SAUGUS Your locally owned newspaper for 25 years! Vol. 25, No. 13 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, April 1, 2022 “To prepare you for the Serving Saugonians who served challenging times” Supt. McMahon letter warns school district staff of up to 32 possible layoffs if her FY 23 budget isn’t approved By Mark E. Vogler augus School Superintendent Erin K. McMahon has advised Saugus Public Schools staff to be prepared for layoff s if the Annual Town Meeting doesn’t back her spending plan for the 2023 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. “If the School Committee’s proposed budget is not adopted, the district may be forced to cut as many as 32 positions, in addiS tion to the planned reduction of twelve positions based on enrollment decline,” McMahon wrote in a letter this week that was addressed to “Dear Fellow Educators.” “This would include administrators, paraprofessionals and all teachers – classroom teachers, special education teachers, and teachers of specials. The impact on our disSCHOOL | SEE PAGE 8 THE NEW MAN AT TOWN HALL: U.S. Army veteran Michael Saunders, who served as a combat engineer during two deployments in support of Iraqi Freedom, relaxes after his second day on the job as Saugus’s new Veterans Service Offi cer. Please see inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “Love has to be more than words” First Congregational Church takes steps to support the people of Ukraine as country faces humanitarian crisis By Mark E. Vogler he First Congregational Church of Saugus UCC will hold a fundraising worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday (pril 3) to help the people of T FROM SAUGUS WITH LOVE: The Ukraine flag, accompanied by a cross, hangs in the window near the front door entrance of the First Congregational Church UCC in Saugus. The congregation voted last month to fly the flag in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in response to the ongoing attack by Russia. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...WELCOME HOME! This IMPRESSIVELY renovated 7 rm. Colonial boasting NEW addition featuring 4 bdrms., 2½ baths, out-of-a-magazine kitchen featuring oversized, waterfall island w/ wine cooler, quartz counter tops, custom backsplash, dining area leading to great rm. w/ custom white stone wall housing a warm & cozy primary bdrm. w/ walk-in closet, gorgeous, private bath on-demand, Navien hot water system, large, corner lot. You won’t be disappointed - You’ll be proud to call this HOME! View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. Ukraine. “Three weeks ago, we as a congregation voted unanimously to fl y the Ukraine fl ag in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in response to this ongoing attack by Russia,” Rev. Bill Ladd of the First Congregational Church of Saugus UCC said this week. “Just two weeks ago, the congregation proposed a fundraising worship service to benefit the non-profits International Red Cross and UNICEF that are providing aid to the people of Ukraine,” he said. “A dear friend and mentor of mine, Rev. Vicky Guest, once said ‘Love has to be more than words.’ Indeed, it is here at First Church Saugus,” he said. More than four million people have fled Ukraine CHURCH | SEE PAGE 22 ASNGELO’ FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.999 Mid Unleaded $4.399 Super $4.439 Diesel Fuel $4.999 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $6.99 DEF $4.75 9 Diesel $4.699 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, APRIL 1, 2022 World Series Park will kick off its 18th season (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by World Series Park this week.) This year will mark the 18th season for World Series Park. The park was built in the summer of 2004 to create another big-league-size field for playing baseball in Saugus. With the support of Saugus businesses and the community, funds were raised to build the field. Since then many improvements have been made, including a clubhouse, dugouts, a batting cage, a playground, a pavilion, a state-of-the-art security system, a new infield and lights. All have been made possible by financial donations and donations of workmanship. Since it was built in 2004 by the World Series Park Committee, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofi t, charitable organization, the park has prospered. With the exception of the Covid years, over 250 games are played every season at the park. Those teams who play games on the fi eld are Saugus High School (SHS), both varsity and freshmen, Saugus American Legion, several Amateur Athletic Union programs and adult leagues. From early April through sometimes into 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 EVENING BASEBALL IN SAUGUS: Night games are now possible with the installation of lights last year. This is a nighttime aerial view of World Series Park. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Jim Harrington, aerialphoto123.com) November, the park has a very busy schedule. In addition to baseball games, World Series Park hosted Special Olympics for six years, a TargetCancer fundraiser for two years, a multiple sclerosis fundraiser, several other fundraisers, a vigil and a Veterans/Military Appreciation Day. The park has also hosted many baseball tournaments, including several Babe Ruth district tournaments and two Babe Ruth state tournaments as well as Saugus Alumni Baseball games. In 2015, World Series Park helped to raise funds for and supervised the building of the adjacent softball fi eld, that is currently used by the Saugus Softball Little League and the Saugus High School softball program. “It’s hard to believe we’ll be starting our eighteenth season this year,” World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis said. “We’ve come a long way since the fi rst scoop of dirt was dug, as we broke ground in June of 2004. We believe we’ve made a contribution to keeping baseball alive in Saugus and given the youth of Saugus more opportunity to play baseball. Once the fi eld dries out, we’re ready to go. We have a full schedule of games already scheduled.” SHS starts playing games the week of April 4 with the freshmen team playing Greater Lawrence on April 4 at 4 p.m. and the varsity playing Hamilton/Wenham on April 6 at 4 p.m. Two SHS night games are scheduled for late April and May, both with 7 p.m. start times. The COVID-19 Update Town reports 28 newly A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES. TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT OUR DIFFERENT BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS. WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT OPTION. L Visit our website to learn more at: EVERETTBANK . COM Member FDIC Member DIF confi rmed cases over the past seven days, no new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T he number of newly confirmed cases increased from 15 last week to 28 over the past seven days through yesterday (Thursday, March 31), according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. This week’s positive COVID-19 cases reported to the town by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) increased the overall total to 8,647 confirmed cases, according to Crabtree. In addition, the overall number of deaths since March of 2020 remained at 88. Three weeks ago, total Saugus deaths related to COVID-19 were listed at 106. But that number was reduced to 88 because of a change in the guidelines used by health officials. RIGHT BY YOU “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. No statistics were available this week for confirmed COVID-19 cases in the schools. In the most recent numbers released last week, Saugus Public Schools experienced a slight decrease in the number of cases in its four buildings, going from seven – during a period ending two weeks ago (March 10-16) – to four last week (March 17 to March 23). Last week, there were no cases in the High School, two in the Middle School, one in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and one in the Veterans Early Learning Center. Two weeks ago, there was one case in the High School, three in the Middle School, two in the Belmonte STEAM Academy and one in the Veterans Early Learning Center.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ New Veterans Service Offi cer Michael Saunders shares his vision for reaching out to help all Saugus vets Editor’s Note: For this week’s interview, we sat down with Michael Saunders, the new Veterans Service Offi cer (VSO) for Saugus, after his second day on the job (March 30). We asked him about the experience and background that prepares him for this new job and the priorities he has set for himself. Saunof Saugus Town Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saunders previously worked as the school certifying offi cer at the Danvers campus of North Shore Community College. His past experience also includes working as the veterans coordinator at Endicott College in He served as a combat engineer with the U.S. Army’s 70th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Riley, Kansas, for more than three years (November 2002– May 2006). He was deployed to Iraq twice: 2003 to 2004 and late 2004 to 2006. His duties included route clearance, house searches, munitions detonation, annual weapons qualifi cations and vehicle maintenance. He received numerous medals for his service, including Valorous Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (second award), Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge and Army Lapel Button/Service in Iraq in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. When he’s not working to MAKING FRIENDS: Michael Saunders (center) poses for a photo with Iraqi civilians in 2003. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ders, 40, who grew up in Everett and now lives in Malden, is a U.S. Army veteran who was deployed twice as a combat engineer in support of Iraqi Freedom. He succeeds Jay Pinette, who has served as the town’s VSO since March of 2018 and plans to retire on or about April 14. Pinette is currently training Saunders to take over the task of assisting Saugus veterans and their families. Saunders plans to work in the Veterans’ Services Offi ce on the fi rst fl oor Beverly and as the assistant veterans coordinator at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Mass. He earned an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Middlesex Community College (2016) and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College (2018). He earned a Master of Science degree in leadership and organizational communication from Northeastern University (2020). help fellow veterans, Saunders spends time freelance writing. He is staff writer for AT EASE! Veterans Magazine of Denton County, North Texas. He has written a children’s book titled “Ten Days and a Wakeup,” which focuses on a child’s expectations of a parent when he or she returns from military service. It also covers the parents’ concerns. He is looking for a publisher. Meanwhile, he is also working on another book titled “The Doctors Are Afraid of Us, which he says is “a story about my Sapper Platoon.” ADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 4 LOVING THE LANDSCAPE: U.S. Army veteran Michael Saunders, who began work this week as the town’s new Veterans Service Offi cer (VSO), during an interview on Wednesday (March 30) said he likes Saugus because it’s “quite scenic.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 3 Some highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: Tell me why you decided to come to Saugus and why this particular job. A: I’ve been in the market for a VSO position for quite some time. As it turned out, Saugus was the one where a position had opened up. What attracted me to this position is being able to help out veterans beyond the scope of their educational benefi ts. From working with veterans at Middlesex Community College, Endicott College and North Shore Community College, I felt I had enough of veterans work in the educational field and [wanted to] do something else. I feel like the VSO position will allow me to make the position what I want it to be – to help veterans get more benefi ts and to be active in local veterans’ events, even if I have to do it on my own time. Q: How did the hiring go? 