SASAUGUSUGUS The Advocate – A household word in Saugus! Vol. 25, No. 9 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net The Kowloon project saga continues Selectmen delay decision on Special Permit again – to get feedback from the Planning Board on feasibility of two six-story buildings vs. three four-story buildings. By Mark E. Vogler he Wong family’s plans to build two six-story buildings – one of them housing a new Kowloon Restaurant on the Route 1 North land where the current restaurant now sits – has the backing of Fire Chief Michael C. Newbury. Chief T Newbury has already given a formal endorsement to selectmen backing the proposal as signifi cantly safer than the alternative – three four-story buildings. The way Newbury views it, two taller buildings reinforced with steel and KOWLOON | SEE PAGE 8 Seeking A Seventh Term Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, March 4, 2022 What’s Right For Route One? KOWLOON SAUGUS: This is an artist’s rendering of the two six-story mixed-use buildings that could replace the Kowloon Restaurant on Route 1 North if Saugus selectmen approve a Special Permit that would allow an additional 12 feet 8 inches above the current height restriction. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler of schematic design by Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects, of Manchester, N.H.) A $1.1 million gap W By Mark E. Vogler hen she unveiled her budget request for the State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) plans to run for reelection this fall for his Ninth Essex House District seat he has occupied for 12 years. See inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) 2023 fi scal year back in January, Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon proposed a $31.3 million spending plan – about a $1.5 million increase over the School Department’s current budget. McMahon justifi ed the 4.87 percent hike as a way to help narrow the academic achievement gap in ~ Home of the Week ~ LYNN....First Ad - Renovated View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. Saugus and support her fi veyear plan to boost Saugus Public Schools from the bottom 10 percent of education districts into the top 10. But when Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree released his preliminary operating budget estimates for the fi scal year that begins July 1, there was a $1.1 million gap between what McMahon was requesting and his estimated budget recommendation of $30,275,250 for the School Department. Crabtree noted in a Feb. 15 memo to selectmen accompanying his recommended budget that he was recommending “an increase of $400,000 over the Fiscal Year 2022 budThe town manager’s proposed FY 2023 budget only provides $400,000 of the $1.5 million increase sought by school superintendent get voted by Town Meeting.” “This 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).” School Committee members off ered little reaction when approached by The Saugus Advocate. They voted unanimously in support of McMahon’s proposed budget back in January. “On behalf of the Saugus School Committee and the SuGAP | SEE PAGE 11 ASNGELO’ FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.839 Mid Unleaded $3.969 Super $4.099 Diesel Fuel $4.599 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $5.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $4.599 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A DA Prices subject to change Ask about FLEET
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 What does Ash Wednesday mean to you? F By Tara Vocino irst Congregational Church distributed ashes on Wednesday to celebrate Ash Wednesday, a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting signifying the beginning of the Lenten season. In between having ashes in the shape of a cross placed on their forehead, they shared what it means to them. Ann Kennedy said, for her, Ash Wednesday means sacrifi cing the way that God sacrifi ced for everyone on the cross in the Christian tradition. “He gave up so much for us,” Kennedy said. “It is a sign of a new beginning and of spring.” UPS worker Scott Chaffee stopped by along his route to have his ashes distributed. “It’s a refresher of letting go of sins, ending with the resurrection, with a goal of eternal life,” Chaff ee said. First Congr egational Church Rev. William Ladd said the Lenten journey allows for him to go deeper into his faith. “It allows me to be better on my journey this day than I was yesterASH | SEE PAGE 5 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Giving Up Judgement: Leslie DeLand said she will give up judgement for Lent. (Saugus Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Betty Neth said Ash Wednesday symbolizes the whole Easter story from beginning to end. Ash Display: First Congregational Church Rev. William Ladd drew the ashes from a bowl obtained at Skidmore College, where he attended school. Blessing: Rev. William Ladd blessed Ann Kennedy, who sees Ash Wednesday as a new beginning, at First Congregational Church on Wednesday. Cassandra Roy said she is giving up sweets and expectations – a fresh start – for Lent. Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF At the altar inside the sanctuary, Arlene and Gene Decareau said the Lenten season is a time of refl ection.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ An interview with Rep. Donald Wong on his plans for 2022 – including campaigning for a seventh two-year term representing Saugus on Beacon Hill Editor’s Note: For this week, we talked with Republican State Representative Donald H. Wong, who several weeks ago pulled nomination papers with plans of seeking a seventh two-year term representing residents in the Ninth Essex House District. Precincts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Saugus make up the core of the district, which also includes parts of Lynn (Ward 1, Precincts 1 and 2) and Wakefield (Precincts 1, 2, 3 and 7). Wong, 70, is a 1970 graduate of Belmont High School. He has lived in Saugus for 47 years. Prior to his election to the State House, he served as chairman of the Saugus Board of Selectmen (20072011) and was a member of the Saugus Annual Town Meeting (2005-2007). He is a third-generation Chinese American. In 2010 he, along with Democratic State Representative Tackey Chan (Quincy), were the manages the Kowloon Restaurant – a popular Route 1 restaurant owned by three generations of his family at the same location for 70 years. Two years ago, he won a sixth term without facing opposition. Some highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: A little more than two HIS REASON FOR SERVING: State Rep. Donald H. Wong credits his parents as “the ones who instilled in us ‘Give back to the community’ by working in government and also in our business – by giving back to the community.” first Asian Americans elected to the Massachusetts Legislature. Wong and his wife, Jeannie, have three grown children and four granddaughters. He is a businessman and president of Kowloon Group, Inc., which weeks ago – Feb. 14 – you pulled nomination papers to run for another term as state representative for the Ninth Essex House District seat. And so far, at least as of this week, you are the only candidate who is laying the groundwork for a political campaign in that race. So, what’s your biggest reason for running again? A: As long as I can bring things to my community and my district, I’m going to do the best I can to continue representing them. ASKS | SEE PAGE 6 WORKING FOR SAUGUS: Left to right: State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus), State Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Sr. waited outside Saugus Town Hall for the start of the town’s annual tree lighting and festivities last December. Wong plans to run again – for a seventh term representing voters of the Ninth Essex House District seat. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler).
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Rep. Wong calls on state treasurer to divest Russian business holdings from Mass. pension fund S aying Massachusetts needs to stand in solidarity with the residents of Ukraine, State Representative Donald Wong is among those calling on State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg to divest all Russian business assets from the state pension fund. Wong was one of 58 legislators from the Massachusetts House and Senate to submit a letter to Goldberg on March 1 urging her to “initiate a review of the state’s pension fund portfolio and to take immediate action to fully divest any funds that are currently invested in Russian-owned companies.” The bipartisan letter was signed by 29 Republicans and 29 Democrats. “Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade the sovereign nation of Ukraine has drawn universal outrage and condemnation,” the letter states. “We, too, denounce these actions, which violate international accords and will lead to needless pain and suff ering for the citizens of Ukraine.” Citing the economic sanctions that have already been imposed against Russia by the United States and other countries, Wong and his colleagues noted in their letter that: “it is time for Massachusetts to take similar action by refusing to fi nancially support and profi t off those companies whose values run contrary to our own.” “By invading Ukraine, Putin has shown a blatant disregard for the basic principles of freedom, sovereignty, and respect for international law,” the legislators wrote. “Continuing to invest our state pension funds in Russian companies constitutes tacit approval of Russia’s deplorable actions. Divesting our holdings in these companies, however, will send a clear message that the Commonwealth condemns Putin’s accredible acts of heroism by standing fi rm against Russian aggression.” Several other states have announced plans to divest their pension funds of holdings with ties to Russia, including Connecticut, New York, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania and Colorado. Governor Charlie Baker reDonald Wong State Representative tions and supports the people of Ukraine, who have inspired the world with their incently indicated that his administration is reviewing the state’s contracts and is considering the possibility of issuing an Executive Order to address the Commonwealth’s business dealings and interactions with Russian-based companies. Saugonians receive honors for fi rst and second quarters at Malden Catholic MALDEN – The following Saugus residents were named to the Headmaster’s List at Malden Catholic High School during the 2021–2022 school year. 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First Quarter: Benjamin Hurley, Steven Streeter, Diego Portal, Stephen Dewsnap, Lucas La Verde, Robert Crivello, John Paul Lowrey, Dominic Wadland, Ivan Compres, Nicholas Sambataro, Michael Azzari, Vincent Ferullo, Ally Marino, Khloe Camblin, Stacy Namaga-Bulega, Carolina Munera Restrepo, Molly Warner, Marina Youssef, Madelyn Ragucci and Ashley Reardon. Second Quarter: Lucas La Verde, Robert Crivello, John Paul Lowrey, Dominic Wadland, Ivan Compres, Nicholas Sambataro, Ava Duarte, Mia Fronduto, Olivia Sullivan, Carolina Munera Restrepo and Lauren Pozark. To be eligible for First Honors, students must receive a minimum grade of 85 in all their classes. The following Saugus residents received Second Honors during 2021–2022. First Quarter: Christopher Femino, Gianluca Sapienza, Caio Cruz, Owen Keefe, Joseph Viglione, Ava Duarte, Mia Fronduto, Olivia Sullivan, Sabrina Magliozzi and Joy Pham. Second Quarter: Gianluca Sapienza, Caio Cruz, Michael DiGirolamo, Maximus Iturrondo, Owen Keefe, Joseph Viglione, Kameron Young, Michael Azzari, Anthony Caruso, Vincent Ferullo, Sabrina Magliozzi, Molly Warner, Rachael Burke, Joy Pham, Marina Youssef, Madelyn Ragucci and Ashley Reardon. To be eligible for Second Honors, students must receive a minimum grade of 80 in all their classes.