the community features fire pits, a pizza oven, outdoor lounges, a spacious community kitchen, a dog park, and resort-style pools—perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Residents also enjoy dedicated workspaces, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a yoga room. Contact us 617-394-8253 For Rent: Spacious 3-bed home with open layout, stainless steel appliances, and great natural light. Includes 2-car parking & fenced yard. Prime location. Call Sue to schedule a tour & details : 617-394-8253. OPEN HOUSE: SUN FEB 23 | 12-2PM For Sale: Spacious 3-Family Property in Everett. This well-maintained property features three spacious units, offering strong rental potential. Conveniently located near public transportation, shopping, and dining. Don't miss out on this rare find! Call Sue for more details or to schedule a tour: 617-877-4553. Things Just Gt Real Things Just Got Real Only a few properties are currently on the market in Sa g, with an average list price of $1,349,000. With low nventory pe Saugus Real Estate Alert: Limited Inventory, High Demand! e Saugus Real Estate Alert: Limited Inventory, High Demand! Saugus, Only a few properties are currently on the market in with an average list price of $1,349,000. With low inventory driving high demand, now is the perfect tiime to sell and driving high demand, now is the perf t a ae age st p ce o $,39,000 maximiz i g a propert g demand no , property is worth? Contact us for a free property valuation! ith an aerage list price of $1 349 000 With lo i e you p ope ty s aue i e you p opertty s alue Crous about ted ea e you p pe r is ro state e t cr t ect t orth? Contact s for rty’s v lu . Curi a e o me e to Cu os abot free propert ous about infowithmango@ a i e to y, g hat y at Saugus, e e sell se ry what your 617-394-8253 | 781-558-1091 gmail.com 6173948253 | 7815581091 gmailcom 38 Main St, Saugus MA 563 Broadway, Everett MA 38 Main St, Saugus MA 63 Broadway Everett MA For Sale: Fully renovated 5-bed, 2-bath brick split in West Peabody. Features new roof, baths, appliances, 200-amp service, high-efficiency heat, A/C, deck, and more. Low taxes & municipal electric. Prime location! Call Peter: 781-820-5690. 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com TRINITY REAL ESTATE 781.231.9800 TrinityHomesRE.com The Trinity Real Estate Team 25 Wicklow Ave Medford, MA List Price: $849,900 In much sought after Fellsway location, this charming 7-room Colonial home offers 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, blending classic character with some updates. With its great location and mix of charm and space, this home is ready for your finishing touches to move in and enjoy. Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. Listing Agent: Annemarie Torcivia 781.983.5266 Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades annemariet2008@gmail.com In much sought after Fellsway location, this charming 7-room Colonial home offers 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, blending classic character with some updates. With its great location and mix of charm and space, this For Rent: Sunny 2nd-floor 1-bed, eat-in kitchen, hardwood floors, assigned parking. Good credit, income verification, & references required. Call Sue for details & to schedule a tour : 617-394-8253. and For Rent: First-floor, 1-bedroom apartment with easy access to Boston, the airport, and nearby public transportation. Utilities are separate, but water is included, for more information Call Norma: 617-590-9143. IN REAL ESTATE IN REAL ESTAT

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