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SAUGUS Daylight Saving Time! Spring Forward Your Clocks One Hour Saturday Night! Vol. 28, No.9 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday A SUPER STAR CITATION HONORING A SACHEMS SPORTS LEGEND: Saugus High girls basketball star Peyton DiBiasio posed with a ceremonial ball on Jan. 29 after breaking the school’s all-time career scoring record for girls and boys. Please see inside for a photo of her being honored by selectmen Tuesday night. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) 781-233-4446 Friday, March 6, 2026 A quest for information The Board of Health will seek an “Ash Landfi ll Closure Update” from WiN Waste at all future meetings By Mark E. Vogler T he Board of Health plans to pursue something that the town’s Ash Landfi ll Closure Committee was unable to do: have a conversation with WIN Waste Innovations about its plans for fi nally closing the ash landfi ll adjacent to its trash-to-energy plant. After listening to a presentation at Monday’s meeting from committee representatives, Board of Health members voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting to adopt a committee request to include “Ash Landfi ll Closure Update” as part of their monthly meeting agenda. The Board of Health also agreed to adopt two other committee requests: · Include discussion, comments and any documents related to closure updates in future meeting minutes · Invite Brown and Caldwell ~ Home of the Week ~ CHELSEA - GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE 7 CORNER UNITS ALL 2 BEDROOMS, 2 FULL BATHROOMS, WITH LAUNDRY IN UNIT AND ALL WITH A DEEDED PARKING SPACE. LOCATED AT MILLCREEK CONDOMINIUMS DIRECTLY ON THE SILVER LINE JUST MINUTES TO BOSTON AND LOGAN AIRPORT. Each unit features kitchens with granite counters, laundry in unit, balconies, and a separate storage area. This complex offers on site management, an outdoor heated inground pool (in season) fitness center with saunas and locker rooms and club room, visitor parking and much more. Perfect investment opportunity to collect rents or 1031 exchange. Offered at $3,100,000 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com representatives to an upcoming meeting to present their January 30, 2026, annual Monofi ll Progress Report fi led with the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the town’s Board of Health on behalf of WIN Waste. The report noted the projected site life of the Monofi ll (ash landfi ll) ranges between 0.42 to 1.5 years based on historic usage. “Closure is not a question of ‘if.’ It’s a question of ‘when’ and ‘when’ is approaching quickly,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta told the Board of Health at its Monday meeting. She is a member of the Town Meeting-created Ash Landfill Closure Committee, and was joined by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian – the committee’s chair – in making requests for the board to seek more information about the future closure of the ash landfi ll. “Given that WIN Waste declined to attend or participate in our Landfill Closure Committee meetings and is not really engaged in any meaningful conversation at the Board of Health level on the closure of this unlined landfi ll, it’s essential that the landfi ll closure become a discussion point for all future meetings,” Panetta said. “The public deserves transparency and the town deserves a clear closure process. We respectfully ask that this board – our Board of Health – to ensure QUEST | SEE PAGE 2 Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 2.99 3.48 4.24 $3.57 Full Service ULS $4.10 9 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Alabama man files Open Meeting Law complaint against Board of Health BOARD OF HEALTH | SEE PAGE 14 By Mark E. Vogler T he Board of Health is the subject of alleged Open Meeting Law violations. Patrick Higgins, who is listed as a resident of QUEST | FROM PAGE 1 that the closure planning and remediation moves forward in a transparent structure and accountable manner,” she said. Director of Public Health John R. Fralick III was visibly impressed with the committee presentation. “It’s obviously something that is a hot-button issue here in town, and based on the review of the information, I would request that the board make a motion to include the requests for future agendas,” Fralick said. WIN Waste representatives – including WIN Waste-Saugus plant manager Elliott Casey – attended the Board of Health meeting, but did not offer an immediate response. Board of Health Chair Maria Tamagna later told Casey she hoped that he would bring back the report of the Ash Landfill Closure Committee to his superiors at WIN Waste and that they would “consider meeting with us.” “I’ll take that back to the team,” Northport, Alabama, recently filed a complaint with the state Attorney General’s Office alleging several technical violations. Board Member Joseph Dorant acknowledged receiving a copy of Casey said. Mary Urban, Sr. Director of Communications and Community at WIN Waste, later issued a statement to The Saugus Advocate reiterating the company’s preference to keep the ash landfill open. “We have consistently attended the BOH meetings and remain committed to transparency throughout this process,” Urban said. “By continuing to utilize the monofill, we can avoid nearly 9,000 tractor trailer trips across the state and deliver tens of millions of dollars in economic benefits to the community, alongside significant environmental gains,” she said. “We remain hopeful that we can find a path forward with the town that recognizes the value of keeping the monofill open, which also supports Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 200 migratory bird species and vital salt marsh restoration work,” she said. Ash Landfill Closure Committee Chair Manoogian presentthe complaint and read from it at the board’s monthly meeting on Monday. Higgins, who has been labeled as a “prolific complainer of Open Meeting Law violations” over a period of seved Health Board members with copies of a report titled “Presentation to the Board of Health Regarding WIN Ash Landfill Imminent Closure,” which included letters and emails from state DEP showing that the life of the landfill is nearing an end, based on the permit issued by DEP on Nov. 1, 2017, which was set to expire after 10 years. “They clearly indicate that closure must take place prior to, no later than Nov. 1st, 2027, and that the height cannot go beyond 50 feet,” Manoogian said of the documents, which he hoped would brief the Health Board members well enough so they could participate in the closure process. Panetta said it’s important for the Health Board to be part of the closure process and to understand that process. “The WIN Waste incinerator as well as the ash landfill is the biggest environmental concern that we have within our town,” Panetta said. “And I just think it’s importeral years, said in his complaint that Dorant committed a violation as “interim chair” at the Feb. 2 board meeting when he failed to mention that the meeting was being recorded – a requirement of the Open Meeting Law. The posted agenda for the meeting did not state the date of the minutes to be considered for acMAKING THEIR CASE: Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian and Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, who are both members of the town Ash Landfill Closure Committee, urged the Board of Health at Monday’s meeting to seek regular updates from WIN Waste Innovations on closure plans for the ash landfill. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ant that our Board of Health be involved as a partner with WIN Waste on not just the closure but also the remediation once that ash landfill is indeed closed,” she said. There is also interest from neighboring communities about the future of the ash landfill. Loretta LaCentra, an Alliance for Health and the Environment organizer and a Revere environmental activist, was among the concerned citizens who spoke at the meeting.“My neighbors and I living in the Port of Pines and Oak Island neighborhoods are very much impacted by this landfill. We do have a vested interest in the closure plan, which we know very little about,” LaCentra said. “Because of that, would it make sense to ask MassDEP, who oversees the closure of the landfill, to have a public informational meeting maybe later this spring so that the residents of Saugus, Revere and Lynn would have an opportunity to get a little bit more information?” she asked. “From a MassDEP standpoint, what does the closure plan entail and how do they oversee and confirm compliance as this closure progresses? I think it would be a great opportunity for additional questions to be asked and answered by our friends at MassDEP.”

