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SASAUGUSUGUS Vol. 25, No. 18 Have a Safe & Happy Mother's Day! -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, May 6, 2022 Town Meeting returns to the Hall Almost Consensus! BACK IN PERSON: For the first time in three years — since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic — Town Moderator Stephen N. Doherty got to bang his gavel in the second fl oor auditorium of Saugus Town Hall on Monday night (May 2) as the Annual Town Meeting convened for its 2022 session. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A dozen of 13 articles win unanimous approval at Special Town Meeting By Mark E. Vogler I t was one of the least contentious sessions of the Annual Town Meeting in recent memory — absent of acrimony and bickering members feuding on the second fl oor auditorium. The 50-member body had just one dissenting vote that spoiled a consensus on 13 articles approved at Monday (May 2) night’s Special Town Meeting. It was also the fi rst time in three years that the 50-member body got to meet in person instead of remotely via Zoom videoconferencing since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020. The only barrier to unanimous Stars at Stocker Playground PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: former New England Patriots Quarterback and sports radio personality Scott Zolak and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano got to be teammates last Sunday morning (May 1) during an Earth Day cleanup organized by WIN Waste Innovations. See inside for more photos and story. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...RARE FIND! Legal 2-family, brick front, split entry             kit., dining area w/ sliders to deck, brick FP living rm., 3 bedrms.            living rm. 2 bedrms. & full bathrm. w/ laundry and separate          living space/teen suite w/ full bath, kitchenette, hot tub & huge           kitchenette, full bathroom, electric heat & wall a/c, fenced-in yard, multi decking - perfect for summer entertainment, views of         w/ 3 driveways, 1 of which is circular. Updated pool liner and roof. Great curb appeal - located on dead-end street. Perfect for                View the interior of this home right on your smartphone.       ASNGELO’ FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $4.159 Mid Unleaded $4.499 Super $4.699 Diesel Fuel $6.159 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $8.99 DEF $4.75 9 Diesel $5.759 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 approval of the warrant articles came on Article 3, which provides $500,000 to put in a Stabilization Fund created for Saugus’s share of the $317 million Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Construction Project in Wakefi eld. The voice vote on that article was overwhelming, except for a lone “no” expressed by Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Richard Thompson, according to Town Clerk Ellen Schena. The dissent about the article surfaced when Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian off ered an amendment which stipulated that “The Saugus Town Meeting urges the selectmen to call for a debt exclusion for an amount not to exceed $1.5 million for future construction.” The Manoogian motion passed on a 30-14 vote. But when it came time to vote on the article which included the amendment, Thompson was the only one to vote against it. Town Meeting members asked questions of Town Manager Scott Crabtree about the purpose of each of the other articles. But they all passed with no opposition. Most of the issues on the warrant had received considerable discussion at Board of Selectmen meetings over the past two years and they addressed specifi c goals and objectives. For instance, the revitalization of Cliftondale Square has surfaced frequently as a top priority. CONSENSUS | SEE PAGE 8 Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil  FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Music for Mother’s Day T Concert at The Saugus Iron Works on Sunday he Saugus Public Library is sponsoring another free Sunday concert this weekend (May 8), from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. This concert will feature a trombone quartet from the New England Conservatory (NEC) — The Four Paper Clips is an NEC Honors Ensemble. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors in the Community Room at the Library. The Four Paper Clips started performing as a chamber ensemble in September of 2021 at the NEC. The group consists of Jaehan Kim, Lukas Helsel, Noah Nichilo (tenor trombonists) and Changwon Park (bass trombone). Coached by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) bass trombonist, James Markey, they have worked together to create a diverse range of repertoire. Members of the quartet are previous winners and fi nalists of competitions, such as the International Trombone Festival, the American Trombone Workshop, Jeju and Swisstbone. Recently the ensemble was chosen to be in the NEC Honors Ensemble Program representing the school in a variety of upcoming community eff orts and chamber performances. Here is some background information about the performers: Jaehan Kim is an NEC student who studies under BSO Principal Trombone Toby Oft. Kim is a native of South Korea and graduated from Sunhwa Arts High School in Seoul, South Korea. Lukas Helsel is an NEC student under Norman Bolter and James Markey. Having grown up in Pittsburgh, Lukas has worked closely with MOTHER’S DAY | SEE PAGE 4 Lawrence A. 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Spicy Salmon Tartar $9.95 Salmon, Avo, Tobiko, Tempura flakes. Spicy mayo mix topped with taro chip. Sea Spoon (4 spoon) $18.95 Uni, Ikura, quail eggs, scallion and Panzu sauce. n Sewer Rates Selectmen approve 4.5 percent increase for the 2023 fi scal year, an $18 annual increase for average residential user By Mark E. Vogler S ewer rates will be going up again — but only about half as much as a year ago. Following their annual analysis, presentation and review of the town sewer rates on Wednesday night (May 4), selectmen voted 5-0 to increase the sewer rates by 4.5 percent for the 2023 fi scal year that begins July 1. Selectmen decided to go with the middle of three options — one that would have the average residential user paying an annual bill of about $398 a year, an average annual hike of $18. Under the 4.5 percent increase, the average commercial user will be paying an annual bill of $3,674, an increase of $142. Last year, selectmen approved an 8.25 percent increase for the 2022 fi scal year, a $29 annual increase for the average residential user. “The Lynn Water and Sewer capital improvements are happening, just not happening as soon as we thought,” Consultant Matt Abrahams of the Abrahams Group told selectmen, explaining one of the reasons why this year’s increase was lower than last year. He also noted that 2021 was “a banner year in revenues.” “We saw revenues way up,” Abrahams said. Under the highest of the rate options, the average residential user would be paying a $400 annual bill — an increase of $20. Under the third option, the average residential user would be paying $396, an average annual hike of $16. During Wednesday’s session in the first floor conference room, Abrams presented the board with a detailed report, which included these highlights from a review of the current fi scal year (2022): • User charges revenue is up 12 percent over FY 2021’s, due to rate increase and large bills for heavy sewer users. • Projected expenses up $200,000 (or 3 percent) over FY 2021’s. • $740,000 in Retained Earnings used to balance the budget projections show $67,000 will be needed for the defi cit. • Four prior fi scal years operated with a defi cit greater than $690,000. Capital improvement projects planned This year’s Abrahams Group report also noted a projected debt service of $1.73 million over the four year period FY 2024 to FY 2027. That money would fund these projects and items that are part of the town’s fi ve-year capital plan: • Sewer Rehabilitation Substation PS4 in FY 2023 • Lift Station Design and Improvement in FY 2024 • Water Meter Replacement Program in FY 2023 • Mini-excavator in FY 2024 • Replacement of Utility Truck in FY 2026 Meanwhile, the town could expect these notable impacts in the near future: • Sizable anticipated increase in Lynn Water/Sewer assessment due to LWSC’s capital plan and borrowing of $40 million • Impact of debt service related to capital plan signifi cant over next few years Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree noted that the town has come a long way to improve its fiscal situation related to the sewer system. Crabtree emphasized that when the town signed an Administrative Consent Order (ACO) back in 2005 to improve the sewer system, town consultants advised that the town needed to double its sewer rates within the fi rst fi ve years. “But it really didn’t happen at the rate that it should have,” Crabtree said. And the condition of the sewer system was so bad, “We were pumping raw sewage into the Saugus River at one point,” the town manager said. “In the past, when we were under an ACO, stormwater was going into our sewer system.” A Retained Earnings goal of 10 percent Crabtree is optimistic about the future as long as the town continues to stick with its capital improvement plan and continue its goal in trying to maintain 10 percent in Retained Earnings, “getting us somewhere back on track with reasonable rates.” The Abrahams Group report noted that more than $3 million in total Retained Earnings was used to cover budget shortfalls in the Sewer Enterprise Fund over the last fi ve fi scal years. Retained Earnings were certifi ed at $1.67 million, as of July 1, 2021, and $67,000 of Retained Earnings is projected to be used to cover revenue shortfalls in the current fiscal year, according to the consultant’s report. Without a rate increase, Retained Earnings would be depleted by FY 2025, according to the Abrahams Group report. Selectman Jeff Cicolini said he is willing to accept the 5 percent increase in sewer rates for FY 2023. “We just have to be mindful, we’re in an area of infl ation,” Cicolini said. “Gone are the days when we can get by for less,” he said. The sewer bills are generated from water meters, the town manager noted, adding that 2006 was the last time that Saugus had water meters replaced. Replacing the existing meters with more modern ones will greatly improve the effi ciency of the system, Crabtree noted. For one thing, meter readers won’t have to enter people’s homes to get a reading. But even with improvements in technology, predicting and estimating revenues in water and sewer services will remain “very challenging,” according to Crabtree. “If we have a wet summer, people will use less water. The less water you use, the less revenue,” Crabtree said. “If it’s dry, people use a lot more water,” he said. And eff orts by large users — like WIN Waste Innovations, operators of the former Wheelabrator trash-to-energy plant — to conserve water could also have a signifi cant impact when it comes to setting rates, he said.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 3 Town Meeting 2022 Finance Committee recommends a 6 percent increase in water rates, a $28 annual increase for average residential user By Mark E. Vogler T he Finance Committee at Wednesday’s (May 4) meeting voted unanimously to recommend a 6 percent increase in the water rate for the 2023 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Finance Committee Chair Kenneth DePatto made a point throughout the meeting to emphasize that it was a fi scal mistake for Town Meeting members to approve “a zero increase” back in December of 2020. “You pay now or pay later, and it’s more later,” Crabtree said, as he made reference to the Town Meeting members’ vote to reject the recommended 4 percent water rate hike. “We lost two years of revenues,” the town manager said. DePatto noted the zero vote had “a significant impact” on the revenues and said he hoped Town Meeting members will follow the Finance Committee’s recommendations this time, as they have in fi ve of the past six fi scal years. Consultant Matt Abrahams of the Abrahams Group agreed that it would have been in the best interests for the Town Meeting if members would have approved the 4 percent increase back in 2020. “We think had that been voted, we’d be presenting a 3 percent increase right now,” Abrahams said. Town Meeting members voted 27-19 to defeat the recommendation for a 4 percent hike in the water rate, which would have seen the average residential user’s bill increase to $482 — a $9 increase twice a year. Most of the members who spoke in opposition to the increase were troubled by the Saugus citizens struggling to make ends meet since the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Town Meeting members approved a 2.5 percent increase in the water rates last year. The water rate is among several fi nancial articles that are expected to be taken up Monday when the Annual Town Meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. in the second fl oor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Under the 6 percent increase plan recommended by the Finance Committee, the average residential user would pay $504 a year, an increase of $28, in their annual water bill. The average commercial user would pay $4,476 a year, a $254 hike. In his annual review of the Water Enterprise Fund, Abrahams noted in his report the following impact for the current fi scal year (2022): • The user charges revenue was consistent from FY 2021 The COVID-19 Update Town reports 69 newly confi rmed cases over the past seven days, one new death By Mark E. Vogler T he number of newly confirmed cases dipped slightly from 69 last week to 66 over the past seven days through yesterday (Thursday, May 5), according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. This week’s positive COVID cases reported to the town by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) increased the overall total to 8,921 confirmed cases, according to Crabtree. There have been more than 200 confi rmed cases over the past four weeks as the virus continues to hang around, causing some people to continue wearing masks at Town Hall even though they are optional. Three people wore masks at Wednesday night’s Finance Committee meeting. In addition, there was one confi rmed death reported, increasing the number of deaths since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March of 2020 to 90. Eight 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 offi cials. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families aff ected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. Meanwhile, there were 15 newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Saugus Public Schools this week (during the period of April 28-May 4), down from the 27 confi rmed cases reported last week (during the period of April 14-27). to FY2022, impacted by rate change since outdoor water usage was down. • The projected expenses were up $500,000 (or 7 percent) over FY 2021’s. • $612,000 in Retained Earnings was used to balance the budget; projections show $333,000 will be needed for a defi cit. Due to the $333,000 FY 2022 projected deficit, Retained Earnings are projected to decrease less than $1.3 million at year-end, according to the report. The report noted that rate action was “necessary to avoid depleting Retained Earnings and to avoid shortfalls.” Without a rate hike, Retained Earnings would be depleted by FY 2024, it predicted. Each year, the town focuses on a fi ve-year rate plan with objectives to: • Target a projected Retained Earnings balance of 10 to 15 percent of the operating budget. • Eliminate shortfalls, which require Retained Earnings to balance the operating budget. • Increase rates so revenues from rates cover expenditures. • Fund a capital plan for infrastructure and equipment. Even with the 6 percent rate hike, $205,000 in Retained Earnings will have to be used to balance the budget.

