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SAUGUS The Advocate–A household word in Saugus! OCDVOCATE AD Vol. 24, No. 20 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net By Mark E. Vogler B ack in April of 2005, Saugus selectmen signed an administrative consent order (ACO) with the state Executive Offi ce of Energy and Environmental Affairs which agreed to make improvements to the town’s sewer system with the intent of ending years of polluting the Saugus River. Now, more than 16 years later, the town has spent about $25 million and is just months away from reaching compliance in the case involving serious environmental violations. In a special presentation via Zoom teleconferencing this week (Tuesday, May 18) aimed at Town Meeting members, other town offi cials and concerned Saugus residents, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree praised the work of town employees involved in the project and its consultant, CDM Smith. “Hats off …,” Crabtree said, to everyone “involved in this unfortunate situation that we’ve turned into a positive.” Crabtree stressed several maCT Published Every Friday A major success: cleaning up the mess Offi cials rave about improvements to Saugus sewer system since state environmental offi cials cracked down on illegal sewage in the Saugus River 781-233-4446 Friday, May 21, 2021 Celebrating Saugus High Seniors A NEW CHAPTER FOR SAUGUS ENVIRONMENT: More than 16 years after Saugus selectmen signed an administrative consent order with the state Executive Offi ce of Environmental Aff airs due to illegal sanitary sewer overfl ows (SSOs) to the Saugus River, the town has spent close to $25 million in improvements to its sewer system and is months away from meeting its obligation to the state. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) jor benefits the town reaped from that costly settlement, which ends sometime this fall if the state approves the town’s Wastewater Facilities Plan and releases the town from the ACO. “We’re preventing raw sewage and waste water from getting into our Saugus River and everywhere else in town.” Crabtree also noted that the sewer system improvements and related measures have increased the capacity of the sysMAJOR | SEE PAGE 14 For the second year in a row, town offi - cials gave the graduating seniors of Saugus High School a special tribute. This banner outside the Saugus Public Library is one of about 50 that have been attached to utility poles around Saugus Center and Cliftondale Square to celebrate the SHS Class of 2021. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Finally! Town Hall set to reopen Monday without requiring an appointment SEE PAGE 3 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.759 Mid Unleaded $2.879 Super $3.019 Diesel Fuel $2.899 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.569 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Spring is around the Corner! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 School Committee nearing a contract settlement with the new superintendent, Erin McMahon, to lead Saugus Public Schools By Mark E. Vogler Saugus Advocate. “Just need to iron out the lanI t’s not offi cial yet that Erin McMahon has become the fi rst woman superintendent to lead Saugus Public Schools. But after about two hours of contract talks between School Committee members and McMahon in executive session via Zoom teleconferencing on Wednesday (May 19) night, School Committee Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher said he is quite optimistic about a deal being wrapped up soon. “We've reached a tentative agreement with Ms. McMahon and the lawyers,” Fisher told The guage. I expect we'll vote and sign her contract next week. Erin was our fi rst choice for so many reasons and I couldn't be more excited for Saugus!” Fisher said. “We’d like to put together a public meet and greet after the relaxation of the Covid protocols in early June.” McMahon, 47, of Marblehead, currently the senior advisor to state Education Commissioner Jeff rey C. Riley, was the committee’s 4-0 unanimous choice earlier this month to replace retiring School Superintendent DaJ& $45 yd. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. 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. $40 yd. $3 yd. We don’t just make deals. We make it happen. TALK TO SEAN ABOUT OUR COMMERCIAL AND CONSTRUCTION LOANS. WE’RE READY TO HELP YOU GET STARTED. SEAN CUMMINGS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SCUMMINGS@EVERETTBANK . COM 61 7-957-9989 $2.39 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM/COMMERCIALLENDING Member FDIC Member DIF vid DeRuosi, Jr. School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge abstained from the vote because of a potential confl ict of interest, as his sister, Dawn Trainor, is the executive director of Pupil Personnel Services & Special Education – a high administrative position that reports directly to the superintendent. DeRuosi’s contract expires on June 30, which is the fi nal day of the 2020-21 academic school year and the 2021 fi scal year and also the end of his fi fth year as superintendent. “I’ve had several conversations with Erin since her election, and she’s very excited to get started and will hit the ground running,” said Fisher, who chaired the 15-member Superintendent Search Committee which culled a fi eld of 25 initial applicants down to nine and then four fi nalists who were interviewed by the full School Committee. Committee members were hoping to have at least a month’s transition between DeRuosi’s departure and McMahon taking charge. And a NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT: Erin McMahon says she is “excited” about going to work for Saugus Public Schools as the next superintendent. And that could happen as soon as she and the School Committee agree on a contract. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Susannah Bothe Photography) contract settlement by sometime next week would assure that. DeRuosi had pledged to help the transition go smoothly when he announced his retirement last December. McMahon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. She was a member of the Yale University Women’s Soccer Team and was Vice President of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She received her Master of Business Administration, Finance and Operations, from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Education Leadership from Pace University in New York City. In her current duties as senior advisor to Commissioner Riley, McMahon has been guiding the COVID-19 reentry process, making recommendations for health and safety, rapid response and remote learning. McMahon’s other duties include providing practical recommendations to district superintendents on how to plan for different models of learning while monitoring the implementation and the quality of the reopening and tracking lead indicators of wellness/instruction. She worked for six years as associate chief of academics and innovation in Denver Public Schools. She also served for three years as a regional superintendent overseeing 6,200 students in 14 schools in that city. Before joining Commissioner Riley’s staff , she was the chief program offi cer/chief academic offi cer of Kipp Foundation, which involved 224 schools serving 115,000 students in New York City. McMahon continues to be an adjunct professor of Education Leadership in the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University in New York City. She teaches a graduate level business course in educational leadership that focuses on solving the human capital challenges of leading schools and school systems. A candidate’s primer H Town of Saugus Election Calendar for 2021 ere are some important dates released by the Saugus Town Clerk’s Offi ce: July 19: Local election nomination papers become available. Sept. 7: At 5pm Last day for incumbent Town Meeting Members wishing to become a candidate for re-election to submit written notice to the Town Clerk. Sept. 10: At 5pm Last day to OBTAIN nomination papers. Sept. 14: At 5pm Last day for candidates to SUBMIT nomination papers to the Board of Registrars (Town Clerk’s Offi ce) for certifi cation of signatures. Sept. 30: At 5pm Last day to fi le objections or withdrawals. Sept. 30: At 5:30pm Drawing of ballot positions (Town Hall Auditorium). Oct. 13: At 8:15am-8pm Last day to register to vote. Fifty (50) certifi ed signatures of registered voters are rePRIMER | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 3 Finally! Town Hall set to reopen Monday without requiring an appointment By Mark E. Vogler A fter more than a year of Town Hall being closed to the public – except by telephone or special appointment – residents will be able to walk into the historic building that houses Saugus local government unannounced – effective on Monday (May 24). opening plan for certain municipal buildings. With Gov. Charlie Baker announced an end to COVID-19 restrictions earlier this week, and the number of confirmed Saugus Coronavirus cases and deaths on a decline in recent weeks, Crabtree figured it is a good time to return to a semblance of normalcy. “Town of Saugus will be governor’s orders announced this week and the ever-changing environment, local officials will continue to update and make further announcements on future changes.” “Please note the Town Hall has been servicing the residents of Saugus since the beginning of the pandemic. Please continue to call and make an appointment as necessary until Monday, May 24. Appointments are still encouraged,” the press release said. The following plans relating to the reopening of buildings will be going into effect Monday (May 24): A standing queue will be implemented for residents visiting Town Hall. This includes floor markings for social distancing while waiting for available staff to assist. Masks will still be required. During the initial roll out, patrons who wish to visit the Town Hall offices would enter the building and go to the office they wish to visit, and an employee will come out and assist them. “This allows the Town to limOPENING FOR BUSINESS AGAIN: Saugus residents and other people will be able to visit Town Hall again, effective Monday (May 24). (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “I want to thank the Town staff and their hard work to get this reopening plan put together, and for the public’s continued patience during these challenging times,” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said in making the announcement yesterday. “While everyone must remain diligent in the fight against COVID-19, we feel it is time to reopen certain parts of town with some safety protocols. We all look forward to a time when we all can return to a normal way of life,” he said. In addition, Crabtree’s office yesterday issued a press release outlining the town’s reimplementing its reopening plan for certain town buildings on Monday, May 24, as cases of COVID-19 continue to drop within the community and in surrounding areas,” the press release noted. “Town Manager Crabtree, in consultation with town leaders, including Saugus Director of Public Health John Fralick and Town Counsel John Vasapolli, have been reviewing options for opening town buildings to the public. Health and safety protocols, such as social distancing and wearing face coverings, will still be required in Town buildings,” the statement said. “Due to the it the number of people going through the building,” Crabtree said. “Where some patrons may still be awaiting a vaccination, appointments will still be encouraged at this time.” Crabtree also noted that due to social distancing requirements the town will continue to remain remote for municipal meetings. “This is due to the public participation at these meetings and potentially not having enough space if the public wishes to come in for a meeting,” the press release said. Crabtree released the following information related to several other town municipal buildings: Saugus Public Library The Director of the Saugus Public Library, Alan Thibeault, will be announcing that the Library is now planning to reopen on or about Monday, June 7 with some restrictions. They will be making an announcement and you can check on the website for updates and more information regarding the reopening plans (https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/). Saugus Senior Center The Saugus Senior Center and Director of the Council on Aging, Joanne Olsen, in consultation with the Saugus Health Department will be announcing shortly its plans to reopen and restrictions. Please check the Council on Aging website for updates and information regarding the reopening plans. For more information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 781-231-4111.