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(Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) that I would be formally offered the position. Q: How long did your job interview go? A: About an hour. Q: What did they ask you? A: They were trying to impress upon me the amount of paperwork that’s involved in this position. And they were looking to see how I would react – like whether I was going to get up and run from the room! The paperwork is part of the job and doesn’t bother me. Q: What are your early impressions of Saugus? A: I’m not unfamiliar with Saugus. I’ve been up here as a boy. I remember when the Square One Mall was built. I’ve always liked Saugus. We used to come up to the Square One Mall a lot. Some of my buddies were from Saugus. I like it because it’s scenic. It’s kind of the best of both worlds: You’ve got city life here, but you have just enough open space to where you’re in the country sometimes. Q: How has your orientation been going so far? It looks like Jay Pinette will be working with you for close to three weeks, which should make for a smooth transition. A: I’m learning the ropes and learning my boundaries. It’s only my second day, and I still have a lot to learn. I think society as a whole puts veterans’ issues under one umbrella, but the multitude of issues aff ecting veterans aren’t all the same. You might have some veterans dealing with PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder], and then you might have other veterans living in their cars because they’re homeless. So, you’ve got to prepare yourself for everything. Q: Get any good advice from CigarCigar BundlesBundles starting starting at $49.95 at $49.95 -------------------GIFT CARDSGIFT CARDS AVAILABLEAILABLE BuyBuy Cigars by theCigars by the Box & SA Box & SAVE!VE! CompetitiveCompetitive prices on all prices on all Brands, Great Brands, Great Selection Selection Jay? A: Jay has been very helpful during this transition. I’m kind of learning the tricks of the trade from him. Q: What’s the best advice Jay has given you so far? A: To take every veterans’ claim seriously and to treat all veterans and their families with the dignity that they deserve and to do everything in my power that I can do. Like Jay was saying today – “If you are unable to help them, you can turn them onto somebody who may be able to help them” – and that’s the basic plan I have today. Q: So, what’s your outlook on this job? A: Jay has done a lot of wonderful things for veterans in the town, in helping the veterans who are currently receiving services. He’s done a great job. But I want to try to leave my own legacy one day. I want to make the offi ce more visible to other veterans who may be struggling and who are not aware of what a VSO can do. I want to weave this position into the fabric of the town, building on what’s already been done. My overall goal is to breathe more life into the job. I want every veteran in Saugus to know that my door is always open and we can discuss any personal issues. I’m a very resourceful guy. If I can’t help you, chances are I know somebody who may be able to help. I understand from Jay that the people who look to the offi ce for help are mostly widows and old-timers. But I’m going to try to change that. As veterans, we’ve got to stick together. Q: Do you have any projects in mind? A: One thing I’d like to get out there is about the post9/11 GI Bill vs. the Forever GI Bill. It’s something that’s been brought to my attention, and I’m still trying to figure out all that’s involved. The main thing that aff ects me and anybody discharged before 2013 is that they are limited: They get 15 years to use the GI Bill after they’ve been discharged. The problem with that is that when you’re dealing with before 2013, you’re still dealing with a lot of Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans. And 15 years isn’t a lot of time to allow veterans to go to school if they are dealing with other issues – like PTSD, physical issues or alcohol or substance abuse. I don’t believe they should have a clock ticking on their education. It should be there for them when they are ready to take it. I don’t think the Veterans Administration has taken them into consideration at all. But for anyone who was discharged after 2013, there’s no limit under the Forever GI Bill. There should be no time limit for all veterans when it comes to getting college education or training. Something I plan to do in my spare time is to work on my own to help change that. They ought to roll back the date for the veterans discharged before 2013. Q: So, what best prepares you for this position? A: A lot of the struggles that veterans encounter, I also have encountered, like homelessness and couch surfing. Coach surfing is when you call your buddies up and ask them “Hey, can I sleep on your couch tonight?” Then I ask another friend the next night for the same kind of help. Then, there’s the struggle of not being able to fi nd suitable employment. A lot of places that interviewed me seemed like they were afraid to hire me because I am a veteran and they don’t want to deal with somebody who suff ers from PTSD. Q: What’s your skill set? What are some of the talents you bring to the table? A: My attention to details and the number of contacts I already have in the fi eld. Q: What do you see as your biggest challenge in this position? A: Finding those veterans and widows of veterans that I can’t do anything for because the Veterans AdminisADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 5
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 5 ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 4 tration has denied their claim or there isn’t enough money in the budget to help them. Nobody likes to deliver that bad news. As you get to know them and learn their circumstances, you hate to drop the bomb on them. It’s a tough thing to do, but you still have to try to fi nd somebody who can help them. Q: From your resume, it looks like you’ve seen some combat. A: Yes. One of my fi rst experiences in combat was watching an EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] technician. He got blown up by an IUD [Improvised Explosive Device]. We had to run up there and I saw the aftereff ects of it. It was not a good thing. His name was Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Robsky, Jr. and he was killed on Sept. 10, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 759th Ordinance Company. He was a Marine from New York and was called in to neutralize an IUD. fi rst, but she kept encouraging me, and then, I continued to work at it at Emerson College. When I got my master’s degree, there was no guarantee that I was going to write the next “Harry Potter” book or make it as a writer. But I have written a children’s book, “Ten Days and a Wake Up,” which I hope to get published, and SERVING HIS COUNTRY: An offi cial military photo of Michael Saunders, who was a combat engineer with the U.S. Army’s 70th Engineer Battalion out of Fort Riley, Kansas, for more than three years. He recently became the town’s new Veterans Service Offi cer. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) after seeing that. I became more cautious. In that situation, the bad guy wasn’t wearing a uniform. Q: And you’ve had other close encounters? I’m working on another book, “The Doctors Are Afraid Of Us.” That’s a coming of age, military-style story about my Sapper Platoon, and that’s a work in progress. Q: Anything else that you would like to share? A: I’m going to make my IN THE GUNNER’S HATCH: Michael Saunders as a U.S. Army combat engineer in Iraq in 2005. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) He was only 26, and I think about that guy every day. Q: So, were you in harm’s way that day? A: Yes. It was just a horrendous event that took place. My convoy was just passing through. We decided we were going to use our vehicles to block the road to clear that site. Staff Sgt. Robsky returned to the site after the initial attempt to neutralize the IUD failed. But the IUD went off , and after the explosion, it was like everything was in slow motion as I saw his helmet hit the street. To this day, it’s one of the things that I struggle to deal with. I had to physically remove him from the site. Gunfi re broke out as I was carrying the guy. I had to get the guy to a safe place and myself to a safe place. I must have grown fi ve years A: Yes. I’ve seen and been through a lot. A guy in my battalion got hit with a car bomb and he died. I had a grenade thrown at me from off a bridge. I didn’t see it coming, but another guy tackled me to keep me from getting hit. Another time, my vehicle got hit by an IUD. I was driving this Humvee and I got my bell rung pretty good. There was one route that we called “The Thunderdome.” IUDs would go off on both sides of the road. Q: So, please tell me about your other career as a writer. A: When I fi rst began taking courses at Middlesex Community College, I had an excellent working relationship with a professor – Dr. Denise Marchionda. She would tell me all the time, “You’re a writer, Mike.” I didn’t believe her at rounds, get out there and talk to people in town. I want to make it known that there’s no shame in getting help if you need it. Veterans who have earned the benefi ts and who are entitled to them should be taking full advantage of them. So, I’m looking forward to speaking to and meeting people from all veterans’ groups in town. I’m looking forward to speaking to veterans who are already on the books and getting new veterans into my offi ce who have too much pride to take advantage of benefi ts that they’ve earned. Every era of veterans has had its challenges. The Vietnam War veterans got spit on when they came home. My generation of soldiers – we had people fi ghting to open the door for us. I hope to intertwine the Nam era veterans with my era veterans. We look to them [Vietnam veterans] as role models. They can nudge us in the right direction. We can look to them as mentors, and I want every veteran or veteran’s widow who reads this article to know that my door will always be open and we can discuss any personal issues. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? 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Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Decluttering your life Saugus Public Library hosts consultant trained in the KonMari Method of tidying up the home (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by the Saugus Public Library on an upcoming program available to town residents through Zoom videoconferencing.) The Saugus Public Library (SPL) invites you to join us on Tuesday (April 5) at 7 p.m. when Shannon Huneycutt will be bringing the life-changing magic of tidying to you through her Spark Joy Program. SPL is excited to welcome Huneycutt for an inspiring presentation on what it means to lead a life that Sparks Joy. You will learn the KonMari philosophy and guiding principles needed to tidy once and for all, and leave feeling motivated to Spark Joy in your home, offi ce and life. The program’s mission is to provide the necessary skills needed to maintain a tidy home for life. Through the KonMari Method you will visualize and create the space you’ve always dreamed of as you learn what truly Sparks Joy. Be sure to have a standard t-shirt and a pair of pants ready for the folding activity as you will be learning the famous KonMari Vertical Folding technique. Huneycutt is the founder of Spark Joy Charlotte and a certifi ed Gold level KonMari Consultant, trained by tidying expert Marie Kondo. Kondo is the author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and the creator of the KonMari Method, which is a style of tidying focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only those items you love. This is a free Zoom program but registration is required. To register email sau@noblenOBITUARIES Robert William Fusi (Bob) Age 80 years, of East Amwell Township, NJ passed away in the embrace of his family on Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ. Born in Winthrop on May 26, 1941, he was the son of the late Alfred and Alice (Coscia) Fusi, and was one of fi ve kids running throughout the house. He previously resided in Saugus, Dover, DE, and Reading, CT, before moving to beautiful Hunterdon County, NJ in 1981. His childhood was fi lled with lots of family and constant gatherings, with stories of lively antics when he set out on adventures with his siblings and cousins. Bob would always joke that we would never let our kids do the things he did as a kid. Many life lessons were learned on the street, surely with no parental supervision. Bob was a spectacular student, President of the National Honor Society and graduating second in his high school class before heading off for higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He had many accolades and honors during his time at MIT, and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, in 1965. Humble to his core, Bob’s family only heard of his special honors by chance when they picked him up from MIT for breaks. A HOME TIDYING SPECIALIST: Shannon Huneycutt, who specializes in decluttering and organizing homes, will lead a virtual program for Saugus residents on Tuesday (April 5). To register email sau@noblenet.org with Spark Joy in the subject line. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) et.org with Spark Joy in the subject line. When you register you will be entered to win the “Jumpstart Your Journey” giveaway where you will have access to a virtual guide to help jumpstart your tidying journey. “You must be so proud of Bobby!” they would say. Bob kept things to himself and was never one to brag. Although, he was not a complete choir boy during his MIT years. There are stories where he and his friends hacked the elevators in his dorm to trap the police as a joke. The next stop was a lifelong career (30-plus years!) at Kraft General Foods as a food scientist. He was constantly coming up with new patented innovations, including many products you probably know such as Crystal Light, Pop Rocks candy, Jell-O 1-2-3, Lean Bacon Strips, Stain-free KoolAid, Kool-Aid Balls, perfecting Minute Rice, and many more. If you were ever over to the house during the Kool-Aid ball development phase, you were probably initiated into the mix by seeing how many Kool-Aid balls you could fit into your mouth at one time. It is safe to say the sugar rush would last for most of the day. Bob was a man of many talents with a plethora of hobbies to keep his brain active. You would often fi nd him making creations in his woodworking shop, building or repairing something fantastic with his carpentry skills, visiting historical places, or celebrating his love for music through song writing, singing and playing guitar. If you are curious to hear Bob sing, you can fi nd some of his older albums online (Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, etc). Bobby loved his collections, and it is hard to open a cabinet or drawer in the house without coming across a collection of some sort. Whether it be fossils, coins, gems, old tools, or really anything that caught his interest. An incredibly hard worker, Bob spent countless hours keeping up the farm so his family could enjoy their horses. Above all else, he loved spending time at his home, Wagner Hill Farm, in Stockton, NJ with his family and friends. Bob and his wife were such wonderful people to be around that all of the kids gravitated to the farm. At any given time, there were a handful of kids hanging out at the house being entertained by Bob. He was like a surrogate father to some, teaching them anything they were willing to learn. One Christmas, the whole slew of kids got mugs with a picture of the farmhouse that said, “Fusi Inn, established 1981.” He was always happy to make them feel like part of the family. Bob’s grandkids were absolutely the light of his life, and he would drop anything he was doing for them. He made many OBITUARIES | SEE PAGE 7
