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SAUGUS Vol. 27, No.9 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 28, 2025 SHOW TIME FOR SAUGUS HIGH The budget season is offi cially underway Town Manager Crabtree briefs selectmen on his preliminary spending plan for the 2026 Fiscal year By Mark E. Vogler T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree has recommended $34.3 million for the School Department for the 2026 Fiscal Year that begins July 1 – an increase of $500,000 over the Fiscal Year 2025 budget approved last spring by the Annual Town Meeting. But that’s still about $2 million less than the proposed Saugus Public Schools budget recommended by Superintendent Michael Hashem and approved by the School Committee earlier this year. Saugus High School’s Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Director, Nick Raponi, relaxed in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium last Friday as the Saugus High School Drama Club rehearsed for tomorrow’s Massachusetts High School Drama Festival. Please see inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “The increase does not include the indirect costs paid by the Town on behalf of the School Department and included as part of the total Net School Spending (NSS) calculation required by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE),” Crabtree told selectmen Tuesday (Feb. 25) night as he read from a fourpage budget message he delivered to the board on Feb. 15. “The indirect costs paid by the Town on behalf of the School Department” totals about $29 million in so-called School Department Schedule 19 charges that were itemized in a document reviewed by the Finance Committee last year. The preliminary spending plan unveiled by the town manager includes municipal general fund operating budgets totaling $84.9 million to go with proposed school spending, which adds up to an estimated $119.2 million in total general fund operating budgets. The $15.3 million for the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds added to the total estimated Expenditure Budget adds up to a total Fiscal Year 2026 expenditure amount of nearly $134.5 million. Selectmen voted unanimously to recommend the town manager’s operating budget, forwarding it to the Finance Committee, which will begin hearings on each department budget before making its recommendations to the BUDGET SEASON | SEE PAGE 2 MARCHETTI CORP. 46 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2024 Regular Unleaded $2.789 MidUnleaded $3.379 Super $3.479 Diesel Fuel $3.499 Kerosene Available! HEATING O L IL ULS $4.759 $3.19 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 28, 2025 Representative Wong pushes for rules reforms to make the House and Senate more transparent and accountable B OSTON – State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus) continues to push for reforms to the internal rules governing the Massachusetts House of RepLawn 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 resentatives and Senate, saying legislators need to be more transparent in how they conduct business and accountable to their constituents. On February 25, Representative Wong supported multiple Republican-sponsored reform measures fi led as amendments to a comprehensive House rules package as well as a sepBUDGET SEASON | FROM PAGE 1 Annual Town Meeting, which is set to convene on May 5. Crabtree identified several challenges in preparing the estimates of expenditures in his recommended FY 2026 budget: • Health insurance in the School Department had increased by $1.2 million; overall health insurance increased by $2 million. • Trash hauling and incineration rates continue to increase. He said town budget staff expect a signifi cant increase in the hauling cost for the next fi scal year as the existing contract will be ending. Total DPW waste collection and disposal expenses increased by $1.6 million. The incineration conarate rules package that will govern the operations of the joint legislative committees of the two branches for the 20252026 session. Representative Wong noted that the initial rules proposals released prior to fl oor debate contained several positive reREFORMS | SEE PAGE 4 tract’s tipping fee is increasing in the upcoming fi scal year as well. In addition, the cost of disposal of recyclable materials continues to increase and have been impacted with contamination charges. • Pension contribution – the pension appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026 is in the amount of about $5.8 million. • Regional School Assessments – Vocational Education, including Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School and Essex North Shore Tech, is budgeted for $2.9 million based on estimated numbers provided by DESE. The Fiscal Year 2026 estimated assessments refl ect a 5 percent increase on the actual Fiscal Year 2025 assessments. Based on the most recent debt information proDonald Wong State Representative vided by Northeast Regional, the town’s share of the existing debt service for the Fiscal Year 2026 is $779,118 – an increase of $290,917 from Fiscal Year 2025 assessments. • Other insurance – the various property, liability and workers’ compensation insurance premium estimates have been budgeted based on an increase of about 8 percent over actual fiscal year 2025 premiums recommended by the provider. • Capital improvements – there are significant capital needs that the town will need to plan and identify funding sources for. Those include, but are not limited to, such things as capital facility needs; infrastructure, such as roadways; public safety equipment, such as fire apparatus; and other equipment that is nearing end of life and requiring expensive repairs, as well as funding the Northeast Metro Tech capital assessment for the MSBA School Construction Project. “Steps continue to be taken to minimize the impact on the budget, stabilize services to the residents and maintain current staffi ng levels,” Crabtree said in his budget message. “In partnership with yourselves, the Finance Committee and Town Meeting, we have been able to present a balanced budget at each Annual Town Meeting and preserve our current AA+ bond rating,” he said. “Overall, we’re doing pretty good compared to other communities,” Crabtree told selectmen. “We budgeted conservatively and we’re staying within our means,” the town manager said. Call Driveways from $35

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 3 ~The Advocate Asks~ Saugus High Theatre Teacher Nick Raponi talks about hosting Saturday’s state High School Drama Festival test Editor’s Note: For this week’s column, we sat down with Nicholas “Nick” Raponi, Saugus High School’s Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Director, and talked about the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s High School Drama Festival, which Saugus High will be hosting for the first time tomorrow (Saturday, March 1) in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium. Raponi, 42, was born in Peabody and grew up in that city, graduating from Peabody High School in 2001. After graduation, he pursued a career in the restaurant business, but decided to change careers and return to school to become a theatre teacher. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance with a minor in Secondary Education from Salem State University in 2015. In 2020, he received a Master’s in Theatre from Regent University. He’s been teaching for about 10 years. He worked for several years at Winthrop High School and worked closely with the High School Drama Society and was part of the team that won the state championship for two years in a row. He also worked in Haverhill and Revere before landing his “dream job” at Saugus High School. Raponi and his wife Amanda have been married for seven years and they bought their Saugus home in 2017. They have two young boys: Nicky, 4, and Remy, 1. Highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: Feel free to share your background in theatre, whether this was something that you did as a kid, going through high school and college. A: I have always been interested in the theatre. At 11, I auditioned for my first show at the Higgins Middle School in Peabody and got cast, which genuinely changed my life. I gained my love for singing, performing and entertaining in middle school under the direction of my very first theatre mentor, the late Ellen (Carlin) Endslow. At Peabody High School, I was a member of the Stage One Drama Club, the Salem State University · American College Theatre Festival Scenic Design Finalist: “Machinal” Salem State University I am an avid theatre performer with more than 70 performance credits. I am also a freelance theatre artist as a stage director, scenic designer, technical director and lighting designer, having worked for ASKS | SEE PAGE 18 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 IT’S A BIG DEAL: Saugus High School’s Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Director Nicholas “Nick” Raponi said hosting a preliminary round of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival on Saturday in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium will be “a highlight of my career as a theatre teacher.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Chorus, the Chorale and the Show Choir and a three-season athlete. After high school, I found community theatre, and my life improved. Not only did I develop a more profound love for theatre arts, but I also met some of the most talented people in this industry, who taught me many of the skills I use daily as a theatre teacher. I met my best friends and my wife doing community theatre. I have worked with The Winthrop Playmakers (Board of Directors, president & artistic director) and the Theatre Company of Saugus as a performer, scenic designer and lighting designer and many other surrounding theatres: Marblehead Little Theatre, Wakefield Repertory Theatre, Burlington Players and many more. In addition to performing in Massachusetts, I have been an adjudicator for the EMACT (Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatre) Dash Program, having also received Awards and nominations through EMACT. · Best Actor in a Musical: “Seussical The Musical” – Neverland Theatre · Best Set Design of a play: “The Shadow Box” – Winthrop Playmakers · Best Director of a Play (Winner): “The Shadow Box” – Winthrop Playmakers · Best Supporting Actor in a Musical & Best Set Design of a Musical: “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” – Theatre Company of Saugus · Best Set Design of a Musical: “Nevermore” – Theatre Company of Saugus · Best Lead Performer in a Musical: “Something Rotten” – Marblehead Little Theatre · Irene Ryan Scholarship Nominee: “The Shadow Box” – We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! 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Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 ~ The Old Sachem ~ From Worcester with love – Valentine cards in the 1800s By Bill Stewart H andmade valentines were popular in England during the 15th Century. Through the years printed valentines were produced in England for the people to send to their sweethearts. Esther Howland was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1828 in a respected and wellto-do family. Her father was Southworth Howland, who owned a very successful sta8 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! tionery business in Worcester. The company produced, among other products, textbooks and engraved cards. The family could afford to send Esther to college, so she enrolled in Mount Holyoke College, which was then known as Mount Holyoke Female Seminary. After graduation she saw cards from England that were expensive, and Esther thought she could make cards economically. She found a few cards that inspired her to begin making her own versions. To create her early cards, she imported fine lace, specialty paper, and decorations from England. Esther had a visionary idea to craft each ornate card in an assembly line, which would accommodate a large interest in her products. She built an assembly line of all women in her company, New England Valentine Company, at a time when fewer than 15% of women worked outREFORMS | FROM PAGE 2 www.810bargrille.com forms, including many provisions the House Republican Caucus has long been advocating for, such as a requirement that individual legislators’ committee votes be postside of their home. She developed design elements, such as enclosed messages within the cards, the use of painted silk and elaborate folding of her cards. Her business became an immediate commercial success, using the beauty of her designs and her desire to meet the demands of her customers. Howland’s business was very successful during her 30-year career. By 1880 her company was earning over $100,000 in yearly profi ts, which would be about $2.5 million today. The founder of Mount Holyoke College, Mary Lyon, which I introduced in a January column, urged students to “Go where no one else will go. Do what no one else will do.” This resonated to Howland to achieve her goals of one-upmanship in business. Many of her cards are displayed at Mount Holyoke College around Valentine’s Day. Many current students of Mount Holyoke now experiment with laser-cutting, 3D printing and innovative designs at the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab. They can launch their designs through a $3,000 internship funding program through the system named ed online for easy public access. However, he said the reforms do not go far enough, after the House rejected nearly all the caucus’ amendments, with the exception of a proposal to require the House journal to specify if a mem“The Old Sachem,” Bill Stewart. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) the Lynk. Many students declare a minor in Internship, Organizations and Society. Next time you get and send a valentine, you can thank Esther Howland of Worcester and Mount Holyoke College for developing the cards that are relished each year. (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.) ber participated in a vote remotely. The House and joint rules proposals were ultimately both approved on votes of 128-23, with Representative Wong opposed. REFORMS | SEE PAGE 10 — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 5 Holocaust survivor will tell her story on Monday A rea residents will have a rare and powerful opportunity to hear fi rsthand from Holocaust survivor Helga Melmed, who will share her story of survival, resilience and hope on Monday. Hosted by Chabad of Wakefield, this special event will take place at the William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School at 62 Oakland Rd. in Reading. At 97 years old, Helga Melmed is among the last living witnesses to the atrocities of the Holocaust. Born in Berlin, her childhood was shattered by Nazi persecution. At just fi ve years old, she was beaten by her schoolteacher for being Jewish. By age 13, she was deported to the Lodz Ghetto, where her father was murdered. She was later sent to Auschwitz, endured forced labor camps and survived a brutal death march to Bergen-Belsen. When the British liberated the camp in April 1945, she weighed only 46 pounds and was gravely ill. Now, she is flying in from Florida for this special evening, determined to share her story so history is never forgotten. “With antisemitism and hate on the rise, it is more important than ever to listen to survivors while we still can,” said Rabbi Sruly Brook of Chabad of Wakefi eld, the event’s organizer. “Helga’s story is a reminder of where unchecked hate leads, and why we must stand together as a community against intolerance.” Adding to the evening’s emotional depth, a violinist will perform the haunting theme from “Schindler’s List,” setting the tone for refl ection and remembrance. “Hate and violence bring only destruction,” Melmed says. “I share my story so people understand where hatred leads and why we must choose kindness instead.” This event is open to the entire community and is made possible by Chabad of Wakefield and generous corporate sponsors. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students (ages 14-18). Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for $1,000, with sponsors receiving recognition on all promotional materials. Reserve your seat today at www.JewishWakefield.com/ tickets or call 781-205-9593. Join us for this unforgettable evening of history, remembrance and unity. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, and the program gets underway at 7 p.m. Helga Melmed, a 97-year-old Holocaust survivor, will be the guest speaker at 7 p.m. Monday during a special program hosted by Chabad of Wakefi eld at the William E. Endslow Performing Arts Center at Reading Memorial High School. (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 28, 2025 DAR plans to honor local Vietnam veterans on March 29 in a pinning ceremony at VFW (Editor’s Note: The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution issued the following press release 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 Dan - 1972 this week.) W e are looking for Saugus Vietnam veterans. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) together with the Judge Samuel Holten Society of the Children of the American Revolution are marking a signifi cant milestone in American history with a special celebration honoring the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In a tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War, a special pinning ceremony will be held to honor Vietnam veterans and their Celebrating 52 Years! When in need, call ABC! families as part of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, a program led by the U.S. Department of Defense. This event marks the 50th anniversary of the war, recognizing the sacrifi ces and service of those who fought and those who supported them from home. Held in partnership with the Parson Roby Chapter, the ceremony will honor local veterans and pay tribute to the men and women who served between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975. Each veteran in attendance will receive the offi - cial Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin, a lasting symbol of the nation’s gratitude. The pin itself features an eaChris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * 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 HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! SPECIAL SALE! TRAVEL HUMIDORS & ALL BONGS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 ■ 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. --------HUMIDORS ON SALE! STARTING AT $99. COMPLETE! --------gle representing courage, a blue circle for vigilance and perseverance, and six stars that symbolize the United States and its allies. For the veterans who we recognize at this ceremony is a long-overdue expression of appreciation. “Many Vietnam veterans returned home to a divided nation and never received the recognition they deserved,” said Gail Cassarino, Regent. “We will stand together as a community to say, ‘Welcome home, and thank you for your service.’” In addition to honoring veterans, the ceremony will acknowledge the sacrifices of families and surviving spouses, ensuring that no one’s contributions are forgotten. As part of the Vietnam War Commemoration program, ceremonies like this continue across the country, ensuring VIETNAM WAR 50TH ANNIVERSARY LAPEL PIN: Vietnam veterans or surviving spouses will receive this pin in a special ceremony on Saturday, March 29 at 11 a.m. at the Saugus VFW Post, 190C Main St., Saugus. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) that veterans receive the honor they have long deserved. The message is clear: America will never forget. If you are a Vietnam veteran or a surviving spouse, please join us on Saturday, March 29 at 11 am at the Saugus VFW Post, 190C Main St. Please RSVP to parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com or text 781710-1829. Coff ee and refreshments will be served. The DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism whose members are direct descendants of patriots who fought or gave aid in civil service to the American Revolution. For more information on what we do or in joining the Parson Roby Chapter NSDAR, please email parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com. Donate Your Vehicle Call (866) 618-0011 to donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more today!

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Page 7 The people of Saugus deserve a say in what happens to our playgrounds Dear Editor, Saugus playgrounds are vital community assets that provide recreational opportunities, promote mental and physical well-being, and strengthen neighborhood ties. However, recent events have underscored the urgent need for stronger governance to protect these spaces. As part of the Protect and Preserve Saugus Playgrounds movement, we introduced a proposed by-law aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and community involvement in decisions affecting our playgrounds. This measure would require public hearings, mandate transparency in decision-making, and establish an oversight committee to safeguard playgrounds from improper repurposing. Unfortunately, despite following proper procedures, the Board of Selectmen refused to allow my constituents to speak to their article on the night it was warranted for Town Meeting—an article backed by over 130 petitioners who opposed the Stocker Dog Park proposal. This deliberate obstruction not only silenced the voices of concerned residents but also highlighted the very issue we seek to address—ensuring that decisions about our public spaces are made openly and with community input. Moreover, I have heard from residents in other precincts who share similar concerns, particularly regarding the search for a future cemetery plot at Lynnhurst Playground. If the administration is successful in pushing a dog park at Stocker Playground despite community opposition, it could set a dangerous precedent for repurposing other playgrounds—such as using Lynnhurst for a cemetery. This is why transparency and public input are critical in these decisions. The people of Saugus deserve a say in what happens to our playgrounds. As we move forward, I urge all residents to stay informed and get inUMass Amherst announces Fall 2024 Dean’s List T he following students from Saugus were named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students are appointed to the Dean’s List at the end of a semester in which they have completed a minimum of 12 graded credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better. Matthew Banwait Serena Cacciola Rayan Chahid Jonathan Charlier Matthew Cunningham Christopher Denovellis Lucca Garcia Mikayla Hashem Isabella Henriques Josh Jain Sophia Jiang Bryant Lam Kiara LoNigro Anthony Macone Karen Maradiaga Mendoza Meghan McCarthy Madelyne Net Hannah O’Brien Lauren Pozark Safwan Rahman Siddhi Sharma Kyle Surette Nadine Taboubi Marianna Tamayo Palacio Dominic Trabucco volved. If you value our limited recreational spaces, I encourage you to reach out to your respective Town Meeting members and voice your support for greater transparency in decisions aff ecting our playgrounds. Together, we can protect and preserve these cherished spaces for future generations. Sincerely, Mark V. Sacco Jr. Precinct 3 Town Meeting member If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Three Saugus High School Drama Club students talk about the thrill of theatre in their lives By Mark E. Vogler P laying the part of main charac ter Woyzeck makes Madelynne Leonard one of the stars in the play “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined),” which the Saugus High School Drama Club will perform at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, March 1) in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium at Saugus High School. For Madelynne and the other 12 cast members and the 24 students involved in production staff , this will be a chance for all of them to really shine in their young theatre careers, as Saugus High competes against seven other schools in a preliminary round of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival. But for the 16-year-old Saugus High junior, the chance to be a part of local theatre is more than just a hobby. “I’ve had my heart set on theatre as a career since I was a freshman in High School and I’ve been involved in plays since I was four years old,” Madelynne said in an interview last Friday. “I’m happy to pursue both acting and biochemistry at whatever school that I go to after I graduate,” Madelynne said. “Right now, my top choice is New York University. They have the Number One performing arts school in the country,” she said. Madelynne’s character is 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. She’s participated in many plays since early childhood. “My fi rst show was at North Shore Community College,” said Madelynne. “It was for little kids. I was the Wicked Witch of the West. I was the only one who wanted to be the witch. I was just four and I started dancing at that time,” she said. “My mom drives me all over the state so I can pursue my passion. I’m the first actor in my family. But I got to love theHe’s Back...and Better Than Ever! John A. Fitzpatrick (Fitzy) Sales & Lease Consultant Direct: 617.410.1030 Main: 617.381.9000 Cell: 617.279.9962 jfitzpatrick@mcgovernauto.com jfitzpatrick McGovern Automotive Group 100 Broadway, Rte. 99, Everett Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 atre from my mom and grandmother. They introduced me to ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘West Side Story’ and ‘A Chorus Line.’ I used to watch movies of these musicals,” she said. “I danced and did fi gure skating, but my main focus has always been theatre,” she said. Madelynne calls herself “a very busy bee.” She’s president of the school’s acapella group and vice president of the Paranormal Club. A National Honor Society member, she’s also involved in community theatre – the Concord Youth Theatre and the TTS Players of Byfi eld. “I love expressing myself through art, taking on these characters and expressing myself through them. It’s really important to me because I’ve always loved storytelling. I’m involved in a little bit of everything when it comes to performing and visual arts,” she said. “There are defi nitely things I want to pursue beyond the college level – music, art, dance and creative writing,” Madelynne said. “I love fi lm. I would love to be a fi lmmaker if I ever solidifi ed a career on Broadway,” she said. An outlet for a creative student Involvement in community theater has also been a big part of Kate Petipas’ life as a Saugus High School student. Kate plays the part of Marie, Woyzeck’s common-law wife. She’s also president of the Saugus High School Drama Club. Kate and Madelynne shared the costume design duty for the play. Like Madelynne, Kate’s theatre experience has been extensive since childhood. She has worked with the Theatre Company of Saugus since the second grade. “I’ve been doing theatre since the fi rst grade,” Kate said. “Since starting out in the fi rst grade, acting is something I’m really connected with. It’s an amazing environment. I’m someone who is really creative and this has given me an outlet to work in,” she said. “What got me into theatre? My sister was always big in theatre. It came super easy for me. I was involved in sports and playing the piano as a kid. But I didn’t connect to it like I did in theatre,” she said. Theatre, though, takes a back seat to Kate’s career objectives. “I’m drawn to acting through this community that the Saugus High School Drama Club builds,” she said. “But I’m super focused on my career goals as a psychologist. I’m going to the University of Vermont to pursue a career in clinical psychology,” said the National Honor Society member. A passion for lighting design James McNary, a 17-year-old senior at Saugus High School, is the student technical director of the Drama Club and was in charge of scene design and lighting design and student technical director. He’s the main man behind the scenes, working on technical aspects that are crucial to the play’s presentation. He works with a couple of theatres professionally, with the lighting design and the theatrical electrician work, like hanging the lights. He’s worked with the Greater Boston Stage Company. “My real passion is lighting design. A lot of that involves specialized lighting fi xtures that fi t the set,” James said. “I really like building things and that relates to my career path in engineering. I’ve been doing theatre since the fourth grade,” he said. James was born in