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 ~ LETTER-TO-THE EDITOR ~ Information Please Town Meeting Member Manoogian requests the details of supplemental appropriations (Editor’s Note: The Annual Town Meeting last week tabled Article 3, pending the receipt of detailed information for more than a million dollars in supplemental appropriations. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, who made the motion to table the article, wrote the following letter to Town Treasurer/Collector Wendy Hatch.) Dear Ms. Hatch, As a follow up to Town Meeting’s vote to table Article 3 could you please provide the following information? 265,000.00 for “other insurances” – which “other insurance” is this for? Is any of this related to a settlement for a claim in either the municipal or school department that was not covered by the town’s insurance? When was it first realized that these funds would be necessary? $150,000.00 for “waste management” – When was it realized that this budget was in need of an additional appropriation? What is the nature of this increase? Is it a result of a new hauling contract or tonnage increase or something else? If so, what? There are nine appropriations sought for “salaries and wages” in various departments. Are they one-time payments or will they sustain into future budgets? If so when? Have these salaries been committed to the recipients? If not, why can’t those increases start with the FY22 budget? The $20,000.00 for “communication postage” in the town manager budget. Can you clarify what “communication postage” is? Is it a result of postage rates increasing? Was there additional communication that took place during the fiscal year for a particular initiative? If so, please explain. Finally, you mentioned that the Municipal Modernization Act allowed for the process that is now before Town Meeting. Can you please cite the specific area of the MMA (link of enacted legislation included) that you are referring to? https://malegislature.gov/ Bills/189/H4565.pdf Thank you in advance for responding before we take Article 3 off the table. Sincerely, Peter Manoogian Precinct 10 He Has Lasted Twenty Years By The Old Sachem, Bill Stewart Y For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net Aluminum Everett 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 62 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 60 •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofng •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Fully Licensed ng •Roo ng • Fully Insured • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum ears ago, when Dick Barry and I got together one afternoon in the booth at Stackpole Field, his son Richard told us that he had heard of a of a young ballplayer who he thought would be great. He was very right. Jose Alberto Pujols Alcantara proved to even more than Richard predicted. He has played twenty years in the Major leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals then the Los Angeles Angels, and although he was let go this week by the Angels, quite a few clubs are pondering whether or not to take Pujols on. Albert was born on January 16, 1980 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and raised primarily by his grandmother, America Pujols. As a youngster without money to buy equipment, he hit limes with sticks to learn how to hit. The family navigated to New York City in the Washington Heights area in 1996. The family did not feel safe in that environment, so they up and moved to Independence, Missouri to join some relatives there. Albert played high school baseball for Fort Osage High School in Independence. He was named an All-State baseball player in his junior and senior years. Word quickly sped about his ability and intentional walks became a way of life to Alberto. His senior he had 55 intentional walks, but he still hit eight home runs in thirty-three at bats SACHEM | SEE PAGE 5 Spring!