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 7 A free spring concert! Trio Gaia, which is in residence at the New England Conservatory, performs at Saugus Public Library on April 10 (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by the Saugus Public Library this week.) Join us for free classical music to help usher in spring! Trio Gaia, a professional piano trio in residence at the New England Conservatory (NEC), will perform at 1 p.m. on April 10 in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library (295 Central St.). Trio Gaia, the newest professional trio-in-residence at the NEC, is dedicated to off ering audiences dynamic, personally relevant experiences inside and outside the concert hall. Recently the trio won second prize in the 2021 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition and was awarded the Vianello Family Audience Prize in the Plowman National Chamber Music Competition. Prior to serving as trio-in-residence, Trio Gaia served as an Honors Ensemble and Community Performances & Partnership fellows at NEC, in recognition of their work sharing classical music in the community. They have OBITUARIES | FROM PAGE 6 late night runs to return stuff ed animals so the kids could fall asleep soundly, or bring a grandchild back to the farm for some grandparent time. He was constantly doing projects with them, taking them on adventures, going to school presented concerts at venues ranging from the historic Boston Public Library to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and have crafted educational content for the Panama Jazz Festival as well as local schools and senior homes. Trio Gaia was invited to Carnegie Hall’s Audience Engagement Intensive – presented in collaboration with Ensemble Connect – which allowed the trio to reach audiences across New York City with accessible, interactive performances. Recent engagements, both in-person and virtual, have included performances for Music for Food, NEC’s Black Student Union, Boston’s outdoor Experience Chinatown!, Massachusetts Peace Action, and Opus Illuminate, a concert series dedicated to showcasing music by composers underrepresented in classical music. The 2021-22 season will include recitals in New Hampshire and Boston, including the trio’s annual Jordan Hall recital, and the launch of their adventurous audience-interactive initiative – Commisevents, or watching them play sports. Bob’s grandchildren brought out a whole diff erent side that made him glow. Surviving are his beloved wife of fi fty-fi ve years, Barbara (Edgar) Fusi; his two children, Kristen Lynne Fusi, of Marianna, PA and Robert W. Fusi II and his wife Marion, of Flemington, sion: Engage – which will be shared in a series of recital and community engagement experiences. As individuals, violinist Grant Houston, cellist Yi-Mei Templeman and pianist Andrew Barnwell have established performing careers that have taken them to nine countries for a range of solo and collaborative opportunities. Together, the trio has studied extensively with renowned artists Vivian Hornik Weilerstein, Donald Weilerstein, Merry Peckham and Max Levinson. Additional mentors include cellists Lluís Claret and Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir and pianists Victor Rosenbaum and Orli Shaham. When not rehearsing or performing, you can fi nd Trio Gaia shopping for new outfi ts or cooking together. The program will feature: * Piano Trio in B-Flat Major, Op. 97 (“Archduke Trio”) – Ludwig van Beethoven; I Allegro moderato; III Andante cantabile ma pero con moto. Poco piu adagio; V Allegro moderato – Presto NJ; seven grandchildren, Jessica, April, Holly, Benjamin, Sebastian, Andrew, and Nathan; one great-grandchild, Callen; as well as his siblings, Janice, Marilyn (and Salvatore), and Diane (and Peter). Robert was predeceased by his brother, Alfred “Freddie” Fusi (and Marion, still surviving). Journey to Easter with Us! 4/9 4/10 4/15 4/17 PASSOVER SEDER Sat at 5:30pm (RSVP) PALM SUNDAY SERVICE Sun at 10:45am GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE Fri at 7:00pm EASTER SERVICE Sun at 10:45am 50 Essex St., Saugus cliftondalecc.org 781 233 2663 UPCOMING ATTRACTION: Trio Gaia will appear in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library at 1 p.m. on April 10 and provide a free classical music concert. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) * Roots II – David Baker; I Incantation, III Sorrow Song, IV Jubilee This event is funded by the Saugus Cultural Council, a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council.
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 1 trict and children would be signifi cant,” McMahon warned. “I know this is worrisome and I don’t communicate this message to scare our community but rather to prepare you for the challenging times that may lie ahead.” The letter comes nearly a BRIEFING THE FINANCE COMMITTEE: At last week’s Finance Committee meeting (March 23), Saugus School Superintendent Erin K. McMahon summarized her proposed budget for the 2023 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) • • • week after McMahon’s appearance before the Finance Committee, where members didn’t off er supportive feedback in their review of her proposed budget. The superintendent seeks a $1.5 million increase in the current budget – about $1.1 million more than what Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree has recommended. With the town already facing a $1.2 million structural defi cit in the overall town budget, Finance Committee members called the superintendent’s request unsustainable. Some members said the town has supported education, but THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, April 3 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, April 4 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, April 5 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Finance Committee Meeting from March 30. Wednesday, April 6 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Saugus High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse vs. Malden from March 31. Thursday, April 7 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting ***live***. Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. on Channel 8 – The Graff Report with Nick Graffi o. Saturday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. on Channel 8 – Memories of The Boston Garden with Rocky Raymond. 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*** questioned whether the money was being spent properly by the School Department. School Committee’s response The Saugus Advocate reached out to the fi ve School Committee members for reaction to the superintendent’s letter. In an email to the newspaper on Wednesday night (March 30), School Committee Vice Chair Vincent Serino provided the following statement as a response from the whole committee: “We’re not going to put the cart before the horse, at this point we have not had any layoff s and are currently looking to avoid layoff s. It’s important that we be totally transparent to our hard-working teachers, administrators and support staff and parents of this district to be aware of any and all possibilities. Our budget is an open book. The increased services our students and families need and deserve were made worse by Covid and are straining our budget. We will continue to identify non-personal savings to keep the budget balanced. “While we continue work on our budget for next year, both the Commonwealth and the Town of Saugus work on theirs. There are many unknowns. We are only midway through this cycle, but it’s our responsibility to plan for all contingencies. “We have always welcomed public comment at every School Committee meeting, and continue to do so now. Our process is open.” Superintendent’s letter Here is what Supt. McMahon wrote earlier this week: Dear Fellow Educators. I am communicating with you today to keep you updated on the status of the budget process in the Town of Saugus. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth are facing rising costs and shrinking resources. Saugus is no different. The same is happening in towns from Gloucester to Newton. I understand the potential outcome of the budget decision may cause concern and anxiety among our staff and families, which is why I will be as transparent as possible during this process. 2021-2022 For those familiar with last year’s budget process, we anticipated that our budget would be tight this school SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 18
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 9 6 New Construction townhomes in Everett, Ma 3 UNITS PRICED AT 80% AMI $280,000 3 UNITS PRICEDAT 120% AMI AT $460,000 Unit Info ST. THERESE TOWNHOMES COMING SUMMER 2022 Applications can be found online at: www.TheNeighborhoodDevelopers.org/st-therese Or picked up in person at: Winn Residential, 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, Chelsea, MA 02150 March 9th, 2022 through May 10th, 2022 Office is wheelchair accessible and open: Mon, Wed, Thurs., Fri. 9am-5pm Tuesdays until 7pm Applications can also be mailed to you upon request. All applications must be hand delivered or postmarked no later than May 10, 2022 MAXIMUM INCOME HOUSEHOLD SIZE 3 4 5 6 ASSET LIMIT* 80% AMI 3 UNITS $90,950 $101, 50 $109,150 $117,250 $75,000 120% AMI 3 UNITS $136,425 $151,725 $163,725 $175,875 $100,000 *BANK ACCOUNTS, 401K, IRA, STOCKS, BONDS, ETC. The six townhomes are identical inside, with 1,600 sq.ft. of living space across three floors, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, built-in washer/dryer, a patio, and one parking space. The six Townhomes at St. Therese are part of a condominium responsible for upkeep of the full building and the open space associated with the building. The Neighborhood Developers, Inc. estimates that condo fees will cost each household around $160/mos, though this will be set by the condo association after all units have been purchased. Requirements In order to purchase one of the Townhomes at St. Therese, applicants will need to have a mortgage pre-approval and have attended a homebuyer counseling course with a HUD certified counselor within the last 2 years prior to purchasing. In order to purchase one of the Townhomes at St. Therese, applicants will need to have a mortgage pre-approval and have attended a homebuyer counseling course with a HUD certified counselor within the last 2 years prior to purchasing. Info Sessions Information Sessions will be held via Zoom March 31, 2022 at 6pm & April 4, 2022 at 3pm Register in advance at www.TheNeighborhoodDevelopers.org Sessions will be posted to YouTube after the event. Translation services will be provided. Attendance is not required to be selected for a townhome. Selection by lottery. For more information or reasonable accommodations, call Winn Residential at 617-884-0692 TTY/TTD 800-439-2370 St. Therese and Winn Residential do not discriminate because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, disability, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, children, familial status, marital status or public assistance recipiency in the leasing, rental, sale or transfer of apartment units, buildings, and related facilities, including land that they own or control.