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 By Mark E. Vogler A fter having a vacancy for about a year, the Board of Health will be operating at full strength with fi ve members once again — soon. Selectmen at Tuesday (May 3) night’s meeting voted 4-0 to approve Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s appointment of Anthony J. Bakopolus, DMD to fi ll the seat relinquished by former Committee Vice Chair Shawn Ayube when he moved away from Saugus last year. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 We Sell Sell Cigars Cigars & AccessoriesAccessories R.YR.Y.O..O. 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After more than a year, Crabtree appoints a member to fi ll a vacant Board of Health seat — and selectmen confi rm “This is probably the most qualifi ed person I put up for appointment,” Crabtree told selectmen after a lopsided vote ended a long discussion which still proved contentious. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano abstained from the vote, visibly irked that he didn’t get a chance to interview Bakopolus. “If I knew who it was Thursday (April 28), I would have called him,” Cogliano said. “We got this handed to us tonight … It’s almost like it’s hidden from me,” he said. Cogliano requested that the vote be delayed so that he and other board members could get a chance to interview Dr. Bakopolus, a Saugus native and retired dentist. But the other four members didn’t share Cogliano’s view of the matter. “I think this is one example of why people are afraid to put in for positions in this town,” Selectman Michael Serino said. Crabtree read from a sheet of paper all of the qualifi cations that he thought selectmen needed to know before voting to confi rm his appointment. “He is a lifelong resident of Saugus born at Saugus General Hospital,” Crabtree said. “He is retired after practicing dentistry in Saugus for over 30 years. He attended Saugus Public Schools and graduated from Saugus High School in 1973. He graduated from UMass Amherst majoring in Microbiology. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Following graduation he served in the U.S. Public Health Service as a member of the National Health Service Corps.” Crabtree said he also sought the opinions from Board of Health Chair William Heff ernan and Public Health Director John R. Fralick III — both interviewed Dr. Bakopolus and approved of the town manager’s nomination. “I don’t know the gentleCigar Cigar 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 man,” Crabtree told selectmen. “He’s really qualified. He seems like somebody who would be a defi nite asset to the community,” he said. With a medical background, Dr. Bakopolus is qualified as anyone to serve on the Board of Health, according to Crabtree. “I trust in the chairman of the Board of Health. I trust in Mr. Fralick. I trust in the town manager,” Selectman Jeff Cicolini said. “I trust in the town manager’s position. I’m comfortable,” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta said. Cicolini said he didn’t mind if Cogliano wanted to talk with Dr. Bakopolus, but later he sided with his other three colleagues who insisted on having the vote Tuesday night. Cogliano said he knows the dentist, but just wanted to MOTHER’S DAY | FROM PAGE 2 Mike Dorato and Jim Nova. Throughout high school, he was a part of the Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestra, Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the River City Youth Brass Band. Currently, he is a member of the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Noah Nichilo is an NEC student who studies under BSO Principal Trombone Toby Oft. Coming from suburban Philadelphia, he has played section leader with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and partaken in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s All-State Orchestra and the National Association for Music Education’s Honors Orchestra. have the benefi t of talking to him ahead of time. “I’d like to hear from this candidate on whether he has an open mind. I would like to speak with him before I vote,” he said. Normally selectmen vote to confi rm town manager appointments without any direct contact with the candidates nominated for the position. Cicolini noted that the process is diff erent for candidates who are appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Interviewing is part of the process in those situations. Crabtree has said he’s felt uncomfortable over the past year in trying to fi nd Ayube’s replacement. Earlier this year, he said he felt pressured by some selectmen to nominate candidates for the vacancy. Meanwhile, he said he’s worked hard to find a candidate who is open-minded on the issue of WIN Waste Innovation’s trash-to-energy plant, which has been a subject of controversy in Saugus for years. Crabtree said he was desperate to fi nd a candidate with no bias on the issue. “He tells me and others he doesn’t have an agenda,” Crabtree said of Dr. Bakopolus. Selectman Corinne Riley noted that Crabtree earlier this year was looking for some guidance from selectmen in making the appointment. “You were almost ready to have us look at them,” she said. Other selectmen stressed that they hope the new Board of Health member remains objective once he assumes his position. “I’m hoping this person is open-minded and is middle of the road,” Cicolini said. “It’s a position that we need somebody who is independent,” Cogliano said. Changwon Park is a Master student at NEC, where he also fi nished a bachelor’s degree under BSO bass trombone James Markey. In his music career, Park has played with numerous professional orchestras in the world. Play List Quartet No. 1 — Steven Verhelst Contrapuntus IX — J.S. Bach Andante Cantabile — Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky First Trombone Quartet — Saski Apon Transonance — Marshall Gilkes Editor’s Note: This concert is funded by a generous grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local arm of the Mass Cultural Council.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 5 21st Annual Harpoon 5-Miler to Benefi t ALS — Lou Gehrig’s Disease — is Back in Person on May 22nd W akefi eld, MA — The 21st annual Harpoon 5-Miler, sponsored by Harpoon Brewery to benefi t The Angel Fund for ALS Research, will be held on Sunday, May 22nd . The 5-Miler has raised more than $2.37 million for ALS research through The Angel Fund. “After two years as a virtual event, we are all looking forward to hosting the race this year at Harpoon Brewery,” Mass. Bay Brewing Company President Charlie Storey said. “Our virtual events in both 2020 and 2021 again surpassed our wildest dreams, with participants from 42 states and 9 diff erent countries taking part and helping us raise funds for ALS research. We can’t wait to see what the 2022 edition of the Harpoon 5-Miler will bring.” In addition to the in-person race, the Harpoon 5-Miler will also be held virtually, allowing an unlimited number of runners, walkers, and cyclists from across the country to walk, run, cycle, or fi nd a way to complete 5 miles, whether indoors or outdoors, on May 22nd . The in-person Harpoon 5-Miler begins with bib pickup at 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. The pushrim and handcycle race begins at 9:55 a.m. with the race kicking off at 10 a.m. Individuals and team awards will be presented at 12 noon for the following: Individual Awards Fastest Overall (Male/Female) Fastest Friend of Harpoon (Male/Female) 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Pushrim & Handcycle 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place (Male/ Female) in the following age categories: 21-29, 30-39, 4049, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ 1st Place Male/Female winning times are determined by “gun time” as per USATF rules. Team Awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Male 4-Pack Team 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Female 4-Pack Team 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Coed 4-Pack Team (must be a minimum of 1 female or male to qualify) All runners, whether running as part of a team or not, will be timed individually and have their time posted compared to the entire race fi eld. Runners who are part of team will have their time scored as part of the team’s time. In-person participants can register on the website www. harpoon5miler.com until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 15, 2022 and virtual participants can register until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 20, 2022. Harpoon 5-Miler ($60 Entry Fee) includes: • Entrance into the Harpoon 5-Miler • Commemorative race day shirt • 2 beer tickets (Friends of Harpoon will receive a 3rd beer ticket) • Post-race meal • 2022 fi nishing medal • Harpoon 5-Miler 2022 pint cup • Donation to The Angel Fund • Post-race dance party at Harpoon Brewery with DJ Steve Greco! Virtual 5-Miler ($10 Entry Fee) includes: • Entrance into the Harpoon 5-Miler • Custom 2022 5-Miler pdf bib • Donation to The Angel Fund Harpoon 5-Miler participants are encouraged to raise additional funds for The Angel Fund for ALS Research in addition to the entry fee. Fundraising awards will be presented to runners based upon donations made online or received via mail by Friday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m. The Richard Hackel Award will be given to the Harpoon 5-Miler runner who goes above and beyond, raising the most funds for The Angel Fund and the Scott Carlson Award will be given to the fundraising team that goes above and beyond, raising the most funds for The Angel Fund. “We are excited to celebrate in-person and virtually with all the runners and walkers who continue to support The Angel Fund through the Harpoon 5-Miler,” Rich Kennedy, president of The Angel Fund said. “The Angel Fund is grateful to Harpoon Brewery for its support these past 21 year as we continue our fi ght to fi nd a cure for ALS.” In addition to the Harpoon 5-Miler, donations to the Angel Fund for ALS Research can also be made online at www. theangelfund.org or can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main Street, Wakefield, MA 01880. All donations should be made payable to The Angel Fund for ALS Research. Information about The Angel Fund for ALS Research can be obtained on the website, www.theangelfund.org. Don’t miss “Mamma Mia!” I f you like theatre, check out the doings of the Saugus High School Drama Club this weekend. They will be performing “Mamma Mia!” That musical romantic comedy was originally produced in London by Judy Craymer and based on the book by Catherine Johnson. Show dates and times are Friday (May 6) at 7 p.m., Saturday (May 7) at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday (May 8) at 2 p.m. Admission: students (ages 6-18), $10; seniors (ages 65 and up), $10; adults, 15. Honoring mothers today and every day. Happy Mother’s Day. 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 WIN-WASTE.COM