Vermont and moved to Saugus from Newton during his freshman year of High School. He’s an Honors AP student who was invited to join the National Honor Society, but declined to join. “I’m pursuing engineering at Western New England University. I’m going to major in aerospace engineering,” James said. “As a youngster in elementary school, I really enjoyed reading and thought about how I could design the world from the books I read. And I realized when I got older, that I could take these plays and scripts that the director chose and build the world that fi ts the script. That involves the lighting and the scenic design.” Who’s who in the play Here’s a list of the students of the Saugus High School Drama Club and the roles they will be playing in “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined)”: Carnival Barker: Hannah Evers-Jenkins; Woyzeck: Madelynne Leonard; Captain: PeSTARS OF THE SHOW: Left to right: Madelynne Leonard, Kate Petipas and James McNary are three key student participants involved in tomorrow’s presentation by the Saugus High School Drama Club of the play “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined).” James is the student technical director. Madelynne and Kate are co-costume designers and they act out lead parts in the play. (Saugus Advocate Photo by Mark E. Vogler) dro Spalenza; Sergeant: Mason Ranno; Andres: Diego Silva Garcia; Marie: Kate Petipas; Margret: Keisha Sauld; Drum Major: Brayden Verone; Doctor: Zahra Ghaouta; Ensemble: Maddie Sachs; Ensemble: Kane Bruno; Ensemble: Ari Conte; Ensemble: Audrina Giglio. Crew/Production Team: Director/Technical Director: Mr. Nicholas Raponi; Assistant Director/ Adaptation: Mr. Kyle Gregory; Master Carpenter: Mr. John Sullivan; Costume Supervisor: Mrs. Elvira Schoenthal. Student Team: Stage Manager: Larissa Ambrosio; Asst. Stage Manager: Cadence Coburn & Alexandra Brackett; Lighting Design & Scenic Design: James McNary; Costume Design: Kate Petipas & Madelynne Leonard; Sound Design: Josephine Pepper; Asst. Sound Design: Charlie Bruno; Live Original Compositions: Gabriel Menendez-Rosa; Live Musicians: Gabriel Menendez-Rosa, Cornyn Meas; Hair & Makeup Design: Cadence Coburn, Nari Lam, Sara Loeser; Props Design: Nari Lam; Tech Crew: Alex Marquez, Elizabeth Colwell, Justin Frongillo, Jenny Nichols, Josh Mikalixen, Keneyshla Ramirez, Seamus Burke, Shelbi Edwards, Red Cassarino, Kayla Villefranche, Azra Ozgur, Marielle Zepeda, Sara Loeser, Tarah Dascoli, Sean Lynch.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 9 Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting official Saugus social media account providing up to date information about school closings, parking bans, WIN issues, town emergencies, Route 1 accidents, etc. Stacey Herman-Dorant: Continuing to maintain our fiscal stability while focusing on positive growth in approving the Town budget is a priority. Positive growth includes: safe and prosperous educational environments; continuing the beautification of Saugus by improving sidewalks and green space; smart growth and improving our recreational facilities. Additionally, after attending nearly every meeting of the Ash Landfill Closure Committee, it is even more apparent that we need to push forward the efforts of this committee and protect the health of our community. Sue Palomba: As we prepare for the 2025 Town Meeting, I believe the top priority for Saugus should be fiscal responsibility and sustainable development. Ensuring that we allocate resources effectively while maintaining the town’s character and infrastructure is essential. Additionally, addressing public safety, education, and town services remains a key focus. 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? Mark J. Bell: As far as Precinct 1 residents, I hear nothing more from residents than Stackpole Playground. Myself, as well as my current Precinct 1 colleagues, have and will continue to fight for a new playground at Stackpole. It really is a safety hazard. Another major concern for residents is the preservation of Prankers Pond. Due to the new Saugus Ridge housing development right behind Prankers, it’s important that no one is cutting through residents’ private property and making a footpath to Prankers. It is also important that what is left of Prankers Pond is kept clean, safe, and untouched from any new development. TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 17 THE SEAT OF SAUGUS TOWN GOVERNMENT: The 50-member Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Saugus Town Government and convenes on the first Monday in May each year for a series of meetings to approve zoning articles and resolutions and to pass the town’s municipal budget. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) Editor’s Note: The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 5. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we are reaching out to all 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. This week, we received responses from three of the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 1. For next week’s newspaper, we will reach out to the five Town Meeting Members from Precinct 2. The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes nine weeks from Monday. Question One: What do you consider the top priority for the town as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session? Mark J. Bell: First, I still believe the main priority for Saugus is having a third fire station on the west side of Saugus. The feasibility study was approved by Town Meeting. Myself, as well as the residents of that area, look forward to the results of the study and hope a new fire station gets done. Second priority would be having a meeting or update from the Town regarding the future of the offline schools. As a parent, and a youth coach that sees how crowded gym time can be, it can be frustrating watching the old schools just sit there empty. I understand it will cost money to get the schools back online but starting a discussion about ideas and time frames would be a great idea for the town. Third, and this might just be a pet peeve of mine, I’d love to see the town adopt a text notification system and/or official social media account for residents. So many people now receive their information from their phone and social media. It would be great to have a text notification system and

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Housing Authority brings back former Executive Director Laura Glynn to work on an interim basis for several months By Mark E. Vogler T his time last year, veteran Saugus Housing Authority Executive Director Laura Glynn was preparing to leave her post after more than a decade of overseeing the town’s public housing program. Glynn was so concerned about leaving the Housing Authority in good shape that she stayed on for a couple of months to assist the transition and training of her replacement – Katelynn M. Lemieux – who took over in early April. But things didn’t work out as planned. Lemieux resigned last week after just 10 months on the job. Meanwhile, the Housing Authority members voted to bring Glynn back to work on an interim basis until they can find a qualified candidate to take over on a permanent basis. “Laura started immediately this morning,” Housing Authority Chair John Cannon told The Saugus Advocate on Tuesday (Feb. 25) after members met to approve Glynn’s appointment and discuss the process of hiring a permanent director. “She’s going to be with us for a few months,” Cannon said of Glynn. “I don’t know how long. Besides filling the director’s office on a temporary basis, her primary function will be to help us find a new executive director,” he said. Lemieux, who could not be reached for comment, officially stepped down from her position last Thursday (Feb. 20), according to Cannon. “The Saugus Housing Authority announces that Katelynn Lemieux has resigned from the position of Executive Director to pursue other employment opportunities, and we wish her well in her future endeavors,” the Housing Authority said in a brief statement this week. “The Board of Commissioners will be discussing its plans for filling the position at board meetings (s) in the near future, including the appointment of an interim Executive Director as may be necessary.” A BRIEF STAY: Katelynn M. Lemieux resigned last week as executive director of the Saugus Housing Authority after just 10 months on the job. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) WELCOMED BACK: Laura Glynn, who served for more than a decade as executive director of the Saugus Housing Authority, is back in that position until Housing Authority members find a new director. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) Saugonian named to Dean’s List for Fall 2024 Semester S aint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., has released the Dean’s List of high academic achievers for the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year. To be eligible for this honor, a student must have achieved a grade point average of 3.4 or better in the semester with at least 12 credits of study which award a letter grade. A total of 622 students representing REFORMS | FROM PAGE 4 The rules packages includes a requirement that House committees post bill summaries online prior to being taken up for a vote, and provide a minimum notice of 72 hours for committee hearings. Legislators will also now be required to be physically present to participate in a committee hearing, although members of the public can continue to participate remotely. While supporting these changes, Representative Wong also joined with his House Republican colleagues to advocate for a series of additional reforms designed to shine more light on the legislative 23 states and four countries received this honor. Mark W. Cronin, Dean of the College, announced that the following student from Saugus has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2024 semester: Isabella Moreschi. Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College is a four-year liberal arts college providing a 21st century education in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. process and give constituents a better understanding of how it works. Among the House rules amendments supported by Representative Wong were proposals to: • mandate that the annual internal audit of the House be conducted by the state auditor, pursuant to the new law that was overwhelmingly approved by the state’s voters last fall; • require that the House comply with all such audits undertaken pursuant to the voter-approved law; • prohibit House committee polls from being open for less REFORMS | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 11 Joe Lowe takes personal leave Saugus girls basketball coach S By Dom Nicastro AUGUS — Joe Lowe is no longer coaching the Saugus High School girls varsity basketball team. The Saugus Advocate obtained details of a memorandum sent by a school offi cial to team parents that said, “You’re receiving this email because our girls basketball coach Joe Lowe is taking a personal leave as of February 11, 2025.” The note went on to say the school did not know how long Lowe would be out but asked parents to respect Lowe’s privacy at this time. Saugus played Peabody on Feb. 11, Dracut on Feb. 13 and then finished its regular season Feb. 17 against Chelmsford, meaning Lowe missed the fi nal three games of the regular season. Saugus fell to Peabody and beat Dracut and Chelmsford, the latter win against a Division 1 team. The Sachems fi nished 13-7 and are headed to the Division 3 postseason. They earned the No. 25 seed in the 42-team tourney and host No. 40 Auburn (12-8) Tuesday night, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. Assistant coaches Norma Waggett and Taylor Bogdanski have taken over co-coaching duties in Lowe’s absence. Like Lowe, each played basketball for Saugus High School, with Waggett and Bogdanski also having college playing careers. Waggett confirmed the co-coaching role when she shared a report from the Chelmsford game, adding, “Chelmsford was huge. The girls have been playing unbelievable.” Asked about Lowe, Waggett referred questions to Saugus Athletics Director Matthew Serino, who was not immediately available when the Advocate reached out Feb. 21. Lowe was not available for commentary. Lowe, in his second year as varsity coach, led the team to a second straight Northeastern Conference championship. Since playing for Saugus from 2007 to 2010, Lowe never left basketball. Last winter, he took over in Saugus for 10-year coach Mark Schruender, whose team won an NEC title for the fi rst time in decades and averaged around 13-14 wins in the last six seasons. Saugus went 14-7 and were co-champions in the NEC Lynch Division the year before Lowe took over. In his first season as varsity head coach, Lowe led Saugus to a postseason victory after years of near-misses: a comSHS Head Coach Joe Lowe gives instructions to his team from courtside during the annual Andrew James Lawson Invitational Tournament at the TD Garden against Marblehead in January. (Advocate fi le photo) manding 58-12 victory over North High of Worcester in the Division 3 state tournament. Though their playoff run ended in the next round against a strong Dover-Sherborn team, the Sachems capped the year with a 14-8 record and an NEC Lynch championship. This year, Saugus fi nished 137, won another NEC title and qualifi ed for another postseason run to begin next week. Lowe this winter was in his 9-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* fi fth season overall as a head coach, having served in that role previously with the Winthrop girls. Between Winthrop and Saugus, Lowe picked up more than 70 wins. Lowe’s coached 14 years in total. Lowe played for Saugus from 2007 to 2010, serving as team captain in 2010. He played for coaches Titus Manderson, Mike Broderick and Paul Moran. After graduating, he coached middle school, freshman and JV for the Saugus boys’ program for eight years before becoming a head coach at Winthrop. He then joined Saugus girls for one year two winters ago as an assistant. “I was on the staff last year as an assistant and developed a great relationship with the players and coaches in the program,” Lowe said early in his fi rst season as Saugus head coach. “Being an alumnus and comfortable in the school made it an obvious fi t for me.”