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 5 Saugus man one of six arrested in sex sting operation By Christopher Roberson J esus Anyosa, 44, of Saugus, was one of six suspects arrested on February 23 and charged with engaging in sexual conduct for a fee. According to State Police, undercover law enforcement officials posed as online escorts and lured Anyosa and the other suspects to a hotel in Revere for “commercial sex.” The suspects were immediately taken into custody upon arrival at the hotel. The other suspects are Mohamed Hossain, 30, of Braintree, Cristhian Reyes, 27, of Lawrence, Daniel Eaton, 38, of Melrose, Joewy Gonzalez Villanueva, 37, of Revere and John Fornoh, 26, of Lynn. Under state law, if convicted, each suspect could face up to one year in prison and a fi ne of up to $500. According to police, the sting operation was conducted to “reduce the demand of commercial sexual exploitation.” State troopers were assisted by the Boston Police Human Traffi cking Unit, the Revere Police Department and the Plymouth County Sheriff ’s Department as well as the FBI Human Traffi cking and Violent Crime task forces. Town Republican Committee announces delegates to state convention S augus Town Republican Committee Chair James Harrington this week released the offi cial list of the committee delegates to the Republican State Convention set for Saturday, May 21 in Springfi eld. Harrington is one of 11 members elected as delegates. Joining him in Springfi eld will be state Rep. Donald Wong, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Republican Town Committee Vice Chair Matthew Scrivano, Republican Town Committee Treasurer Steven Pericola, Christopher Luongo, Paul Allan, Dennis Toto, Joyce Toto, Robert Stransnick and Robert Long. The primary purpose of the state convention is for the party to endorse candidates for various Constitutional offices in advance of the state primary, which is set for Tuesday, Sept. 6. This year’s state general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8. UPS worker Scott Chafee, who looks upon Ash Wednesday as a release of sins, stopped by along his route to have his ashes distributed by Rev. William Ladd on Wednesday morning. ASH | FROM PAGE 2 day,” Ladd said. The mainstream Protestant Reverend, whose church has approximately 50 active parishioners, said he is giving up expectation, such as when drivers don’t acknowledge First Congregational Church Deacon Barbara Davis said the day celebrates releasing herself from sins. his courtesy in traffic, for the Lenten season. Betty Neth said while getting her ashes on her forehead that Ash Wednesday is the whole Easter story from beginning to end. “It’s close to my heart,” Neth said. Cassandra Roy, who plans to The COVID-19 Update Town reports 20 newly confi rmed cases over the past seven days, six new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T he number of confi rmed COVID-19 cases in town increased slightly over the past week after a dramatic drop in cases dating back to early last month. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced yesterday that the state Department of Public Health (DPH) has notifi ed the town of 20 new cases over the past seven days through yesterday (Thursday, March 3), bringing the overall total to 8,579 cases since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March of 2020. Meanwhile, the state DPH reported that six town residents had died over the past week, increasing the overall total to 106 deaths. There were 17 new cases last week and one death reported over the same period. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. Meanwhile, Saugus Public Schools experienced a slight reduction of cases in its four buildings, going from 14 cases (Feb. 10-Feb. 16) to nine cases (Feb. 17-March 2). This week, there was one case in the High School, three in the Middle School, three in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and two in the Veterans Early Learning Center. During the previous week, there were two cases in the High School, six in the Middle School, two in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and four in the Veterans Early Learning Center. give up sweets and also expectations, said it’s a time of renewal and a fresh start. Arlene and Gene Decareau, who have been married for 69 years, said the season is a time of refl ection. First Congregational Church Deacon Barbara Davis said the day celebrates releasing herself from sins. Leslie DeLand, who is giving up being judgmental for Lent, said it is the beginning of 40 days. “It’s so personal,” Ladd said. “It’s about growing closer to Jesus.”
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 Q: And you have a campaign manager ready to run your reelection? A: Julie Mitchell will be running my campaign. Q: So, please tell me about the term you are fi nishing. A: It’s been a lot harder over these past two years, because of COVID-19. Q: So, was it difficult with the State House being closed for almost two years before it recently reopened? A: No. I was there every day during COVID. I never stopped going to the State House. It was open for the legislators, but not to the public. It was a blessing in disguise because I could sit down with other reps and not be interrupted. A lot of reps faced the same problems that I did. Q: So, how did things work out? A: Even during COVID, we did get money for different things for our communities. We worked with the towns and cities. It’s very important to work with your local government, so you can help the people in the community that were hurt the most. One of the good things that came out of the COVID was outdoor dining. With outside seating, it helped a lot of restaurants survive. Having the additional seats was very beneficial for many restaurants. Q: So, if you are reelected to a seventh term, what will be the major business on your plate? A: Working with local governments in my district to see that their needs are met. A major thing: The state would like to provide more money for local government for the roads – Chapter 90 money; and education – Chapter 70 money. Q: So, what about in Saugus? A: I’ve talked with some of the local officials to find out what their needs are. I’ve had discussions with some of the people in the Police and Fire Departments about their needs, and in the American Legion about what the veterans’ needs are. Q: Two years ago you didn’t have an opponent, and this year an opponent hasn’t surfaced yet. So, this being an election year, is it going to be difficult to get anything done? A: Anybody who has an opponent in the Legislature this year is facing the same situation. They have to campaign to get reelected. And that’s going to take away from the legislative work they are doing. Q: So, would you prefer to run for reelection without an opponent? A: If you don’t have an opponent, as a state rep, you are going to have more time to work within your district and get things done. I hope I don’t have an opponent so I can work harder and have more time for the people in my district. Q: Have you received any indication whether you will get an opponent this year? A: You never know. If I get an opponent, I will try to let my record show how I can get things done. Q: Will the departure of Gov. Charlie Baker, a fellow Republican who has decided not to seek another term, affect your situation? A: No. Whoever gets elected governor, I will work with. On Beacon Hill, it’s all about give and take. Since the day I started here, I never played party lines. I work with everyone. And, it really doesn’t matter what committees they put me on because of the friends I’ve made – not just in my party but across the aisle. That’s how I’ve been able to get things done. And there’s a big difference between the federal [Congress] and the state government [the Massachusetts Legislature]. The one thing we have in common is TEN THOUSAND MASKS: Two years ago, State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus), who is shown in the center, stood in front of 10,000 surgical masks donated by AAPAC. Representing AAPAC were Dr. Harry Gao (left) and Jackey Xie (right). Wong looks back with pride on his eff orts to work with a handful of legislators to acquire and distribute face masks across the state during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. we all live in Massachusetts and we get to work on the same problems. In Washington, they don’t get the luxury of sitting down and working with each other as much. Q: So, your workload this year will be determined by whether or not you have an opponent. A: Anyone’s workload. If they have an opponent, they have to spend more time on their campaign. Q: So, do you think much will happen in the state legislature this year? A: We’ll still be working hard because of the budget, so I will be talking with local government people in my district about their particular needs and try to get additional funding for them in the state budget. Q: Do you see anything in the works as far as improvements on Route 1 go? A: I’ve also worked on issues related to Route 1. The year I got elected, we did water and sewer improvements on Route 1, and we’re not getting any more water pipe breaks. And during the last couple of years, we’ve paved all of Route 1. Q: What about improving traffic flow on Route 1? A: We’re working with the North Shore legislative delegation in trying to improve public transportation all the way to Salem. If there is more use of public transportation, you’re going to get less traffic on Route 1. Q: And what about “the Jug Handle” on Route 1 North in Peabody that allows cars to turn around and head south or get on Route 128? A: I’m working with other reps to try to see what we can do with it. Maybe there’s some technology we can use to improve it. We’re trying to get more input from other reps on Route 1. Q: As far as public transportation, would that include a commuter rail stop closer to or in Saugus? Or a commuter bus that hooks up directly to a train station? A: We’ve been talking with the Department of Transportation and the MBTA. We’re looking at diff erent possibilities. Q: One of the issues that’s come out of the Board of Health’s Wheelabrator Subcommittee is whether to close the ash landfill near the trash incinerator or expand the ash landfill. Do you have any thoughts about that? A: I haven’t been involved because that’s a local issue. I will leave it up to the committee and the town. And whatever they decide, I will try to help them out. Q: Recently, the town manager and selectmen have talked about the need to fi nd new ways of generating revenue for the town. Do you have any thoughts on that? A: Again, it’s a local issue. Whatever they decide, I will try to do what I can to make it possible. It’s hard for the state to tell the local government how to raise money. Q: What do you see as the biggest issue facing Saugus that you could help out on? A: On the state level, that would be to see if we can get more Chapter 90 money for the roads. ASKS | SEE PAGE 7
