THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 28, 2025 Page 11 Shown from left to right: Cub and Boy Scouts Charles Robinson, Sunny LoConte, Brayden Giacobbe, Matthew Bell, Ben Dineen, Anthony Dinarello and Lorenzo Gouveia watched the cars race by. Shown from left to right: Olivia Hickman, first place winner Benjamin Hickman and Jaclyn, Gracelyn, Abigail and Derek Hickman. Scout leaders Greg Dineen (at left) and Mark Bell flicked the switch to kick off a race. Cub Scout Michael Dolan recorded his car passing by on his cellular phone. Greg and Benjamin Dineen would send a photo via Twitter to Boston Bruins Goalie Jeremy Swayman. Former Scout Matthew Bell, 13, won the open race with his McDonald’s car. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Public Health nurse notes a spike in flu cases; highest total in Saugus in 15 years By Mark E. Vogler lic Health Nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh. T he 201 cases of influenza reported in Saugus last month was “the most cases we have seen in February in over 15 years,” according to the town’s Pub“As a comparison, 2024, we saw 89 cases. In 2023, we saw five, 2018, 57; 2017, 11,” Riley-Singh told the Board of Health last week. “[Flu] vaccinations were definitely lower this year,” RiTOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 9 like to thank all town meeting members for serving their town. Thank you to the Finance Committee and Planning Board for volunteering their time on the town meeting warrant. Most boards and committees in town are run by volunteers who donate their time. It’s not always said but thank you for your commitment to the town. If any resident has any concerns about their neighborhood or town, feel free to contact one of their town meeting members. Ronald Wallace: With this being an election year residents need to choose wisely. Town Meeting has had a problem with attendance in the past. I would love to see all 50 members attend the Annual Town Meeting. ley-Singh said. “It’s never too late to get your flu shot,” she said. The best protection to keep away from hospitalization due to influenza is the flu shot. Riley-Singh noted that 242 people in Massachusetts died of the flu this season – seven of them being pediatric patients. Saugus had two flu-related deaths, she said. “I know the flu took a backseat to COVID and, in fact, numbers greatly improved due to mask wearing and washing hands,” Riley-Singh ELECTION 2025 | FROM PAGE 3 several sets of pedestrian flashing lights installed throughout town. There are many other ideas that I initiated with the support of then-Chair Cogliano and my fellow board members, like our first Citizens Input Forum, Closed School Buildings forum, Saugus 4-1-1, Covid vigil and Thank you reception for those who got our town through Covid. Q: Would you consider running for another elected position (i.e., Town Meeting)? A: At this time, I wouldn’t consider it. However, if there is anything I would need/want to advocate for, I’ll do what I can. Q: Do you have advice for Saugus residents considering running for office? A: I would tell everyone who is considering it … do it! New voices bring new ideas. I have lost an election and have won them. Losing encourages you said. “I do not want people to forget that the flu is a deadly virus that can raise havoc on your body. Influenza attacks multiple systems of the body at the same time – often people struggle with respiratory, GI, fevers,” she said. to work harder if you truly want to make a difference. My strongest advice is this: Stay off of social media. Knock on every door and let people find out who you are. Don’t let others who want their candidate to win tell people who they want voters to believe who you are. Do NOT form an opinion on any issue by listening to one person/side. Nothing is ever black or white. Do your due diligence and listen to all sides, ideas and facts.
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