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Saugus racks up another postseason season win, handling Auburn were able to in the second half,” said Waggett, Saugus’ second all-time leading scorer behind DiBiasio, her junior point guard. Senior captain Madison Saugus girls basketball captains, pictured from left to right: Peyton DiBiasio, Ella Castle, Taylor Deleidi and Madison Botta. By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School girls basketball team opened its Division 3 MIAA state tourney with a 59-25 win over Auburn on Tuesday night, Feb. 15, at Saugus High School. Saugus junior captain Peyton DiBiasio led all scorers with 29 points, and the Sachems forced 32 turnovers. The Sachems, 14-7 and ranked No. 25 in the 42-team single-elimination tourney, will now move on and face No. 9 East Bridgewater (16-4) on the road Thursday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Saugus won a postseason game for the second Saugus girls basketball coach Norma Waggett talks to her team during a break in the action. year in a row, a feat certainly not done in recent memory if not ever. The team was playing two weeks to the day its Head Coach, Joe Lowe, took a personal leave with three games left in the regular season. Program alums and assistants Norma Waggett and Taylor Bogdanski took over the team as co-coaches. “I think our big thing going in facing all this adversity was we needed to stick together, and no matter what happened, we just need to keep playing for each other and just overall play as hard as we can,” DiBiasio said. “We only have a few more games left. We’re trying to make it as far as we can in the tournament.” Saugus senior captain Taylor Deleidi added 15 points and hit a trio of three-pointers. The first two came in the second quarter as part of a 27-3 Sachems run that spanned the first two quarters and gave the hosts a 33-9 lead at halftime. “Obviously, Peyton is double-teamed sometimes, so it’s great to have other people on the floor who can score and she happens to be one of them,” Coach Bogdanski said of Deleidi. “And she always knocks down threes for us at great times.” Botta, one of the architects of Saugus’ stifling defense, said the Sachems’ hustle on defense and efforts on the offensive glass that created second chances were the keys to the game. Deleidi agreed, saying Saugus knew it had to play hard, hustle and pressure the visitors the Saugus co-coaches Norma Waggett (left) and Taylor Bogdanski Saugus’ full-court pressure and halfcourt defense kept Auburn out of rhythm for the first half and forced the visitors into 23 turnovers after two quarters. The visiting Rockets (No. 40, 12-9) made only two field goals in the opening half, none in the second quarter. Taylor Goodrich’s three-pointer three minutes into the game gave Auburn a 6-4 lead – its last edge of the night. Goodrich led Auburn with 11 points. “Our best way to score is transition offense, not even running a set, getting them tired early and then being able to push the ball like we whole game. “We just had to play for each other because we get in our heads a lot,” senior captain Ella Castle said. “We hustled the whole game and we didn’t give up.” DiBiasio led all scorers with 18 first-half points on seven-for-15 shooting. She shot 11-for-26 in the game. Deleidi added eight first-half points for Saugus. Auburn only had three second-quarter points on three free throws from Goodrich. The Rockets missed all eight of their shots and shot twofor-16 in the first half. Saugus shot 13-for-37 in the opening 16 minutes (threefor-13 from downtown). The Sachems were 6-for-27 from three-point land. Saugus Minions capture VMSHL hockey title By David Silipigni O n Sunday, February 23, the Saugus 5th Grade Middle School Hockey Team triumphed in the Valley Middle School Hockey League (VMSHL) Championship. The team, comprising 20 Saugus students from 3rd, 4th and 5th grades who typically play for 12 different hockey organizations during the regular season, showcased exceptional teamwork and skill. Despite being named the “Saugus Minions” after the Universal Entertainment characters, the team was led by two coaches with deep roots in Saugus hockey. Coaches Diozzi and O’Donnell, both alumni of Saugus High School hockey from 1995 and 2000, donned their senior hockey jackets for the significant event. In a motivational speech before the championship game, Coach Diozzi told the team, “This is a team and game you’ll remember for all your lives.” This victory marks the first time a Saugus 5th grade team has secured the VMSHL championship. The team defeated the Renegades with a final score of 6-3. CELEBRATING A CHAMPIONSHIP: The Saugus Minions beat the Renegades 6-3 last Sunday to win the Valley Middle School Hockey League championship – the first time by a Saugus 5th grade team (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 13 Saugus’ Felicio wrestles her way into record books with state title win By Dom Nicastro S augus-Peabody wrestling has its first state-champion in the program: Saugus’ Anna Felicio. The Saugus High School senior and one-time cheerleader won at 107 pounds; she won her event at the Division 1 state championship. She advanced to this coming weekend’s All-State championship, featuring all divisions in Massachusetts, and she will likely be the No. 2 ranked wrestler at 107 pounds. Her current season record is 40-14. “Anna was awesome all day,” Saugus-Peabody wrestling coach Wayne Moda said. “She had two quick pins in her quarterfinal and semifinal rounds. She then dominated in the finals match against last year’s state finalist from North Andover (Alexia Henriques) with a tech fall early in the second period. I am incredibly proud of Anna for the amount of effort she has put in this wrestling season. Although this is her third year in wrestling, it is truly her first year where she has fully committed to the sport. Throughout the year, she wrestled in our starting lineup at the 106-pound weight class and amassed an impressive 29 wins against boys.” Felicio wrestled her state finals opponent in December and the outcome was the same: a tech fall. “But I went into the match humble knowing anything could happen,” Felicio said. “The match was nerve-racking, but once I stepped foot on the line all my thoughts went silent, and I was ready to wrestle. The other matches were easy for me – all under a minute – but I went to work and did what needed to be done. The girl in the semis I have also wrestled before, and I pinned her both times. My first match of the day was also a girl I wrestled on my senior night.” Felicio, a third-year wrestler, had a simple game plan: focus, prove to herself that she has worked so hard for this and to believe she could get it done. “I executed by being calm and listening to my coach,” she said. “The toughest moment of the tournament was trying not to get in my own head. I knew I could get this far in my season because I’ve prepared myself both physically and mentally. I’ve wrestled tough boys this whole season, and I put in the work at practice so I could be the best version of myself.” The journey to this moment wasn’t always easy. Felicio had to develop resilience, learning how to push through challenges both mentally and physically. “My biggest improvement since I started is definitely not giving up on myself,” she said. “I used to be so quick on giving up, but I learned from my mistakes and it has only made me a better wrestler.” Her achievement holds even greater weight given that wrestling is still a male-dominated sport. “Being a state champ in a male-dominant sport means everything to me because I worked hard for this,” Felicio said. “As a girl, it is hard to get recognized for hard work when the guys will always be above us, but when achieving big things like a state title, people start to know. I’m hoping my win can inspire other girl wrestlers to just stay focused and dedicated because if you put the work in, you will always see results.” Though she’s the only girl on her team, she’s never felt like an outsider. “I’m the only girl on my team and they treat me like a little sister,” she said. “I’m honestly grateful to have such awesome and supportive teammates.” Her advice to younger wrestlers is simple: embrace the grind and take every opportunity to improve. “Never give up, wrestle all year around,” Felicio said. “Meeting new people at clubs can help improve your wrestling style. Always take the opportunity to wrestle guys because that will make you stronger.” Would you believe Felicio’s own wrestling journey started after a chance encounter? “I got into wrestling because I saw the wrestling team one day after my cheer practice, and I thought it was so cool,” she said. “So I talked to Wayne, and I started doing club so that I could be ready for the next season.” That conversation changed everything. She quit cheer to wrestle full-time, dedicating herself to the sport both in-season and in the gym. She even has a boyfriend in the same sport: She celebrated the state title with her boyfriend, Shawsheen’s Dante Giusti, who also won a state title at 120. Now, her ambitions don’t stop at a state title. “I’m planning to get a title at All-States and New Englands,” Felicio said. Her wrestling career will continue beyond high school, as she recently committed to Western New England University in West Springfield. As she reflects on her success, she credits one person above all. “My biggest influence has been my coach,” Felicio said. “He practices with me some days, gives me constructive criticism, and pushes me to my limits. He is the best coach I could ever ask for.” Felicio’s victory wasn’t just about winning a state title – it was about proving something to herself. “When I heard my name get announced so many emotions rushed through my mind,” she said, “but I ran over to my coach with tears because he’s always been my number one supporter and has helped me throughout everything.” Saugus-Peabody also advanced three boys at the DiSaugus’ Anna Felicio on top of an opponent on the wrestling mat. vision 1 state tournament this past weekend. Senior Landon Rodriguez (132) of Peabody wrestled tough. Junior captain Michael Maraio of Peabody also wrestled greatly but ran into tough competition, eventually coming up 1-2 on the day. Senior Saugus captain Max LoRusso wrestled in the deepest weight class in the state at 144 and went 3-3 on the day, earning him seventh place and an alternate spot at the All-State tournament in Methuen this weekend. “I was super proud of the effort all three of these guys put in all season,” Moda said. “Max has been battling all year long at the toughest weight in the state. There are just so many good guys at 144 pounds. In D1 North alone, there were two or three guys that didn’t make it out of the section, and at the D1 states there were nine legit wrestlers that are probably better than (with the exception of two) all the others in Division 2 and Division 3 combined. Only two points separated him from finishing fifth or sixth. It’s tough because he’s been such a great leader and a hard worker all season long that I really feel like he deserves a shot in all states. We’re hoping that he makes it in as an alternate.” LoRusso is 50-10 on the season and, with 134 career wins, is the program’s all-time leader. Saugus’ Anna Felicio about to take down an opponent on the wrestling mat. Saugus’ Anna Felicio stands on the tallest podium after winning the Division 1 wrestling state title at 107 pounds.