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 7 ASKS | FROM PAGE 6 Q: So, what are some of the things you have helped to accomplish for Saugus that you are proud of? A: Getting money for the lighting at the street crossings. Last year we got $50,000, which paid for three street crossing signs. People wanted more, so next year there will be $100,000. I’ve already got that, so we could be getting six more flashing signs for street crossings, depending on the costs of each one. It’s things like that – that the state can do to help local governments. Another thing that I’ve been working on is the Kasabuski Rink. I’ve been working with the DCR [state Department of Conservation & Recreation], and we finally got the skating rink open with new management, and they put $6.5 million into the skating rink. It’s been a long time coming, but we finally got it. A lot of people are using the facility now. They’ve even got an electric Zamboni machine. Before, it was diesel, which wasn’t very good for the public. Q: Some state legislators make passing legislation their top priority. There are others that emphasize local constituent service. And then there are other legislators that pride themselves on a blend of both. What kind of legislator do you see yourself as? A: I have passed bills for people in my district. And here’s one that is constituent service and passing a bill at the same time: Several years ago I had a constituent who lost his son in combat overseas. He had Gold Star plates on his vehicle. And when he went to renew the plates, the Registry of Motor Vehicles took them away because he had them on a commercial vehicle. I wrote up a bill that was signed into law which allowed the constituent to have Gold Star plates on his commercial vehicle as long as there was no advertising of the business on the vehicle, so he was able to get his Gold Star plates back. Q: What is your greatest accomplishment since being in the Legislature? A: That’s hard to say because there are so many things: Route 1 getting paved, the schools getting archery and robotics. I still think that getting all the water and sewer pipes replaced on Route 1 and then getting it paved was great for Route 1 and the town. I’ve done a lot of work for the veterans. And I’ve worked to help public safety in Saugus – both the Police and the Fire Departments. This year with the Fire Department, I got them money to get new walkie-talkies. I also got money so the Police Department could get walkie-talkies. And I helped get $25,000 for a new animal control offi cer’s car. Two years ago, I worked with other representatives and officials from Taiwan [ROC or the Republic of China] in getting free masks distributed among communities throughout Massachusetts. Q: So, how old are you now? A: I turned 70 in January. Q: So, how long do you want to continue being the state rep from Saugus? A: As long as I can make a difference for my community, I will continue to serve. Our parents are the ones who instilled in us “Give back to the community” by working in government and also in our business – by giving back to the community. Q: So, 10 years from now – if you are still in good health and still enjoy public service and keep getting reelected – can we expect to see you as the state rep from Saugus? A: I don’t see myself still doing this 10 years from now. As legislators, we have in our heart to work for the good of the community. But as local officials, we sacrifice a lot. Our families sacrifice a lot. We have a family business and fortunately my siblings allow me to do what I’m doing – my three brothers and two sisters. There’s six of us, and we’re all involved. Q: And you still have your mom, and is she still involved in the family business? A: My mom is 94 years. She doesn’t come to the restaurant any more – only on special occasions. SPL Foundation Bingo fundraiser a great success HIS POLITICAL ROOTS: State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) is shown at left standing in front of Saugus Town Hall, where he began his political career in 2005 as a member of the Saugus Annual Town Meeting. He later served four years as chair of the Saugus Board of Selectmen before he got elected to the State House in 2010. Joining him last December for the town’s annual tree lighting were his former campaign manager – Selectman Corinne Riley – and her husband, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Christopher Riley. HELPING THE LIBRARY: Saugus Public Library Foundation President Kristen Tozza (second from left) recently thanked the major sponsors of the Foundation’s Virtual Bingo Night for their support of the successful fundraising event that benefi ts the library’s programs and services. Event sponsors included (from left) Northshore Bank, represented by Kim Lovett, Vice President Compliance & Risk Management; The Savings Bank, represented by Foundation Vice President Joe Scurio, Vice President, Commercial Banking Offi cer; and Webster First Federal Credit Union, represented by Foundation Treasurer Bruce M Torrey, Branch Manager. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by JC Marketing Associates of Wakefi eld)
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 KOWLOON | FROM PAGE 1 concrete would be in the best interests of the town instead three shorter buildings made of wood and more susceptible to potential fi re and safety problems that could put residents at risk. “I don’t understand how we justify voting against the fi re chief,” Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini told colleagues at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen during the latest continuation of the hearing on the Wong family’s request for a Special Permit (S-2). Cicolini and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Sr. and Selectman Corinne Riley all support the Wong family’s request for a variance that would allow the proposed buildings to exceed four stories and 55 feet in height that town zoning currently allows within the Route 1 Business Highway Sustainable Zoning District (BHSD). But it requires ARTIST RENDERING OF KOWLOON PROJECT: This is part of a schematic plan provided by Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects of Manchester, N.H. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) a four-fi fths vote for the board to issue an S-2 permit. Selectman Michael Serino has vehemently opposed the project on grounds that allowing the building to surpass the allowable height would set a bad precedent for develop • • • ment on Route 1. He even opposes the shorter buildings because he believes the project is too dense for the location where it would be built. The board’s Vice Chair, Debra Panetta, could help or hinder the project, depending upon whether she casts the decisive fourth vote for the permit – or joins Serino as an opponent. Telling colleagues that she’s basically still on the fence about the Special Permit and doesn’t want to have the project postponed for two years by voting against the permit, Panetta requested her third continuance of the hearing in recent weeks. “My issue is that I would personally like to hear from the Planning Board and what they have to say,” Panetta said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “If they come back ‘yes,’ I’m a yes,” she said. At that point, Selectman Cicolini asked his colleagues to continue the hearing to the March 22 meeting as a professional courtesy to PanetUNHAPPY CHAIR: Board of Selectman Chair Anthony Cogliano, Sr. throws up his hand in frustration. ta. In the meantime, the Planning Board would off er their informal opinions at one of their meetings before March 22. “Voting ‘No’ to this tonight would be a disservice to the town,” Cicolini said. “I really think this project is going to be a homerun for the town,” he said. Selectmen voted 3-1 to meet informally with the Planning Board, town engineer and the developer, with selectmen being able to ask Planning Board members questions. Cicolini, Riley and Panetta voted for the motion. Serino abstained and Cogliano opposed the motion and said emphatically that there should be no more delays of the project even if it meant a negative vote for the variance. “I don’t understand how that works at all. The whole thing makes zero sense,” Cogliano said of the latest continuance. “We’ll be here six months from now,” he said. Serino didn’t like the idea of holding an informal informational session during a Planning Board meeting. “To put it on the Planning Board like that, I don’t think it’s fair,” Serino said. Cicolini didn’t understand Serino’s position on the Planning Board meeting. “No matter what, you’re not going to support this project,” Cicolini said. Riley called the choice between the two taller buildings and the three shorter ones “a no-brainer.” “I’d rather have Selectman Panetta get more information,” Riley said. KOWLOON | SEE PAGE 9
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 9 KOWLOON | FROM PAGE 8 “If it’s going to make her more comfortable with the project, that’s good,” she said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said he understands why there is some apprehension on how to proceed with S-2 permit hearing. “I think part of the concerns and challenges – Saugus is very unique where the height variance is before the Board of Selectmen,” Crabtree said. “Originally, it was before the Board of Appeals … now you’re being asked to vote on the height variance,” he said. Eventually, the project’s plans would go before the Planning Board, which would consider setting conditions for the project and determining what the best plan is for the town. Cicolini stressed that even if selectmen approve the height variance, “it does not give them the right to build 220 units.” At that point, Cogliano chimed in: “If we deny the variance, they can go to the Planning Board and build twoand three-bedroom units… Whether we vote for it or not, they’re going to build it.” Precinct 4 Town Meeting Member William Leuci said he opposes granting the height variance to the developer. “I don’t want to see Saugus become a city,” Leuci said. “I don’t want to see Revere and Chelsea brought to Saugus. We have a great town,” he said. Cogliano asked Leuci to put himself in the shoes of the residents, who wholeheartedly support the variance. “If you were an abutter to this project, would you want it 85 feet back or 50 feet back?” Cogliano asked. Under plans to build two six-story buildings, the projMULLING IT OVER: The Board of Selectmen considered their options at Tuesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s hearing. A majority of the members support the height variance. But one member opposes it, and another member is still seeking information to help her make a decision. ect would set back 85 feet from the abutting neighborhood. But by going with three four-story buildings, the project would come within 50 feet of the neighborhood, according to the developer. “Myself, I’d say keep two buildings,” Leuci