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 3 Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting Editor’s Note: The 2026 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 4. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we are reaching out to all 50 Town Meeting members, focusing on one precinct each week, in the weeks leading up to the start of Town Meeting, asking members about their expectations for the upcoming Town Meeting. This week, we received responses from four of the fi ve Town Meeting Members in Precinct 2. For next week’s newspaper, we will reach out to the five Town Meeting Members from Precinct 3. The 2026 Annual Town Meeting convenes eight weeks from Monday. Question One: What do you consider the top priority for the town as you prepare for the opening of the 2026 Town Meeting session? Robert J. Camuso Sr.: Saugus has many Top priority THE SEAT OF SAUGUS TOWN GOVERNMENT: The 50-member Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Saugus town government and convenes on the fi rst Monday in May each year for a series of meetings to approve zoning articles and resolutions and to pass the town’s municipal budget. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) items. One is the Vocational School bill. It’s a 30 year bill that is based on student enrollment each year so its cost isn’t a fi xed bill. It’s calculated by students enrolled that year. The more students, the higher the bill and the less, the lower it is every year. A separate cost to this bill which isn’t mentioned much is the operation costs that went up 15+ million more per year (29 to 44+ million per year), which adds approximately 1+ million more on top of the Vocational School bill. So it’s a substantial cost to Saugus. Another is the Westside Fire Station proposal, which is now turned into a pubTOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 6 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Report by town consultant shows WIN Waste facility complied with federal and state air quality standards W IN Waste Innovations has received another favorable review from Tech Environmental, Inc. (Tech), the consultant hired by the Saugus Board of Health to monitor the operations of the company’s trash-to-energy plant and its adjacent landfill on Route 107. “In the course of the monitoring program for calendar year 2025, all evidence suggests that the facility was in compliance with its permitted conditions,” Tech concluded in its annual air monitoring report on WIN Waste, which it recently presented to the Board of Health. “That is not to say there were not specific deviations or operational challenges over the course of the operating year. However, the WIN Waste Innovations team has consistently reported all deviations to the MassDEP, the Town Board of Health and Tech, filed the required reporting documentation, taken targeted mitigation measures to address operational deficiencies and addressed staffing roles through incident reviews in order to improve future performance results,” Tech noted. “In addition, WIN Waste hired a well-respected, professional stack testing firm to conduct the required emissions testing. WIN Waste has been diligent in reporting any concerns to the MassDEP, the Saugus BOH, and Tech, so that concerned parties can obtain information in a timely manner.” In a separate analysis performed by Tech, the consultant determined the WIN Waste plant complied with the Massachusetts and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (MAAQS/NAAQS). “The results of both modeling analyses demonstrate that even under the worstcase meteorological conditions, the emissions from the WIN Waste facility will not cause adverse effects on air quality,” Tech concluded. The Tech report was well received by WIN Waste officials. The company issued a press release that cited the report’s highlights. “We are very pleased that Tech Environmental’s thorough review of our facility has again confirmed our compliance and the quality of our operation,” WIN Waste-Saugus Plant Manager Elliott Casey said. “These results affirm our commitment to provide a critical service and power generation in a way that is protective of public health and the environment.” As part of a program for the Saugus Board of Health, Tech monitors and reports on various aspects of WIN Waste’s operations. The report presents a review of environmental reporting that WIN Waste is routinely and periodically required to submit to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This includes a description and review of the Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), landfill operations and inspections, stack emissions testing, air quality dispersion modeling analysis and a general facility review. Over the past 14 years, Tech has visited WIN Waste extensively, conducted file reviews at MassDEP and reviewed reports in order to investigate and report on facility compliance. Tech’s review is particularly related to air quality concerns, the landfill ash and cover material and the impact of facility emissions upon public health, since these are areas of great concern for the town. Birthdays are special at the Senior Center (Editor’s Note: Saugus Senior Center Director Laurie Davis submitted the following article.) T FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized 18 residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively at the Senior Center last month. Pictured from left to right: Front row: Patty Guerrieo, Bernadette Wilkinson, Midge Curran, Josie Raneri, Ruth Berg, Cheryl Kelley, Jack Doherty and Cheryl Panico; second row: Ken Strum, Joannie Allbee, Bruce Williams, Pamela Gallant, Tom Schnabel, Pauline Stewart and Teena Deputat; back row: Dennis Falino, Rollin Alcott and Kimlam Khor. he Senior Center held its monthly birthday celebration on Friday, February 27th, honoring 18 wonderful seniors born in February. A special thank you goes to Diane Corkery and Tom Schnable for sponsoring last month’s celebration in honor of Tom’s 80th birthday. Their generosity is truly heartwarming, and we are so grateful for their support. The Senior Center likes to recognize a senior’s birthday on the last Friday of the month with a collective celebration. Each birthday recipient receives a free pizza lunch, cake, ice cream and a souvenir group photo. If anyone would like to sponsor a birthday in honor of someone special, please stop by the office and let us know.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 5 Pioneer Charter School of Science I & II Outpace State SAT Averages While Serving Majority High Needs Students The scores stand out amidst overall flat scores across the state E verett/Saugus, MA, February 26, 2026 —Pioneer Charter School of Science (PCSS I & II), located in Everett and Saugus, are proud to announce they are two of only 21 schools in Massachusetts that beat the statewide average SAT score while educating a majority of students who are considered high needs. PCSS II is also one of only eight schools in the state that beat the state SAT average while serving a majority Black, Hispanic, and Latino population. Recent SAT data released by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for the 2024-2025 academic year shows Massachusetts students scored much higher than the national average (Massachusetts students scored an average of 1127, compared to the national average of 1024). Students at PCSS scored an average of 1224. “At Pioneer Charter School of Science, students’ exceptional SAT scores are a testament to a culture of rigor and academic excellence,” said Executive Director Barish Icin. “These SAT scores show that with the right support, there is no limit to what students can achieve and unlock for their futures.” SAT scores provide a metric for colleges to evaluate whether students are ready for college, and often serve as a key component for admissions or merit based scholarships. Recent research found a correlation between higher SAT scores and college success, particularly among high needs students. PCSS prides itself on its Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused academic program. The goal is to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world. This is achieved by providing students with a rigorous academic curriculum with emphasis on math and science, balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities, a character education program, career-oriented college preparation, and strong student-teacher-parent collaboration. About Pioneer Charter School of Science With schools in Everett (PCSS I) and Saugus (PCSS II), Pioneer Charter School of Science offers a rigorous academic curriculum emphasizing math, science, and analytical thinking skills balanced by a strong foundation in the humanities. The school offers extended days/hours and career-oriented college preparation. Students must pass five math and five science classes to graduate - more than state standards, and students must complete 40 hours of community service. The school has an extended school year, extended days, after-school tutoring, and “voluntary” Saturday classes for students who need extra help. To learn more visit: https:// www.pioneercss.org/. Local students make Q2 Honor Roll at BC High T he following local students made the Q2 Honor Roll at BC High for the 2025-2026 school year: Brenno Magalhaes, Honors (2026); Cameron Nguyen, High Honors (2028); Wyatt Swart, Honors (2028). Please join