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ In support of a Town Meeting article that distinguishes murals as art rather than commercial-message signage T o the Editor and Readers of Saugus Advocate, Joe Vecchione, Planning Board member of Saugus, was a special guest to the Saugus Cultural Council’s February meeting to hear him advocate for public art in the Town of Saugus. On this call, Vecchione educated the Council about Saugus’s signage bylaw that has eff ectively constituted any image on a building as signage, which has ultimately banned public art. The ongoing debate of Cap World’s mural has opened the opportunity to distinguish murals as art rather than commercial-message signage. I joined the Saugus Cultural Council in late 2021 after moving to Saugus, wanting to support and elevate the cultural life in this town. I quickly noticed that there wasn’t any public art in Saugus unlike its neighboring towns and cities that have embraced public art as an instrument to bridge connections within a diverse community. As a fi ne arts major and arts advocate, I have seen first hand how public art can unify a community regardless of race, age or ethnicity, and be a direct investment to the social impact of a town or city and its residents. With Vecchione’s work to request a review of the signage bylaw to permit the creation of public art, this opens a future with our community and neighboring members for many arts initiatives that we have yet tapped into as the Saugus Cultural Council. I, as a Saugus Cultural Council member and personally, support this article and look forward to hearing it addressed in this month’s town meeting. With full support, Tori Darnell Treasurer Saugus Cultural Council (Editor’s Note: This letter relates to Article 31 on this month’s Annual Town Meeting warrant. The purpose of the article as authored by Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione is to amend the Saugus Zoning By-Laws to distinguish the defi nition of signs, murals and public art installations to allow for the creation of new Original Art Murals, Public Art Installations and the preservation of Vintage Original Art Murals on public and private property in commercially zoned districts without being calculated as part of the signage dimensional regulations or color regulations set forth in Section 7.4 of the Saugus Zoning By-Laws. This article also seeks to create an approvals process for murals and public art installations which codifi es the procedures, design criteria, construction and maintenance guidelines for “approved arts projects” in the Town of Saugus.) Bike to the Sea to meet May 11 A ll are welcome to come to a meeting of Bike to the Sea to hear about plans to connect the Northern Strand Community Trail to the Minuteman Bikeway. The meeting is being held on Wednesday, May 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3 Amigos Bar & Grill (375 Main St. in Malden Square). Bike to the Sea Board Member Patrick Bibbins will talk about connecting the trails north and west of Boston. The Minuteman Bikeway runs from the Cambridge/Arlington line to Bedford. The Northern Strand Community Trail runs from Everett through Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn. For more information or to RSVP, email Jay Cobau at jay@ biketothesea.org or text/call: 339-224-2448. Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149          7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940    WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 7 Saugus Band students visit historic Symphony Hall (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by the Saugus Public Schools this week.) S augus Band students in seventh through 12th grade recently had a special opportunity to visit Symphony Hall in Boston to listen in on a rehearsal of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). This trip was the first time most of the nearly 50 students had been to Symphony Hall or seen the renowned orchestra in person, said Band Director Justin Jones. “The trip provided the students with a unique cultural, historical and educational experience, Jones said. Prior to the outing, students learned the history of Symphony Hall, which is considered to be one of the top concert halls in the world. They also learned about the career of Andris Nelsons, a world-famous conductor, and studied the background and history of the pieces they would be hearing during the rehearsal. J& A MEMORABLE MUSIC VISIT: About 50 members of the Saugus Middle-High School Band accompanied by Band Director Justin Jones recently attended a rehearsal of the BSO at Symphony Hall in Boston. (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate) One of the pieces performed by the BSO was Hector Berlioz’s masterpiece Symphonie Fantastique. They also heard the American premiere of Concerto No. 2 for Violin (“Shards of Silence”) by the South Korea— born composer Unsuk Chin. Jones said the students were impressed with the space and acoustics despite listening in from the second balcony. They were also amazed by how talented the musicians were, and they even got a chance to hear a few up close. “A couple of the pieces featured musicians playing off stage or even on the balcony where we were sitting, so we got a very cool up close experience with the musicians,” Jones said. This is the third time Jones has taken a group of students to the BSO. Several years ago, he took high school students to see Yo-Yo Ma perform with the BSO. He also took fourth and fi fth graders to the symphony’s children’s concert a few years back. Jones gave special thanks to the Saugus Cultural Council. The program was supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. All students were able to attend free of charge. “The students had a wonderful time, and many were inspired to go back one day to see the orchestra perform a full concert,” Jones said. $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.

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 CONSENSUS | FROM PAGE 1 Article 11 authorized the Board of Selectmen to acquire title to the land and building located at 481-483 Lincoln Ave. Article 12 seeks the appropriation of $775,000 to buy the property. “Even if we don’t use it right away, it will set the stage [for future revitalization of Cliftondale],” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said. Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member William Brown recalled how eff orts to revitalize Cliftondale over the years have failed. He recalled how his family owned a hardware store in the area back in the 70s and early 80s. “This is the fi rst time I’ve seen a positive step,” he said. Town Meeting members wholeheartedly supported the article for the purchase of the property, even though they don’t think that parking is the best use. “In general, parking is not a problem,” said Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Peter Rossetti, Jr., who has lived in Cliftondale for 70 years and whose family has owned an insurance business there for decades. “The reason parking is not a problem is there is not a lot to attract people to the square,” he said. Even selectmen spoke in support of the town buying the vacant Lincoln Avenue building last used as a loan center. Selectman Corinne Riley, who lives in Cliftondale, said she remembers when Cliftondale “was hopping.” Acquiring the property would be “a great opportunity” to end the days of Cliftondale being “tired and old.” Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Chris Riley said there is considerable interest and support around town for the revitalization of Cliftondale, noting “Cliftondale is all over the Master Plan.” Other articles passed include the following:          •   •   •          HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC: Town Moderator Stephen H. Doherty (right) led a show of appreciation toward a special Color Guard of Nurses — Gina Bingham, Darlene Bowe, Katie McDermott and Linda Robson — at the Town Meeting opening ceremony on Monday. Doherty called nurses true heroes of the pandemic and “One group that was truly on the front lines.” “I thought it was only appropriate, for our fi rst face-to-face meeting back together again, that presenting our colors this evening we have four local nurses,” he said. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Article 4 seeks authorization for the town to borrow $325,000 for new town vehicles: $275,000 for four police cruisers and $50,000 for a car for the Engineering Department. Crabtree said the purchase of the police cruisers is part of an ongoing program. “We try to bring on four to fi ve cruisers each year,” the town manager said. Article 5 requests an appropriation of $2.1 million for the Fire Department to purchase a new Aerial Ladder Truck to replace Ladder 1, including all of the required equipment carried on the apparatus. Crabtree said the current ladder truck has gone through several major repairs in recent years, including an engine rebuild to keep it serviceable for emergency responses. Article 6 requests $950,000 for the Fire Department to buy a new pumper truck to replace the existing pumper. Article 7 seeks $500,000 to complete public safety radio and communications infrastructure upgrades. The overall costs of enhancing the public safety system is estimated at $2 million. The town recently received $1 million through a Congressional Directed Spending federal funding request. Article 8 seeks $54,000 to match a Green Communities Grant for the completion of several energy-saving projects. They include heating and ventilation equipment motors at the Public Safety Building, Saugus Public Library and the Belmonte STEAM Academy, replacing failing boilers and insulation at the Youth & Recreation Building and installing refrigerant controls at the Veterans Early Learning Center. Article 9 seeks $2.9 million in capital improvements to Town of Saugus—owned buildings. The Town, in collaboration with the Director of Facilities Engineer, has created a multiyear capital improvement plan of Town-owned buildings. The plan lists various capital projects and prioritizes them over the next fi ve years. “This is to prevent emergencies and protect investments in the town and schools,” Crabtree said. Article 10 seeks $150,000 for the repair/replacement of the overhead doors at the Hamilton Street Fire Station. The doors were installed when the building was built as part of a capital improvement program in 1995. “These doors haven’t worked since 2001,” Crabtree said. “We’ve been repairing them since I’ve been here,” he said. Crabtree said there have been instances when the doors would not open mechanically and had to be opened manually in order for fi retrucks to exit during an emergency call. Article 13 seeks $150,000 to be transferred to the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust. The balance in the fund was $1.3 million as of March 31 last year.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 9 A CLOSE-UP VIEW: Glass eels can be easily seen in a small jar prepared by Park Ranger Bill Fuchs. (Cour tesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ENJOYING NATURE: Lined up at the display tent are (left to right) Selectman Debra Panetta, volunteers Jenny and Dave (who requested their last names not be used), seasonal ranger Paul Kenworthy, Park Ranger Bill Fuchs and visitor Joanie Allbee, along with Siberian husky Siku. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) Nature on Display A day of discovering wildlife and plants close-up at the Saugus Iron Works By Laura Eisener O n Sunday, May 1, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site and the Saugus River Watershed Council held a City Nature Challenge event which was attended by visitors from Saugus and several other towns. Park staff and volunteers at a resource table made suggestions and encouraged families and individuals to photograph and explore the park. Tanks in which were displayed some small aquatic creatures, such as glass eels and scuds, gave people a look at some of the inhabitants of the river. Bill Fuchs of the National Park Service provided macro lenses for cell phones and introduced visitors to iNaturalist. Selectman Debra Panetta spent several hours sharing information with visitors and orienting them to the park. Visitors traded stories of plants and animals they had seen at the Ironworks, and many visitors photographed what they observed that day using their own phones and cameras. The City Nature Challenge is an international eff ort to document all forms of life (animals, plants, fungi and more) between April 29 and May 2, 2022, all over the world. The iNaturalist app (free and available for both Android and iPhone) can be used to identify plants and animals from a photograph. The activity’s purpose is to encourage people to observe and document urban biodiversity, and appreciate the wide range of life forms that exist around us. A few of the animals seen that day were one snapping turtle, several ducks, geese, crows, robins, barn swallows, herring gulls, one egret, two hawks and small marine life. Plants in bloom included wood anemones, wild strawberries and crabapple trees near the nature trail and tulips, daff odils and lilacs in the 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                 Spring is Here! gardens, but the total number of plants seen on the site was much more.