said. Cogliano said it is clear that a height variance would be the best overall approach of the project. “I think it’s our job to do what’s best for the neighborhood. In this case, we’re doing what the neighbors want,” he said. But Leuci responded, asking selectmen to “keep our town a town.” Cicolini repeatedly pointed out the advantages of two six-story buildings: 220 one-bedroom apartments instead of two- and three-bedroom apartments, a less dense project that would have a greater setback from the neighbor, fewer cars, no children; therefore, less of an impact on the town’s education system and resources. “This decision, to me, is as easy as it gets,” Cicolini said. Bobby Wong, one of the owners of the Kowloon Restaurant, made an appeal for support from selectmen. “We’re only asking for 12 feet,” Wong said. “I know there are going to be changes on Route 1. We can’t hold it back. My family has been here 72 years. Our reputation has always been to do the right thing for the community,” he said. “We love Saugus. … We’re staying. We will continue giving back to Saugus. We’re going to be selling shares to my employees.” Cogliano told Wong that “you went out of your way to get the neighbors on board. You went above and beyond.” The first floor of both buildings would include commercial tenant space. Floors 2 through 6 would have one-bedroom luxury apartments, according to Michael McKeown, architect of the Manchester, N.H. firm, Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects. In addition, the proposed project includes 220 apartment units in the two buildings, he said, noting that one building would have 130 units and the smaller building would have 90 units. The new restaurant would have 320 seats, and the project also includes 15,000 square feet of retail space. There are 352 parking spaces, according to a certified plot plan provided by the developer. “WE LOVE SAUGUS”: Kowloon Restaurant owner Bobby Wong appealed to the Board of Selectmen for support at Tuesday night’s meeting. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Saugus boys passed over for playoff spot H By Greg Phipps aving legitimate hopes of receiving a Div. 3 postseason tournament bid last week, the Saugus High School boys’ basketball team was disappointed when it did not make the fi eld of 48 in this year’s state bracket. Therefore, the Sachems’ 2021-22 campaign came to a close with an overall 8-12 fi nish. It was basically a story of two seasons for the Sachems. They opened by going 6-2 before struggling over their last 12 games, winning just two of those contests. The season was also interrupted by a COVID-19 surge in late December which forced a layoff of about three weeks. A few close defeats were essentially the difference between Saugus making the tourney and ending up, as it did, on the outside looking in. A heartbreaking 55-53 late-game loss at Masconomet was the most recent example of a game that could have been a win. Masco drilled a three-pointer in the fi - nal seconds to steal that victory. Saugus will lose four seniors to graduation, and they were all key fi gures on this year’s squad. Co-captain Tyrone Manderson was the team’s top off ensive weapon with a run of strong scoring eff orts over the final few weeks. Guard and Co-captain Ryan Mabee combined solid play on both sides of the ball while Mark MacEachern and Ryan Anderson proved to be important contributors as well. Moving forward, Saugus should be bolstered by the return of junior starting guard Ben Tapia-Gately and junior forwards Max Anajjar and Jeury Barbosa. Head Coach Joe Bertrand took over the position after his father, Mark, passed away in 2020. The team went 4-9 in the pandemic-altered 2020-21 season. A 1,000-point scorer during his playing days at Saugus High School, Bertrand said before this season that the atSachems receive Div. 4 postseason nod By Greg Phipps he Saugus High School hockey team got its wish and was awarded a postseason playoff spot. The Sachems played Assabet Valley on Thursday (after press deadline) in the fi rst round of the Div. 4 tournament. Having finished with a 7-12-1 overall regular-season record, the Sachems actually received a relatively T high 24th seed in the tourney. There were 45 teams in the playoff bracket. Assabet Valley (12-5) is seeded ninth with a Div. 4 state ranking the same. The Sachems are the 24th ranked team ahead of 30 other squads among the 54 Div. 4 hockey squads. If Saugus can pull off a win on Thursday, it will go on to play either Ashland or Amesbury in the semifi nal round. It appears Saugus would be on the road either way. Senior Mark MacEachern was a key contributor to this year’s Saugus squad. mosphere around the team was going to be positive with a strong work ethic being part of that. The Sachems came within two games of assuring themselves a postseason nod and were ranked 36th among the list of 69 Div. 3 teams. Several teams that were ranked below Saugus got in the tourney based on having better records. The Sachems did play some very tough opponents, including 20-2 Beverly (twice), Salem, Peabody (twice) and 16-4 Swampscott to close out the regular season. Senior Tyrone Manderson was a top off ensive weapon for the Sachems this winter. Joe Bertrand led the Sachem boys to eight victories in his fi rst full season as head coach. Senior guard Ryan Mabee was a solid off ensive and defensive player for the Sachems this season. Saugus girls awarded 20th seed in Div. 2 tourney By Greg Phipps The 12-8 Sachems are the T he Saugus High School girls’ basketball team has known it would be bound for the playoff s for a couple of weeks now. The Sachems played at Bishop Stang out of North Dartmouth on Thursday (after press deadline) in the opening round of the Div. 3 tournament. No. 20 seed while Bishop Stang, despite its 10-10 record, is the 13th seed. Strength of schedule and other factors are seemingly playing a larger role than actual season records in the state rankings. For Head Coach Mark Schruender and his Saugus squad, the season turned around nicely after a threeweek layoff due to the COVID-19 surge in late December. At the time of the COVID surge, the Sachems were 1-3. Upon returning to action in January, Saugus went 11-5 the rest of the season. A few close losses (games that could have been victories), prevented the Sachems from perhaps opening the playoffs at home. Saugus goalie Matt Smith and senior defenseman Ryan Ragucci, shown here in action against Winthrop earlier this season, hoped to score an upset win against Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School on Thursday in the opening round of the Div. 4 playoff tourney. Freshman Ella Castle has been a key contributor for the Sachems this season. Saugus opened the postseason on Thursday. Senior co-captain April Aldred was hoping to help the Sachems to a playoff win at Bishop Stang High School on Thursday.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 11 A two and a half hour take Town Manager and selectmen kick off the FY 2023 budget season with a marathon session By Mark E. Vogler T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree unveiled his proposed preliminary operating budget on Monday morning (Feb. 28) in a work session with selectmen which took nearly two and a half hours. The fi ve selectmen sat around the fi rst fl oor conference room table focused on their bulky budget books as Crabtree briefed them on the important details of his $120.4 million spending plan for the 2023 fi scal year that begins on July 1. In a four-page letter that accompanied a draft copy of the budget, the town manager detailed major concerns he has in the early stages of a budget which has been aff ected adversely by two plus years of battling COVID-19. “As we prepared the Fiscal Year 2022 estimated revenue and expenditure budgets, many of the same concerns exist as when the Fiscal Year 2022 budget was approved,” Crabtree said. “The estimated revenues have not returned to levels prior to the pandemic as economic recovery continues, and the fi xed cost increases and contractual obligations continue to absorb the Proposition 2 ? and new growth GAP | FROM PAGE 1 perintendent, we look forward to presenting to the Finance Committee and detailing the important improvements we have made to the district and our commitment to progress and change,” School Committee Member Ryan Fisher wrote in a text to the newspaper on Wednesday. Fisher declined to elaborate when asked whether he was surprised by the town manager’s budget recommendation and if he is optimistic about receiving Town Meeting support for the superintendent’s full request. “I’m going to stick with that statement for now since it’s so early,” he answered, referring to the current schedule of the town’s budget process. The Finance Committee begins its review of the town manager’s proposed budget Wednesday night (March 9), but it could be several weeks before the School Superintendent and the School Committee are scheduled to brief the projections,” the town manager continued. “In this budget, Town Departmental estimates are recommended at levels equal to or less than Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations amounts with fewer exceptions including fi xed costs and contractual obligations.” In order to balance the 2023 Fiscal Year budget, maintain current services to the residents and prevent reductions to staffi ng through layoff s, Crabtree recommended using about $1.2 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal grant the town received. The grant was intended to help cities and towns aff ected by COVID-19. It was approved for revenue replacement which had not been available prior to the 2023 Fiscal Year. “As a reminder, this is the use of one-time funds for ongoing operational appropriations which is not a sound fi - nancial practice that Saugus should be continuing with,” Crabtree said. The town manager cited these “challenges” in preparing estimates of expenditures in the budget, such as townwide fi xed cost increases: * Health insurance – the rates have not been fi nalized FinCom about their Fiscal Year 2023 budget requests and answer questions The Saugus Advocate had reached out to each of the fi ve School Committee members and the school superintendent for comment. But Fisher was the only one responding back, and he stressed, “that’s from all of us including Erin,” referring to the superintendent. Meanwhile, at the town manager’s budget presentation on Monday (Feb. 28), Crabtree and the selectmen expressed concerns that the School Department budget doesn’t actually reflect the true amount of town funds that are spent on the School Department. “Sixty-percent of the budget is school-related,” Crabtree told selectmen. More than $20 million in teacher salaries and benefi ts and costs related to running the school buildings are currently within the town budget, according to the town manager. And the cost of the town’s public education could inby the provider, but the town can expect that the rate will be set within the next few months. Crabtree said the Town of Saugus made a conservative estimate based on the current enrollment, but will have to revisit its estimate later in the budget cycle. * Trash hauling and incineration has been increasing at a concerting rate over the last couple of fi scal years. In addition, the cost of disposal of recyclable materials continues to increase and has been impacted with increased tonnage and contamination charges. * Pension contributions – the pension appropriation increase of $400,703 for a total payment in Fiscal Year 2023 of $8.1 million is based on the funding schedule prepared by the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC). This schedule refl ects a cost increase of 5.2 percent per year until Fiscal Year 2026 with fi nal payments in Fiscal Years 2027–2029 decreasing to fully fund the pension obligation. * Regional school assessments – vocational education, inclusive of Northeast Metro Tech, Essex North Shore Tech and Medford Public Schools, crease substantially next year when a current grant funding free all-day kindergarten expires, Crabtree said. “In the next year, somebody has to pay for that. Where is the money coming from?” Crabtree asked. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said he is concerned about BUDGET TIME: Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree briefed selectmen on his preliminary 2023 operating budget estimate on Monday (Feb. 28) in the fi rst fl oor conference room at Saugus Town Hall. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) is budgeted for about $3.8 million, based on estimated numbers provided by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The DESE enrollment estimates have decreased in FY 2023 compared to FY 2022. DESE estimates153 students next year. * The approval of construction of a new Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School for $318 million could have fiscal implications for Saugus in the 2023 Fiscal Year. The estimated debt service for Saugus is reported at $40.6 million in Fiscal 2023. The fi rst debt payment on this project could be about $250,000. This amount has been included in the Vocational Education Assessment budget. * Other insurance – The various property, liability and workers’ compensation insurance premium estimates shortcomings in the overall cooperation between Town Hall and the School Department. “There’s a discussion we need to have now,” Cicolini said. Instead of having an “us vs. them” situation, he stressed that there needs to be “more collaboration” between the Town Hall side of have been budgeted based on an increase of 8 percent over actual fi scal year 2022 premiums recommended by the provider. This includes an increase on the premiums for the Saugus Middle-High School Complex, Belmonte STEAM Academy and Veterans Memorial School all coming back on the town’s policy post construction/renovation at full replacement cost. * Capital improvement – 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 local capital facility needs, public safety equipment, such as fi re apparatus that is nearing the end of life and requiring expensive repairs, and funding the Northeast Regional Vocational School capital assessment. government and the School Department. Cicolini questioned why the town budget continues to include signifi cant school-related costs. “Why can’t we have them responsible?” Cicolini asked. It might create “a more feasible budget,” he said. Saugus Knights of Columbus 57 Appleton Street, Saugus Indoor Flea Market Saturday, April 2 and April 9 8:00 - 4:00 Great deals will be available on collectibles, gifts, Sip & Shop
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler It’s budget time again The 2023 Fiscal Year Budget season is officially underway in Saugus. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree kicked it off on Monday – the final day of February – when he met with the Board of Selectmen for nearly two and a half hours in the first floor conference room at Saugus Town Hall. There, Crabtree briefed selectmen on his $120.4 million spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1. This coming Wednesday (March 9), the Finance Committee will commence its detailed analysis of the budget at 7 p.m. in the second floor conference room. Committee members plan to initiate the first of many Wednesday night sessions between now and the first Monday in the month of May when the Annual Town Meeting convenes in the upstairs auditorium. On the agenda for Wednesday night’s FinComm session is an update and review of revenue and expenses of the FY 2022 (for the current budget year ending June 30) operational budget. Then, in the following weeks, committee members will grill town department heads on the budget variances. The nights of most interest include the meetings involving the Saugus Public Schools, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, the Northeast Regional Vocational School District and the Water Enterprise Fund and the Sewer Enterprise Fund. Besides the respective department heads and staff related to the particular budgets being reviewed, those attending will include mostly Town Meeting members who want to do their homework on the budget they will eventually vote on. The financial articles that encompass the town budget will all receive recommendations – both favorable and unfavorable – from the FinCom. And there will be adjustments crafted by Crabtree and his top financial people right into the new fiscal CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK year on July 1, as revenue estimates become more predictable or actual figures. As in past years, The Saugus Advocate will cover the FinCom proceedings and report on the highlights in that Friday’s paper. I admire the Town Meeting members who show up with their budget package and notebooks, trying to develop a fiscal understanding of how the town budget process works. My first experience covering a town Finance Committee came in 1976 with The North Adams Transcript when I got to cover the Williamstown Finance Committee in the community that loved to call itself “The Village Beautiful,” which is also the home of Williams College. During my time as the paper’s Williamstown bureau chief, I wrote a story with a screaming headline across the front page: “One out of four on welfare in the Village Beautiful.” Of course, it was a story that irked many of the town fathers, who felt it was a frontal assault on their image as a beautiful, wealthy college town. Trash pick up still running on one-day delay JRM Hauling & Recycling Services of Peabody canceled last Friday’s (Feb. 25) collection because of the snowstorm, prompting trash and recycling collection to run on a delayed schedule. That one-day delay continues into this week. JRM will be collecting trash and recycling materials initially scheduled for today (Friday, March 4) during tomorrow (Saturday, March 5) instead. Residents should make sure trash and recycling is accessible and make sure a path is shoveled through the snow if necessary. The compost/recycling site will be closed until Saturday, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Town Democrats will caucus on Sunday The Saugus Democratic Town Committee issued the following press release this week: The Saugus Democratic Town Committee will hold their caucus on March 6, 2022 at 7 p.m. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. The caucus will take place virtually on Zoom. Registered Democrats who wish to participate virtually may register in advance for this meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rdOqqrT8vG9V3WpMDeO9W6baYceppTnx8 You will receive a personalized link and passcode to the Zoom caucus in an email, which you’ll need to keep. Our virtual doors will open at 6:30 p.m. We encourage registrants to arrive early before the 7 p.m. start time. Everyone who is in the waiting room by 7:15 p.m. will be admitted. The caucus is open to all registered and pre-registered Democrats in Saugus. Pre-registered Democrats who were 16 by Feb. 4, 2022 will be allowed to participate and run as a delegate or alternate. Saugus can elect 12 delegates and two alternates to the convention. Youth, minorities, people with disabilities, and GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifi es the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper qualifi es to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certifi cate, compliments of Dunkin’ in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identifi cation in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) LGBTQ+ individuals who are not elected as a delegate or alternate are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus. We have a winner! Congratulations to Bryan Nadeau for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched!” Contest. He was one of several readers answering correctly, and the one who had his name selected from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is a lady who is almost famous for her Angel Food cakes! The woman is Lee Dyment. Lee is a warm, inviting woman with many social graces of hospitality. “Lee is from Fana, Norway; Janice K. Jarosz had written a compelling article about Lee and her family’s skillful survival under The 1940’s German Invasion & Occupancy. Lee Skauhellen, 21 years old, arrived in Boston Ma. on Dec. 4, 1950 via Ship from Norway. Lee came to stay with her Aunt in Melrose. Suddenly, life seemed to open like a book of wonderful surprises for Lee. “A little over a week later, she turned 22, and in January 1951 met the man she was destined to marry (although not smitten at fi rst) and she was on TV! Lee was on Bride and Groom CBS TV Show & Lee won an all expenses paid wedding & Honeymoon. Lee, 24, and Alton Neil, had a Honeymoon at a Dude Ranch in New York. “In 1952, Lee won her Betty Crocker Cookbook that she still uses today in 2022 to make her signature Angel Food cakes! Lee and Alton Dyment bought their Saugus home in 1961. “Lee, this lovely Saugonian, resides there today. Lee’s husband passed away in 1995. The Dyment’s have two children who went on to Graduate Saugus High and participate in various Saugus activities and create wonderful giving lives of their own. Lee is a Garden Club Member, MEG Foundation Board Member & avid swimmer since a child. “Recently, Lee appeared on “What’s Cookin’ (Saugus Cable TV Channel 8) and talked about some of her history and had her wedding pictures & CBS Bride and Groom pictures on display. “Lee’s pastries are absolutely delicious and distinct. Having had the privilege of tasting them as many Saugonians have, they are very light & airy yet dense and full of cream! Lee was a regular swimmer at Melrose YMCA till the pandemic struck. “Hoping as things resume to a more normalcy, Lee will once again, get her strokes and pool laps in! “Lee, you’re an amazingly strong woman and a star to anyone who has been graced by your presence! Keep shining “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” A “Shout-Out” to Detective Jimmy Donovan Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Sr. offered an extra special “Shout Out this week” to longtime Saugus Police Detective James “Jimmy” Donovan, who officially retired this week after 32 years on the town’s Police Department. “On behalf of The Board of Selectmen, I would like to recognize Detective James Donovan of the Saugus Police Department and thank him for his 32 years of dedicated service to our Town. We wish him nothing but the best in his retirement and all future endeavors. Thank you, Jimmy,” Cogliano wrote in a text message to The Saugus Advocate. Cogliano also had a special citation from the Board of Selectmen to recognize his service to the town. Earlier in the week, State Rep. Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) and State Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) made a point of presenting Donovan with legislative commendations for his service to the community. Bravo, Stop & Shop workers! We received another “Shout-Out” nomination this week, this one from loyal Saugus Advocate reader Sue Fleming. She advocated “A big shout out to the employees at Stop and Shop. They have been renovating for several weeks now and we all know how hard it is to shop when things have been relocated.” “I was there this morning [Wednesday, March 2] and asked questions three times of different employees about where something was located. They were all very helpful and cheerful. It must be difficult for them too but they were all very upbeat and friendly while helping me. Very much appreciated.” 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 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 14