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 5 Saugus softball team grabs two wins over Masco A By Greg Phipps fter suffering its first loss of the season to Gloucester last week, the Saugus High School softball team steered itself back on the winning track with consecutive victories over Masconomet. The Sachems scored a 10-5 home win on Tuesday, which followed a 6-3 triumph at Masco last Friday. The wins left the Sachems at 3-1 heading into a road contest at Beverly on Friday. Tuesday’s victory was a comeback effort, as Saugus fell behind by three runs in the opening inning before turning the tide. The Sachems erased a 3-2 deficit with four runs in the bottom of the third inning to take a 6-3 lead. Sisters Leah and Lily Ventre both had two hits, as did Kyleigh Dalton and Alexa Ferraro. Lily Ventre, Dalton and Kyra Jones each drove in two runs. Saugus pulled ahead, 8-3, in the fourth and held on from there. Pitcher Leah Ventre, who hurled a season-opening perfect game against Salem, ended up with her third win of the season by working a complete game. She was touched for 11 hits but fanned six batters and only allowed two runs over the final six frames. Head Coach Steve Almquist credited his team’s ability to overcome the early deficit. “It wasn’t exactly pretty out there, but we got the job done,” he told the press after the contest. “We wanted to try to jump on them early, but that didn’t quite work out. We were still able to battle back the whole game. It was a great team win.” In last Friday’s triumph at Masco, Leah Ventre allowed just two earned runs on six hits in the 6-3 win. She also contributed with the bat, pounding out two hits and driving in a run. Kirby Dalton had a memorable fourSt. Mary’s High School Term 3 Honors List S t. Mary’s High School announces its Honor Roll and Principal’s List for the third quarter of the 2020-21 academic year. Honor Roll students must achieve an 85 or above in all their classes. Students earning Principal’s List status must achieve 90 or above in all their classes. The following students from Saugus have achieved these honors: Honor Roll: Sophia Cruz ’27, Gabriella Maiuri ’25, Dominic Coco ’24, David Saxton ’24, Adrianna Bowker ’23, Jack Glowacz ’23, Vittoria Moretti ’23, Jesse Moriello ’23, ChristoSaugus Dems meet via Zoom on May 23 at 7 PM T he Saugus Democratic Town Committee will meet via Zoom Sunday, May 23rd at 7PM. The meeting is one week earlier than the usual last Sunday of the month due to Memorial Day Observation next week. The agenda for this meeting includes the STDC preSACHEM | FROM PAGE 4 that season. He was awarded a baseball scholarship to Maple Woods Community College, and he proceeded to hit a grand slam and turned an unassisted play in his first college game. That season would be his last as a collegian. While playing shortstop he batted .461 with twenty-two home runs. He entered the MLB Draft for 1999 and was selected by the Cardinals in the thirteenth round as the 402nd overall pick. He was offered a signing bonus of $10,000 by the Cards but turned down the offer, and played for the Hays Larks of the Jayhawk Collegiate League that summer. He drove in forty-eight runs for sentation and approval of the Statement of Diversity and Inclusion and caucus to select delegates to the 2021 Democratic State Convention. The Convention is an issue Convention and is tentatively scheduled for September. Saugus Dems are welcoming new members and inthe team that summer, and the Cardinals upped their price to $60,000, He quickly accepted. Pujols played third base for the Peoria Chiefs in the single A Midwest League. He batted .324 with 128 hits, 32 doubles, six triples and seventeen home runs in 109 games. He was selected the leagues Most Valuable Player and was named to the All-Star team. He also played twenty-one games with the Potomac Cannons of the high-A Carolina League. He finished the season with the Memphis Redbirds of the AAA Pacific Coast League, and after appearing in only three regular season games he led them into the playoffs where SACHEM | SEE PAGE 7 hit effort while Fallon Millerick and Lily Ventre each had an RBI. Cat Schena stroked a hit and Kyleigh Dalton belted a run-scoring double. Looking ahead, Almquist said the team is excited to be playing once again after having last season wiped out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “These girls missed a whole season last year, so now that they’re getting back into the groove I think we’ll see even more improvement.” pher Coco Jr. ’22, Taylor Picardi ’22 and Sebastian Prado ’22. Principal’s List: Daniella Leo ’27, Gianna Stasio ’27, Nadia Del Sonno ’24, Julie Liuzza ’24, Rowan Sharwood ’23, Kiara LoNigro ’22, Jared Abkarian ’2, Marina DiBiasio ’21, Catherine Nguyen ’21 and Kiara Wynder ’21. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? vite all who are interested or would like more information please contact us at HYPERLINK "mailto:sdtc@gmail. com" \h sdtc@gmail.com. The Committee meets the last Sunday of the month. Our mission is helping elect Democrats to Local and National office. Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 The latest Coronavirus Count State health offi cials notify Saugus of 16 new cases over the past week; death toll increases to 73 By Mark E. Vogler AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2005 FORD F-150 XLT Excellent Vehicle Inside & Out!, Leather Interior, Fully Loaded, Clean Title, Warranty, Only 68,000 Miles! TRADES WELCOME! X-CAB EDITION, 4X4, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Warranty, Only 105K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! TRADES WELCOME! $5,300 $7,995 (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 Easy Financing Available! 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! We Pay Cash For Your 2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA LTZ he Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) advised the town of 16 new confi rmed COVID-19 cases yesterday (Thursday, May 20), raising the overall total to 4,187 since the outbreak of the virus in March of last year. Town Manager Scott C. CrabT tree cited the declining number of confi rmed COVID-19 cases in recent weeks as a major factor of plans to reopen Saugus Town Hall on Monday (May 24). (See related story.) Meanwhile, the number of deaths in Saugus linked to the virus increased by one to 73, according to the latest statistics released yesterday by Town Manager Crabtree’s offi ce. This week’s number of newly confi rmed cases remained the same. A week ago, the state had also reported 16 new cases – 10 fewer new cases than over the previous week. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families aff ected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said in the latest press release updating the latest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Crabtree’s office noted the following COVID-19 related information as a public service to town residents: “Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces that The North Shore Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will begin off ering appointments on Tuesday, May 11th. The regional clinic is a partnership between the Cities of Beverly, Lynn, Peabody, and Salem and the Towns of Danvers, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. The clinic will be able to administer 1,000 vaccinations per week using the Pfi zer COVID-19 vaccine. “What: North Shore Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic “Where: Salem State University O’Keefe Center, 225 Canal Street, Salem “When: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. starting May 11th, except Thursday May 13th which will run 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “Who is eligible: Open to all Massachusetts residents age 16 and older. Those under the age of 18 must have a signed consent form: [www.mass.gov/ lists/ma-consent-and-screening-forms-for-people-under-18years-of-age] “How to get an appointment? To book an appointment at this site visit https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/salem. Please register in advance for an appointment; walk-in appointments will only be opened depending on the availability of vaccine that day. “What: This clinic has been provisioned with the Pfi zer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Important: Masks are required to be worn over your mouth and nose at the clinic site at all times. Please wear a shirt that CORONAVIRUS | SEE PAGE 16 Rep. Donald H. Wong supports bill to provide additional unemployment insurance rate relief to Massachusetts businesses B OSTON – State Representative Donald H. Wong (R-Saugus) recently supported legislation that will provide additional fi nancial relief to Massachusetts businesses facing huge pandemic-related increases in their unemployment insurance bills. Due to the record-breaking number of unemployment claims fi led during the COVID-19 state of emergency, which prompted a statutorily-mandated increase in the formula used to calculate an employer’s experience rating, the annual unemployment insurance solvency fund assessment jumped from 0.58% to 9.23% for 2021, representing a staggering 1591% increase in just one year. Representative Wong said compromise language drafted by the Baker-Polito Administration will mitigate the UI rate increase by spreading the costs over a 20-year period, eff ectively reducing the assessment for businesses from 9.23% to 1.12%. The compromise was unanimously approved by the House of Representatives on a 157-0 vote on May 18, but still requires Senate approval. Under the compromise plan, a new COVID claims account will be set up to handle existing COVID claims that had been Donald Wong State Representative placed in the solvency account. The Department of Unemployment Assistance will recalculate fi rst-quarter UI bills to refl ect these changes, with payment on these bills due by July 31. Beginning August 1, new UI claims will be charged directly to employers’ accounts. The House and Senate had previously moved the due date for fi rst-quarter bills from April 30 to June 1. Representative Wong noted that employers who have already paid their fi rst-quarter bills will receive a credit. Representative Wong was one of 53 legislators who wrote to Governor Charlie Baker and House and Senate leadership on April 14 urging immediate steps be taken to protect employers from the solvency assessment increase and calling for the use of federal funding to replenish the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The compromise language approved by the House does not require