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Former Patriots QB huddles up in Saugus River clean up By Tara Vocino F ormer Patriots Quarterback Scott Zolak assisted in cleaning up the Saugus River at Stocker Playground on Sunday morning. In a signifi cant show of community support for Earth Day 2022, WIN Waste Innovations led a successful cleanup of the playground, which is part of the Saugus River Watershed. More than 125 volunteers participated, including several youth sports teams, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and members of the Saugus High School senior class. In addition to the cleanup, there were learning stations and an appearance by former New England Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak — now a color commentator on Patriots’ radio broadcasts and cohost of Zolak & Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Cleanup volunteer Sirlei Tarantino said she and her family members had a really good experience. “I wish more people were there,” Tarantino said. “It was great to see so many children participating and making a diff erence in maintaining the natural environment for the animal species.” Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Cogliano said it was great to have Zolak in town as part of WIN Waste’s Earth Day cleanup at Stocker Playground. “It was also nice to see all the volunteers come out to support our town,” Cogliano said. “All in all...a great day for Saugus.” Beasley Media Group Street Team member Jennifer Nguyen and event coordinator Jorge Sepulveda distributed football-themed prizes. State Representative Donald Wong said it was great that so many people, including Zolak, Cogliano, Boy Scouts and other volunteers, shared their time to make a diff erence. Earth Day is an annual event designed to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held in 1970, it now includes a wide range of events involving a billion people in more than 193 countries. Sunday’s clean up in Saugus was sponsored and organized by WIN Waste Innovations, a company committed to reliable waste and recycling solutions and sustainability at every step in the process. It is consistent with WIN Waste’s focus on community-based environmental initiatives that align with its global vision for a healthier planet. Ava Faia (far left), 9, Berkeley Nadeau (in the middle), 7, Clay Nadeau, 5, and Cookie, 1, helped to clean up the Saugus River on Sunday. Saugonians Oliver Pepper, 8, Joshua Pepper, 12, Henry Pepper, 12, Josephine, 13, and their mother, Melody, volunteered their time to clean up the area. SHOWN FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Christopher, Naomi, 10, who found dental fl oss waste, and Sirlei Tarantino. Scott Zolak signed an autograph for Saugus resident Jovan Basta, 7.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 11 Saugus fans Don, Lindsay, Eric and Lisa O’Brien, Joseph Mastrocola and Stephanie Mastrocola Ava Faia, Clay Nadeau, Robert Faia, Berkeley Nadeau, Michelle Firmbach Nadeau and Scott Zolak found discarded cups while cleaning. of walking trails, a half-acre exhibit garden and meeting and lecture areas. WIN Waste recently received “Gold Certifi ed” from the Wildlife Habitat Council — the highest level possible — for its management of Bear Creek. Other Win Waste Innovations work examples: Helping communities reach carbon neutrality by preserving and increasing carbon stores in salt marshes, which have a capacity to store carbon that is 10 times greater than tropical rainforests Reducing energy consumpPatriots radio personality Scott Zolak, Revere Fire Lieutenant Kevin Doherty and Revere Firefi ghter John Serino made pizzas with 3rd Alarm Wood Fired Pizza. State Representative Donald Wong and former Patriots Quarterback (from 1991 to 1998) Scott Zolak tion by 18 to 30 percent by integrating green infrastructure into urbanized environments Removing plastic from public greenspaces before they turn into highly mobile hydrocarbon pollution known as microplastics Introducing students, through WIN Waste’s Nesting Box Initiative, to the natural services provided to their communities by geological features, ecosystems and wildlife species Working with students, through WIN Waste’s At-Risk Species Program, to identify wildlife species impacted by climate change and to develop management plans to help the species adapt Working with students, Patriots radio personality Scott Zolak with a young fan At Sunday’s event, volunteers spent the morning picking up and bagging trash, which was then removed by WIN Waste. The event also featured learning stations where students and others could learn about local environmental challenges and solutions, such as the construction of nesting boxes designed Cub Scout Pack 62 Assistant Cubmaster Michael Sullivan (far right) and Patriots radio personality Scott Zolak (at left) with Scouts Anthony Sullivan, Nicholas Fohr, Abel Doherty, Eric O’Brien and Lindsay O’Brien (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) “Changing the world starts with one action — like today’s clean-up,” said Jim Connolly, WIN Waste Innovations Vice President of Environment. “We appreciate and applaud the work and sacrifi ce that went into this eff ort by community volunteers and WIN employees, who are truly working for a world of good.” to protect and support swallows in the Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. The protection and management of Bear Creek is a signature initiative in WIN Waste’s vision for a healthier planet. With WIN Waste’s support, the 370-acre property abutting a 2,274-acre estuary has blossomed into one of the largest bird migration staging areas in Northeastern Massachusetts and a habitat for more than 200 bird species and other wildlife. A popular site for educational and recreational programs, the sanctuary coexists seamlessly with the adjacent waste-to-energy facility and includes more than 2.5 miles through WIN Waste’s Migratory Wildlife Program, to identify migratory wildlife species and prime migratory staging habitats in their communities Introducing students, through WIN Waste’s Sustainable Living Program, to curbto-grid waste management practices and proper recycling methods at home to better manage waste In all, WIN Waste supports 250 community-based organizations on projects ranging from planting urban tree canopies in Baltimore to restoring sparrow nests at Bear Creek.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE SPRING Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener O ne of our most beautiful native woodland wildfl owers (Erythronium americanum) goes by two common names: dogtooth violet and trout lily. The name dogtooth violet comes from the shape of the not-quiteopen fl ower, when it looks like a long, pointed canine tooth. The violet part of the name is more puzzling, since it is neither the color violet nor related to the fl ower violet (Viola spp.). It does bloom at approximately the same time, early spring, and its seeds are aided in their dispersal by the same insect ally — ants. The other frequently used common name of trout lily refers to the mottled pattern of the leaves, somewhat resembling the pattern on the trout’s skin. Since it is in the lily family, this part of the name is not so unreasonable. It can be found in the woods in many places around the Northeast and is an attractive garden plant although not the easiest to transplant and not often available in nurseries. This plant often grows in colonies, reproducing not only by seed but also from small bulbs which may remain connected until the small bulbs are strong enough to separate from the original, more established bulb. They are well-adapted to dry, shady locations. Early spring is a very good time to walk in the woods and look for blossoms underfoot, as there are many plants which fl ower early before the leaves on the canopy trees mature and shade the ANOTHER EXCITING MILESTONE OF SPRING: The fi rst ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) of the season has arrived at Charles Zapolski’s hummingbird feeder. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Charles Zapolski) small plants that grow on the forest fl oor. May is the busiest month in most nurseries. Many popular plants are in bloom, and families often shop for trees, shrubs or perennials as Mother’s Day gifts. One of the most popular trees for this occasion is fl owering dogwood (Cornus fl orida), which is just beginning to fl ower now — most fl owering dogwoods in town are likely to be in full bloom next week. As for shrubs, the favorite is easily common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), which is also just beginning to bloom this week due to the cool days we have been having for the last few weeks. Many fl owering cherry and plum trees are already past their peak of bloom, and petals drift down on the wind or form pink to white puddles under the branches. At their peak this week are crabapples, trees grown more for their ornamental blossoms than for their tasty fruit. Most crabapples have very small fruit indeed, since if you do not plan to harvest the apples it is better not to have large fruit to clean up. Crabapple blossoms may be almost any shade of pink from bright to very nearly white, and totally white fl owers are also common. The small fruit may be considered ornamental, and fruit colors when ripe can be either yellow or red, and they often add a second season of interest in the later half of the growing season. The small fruits may provide food for wildlife, but not all of them are eaten as soon as ripe. It is not unusual for some to remain most of the winter, somewhat dried out, and feed the birds who remain in the area rather than migrate south. Crabapples, like most of our tree fruits, are members of the rose family and typically have fl owers with fi ve petals. Since they bloom a little later than the plums and most cherries, the foliage is already more developed when the fl owers open. Birds that have been seen at the feeder all winter include our bright goldfi nches. In the winter months, both DISAPPOINTING FOOD: This hungry gray squirrel is about to tip over the “picnic table” birdfeeder in my front yard, but may fi nd the fl avor a bit of a shock. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) males and females have subtle plumage colors, but for several weeks now the males have been losing their duller plumage and growing vivid yellow feathers. They have almost the same colors as the daff odils now, which makes them very noticeable at the feeder. While they are known to be especially drawn to thistle seeds, they will also eat a wide range of other seeds in most birdseed mixes, and happily forage among the garden plants later in the season. Squirrels, too, are looking for a very varied diet, but my birdseed will likely disappoint them, since it is treated with hot peppers which birds don’t mind but most rodents find distasteful. If they pick through the spicy mixture, they might fi nd a seed or two that they’d fi nd palatable. 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 perenniOUR NATIVE TROUT LILY: Also known as dogtooth violet, it is blooming in our woods and gardens now. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) als. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and off ered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. AT THE CORNER OF HAMILTON AND CENTRAL STREETS: A bright pink crabapple blooms on Town Hall’s lawn. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) TREES IN COLOR: Blooming white crabapples on the hillside and blooming Norway maple on the upper level of the Saugus Ironworks. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 13 Meet the 2022 Pioneer Saugus Charter School of Science II Pirates Co-Ed Outdoor Track & Field Team M embers of the Pioneer Saugus Charter School of Science II Pirates Co-Ed Outdoor Track & Field team introduced themselves during a meet against the Danvers High School Falcons last Thursday night. CAPTAINS, PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Alijah Bernadin, Maria Lima, Gianna LaMarca and Caitlin Calvelo. Team Managers Leena Abdessemed and Andrea Lopez Abarca. SENIORS, PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Kyle Segura, Nicholas Fernandes, Alijah Bernadin, Beatrice Calvelo and Farsin Syed. TEAM MEMBERS DURING last Thursday’s Pioneer Saugus Charter School of Science 2 co-ed track and fi eld meet against the Danvers High School Falcons at Belmonte Middle School. Back row, pictured from left to right: Coach Laura Swendig (far left), Briana Robinson (9th grade), Dinesh Babu (8), Aldair Bernadin (8), Fatima Nejmi (7), Coach Nicholas Berger, Rohita Maddi (10), Shorya Gaur (7), Malcolm Hewlitt (11), Joshua Alexander (11), Shreshth Gaur (10), Nicholas Fernandes (12), Adeyinka Olowu (9), Grace Oladoja (11) Last two on the right in the back row are team managers: Andrea Lopez Abarca (11), and Leena Abdessmed (11). Front row, pictured from left to right: Shekinah Buabua (10), Caitlin Calvelo (10), Gianna LaMarca (10), Maria Lima (11), Alijah Bernadin (12), Kyle Segura (12), Toyosi Oludimu (7), Sara Oulahri (7), Jonathan Corbin (10), Zuhair Khan (10), Beatrice Calvelo (12), Farsin Syed (12) and Safi ya Syed (8). (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino)