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 13 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE WINTER Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener ast Friday’s snowstorm brought many cancellations and created a winter wonderland for the end of school vacation. Since it was a wetter and heavier snow than the last few storms, it was more suitable for snowman building than our previous storms, so several “seasonal sculptures” appeared in gardens all over Saugus. Three-year-old Cole Mangan of Cleveland Avenue in Lynnhurst created a happy snowman, cozily clad for the weather and wearing a smile. The fl uctuating temperatures meant that parts of some of our ponds melted and created new contrasts in snow-covered ice and refl ective open water. A few swans were drawn back to Hawkes Pond, and undoubtedly many other birds appreciated the opportunity to drink, bathe and perhaps feed on fi sh and pond weeds again before the surface freezes over again. People continue to see bald eagles around town, and I have seen hawks several times sitting in trees this week. The bare branches make it easier to see these birds. While some of them would be around in summer, too, the foliage hides them quite eff ectively. Joanie Allbee saw a small owl this week in some trees near Saugus Center. I don’t know what kind of owl it is, but it is quite a charming little bird. This week ushered in meteL A WARNING: The Lenten rose is a nice indoor plant to enjoy this time of year, but it needs to be kept out of reach of children and pets, because parts of the plant, especially the roots, are poisonous. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) NOT A ROSE AT ALL: This Lenten rose blooming indoors is actually in the buttercup family. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) orological spring on March 1. I saw the fi rst snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) a few towns away last week before the snow covered the ground again, and hybrid witch hazels are blooming outside the building where I teach at North Shore ComA FUN WINTER DAY: Three-year old Cole Mangan built a happy snowman on Cleveland Avenue after last Friday’s snowstorm. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) munity College in Lynn. The flower buds on the Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis) expanded a bit but had not fully opened before the snow covered them over again. Winter blossoms like these have a high ability to withstand freezing temperatures and resume blooming without damage when the temperatures are more favorable. They are in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and not really related to roses at all. Ash Wednesday, March 3, marked the start of Lent (Orthodox congregations observe it and Easter a week later than other groups) leading up to Easter on April 17 this year. There are Lenten rose plants forced into bloom available in many fl orist shops and fl oTHIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, March 6 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, March 7 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, March 8 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from February 28. Wednesday, March 9 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from March 1. Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting ***live***. Friday, March 11 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from March 3. Saturday, March 12 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Varsity Hockey Tournament vs. Assabet from March 3. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** ral departments of some grocery stores, so even if my outdoor one is not ready to bloom I am already enjoying some indoor blossoms. One warning regarding indoor use is that parts of the plant, especially the roots, are poisonous and should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis) and their relative Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), which often blooms even earlier, has become much more popular in recent years. While I am excited to see fl owers coming on my outdoor plants because it marks the near ending of winter, the pots I have indoors can be admired in heated comfort, and since I can put the pots on a windowsill or table, they can come up to my eye level rather than me bending down to theirs. Lenten roses got their name because of the time of year they bloom, although it varies, of course, depending on the weather every year. They are very valuable for the winter garden because they have evergreen leaves as well as late winter fl owers, and typically bloom for many weeks in late winter and spring. They don’t actually have petals, but the sepals are showy, and their colors can vary from white through shades of pink to burgundy. Instead of dropping off , the sepals generally just gradually fade to light green and may still be on the plant into April and May outdoors. The indoor plants will join the A DOWNTOWN ATTRACTION: This small owl rests in a tree near Saugus Center. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) A PLANT FOR THE HOLY SEASON: Lenten roses got their name because of the time of year they bloom. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ICE BREAKUP: Two swans found some open water on Hawkes Pond in North Saugus next to Walnut Street last Saturday. It gave them a chance to drink, bathe and perhaps feed on fi sh and pond weeds again before the surface freezes over. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) outdoor ones once the ground has thawed and can be expected to adjust to our climate just fi ne. They do not like drying out, so should be planted in a moist, somewhat shady location where they can be expected to grow for many years. 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 off ered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 12 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. Biggio will talk about his World War II book The first 2022 meeting of the Saugus Historical Society will be at 7 p.m. next Wednesday (March 9) at 30 Main St. in Saugus, the headquarters of the Saugus Historical Society and Saugus Cable Television. Light refreshments will be served. The meeting is free and open to the public and will feature a program by local author Andrew Biggio about his new book. Andrew Biggio is the author of “The Rifle: Combat Stories from America’s Last WWII Veterans, Told Through an M1 Garand,” which was published in 2021. Biggio, the former Veterans Service officer from Saugus, is currently a Boston Police Officer. He served as a Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan. He founded the “Wounded Veterans Run” and is president of the “New England Wounded Veterans, Inc.,” a nonprofit organization. To gather material for the book, Biggio interviewed Army, Navy, Air Corps and Marine veterans from around the country, bringing an M1 Garand rifle to trigger memories of their experiences. Two hundred veterans signed the rifle, and the book includes personal experiences of many of them. Among them is the last Marine Medal of Honor recipient, Hershel “Woody” Williams. Irish Night on March 10 The Saugus-Everett Elks will host their annual Irish Night on Thursday, March 10. Cocktails will be served at 6:30 p.m. as well as a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner at 7:30 p.m., followed by presentations to their Person of the Year Honoree, Town Moderator Steve Doherty. Tickets are $15 per person. Contact Theresa at 617-771-8297 to reserve individual tickets or a table of 10. But don’t wait – always a great meal and a lot of laughs – this event is usually a sellout. Prostate Cancer Awareness on March 16 Here’s a public health announcement from Peter Manoogian: Due to the overwhelming success and positive feedback from attendees of the first Prostate Cancer Awareness meeting held at the Saugus Senior Center on January 19, a second meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 16 at 10 a.m. Because of the number of participants at the first meeting, the March 16 meeting will be held in the large meeting room at the center. It is our hope to have a respected urologist as guest speaker on that date. Please call the senior center at 781 -231-4178 to register. We encourage men and their partners, ages 40 and above, to attend. Refreshments will be provided. We look forward to seeing you. Lenten Bible Study at St. John’s St. John’s Episcopal Church in Saugus will be spearheading a global Lenten Bible Study on a passage from the Book of Isaiah for members and friends of: St. John’s Episcopal Church, Saugus, Mass. All Saints Anglican Church, Rome, Italy St. John’s Vankleek Hill and other Churches in Eastern Ontario, Canada The Church of the Annunciation, Chilslehurst in London, UK For those who are interested, here is the schedule: March 10: Isaiah 1:1-20 (Come, Let us Argue) March 17: Isaiah 6:1-13 (When Ordinary Words Won’t Do) March 24: Isaiah 40:1-10 (Call of the Prophet) March 31: Isaiah 42:1-9 (First Servant Song) These Gatherings will take place on Zoom and will begin on each of the Thursdays at noon Eastern Standard Time. Please contact The Rev. John Beach at revjbeach@gmail.com to register or call 774-961-9881. Future firefighters getting screened Nineteen potential candidates for the four new firefighter positions at the Saugus Fire Department picked up application packets at the Central Fire Station recently. Of those, 16 returned them. The field should be narrowed over the next few weeks, as Saugus takes a closer look at the field of aspiring firefighters. Fire education for kids and seniors The Saugus Fire Department has been awarded more than $8,000 in grant funding to support fire safety and education programs. A grant of $5,175 from the state Massachusetts Department of Fire Services will support the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program in Saugus Public Schools, while the Senior S.A.F.E. program received $3,055. The funding gives fire departments the opportunity to work directly with students and senior citizens to educate them about fire safety. The safety lessons include fire and life safety presentations and what to do if a fire alarm goes off. Each program is tailored to the common