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Belmonte STEAM Academy students win Cub Scout Pack 62 Pinewood Derby By Tara Vocino B elmonte STEAM Academy students won the Cub Scout Pack 62 Pinewood Derby at Cliftondale Congregational Church on Saturday. Bear Scout Chase O’Sullivan, 8, placed fi rst. He and his dad, Ryan, made a black pinewood car weighing 5.3 pounds. His father helped him to make the race cars’ wheels. “It was my fi rst Pinewood Derby,” Chase said. “I’m super happy.” Ryan O’Sullivan said he will retire the winning car. Chase joined the Scouts two months ago. “He wanted to come all week,” Ryan O’Sullivan said. Belmonte STEAM Academy fourth-grader Matthew Bell, 10, placed second, making a wooden car with wheels and weights called McDonald’s. “I was proud and happy,” Matthew said. Pictured from left to right: second-place Pinewood Derby winner Matthew Bell, 10, fi rst-place fi nisher Chase O’Sullivan, 8, and third-place runner-up William Arianello, 8. They all attend Belmonte STEAM Academy. Boy Scout William Ferringo (at top) set the race cars at the top of the track. Emcee/Cubmaster William Ferringo (at bottom) announced the winners as they came in. Pictured from left to right: Belmonte STEAM Academy fourth-grader Able Doherty, 10, third-grader Jayden Swanson, 10, and second-grader Benson Doherty, 8, who each named their race cars Beast, Scooter Man and Bugman. Bear Scout Chase O’Sullivan (in center), 8, watched as a race car approached the fi nish line during Saturday’s Cub Scout Pack 62 Pinewood Derby. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) MALDEN TRANS NOW HIRING!!! CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS, 7D DRIVERS & TAXI DRIVERS COMPETITIVE PAY OFFERED $17/HR - 7D DRIVERS $26/HR - CDL DRIVERS CALL TO INQUIRE - 781-322-9400 OR 781-322-9401 - ASK FOR DAVID OR ED
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 11 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE SPRING Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener I f anyone felt discouraged by the cold weather earlier in the week, the warming trend should be reassuring. It can’t be too much longer before we see that most beloved sign of spring, the fi rst mosquito. Happy April fi rst! Despite the ups and downs of the temperatures this week, spring is sneaking up on us slowly but surely. Pussy willows (Salix discolor) are in full flower on the riverbank at the Saugus Iron Works. People are hearing spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) in the vernal ponds. Fish were jumping near the Iron Works dock a week ago, and Saugus’s most celebrated avian residents, the bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are now sitting on eggs. According to reports I have heard from our many eager eagle watchers, we have at least two eagle couples nesting nearby, and another pair are living just next door at Suntaug Lake in Lynnfi eld. Cool temperatures ensure the early spring fl owers bloom for several weeks. Warmer weather will bring other fl owers but mark the end to snowdrops and crocuses. Several plants opened before the end of March that I typically associate with April, such as the dandelions and daff odils. A general rule of thumb with daff odils is that the shorter varieties bloom earliest and taller varieties are likely to open in late April or even May. A sunny corner of my garden brought blossoms out before the weekend snow, while those on the opposite side of the house are showing buds but not yet open. While real flamingos (Phoenicopterus spp.) are not fans of New England winters, the plastic lawn ornaments famously created by Leominster, Mass., naA COMING ATTRACTION: The fi rst fl amingo of spring can be seen on the trail near Prankers Pond. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) tive Don Featherstone seem to thrive here. Most garden fl amingos can’t be put out in the winter because the frozen ground won’t accept their metal stakes, but now that the ground has mostly thawed we can take a few stabs at outdoor displays. Real birds of other kinds can be seen fl ying north, and the male goldfi nches are gradually regaining their golden summer plumage as they now have some gold and some beige feathers. One of the most divisive plants to discuss in any gathering would be the dandelion (Taraxacum offi cinale) – usually loved by small children and despised by lawn enthusiasts, with everyone else lining up with strong opinions one way or another. I never outgrew my delight at seeing it light up the early spring landscape. It may not be blooming in lawns quite yet, but where the pavement heats up around a crack where a seed has blown and taken root, we see some very intrepid blossoms. The little “lion’s” faces outside the old fi re station were the fi rst ones I’ve seen this year. Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” f www.everettaluminum.com FEEDING TIME: A northern blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata bromia) and red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) squabble over seeds outside my dining room window. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) KING PROTEA: Indoors we can still enjoy this fl ower from the other side of the world. Also called sugarbush or honeypot, this is the national fl ower of South Africa. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) WELCOME YELLOW BLOOM: Daff odils (Narcissus spp.) bloomed outdoors despite a dusting of snow on Sunday morning in Lynnhurst. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) Indoors there are still many plants in bloom that we have been enjoying for much of the winter. A few, like the geraniums (Pelargonium spp.), always respond to the lengthening days and produce some new fl owers at this time of year. If the wind is blowing too hard to go outside and look for signs of spring, a bouquet or two indoors can help bring its own kind of warmth. This week one of the cut fl owers I am enjoying is king protea, so named because the fl ower resembles a crown. To some, the fl ower resembles a globe artichoke (Cynara carONE OF THE MOST DIVISIVE PLANTS: Dandelions at the squad door of the old fi re station on Hamilton Street are a sure sign of spring. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) dunculus var. scolymus), and indeed its species epithet cynaroides means “resembling an artichoke.” Also called sugarbush or honeypot, king protea is the national fl ower of South Africa and is native to that country, which is experiencing the beginning of fall rather than of spring. It is one of the more startling fl owers in a vase because of its size but also its appearance, which is considerably diff erent from most of the wild and cultivated fl owers we are used to seeing. The plant it grows on is a fi re-resistant shrub with leathery foliage that also offers protection from many pests. It is pollinated not only by bees and beetles but also by Cape sugarbirds and several varieties of sunbirds that land on the large blossoms to sip its nectar. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. Spring is Here!
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Saugus-Peabody High Varsity Wrestling Co-Op Sachems name incoming captains, All-Stars T By Tara Vocino he Saugus-Peabody High School Varsity Wrestling CoOp Sachems named incoming captains, All-Stars, Most Valuable Player and Most Improved during their banquet on Monday at the Route 1 Grill House. Head Coach Wayne Moda recalled fond memories and seniors shared what they’ll miss about wrestling. Award recipients and coach, pictured from left to right: Andrew Erickson, Christian Machado, William Pinto, Head Coach Wayne Moda, Max LoRusso and Chase Ledbury. Commonwealth Athletic Conference/Northeastern Conference All-Stars, pictured from left to right: Christian Machado, Chase Ledbury and William Pinto. Incoming Co-Captains with coach: Samuel LoRusso, Head Coach Wayne Moda and William Pinto – holding their captain pins. Peabody High School co-op teammates Gio Guglielmo and Samuel Merrill congratulated incoming Co-Captain William Pinto (in center). Outgoing Saugus High School Varsity Wrestling Co-Captains Chase Ledbury (at left) and Andrew Erickson. SHS Head Varsity Wrestling Coach Wayne Moda shared fond memories about each wrestler. Pictured from left to right: Most Improved Player Max LoRusso, Most Valuable Player Chase Ledbury and Coaches’ Award recipient Christian Machado. J& $46 yd. S MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $42 yd. $3 yd. The Saugus High School Sachems Varsity Wrestling Team. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Seniors, pictured from left to right: wrestlers Andrew Erickson, Christian Machado, Tre Sanders, Timothy Collins, Chase Ledbury and Mark Anthony Rodriguez and team managers Krista Castle and Kali Penachio shared what they’ll miss about wrestling.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 13 Sachems hope to expand on last year’s eff ort A By Greg Phipps fter getting off to a slow start during the pandemic-impacted season of 2021, the Saugus High School baseball team turned its fortunes around by winning some key contests down the stretch. That late-season effort was enough to catapult the Sachems into the Div. 3 North playoff tournament. From there, Saugus notched two surprising playoff victories – a preliminary round win over Swampscott and a fi rst-round upset of Boston Latin – before losing in the quarterfi nals. Head Coach Joe Luis and his 2022 squad are hoping to build on the momentum of last year’s strong finish. A number of players are returning from last year’s team that fi nished 7-10 overall. This year’s roster includes pitcher-infielder Nathan Ing (a Northeastern Conference allstar last season), pitcher Anthony Macone, outfielder Drew Gardiner, fi rst baseman Ryan Anderson, catcher Michael Howard and Sean O’Rourke. With a more experienced unit this spring, the Sachems are looking to get off to a better start than the 2-7 beginning to last year’s campaign. Saugus has been readying for its season opener by competing in several preseason scrimmages, including a contest last Saturday against Revere at World Series Park. The Sachems travel to Greater Lawrence Tech to open the regular season on Monday, April 4. They then return home to World Series Park on Wednesday, April 6, where they will host Hamilton-Wenham (scheduled 4 p.m. start). This year’s squad will be led by captains Anderson, Macone, Gardiner and Ing. The rest of the roster includes outfi elder Braden Faiella, infi elder Cam Soroko, outfi elder Anthony Cicolini, Ryan Mabee, Cam Bernard, Matthew MacEachern, Kyle Nichols, David Turilli, Shane Bourque and Jeff Murphy. Saugus High School 2022 baseball captains, shown from left to right: Ryan Anderson, Anthony Macone, Drew Gardiner and Nathan Ing. Saugus softball returns for 2022 with youthful squad H By Greg Phipps aving lost seven senior players to graduation last year, the Saugus High School softball team enters the 2022 campaign sporting a young squad. The Sachems went unbeaten in Northeastern Conference (NEC) South Division play last spring. But trying to repeat that 8-0 division effort will be a challenge. Head Coach Steve Almquist is excited about the upcoming season and seeing what his young squad can do. Saugus went 9-5 overall last year and lost to Danvers in the opening round of the Div. 2 North playoff s. When asked about the upcoming season, Almquist told the press last week that he and his players are looking forward to getting back to “normalcy” after coping with the COVID-19 pandemic the past two springs. “Last year, we had a good season. We went 9-4 and 8-0 in the division,” he said. “Winning the division for the fi rst time in 10 years was very exciting, but now we’re starting from scratch. I [still] think we have a good shot [to win the division] with the talent coming in.” Almquist admitted there will be a learning curve and “growing pains” with a youthful squad that is missing seven veteran seniors from the previous year. He said he is looking to see the team improve both as individual players and groupwise as the season progresses. Finding a replacement for departed starting pitcher Leah Ventre will also be a challenge, as she tossed two no-hitters in 2021. Among the returnees are Lily Ventre, who was one of the more impactful hitters on last year’s team, shortstop Felicia Reppucci and Devaney Millerick, another solid hitter. The Sachems were undefeated at one point last year before dropping four of their last six games. That included a heartbreaking defeat to Marblehead when the Magicians hit a twoout, two-run homer in the seventh inning. Saugus opens the regular season when it hosts Winthrop at the Belmonte Middle School field next Wednesday, April 6, at 4 p.m. Saugus’s Lily Ventre is one of the young players returning to this year’s softball team. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps)