BC High in celebrating their accomplishments! PLEASANT ST. TAX 175 Pleasant Street, Malden Specializing in Personal Income Tax Preparation Starting at $90. Call: (781) 324-6195 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 ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. LOCK IN THIS RATE BEFORE IT’S GONE: 4.00% APY* 6 or 24-Month CD You choose, you can’t lose! *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 ~ SHS Sachems Winter Sports roundup ~ By Dom Nicastro SACHEMS SHINE AT ALLSTATES, GARNER AWARDS AS WINTER SEASON WRAPS The winter season may be winding down, but Saugus High School athletes are still competing on some of the biggest stages in New England. From All-State wrestling mats in Springfield to the New England championships, Northeastern Conference honors and even Nike Indoor Nationals in New York, Sachem student-athletes are finishing strong — and bringing hardware back home. WRESTLING EARNS ALLSTATE RECOGNITION — AND MIAA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD The Saugus/Peabody wrestling team closed its season at All-States in Springfield with two qualifiers representing the co-op proudly. Saugus’ Cesar Cruz battled through a tough bracket and finished 1-2, dropping a pair of one-point matches in competitive bouts. “Cesar wrestled well,” head coach Wayne Moda said. “He came up short going 1-2 with a couple of one-point losses.” Peabody captain Mike Maraio delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances, finishing sixth overall and punching his ticket to the New England Tournament this weekend in Providence, R.I. But the biggest honor may have come off the mat. The Saugus & Peabody wrestling team received the MIAA Wrestling Team Sportsmanship Award, recognizing outstanding demonstration of sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play and respect throughout the 2025-26 season. Saugus Athletics Director Matt Serino shared the presentation script from the MIAA ceremony, which highlighted the association’s commitment to sportsmanship across its 385 member schools TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 3 lic safety building proposal. Saugus has already invested hundreds of thousands of dollars just for studies on this for years. My opinion on this is we’ve been trying for years for just a fire truck in a town building in that part of town and haven’t been favorable yet to this day. Now this and honored the wrestling co-op for embodying those values all season. The team was represented at the ceremony by: • Athletic Director Matt Serino • Principal Dr. Carla Scuzzarella • Head Coach Wayne Moda • Assistant Coach Tom St. Cyr • Team captains Mike Maraio (Peabody), Justin Bremberg (Saugus) and Jackson Deleidi (Peabody) GIRLS TRACK SENDS ATHLETES TO NEW ENGLANDS, NATIONALS The indoor track season concluded with milestone performances across multiple events. Junior Pharaoh Brandenburg cleared six feet in the high jump and placed fourth at the Division 5 State Meet, narrowly missing the qualifying mark for All-States — a strong springboard heading into outdoor season. Meanwhile, junior standout Destiny Okoye continued to build one of the most decorated seasons in recent program history. Okoye was: • NEC Champion in the 55-meter hurdles • Division 5 State Champion in the 55 hurdles • Third in the high jump at states • Fourth at All-States in the high jump • A New England qualifier, where she finished eighth overall The Sachems’ 4x200 relay team of Okoye, Sydney Ferreira, Soraya Mathieu and Hannah Strout also qualified for the state meet. Senior Victoria Silva Santos placed second at NECs and qualified for states and recently committed to continue her high jump career at Gordon College. Now, two Sachems are headed to one of the sport’s biggest stages: Nike Indoor Nationals at The Armory in New York. Okoye will compete in the high jump, while eighth grader Hannah Strout — competing against the nation’s best — qualified in the long jump. Coach Joe Alba praised both athletes Saugus-Peabody Wrestling: Celebrating the MIAA Sportsmanship Award for Saugus-Peabody wrestling are, left to right, Saugus High School Principal Dr. Carla Scuzzarella, Assistant Coach Tom St. Cyr, Captain Mike Maraio of Peabody, Head Coach Wayne Moda and Saugus Athletics Director Matt Serino. not just for performance, but growth. “Destiny has already had such an amazing season and never fails to amaze me,” Alba said. “She has come such a long way since I started coaching her in eighth grade as a person and as an athlete.” Of Strout, Alba added: “She is by far the hardest working kid in the room every day. All she ever wants is advice on how to get better, and no matter what always maintains a positive attitude.” Alba called the 2025-26 indoor team “really special” and expressed hope that the group sticks together for outdoor season. BOYS HOCKEY FALLS SHORT OF TOURNAMENT, BUILDS CULTURE AND PRIDE The Peabody/Saugus/Swampscott boys hockey co-op (7-12-1) may have missed the tournament by just .12 points, but head coach Donnie Shaw believes something bigger was built this winter. Saugus contributors who made an impact offensively: has turned into a much larger scale proposal and much more expensive project by turning it into a public safety building (Fire, Police, Ambulance) that also needs to be staffed which seeing past hisArtie O’Leary – 11 goals, 4 assists Jake Kelley – 6 goals, 5 assists John Morello – 13 goals, 16 assists Demetri Breton – 5 goals, 5 assists Morello was elected as one of seven NEC All-Conference players and ranked among the top point leaders in the league. Swampscott goaltender Dom Pappalardo earned NEC All-Star honors, anchoring the team in net throughout the season. Shaw emphasized that while the season didn’t end in a tournament berth, it marked significant growth. “We brought in a new culture and pride as one unit,” Shaw said. “Family — that’s what we played for every game.” He added that the team was “incredibly better than years prior” and said the players grew closer than ever before. “Our main goal this year was for the kids to have a real team,” Shaw said. “A team that works hard for each other, enjoys being with each other and has fun every time they’re on the ice. I’m proud of how the season went, and I can’t wait for the future.” tory of voter support might have the same results. Let’s first get a fire truck in a town building established before anything else on that side of town & getting taxpayers to pass it, that will give us a footprint to build & future expand on as we grow and go forward. In the future we can incorporate more services into it as we get more sustainable. TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 8

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 7 Sachems basketball flips the script, finish 11-10 after midseason surge Saugus boys basketball captains, left to right, Jordan Rodriguez (No. 2), Huey Josama and Ryan Shea (No. 1). By Dom Nicastro T hree wins. That’s where it started. At 3-7 midway through the season, the Saugus High School boys basketball team had a choice: fold or fight. They fought. And went 8-2 over the final 10, including two, four-game winning streaks. The Sachems flipped their season and punched a ticket to the Division 3 North tournament before bowing out to Lowell Catholic, 65-53, in the preliminary round. They finish 11-10 overall — a winning season forged not in comfort, but in urgency. Ryan Dupuy (17 points) and Huey Josama (16) led the team in the postseason game. Cam Conroy chipped in with seven, and senior captain Ryan Shea scored six. “We started the season 3-7 and we knew we needed to come together,” senior captain Jordan Rodriguez said. “We needed to go 7-3 in the back end of the season. At this point of the season we had nothing to lose so we might as well go out there and give it our all, and that’s what we did.” The turning point wasn’t tactical. It was internal. “In any game we played in the second half, we knew as a whole we had to push ourselves to the be the best we can to bring it home with us,” senior captain Josama said. That mindset carried over game after game. The captains elevated their intensity. Role players leaned into responsibilities. The margin for error disappeared — and so did hesitation. Rodriguez described it as something more than strategy. “In the second half we really came together as a team and a family,” he said. “The captains stepped up and so did the rest of the team.” Senior captain Nathan Soroko echoed that same theme. “We came together like a family and with a goal of making the tournament our senior year,” Soroko said. “We decided to leave it all on the court and not go out without a fight. As we wanted to finish our basketball careers off the right way.” This wasn’t a one-star show. What defined this group was acceptance of role. Rodriguez embraced his job description. “I contributed by playing my role,” he said. “I was there to be the spotup shooter and to knock down all my shots. I was also tasked for a couple of games to face-guard one of the two best players on a team.” Soroko carved his impact in the margins. “I felt I individually contributed to BASKETBALL | SEE PAGE 8 Saugus boys basketball captains, left to right, Ryan Shea (No. 1), Huey Josama and Nathan Soroko (No. 4). SPECIAL OFFER Safety. Style. Stress-Free Installation. CALL NOW 1.877.357.6691 FREE Fixtures and FREE Shower Door Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/31/26.