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler I f my good health and a favorable economy for the newspaper business prevail, my goal is to continue for at least another year as editor of The Saugus Advocate – the town’s only exclusively Saugus community newspaper. It’s a decision I’ve been making for the last nine years. And now, at age 72 – an age when my professional peers have either retired or passed away – I am still motivated to report, write, edit and photograph people, places and events for a tenth consecutive year. I’ve been covering Saugus for 14 ½ years now, if one counts the 5 ½ years I worked for North Shore Sunday many years ago (1987-92). About this time every year, I make a judgement call as to whether I have enough energy and motivation to put out a newspaper that informs, enlightens and entertains the people of Saugus. It’s always my goal to be a force of good in the community, producing journalism in a weekly magazine-ish format that, hopefully, leads to the betterment of the community. Some weeks it seems like a daunting task. There might not be enough time or space to meet the growing demands or requests for news stories. Fortunately, I am blessed to have a steady volunteer team of contributors who provide some interesting articles and photos and sometimes sketches. And that’s really the ultimate goal: to provide the readers with interesting local news that shines a spotlight on important community issues and facilitates discussion among residents, the policy setters in local government and the citizen decision makers. Frankly, I could continue with what I’m doing for another five to 10 years – as long as I have my health and the backing of my publisher. So, at this point in my career, I’m at least looking at one more Annual Town Meeting and one more town election. Stay tuned. 15 Saugus 4-1-1 set for March Planning for the Saugus 4-1Veronica Robles’ Mariachi Band and some audience members on the stage at the Saugus Cultural Festival on Sunday afternoon (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) 1 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. Selectman Corinne Riley – one of the organizers of the event – noted in an email to The Saugus Advocate this week that the event attracted some positive feedback this week: “More good news from the Saugus 4-1-1 Committee! Letters were mailed to our new residents last week and we’ve already received more and more RSVPs from families that are looking forward to the event! Non-profit clubs, committees, youth groups and places of worship, totaling 24, have secured their tables to pass out information on their organization, and to meet our new as well as established residents. There is still time for businesses and services to contact us to add their business cards, menus, informational pamphlets, etc for 50 ‘welcome bags’ for our guests! A great way to let them know about our local businesses and services! Please email Saugus411@gmail.com for any questions you may have, and also to let us know if you would like an item added to our welcome bags! Looking forward to seeing many Saugonians, new and old, on the 15th!” 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. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Fridays from 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. Please note that the pantry is pausing food drive donations through the end of February because of the generosity of the community during the holiday season. Food drives will resume in March. 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 received several “Shout Outs” from readers this week: From Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Stacey Herman-Dorant: “A big shout out to the Saugus Cultural Council for putting on an amazing event last weekend, the Saugus Cultural Festival! It was so nice to see the community come together and celebrate all of the cultures that make up our wonderful Town of Saugus. The performances, the food, the vendors and everything in between was so well organized and FUN. I look forward to this event next year!” From frequent Saugus Advocate contributor Janice Jarosz: “SHOUT OUT! Reminder! Ms. Jasmine Grace will be appearing at the Saugus Middle/High School on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM. “Town officials have been invited along with many local residents, to hear Jasmine’s story of sex trafficking and drug addiction, how she recovered and went on to dedicate her life trying to save so many other young girls that suffered from the same additions. Ms. Grace will take questions from the audience at the end of her presentation. “Admission is free, but should you like to donate to the Bags of Hope the following is a list of items: 12 oz Shampoo, 12oz Conditioner, Bars of Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Deodorant, Tampons, Women’s Socks, Trail Mix, Chapstick, Nail Polish, Hairbrushes, Hair Elastics/Clips, Notes of Encouragement, Seasonal Winter Items, $5 Dunks Cards. “This event is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution, (DAR) Ms. Gail Cassarino, Regent, and the MEG Foundation Board of Directors.” From Lin Bell: “I would like to give a Shout Out to whoever chopped down the ice wall at my entrance! With no drain pipes, the icicles form, drip, and an ice wall builds up. Today I found it chipped away with the ice chunks shoveled aside. I am most appreciative of my mystery person.” From Tori Darnell, Saugus Cultural Council Co-Chair, thanking The Saugus Advocate for its advance coverage of the Cultural Council’s First Cultural Festival: “Thank you for your efforts in reporting about the Cultural Council’s 1st Cultural Festival for the Saugus community. We had a great turn out for our first year, roughly a bit more than 400 people. This is based on the free-to-participate door raffles. We are sure that we may have had a bit more than what we counted in tickets, but all in all, a successful event. “I also wanted to add that many people praised the event stating it was exactly what was needed for Saugus to celebrate diversity. Some even shared that they heard about the event through the Advocate! You did an amazing push in reporting in the weeks leading up to the festival. Again, thank you again for reporting on local news and events to keep the community engaged.” THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 15 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 14 Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@ comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/ or a photo. A polar plunge on March 9 Saugus Police Detective Stacey Forni wants to spread the word about a special fund-raising event that the Saugus Police and Fire Departments will be collaborating on a week from Sunday (March 9). They will be hosting their first Special Olympics Polar Plunge at the Knights of Columbus located at 57 Appleton St. in Saugus. Check-in for the plunge is at noon. The actual plunge starts at 1 p.m. “I hope everyone’s new year has started out well and everyone is attempting to make healthy choices/ resolutions for the new year… with that in mind I wanted to reach out to everyone and see if we could ALL get together and start the new year off with a healthy polar plunge together!!!,” Detective Stacey wrote in an email message to police and firefighters who are planning to plunge. “Research has shown that polar plunges help boost your immune system, improve your mood and focus, help with stress management, boost metabolism and improve circulation. Not only would you be doing something to benefit your health, but by registering you’d also be donating to the Special Olympics,” she said. “If you do not want to plunge you can register as a towel holder. This event is open to friends and family, so encourage as many people as you can. “For those wondering about attire and other information about the plunge: “Attire - You can wear whatever you want from a speedo/bikini to a snowsuit and/ or uniform. “What are we plunging into? - It’s a portable pool that the Special Olympics brings in. “Can I change and get warm before and after the plunge? – Yes, the K of C will be open and we plan on having refreshments and goodies inside for you while you stay warm. “Medical – There will be an ambulance stationed on scene and Saugus Fire’s Divers will be posted in the pool to assist anyone with exiting the pool after they plunge. “Any other questions please feel free to ask.” “It is open to the public and we welcome anyone interested in signing up or even donating coffee or snacks for the day of the plunge. If anyone has any questions in regards to the plunge they can contact me at 781-941-1190,” Detective Forni wrote. For more information, go to POLARPLNGEMA.ORG A March 12 forum on Route 1 The annual meeting of the Saugus Historical Society will be held 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 12 at 30 Main St. This is the first meeting of 2025.The speaker will be Laura Eisener, society president, talking about Route 1 and how it has changed over the years. Do you have a favorite memory of a place on Route 1? Many businesses have weathered decades on this popular stretch of road, but recent years have seen closures of some very popular restaurants, stores and other businesses. We invite you to listen to some history and to share your stories. Members and the public are welcome free of charge. Light refreshments will be served. Fireside Chats were very popular Laura Eisener notes that the Fireside Chats at the Christopher P. Dunne Visitor’s Center at Breakheart Reservation were very popular this winter, with programs presented by several regional specialists at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation who work at state parks in Eastern Massachusetts. The warm fire, hot coffee, tea, cocoa and donuts were a welcome respite from the cold weather and snowy trails in January and February. Programs included discussions of native American histoTown Democrats meet The snowy owl figure was a feature of the Fireside Chat at Breakheart Reservation on February 19. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) ry in the area, silviculture and forest maintenance, fire suppression, bird populations and natural resource management at Breakheart and other area state parks. While the Fireside Chats and Friday morning Kaleidoscope programs are finished for the season, there are “Nice and Easy Hikes” from 9:3011:30 a.m. on Saturdays starting from the Visitor’s Center (177 Forest St.), which continue through March, weather permitting. These moderately paced hikes, led by a forest ranger, are ideal for ages eight and up, including adults. Maple Sugarin’ Days at Breakheart March 8 The very popular Maple Sugarin’ Days event will be on Saturday, March 8 with educational and flavorful experiences for all ages: tapping the maple trees, sampling several grades March 4 The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet on 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 THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17 Visitor Services Supervisor Jessica Narog-Hutton, Stewardship Research Biologist Sean Riley and Shorebird Recovery Program Coordinator Lis Kernan at a recent Fireside Chat at Breakheart Reservation (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) of real maple syrup and a history of maple sugaring from the Native Americans to modern practices. The event includes outside activities, viewing the evaporator, which turns sap to syrup, wood splitting to fuel the boiling process and tips on tree identification. Events take place 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting Beginning this week in The Saugus Advocate, we are for the second consecutive year publishing a series of articles titled “Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting.” The 2025 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 5. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we are reaching 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. This week, we heard from three of the five Town Meeting members – all who cited the renovation of Stackpole Field into a top-notch playground as a top priority for the residents of their precinct. Next week, we will reach out for comment from the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 2. The purpose of the series 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.