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Sachems edge Peabody in late-inning thriller By Greg Phipps I n another typical tight game for the Saugus High School baseball team, the Sachems came out on top by holding off the Peabody Tanners in a one-run, late-inning victory on Tuesday at Peabody. The win catapulted the Sachems back over the.500 mark for the season. In a contest that entered the seventh inning tied at 2-2, Saugus rallied for three runs in the top of the frame to jump ahead 5-2. Braden Faiella’s two-run single gave Saugus a 4-2 lead, and a passed ball led to the fi fth tally. From there, the Sachems held on as Peabody threatened with two runs in the bottom of the seventh. But a line drive out to center fi eld ended the game and secured a 5-4 win for Saugus. Reliever Ryan Mabee earned the save by registering the fi nal out. Starting pitcher Nathan Ing notched the victory by going sixand-two-thirds innings, giving up fi ve hits and fanning nine. Faiella fi nished with three RBIs for the game. Also contributing off ensively were Ryan Anderson with a hit and an RBI, Cam Soroko with a hit and Drew Gardiner with a hit. Saugus led 2-0 Sachems softball climbs above.500 By Greg Phipps H aving seen both of its scheduled games postponed due to weather earlier this week, the Saugus High School softball team has managed to climb above the.500 mark. That happened with a convincing 16-4 fi ve-inning victory at Winthrop last Friday. It was the second mercy-rule win Anthony Cicolini belted two hits, including a double, in last Friday’s victory under the lights at World Series Park. until the bottom of the fi fth when the Tanners struck twice to even the game at 2-2. The Sachems have a key Northeastern Conference matchup against Danvers at home Friday. The Falcons scored a 2-0 win when the two squads met back in April. Last Friday night, Saugus emerged victorious, 16-6, against Greater Lawrence Saugus ace pitcher Nathan Ing earned the win in the Sachems 5-4 victory at Peabody on Tuesday. Tech in the fi rst-ever night game played at World Series Park. Several Sachem players had multiple-hit performances. Michael Howard drilled three hits, including a double, while Anthony Cicolini, Soroko and Faiella each had two knocks. Three pitchers combined to work the win. Mabee started and hurled two frames. He was followed by Anthony Macone, who worked two innings, and Matt MacEachern tossing the fi nal two frames. The trio combined for 10 strikeouts. After Friday ’s game against Danvers, the Sachems, who sat at 6-5 overall after Tuesday’s victory, hit the road for games at Hamilton-Wenham on Monday, May 9, and Masconomet on Wednesday, May 11. Saugus lacrosse reaches midseason By Greg Phipps C oming off perhaps their best game of the season the night before, the Saugus High School boys’ lacrosse team ran into a tough and very deep Masconomet squad on the road Tuesday. The Sachems were defeated, 18-0, by the host Chieftains but held their own fairly well in a losing cause. Goalie Ryan Jones played well in net, making severfor the Sachems over the Vikings this season. Saugus defeated Winthrop, 15-3 in the season opener in another fi ve-inning aff air. Last Friday’s contest featured big off ensive outings from Devaney Millerick, Felicia Reppucci, and Taylor Deleidi, who each socked three hits. The threesome each drove in two runs as well. Nicolette Costa and Paige Hogan also had base hits in the win. For Hogan, it was her fi rst varsity hit. Starting pitcher Fallon Millerick continued to do yeoman work on the mound, going the distance once again for her fourth win of the season. She allowed seven hits and struck out fi ve batters. The Sachems, who sit at 5-4 overall on the season, received an unexpected layoff with two postponements this week, including a scheduled contest at Marblehead on Wednesday. That game has been rescheduled for May 27. Meanwhile, the Sachems host Salem on Friday and travel for games at Pentucket next Monday, May 9, and Masconomet next Wednesday, May 11. The Sachems staged a huge comeback win over Pentucket earlier this season. Saugus goalie Ryan Jones shields the ball from a Masco forward during action Tuesday. Sachems player Mekhi Coburn cuts off a Masconomet opponent during second quarter action Tuesday. al fi ne saves to keep Saugus within reach through the fi rst half. Masco pulled away in the second half but the Sachems had a few good scoring opportunities. Forward Cam Zabroski and midfi elder Nicky Rosa both had excellent close-in bids but were unable to dent the net. Defensively, Saugus was led by the eff orts of Alejandro Ortiz, Mekhi Coburn, and Kenny Mbuga-Kazibwe. In a game at Salem on Monday night, the Sachems’ LACROSSE | SEE PAGE 19 Saugus’s Felicia Reppucci fi nished with three hits and two RBI in last week’s victory at Winthrop.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 15 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Happy Mother’s Day to Saugus moms If you are a big family person, Sunday (May 8) is one of those special holidays where you would be remiss to not express your love and appreciation to the important “moms” in your life: real mothers, wives, stepmothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, mothers-in-law, daughters, cousins, close friends and the mothers and wives of close friends and relatives who are mothers. It could be something as simple as a greeting card, telephone call, email or text, letting a mother know that you’re thinking of her. My mom, grandmothers and all but one of my aunts are no longer with us. But I still like to send Mother’s Day cards to a handful of women in my life who are special and happen to be moms. One of the ladies — a close friend of a college buddy — is in her 90s and in an assisted living place now. I have a couple of cousins and the wife of a cousin who were on this year’s card list. All of them are very special in my life — and all of them are good moms. Like every town in America, Saugus is full of good moms who make sacrifi ces for their kids and who give them love and support — which makes a great diff erence in their current and future lives. Hopefully, a lot of those kids will keep their moms in their hearts this Sunday, by sharing in a special day that honors all moms. Hopefully, the kids in college and who are now adults don’t forget the love, friendship and support they got from their moms while growing up. If you haven’t dropped by your mom’s house with a box of chocolates or fl owers and also forgot to send a card, at least make an eff ort to visit your mom. And if time and distance make such a visit impossible on Sunday, at least give your mom a call. And for all those folks who have a mom living by herself, in assisted living or a nursing home, a visit or phone call would be nice. Americans have been celebrating Mother’s Day for about a century now, ever since Anna Maria Jarvis founded the fi rst Mother’s Day Service of Worship in Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson wrote a proclamation declaring Mother’s Day as a national holiday to honor mothers with instructions that it be observed on the second Sunday in May. A remembrance of a loyal Florida mom Back in the mid-1980s, while interviewing for a newspaper reporter’s job at the now-defunct Miami News down in South Florida, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman who epitomized the best ideals of all moms. Kaye O’Bara gained international notoriety by the care and love she showered on her daughter, Edwarda O’Bara, who lived in a diabetic coma for 42 years before passing away in 2012. As part of my job interview, I was assigned the task of spending a couple of hours at the O’Bara home, interviewing Kaye and writing a story about how she cared for her daughter in her Miami Gardens home. The story was an exercise for each of the job applicants, as countless stories had been written about Kaye and her daughter over the years. It’s been nearly four decades since my visit. But I still remember the number of personal letters from popes, presidents and personalities and other not-so-famous people taped on the walls of the O’Bara living room where Kaye cared for her daughter for 38 years. Edwarda was a 16-year-old high school student who had big dreams in 1970 when she got ill and threw up her diabetic medicine. At the hospital Edwarda asked her mom to never leave her side, before losing consciousness and slipping into a diabetic coma from which she would never recover. A lot of families would have put Edwarda in a special hospital or institution. But Kaye kept her promise, never leaving her daughter’s side until she died. Edwarda became the center of Kaye’s life, at the cost of her own health. It was a 24-hour-seven-day-a-week painstaking task caring for a comatose child. Kaye was only able to muster 90 minutes of sleep at a time, as there is no sleep for mothers who render such loving care in their homes. She had to feed her daughter every two hours and give her an insulin shot every four hours. Kaye’s story of selfl ess love motivated Dr. Wayne Dyer to write his inspiring 2001 book — “A Promise Is A Promise: An Almost Unbelievable Story of a Mother’s Unconditional Love and What It Can Teach Us.” My article never got published, of course, since it was just a part of the job screening process — and one of thousands of stories that were written about the mother and comatose daughter. But the time I spent with Kaye O’Bara and her daughter — and her unwavering life of devotion and love to her daughter — has stayed with me nearly four decades later, as a compelling testament to what devoted mothers are all about. Calling all Saugus servicemen and women The Town of Saugus, along with the Saugus Veterans Council and the American Legion Post, extends an invitation to all local servicemen and women to join us at the Memorial Day Parade. Please contact the Selectmen’s Offi ce at 298 Central St., Saugus, MA or email the Board at jjarosz@ saugus-ma.gov for further information. Come march with town offi cials, residents, students and fellow soldiers to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom. The parade — which is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m. on Saturday on May 28 (Memorial Day will be celebrated on Monday, May 30, the designated holiday) — will be “historical” this year, according to Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti. Billie June “BJ” Farrell, the 77th Commanding Offi cer of the USS Constitution — but the first woman officer in charge during the ship’s 224year history — has accepted an invitation to be the grand marshal of this year’s Annual Memorial Day Parade and keynote speaker for the town’s Memorial Day Ceremony. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you cannot miss!” said Castinetti, a retired U.S. Navy captain. “It’s historical because Commander Farrell became the fi rst female Commanding Offi cer of this great ship in 224 years. Come out and welcome Commander Farrell to Massachusetts and, more importantly to Saugus!! Meet the new Commanding Officer of the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides, on May 28,” he said. A spotlight on Civil War soldiers next week On Wednesday (May 11), the Saugus Historical Society meeting will have a special program, free and open to the public, at 7 p.m. at 30 Main St. Dexter Bishop, president of the General Lander Civil War Round Table, will present a program on three local Civil War soldiers and their lives before, during and after the war. Two of the featured men, John J. B. Adams and William B. Poole, were Medal of Honor recipients. All three survived the war and joined the Grand Army of the Republic post in Lynn, and their pictures are still displayed in the meeting room of the G.A.R. Hall on Andrews Street in Lynn. Bishop has been working on a series of YouTube videos depicting the lives and times of these local heroes. Attendees will also see a project on Saugus history by students in Brigitte Vaudet’s fourth grade class, in which the students created postcards based on local monuments that inspired them. Light refreshments will be served. Find out if you have any Revolutionary War relatives There could be a Patriot among us!!! Have you ever wondered if there was an ancestor who was a Patriot in your family tree? The Parson Roby Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), is hosting a Genealogy Workshop for prospective members and the public to explore your family tree and perhaps fi nd that Revolutionary War hero in your family. The event will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MEG Building (54 Essex St. in Saugus). DAR members will be off ering helpful tips and assistance to you in your search for family members that may have contributed to service or aid during the American Revolution. Experienced genealogists and researchers will also be on hand to guide you with your search. Plan to drop in and let us help you fi nd that long lost Patriot relative! The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is the largest women’s service organization in our country! For further information please contact Regent Charlotte Line at linesat33@gmail. com. A yard sale to help the Ukraine people tomorrow Dmitry and Lana Sevkovich, the Saugus couple who were featured in our April 8 edition for organizing a collection and shipment of clothing and crucial provisions to Ukraine, continue to organize more projects to help people who have been forced out of their homes by the Russian invasion. Lana sent us the following email message this week: “We plan to have another drive on May 7th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Address: 19 Baker St., Saugus. “Our humanitarian aid will be shipped to Uzhgorod, Ukraine to The Center for Assistance to the War Victims of Ukraine. These people work hard to evacuate orphan houses from Ukraine. If for some reason they can’t evacuate an orphan house, they do their best to provide food and all necessary goods to those houses. This center also helps other Ukrainian refugees who have nowhere to go. “This is the list of goods they currently need: — “Vitamins (for children and adults, especially with Omega) — new, sealed — crucial item(!) — “Ibuprofen — new, sealed — crucial item(!) — “Sleeping Bags and Pillows — new — “Towels — new, standard size — “Underwear and socks (kids and women) — new — “Diapers — new, unopened — “Baby Formula (dry) — new, sealed — “Snack bars and chicken soup cubes. — “Tea (in bags). — “Instant coff ee (only plastic/paper or metal packaging, no glass) — “Portable and head fl ashlights (solar-powered) — working condition. — “Phone charging cords (no base, for android, apple) — working condition — “Solar power banks — working condition “Also, if someone has old smartphones in working condition (android, iPhone model 3-5, for example) that they don’t need, we’ll be accepting those as well.” Lana also wanted folks to know that last weekend’s yard sale raised $613. She extends her thanks to the people who helped make it a success. Want to help make a better Library? The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Saugus Library Board of Trustees. This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit a letter of interest/resume no THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 16

THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 15 Page 16 later than June 1 to the Saugus Board of Selectmen, Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central Street, Suite 4, Saugus, MA 01906. Interested in town zoning matters? The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Saugus, This is a volunteer/nonpaid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit letter of interest/resume no later than May 13 to: Saugus Board of Selectmen Saugus Town Hall 298 Central Street, Suite 4 Saugus, MA 01906 Compost site now open The community’s compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town of Saugus accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you! Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781231-4036 with questions or for more information. We have a winner! Congratulations to Fran Palczynski for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” Contest. She was one of several readers answering correctly, but she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing 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 —Contest— SKETCH OF THE WEEK sketch is Brandon Montella. Brandon was featured in The Saugus Advocate April 8th ‘The Advocate Asks’ article by Editor Mark E. Vogler page 3, 5, 6, 7, with cover photo & 6 photos inside. “Brandon competes in several venues of physical strength competitions, some of his fi tness challenges are so diffi cult and labor intensive they are among the select athletic elite to compete! A couple of these challenges are the Navy Seal Obstacle course ‘The Bone Frog’ and professional Boxing. “In this Article Brandon tells The Saugus Advocate that he boxed his last fi ght on Veterans Day Nov 11, & Nov. 10th is the Birthday of the Marine Corps, making this a signifi - cant time for doing his 100mile run. “Another example of Brandon setting out to achieve accomplishments and excelling beyond his goal is his becoming a U.S. Marine! In bootcamp training he received a Commendation as an Honor Graduate (1st in 60 of Platoon 3028!). “He has a proven track record, and armed with his mindset and mentality; he’s just the person to succeed at a 100 miles for $100,000 run challenge on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) for his nonprofit cause! “As stated by Brandon in the 4/8 The Advocate Asks Interview page 7 ‘My goal is to raise $100,000 to improve the lives of at-risk youth and under-resourced veterans through fi tness training. We strive to build strength & purpose through the fi tness training that we off er.’ “This Saugonian owns The 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 978683-7773. 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”) Way LLC, a fitness & boxing gym in Woburn. Brandon is an Active Ordained Minister with Universal Life Ministries. He has a tattoo that displays his wedding date to Tonya May 23, 2010. Brandon’s quote ‘A wedding band that won’t come off !’ (page 6 under photo.) *Page 3 shows a beautiful family photo of Brandon & wife Tanya and son Isaiah. Brandon uses his strength as a light to help guide others on the journey to fi nd theirs. “Thankyou Brandon “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” An update on Brandon Montella’s mission U.S. Marine Veteran Brandon Montella quietly completed his 50-mile training run late last month, accompanied by a couple of running buddies. “We finished in 12 hours and 52 minutes LOL,” Montella emailed us this week. “It was pretty rugged and gave me a good idea of what 100 [miles] will hurt like LOL. We started running Saturday [April 23] around 7:30 p.m. or so and fi nished 12 hours and 52 minutes later.” Montella added that the local Marine recruiter joined his running group without any kind of training for the double-marathon. “He fi nished in 17 hours, but now wants in on 100 [mile run],” he said. It doesn’t really matter what the finish time is — it’s the distance that counts, as far as Montella is concerned. Montella still has six months of training before he attempts to do his hundred mile run — which is nearly four times the distance of the Boston Marathon. Stay tuned for more progress reports as the Marine who never ran a Boston Marathon sets his sights on a 100-mile run through five area communities on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to raise money for his nonprofi t cause, “Mission Ready.” His goal is to provide military veterans and atrisk students who lack fi nancial resources an opportunity to gain strength and purpose in life through fitness training at his Woburn gym, “The Way LLC.” A course in “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors” The Saugus Senior Center is pleased to announce a new program off ering “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors,” which is scheduled to begin this month. It is well established that engagement in thought and discussion helps promote and maintain good cognitive health. Modern brain research helps prove that engaging in critical thinking skills that include synthesis, analysis, evaluation and judgment can stimulate the brain in a positive way. These cognitive skills will be applied to historical events, literary works and civic dialogue. The fi rst program event will take place on May 19 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. It will consist of a showing of the two-hour historical fi lm “Triumph of the Will,” produced by Leni Riefenstahl, who was commissioned by Adolf Hitler. After viewing the fi lm, participants will break into teams of four to defend a position, assigned at random, that the fi lm is either propaganda or documentary. Each team will then report their reasoning with supporting evidence to the larger group. Further discussion will take place about contemporary media and the impact of how individuals or events are portrayed. This program will be presented by retired educator Peter Manoogian, who has previously led teams of educators in similar activities at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s “Writing, Reading and Civic Education” summer program. “Critical Thinking for Saugus Seniors” will be limited to 12 participants per event. But, if there is enough interest among senior citizens, one or more additional classes could be scheduled. To register for the class (admission will be granted to the fi rst 12 seniors to apply), please call (781-2314178) or drop by the center at 466 Central St., Saugus. “Shout-Outs” to baseball and softball volunteers We received no nominations this week from readers who wanted to nominate fellow Saugonians for “ShoutOuts.” So, with the recent start of the Saugus Little League baseball and softball seasons, adult volunteers put in a tremendous amount of work to make the season successful for the town’s youngsters. So, hats off to all of those folks who contributed as coaches, organizers and everyone involved. 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. Become a part of the Community Garden The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church continues to search for a few good men, women and children who would like to join a noble cause — the second year of the church-sponsored community garden. “We are inviting all interested persons to join us in producing vegetables for those who are suff ering from food insecurity in Saugus,” Rev. Beach wrote in a recent letter to the community. Rev. Beach is looking for a variety of help, as the garden approaches planting time for its second year: “If you are able to grow a few seedlings in your home, we would like to bring the seeds, soil, pots, and instructions in the next few weeks.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 17 “We would like to invite any who are available to help for an hour to help us prepare the garden on Friday, May 13th and/or Saturday May 14th between 9 a.m. and noon. “Assist in the planting of crops on Friday May 27th and/ or Saturday May 28th sometime between 9 and noon. We will be having a brief service of the blessing of the ground on the Friday. “Assist for an hour a week in the tending of the crops (weeding and watering) over the course of the summer. “Assist in the harvesting of the crops in September and delivering them to the Saugus Food Pantry” “If you are able to assist, or if you are interested in contributing to the garden, please let me know. I am looking forward to working with you,” Rev. Beach said. He can be reached by phone (774-9619881) or email (revjbeach@ gmail.com). Saugus Kindergarten Registration underway Kindergarten registration for students entering the Saugus Public Schools in the fall of 2022 opened this week. Registration packets may be picked up at the Main Offi ce of the Veterans Early Learning Center (VELC), 39 Hurd Ave. in Saugus Monday through Friday during school hours. The packet will also be available on the Saugus Public Schools’ website, https://www.saugus. k12.ma.us/. Completed forms and required documentation may be returned to the VELC Main Offi ce starting Monday, May 16. Packet drop-off hours will be Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11 a.m.; kindergarten screening appointments will be scheduled at this time. Screenings will take place on Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9 and will last about 20 minutes. There is no deadline for registration; however, the district asks families to return the forms by May 20 in order for them to schedule screenings and plan for staffi ng and programming in the fall. Saugus moved to a free, allday kindergarten model for the 2021-22 school year to better prepare students academically, socially and emotionally. A half-day option is not available. “Free, all-day kindergarten levels the playing field and gives Saugus children all of the building blocks they need from day one,” said School Committee Member Ryan Fisher. Students must be fi ve years old by Aug. 31, 2022, in order to enter kindergarten in the fall of 2022; there are no exceptions. For more information, please contact the Veterans Early Learning Center at 781-231-8166. Curbside leaf collection next week The Town of Saugus recently announced that spring curbside leaf collection will take place during the week of May 9, 2022. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled collection day, between Monday, May 9, and Friday, May 13. Leaves should be left outside by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling. Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If you are using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall (298 Central St., Saugus). Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible. Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches, and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a diff erent time of day. “Missed pick-ups” will not be conducted. Please contact Lorna Cerbone at 781-2314036 with any questions. 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 for someone from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4? X 8? brick (three lines) and $200 for 8? X 8? brick (fi ve 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 at 781-231-7995 for more information and applications. 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 50s and 60s 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 — 704-9062606 Food pantry seeking driver volunteers The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry seeks volunteers to make food and bread pickTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 18 Sunday, May 8 from 9—11 p.m. on Channel 8 — “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, May 9 all day on Channel 8 — “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, May 10 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 — Planning Board Meeting from May 5. MASSHEALTH’S CALCULATION OF VALUE OF LIFE ESTATES M assHealth issued Eligibility Operations Memo 19-12, “Calculating the value of a life estate and remainder interest” on August 15, 2019. Eff ective September 3, 2019, MassHealth no longer uses the IRS Table S interest rates (found in Book Aleph) along with interest rates published by the IRS pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 7520 when calculating the value of a life estate and remainder interest in real estate. MassHealth is now using the Social Security Operations Manual (POMS) SI 01140.120 Life Estate and Remainder Interest Table. The result of this is that the value of a life estate interest as calculated by MassHealth is much higher than it otherwise would be under the old valuation method. Therefore, if a parent had deeded his or her home to the children many years ago with a reserved life estate and now wishes to sell the home, the amount of the net sales proceeds that will belong to the parent is a lot higher than it otherwise would be. Once the home is sold and the parent is now credited with the portion attributed to the life estate interest, those monies will then be considered countable assets when applying for MassHealth. If the parent immediately transfers those monies to his or her children, a new fi ve year look back period would commence as of the date of the transfer. As a result, much more money is at stake if the parent were to go into THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Wednesday, May 11 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 — Special Town Meeting from May 2. Thursday, May 12 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 — School Committee Meeting ***live***. Friday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 — Finance Committee Meeting from May 4. Saturday, May 14 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 — Board of Selectmen Meeting from May 4. 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*** a nursing home prior to the expiration of that fi ve-year period. If the real estate is a vacation home, if MassHealth utilizes the new tables for valuing the life estate in the vacation home, the parent may very well be over the asset limit due to the higher valuation. Using the old IRS Table S along with the Internal Revenue Code Section 7520 interest rates would result in much less exposure as far as countable assets are concerned. One option would be to rent out the vacation home at a profi t and take the position that the vacation home is necessary for self-support. In this case, the vacation home would not be considered a countable asset. The net income from the vacation home would have to be paid to the nursing home as part of the patient pay amount, but MassHealth would pay the bulk of the monthly nursing home cost if the application is otherwise approved. If the real estate in question is your principal residence and it is sold, under the MassHealth new calculation methodology, more of the gain will be allocated to the life tenant resulting in less or no capital gains tax due to the $250,000 capital gains tax exclusion (if single) or $500,000 (if married). If the children do not live in the home, they would not be able to take advantage of the capital gains tax exclusion. In that situation, having less of the sales proceeds attributed to the remaindermen (i.e. children) would end up saving them in taxes. The irrevocable trusts offers the best approach to protecting assets and assuring favorable tax results now that court cases have been decided against MassHealth in support of the use of these trusts as an estate planning/ Medicaid planning strategy.