issues of each age group, including general fire prevention reminders and safe practices in the home. The lessons taught in the school-based program are in line with the standards of both the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook. Twenty-six years after the introduction of the S.A.F.E program within schools, the rate of annual child fi re deaths has decreased by 78%, according to the state’s Department of Fire Services, which created and runs the program. SHS Class of ’62 plans 60th reunion Leaders of the Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” “Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to fellow classmates as well as alumni of other years who would like to join them. The well-known 50s and 60s music group of Howie Conley will be there for their musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax and gratuities, plus Howie Conley’s group, and it is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks. There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the people listed below know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates. Donna “Cann” Olivera – 781-987-4308 Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona – 781-439-4200 Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy – 617-512-2097 Larry Seavers – 704-906-2606 SAVE announces 2022 Environmental Scholarship Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is very pleased to announce that it is off ering a $1,000 Environmental Scholarship to Saugus residents of the Graduating Class of 2022. This is a scholarship for students who will be attending a two/four-year college or other educational institution and pursuing a degree in an area that would positively impact the environment. Applicants can download the SAVE 2022 Environmental Scholarship Application Form found at www.saugusSAVE.org. Together with the completed application form, please include a separate sheet (identifi ed with your initials only) that provides a summary of any of your activities relating to the environment and describe how you feel your career choice will positively impact the environment. Please mail your application (postmarked by April 22, 2022) to: SAVE, P.O. Box 908, Saugus, MA 01906, or email your application (no later than midnight on April 22, 2022) to: SAVE Co-President Ann Devlin at adevlin@aisle10.net. Again, the deadline to submit your application is April 22, 2022. A scholarship available to Saugus High seniors Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) has announced it is accepting scholarship applications from Saugus High School (SHS) seniors through the Lique Human Services Scholarship. Two $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students who have an interest in or are considering a career in human services and who have made an impact in their community or the world through community service. Completed scholarship applications are due to the SHS Guidance Office by Friday, April 1, 2022. The Lique Human Services Scholarship will be awarded to two seniors who attend one of the eight high schools located in GLSS’s service area of Lynn, Lynnfield, Nahant, Saugus and Swampscott. The scholarship is named in memory of Vince Lique, the Agency’s long-time Executive Director who devoted his career to helping others, particularly vulnerable senior citizens and people of all ages with disabilities, demanding that all people be treated with dignity and respect. “Vince’s legacy is fi rmly rooted in his compassion for people. He measured success by the quality of his service to and advocacy for others,” said Kathryn C. Burns, MHA, GLSS’s Chief Executive Offi cer. “I believe in Vince’s theory that one’s individual success is directly related to the benefi ts received by those around us. The Lique Human Services scholarship honors the man and his service by encouraging others to do the same.” Application forms are available through the Saugus High School Guidance Offi ce or on GLSS’s website. For more information about GLSS, visit www. glss.net. A Rabies Vaccination Clinic in May Town Clerk Ellen Schena wants cat and dog owners to know about an upcoming rabies vaccination clinic that is set for Wednesday, May 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. This is for cats and dogs only. This will take place at the Animal Shelter at the rear of the DPW Building (515 Rear Main St.) in Saugus. The vaccination costs $10 and can be paid by cash or check only. State Law requires all dog owners to license their dogs. Food pantry seeking driver volunteers The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry seeks volunteers to make food and bread pickups on Thursdays and Fridays, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Anyone who has the time and interest to help out should contact Jeff Hirtle at 781-922-0661. The food pantry operates out of the basement at Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Friday morning Legion Hall breakfasts are back! Here’s some great news for people who enjoy their Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210. Legion Hall, which is located at 44 Taylor St., recently resumed its Friday breakfasts and will continue through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buff et breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. Bon app?tit! And good luck to the Kitchen Crew. Looking for book donations The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fi ction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fi ction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please...clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers! THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 16
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 15 OBITUARIES Robert G. “Bob” Atkinson 93, of Northborough, formerly of Saugus, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, following a two-year battle with cancer. He was the beloved husband of Ellen Theresa (Griffi n) Atkinson. Robert was born on April 11, 1928, in Watertown, son of the late James Edward Atkinson and Marie Yvonne (Arsenault) Atkinson. He was raised and educated in Saugus, a graduate of Saugus High School, Class of 1945. He went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy serving from 19451949 and then from 1950-1952. During his second tour of duty, Robert served onboard the battleship USS Iowa (BB-61) off the coast of Korea as an aerographer’s mate (ship’s meteorologist), attaining the rank of 2nd Class Petty Offi cer upon his honorable discharge from the Navy. He went on to attend the University of Miami, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity, graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he worked as an Electrical Engineer for Western Electric Corporation, as a Field Engineer for General Electric Company, and a Sales Engineer for Transitron Corporation, Motorola Semiconductor and New England Technical Sales. He went on to own and operate his own company, serving as president of Carlisle Technical Sales until retirement. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his sons, Robert G. Atkinson, Jr., John J. Atkinson and his wife Pamela; his step-children, Benjamin Dugan, Alexander Dugan, Gregory Dugan; his grandchildren, Ellen Y. Atkinson and Jacob S. Atkinson; his siblings, Joseph L. Atkinson, James E. Atkinson, Irene M. Lee, Patricia M. Sullivan, Jean P. Blakeley; his previous wife, Genevieve F. (Kochan) Atkinson, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard Atkinson, of Scottsdale, AZ. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. Eleanor “Helen” (Martelli) Dittmer Of Peabody, formerly of Saugus, died on Feb. 22 at the Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln. She was the wife of the late Myron Dittmer & the late Michael DeBlasio. Mrs. Dittmer was the beloved mother of Michael DeBlasio & his wife Mary Ann of Littleton, Lucille Banfi eld & her husband Archie of FL, David DeBlasio & his wife Janice of Plainville, Cora Paquin & her husband William of FL, Myron Dittmer & his wife Rose Marie of Melrose & the late William Dittmer. She was predeceased by 2 sisters & 5 brothers and the cherished grandmother of 16 & 22 great grandchildren. Mrs. Dittmer is also survived by many nieces & nephews. In lieu of fl owers donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org. 8. According to guinnessworldrecords.com, what NFL player has at least 22 “memorable records”? 9. On March 7, 1801, which 1. March 4 is Employee Appreciation Day; in what decade was the movie “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” which features a World War II veteran with work-life balance issues? 2. Who is known as the “American March King” and helped create a musical instrument? 3. What sports equipment has pentagons and hexagons? 4. March 5 is National Absinthe Day; what color is absinthe usually? 5. Why is a funny bone called that? 6. In what 1967 British sci-fi series were there guest stars introduced as “the new Number Two”? 7. On March 6, 1888, what author who had worked as a Civil War nurse died in Concord, Mass.? state enacted the fi rst-ever state voter registration law? 10. In 1910, who became the fi rst U.S. president to attend baseball’s opening day game and throw out the fi rst pitch? 11. What river with the same name (also a color) is in Texas and Vietnam? 12. What is NASA’s HelioSwarm? 13. On March 8, 1950, the Volkswagen Type 2 started production; it was later called what? 14. What Motown recording artist released the single “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-DooDa-Day”? Mildred E. (Tura) Salsman Age 92, died at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Wednesday, February 23. She was the wife of the late Ernest F. Salsman. Born, raised and a lifelong resident of Saugus, Mrs. Salsman was the daughter of the late Charles and Mildred (Curtis) Tura. Mildred was a retired secretary for the Town of Saugus School Department where she worked for over 30 years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, crossword puzzles, coloring and entertaining for family and friends. Mrs. Salsman is survived by her son, Mark R. Salsman and his wife Valerie Casella of Wenham; her daughter, Amy L. Alther of Saugus; three grandchildren, Eric Salsman and his partner Sam, Adam Salsman and his wife Susan, and Zachary Salsman and his wife Cat; daughters-in-law, Regina Salsman of Malden and Lauren Salsman of Lynn; lifelong friend, Tom Sheehan; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, Ernest F. Salsman, Jr.; sonin-law, Frederic Alther; and seven siblings, Charlotte Cahill, George Tura, Emma Pennachio, Alphonso “Pete” Tura, Leonard Tura, Charles Tura and Joseph Tura. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Mildred’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. 15. What is the name of the comic strip in which you would fi nd Dagwood Bumstead? 16. March 9 is Get Over It Day, which is midpoint between what two holidays? 17. “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey takes place in what city? 18. In spring 1898 the song “O sole mio” (My Sunshine) was co-composed by Eduardo di Capua in Odessa in what country? 19. Julia Kern, who competed in cross-country skiing at the 2022 Olympics, learned to ski where near Boston? 