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener T omorrow – March 1 – is the first day of meteorological spring, and right on cue we seem to be enjoying warmer temperatures this week. I have seen people out walking more often now that the snowbanks have receded and the ice has melted. A little earlier I saw the first robin in my yard, and although there are often a few that winter over in town, this year I had not seen any since late fall. Flowers are blooming indoors in response to the lengthening days. Sandy Mears is getting some blossoms on her Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) a couple of months later than the holiday it was named for. One of the most popular indoor plants for winter bloom, Christmas cactus is a hybrid between Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Easter cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana). All of these holiday-named cacti are sometimes known as Zygocactus, which was the former genus name. Freesias (Freesia refracta and hybrids) are popular cut flowers throughout the year, available in a rainbow of colors. They have a light fragrance and are often said to stand for friendship and thoughtfulness, so they are popular choices for gift bouquets. Natives of Africa, they Weeping French pussy willow blooms in an indoor container in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) grow from corms similar to crocus (Crocus spp.). They are not hardy in zones colder than zone 9. We are in zone 6. They can be attractive houseplants as long as they are given sufficient sunlight and water. Monique Todd’s pale lilac colored freesia is currently blooming in a bright hallway in Lynnhurst. The light fragrance reminds me of another flower in the same family (Iridaceae), especially the scent of bearded iris (Iris germanica and hybrids). African violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus, formerly Saintpaulia ionanthus) is another popular houseplant from South Africa, Kenya and nearby countries. The scientific name was Sandy Mears’ Christmas cactus is blooming on her windowsill now! (Photo courtesy of Sandy Mears) changed about five years ago, but it often takes a while for the nursery trade to catch up, since it requires new plant labels, and sometimes plant names are changed back as new arguments are made. While African violets do have purplish, pink or white flowers somewhat similar in appearance to what we call violets (Viola spp.), they are not related. African violets are members of the Gesneriad family (GesnaSnow on the roof highlighted the gables (10 in all) on the rooftops at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site for much of the month, but the 17th-century house looks a lot more springlike now. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) riaceae) not the violet family (Violaceae), and their flower shape is distinctively different. African violet foliage is often very velvety, a charming attribute even when they are not blooming. All of these purple flowers blooming now seem perfect to fit in with the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold traditional for this Tuesday’s festivities. Among the earliest flowering shrubs to bloom outdoors in our area are our native pussy willows (Salix discolor) and the introduced European species French pussy willow, also called goat willow (Salix caprea). Both sometimes bloom in February, but we may have to wait until March this year. Indoors, however, is another story and my potted weeping goat willow (Salix caprea pendula) is at peak bloom. Once the ground warms up, this shrub is hardy enough Monique Todd’s freesia has fragrant blossoms opening in a sunny hallway. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) to be planted outdoors. This is a weeping-branched variety grafted onto rootstock of regular goat willow. It is often sold under the name “Weeping Sally” or “Kilmarnock Willow”. Like most other willows, male and female flowers are on separate plants, and those sold in nurseries are almost invariably male since the male catkins are a bit showier. Once the buds begin to open, they have the gray and fuzzy appearance we usually picture when we think of pussy willows. If you have a live plant, the gray catkins will open farther and show bright yellow pollen on each stamen, and once the flowers fall off new green leaves begin emerging. Once the leaves develop, the plant needs to be kept in the sun until fall when they drop off like those of other deciduous shrubs. They can be kept in a cool place for the winter then brought into warmth to stimulate flower bud opening a little earlier than our shrubs outside. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. Joanne Crowe’s African violet has come into bloom at her home in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Joanne Crowe)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 17 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 15 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 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. REFORMS | FROM PAGE 10 than two hours; • require a 12-hour notice for members prior to a House poll being released; • give members more time to review bills and file amendments before bills come to the floor for debate; • provide members one hour to review consolidated amendments, which are often lengthy and detailed; • require a two-thirds vote TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 9 Precinct residents also are concerned about the many areas of sidewalk in Precinct 1 that need to be repaired. Stacey Herman-Dorant: The upgrade of the Stackpole Field playground is a top priority as the current playground is unsafe and therefore under-utilized. Precinct 1 deserves an upgraded playground that our family and friends can gather with their 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 previous classes, there are still three more workshops scheduled – March 11, 18 and 25 from 6:30to extend sessions beyond 9 p.m.; and • give House Ways and Means 60 days to approve or disapprove all bills referred to the committee (with the exception of the General Appropriations Act) and allow the bill’s original sponsor to petition for the bill’s release if the committee fails to act within the specified time frame. Representative Wong also supported several Republichildren. Sue Palomba: A key priority for Precinct 1 is improving Stackpole Field, a rundown park that is set to be redone. I recently visited Piers Park in East Boston, which has new playgrounds designed for specific age groups (2-5 years, 5-9 years, and 9-15 years), outdoor exercise equipment, and a gazebo with seating for people to gather. Something similar would be a great improvement for our community. Other important concerns include road 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. · Needlecrafting: Hello to fans of Needlecrafting: knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc. The SPL Needlecrafting Group will be on Thursday, March 20, from 10–11 a.m. in the Brooks Room. No registration needed, drop ins welcome. Bring your Work can-sponsored amendments to the joint rules, including proposals to: • require roll call votes on conference committee reports, supplemental appropriations bills, and other substantive matters taken up in formal sessions conducted after July 31 in the second year of a legislative session; • require a two-week notice of all matters to be taken up at a formal session conducted after July 31 in the second year conditions, pedestrian safety, and making sure town services meet residents’ needs. 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. Mark J. Bell: I am not working on anything for Town Meeting, at least at the moment, in in Progress and enjoy the conversation. Cocoa and tea will be provided. Any questions, call Reference at 781-231-4168 · 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. · Classical Music at the Library: If you love to listen to free music, show up at the Community Room next Saturday (March 8) at 2 p.m. when the Island Trio will perform, thanks to a generous grant from the Saugus Cultural Council – a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council. Saugus Sachems Spring Track Program 2025 Coach Christopher Tarantino – also known affectionately as “Coach T” – announced plans for his Spring Track Program. “This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp,” Coach T said in an email. Here’s a summary of what interested kids and their parents of a legislative session; • create a new joint rule requiring copies of audits of the General Court conducted by the state auditor to be published on the General Court website within 72 hours of receipt; • require either branch of the General Court to request an opinion of the Supreme Judicial Court whenever they have a conflicting opinion with a constitutional officer relative to the constitutionality of legregard to articles. It’s still travel and town basketball season! Stacey Herman-Dorant: While I continue to outreach to fellow Town Meeting members, I do not have a particular article that I will be introducing. I look forward to seeing the articles submitted and carefully weighing how they will impact our Town. Over the next year, I’d like to work with Town administrators, and other Town Meeting Members, to look at the feasibility of requiring trash conneed 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 first year, $50 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please 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. islation; • prohibit joint committee polls from being open for less than two hours; and • require a 12-hour notice for members prior to a joint committee poll being released. Representative Wong noted the new House rules are now finalized and in place, but the joint rules must still be agreed to by the Senate, and any differences will likely have to be worked out in conference committee. tainers to have secured lids. On trash day, especially after strong winds and extreme weather, the streets are littered with debris. Additionally, open bins invite wildlife and rodents that cause health concerns in our community. Sue Palomba: At this time, I am engaged in discussions with fellow Town Meeting members and community leaders regarding potential articles for consideration. While I TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 22

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 many theatre companies, high schools and colleges/universities in and around Massachusetts, having racked up more than 100 production credits in all facets of theatrical production. I am also an adjunct professor of Technical Theatre at Endicott College and main stage scenic designer for all department shows! Q: Please tell me a little about the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s High School Drama Festival and why it’s a big deal to the Saugus High School drama students. A: The METG HS DramaFEST is a statewide, multi-round competition. Ten schools, in addition to Saugus, are hosting round one at their respective schools. If you ask any student who has participated in DramaFEST, they will most likely tell you that it is the best and most memorable part of their high school career. It is an opportunity to make theatre and perform for seven other schools’ drama clubs and their fans. It allows you to create a show for other theatre lovers! It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet students from different districts who share your passion and watch eight shows daily! It is an unforgettable experience! Show can be no longer than 40 minutes long. Schools have only five minutes to set up the stage with their scenery and five minutes to remove it all. Four schools from each preliminary round will move on to Semifinals [on] Saturday, March 15. From Semifinals, two winners from each site will move on to Finals to take place over the course of three days at the John Hancock Building in Boston, where three schools will be named champions. This year 88 schools are participating in Festival statewide. GIVING INSTRUCTION: Saugus High School Theatre Teacher Nicholas “Nick” Raponi offers some advice to members of the Saugus High School Drama Club as they prepare for the first round of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s High School Drama Festival. This will be the first time that Saugus High has hosted the festival. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Q: Please tell me why this is a big deal for you as the Theatre Teacher and Drama Club Director at Saugus High. How many of these Drama Festivals have you participated in during your teaching career? A: I have participated in almost 15 METG Festivals, working with Essex Technical High School, Winthrop High School (two-time State Champions during my tenure as Technical Director) and Saugus High School. As the Theatre Teacher here at Saugus High School and only in my second year here, it is a big deal to have been chosen as a host site! The Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium, here at Saugus Middle High School, is beautiful and has everything METG needs in a host school. While hosting the event comes with its fair share of additional work, spreadsheets and much planning, we have a great group of very talented students to support other schools and their productions. Hosting here at Saugus also helps alleviate some costs for the SHSDC. Hosting here saves us money on school buses and U-Haul trucks for set transport for round one! Q: How long has this festival been going on, and when was the last time that Saugus High competed in it? What’s the best the school has ever done? A: METG DramaFEST has been around for almost 100 years, having originated in 1928. Since its inception, Saugus has won the State Championship once with their production of “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales” in 1996. Saugus participates annually in this event and has moved on to the final round, only having won the big one once. We hope to change that in the coming years! Q: When was the last time that Saugus High hosted the competition? A: Saugus High School has never hosted this event. With the beautiful new school complex, Saugus is now equipped with the appropriate theatre and more than adequate techTAKING A BREAK: Saugus High School Drama Club students involved in the show “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined)” relaxed on the stage in the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium during last Friday’s rehearsal. The student company, which consists of 13 cast members and 24 members of the production staff and run/tech crew, will perform at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) and will be one of eight schools competing in a preliminary round of the Massachusetts Educational Theatre Guild’s High School Drama Festival. Show time for Saugus High is 2 p.m. The drama festival will begin at 9 a.m. and the last show will be at 5:15 p.m. Each school will perform for 40 minutes. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) nology to host this massive event! We hope to host this event annually, whether for the Preliminary or Semifinal round. Q: Please tell me a little bit about your team. How many students are on the team that will compete on Saturday? How many in the cast and how many in various backup roles? Are most kids theatre students? How many of these kids have aspirations of theatre beyond high school or even college? A: While the SHSDC has a membership of over 60 students, our company for this particular show, “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined),” consists of 37 students: 13 cast members and the other 24 students are members of the production staff and run/tech crew. For this production, we have students in the following roles: stage manager, assistant stage managers, student lighting & scenic designer, student costume designers, student hair & makeup designers, student props designers, scenic painters, live musicians and music composers, sound designers. I have had the wonderful opportunity to teach most of the Drama Club students during their school day, but not all students involved have been able to fit one of my theatre classes into their daily schedule. While I am sure several students from Drama Club will continue to make theatre after high school, there are only a small selection of students who are interested in majoring in theatre or trying to become a working theatre professional. I would be remiss to not mention the adult staff I have helping the SHSDC make some theatre magic. Kyle Gregory, a good friend, theatre professional and professor of theatre, was the assistant director for the show, the fight choreographer and put his Master’s in Playwriting to the test and adapted the play to the new concept and cut it down to 39 minutes! John Sullivan is a volunteer set builder who has been helping the SHSDC build scenery for more than a decade and still continues to do so even though his daughter has long graduated. John’s help and loyalty to the SHSDC over previous years, and since I have come here, is greatly appreciated. Jimmy Wlodyka, a Saugus native, has helped us with all audio and sound items, and his advice since I have arrived here in Saugus has been more helpful than he would ever know. Q: About how many students are involved in theatre ASKS | SEE PAGE 19

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 19 ASKS | FROM PAGE 18 and fine arts at Saugus High School? A: I can only speak to the numbers that are within the world of Theatre. Drama Club has 60 active members. Saugus High School also has a Concert band, Jazz band, Chorus, Acapela Group (Tonal Chaos) and an Improv Troupe (Needs Improv’ment). Q: Briefly, please tell me about “Woyzeck (Re-Imagined),” how it was selected and why it was selected as the Saugus High entry. A: I first studied the play “Woyzeck” by Georg Büchner in my first class at Salem State University, Theatre History II, with a fantastic professor. I remember being in awe of the play and its fractal nature. Upon revisiting the play in grad school, I knew that I wanted to produce the play. The nature of the play really lends itself well to be chosen as a festival entry because it is edgy, daring, different, and it is noted as the one of the first plays of German expressionism. As the play is in the public domain, Assistant Director and good friend Kyle Gregory adapted the original text to fit within the confines of the METG guidelines. When conceptualizing our version, I met with Kyle and we chatted through every scene of the original text and re-imagined the world of the play to take place in a circus/freak show during World War I. “Woyzeck” is widely studied by theatre scholars globally, and this piece spoke to me upon revisiting the fragmented text. DramaFEST is an outlet to perform edgy, daring pieces that otherwise may not be a great fit due to their nature or lack of name recognition. This play is by far the most popular of Büchner’s German Expressionist plays, but a lot of that is due to its fragmented nature and the fact that Büchner died before it was finished and the text was published posthumously. When conceptualizing this piece, Kyle Gregory and I read through the text scene by scene and realized how this story still rings true today. Perhaps not to the extent to which this production has been adapted, but certainly, PTSD in soldiers and manipulation of the poor is very real in 2025. As we began to conceptualize our production, one scene stood out. In the original text, Scene 3 occurred in a circus with beasts and freaks. Then the idea came to have all of the happenings in the text, all manipulation of our leading player Woyzeck, all on display in freak show fashion, and the entire plot was dictated by a sinister carnival barker. Re-imagining the text allowed us to create a unified vision and a through-line for a play that may appear quite fragmented and disoriented otherwise. The hardest part of being a theatre teacher is choosing the titles of shows that we will produce. So many items need to be considered, cast size and technical needs being the most important to consider. Ultimately I chose this show because I knew I would be very invested in creating this piece. It allows us the opportunity to create some wonderful characters for the talented performers we have, and certainly lends itself well to many possibilities of design for scenery, lighting, props, sound, etc…. Q: How many Saugus High students auditioned for this play and how long ago did it start? A: Auditions for the play took place back in December shortly after we closed our November musical, but we did not begin rehearsing until we returned back in 2025 from Holiday break. We have been rehearsing for about seven weeks. The week before the event is known as Tech week. We will be welcoming all visiting schools throughout the week to prepare their scenic items and lighting in our theatre to be ready for Saturday’s festival. Q: Please tell me briefly what it entails for each of these students to participate in a production like this. About how many hours goes into preparing for a festival like this, from rehearsal to building the set and getting the costumes? A: All students who participate in DramaFEST are required to be at rehearsals/ meetings three to four times per week. Rehearsals are typically nine to 10 per week. The farther into a production we get the more hours we spend making sure it all happens! We are typically rehearsing simultaneously while sets are being built and painted. In order to be involved, students must commit to all rehearsals, calls and rounds of the competition. Q: How long has the team been rehearsing this play? How many rehearsals? Are you optimistic that the Saugus High students will be prepared on Saturday afternoon? A: I am always feeling optimistic and I am always proud of the work we are doing. I have learned alot from theatre over the last 30 years. A ~ Legal Notice ~ NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION Disposal Site Name: Former Brenner Paper Box and Chemical Company Disposal Site Address: 31 Osprey Road, Saugus, MA RTN 3-31465 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. On February 7, 2025, J. Cooper LLC recorded with the Essex Southern District Registry of Deeds a NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION on a parcel of impacted land with an address 16-20 Osprey Road, Saugus, MA associated with the above disposal site, pursuant to 310 CMR 40.1070 through 40.1080. The NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION will limit the following site activities and uses on the above property: Activities and Uses Inconsistent with Maintaining No Significant Risk Conditions. The following Activities and Uses are inconsistent with maintaining a Permanent Solution and a condition of No Significant Risk pursuant to· 310 CMR 40.0000, and, as such, may not occur on the Portion of the Property: (i) Except for any emergency, short term (less than one week) utility work, any subsurface activity including, but not limited to, soil excavation, utility work, construction and/or demolition which is likely to result in contact with, disturbance of, and/or handling of soil and/or groundwater at depths greater than 2.5 feet below existing grade without the prior preparation of a Groundwater Management Plan and/or Soil Management Plan, as applicable, prepared by an LSP and the preparation of a Health and Safety Plan. The Health and Safety Plan should be prepared by a Certified Industrial Hygienist or other qualified individual appropriately trained in worker protection procedures and requirements. Such plans shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the relevant obligations set forth in Paragraphs 3(ii), (iii), and (iv); (ii) Except for any emergency, short term (less than one week) utility work, relocation of soil from depths greater than 2.5 feet below ground surface and/or relocation of groundwater from the disposal site to outside the disposal site boundaries shown on Exhibit B without the prior development and implementation of a Groundwater Management Plan and/or Soil Management Plan, as applicable, prepared by an LSP. Such plans shall be prepared consistent with the relevant obligations set forth in Paragraphs 3(ii), (iii), and (iv); (iii) Use of the Portion of the Property as a school (with the exception of adult education), daycare, nursery, recreational area, and/or any other use at which a child’s presence is likely without prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such uses of the Portion of the Property are consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk; (iv) Use of the Portion of the Property for residential purposes without the prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such use of the Portion of the Property is consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk; (v) Use of the Portion of the Property for agricultural purposes without the prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such use of the Portion of the Property is consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk. Any person interested in obtaining additional information about the NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION may contact Raymond Ball, L.S.P. EnChem Engineering, Inc. 119 Oakdale Road, Newton, MA 02461 phone 617-694-0451. The NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION and the disposal site file can be can be viewed at MassDEP website using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-31465 at: http://public.dep.state.ma.us/SearchableSites2/Search.aspx or at MassDEP, Northeast Regional Office, 150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801; phone 1-978-694-3200. February 28, 2025 few things I have learned are that theatre is subjective and there is no such thing as a perfect live theatrical production. I know the students will be prepared and will give it 110% in whatever they are doing for ASKS | SEE PAGE 20