the use of federal funding, although Representative Wong noted that this issue could be revisited at a later date. Before voting on the compromise UI plan, the House also rejected a proposed amendment filed by Governor Baker that would have excluded municipal employees from qualifying for the COVID-related paid sick leave program approved by the House and Senate in March. That bill also provided assistance to small businesses by freezing the UI rate at Schedule E for calendar years 2021 and 2022 and exempting forgiven federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans from being subject to the state income tax. The UI solvency fund assessment compromise language now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 7 Jarick Walker describes rise to success in NFL By Christopher Roberson J arick Walker recently shared the path that took him from playing a handful of college football games to becoming the talent and marketing manager for the NFL. Growing up in Hyde Park, Walker spent two years as a linebacker for Catholic Memorial School in West Roxbury. Following high school, he went on to play football for Boston College. Although he only played in six games, Walker still valued the experience of competing on the collegiate level. “When I was there, I walked onto the football team, which was crazy,” he said during a May 13 question and answer session sponsored by Everett High School. After graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in human development, Walker was unsure about his plans for the future. “I was a young 20-something and had no idea what life had to offer,” he said. However, he found a home with Boston Scholar Athletes and remained with the organization for four years. “From there, I took a risk,” he said, adding that he wanted to move to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. SACHEM | FROM PAGE 5 he was designated MVP when the Redbirds won their first PCL title. Pujols played eleven seasons in St. Louis, batting champion in 2003, and had a large part of the club in winning three National League championships (2004, 2006, 2011) and two World Series titles (2006 and 2011). In February of 2004 Albert signed a seven-year contract with the Cardinals, and the team got their money back many fold. He was a National League AllStar ten times, a world Series champion twice, three times National League Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year in 2001, two Golden Gloves, five Fielding Bible Awards, six Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, the NL batting championship in 2003, NL home run leader twice, and the NL RBI leader in 2010. On October 22, 2011, game three of the World Series, he had five hits that included three home runs, four runs scored and six runs batted in. Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson and Albert Pujols are the only playLos Angeles. However, life in southern California was much different than life in Boston. “It was a night and day experience,” said Walker. During his two years with Nike LA, Walker organized a road race in Inglewood, California, a community that was still recovering from a crack cocaine epidemic which struck during the 1980s. “We shut down a freeway to have a race,” he said. Although Walker had the opJarick Walker Therefore, he started working at the Nike Store on Newbury Street in Boston to save enough money for his move to southern California. However, something unexpected began to transpire. “What ended up happening was I began climbing the ranks at Nike,” he said. Eventually, Walker was transferred out of the retail division and took a marketing position at Nike’s Boston office. Despite his success in Boston, Walker had not forgotten about the West Coast. Therefore, he would periodically travel to Nike LA to pitch ideas for marketing campaigns. Three years later, his efforts paid off when Nike offered him the opportunity to go to ers to hit three home runs in a single World Series game. As the 2011 season ended Pujols became a free agent, and was pushed by three clubs, the Cardinals, Miami Marlins and SACHEM | SEE PAGE 14 portunity to take a position at Nike’s corporate office in Oregon, he opted to go work for the NFL, where he has remained for the past year and a half. As the league’s talent and marketing manager, Walker said, one of his primary responsibilities is to attract younger fans. “It’s definitely hard; it’s an uphill battle,” he said. “A lot of people think the NBA is the biggest league in the country – the NFL far outpaces what the NBA is doing.” He has also worked with a number of celebrities in this capacity, including Kevin Hart, Cole Bennett, Lil Wayne, Desi Banks and Lil Baby. Although the NFL has a much greater corporate culture than Nike, Walker said, he has always tested the boundaries and strived to find different ways of doing things. “Every day when I go to work, I feel like I’m on this mission to change the narrative,” he said. Following the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the league’s CFO, Joseph Siclare, offered to speak with any employee who needed to talk. Walker was one of the few who took Siclare up on his offer. “I shared how we need to be bold; you can’t tiptoe around this topic,” said Walker. “I broke down in tears afterward. I felt that he listened.”