20. On March 10, 1955, a patent was issued for “Dispensing Valves for Gas Pressure Containers,” which was to be used for what in spray cans? Antonietta “Dede” (Giacoppo) Serio Age 98, of Saugus, Monday, February 21, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband, A. Luciano “Louis” Serio. Born and raised on Albert and Sedgewick St in Jamaica Plain, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore “Sam” and Immacolata “Margaret” (Schiavo) Giacoppo. Dede retired from Harvard University where she worked for many years in the Dean’s offi ce and Radcliff e College and bought a home for herself and her parents in Saugus in 1965. She loved everything Italian and enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling, gardening, the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. Her biggest joy was spending time with her large family, friends, and neighbors. Dede’s home was a loving, welcoming place where she nurtured and encouraged the family and friends who gathered there over many decades. She was sister of the late Mary Gelormini & her late husband Gabriel Gelormini, the late Leo Giacoppo & his wife Janet. Beloved aunt to Linda Hemenway & her husband Bruce of Milford, the late Gary Gelormini, Michael Giacoppo & his wife Norma of AZ, Laura Giacoppo of OR, Steven Giacoppo & his wife Linda of AZ, Paul Giacoppo & his wife Erin of CA, and many great-nieces and nephews. ANSWERS 1. The 1950s (1956) 2. John Philip Sousa (sousaphone) 3. Soccer ball 4. Green 5. The real name of the upper arm bone is humerus, which sounds like humorous. 6. “The Prisoner” 7. Louisa May Alcott 8. Tom Brady 9. Massachusetts 10. William Howard Taft 11. Red River 12. A hub spacecraft with eight smaller spacecraft that will measure the magnetic fi eld and solar wind 13. VW Bus 14. Stevie Wonder 15. “Blondie” 16. Valentine’s Day and April Fools’ Day 17. Boston 18. Ukraine 19. The Weston Ski Track 20. Whipped cream dessert topping
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 14 Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops. Live Bingo at the Kowloon The Kowloon Restaurant will continue with Bingo every Wednesday through March 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week with a grand prize set at the fi nale. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during Bingo – featuring pupu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt & pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais. Call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781.233.0077 to reserve your table. Comedy shows back at Kowloon The Kowloon Restaurant (Route 1 North in Saugus) brings back their Kowloon Komedy weekends with Boston’s best funny men and women. Here is the March lineup: Kelly MacFarland – AXS Gotham Comedy Live, Last Comic Standing; Friday, March 4, 8 to 9 p.m.; with Steve Scarfo and Jimmy Cash; $20. Paul D’Angelo – Showtime’s “Godfathers of Comedy”; Friday, March 11, 8 to 9 p.m.; Mark Scalia and Matt Misci; $20; must be 18 or older to attend. Town posts Compost Site Winter Schedule The Town of Saugus announced that the community’s compost site and recycling center will be open to residents the third Saturday of the month during the winter months. The site will be open on March 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town of Saugus will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. At this time residents will not need a compost site sticker to access the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Jump-start your Financial Future Just starting out? Join the fi nal three segments of this virtual four-part program to acquire the skills for long-term fi nancial prosperity and independence. Explore real-world fi nancial situations to build lifelong strategies for budgeting, building credit, saving for retirement, and more. This is a free program for ages 17–30 presented in cooperation with The Babson Financial Literacy Project (BFLP), the Saugus Public Library and several local libraries. See sauguspubliclibrary.org to register for one session or all three remaining ones. Managing Your Money to Build Your Best Life: Tuesday, March 15, 7-8 p.m. – Jennifer Bethel (presenter). This workshop will help you learn how to budget your money and start saving for your future. Decisions! Decisions! Tuesday, April 5, 7-8 p.m. – Matt Trogdon (presenter). Health Insurance? Retirement? Investing? Join us to gain some important insights on how to make these essential decisions. Protecting You and Your Assets: Tuesday, April 19, 7-8 p.m. – Jennifer Bethel (presenter). This workshop will help you prepare for the fi nancial challenges ahead. For more information, contact the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906. Or call 781-231-4168 or check out sauguspubliclibrary.org. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofi t group of volunteers who are helping to off set food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families that enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfi sh, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete an online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus. Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry continues to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing prebagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 17
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2022 Page 17 REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 BUYER2 Merlina, Mark Merlina, Toni-Ann SELLER1 Twin Springs Estates LP THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 16 need, even for short-term or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is located in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Clarifying some veterans’ issues Jay Pinette, the Veterans Service Offi cer for the Town of Saugus, wanted to pass along a few words to promote a better understanding of how his offi ce works. SELLER2 ADDRESS “Veterans Service Offi cers (VSOs) are not VA employees and do not have direct access to VA systems or information,” Jay wrote in an email to us. “Local VSOs are employees of their respective cities and towns. VSOs are generally able to assist veterans and eligible dependents with VA-related claims and benefi ts activities. “One of the primary duties of the VSOs is to administer a program for veterans and eligible dependents that is referred to as ‘Chapter 115’. Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. CH. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of fi nancial assistance for low income veterans and their dependents. Qualifi ed veterans and their dependents who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria may receive monthly fi nancial benefi ts that are intended to assist the veteran with housing and living expenses. “If local Veterans wish to enroll in VA healthcare and/or obtain a VA ID card, representatives from the VA Bedford will be on-site at the Lynn VA Clinic twice a month. The on-site enrollment will be held on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are advised and the dates and times are subject to change. The Lynn VA Clinic is located at 225 Boston Street, Suite 107. For more information or to schedule an appointment for enrollment, call 781-687-3348 or e-mail vabedoutreach@va.gov. “The Veterans Services Offices of Saugus and other surrounding communities have partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to hold monthly mobile food markets for veterans. With the closure of the Saugus Senior Center during the pandemic, the food market was moved to Melrose. We have now moved the food market back to the Saugus Senior Center. The veterans mobile food market is held on the third Wednesday of each month. Veterans and eligible dependents must sign up with the Saugus Veterans Service Office to determine eligibility. VSO Jay Pinette can be reached at 781-2314010 or at jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Or on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906.” A smoke alarm alert for seniors The state Fire Marshal’s Office has launched a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign that is geared toward encouraging smoke alarm awareness among senior citizens – the people who are at greater risk of dying in a fi re. And this should be of particular interest to Saugus residents who may recall the house fi re that killed two elderly people on Richard Street last July. Fire investigators found no evidence of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms in the home. The “Dear Grandma / Querida Abuela” campaign began this month on television and radio stations in the Boston, Worcester and Springfi eld media markets. Recorded in both English and Span3 Oneil WaySaugus CITY DATE PRICE 01.02.2022 $230 000,00 ish, it features a granddaughter writing a letter to her grandmother about all the things she looks forward to doing together, interspersed with messages about the importance of having working smoke alarms and replacing alarms after 10 years. “In Massachusetts and nationwide, people over 65 have a disproportionately high risk of dying in a fi re,” state Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a press release. “Everyone should have working smoke alarms in their homes, but we developed this PSA to reach older adults in particular because of the higher statistical risk they face. Installing smoke alarms on every fl oor of the home, checking them regularly, and replacing them after 10 years can dramatically reduce that risk.” Nationwide, about 60 percent of fatal fi res occur in homes without working smoke alarms. And in Massachusetts, people 65 and older comprise about 17 percent of the population but about 50 percent of last year’s fatal fi re victims. “Working smoke alarms are often the fi rst line of defense against injury and tragedy in a fi re,” Ostroskey said. “We invite our partners in the fi re service, family members, caregivers, and social service providers to share these PSAs and emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms, especially among seniors.” Last year when Louis Gallo, 78, and his sister Rosemarie Naples, 80, died in a three-alarm house fire on Richard Street, fire officials stressed that working smoke alarms in your home can double your chances of survival if a fire occurs. Home fire deaths have been cut in half since the early 1970s, when smoke alarms were first marketed, and about 40 percent of fire deaths in the U.S. take place in the 4 percent of homes without smoke alarms. People should install smoke alarms throughout their home, test them monthly, and replace the batteries when they change their clocks. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced, according to fi re offi cials. The PSAs are available for distribution through the Department of Fire Services (DFS). They can be downloaded at the DFS webpage and can be linked or shared from the DFS YouTube channel. They complement the DFS Senior SAFE program, which provides grant funding for local fi re departments to provide fi re and life safety education for older adults. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been six years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coff ee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coff ee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.
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