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 OBITUARIES Mary E. (Sheehan) Gaudet sisters and friends. Her favorite dining spot was the Century House. In addition to her husband, O f Saugus. Age 93, died on Sunday, February 23rd at the Hunt Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Danvers. She was the beloved wife of Daniel C. Gaudet with whom she shared 73 years of marriage. A lifelong resident of Saugus, Mrs. Gaudet was the daughter of the late James F. and Helen (Igoe) Sheehan. Mary previously served as the Assistant Tax Collector for the Town of Saugus. She had a passion for singing and was an avid fan of hockey and the Patriots. Mary enjoyed taking trips to Foxwoods with her ASKS | FROM PAGE 19 the show. All I can ask of all members of the SHSDC is to give their absolute best. If we leave the stage with no regrets, and we have done everyMary is survived by her five children, Michael Gaudet and his wife Marcia of South Dakota, Kathy Curtin of Peabody, Robert Gaudet and his wife Lynne of Freedom, NH, Clifford Gaudet of South Dakota, and Jeanne Snowdon and her husband Andrew of Wolfeboro, NH; nine grandchildren, Gavin, Joe, Jim, Jay, Brooke, Jen, Carly, Kelly and Jack; four great grandchildren, Willa, Auggie, Emmie and Millie; one brother, Thomas Sheehan of Saugus; and two sisters, Barbara Lovett of RI and Helen Parent of Melrose. Mary was predeceased by her brother, James Wilson and sisters, Patricia Stickney and Virginia ‘Sis’ Marino. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., Saugus on Friday, February 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by interment in Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associathing we are capable of, then I feel confident with the show we have worked so incredibly hard to create. I have been to the festival 15 times. I have won some, I have lost some. But what is tion of Massachusetts at alz. org/manh. Patricia (Mullane) Suslowicz tricia’s number one passion was caring for her family. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Suslowicz is survived by her four children, Katrina Earle and her husband Kevin of Reading, Ellen Bolognese of Saugus, Stephen Suslowicz and his wife Jessica of Woburn and Stanley Suslowicz and his wife Toni of NH; ten grandchildren, Sabrina, Johnny, Nick, Jenna, Dom, Skylar, Hunter, Cayden, Anthony and Mariah; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brother, Thomas Mullane and son-in-law, David Bolognese. Relatives and friends were O f Saugus, formerly of Wakefield. Died on Saturday, February 22nd at the age of 79. She was the wife of Stanley Suslowicz with whom she shared 41 years of marriage. Born and raised in East Boston, Mrs. Suslowicz was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ellen (Nelson) Mullane. Patricia loved visiting local casinos and playing the slot machines and she also enjoyed scratch tickets. She loved animals and she also enjoyed cooking. Paimportant to me for myself and my students is the ability to reflect on the work we have done. What did we learn? How are you a better performer now than when you began? The intention of the Massachu1. On Feb. 28, 1983, was the final episode of what TV series with a title with asterisks? 2. The youngest Olympic athlete, Greek Dimitrios Loundras, 10, competed in gymnastics in what year: 1896, 1943 or 1998? 3. What American author/ newspaperman wrote about learning to ride a high-wheel bicycle in “Taming the Bicycle”? 4. February 29 is Leap Day; what leaping animal is celebrated with a holiday on this day? 5. What two countries share a 20-foot wide treeless border known as The Slash? 6. What is AR, which is being used in some fashion shows? 7. On March 1, 1936, what dam on the Colorado River was completed? 8. How are blue, harvest and super similar? 9. In what country is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault: Finland, Norway or Russia? 10. On March 2, 1965, “The Sound of Music” film premiered, based on what pair’s musical? 11. Since 1608 what European river has had many events called “Frost Fairs”? 12. How are Boz, Mark Twain and Dr. Seuss similar? 13. March 3 is an unofficial national holiday celebrating what foreign pork product? 14. According to Guinness World Records, the largest underwater dance class involved 74 students in Sydney, Australia, in 2006 dancing what twoword Cuban dance? invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Thursday February 27. A funeral will be held from the funeral home on Friday, February 28 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., Saugus at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Riverside Cemetery in Saugus. Thomas F. Corcoran O f Saugus, formerly of Everett and Somerville. Died on Monday, February 24th at the setts Educational Theatre Guild is to create an environment where these young theatre artists have learned and appreciated the art form. The awards and winners are such a small part of the festival day and 15. On March 4, 1678, what composer of “The Four Seasons” was born? 16. After 1792, Muster Day was held – with parties and enlistment in local militias and, traditionally, what spicy cookie? 17. The International Museum and Library of Music is in what Italian city with a name like a sausage? 18. On March 5, 1963, what bamboo exercise tool/toy was patented? 19. Which U.S. president was the first with nonconsecutive terms in office? 20. On March 6, 1924, whose (known by a nickname) tomb was opened? age of 90. He was the beloved husband of Michele A. (Girolamo) Corcoran with whom he shared 27 years of marriage. Born and raised in Somerville, Mr. Corcoran was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (O’Toole) Corcoran. He was a retired Iron Worker for Union Local 7. Thomas enjoyed camping and fly fishing. He even tied his own flies for both salt and fresh water fishing. In addition to his wife, Mr. Corcoran is survived by his two children, Kiley Belliveau and Michael Corcoran; four grandchildren; his sister, Mary Chemelli of Belmont; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Joseph, John and Vincent Corcoran. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., SAUGUS on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. A funeral will be held from the funeral home on Monday at 8:45 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden. the success of your Fest show should not be measured only by wins and losses. It should be measured with pride and how much we have learned, ASKS | SEE PAGE 21 ANSWERS 1. M*A*S*H 2. 1896 (in Athens) 3. Mark Twain 4. National Frog Legs Day 5. Canada and USA 6. Augmented reality 7. Hoover 8. They are names for types of moon. 9. Norway (in Svalbard, an archipelago in the Arctic Ocean) 10. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 11. Thames 12. They are pen names (for Charles Dickens, Samuel Langhorne Clemens and Theodor Seuss Geisel, respectively) 13. National Canadian Bacon Day 14. Cha-Cha 15. Antonio Vivaldi 16. Gingersnaps 17. Bologna 18. Hula Hoop 19. Grover Cleveland 20. King Tut (Tutankhamun)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 28, 2025 Page 21 ASKS | FROM PAGE 20 throughout the process. Q: My understanding is that four of the eight schools will advance to the semifinals on March 15. How many schools will make it to the finals and when? A: 14 schools make it to the final at the John Hancock Building in Boston. Finals take place over three days: Thursday, March 27th through Saturday, March 29th. Q: How will the competition be judged? A: Each site has three ad~ Legal Notice ~ NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION Disposal Site Name: Former Brenner Paper Box and Chemical Company Disposal Site Address: 31 Osprey Road, Saugus, MA RTN 3-31465 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. On February 7, 2025, Joshua W. Cooper and Lynee A. Cooper, Trustees of The Nikilee Trust recorded with the Essex Southern District Registry of Deeds a NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION on a parcel of impacted land with an address 19 Swan Road, Saugus, MA associated with the above disposal site, pursuant to 310 CMR 40.1070 through 40.1080. The NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION will limit the following site activities and uses on the above property: Activities and Uses Inconsistent with Maintaining No Significant Risk Conditions. The following Activities and Uses are inconsistent with maintaining a Permanent Solution and a condition of No Significant Risk pursuant to· 310 CMR 40.0000, and, as such, may not occur on the Portion of the Property: (i) Except for any emergency, short term (less than one week) utility work, any subsurface activity including, but not limited to, soil excavation, utility work, construction and/or demolition which is likely to result in contact with, disturbance of, and/or handling of soil and/or groundwater at depths greater than 2.5 feet below existing grade without the prior preparation of a Groundwater Management Plan and/or Soil Management Plan, as applicable, prepared by an LSP and the preparation of a Health and Safety Plan. The Health and Safety Plan should be prepared by a Certified Industrial Hygienist or other qualified individual appropriately trained in worker protection procedures and requirements. Such plans shall be prepared in a manner consistent with the relevant obligations set forth in Paragraphs 3(ii), (iii), and (iv); (ii) Except for any emergency, short term (less than one week) utility work, relocation of soil from depths greater than 2.5 feet below ground surface and /or relocation of groundwater from the disposal site to outside the disposal site boundaries shown on Exhibit B without the prior development and implementation of a Groundwater Management Plan and/or Soil Management Plan, as applicable, prepared by an LSP. Such plans shall be prepared consistent with the relevant obligations set forth in Paragraphs 3(ii), (iii), and (iv); (iii) Use of the Portion of the Property as a school (with the exception of adult education), daycare, nursery, recreational area, and/or any other use at which a child’s presence is likely without prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such uses of the Portion of the Property are consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk; (iv) Use of the Portion of the Property for residential purposes without the prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such use of the Portion of the Property is consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk; (v) Use of the Portion of the Property for agricultural purposes without the prior evaluation by an LSP who renders an Opinion that such use of the Portion of the Property is consistent with maintaining a condition of No Significant Risk. Any person interested in obtaining additional information about the NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION may contact Raymond Ball, L.S.P. EnChem Engineering, Inc. 119 Oakdale Road, Newton, MA 02461 phone 617-694-0451. The NOTICE OF ACTIVITY AND USE LIMITATION and the disposal site file can be can be viewed at MassDEP website using Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-31465 at: http://public.dep.state.ma.us/SearchableSites2/Search.aspx or at MassDEP, Northeast Regional Office, 150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801; phone 1-978-694-3200. February 28, 2025 judicators. That follows strict guidelines when choosing a winner. Here are some of the judging guidelines sent out by METG: The METG encourages theatrical exploration, experimentation and creativity, embracing a wide diversity of periods, styles and genres. Judges are instructed not to evaluate the material itself but to assess the overall execution and cohesion of the piece. The METG encourages festival participants to present works that reflect a philosophy of inclusion and a marriage of all facets of theater. Q: Aside from the satisfaction of having done well in the competition if Saugus High students do well, what are some of the rewards for these students, the benefit from having participated in an event like this? A: The rewards are endless – meeting new friends, networking, learning from others, exposure to plays you may never have known existed. Q: Does hosting an event like this help showcase the Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium at Saugus Middle High School? How so? And how does it help the Saugus Middle High School? A: The Lemoine-Mitchell Auditorium is a beautiful space from both an architectural and technical standpoint. Students of the SHSDC and my classes at Saugus High designed and rigged a brand-new lighting plot that is conducive to hosting this event and lighting all shows in an easy way, but yet allows for some wonderful artistic choices to be made. When you have a school as beautiful as the Saugus Middle High School Complex, and a theatre like the Lemoine-Mitchell, it would be a travesty to not share it with other schools and the Saugus community! Q: Anything else that you would like to share about Saturday’s Drama Festival and the Saugus High students who will be competing? A: Hosting this event is a highlight of my career as a theatre teacher. The importance of the event and the passion in theatre students across the state to be their best is genuinely uplifting! The event means the world to all that participate, and the community supporting them would make it all the more worthwhile! Tickets for Saugus High School can be purchased in advance, or paid with cash at the door; $10 gains you entry to all eight shows and the awards ceremony! The SHSDC will be hosting a concession stand throughout the entire day! 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 28, 2025 TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 17 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! am reviewing key issues that impact both Precinct 1 and the town as a whole, I am always open to collaborating on initiatives that benefi t residents. If I propose or support any articles, my goal is to advocate for policies that enhance quality of life and ensure responsible governance. Question Four: Please feel free to share any other views about the upcoming Town Meeting. Mark J. Bell: I am always looking forward to Town Meeting and encourage those in Precinct 1, and any other resident of Saugus, to please contact myself and your Town Meeting members about how you would like us to vote on upcoming articles. The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 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 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 Remember, we represent you, not ourselves. I also hope, with local elections coming up, that Saugus parents, especially those with young kids, consider throwing their hat in the ring come election time. So many decisions we vote on during Town Meeting impact Saugus and younger generations for years to come. Residents with young children should consider running for Town Meeting or another board this fall. Stacey Herman-Dorant: I look forward to our upcoming meetings starting in May. We will be voting on important issues that aff ect our Town’s future, and I take those seriously and welcome your input. I can be reached at staceyhermandorant@ gmail.com Sue Palomba: The Town Meeting is a critical platform for representing residents’ voices and shaping the future of Saugus. Transparency, open dialogue, and informed decision-making will be key as we navigate this year’s agenda. I encourage residents to stay engaged, share their concerns, and participate in the legislative process. Thank you again for including me in this series. I look forward to a productive 2025 Town Meeting. Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472

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