BASKETBALL | FROM PAGE 7 Page 8 the team’s success by leading through hustle and bringing the team energy any way I could,” he said. “Diving on loose balls, going for every rebound and making it difficult defensively for whoever I was guarding.” Josama, a four-year varsity player and senior captain, understood the standard. “I’ve been playing varsity ball since freshman year. I know what it takes to make THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 a run and to play as a senior captain. I personally had to step up every game and go 110%,” he said. One thread runs through every senior reflection: trust in the coaching staff. Head coach Joe Bertrand and his staff have been with this group since middle school. That continuity showed when adversity hit. “They always brought energy no matter what time of day, practice or game,” TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 6 Voters will better support (my opinion) a fire truck apparatus & town building first to get something established with the ability to grow compared to a much more expensive public safety building proposal all at once that past history showed unfavorable due to its cost & yearly staffing cost. Jeannie Meredith: As a Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member, my top priority is safeguarding the strong financial foundation our town has worked diligently to build. I am extremely proud that Saugus maintains AA Plus bond rating, particularly at a time when many surrounding communities are facing overrides and significant financial challenges. That rating is not accidental, it reflects disciplined budgeting, prudent decision-making, and longterm strategic planning. Preserving that level of financial stability must remain central to every vote and every article we consider. Fiscal responsibility is not about limiting progress, it is about ensuring that growth and investment are sustainable and do not place undue strain on taxpayers. Matthew Parlante: My top priority for Saugus as we prepare for the 2026 Town Meeting is public safety and ensuring the Town has the capacity to protect residents as Saugus continues to grow. That means moving forward in a responsible way with planning and funding for a combined public safety facility, and making sure our police and fire staffing levels, equipment, and response coverage keep pace with increased demand. Peter A. Rossetti Jr.: The biggest issue for the town, coming up, I think, will be zoning. I think with the advent of AUD Accessory Dwelling Units, and the State trying to increase housing stock, you will see several changes. One is more 40Bs. I know that it is being said that there will be no more 40Bs, but I disagree. I think we will see another one on Route 1. I also think we are going to see an increase in the 10% required for safe havens. The AUD units, we are seeing a lot of them at the ZBA (Zoning Board of Appeals). I think soon we will be seeing more. A proposal to reduce lot sizes back to 10,000 square feet from 20,000 square feet might be in the future. Budgets are also a big issue, and the cost of the new vocational school will be a big hit in the future, but that was already voted on, and the costs were known. We were told there was a plan to cover the cost with a Town stabilization fund. The state is cutting back on education reimbursements, which is difficult after the project was already done. Question Two: What do you consider the top priority for residents in your precinct as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session? Robert J. Camuso Sr.: One of my priorities in Precinct Two is to try keeping the integrity of Cliftondale neighborhoods and streets from fuRodriguez said. “They also played a big part in my basketball career as they have been coaching me since 7th grade. I think this is why out of all sports most of the basketball kids stayed in Saugus and didn’t transfer.” Josama made a point to single out longtime Coach Jack Furey. “They have been with me since middle school. They have been a great coaching staff, and I would personally want to thank Coach Furey for helping me putting in ture developments, 40B projects etc., also the Revere abutting property of impacting any Cliftondale streets also if developers decide to build in our backyards. Route One highway traffic should never have an avenue through any development into any Saugus neighborhoods, taking a proactive action will help keep highway traffic out of Cliftondale streets & neighborhoods and to keep it where it belongs. Cliftondale is a unique place and I hope it stays that way. We see the growing traffic concerns on our streets now and the desire for better quality businesses to open doors up to get revitalization moving forward. Jeannie Meredith: For residents of Precinct 2, my top priority is and always will be, protecting the integrity, safety and quality of life in our established neighborhoods. In particular, I have serious concerns regarding the proposed Caddy’s Farm project and the potential for construction and long-term traffic patterns to divert vehicles onto our residential side streets. Our neighborhood roads were not designed to serve as cut-throughs for large-scale development traffic. Any proposal that shifts that burden onto residents must be carefully scrutinized and responsibly addressed. Development should enhance our community, not disrupt it. Growth must be balanced with infrastructure capacity, public safety, and the everyday realities of the families who live here. I will continue to advocate strongly to ensure that Precinct 2 neighborhoods are not disthe work all four years,” he said. Soroko added: “The coaches were great all year and have been a big part of our basketball careers as they have been with us since 7th grade. Have helped us grow as a team and as men. We fed off their energy and trusted them to get us prepared.” In a year where the team could have splintered, structure held. The seniors aren’t leaving quietly. They’re leaving proportionately impacted. Matthew Parlante: For Precinct 2, my top priority is public safety. Many neighborhood streets are being used as cut-through routes, creating dangerous conditions for families and children. Targeted measures, such as speed humps, along with stronger traffic enforcement, will help restore safety to our residential areas. Safety on the bike path is another concern. Motorized scooters and high-powered e-bikes are traveling at unsafe speeds, and the path is even being used by delivery drivers to bypass traffic. We need clearer rules and consistent enforcement to protect pedestrians and families. I also believe residents deserve clarity on the Cliftondale revitalization properties the Town has acquired and what the long-term plan is moving forward. Peter A. Rossetti Jr.: This relates to the question above. Question Three: Are you working independently or in collaboration with other members on articles to be introduced for this year’s Town Meeting? Could you please elaborate? Summarize your article and what you hope to accomplish. Matthew Parlante: Yes, I plan to introduce several articles this year. First, I will propose prohibiting cryptocurrency ATMs in Saugus. These machines have been widely used in scams where residents, often seniors, are tricked into depositing money that cannot be recovered. This is a consumer protection issue, and we a challenge. “They gotta want it more than us the following year coming up and put in that work,” Josama said of the next group of players. Rodriguez was even more direct. “For the next group of leaders, it will take getting on people early to show up to workouts every day and all the off-season games,” he said. “They will have to trust the process, put in the hours and give 110% every practice and game.” should take steps to prevent that harm locally. Second, I will reintroduce a Senior Work-Off/Tax Relief Program to allow eligible seniors to reduce their property taxes through volunteer service to the Town. Beyond financial relief, the program promotes purpose and engagement for older residents who want to remain active and connected to the community. Lastly, I will again introduce articles to establish both a Charter Review Committee and a Bylaw Review Committee. This will be the third consecutive Town Meeting where I have brought these forward because I believe regular review of our governing documents is essential. It is equally important that the selection process for these committees be fair and unbiased, which is why I support using a lottery system to ensure equal opportunity and public confidence in the process. Peter A. Rossetti Jr.: I have been working with other town meeting members and others in the community to have a review done of our town bylaws. They are in poor shape. There are more amended pages in the zoning book than regular pages in the zoning book. Recently, Lynn did an update of their zoning. It was expensive, but they were able to get the state to fund some of the costs. The cost of one lawsuit due to zoning mistakes can be far more than the cost of reviewing the rules. I think this is something we have to look at, and I am working on an article to ask the Town Meeting to fund a review.