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 17 ups 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., will continue the Friday morning breakfasts through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buff et breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. Bon app?tit! And good luck to the Kitchen Crew. Looking for book donations The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fi ction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fi ction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please...clean and newer books only; no tattered pages, bad odors, stains or dirty covers! Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops. 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 781233-9858. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofi t group of volunteers who are helping to off - set food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/ families who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/ vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfi sh, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/ gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five C/O Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https:// givebutter.com/HealthySaugus. Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry continues to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing prebagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in 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. 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 coff ee shop. And I’ll buy the coff ee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 19 OBITUARIES Winifred E. (O’Connell) Rizzuti Of Saugus, formerly of East Boston, passed away on Monday, April 25, at the age of 76. The beloved wife of the late Ralph Rizzuti, she was the devoted mother of Christine Rizzuti, Ralph Rizzuti, Michele McKinney, Michael Rizzuti, Anthony Rizzuti and the late Domenic Rizzuti; loving grandmother of Jordan Verbin Rizzuti, Dana Rizzuti Faye, Domenic Mahoney, Daria Mahoney, Gabrielle Rizzuti, Thomas Delgado, Ralph Rizzuti, Nicholas Rizzuti, Stephen McKinney, Ryne McKinney, Alexis Rizzuti, Alana Rizzuti, Aubrey Rizzuti, Emma Lea Rizzuti and the late Sara Rizzuti. She is also survived by great grandchildren and by many loving friends. LACROSSE | FROM PAGE 14 off ense was in full bloom as they tallied 16 times to roll to a shutout victory over the host Witches. It was Saugus’s second win over Salem this year. Both of its victories this season have come against the Witches. The schedule doesn’t get any easier for head coach Rob Scuzzarella and his Sachems moving forward. They played a tough Swampscott team on Thursday and host Peabody on Monday, May 9. The girls’ lacrosse team has also won twice so far this season. The latest win was a close, 6-4 triumph against Salem Monday at home. Kali Penachio tallied four times to help lead the way. Georgia Fiore and Sophia Scalisi also dented the net for Saugus. The girls played at Swampscott on Thursday and travel to take on Peabody on Monday, May 9. Savvy Seniory Senior BY JIM MILLER Specialized Moving Services That Help Seniors Downsize and Relocate Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any businesses or services that specialize in helping seniors downsize and relocate? I need to fi nd some help moving my mother from her four-bedroom home – where she’s lived for nearly 50 years – to an apartment near me. Overwhelmed Daughter Dear Overwhelmed, The process of downsizing and moving to a new home is a big job for anyone, but it can be especially overwhelming for seniors who are moving from a long-time residence fi lled with decade’s worth of stuff and a lifetime of memories. Fortunately, there’s a specialized service available today that can help make your mom’s move a lot easier for her, and for you. Senior Move Manager To help your mom get packed up and moved into her new home, you should consider hiring a “senior move manager.” These are trained organizers (they are not moving companies) who assist older people with the challenges of relocating and can minimize the stress of this major transition by doing most of the work for you. A senior move manager can help your mom pare down her belongings, decide what to take and what to dispose of, recommend charities for donaship Day” established by Ann Jarvis, whose daughter, Anna, was instrumental in the offi - cial founding of Mother’s Day? 1. On May 6, 1915, against the Yankees, what Red Sox player (the Sultan of Swat) hit his first home run? 2. Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony was adapted for what Walt Disney fi lm? 3. What river has the largest volume of fresh water? 4. May is National Salad Month; how did iceberg lettuce get its name? 5. On May 7, 2005, what Massachusetts university held a Time Traveler Convention? 6. Which national constitution is the oldest still in use? 7. According to Sports Illustrated, in 1972, who “became the fi rst female player to win more than $100,000 in a year”? 8. What is a black hole thought to be created from? 9. May 8 is Mother’s Day; after what war was “Mother’s Friend10. The twins Castor and Pollux are in what constellation? 11. “The African Queen” was set during what war? 12. How are Coors, Paramount and Toblerone similar? 13. On May 9, 1657, what governor of the Plymouth Colony died? 14. What color is matcha tea? 15. In 1975 Pet Rocks became a fad; the rocks came from a city where: Florida, Hawaii or Mexico? tions and help sell her unwanted items. They can even create a customized fl oor plan of her new home so your mom can visualize where her belongings will fi t. Senior move managers can also get estimates from moving companies, oversee the movers, arrange the move date, supervise the packing and unpacking and help set up her new home, have the house cleaned and just about anything you need related to her move. If you want to do some of the work yourself, you can pick and choose only the services you want. For example, you may only want a move manager’s help with downsizing and selling excess furniture and unwanted belongings but plan on doing the actual packing and moving yourself. The cost of working with a senior move manager will vary depending on where you live, the services you want and size of the move, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $60 and $125 per hour or more, not including the cost of movers. How to Find One To locate a senior move manager in your area, visit the National Association of Senior Move Managers website at NASMM.org or call 877-6062766. The NASMM is a trade association with an accredita16. On May 10, 1818, what son of Apollos Rivoire and Deborah Hitchbourne died in Boston? 17. A griffin is mythical animal that is a combination of what two animals? 18. On May 11, 1659, what holiday did the Massachusetts Bay Colony legislature ban? 19. Barbary macaques – the only wild monkey population in Europe – are in what British Overseas Territory? 20. On May 12, 1861, the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” by Julia Ward Howe, was fi rst performed at Fort Warren near what city? tion program that requires its members to abide by a strict code of ethics that ensures integrity. They currently have around 1,000 members across the U.S. You can also search at Caring Transitions (CaringTransitions. com), which is the largest senior relocation and transition services franchised company in the U.S. They currently have nearly 200 franchises throughout the country. But, before you hire one, be sure you ask for references from previous clients and check them, and check with the Better Business Bureau too. Also fi nd out how many moves they have actually managed and get a written list of services and fees. And make sure they’re insured and bonded. If you can’t fi nd a senior move manager in your area, another option is to hire a certifi ed professional organizer who specializes in downsizing and relocating. To fi nd one, check the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, which has a searchable database on its website at NAPO.net. 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. ANSWERS 1. Babe Ruth 2. “Fantasia” 3. The Amazon 4. Because it was developed in America and packed with ice 5. MIT 6. The U.S. Constitution 7. Billie Jean King 8. Collapse of a massive star 9. The Civil War 10. Gemini 11. World War I 12. Their logos feature mountains. 13. William Bradford 14. Green 15. Mexico 16. Paul Revere 17. Eagle and lion 18. Christmas 19. Gibraltar 20. Boston

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 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 THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of April 25-29. APPROVE $49.7 BILLION FISCAL 2023 STATE BUDGET (H 4700) House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $49.7 billion fi scal 2023 state budget after adding nearly $130 million in spending during three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve a diff erent version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and sent to the governor. Provisions include $18.4 billion to fully fund MassHealth caseloads; $70 million in rate increases for subsidized child care providers; $3 million for early childhood mental health grants; $110 million for a year-long extension of universal school meals; $243 million for charter school aid; $60 million for adult education to support English Language Learners and adults working towards their GED; $15 million to support teachers of color, including $7.5 million for Tomorrow’s Teachers program to provide scholarships to people committed to teaching in public schools and $7.5 million for loan repayment for teachers of color; $188.6 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Service; and $653 million for the University of Massachusetts system. Another provision would require the Department of Correction (DOC), sheriff s and the Department of Youth Services (DYS) to provide phone calls free of charge to persons receiving and initiating phone calls and other services such as video or electronic communications, who are currently paying $14.4 million per year to communicate. The package also would outlaw child marriage of children under the age of 18 and empower minors currently in marriages to seek divorce or annulment on their own. “The House budget responds to the economic challenges curFOR RENT OFFICE or RETAIL SPACE 750 sq. ft. 617-389-6600 PARKWAY LOCATION rently facing Massachusetts residents by balancing a focus on immediate needs such as workforce development, with a focus on long-term investments that are designed to grow our economy in a sustainable way,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). (A Yes” vote is for the budget.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes PRESCRIPTION REBATE FOR SENIORS OVER 67 (H 4700) House 28-127, rejected an amendment making seniors, aged 67 or older, who are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, eligible for a prescription drug rebate on their total out-of-pocket expenses of up to $2,500 for the 12 months from July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2023. Amendment supporters said this rebate will help low-income seniors on fi xed incomes. They noted some of these seniors currently have to choose between paying for prescription drugs, food and heating costs. Amendment opponents said there are several bills being worked on that would help seniors pay for their prescription drugs. They said this proposal should be fi led as a separate bill in order to hold public hearings on the measure. Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), sponsor of the amendment and Tom Stanley (D-Waltham), the main opponent of the amendment did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment. (A “Yes” vote is for the up to $2,500 rebate. A “No” vote is against it). Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes FARM FUEL TAX REBATE (H 4700) House 29-127, rejected an amendment that would provide a tax rebate to farmers for the cost of fuel taxes paid for the operation of farm equipment from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Amendment supporters said the rebate will help hardworking farmers during this diffi cult economic time. They noted it will also help combat food shortages. Amendment opponents said this rebate is a new idea and should be fi led as a separate bill in order to hold public hearings on the measure. Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), the sponsor of the amendment and Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), the main opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment. “Farmers, like everyone in this ‘Bidenfl ation’ economy, are struggling to survive, and with the state’s historic surplus revenue bonanza (aka, over-taxation), the state can certainly aff ord to lighten some of their burden easily,” said Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Every small savings for producers will reduce the infl ated endcost for beleaguered consumers.” (A “Yes” vote is for the rebate. A “No” vote is against it). Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes REDUCE ESTATE/DEATH TAX (H 4700) House 30-126, rejected an amendment that would exempt the fi rst $2 million of the value of a person’s estate from the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any benefi ciary. Under current law, only the first $1 million is exempt. Under the current $1 million threshold and under the proposed $2 million threshold, the tax on anything over the threshold is a graduated one that ranges from 0.8 percent to 16 percent. This tax applies to the entire estate value, not just the portion above the threshold. Most Republicans are against any such tax and coined the name “death tax” to imply that the government taxes you even after you die. Most Democrats support the tax and call it an “estate tax” to imply that this tax is only paid by the wealthy. Amendment supporters said that in light of the rising value of houses, with the average home price more than $500,000, the $1 million threshold of this unfair regressive tax is too low and noted the federal tax exempts the fi rst $12 million. They noted that Massachusetts is losing many residents, who move to Florida and other states where this tax does not even exist. “Massachusetts has the most aggressive estate tax in the entire country,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “This tax is very unpopular in every state that still has it and many states are eliminating it completely. The estate tax drives people out of the state and even President Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware recently repealed it completely. Only the Massachusetts Legislature would be willing to keep the country’s most aggressive estate tax, which hurts our elderly population the most.” Amendment opponents said that this proposed tax reduction is one of many that are included in a separate stand-alone piece of legislation fi led by Gov. Charlie Baker. They argued the amendment is premature and that the House should not act on this or any other tax reduction piecemeal here in the state budget but rather should wait until the Revenue Committee holds a public hearing on the governor’s package as a whole. Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), the sponsor of the amendment and Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), the main opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment. (A “Yes” vote is for exempting the fi rst $2 million of the value of a person’s estate from the state’s estate/death tax. A “No” vote is against it) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes REDUCE CAPITAL GAINS TAX FROM 12 PERCENT TO 5 PERCENT (H 4700) House 29-127,rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to fi ve percent. Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation said that anything that can help the investors in Massachusetts keep up with mounting infl ation is a positive step for the commonwealth’s economy, “Why should the capital gains or any tax imposed be charged at a higher