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 WIN Waste takes part in annual Shadow Day BY JIM MILLER How to Get Help as an Elder Orphan Dear Savvy Senior, I need to fi nd someone honest and reliable to look after my estate, health and long-term care when I’m no longer able to do it myself. I’m a 67-year-old recent widow with no children and one sibling I rarely talk to. Any suggestions? Solo Ager Dear Solo, This is big concern for millions of older Americans who don’t have a spouse, children or other family they can depend on to watch out for their well-being. While there’s no one solution to this issue, here are some tips and resources that can help you plan ahead. Essential Documents If you haven’t already done so, your first step, before choosing a reliable decision maker, is to prepare a basic estate plan of at least four essential legal documents. This will protect yourself and make sure you’re wishes are carried out if you become seriously ill or when you die. These essential documents include: a “durable power of attorney” that allows you to designate someone to handle your fi nancial matters if you become incapacitated; an “advanced health care directive” that includes a “living will” that tells your doctor what kind of care you want to receive if you beWIN Waste Innovations hosted Saugus High School juniors Jenisha Berry and Tanisha Berry as part of the annual Shadow Day sponsored by the Saugus Business Education Collaborative. Jenisha and Tanisha, who are sisters, toured the waste-to-energy facility with Environmental Compliance Manager Joe Brady and Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary with Geoff Wilson, who manages the sanctuary for WIN Waste. (Photos Courtesy of WIN Waste Innovations) Lynn boy held without bail in stabbing of another teen in Saugus By Mark E. Vogler A dangerousness hearing was scheduled for today (Friday, April 1) in Lynn Juvenile Court for a 14-year-old Lynn boy who was arrested for allegedly stabbing a 15-yearold boy in Saugus last week. The 14-year-old boy was arraigned this week in connection with the March 24 incident in the vicinity of Raddin Terrace, according to Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli. Carrie Kimball, director of communications for the Essex District Attorney’s Offi ce, said the juvenile was charged with armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury. The judge ordered the 14-year-old off ender held without bail, pending the outcome of today’s hearing. Saugus Police responded to a 911 call shortly before 4 p.m. from a business in Saugus Center reporting that a stabbing took place nearby. Responding offi cers located a 15-year-old male suff ering from multiple stab wounds. He was treated at the scene and transported to a Boston hospital, where he remains, Kimball said. Offi cials wouldn’t say where the victim lived. Saugus Police and the Essex State Police Detective Unit continue to investigate the incident with assistance from the Lynn Police. Anyone with information about this incident or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Saugus Police at 781-233-1740. come incapacitated, and a “health care power of attorney,” which names a person you authorize to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to; and a “will” that spells out how you’d like your property and assets distributed after you die. It also requires you to designate an “executor” to ensure your wishes are carried out. To prepare these documents your best option is to hire an attorney, which can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. Or, if you are interested in a do-it-yourself plan, Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2022 ($199, Nolo.com) and LegalZoom.com ($179) are some top options. Choosing Decision Makers and Helpers Most people think fi rst of naming a family member as their power of attorney for fi - nances and health care, or executor of their will. If, however, you don’t have someone to fill those roles, you may want to ask a trusted friend or associate but be sure to choose someone that’s organized and younger than you who will likely be around after you’re gone. Also be aware that if your choice of power of attorney or executor lives in another state, you’ll need to check your state’s law to see if it imposes any special requirements. If, however, you don’t have a friend or relative you feel comfortable with, you’ll need to hire someone who has experience with such matters. To fi nd a qualifi ed power of attorney or executor for your will, contact your bank, a local trust company or an estate planning attorney. If you need help locating a pro, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA.org) is a great resource that provides online directory to help you fi nd someone in your area. Another resource that can help you manage and oversee your health and longterm care needs as they arise, and even act as your health care power of attorney, is an aging life care manager. These are trained professionals in the area of geriatric care who often have backgrounds in nursing or social work. To search for an expert near you, visit AgingLifeCare.org. Or, if you need help with bill paying and other fi nancial/ insurance/tax chores there are professional daily money managers (see AADMM.com) that can help. Aging life care managers typically charge between $75 and $200 per hour, while hourly rates for daily money managers range between $75 and $150. It’s also important to note that if you don’t complete the aforementioned legal documents and you become incapacitated, a court judge may appoint a guardian to make decisions on your behalf. That means the care you receive may be totally diff erent from what you would have chosen for yourself. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 15 “Roll to DC” rolls along A There are still 16 available expenses-paid seats for Vietnam era veterans who want to visit “The Vietnam Wall” in Washington, D.C. By Mark E. Vogler t least 29 Vietnam Era veterans from Saugus, Melrose and Wakefield are registered for this fall’s “Roll to DC” trip. But there are still 16 seats available for the expenses-paid trip to Washington. D.C., that will take veterans who served anywhere in the world during the Vietnam War to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The five-day, four-night coach bus trip will be held from September 11–15 and will include wreath-laying ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as other stops in the D.C. area. All attendees will be staying at The Presidential Inn at Joint Base Andrews. “We raised $50,0000 of our $70,000 goal,” Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a Vietnam Era vet and one of the event’s organizers, said this week. “The big donors to date are WIN, GLSS, General Electric, Eastern Bank, James Marshall Commander Saugus VFW, Vietnam Veterans Association and Dockside Restaurant.” The Dockside Restaurant in FUNDRAISING CROWD: Vietnam Era veterans and “Roll to DC” donors meet at The Dockside Restaurant in Wakefi eld. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) 7) What are the three main ingredients of meringue? 8) On April 3, 1973, the fi rst of what type of phone call was made? 9) Who recorded the album 1) On April 1, 1638, religious reformer Anne Hutchinson left the Massachusetts Bay Colony on foot for what state? 2) In Canada and the United States there are 13 species of maple trees; how many of them are tapped for syrup: three, seven or 13? 3) The song “April Showers” was first published in what decade: 1870s, 1920s or 1950s? 4) On April 2, 742, what emperor was born who advocated the establishment of schools at monasteries and abbeys? 5) Why did Philadelphia Cream Cheese use the song “New York, New York” in 1980s TV commercials? 6) Which modern expressions came first, text message or emoji? “A Gift from a Flower to a Garden” with the song “The Lullaby of Spring”? 10) Rhubarb is native to what continent: Asia, Europe or North America? 11) In 2004 what character was added to Morse Code – due to the internet? 12) April 4 is National Hug a Newsperson Day; what famous news anchor started as a paper boy and did not have a college degree? 13) What other tree product have indigenous peoples used to make maple products? Wakefi eld was a big contributor on Tuesday, holding a fundraiser to help make the trip a reality for Vietnam Era veterans. The restaurant donated 10 percent of its dinein, take-out and order delivery to the Veterans Wall trip. It was somewhat of a happening as some of the veterans showed up to meet some of the contributors to the project. For the purposes of this trip, the organizers will make no distinction between veterans who served in-country, in-theater or were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period. 14) In what part of the body are red blood cells made? 15) On April 5, 1964, driverless trains fi rst ran on the Victoria Line in what city? 16) Marawa Ibrahim has a Guinness World Record for spinning the most hula hoops simultaneously; how many: 10, 50 or 200? 17) April 6 is National Walking Day; the Summer Olympics has three events doing racewalking, which has what basic rule? 18) What pair fi rst recorded the song “April Come She Will”? 19) What oil spill took place at Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound? 20) On April 7, 1770, what author of the poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” was born? Vietnam Era veterans in Saugus who are interested in applying for the trip, or who would like to obtain additional information about the trip, are asked to contact the Saugus Veterans Offi ce by phone (781-231-4010) or in person on the fi rst fl oor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central St., Saugus MA 01906. Applications will be accepted on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis. Applications cannot be accepted unless they include the following documentation: * Copy of DD-214 * Copy of COVID-19 Vaccination Card (vaccines and booster are required) * Copy of current/valid picture id/driver’s license (front & back) * Completed CORI Form (Please note that some of these documents are required in order to enter and stay on Joint Base Andrews.) ANSWERS 1. Rhode Island 2. Three 3. 1920s (1921) 4. Charlemagne 5. Because the song’s fi rst line is “Start spreading the news” 6. Text message (1977 – 20 years earlier) 7. Cream of tartar, egg whites and sugar 8. Cell phone 9. Donovan 10. Asia 11. @ 12. Walter Cronkite 13. Birch bark for containers 14. Bone marrow 15. London 16. 200 17. One foot must always be on the ground 18. Simon & Garfunkel 19. Exxon Valdez 20. William Wordsworth
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler April Fools newspaper follies Today’s the day to beware of April Fools’ Day jokes and pranks. The newsrooms I’ve been in over the years have had their share of hijinks at the expense of gullible reporters and editors. While covering the Florida Legislature in Tallahassee for The Winter Haven News Chief back in the early 1980s, I remember calling the paper’s editor requesting that he bail me out of the Leon County Jail. For a minute, he was worried. “You better not be causing any trouble up there,” he said. Then I told him “April Fools!” And he didn’t sound very amused. “You know, if you were telling the truth, I would leave you in there,” he said. And probably if I were the editor and on the receiving end of an April Fools’ Day joke like that, I wouldn’t be happy either. But, usually, it was the inexperienced cub reporters on their first newspaper job who were the victims of some cruel hoaxes, like receiving story tips that were totally fake. How embarrassing it can be for a reporter to call a town official for comment, trying to track down a phony story lead. As a cop reporter years ago with The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover, I had cops in the North Andover Police Department calling my pager number and leaving the number for the Golden Banana, a Peabody strip joint on Route 1. I happened to mention it to buddies in the newsroom, and the editor asked me whether it bothered me. “I guess so,” I said. Wrong answer. The editor called up the police chief, and the cops involved in the calls received informal reprimands – something that I didn’t want, because the cops at that police station wouldn’t give me much information for CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK a couple of months as retaliation for their reprimands. So, I probably should have either kept my mouth shut or told the eavesdropping editor that it wasn’t a big deal. Over the years, I’ve also received some fake news tip calls from wise guys in the public, trying to get me to go off on a wild goose chase on stories. So, newspaper people do have fun on April Fools’ Day, though some of the pranks can be risky if people get reckless. I remember back in the early 1970s when I was a reporter at The Massachusetts Daily Collegian at UMass-Amherst; we actually put together an issue with phony stories. And sometimes it irked the public. I remember a photograph of dog manure appearing in the paper with a credit using my pen name, Steve Vigley, and the cutline identifying the dog poop as Kielbasa. A Polish gentleman who worked at the University barged into The Collegian newsroom, demanding to see Steve Vigley. “Where’s Steve Vigley! I want to teach him the difference between Kielbasa and dog [expletive],” he hollered. Of course, Steve Vigley was a fictitious character. And the dog manure photo was meant to poke fun at the terrible food in the UMass dining commons. But I was worried that somebody would identify me for laughs. Can you imagine if we ran a page of fake stories for April Fools’ Day, making satire of Saugus politicos? That would be interesting. Before my time as editor of the now defunct Nantucket Beacon, the paper actually ran a fake story and photo of one of the island’s lighthouses falling into the ocean. And as can be expected, some of the islanders weren’t too happy about that one. Town-wide spring street sweeping begins Monday This just in from Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Department of Public Works: The Town’s Annual Spring Street Sweeping Program will begin next Monday (April 4), weather permitting. Sweepers will start in the area of north Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and work their way across town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents are kindly asked to keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area. Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter area prior to the program’s start. Residents are asked not to sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept. Keep in mind that street sweepers are unable 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”) to collect stones, branches, leaves or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions. Discussion Tuesday on WIN Waste ash landfill site State Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), whose district includes Precincts 3 and 10 in Saugus, and state Rep. Jeffrey Turco (D-Winthrop), whose 19th Suffolk House District includes part of Revere, are co-hosting a public discussion next week on the future permitting of the WIN Waste Innovations ash landfill site. “We are reaching capacity … What comes next?” says the press release for the event, which is described as a community meeting with the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). The discussion, which is open to the public, is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday (April 5) at the Point of Pines Yacht Club (28 Rice Ave. in Revere). Email Mary Cordero at mary@communityactionworks.org for more information. The Alliance for Health and the Environment is cosponsoring the event. Elks pre-Easter Ham Shoot next Friday The Saugus-Everett Elks will be hosting a pre-Easter Ham Shoot on Friday, April 8, beginning at 7:00 p.m. This meat raffle will take place in the Elks Terrace Room at 401 Main St. in Saugus and will feature several hams, turkeys, roasts and other prizes to prepare for your holiday feast – with all proceeds to benefit local lodge charities. The Elks will have free pickies and a cash bar. Bring some friends and enjoy a fun night for a good cause. We have a winner! Congratulations to Sue Fleming for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched!” Contest. She was one of many readers answering correctly, but the one who had her 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 the lovely, classy and down to earth Joanne Olsen. “Joanne is the Executive Director of the Saugus Senior Center. She has been working at the Center for over 25 years! “(In 2021 the Center was renamed The Richard J. Barry Senior Center.) Joanne is a hands-on Director with a warm approach. She is very friendly and often takes time from her busy schedule getting to know guests by listening to their life’s adventures. “With the Center’s many programs and groups Joanne is often checking the comfort, quality and accessibility needs. Joanne leads with positivity and compassion. “In the Feb 2017 interview by Editor Mark E. Vogler in ‘The Advocate Asks,’ Mark asked Joanne what the most challenging part of her job was? … and Joanne stated ‘Keeping everyone happy! It’s not always easy with the different personalities and different opinions. I try to work hard to listen, to understand and to make everyone feel that their opinions are important and they have a special place here at the center. Also, trying to reach out to the senior community who may not be aware of our services.’ “Joanne has made the Senior Center into one big family that draws people together to enjoy each other’s company for lunch and various activities. “In the 2017 interview Joanne also mentioned the Mission Statement of the Saugus Senior Center; she stated ‘It is the mission of the Saugus Senior Center to promote and assist in the social, emotional and physical well-being of the seniors in our community by providing services and activities that support and endorse their wellness and independence. “We aim to enhance the quality of life of our elder population by offering a variety of programs and activities including blood pressure and hearing checks, outreach services, multiple exercises classes (line dancing, yoga and weightlifting), medical/local van transportation, access to both day/night trips as well as both daily congregate and homebound meals. “It is our goal to encourage and promote interaction with the community and each other, improve personal development through self-confidence and leadership, and increase and maintain freedom and independence. It is also our purpose to create a warm, safe environment where our senior community can come on a daily basis that will reflect the respect and dignity which they need and deserve.’ “Joanne is a Class of ‘78’ graduate from Saugus High. Her uncle is World War II U.S. Army Sgt. Arthur DeFranzo, a Medal of Honor recipient. Joanne spends her weekends with family and showering her grandchildren with love, time and attention. “Thank you Joanne for being such a bright light everywhere you go and whatever you do! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist.” THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 17
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 17 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 16 A “Shout-Out” to Jay Pinette Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo emailed me this week, heaping high praise on outgoing Saugus Veterans Service Officer Jay Pinette: “A Shout Out” to Jay Pinette, the Town’s Veterans Service Officer who is retiring. On behalf of all of us from the Veterans Council we want to wish him luck and thank him for his hard work advocating for our local Veterans and their families. Enjoy your retirement Jay!” Back to near normal at the library It’s been a few months since I visited one of my favorite places in town prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. But I sure was inspired when I dropped by on Wednesday to get caught up with what’s going on. “It’s getting back to normal,” Children’s Librarian Amy Melton told me. “In-person programming for kids is going to get back to normal levels next week,” she said. “Music and Mother Goose resumes at the Iron Works next Thursday. Masks are optional now and the place is getting busy again. A lot of in-person programs are planned. The children’s play area has reopened. And we’re going to have a live Books In Bloom event on the weekend of May 20-21,” she said. It is very exciting news that one of the great gathering places of learning in town with programs for Saugus residents ranging from tots to seniors is back at full strength for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March of 2020. 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. Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4” x 8” brick (three lines) and $200 for an 8” x 8” brick (five lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising. The brick application must be in by Sept. 15 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley (781-231-7995) for more information and applications. Riverside Cemetery spring cleanup The Town of Saugus Cemetery Department announced that spring grounds cleanup will begin at the Riverside Cemetery on Monday, April 11. The Cemetery Commission kindly asks members of the public to remove any personal and/or holiday/seasonal items from the grounds before the cleanup begins. All veterans’ flags will be placed back on gravesites in May, prior to Memorial Day. For more information, please contact the Cemetery Department at 781-231-4170 or email Stacy Billingsley at sbillingsley@saugus-ma.gov. Capt. Cross to address Saugus Historical Society Fire Captain Billy Cross will be the speaker at the April 13 Meeting of the Saugus Historical Society. A brief business meeting starts at 7 p.m. followed by the program. The public is invited free of charge, and light refreshments will be served. The speaker, William Cross III, grew up in Saugus, attending the Evans School, Belmonte Junior High and Saugus High. He has been a firefighter in this town for 28 years and is the president of the Firefighters’ Local 1003. Captain Cross is a 2008 recipient of the Medal of Valor for an off duty rescue. He has served as a Town Meeting member and is a longtime member of the Saugus retirement board. His father was a firefighter in Chelsea and his son Patrick is also a Saugus firefighter. He will be speaking about many aspects of fire service. The fire department responds to many kinds of events in town, including floods and weather emergencies as well as fires. This will be a very interesting and lively presentation. 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 contact fellow classmates as well as other alumni who would like to join them. The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for 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 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 following people 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 offering 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 (identified 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’ 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 firmly 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’ Chief Executive Officer. “I believe in Vince’s theory that one’s individual success is directly related to the benefits 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 office or on GLSS’ 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 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., resumed its Friday breakfasts and will continue through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. Bon appétit! 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 fiction 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 fiction and children’s books; the library does not have storage space for other genres or media. Please... clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers! Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops. Jumpstart your Financial Future Just starting out? Join the final two segments of this virtual four-part program to acquire the skills for long-term financial prosperity and independence. Explore real-world financial 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 both remaining ones. Decisions! Decisions! Tuesday, April 5, 7-8 p.m. – Matt Trogdon (presenter). Health Insurance? Retirement? Investing? Join in 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 financial challenges ahead. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 18
Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 17 For more information, contact the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central Street, Saugus or call 781231-4168 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 nonprofit group of volunteers who are helping to offset 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, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete 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 SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 8 year. We have focused on acceleration (teaching on grade level rather than remediation) and developing a sense of belonging for students and staff . Providing both academic and social emotional support for students is critical as Saugus students and staff returned to in-person school, with schools consolidating (four elementary schools to two, PreK- 1st grade and 2nd -5th grade), in new buildings. Unfortunately, a number of things have created even greater fi nancial challenges over the course of this school year, including: * Continued COVID costs * A 45% increase in out-ofdistrict tuition pantry has been distributing pre-bagged 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 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 Officer for the Town of Saugus, wanted to pass along a few words to promote a better understanding of how his office works. “Veterans Service Officers (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 benefits 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 financial assistance for low income veterans and their dependents. Qualified veterans and their dependents who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria may receive monthly financial benefits 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 deter* An increase in costs for both special education and regular transportation We are legally obligated to provide tuition and transportation to all students who cannot be served by the Saugus Public Schools. And while the district has received federal funding to help off set the impacts of COVID, the grants expire in two years, which means it is not fi nancially responsible to use that money for ongoing expenses such as salaries and students’ tuition that we could potentially pay for over the next decade. As a result of these challenges, the district is facing more than $1.5 million budget gap, in addition to enrollment decline, driven largely by a jump in out-of-district tuition for special needs students (more than $800K), personnel contractual obligations (pay for teachers, clerks and paraprofessionals) and a reserve for union negotiations, as well as vendor contracts. Proposal for 2023 For those reasons, the Saugus School Committee proposed a $31,330,073 budget for Fiscal Year 2023 that would ensure Saugus Public Schools has appropriate staff - ing to meet the educational and emotional needs of our students and funds our required obligations. At the same time, it would allow us to pursue our goal of moving Saugus from the bottom 10 percent of Massachusetts districts to the top ten in fi ve years. mine eligibility. VSO Jay Pinette can be reached at 781-231-4010 or at jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Or on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906.” Attention Veterans and Surviving Spouses Q: What is Chapter 115? A: Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. Ch. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial and medical assistance for veterans and their dependents. Qualifying veterans and their dependents receive necessary financial assistance in accordance with a formula that considers the number of dependents and income from all sources. Q: How do I find out if I’m eligible? A: By contacting the Veterans Services Officer in the town you live in. Here in Saugus, the Veterans’ Services Office is located at the Saugus Town Hall and may be reached at 781-2314010. Eligible veterans and/or their family members must meet certain income criteria, and their military experience must meet the Commonwealth’s requirements. The Current Income Limit for single people is $2,147.00 – and $2,904.00 for married people. The Current Asset Limit for single people is $8,400.00 – and $16,600.00 for married people. Assets do not include your home or vehicle Q: Are these benefits taxable? A: Chapter 115 benefits are not taxable income. You must report this income when applying for or renewing subsidized housing applications, Section 8 applications and SNAP applications. 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 15to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee 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 coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works. We understand the Town of Saugus is also facing signifi cant fi nancial constraints, which will require town leaders to make difficult decisions. Our goal is to work together so that town services are not working against each other but instead, lay out the facts about how potential cuts would impact the School Department. The current proposed allocation for the School Department is $400,000, leaving a projected defi cit of $1,054,823. Potential Impact If the School Committee’s proposed budget is not adopted, the district may be forced to cut as many as 32 positions, in addition to the planned reduction of twelve positions based on enrollment decline. This would include administrators, paraprofessionals and all teachers – classroom teachers, special education teachers, and teachers of specials. The impact on our district and children would be signifi cant. I know this is worrisome and I don’t communicate this message to scare our community but rather to prepare you for the challenging times that may lie ahead. Know that I will continue to keep you updated as the town budget process moves forward. We look forward to continuing to work with our town and community partners as we rise out of the state’s bottom 10 percent. Still, Onward and Upward, Erin
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 19 American Red Cross donates $10M for Ukraine crisis relief A s fi ghting in Ukraine continues, the American Red Cross has contributed $10 million to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to help alleviate the suffering caused by this devastating crisis. This support allows the Red Cross network to provide lifesaving aid to those in need – both in the country and in neighboring areas. More than 10 million people have been displaced by this confl ict; nearly four million of them have fl ed Ukraine to nearby countries. An estimated 18 million – a third of the country’s population – will need humanitarian assistance. As the fi ghting continues and the dire humanitarian situation unfolds, the needs on the ground remain critical. During the past month, the Red Cross has reached more than 750,000 people with lifesaving aid, both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries. “The devastating reality of Ukraine is that the needs are growing every day. Amidst increased violence and a disrupted supply chain, delivering essential goods in many parts of the country is getting harder – not easier,” said IFRC President Francesco Rocca. “Responding to a crisis of this magnitude takes teamwork, which is why we’re working hand-in-hand with the Ukrainian Red Cross on the ground to let people know that they’re not alone. Not ever,” he stated. In Ukraine: aid amidst the violence: Under mortal danger to themselves, Red Cross teams are still working tirelessly to help people and communities impacted by confl ict. Signifi cant infrastructure damage has left hundreds of thousands of people without electricity or water, while damaged roads have disrupted supply chains, leaving communities cut off from food and basic supplies. Around the clock, teams are providing emergency aid amid fear and uncertainty. Since the Russian invasion on February 24, Red Cross teams have: • Distributed more than 1,000 tons of emergency aid, including food, bedding, tents, water and hygiene items, to more than 300,000 people across Ukraine • Supported the evacuation of more than 58,000 people from the towns of Enerhodar and Sumy and the Kviy, Kharkiv and Kherson regions • Provided fi rst aid training to more than 42,000 people across the country • Assisted with the evacuation of people with disabilities • Supported logistics pipelines into Ukraine to ensure critical items can be delivered In the coming weeks, Red Cross volunteers will increase their work – reuniting separated families, providing food and other household items and increasing awareness about areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance. The current needs are tremendous; critical among them are water delivery, support to health facilities and medical care for families with wounded. In neighboring countries: help for those fl eeing their homes: People impacted by the confl ict are heartbroken – they are forced to fl ee from their homes. Each day Red Cross and Red Crescent teams in the region are rolling up their sleeves to assist with this dire humanitarian crisis as it unfolds. In Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Belarus, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Red Cross volunteers are supporting displaced people. Trucks and planes loaded with goods are arriving regularly to provide critical items for those in need. The teams are: • Distributing food, water, clothing, bedding, hygiene sets and blankets and even handing out SIM cards so that families can stay connected amid the turmoil • Providing medical care at border crossings • Supplying baby products and services for children • Pitching tents and preparing shelters for refugees who need a comforting place to sleep and feel safe • Providing health-related services and medical support to those in need • Providing psychosocial support for those who are physically, mentally and emotionally stressed • Helping connect people to other essential services Role of the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has deployed international crisis responders to Poland, Moldova, Hungary and Romania to provide humanitarian relief in support of the international Red Cross operation helping families who fl ed their homes. These highly trained crisis responders – who are lending skills, such as information management, cash assistance programming, GIS systems, communications and leadership – are supporting on-the-ground relief efforts alongside local teams, including the Polish Red Cross, Moldovan Red Cross and Romanian Red Cross. Additionally, in line with its work supporting military families, the American Red Cross has sent trained staff to Europe to support emergency communication needs of U.S. military members, so they can stay in touch with family members back home. The Red Cross Hero Care Network is a Congressionally chartered program that connects service members and their families in times of need. Red Crossers are also distributing comfort kits containing hygiene items and other necessities to service members and U.S. State Department staff . Blood services: Currently, the American Red Cross is not shipping blood products to Ukraine. The American Red Cross does not ship blood products outside the United States without a specifi c request from the U.S. Department of State or from the United Nations or unless it has a request from aff ected Red Cross or Red Crescent societies abroad. Can I volunteer or donate goods? In countries around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations have their own staff and volunteers who are trained to respond to large-scale disaster operations. The American Red Cross sends highly specialized and experienced professionals with technical skills and expertise abroad only after the Red Cross or Red Crescent team requests assistance. Those not already on the Red Cross’s international disaster roster will not have the opportunity to deploy at this time. The Red Cross encourages you to connect with your local Red Cross chapter for future opportunities or to visit redcross.org/volunteer for more information. While we are grateful for the outpouring of support, it’s important to know that neither the American Red Cross nor its global Red Cross partners are currently accepting the donation of in-kind goods, such as food, clothing, blankets or toys. These items can be diffi cult to manage on the ground and divert resources from the Red Cross’s mission. Other charitable organizations are better suited to manage such donations. International humanitarian law: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called on authorities to adhere to international humanitarian law and to protect civilians and infrastructure delivering essential services, including power and water facilities, schools and hospitals. ICRC President Peter Maurer requested protection for humanitarian action so that aid agencies can maintain access to civilians. ICRC has also called for parties to agree to terms so safe passage of civilians is possible. Protecting Red Cross workers: The Red Cross emblem is strictly regulated under humanitarian law. In armed confl ict, it may be used by medical staff and facilities, including army medics and vehicles. It may also be used by Red Cross and Red Crescent workers, vehicles, facilities and the humanitarian relief they bring. Resources for people affected by the confl ict: ICRC has published a list of resources for people needing urgent help in Ukraine, including medical care, evacuation support, mental health support, shelter and safety tips. The IFRC Psychosocial Center also has resources for talking to children about war. For people fl eeing the war in Ukraine, the European Union (EU) lists a comprehensive guide, including rights when crossing the border into an EU country, eligibility for temporary protection and applying for international protection, as well as the rights of travel inside the European Union. How to find a missing loved one: If you are trying to locate or get in touch with a U.S. citizen, please contact the U.S. Department of State Overseas Citizens Services Offi ce online or call 1-888-407-4747. However, if you are looking for a family member who is not a U.S. citizen but is located in either Ukraine or Russia, the Red Cross might be able to reconnect you through its Restoring Family Links program. In neighboring countries where Ukrainians have fl ed, the Red Cross is distributing SIM cards for cell phones, so people can get in touch with their loved ones. Some family members have maintained contact with each other, but the situation is rapidly changing. As of now, most have maintained their own family connections via cell phones, but it is important to note that the telecommunication systems in the region have been affected. The ICRC and Ukraine Red Cross will continue to work together to help reconnect families, despite considerable challenges on the ground. How can I learn more about the Red Cross response? ICRC and IFRC have a comprehensive list of resources, including maps, press releases, videos, photos and stories further expanding upon Red Cross eff orts in the region. Annual Town Meeting 2022 Citizens have until April 19 to submit warrant articles for inclusion on May 2 Annual Town Meeting warrant By Mark E. Vogler T he deadline is quickly approaching for citizens interested in submitting warrant articles for the Annual Town Meet set to convene on May 2 – the fi rst Monday in May. Two citizen articles have been submitted so far, according to Town Clerk Ellen Schena. “That’s about average at this point. There may be more coming in,” Schena said in a telephone interview yesterday. “Citizens who want to submit articles for the Annual Town Meeting must submit them by April 19 – when the Board of Selectmen close the Town Meeting warrant,” she said Any resident interested in placing an article for consideration at Town Meeting may do so by preparing a petition which requires ten (10) signatures of registered voters in the Town of Saugus for financial and zoning articles for an Annual Town Meeting Warrant, or one hundred (100) signatures for a Special Town Meeting Warrant, according to the town clerk’s website. When the petition is completed it must be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for their approval and acceptance to be inserted in a Warrant. Upon approval of the Board of Selectmen, all zoning articles will be forwarded to the Planning Board for their recommendation. Any articles with a fi nancial implication must also be reviewed by the Finance Committee for a positive or negative recommendation.
Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: www. massterlist.com/subscribe Beacon Hill roll Call records local senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 21-25. There were no roll calls in the House last week. SUSPEND THE 24-CENTSPER GALLON GAS TAX UNTIL LABOR DAY (S 2776) Senate 11-29, rejected an amendment that would immediately suspend the state’s 24-cents-per gallon gas tax until September 5. The measure also requires that the total amount of revenue lost as a result of the suspension be taken out of the General Fund and transferred to the Transportation Fund, where the gas tax currently goes. All three Republicans voted for the suspension. Eight of the Senate’s 37 Democrats joined the Republicans and voted for the suspension. “I sponsored this amendment to provide for relief to motorists across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), the sponsor of the amendment. “Hardworking families in Massachusetts need to see relief at the pumps, and it is our legislative responsibility to provide immediate assistance wherever we can. When you amortize 24 cents over the course of 16 gallons of gas per tank, several fi ll ups per week, over the course of six months to a year, it turns out to be between $600 to $1,200 worth of savings. For many, that’s a mortgage payment, rent, car payments or essential supplies for the family.” “There is a reason Gov. Baker, the House speaker and Senate president have been focused on other ways to provide relief to residents who are crunched under the impact of infl ation,” said Sen. Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfi eld), the chair of the Revenue Committee. “I am not convinced this step would result in lower prices at the pump given the behavior of oil companies. This is a source of revenue we need for our transportation investments [and the suspension] could negatively impact the state’s bond rating and more.” “Residents have shown great patience, hard work and determination to carry Massachusetts through the pandemic, and now is the time to reward all Bay Staters for not only keeping our economy afloat, but thriving during these challenging times,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Other states in the nation have suspended their gas tax or have plans to, including some of our New England neighbors. Massachusetts is in a strong financial position to offer this relief at the gas pump and it’s time we act with the urgency needed to get this done.” “The proposed suspension of the gas tax is a political gimmick that is more likely to benefi t oil companies than consumers,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport). “Further, the proposal would negatively impact our bond rating and hinder our ability to fi nance necessary transportation projects.” “The Senate is committed to providing real, targeted relief to Massachusetts taxpayers,” continued Rodrigues. “We approved $500 checks for 500,000 essential workers that are in the mail right now. We created child and dependent tax credits that provide $16 million per year to over 85,000 families. And we ensured that COVID relief funds, including $10,200 in unemployment assistance for low-income families, is not subject to income tax. We will continue to provide meaningful support to families across the commonwealth. However, a gas tax suspension is the wrong approach.” “With the Senate Democrats’ lopsided defeat of a reasonable suspension of the state gas tax, following its secret defeat by the Democrat House supermajority, it’s clear that the multi-billions in revenue surplus—at least in the eyes of most Democrat legislators—belongs to them and them alone,” said Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Obviously now, they have no intention of returning or sharing any part of the revenue bonanza with the taxpayers who provided every cent of the historic surplus, despite the increasing hardships their constituents must endure from record-setting inflation and over-taxation. Voters will remember come November, and surely will be reminded along the way, just who crushed them.” “When Massachusetts motorists suff er with higher gas prices, they can blame Washington politicians and 29 of their Democratic Massachusetts state senators,” said Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “It’s really calloused of these 29 Democratic state senators, who all get paid extra to drive to work, to vote against providing immediate relief for their struggling constituents and small businesses.” (A “Yes” vote is for the suspension of the gas tax. A “No” vote is against suspension and favors keeping the gas tax in place). BHRC | SEE PAGE 21
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Page 21 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 Huynh, Jimmy V Craig, Tyler C BUYER2 Tran, Leanne SELLER1 Amore, Anthony S Ring, Jamie RKane, Darlene SELLER2 Amore, Ruth A Wade Jr, Gary S ADDRESS 16 Columbus Ave 16 Bayfi eld Rd CITY DATE PRICE 10.03.2022 $850 000,00 08.03.2022 $500 000,00 Saugus Saugus Hitting the links could be a hole in one for your health W hile golfing was once known as the game of kings, the American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, says you don’t have to be royalty or a professional player to reap health benefits from hitting the links at your local golf course. Research presented at AHA’s International Stroke Conference in 2020 found that golfing regularly – at least once a month – lowered the risk of death, especially among older adults. Golfing can provide benefits like stress reduction and regular exercise. Due to its social nature and typically slower, controlled pace, people of most all ages and physBHRC | FROM PAGE 20 Sen. Brendan Crighton No $20 MILLION FOR COUNSELING VICTIMS OF CRIME (S 2776) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $200 million for free counseling, advocacy and intervention services to victims of crime. Amendment supporters said the funding is necessary to forestall devastating federal program cuts and will be distributed to 161 programs statewide. “I’m tremendously heartened to see the Senate approve a strong supplemental budget with critical investments in much needed programs that will help my constituents continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “I am proud to secure victim assistance funding, which will help ensure that victim’s rights services in the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district are able to continue their critical work on behalf of children and survivors in our communities.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ical fitness levels can play the sport. “ The regular exercise, time spent outside enjoying nature, social interaction and even the friendly competition of a round of golf are all elements that can foster mental and physical wellbeing,” said AHA President Dr. Donald LloydJones. “The past couple of years have been hard and many of us have picked up some unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as more eating and less physical activity, and we’ve missed the company of friends and family. I think golfing can offer a great opportunity to start venturing back out into an enjoyable activity that can feed our hearts and our souls.” DIVEST STATE’S PENSION FUND FROM RUSSIAN INVESTMENTS (S 2776) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would require the state’s pension funds to terminate investments with any company that has been sanctioned by the United States as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or is incorporated in Russia. The list would be researched and prepared by an independent, third-party research fi rm and would be updated by the fi rm four times per year. The pension fund would be required to divest itself of 50 percent of the companies within six months and 100 percent within a year. “We have the moral obligation here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts to take a stand and embrace any and all levers of opportunity to apply maximum pressure to a war criminal’s murderous regime, that is Vladimir Putin’s Russian Federation,” said sponsor Sen. Walter Timilty (D-Milton). “It is crucial that we send a message, as one commonwealth, that we are acting against an evil regime, standing united with the courageous people of Ukraine,” Timilty concluded. “The members of the Massachusetts State Senate conFor the study on golfing, researchers from the University of Missouri in Columbia analyzed data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-based observational study of risk factors for heart disease and stroke in adults 65 and older. Out of nearly, 5,900 participants – average age 72 – researchers identified nearly 400 regular golfers. During the 10-year follow-up period, death rates for golfers were significantly lower than for non-golfers. A comprehensive review of research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed more than 300 scientific studies, leading a panel of 25 public health experts to issue an international consensus statement, tinue to stand with the people of Ukraine, as they move into a second month of fear, violence and anguish caused by the aggression of Vladimir Putin and Russian forces,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “There is nothing that we can do to fully erase the pain and suff ering caused by this immoral and unnecessary military action, but we can insist that Massachusetts take action to divest from Russian interests and support the Ukrainian people.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have from several sporting and golf organizations, noting the health and social benefits of golf. “The American Heart Association recommends most people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. Golfing qualifies as a moderate-intensity exercise, specifically if you are walking an 18-hole course, carrying your golf clubs,” said LloydJones. “While golfing, you’re increasing your heart rate and blood flow, enhancing brain stimulation, improving your balance and socializing. Even if you are riding in a cart and playing a short course of only 9 holes, you’re still being physically active, and we know any movement is better than none.” been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible latenight sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of March 21-25, the House met for a total of 48 minutes and the Senate met for a total of fi ve hours and 59 minutes. Mon. March 21 House 11:05 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:41 a.m. Tues. March 22 No House session There are a few safety measures to take into consideration before hitting the greens. Before you start, warm up with a few stretching exercises and be sure to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and don’t get overheated. Be aware of the signs of a heat stroke, and if you or your fellow golfers show any of the following symptoms, call 911 and seek emergency medical help right away. • Fever (temperature above 104 degrees) • Irrational behavior • Extreme confusion • Dry, hot and red skin • Rapid, shallow breathing • Rapid, weak pulse • Seizures • Unconsciousness No Senate session Wed. March 23 No House session No Senate session Thurs. March 24 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:37 a.m. Senate 11:14 a.m. to 4:47 p.m. Fri. March 25 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com. Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. ~LEGAL NOTICE~ SAUGUS BOARD OF SELECTMEN PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Saugus Board of Selectmen will conduct a public hearing on the request of a transfer of a Class II Auto license from Prime Auto Sales, to King Motorcars, Inc., located at 160 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Manager Lucas Fernandes. The Public Hearing will be conducted on April 19, 2022, 298 Central Street at 8:15 PM. Signed: Chairman Anthony Cogliano Janice K. Jarosz, Temp Clerk April 1, 2022
Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 Sheriff Coppinger, Congressman Moulton to announce new community-based corrections program Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger and U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton will be hosting a Grand Opening event on Monday, April 4, for a new community corrections program – Supporting Transitions And Reentry (STAR) – in Lawrence and Lynn aimed at keeping justice-involved individuals out of jail and on a path to a lifetime of success. Moulton was able to secure $850,000 in federal funds to help launch this program in Lawrence and Lynn. The offi ces are set to open next month and ready to serve 150 justice-involved individuals. The STAR program takes a holistic, community-based approach to help individuals achieve success, thereby reducing their risk of recidivism. Each participant is assigned a STAR Navigator, who builds a personal plan that includes connections to substance use disorder and mental health services, as well as such tools as educational and vocational training. A participant’s case plan is based on their personal needs and looks at all possible impediments, including housing and food insecurity. STAR also provides a fl exible School Bus Driver for Cathedral High School in Boston for after school sports and other school events. The bus is parked in Malden. Competitive pay. $500 BONUS after ten trips or a $1,000 BONUS after twenty trips. schedule to help participants support their work, family and community life. The Grand Opening will include representatives from the 20 community partner agencies involved in this collaborative program as well as Essex County judges, chief probation offi cers and chiefs of police. CHURCH | FROM PAGE 1 since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24 in what world leaders are calling the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Fighting inside the country has displaced at least 6.5 million people from their homes, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees office (UNHCR). That includes half of Ukraine’s children, the agency said. More than half of the refugees crossing the border have entered Poland. Others have fled to Romania and other neighboring countries. An estimated 350,000 have gone to Russia, UNHCR reported. ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!
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