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 9 Saugonians named to Salem State University Dean’s List The following local residents have been named to the 2025 fall semester Dean’s List at Salem State University: Kyera Edeman (’27), Hasna Hassan (’27), Krista Castle (’26), Nathan DiPesa (’27), Sarah Elwell (’27), Diane Jubeli (’26), Eden Mejias (’27), Aiden Muse (’27), Julia Federico (’26), Abigail Enwright (’28), Tyler Dockerty (’28). THE DECEDENT’S FINAL TAX RETURN P Sa nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Tools to Help You Find the Perfect Place to Retire ursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 6012(b) (1), an individual income tax return must be fi led by the Personal Representative of the estate or by a person charged with the property of the decedent. The tax return must be fi led by the usual due date of the return which is April 15th following the end of the calendar year. The tax return must be fi led at the Internal Revenue Service center associated with the decedent’s residence at the time of death. There is no continuing obligation to make estimated income tax payments on behalf of the decedent (assuming the decedent was making quarterly estimated income tax payments during the calendar year of his or her death). The IRS will issue a refund check on behalf of the deceased taxpayer so long as Form 1310 (Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer) is attached to Form 1040. The IRS’s new policy eff ective for calendar year 2025 is to no longer issue paper refund checks. All refunds must be direct deposited. Once a single taxpayer has died, his or her bank account will be frozen. The IRS will then issue a paper refund check and mail to the responthe sale takes place no later than two years after the date of death of the fi rst spouse. The principal residence must have been owned by at least one of the spouses and used as the principal residence by both spouses prior to the death of the fi rst spouse. A tax return is required sible person. Form 1310 is not necessary if there is a surviving spouse fi ling a married fi ling joint income tax return. A “married fi ling joint” tax return may be fi led in the year of one of the spouse’s death as well as in the event both spouses die during the calendar year. A surviving spouse may use the “married fi ling joint” tax tables for two years after the death of the fi rst spouse even if the surviving spouse remains unmarried, pays for more than half of the cost of maintaining a home that is the principal residence for the entire year of a child who qualifi es as a dependent on the surviving spouse’s tax return. In the case of a sale of the principal residence by the surviving spouse, the surviving spouse may exclude $500,000 of capital gain (as opposed to $250,000 of capital gain allowed for a single person) if to be fi led on behalf of the decedent if the gross income equals or exceeds the new standard deduction. For 2025, the new standard deduction for a single person is $15,750. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the deduction for personal exemptions starting in calendar year 2018. A tax return for the estate must be fi led if in any calendar year the gross income of the estate is $600 or more. The tax form to be fi led is Form 1041. A tax return for a trust needs to be fi led if the trust has any “taxable” income or has “gross” income of $600 or more, regardless of how much of that $600 in income is “taxable” income. A trust will also fi le using Form 1041. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. Dear Savvy Senior, What resources can you recommend for researching good places to retire in the U.S.? My husband and I are interested in relocating to a warmer climate when we retire next year. Looking to Relocate Dear Looking, It’s exciting to think about relocating in retirement! Whether you’re considering seasonal escapes or a permanent change, there are a wide variety of digital resources that can help you fi nd and research new locations. Here are some tips and tools to help you get started. Where to Retire? Deciding where to relocate when you retire is a big decision. There are many factors to think about to ensure the move supports your lifestyle, fi nancial goals, and overall well-being. To help you identify some good retirement locations you need to consider things like cost of living, climate, taxes, health care, housing, crime, access to social and recreational activities, access to transportation and proximity to family and friends. If you’re at the beginning of your search, a good starting point is BestPlaces.net. This site compiles demographic data from numerous reliable sources, updates it regularly and lets you easily compare cities using diff erent criteria, such as housing cost, climate, crime, religious practice, voting patterns and education level. They even off er a 10-question “Where is the best place for me to live?” quiz, which may suggest some locations you may never have thought of. There are also news and fi nancial publications like U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, WalletHub, Bankrate and The Motley Fool that publish “best places to retire” ranking lists on their websites each year. These can give you an idea of popular retirement locations based on diff erent sets of criteria. Once you identify a few good spots, here are some additional resources that can help you dig a little deeper. Cost of living: Aff ordability is often the No. 1 factor when deciding where to relocate. To research and compare the cost of living from your current location to where you would like to move, use the previously mentioned BestPlaces.net, the Economic Policy Institute Family Budget Calculator at EPI.org/resources/budget and/or Bankrate’s cost of living calculator at Bankrate.com/real-estate/ cost-of-living-calculator. And, because housing is a big expense, you can take a deeper dive into these costs at Zillow.com and Realtor.com. Taxes: Some states are more tax friendly than others. To investigate how states treat retirees when it comes to income, sales, property and other taxes, see Kiplinger tax guide at Kiplinger. com – search “Taxes on Retirees: A State-by-State Guide.” Crime rate: To evaluate how safe a community or area is, the FBI Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr. cjis.gov) allows you to explore crime statistics at the national, state, and local levels. Climate: You can fi nd U.S. climate/weather information at National Centers for Environmental Information at NCEI.noaa.gov. And to research climate change factors and the risks of extreme temperatures, wildfi res, fl oods, hurricanes, severe storms, earthquakes and drought in different locations, use ClimateCheck. com and FEMA (Hazards.fema. gov/nri/map). Health care: If you’re enrolled or planning to enroll in original Medicare, check the coverage and availability of providers in your new location. Search by ZIP code for health care providers and facilities at Medicare.gov/care-compare, and check star ratings for quality of care. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and you move out of the coverage area, you’ll need to fi nd a new plan in your new area. Transportation: If you plan to travel much, or expect frequent visits from your kids or grandkids, convenient access to an airport or train station is a big advantage. Once you have narrowed down your choices, spend a couple weeks in each location at diff erent times of the year so you can get a feel for the seasonal weather changes, and so you can carefully weigh the pros and cons of living there. You may fi nd that you like the area more as a vacation spot than as a year-round residence. It’s also a good idea to rent for a year before buying a home or making a commitment to a retirement community. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus we thank you wholeheartedly. By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Boy, I just can’t wait for this winter to end. Normally, I go to all of the Board of Selectmen’s meetings in person, rather than watch them on Saugus TV (which I do anyway because the acoustics are so bad in the second floor auditorium that I can’t understand what people say when they don’t talk into the microphone). But this week’s meeting was a rare one I had to cancel, for safety’s sake. Driving down from Methuen to Saugus and back on an evening when you get freezing rain on top of snow makes for treacherous driving conditions. Several friends warned me it wasn’t worth the risk of driving on the ice. I was convinced to stay home after watching WBZ-TV News live photos of cars sliding and spinning on Route 1. Meanwhile, I had a driveway that needed to be plowed. Sorry, Saugus Board of Selectmen. It wasn’t worth the hassle. “We would also like to give a Shout Out posthumously for Margie Berkowitch. She was a wonderful woman, attended so many annual Saugus events, and lived her whole life here. She was proud of her family and was a great friend. One had only to say, I’m going to do this or that and she was right there to help and do her part. She will be missed by so many people.” Precinct 6 Town Meeting A SPECIAL “SHOUT OUT”: The Saugus Selectmen honored Saugus High School girls basketball star Peyton DiBiasio with a citation at Tuesday night’s meeting to recognize her recent accomplishment of breaking the all-time career scoring record for girls and boys. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Congratulations, Peyton! The one thing I missed at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting was getting to see Saugus High girls basketball star Peyton DiBiasio honored as a special guest at the meeting. Selectmen presented a citation to Peyton to recognize “her historic achievement on breaking the Saugus High School basketball record, which had stood since 1966, on January 29, 2026.” The citation further congratulated her “for this significant triumph and your continued pursuit of excellence.” Peyton set the all-time school career scoring record for both girls and boys. Indeed, a shining moment for Peyton, her family, friends, teammates, coaches and fellow students in the Saugus High Class of 2026 and the entire Saugus High sports community. Well done, Peyton! Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Breakheart Reservation hosted its final Fireside Chat of the year last Saturday (Feb. 28). Visitor Services Supervisor Jessica Narog-Hutton (center) welcomed DCR Indigenous People’s Partnership Coordinator Leah Hopkins (left) and archeologist Jon P. Patton (right) for a discussion on archaeological collaboration within the state Department of Conservation & Recreation before a crowd warming themselves by the fireside with complimentary hot cocoa coffee and donuts. (Photo courtesy of Joanie Allbee). Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, March 6) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc. org) for details. Legion Breakfast on Fridays There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2026 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. This week’s “Shout Outs” We received several “shout outs” this week: Josh Dellheim sent this “Shout Out” to his wife, Vanessa, for recent career honors bestowed upon her: “Congratulations to Vanessa (Arone) Dellheim who received in February national recognition from the American Physical Therapy Association with the 2026 Mary Sinnott Award for Clinical Excellence in Acute Care! Vanessa was recognized for her support and advancements towards patient care, professional mentorship, and national speaking contributions to further progress in acute physical therapy practice.” Al and Joyce Rodenhiser offered two “Shout Outs” for this week’s paper, one of them to Saugus Advocate Editor Mark E. Vogler: “Hello and congratulations for reporting on Saugus happenings for ten years. We would like to give you a Shout Out for reliable, timely, accurate news for all this time. All our friends who read The Advocate appreciate your dependability and all that you put into your articles. It’s one of the most important parts of democracy and Member Jeanie Bartolo submitted the following: “This sad ‘Shout Out’ is for Margie Berkowitch who passed away last week. She was an absolute legend in this town. Always had a great big smile and a hug for me every time I saw her. She was one of the finest people I know. She was involved in many organizations as well as being Saugus’ Woman of the Year (2013), but we will all remember her most for her devotion to the Catholic Church and her Quilting. Her gorgeous quilts are masterpieces and won many awards over the years. I am lucky to have one of her quilts that she donated to the Library for a silent auction and I won the bid. I treasure it because Margie made it. You will be so missed, Rest in Peace my dear friend.” Joanie Allbee offered the following: “I’d like to give a ‘Shout Out’ to the handiwork of Marge Berkowitch’s hands. Although she has sadly passed, Margie’s handiwork lives on and breathes throughout. “Just this Christmas as I was helping decorate our Saugus Historical Christmas tree, I was hanging handcrafted quilted ornaments by Margie and thinking Is there anywhere this marvelous 2013 Saugus Woman of the Year has not left a mighty fingerprint? Her beauty surrounds us. “This Eucharistic Minister’s quilts won awards and hung her quilts for all to see on Saugus Senior Center walls for winter warmth. She provided seasonal decor with small quilted squares to Senior Center walls too. “Margie often gave her quilts to events for raffle prizes. “It was a pleasure sketching Margie for a ‘Guess Who Got Sketched’ contest of 10/16/2020 SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 11 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 10 and writing about her following week. I look at my mini square quilts she gave to me and I feel immensely the depth of one woman’s span of work touching so many lives throughout decades.” Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. SAVE Meets Monday at the library Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) will hold an informational meeting on Monday (March 9) at 6:30 p.m. at the Saugus Public Library. Members and the public are welcome to attend. Member Ryan Duggan will share an educational overview on the topic of “Reading the Forested Landscape.” Freedom Trail Talk March 11 On Wednesday, March 11, Saugus Historical Society will have its first meeting of spring 2026. This month’s guest will be Peggy Belmonte, portraying Revolutionary War figure Sybil Ludington – often described as the female Paul Revere. PegShoppers will find unique gifts for birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day and anniversaries, or special touches for the home. Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments from the snack bar and a special 11 a.m. appearance by musician Chris D’Agostino, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist. He covers musical genres across various decades: rock, pop, soul and folk. Children ages 10 and under may register from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. to participate in a 1:00 p.m. Easter egg hunt. SRWC Annual Meeting A view of the moon at nearly total eclipse from Vinegar Hill at nearly dawn on Tuesday morning. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) gy will give us a virtual tour of many sites of the Freedom Trail in Boston. Peggy is 80 years old and has always dreamed of being a tour guide. Now in her retirement she has time to make this dream a reality. She has been training to become a guide for walking tours on the Freedom Trail in Boston this spring, and has spent much of the winter walking in downtown Boston between snowstorms and reading up on some of the more surprising and interesting stories pertaining to the area, especially events from 250 years ago. The program will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at 30 Main St., the home of Saugus Historical Society and Saugus Cable TV. Light refreshments will be served. This presentation is free and open to all. This is also the annual meeting of the Historical Society, so LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF INITIAL SITE INVESTIGATION AND TIER I CLASSIFICATION Residential Property 64 Howard Street, Saugus, MA RELEASE TRACKING NUMBER 3-51515 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. To evaluate the release, a Phase I Initial Site Investigation was performed pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0480. As a result of this investigation, the site has been classified as Tier I pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0500. On March 2, 2026, Julio Francisco Da Silva, filed a Tier I Classification Submittal with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). To obtain more information on this disposal site, please contact William Kenney, Licensed Site Professional (LSP), at River Hawk Environmental, LLC, 511 West Grove Street, Suite 301, Middleborough, MA 02346, (781) 536-4639. The Tier I Classification Submittal and the disposal site file can be reviewed at MassDEP, 150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801; Main Phone: (978) 694-3200. Additional public involvement opportunities are available under 310 CMR 40.1403(9) and 310 CMR 40.1404. March 06, 2026 there will be a brief election of the officers and board of directors just before the talk. Maple Sugarin’ March 14 Here’s a sweet event that should offer great family fun. Breakheart Reservation will be offering a free Maple Sugarin’ time next Saturday (March 14), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here’s your chance to tap a tree, collect the sap and sample real maple syrup. Go to 177 Forest St. in Saugus. Please call 781-2330834 for more details. St. John’s will host March 14 craft fair St. John’s Episcopal Church will host an Artisan Marketplace on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 8 Prospect St. in Saugus. The Marketplace will feature talented local artisans offering a variety of exquisite, handcrafted items. March 16 The Saugus River Watershed Council will host its Annual Dinner Meeting on Monday (March 16) at 6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The Wharf (543 North Shore Rd. in Revere). This is being billed as a fun night with stewardship awards, silent auctions and raffles. Steve Fantone will present the keynote presentation and wildlife slide show. Those who attend the annual meeting can also learn about the new Rumney Marsh Conservancy. Tickets cost $35. For details, go to www.saugusriver.org. Saugus Community Festival March 21 On March 21, just two weeks from tomorrow (Saturday, March 7), the Saugus Cultural Council and the Saugus 411 Committee will present the first annual Saugus Community Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saugus Middle High School complex. The six-hour program will feature performances, acThe Saugus Public Library traveled back in time recently to Downton Abbey fashions of 1912-1920s. Dressed in Downton Abbey fashion, Karen (Ren) Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion gave a presentation exploring the styles of dress and manner and era fashions of Downton Abbey. (Photo courtesy of Joanie Allbee) FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT tivities, food and more to celebrate the culture and diversity of the town’s people who make Saugus the community it is. It’s an opportunity for Saugus residents of all ages – from schoolage children to senior citizens – to learn more about their community and what it has to offer. It’s an opportunity for newcomers to town to get better acquainted with how to make life easier and various attractions. It’s also a chance for longSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 13 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener L ast Sunday, March 1, was the first day of meteorological spring. Deep snow has covered the ground since mid-January, but it is finally beginning to disappear, and with warmer temperatures expected this weekend some tree buds will be swelling. The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain has reported some pussy willows (Salix spp.) in flower, so we should soon be seeing some fuzzy gray blossoms here on the North Shore, too. As the snow begins to recede, a bit of green begins to show in the gardens. Most green sprouts we are seeing now will be sprouting foliage of hardy bulbs, especially daffodils. Daffodils will flower in April or May, depending on variety, but start sending up leaves a month or so earlier. Near a south-facing house foundation or stone wall, which acts as a passive solar collector and warms up the nearby soil, the leaves may start showing and the flowers may actually bloom a few weeks earlier than in other sites. Daffodils are among Lenten roses, which are among the earliest perennials to bloom in our climate, are blooming indoors now but can be planted outside once the ground thaws. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) the most popular bulbs, since they are seldom eaten by rabbits, groundhogs or deer, which are fond of eating tulips and crocus flowers. Among the few very early non-bulb perennials that sometimes bloom in March, evergreen Lenten roses (Helleborus orientalis) are among the most rewarding. Since they bloom before the ground is fully thawed, they are at their best before garden centers open for the season. Sometimes they are sold in pots that can be enjoyed indoors, and once the ground thaws they can be planted in a shady spot where their green foliage can add to the landscape and they will bloom for many years during the early spring. They will not be eaten by wildlife, and while spring temperatures will affect when they bloom, the plants themselves are very hardy. Indoors or out, if the leaves look droopy, they will Robins feast on fruits of staghorn sumac held high above the snow. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) usually perk up within a few hours of being watered. We are also beginning to see the ice on the Saugus River melting; the surface ice has melted and refrozen in several spots over the course of the winter. Larger ponds still had ice and snow built along the river in many places we can see moving water. As the melting continues, fishing birds like herons and egrets return, and beavers will begin building new dams and repairing existing ones. Since American robins (Turdus migratorius) have few insects to eat in winter, they subsist on fruits left over from fall until the ground thaws. Among the fruits that help sustain them are the red clusters of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), a native shrub that thrives in sun and poor, rocky soils. This colony of staghorn sumac is on Hitching Hill Road near Vinegar Hill in Lynnhurst. “Spring Forward” Into Safety: When You Change Your Clocks, Check Your Alarms Outdated Alarms May Not Protect you When Needed Most, Fire Marshal Says Special to The Advocate W ith daylight saving time beginning on March 8, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms when they change their clocks. “Smoke and CO alarms save lives, but only if they’re working properly,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “As we spring forward this weekend, remember to check your alarms when you change your clocks. The manufacturing date is printed on the back of the device, so take a look and replace any alarms that have gone out of date. And unless you have newer alarms with sealed, long-life batteries, this is a great time to replace the alkaline batteries in all your alarms.” Smoke and CO alarms are like any other appliance — they don’t last forever. Smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms need to be replaced after five, seven or 10 years, depending on the make and model. If your alarm is out of date, or if there’s no date at all, it’s time to replace it. Outdated alarms might not offer the life-saving protection that every household needs. Most Fire Deaths Take Place at Home Overnight Of the 44 fire deaths in Massachusetts last year (excluding motor vehicle collisions with a subsequent fire) 90% took place in residential settings — and 28 of those took place in the overnight and early morning hours. “Most fire deaths take place at home and they’re most common when we’re sleeping,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “Tragically, we see this fact pattern play out again and again, especially with seniors in homes without working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling of each bedroom and in the hallway outside so you can hear the beep where you sleep.” Older Adults at Greatest Risk More than half of last year’s residential fire deaths involved adults aged 65 and older. State Fire Marshal Davine asked residents to check in on older relatives, friends and neighbors who might need help installing, testing or replacing their alarms. Seniors can also contact their local fire department, council on aging, or senior center for assistance: Department of Fire Services’ Senior SAFE grant program awarded nearly half a million dollars to fire departments across Massachusetts last year to support assistance with alarm installation and testing. Replacing an out-of-date alarm? The Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code requires replacement battery-operated smoke alarms in older one- and two-family homes to have sealed, longlife batteries and a hush feature. These alarms are easier to maintain and less likely to be disabled while cooking or by someone using the batteries for other household appliances. Alarms that meet UL Standard 217, 8th Edition or later, use the latest multi-criteria detection technology to prevent alarms caused by cooking smoke. Fire officials recommend choosing these alarms to reduce nuisance alarms — and the risk that a user will disable the alarm after burning food in the oven. “Disabling a smoke alarm puts you and everyone in your building at risk,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Never remove the batteries from a smoke alarm until it’s time to SPRING FORWARD | SEE PAGE 14

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 13 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS 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 Owens, Molly BUYER2 Owens, Patrick SELLER1 Ferraro Ft SELLER2 Ferraro, Elise L OBITUARIES Robert “Bob” Francis Hatch in Lynn, Massachusetts to Melvin I. Hatch and Eleanor Kerry. Bob is survived by: his wife P eaceful - ly passed away surrounded by family on February 28, 2026 at the age of 82. Bob was born on April 8, 1943 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 11 time residents to refresh themselves with knowledge about their hometown and to renew connections. Put it on your calendar, Saugonians! Art on the Wing Join the library and WingSue Hatch; sons, Robert B. Hatch and his wife Katrina Hatch, Aaron L. Hatch and his wife Jennifer Hatch, Seth M. Hatch and Jeremy J. Hatch; grandchildren, Brice Hatch, Alden Hatch, Keira O’Hare and her husband Shane O’Hare, Kinsley Hatch, Gehrig Hatch, and Henry Hatch; great-grandchild, Makenna O’Hare; and many nieces and nephews who all adored him. He was preceded in death by: his older sister, Eleanor Devito; younger brothers, John Hatch and Thomas Hatch; and younger sisters, Jo-Ann Venezia and Mary Johnson. Bob was raised in Massachusetts and graduated from Saugus High School in 1961. masters for this unique opportunity! Draw or paint live birds of prey! Wingmasters will present five live birds for 10-15 minutes each while the audience draws and asks questions. Participants need to bring their own art supplies. The library will provide plain paper, pencils and colored After graduation, Bob wanted to see the world, so he joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served from 1961 to 1966, spending most of his service in Korea. Bob was stationed in California when he was given a choice to either re-enlist or head home. Bob, knowing Vietnam was a major conflict, chose home. Upon returning, Bob met his future wife, Sue Rice at a fellow acquaintance’s wedding and were soon married and started their family. Bob then started a long career as a Machinist at General Electric in Massachusetts where he worked loyally for 33 years. After retiring from GE, Bob and Sue moved to Waterboro, Maine where Bob worked for Napa Auto Parts for another 17 years. During this time Bob pencils. Saturday, March 21, from 10-11 a.m. in the Community Room; age eight and up, please. Online registration starts on March 7. Coach T’s spring track program Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring called Sin City? 10. Who won an Oscar and 1. 2. On March 6, 1994, the Biosphere 2 experiment began in Arizona; what was it? In the 1990s what state had highway “immigrant crossing” signs to avoid collisions? 3. What MLB teams are named after birds? 4. An Illinois teen has used what two small wood instruments to win two Guinness World Records for creating tall tower structures? 5. On March 7, 1933, “Monopoly” was created in what city with the first USA boardwalk? 6. What famous newsman cohosted “The Morning Show” with a puppet named Charlemagne? 7. In 2026, Olympic Village athletes were served what new kind of pasta? 8. On March 8, 1950, the Volkswagen Type 2 began production; it is usually called what? 9. What city has been two Olympic gold medals? 11. March 9 is National Meatball Day; reportedly, what popular dish with meatballs was developed more in NYC than Italy? 12. Colonies of what Antarctica bird have been found and counted from outer space? 13. What D.C. newspaper sponsored a children’s essay contest and requested John Philip Sousa to compose a march for the award ceremony? 14. On March 10, 1876, in what city did Alexander Graham Bell make the first phone call? 15. Which was the last counbecame a devoted volunteer at the Massabesic Lion’s Club where he served as President and Treasurer for several years and was still committed to the Lion’s at the time of his death. Early in his family life, Bob who had a full beard, was tasked to be Santa Claus at family Christmas parties where he found a second calling. As Bob got older his beard turned naturally white and he took on the persona of a holly jolly Santa. Bob would still do family parties up till 2025 and also volunteered at the Lion’s Club where he would play Santa for the Christmas tree lighting and playing Santa for the visually impaired. As Santa Bob’s kindness and love for family would shine. There are not many family members or friends who haven’t sat on Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information. Who: Grades K-6th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19-June 11. This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for try in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery? 16. March 11 is Johnny Appleseed Day; he was born in what Worcester County town with a name including a person’s name? 17. What language does the word smorgasbord come from? 18. “Pastagate,” a 2013 incident of a restaurant receiving a warning letter from the government for using Italian words on a menu, occurred in what province? 