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 21 rate than earned income, especially considering the multi-billions in historic revenue surpluses?” asked Ford. “The Massachusetts Legislature had a great opportunity to lower the capital gains tax, which taxes economic growth,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “Unfortunately they refused to lower it and in fact, their legislature’s ballot question this November hopes to increase the tax from 12 percent to 17 percent for some earners. It’s clear the Legislature wants to bring us back to Taxachusetts.” Amendment opponents again said that this amendment is premature and urged the House not to act on tax reductions one at a time but instead to wait and consider Gov. Baker’s comprehensive tax reduction package which might be voted on in a few weeks. Reps. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), the sponsor of the amendment and Rep. Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), the main opponent of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment. (A “Yes” vote is for reducing capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent. A “No” vote is against the reduction). Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes INCREASE TAX BREAK FOR SENIORS (H 4700) House 31-125, rejected an amendment that would increase by $1,005 (from $750 to $1,755) the maximum tax credit which seniors over 65 who qualify, can receive under the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Law. The law applies to seniors with homes valued at less than $884,000 and who earn $62,000 or less for a single individual who is not the head of a household; $78,000 for a head of household; and $93,000 for married couples fi ling a joint return. Also to qualify, if you are a homeowner, your property tax payments, together with half of your water and sewer expense, must exceed 10 percent of your total Massachusetts income for the tax year. If you are a renter, 25 percent of your annual Massachusetts rent must exceed 10 percent of your total Massachusetts income for the tax year. Amendment supporters said this will help seniors on fi xed incomes who are having a diffi cult time as infl ation and the cost of food and gas soar. Amendment opponents again said that this amendment is premature and urged the House not to act on tax reductions one at a time but instead to wait and consider Gov. Baker’s comprehensive tax reduction package which might be voted on in a few weeks. (A “Yes” vote is for the increased tax credit of $1,005. A “No” vote is against it). Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes GAS TAX SUSPENSION (H 4700) House 32-124, rejected an amendment that would have suspended the state’s 24-centsper-gallon gas tax for 60 days. The measure also requires the state to use money from its General Fund to cover transportation costs, normally funded by the gas tax, such as road and bridge maintenance, during the twomonth holiday. “The gasoline tax relief would help individuals with the rising costs of transportation, groceries, goods and services,” said sponsor Rep. Paul Frost (R-Auburn). “Democrats and Republicans came together in Connecticut to temporarily eliminate their state gasoline tax and there is no reason we can’t provide that immediate relief for the residents and businesses here in Massachusetts.” Rep. William Straus (D-Mattapoisett) said the tax is currently paid by distributors, not directly by consumers at the pump. He noted that the amendment does not assure that the tax cut will be passed along to consumers. “If Rep. Straus is claiming the savings won’t be passed down to the consumer than that can be addressed through the attorney general or Rep. Straus could’ve offered a further amendment to address the issue when it was on the fl oor instead of making it an excuse not to vote for it,” responded Frost. “Rep. Straus wasn’t interested in making it work for Massachusetts residents or businesses but rather chose to grandstand against much needed tax and cost relief.” (A “Yes” vote is for the suspension of the gas tax. A “No” vote is against the suspension). Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes REDUCE GAMING TAX (S 2844) Senate 4-35 rejected an amendment that would reduce from 20 percent to 10 percent the gaming excise tax for in-person betting and from 35 percent to 12.5 percent the tax for mobile bets and daily fantasy sports. “This amendment creates a much more practical accounting for taxes that reflects the market realities that are present in the sports wagering industry across the nation,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “If you want to have a successful sports wagering business in the commonwealth then the tax rates in the bill have to be more realistic and practical.” Senate Ways and Means chair Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) urged senators to defeat the amendment. “One of the missions of this particular bill was to provide the best benefi t for the commonwealth’s citizens and taxpayers, not the best benefi t for the online gaming operators that want to work here.” (A Yes” vote is for the reduction. A “No” vote is against it). Sen. Brendan Crighton No PROHIBIT CREDIT CARD USE FOR SPORTS BETTING (S 2844) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment to a section of the sports betting bill that prohibits a credit card from being used to place bets. The amendment clarifi es that any use of credit, whether the credit card itself or some other third-party, is prohibited. Amendment supporters said that without the amendment, a consumer could link a credit card to an online payment system, such as PayPal, or use a credit card to purchase sports betting gift cards at retailers like 711, Walmart and various gas stations. “Prohibiting credit card use, particularly for those with a gambling addiction, will prevent consumers from going into insurmountable debt,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “If the commonwealth is going to allow this form of gambling, then we have a responsibility to protect the public by ensuring all forms of credit are not allowed. We cannot leave significant consumer protections in the hands of a profi t-driven industry, and this amendment ensures there are no credit loopholes for third-party payment methods like gift cards or online payment systems.” (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 been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night 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 April 2529, the House met for a total of 31 hours and 27 minutes and the Senate met for a total of nine hours and 42 minutes. Mon. April 25 House 11:01 a.m. to 8:54 p.m. Senate 11:16 a.m. to 1:42 p.m. Tues. April 26 House 11:00 a.m. to 7:43 p.m. No Senate session Wed. April 27 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. No Senate session Thurs. April 28 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:22 a.m. Senate 11:12 a.m. to 6:28 p.m. Fri. April 29 No House sesNo Senate session sion 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 Hall of Fame in 2019. ~LEGAL NOTICE~ SAUGUS BOARD OF SELECTMEN ANNOUNCEMENT The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointments to the Saugus Library Board of Trustees. This is a volunteer/ non paid position for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit letter of interest / resume, no later than June 1, 2022. Saugus Board of Selectmen Saugus Town Hall 298 Central Street, Suite 4 Saugus, MA 01906 May 6, 2022 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 Baldi, Christina M BUYER2 SELLER1 SELLER2 Whyte Christopher M Est Whyte, Michael J ADDRESS 36 Granite St CITY DATE Saugus 14.04.2022 PRICE $1 000,00

Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Wildlife Control and Tree Service 24-Hour Service Hall Rentals Available Excellent rates Call 781-324-9570 Fully Insured 781-269-0914                               Call now! 781 233 4446 VENDING MACHINE MOVER $500.00 Signing Bonus for All New Hires Driver with clean driving record for the greater Boston area to move and service vending equipment. Any Electronics experience is helpful but not necessary. Salary commensurate with job experience. Our company was established in 1961. We offer competitive wages, a 401k and profit-sharing plan, health & dental benefits, paid holidays and paid vacations and many other benefits. Full time, plus OT available. Random drug testing and background checks are performed. Must be able to speak English fluently. Apply in person Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm @ 83 Broadway, Malden, MA – Or send your resume to jmagee@actionjacksonusa.com. No phone calls please. 855-GO-4-GLAS We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! CLASSIFIEDS

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 Page 23 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Happy Spring! A great time to think of selling or buying! Call today for a free market analysis. Sandy Juliano Broker/President WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING UNDER AGREEMENT THREE FAMILY UNDER AGREEMENT TWO FAMILY 46-48 OLIVER STREET EVERETT CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS! 129 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT $779,900 CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS! 617-448-0854 SOLD BY NORMA AS BUYER’S AGENT TAUNTON FOR RENT EVERETT - FOUR BEDROOM $2,300/MO. - AVAILABLE MAY 15 CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS 617-590-9143 THREE BEDROOM - $2,200/MO. CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS 617-590-9143 SOLD BY SANDY! HUGE 3 FAMILY 21-23 CLEVELAND AVE., EVERETT $980,000 SOLD BY SANDY! 32 RIDGE RD., READING $675,000 ONE BEDROOM APT. ONE CAR - OFF STREET PARKING. $1,750/MO. SOLD BY JOE! 6 FAMILY CHARLES STREET, MALDEN $1,250,000 CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 SOLD BY NORMA! SINGLE FAMILY 20 BAKER RD., EVERETT $509,900 CONDO UNDER AGREEMENT BY SANDY AS BUYERS AGENT! Joe DiNuzzo Norma Capuano Parziale - Broker Associate O D il F - Agent Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 www.jrs-properties.com 10 00 A M 5 00 PM Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Follow Us On: 617.448.0854 Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent

Page 24 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022 ............. # 1       “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service”     Think Real Estate    View our website from your mobile phone! 335 Central St., Saugus, MA 781-233-7300                           great for extended or large family....................................................................................$869,000. Think Lisa M. Smallwood SAUGUS - 1st AD - 6 rms., 3 bedrm. Colonial offers 1½ baths, living rm., dining rm.,                SAUGUS - 9 room Garrison Colonial offers 3 bdrms., 2 full baths, 1st floor family room, finished lower level offers playroom w/slider to yard, one car garage, updated roof, corner lot, convenient loc.....................................................................................$669,900. SAUGUS - 7 room, 3 bedroom Garrison Colonial offers 2 full baths, sunroom,                        LYNN - 6 Store Fronts (consisting of two condos), ALL occupied – great income, minimal              foot traffic, close to public transportation.............................................................................$3,000,000. WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL US FOR A FREE OPINION OF VALUE. 781-233-1401 38 MAIN STREET38 MAIN STREET, SAUGUS, SAUGUS FOR SALEFOR SALE COMING SOONCOMING SOON LET US SHOW YOU OUR MARKETING PLAN TO GET YOU TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR HOME! LITTLEFIELDRE.COM 624 SALEM STREET 624 SALEM STREET, L, LYNNFIELD NNFIELD SOLD $75K OVERSOLD $75K OVER ASKING ASKING COMING SOON - 4 BED, 2 BATH COLONIAL NEW ROOF GREAT LOCATION ! MALDEN $599,900 CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 UNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACT FOR SALE - REHABBED 3 BED, 2 BATH COLONIAL SITTING ON AN OVERSIZED 17K LOT. SAUGUS $675,000 CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 COMING SOONCOMING SOON FOR SALE - GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH LARGE OWNER’S UNIT CONSISTING OF 4+ BEDROOMS AND 3 BATHS. FLEXIBLE FLOOR PLAN. ALL LARGE ROOMS PLENTY OF BIG WINDOWS ALLOW FOR LOTS OF NATURAL LIGHT. RENTAL UNIT IS 1 BEDROOM AND 1 FULL BATH WITH LAUNDRY. ALL GAS COOKING AND GAS HEAT. PLENTY OF PARKING AND STORAGE. YOUNG ROOF, HEAT, AND SIDING. PLENTY OF POTENTIAL HERE! GREAT LOCATION AND CONVENIENT TO EVERYTHING! $899,900 REVERE CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? CALL VICTORIA SCARAMUZZO FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! 617-529-2513 FOR SALE - 4 FAMILY INVESTMENT PROPERTY NEAR DOWNTOWN ALL SEPARATE ENTRANCES WITH GREAT RENTAL HISTORY $1,250,000 PEABODY CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 FOR SALEFOR SALE FOR SALE - 5 ROOM END UNIT TOWNHOUSE 2 BEDROOM, 2 FULL BATH $409,900 LYNN CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 UNDER CONTRACTUNDER CONTRACT COMING SOON 3 BED 2 BATH COLONIAL W/ LARGE GRANITE KITCHEN, FP LIVING ROOM. GREAT SETTING $619,900 SAUGUS CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 FOR SALEFOR SALE FOR SALE - 2 BED 2 BATH FIRST FLOOR GARDEN STYLE WITH LAUNDRY IN UNIT $429,900 MEDFORD CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 FOR SALE - 2 BED, 1 BATH WITH ADDITION IN DESIRABLE PARK. PEABODY $79,900 CALL ERIC 781-223-0289

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