19. 20. Persephone was the Greek goddess of the Underworld and what season? On March 12, 1933, who gave his first “fireside chat” radio address? Bob’s lap and told him what they wanted for Christmas. Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:00PM at the Alfred Parish Church, 8 Kennebunk Rd, Alfred, ME followed by a memorial service at 1:00PM on Friday, March 6, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Massabesic Lions Club, 813d Main St. Waterboro, ME 04087 or Waterboro Food Pantry, 26 Townhouse Rd, East Waterboro ME 04030. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Bob’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibbersautumngreen.com. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial at Autumn Green 47 Oak St, Alfred, ME 04002. the larger-scale summer camp. Cost: $150 first year, $75 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com ANSWERS ADDRESS 431 Central St CITY Saugus DATE 02.09.26 PRICE 674900 1. A glass-enclosed living system inhabited by seven people; it is now a lab for experiments 2. California 3. Baltimore Orioles, St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays 4. Toothpicks (in 2026) and popsicle sticks 5. Atlantic City 6. Walter Cronkite 7. A limited-edition one shaped like the Olympics’ interlocking rings symbol 8. VW Bus 9. Las Vegas 10. Kobe Bryant 11. Spaghetti and meatballs (meat was more expensive in Italy than for its NYC immigrants) 12. Emperor penguins 13. The Washington Post (It was called “The Washington Post March” and was played by the Marine Band.) 14. Boston 15. Brazil (in 1888) 16. Leominster 17. Swedish 18. Quebec (the letter generated public pushback and an official’s resignation) 19. Spring 20. FDR

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 SPRING FORWARD | FROM PAGE 12 replace them or the alarm itself.” Fire officials recommend that you choose alarms from a well-known, national brand. Look for the mark of an independent testing laboratory, such as UL or Intertek. Many Massachusetts fire departments have found alarms purchased on Amazon and other online retailers that do not meet the Fire Code — and might not perform when they’re needed most. “If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. Carbon Monoxide Hazards Heating equipment is the leading source of carbon monoxide at home, State Fire Marshal Davine said, but CO remains a hazard even in warmer weather. While many CO incidents involve furnaces and other heating appliances, CO is also produced by stoves, grills and vehicles, as well as generators put into use during a power outage. “Massachusetts firefighters report detecting carbon monoxide at about 5,000 calls each year,” the Marshal said. “We can’t see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO alarms are the only way to detect this silent, invisible killer. Please be sure you have them in place at home. If you hear them sounding, get out to fresh air right away and call 9-1-1 for help.” BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! BOARD OF HEALTH | FROM PAGE 2 ceptance, Higgins alleged. He also complained that the board used a standard template for their posted agenda without any specifics. In his complaint, Higgins said he wants to see board members attend a formal Open Meeting Law webinar “without delay.” He also asked that the chair or whoever presides over future meetings announce that the meeting is being recorded, and that the board provide more specific topics on all future meetings. Director of Public Health John R. Fralick III said he didn’t think there is a problem meeting Higgins’ requests. Higgins, a former Massachusetts resident, is a selfstyled watchdog of Open Meeting Law compliance who filed a complaint against the Board of Selectmen several years ago. He uses an email called “patrick@openmeetinglawenforcer.com.” American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount Steps Stoops Rebuilt or Repaired Chimney Rebuilt or Repaired House Foundation Leaks Repaired All Basement Repairs Walkways, Driveways & Patios Installed Chimney Inspection Roofing & Siding Installed Masonry Repairs Window Installation & Repairs Drywall & Carpentry Waterproofing Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 Page 15 Get your Mortgage with Beyond Financing, Inc. Lower rates @ www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge Beyond Financing, Inc. Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX 999 Broadway, Suite 500-N, Saugus-MA 01906 www.BEYONDFINANCING.COM 857.410.1391 NMLS ID: 2394496 IN CA, CT & MA: Mortgage Broker Only, not a Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. In FL, NH, NC, RI, SC & TX: Mortgage Broker and Correspondent Lender. Loans are available fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability, or ancestry. TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 67 Saville St., Saugus 01906 List Price: $479,900 Listed by Lori Johnson Cell: 781.718.7409 Opportunity awaits in this 4-room, 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial-style home - perfect for first time home buyer looking to build equity. The first floor features, living room, kitchen with dining area leading to deck, convenient half bath. Upstairs offers two bedrooms and a full bath. Additional highlight; newer high efficiency heating system, updated electric, one-car detached garage, deck over looking fenced yard. Bring your ideas and make this home shine again! 581 Proctor/231 Washington Ave, Revere List Price: $1,489,900 - Mixed Use Property Listed by Annemarie Torcivia: Cell: 781.983.5266 Solid brick 4-unit mixed-use investment at 581 Proctor Ave & 233 Washington St featuring 3 residential units and a 2000+ sq ft commercial dance studio with long-term tenant of 39 years. Residential units include two 4-room/2-bedroom/1bath apartments and one 6-room/3-bedroom unit with office or den. Common laundry room. Property currently operating at a strong 9% cap rate. All tenants are Section 8 with reliable income stream. All De-lead Certificates in hand. Excellent cash flow, durable construction, and exceptional tenant stability make this a true investor opportunity. Dance studio leased till 2029. . 781.231.9800 808 Main St, Unit A, Malden - Rental Rental List Price: $2,200 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 All Newly Renovated 4 Room/1+ bedrooms/1 bathroom unit that is located around the corner from Oak Grove "T" Station! Unit features an all new eat-in cabinet kitchen with new refrigerator and new electric stove, living room, 1+ Bedrooms with a ceiling fan in Main one...all new laminate flooring throughout ..approximately 500 sq ft of living space and Heat/Hot Water is included and an all new rear porch for breakfast morning coffee facing the sun..Close to most everything including Malden Center, a laundromat, public transportation (Oak Grove "T"), restaurants and shopping! Rent includes heat and hot water. Tenant pays for electricity..Do not miss out on this opportunity ideal for the daily commuter! Walk to Oak Grove "T"...1st month's rent, last month's rent is due at signing lease..available now.. 123 Arnold Ave., Revere, MA 02151 List Price: $569,000 Listed by: Michael Foulds Cell: 617.461.1952 Check out this prime location. Bring your vision to this spacious property offering a great opportunity for investors, flippers, or buyers seeking an opportunity to add value. This 5 bedroom, 2 bath home is the ideal canvas for renovation and customization to make it your own. The layout includes a main living level offering a living room, large kitchen, seasonal sunroom, 4 bedrooms and full bath. Plus, there is an additional 1 bedroom extended living area with additional living room and 2nd full bath on the second floor for in-laws, guests or your own main bedroom suite. Set high on an oversized lot, the home enjoys seasonal city views and excellent natural light and privacy. Ample off street parking on a large lot for potential expansion. Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Medford, Malden, Everett, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. FOR SALE FOR RENT FOR SALE FOR SALE

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 6, 2026 SALEM $349,900 RARE OPPORTUNITY to build your dream home in Witchcraft Heights neighborhood. READING $899,900 Desirable 7 rm Ranch offers 3 bedrms, 2 baths, quartz kitchen, corner lot. Move-in ready! LYNNFIELD $2,499,900 UNIQUE Mixed use property, 4 bedroom home plus rear building, great corner lot with ample off street parking, many possibilities! Call for details. CANTON $899,900 10 room, 6 bedroom, 2 ½ bath single family home featuring central air, 1 car oversized garage, inground pool, many updated. SAUGUS - COMING SOON! 7 rm Cape Cod style home offers 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1st flr laundry, sunroom, garage, convenient location. LYNN $589,900 RARE opportunity to own mixed use building! Large store front on 1st floor, spacious 3-4 bedroom residential unit on 2nd floor, garage, off st. parking COMMONMOVES.COM 335 CENTRAL STREET, SAUGUS, MA / (781) 233-7300 EVERETT - COMING SOON! Desirable Park Plaza condo offering 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, garage parking. CHELSEA $3,100,000 GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! 7 corner condo units each with 2 bedrooms & 2 baths, located at Mill Creek.

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