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Sachems drop 1-0 decision to Falcons A By Greg Phipps fter winning two of its first three games to start the season, the Saugus High School baseball team has run into some difficulty scoring runs. The Sachems lost a 12-2 decision to Masconomet last week and were shut out twice this week. Last Monday, Saugus traveled to Twi Field in Danvers and managed just four hits against Falcon starter Tyler Robinson in an eventual 1-0 loss. It was a tough one to take, as Sachems starter Nathan Ing pitched an excellent game, allowing only four hits. The Falcons rallied for the game’s only tally in the bottom of the seventh inning to come away with the victory. It was an almost carbon-copy repeat of the first meeting between the two teams this season. In that game at World Series Park back on May 7 (the season opener), Danvers also rallied in its half of the seventh. The Falcons broke a 3-3 tie and scored five runs to pull out an 8-3 win. Saugus followed Monday’s defeat with a disappointing 12-0 home loss to Beverly on Wednesday. The Sachems have not scored a run in their last two games and will be looking to get the offense going when they host Swampscott on Friday. Before losing three straight, Saugus, which fell to 2-4 overall after the Beverly defeat, started the season 2-1. Consecutive victories over Gloucester, 3-2, and Winthrop, 13-3, had the Sachems above .500 for a brief moment. Last season having been erased due to the COVID-19 Saugus’s Anthony Cicolini slid in safely at second base in Monday’s game at Danvers. Saugus pitcher Nathan Ing was a tough-luck loser after hurling a complete-game, 1-0 loss at Danvers on Monday. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Saugus hitter Anthony Macone followed the flight of a secondinning fly out in Monday’s contest at Danvers. pandemic, the Sachems, under Head Coach Joe Luis, are Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com coming off one of their best seasons ever in 2019 when Sachems first baseman Ryan Anderson made the catch of a foul pop against Danvers. they went 16-8 overall, finished second in the Northeastern Conference and notched a playoff victory. 7th Annual Christie Serino Baseball Classic set for Saturday Field includes host Malden HS, Somerville, Salem Academy and Winthrop By Jason Mazzilli C hristie Serino is one of the most influential and most revered coaches and mentors in the region's history on the high school and college sports scene. He coached hockey at Saugus High, Malden Catholic, UNH and Merrimack College, as well baseball for many of his five sons' teams as well as at University of New Hampshire. On Saturday, for the seventh time, the late Coach Serino's legacy will be honored again with the playing of the 7th Annual Christie Serino Baseball Classic, SPORTS | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 9 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler H ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus. Reports of teacher absences anger parents We all know how events can get exaggerated on social media. But School Committee members are asking questions after seeing some of the angry chatter from parents. Committee members are obviously concerned after seeing the recent reports of faculty and staff absences which contributed to a lack of class coverage at the Saugus Middle-High School because enough substitutes couldn’t report to duty on short notice to take their place. At least, there have been rumblings to that effect on Facebook. So, School Committee members have asked retiring School Superintendent David DeRuosi, Jr. to provide any details on the absences at last night’s meeting. The Middle-High School had reports of 39 teachers absent on a recent day and many students with no supervision. This concern happened to spike on a Friday morning on local social media at a time when there was horrible traffic, scheduled days off, Covid-19 protocols and inability to get substitutes contributing to a bad scenario. “There are so many layers to this,” according to one School Committee member. “The morning everything came to a head, we had two lanes of Route 1 shut down so traffic was backed up for miles, impacting teachers getting to work. Teachers have scheduled days off that they weren’t using during the pandemic. The Covid protocols are in place. “The substitute shortage remains an issue. These are valid reasons, but in the end, it doesn’t make it any better that students are sitting in the cafeteria when they should be learning. I had a parent reach out to me in tears when I ran for School Committee that her son hadn’t had a math teacher in a year. The reasons were valid, but it’s our job to get these kids a great education. We’ll help however we can.” “Last year we sought to increase substitute pay to combat what’s really a national shortage of substitutes, and with covid that’s become a more difficult challenge.” Sounds like the perfect storm for a day of in-school learning without any learning going on at school. Stay tuned. We have a winner! We have a winner in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Congratulations to Carolyn Brown, who contacted us with the correct answer. Her name was picked from a number of potential winners’ names out of the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s last week’s answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is Mr. Peter Ruggeri “Retired Carpenter and Homebuilder. He is a U.S. Navy Veteran who served two years at the end of WW11, serving on the U.S.S. Pocono, AGC-16. “Peter built his own home when he married the love of his life Ruth. They were just two young kids with a dream and people laughed at them failing to see the gift in Peter’s hands that would years later eventually be released all over Saugus. “He built and helped with designs of many buildings. In their 20’s starting with a book on How To Build Your Dream Home; line by line precept upon precept wood, brick cement they both developed skill and set a solid foundation which their house in all its splendor Still stands today in awe; Everything in the house is made by Peter’s hands! Grandfather clocks, beds, dressers, bureaus, tables, bowls. “Even his cereal bowls are fabulous. He uses a wood burn stamp for his name on his bowls. “He said he enjoys making these bowls. It’s a piece of cake! (It comes easy because it’s his exquisite gifting within himself.) Nat King Cole and his wife had bought a whole floor at the Ritz Carlton and sought out Peter to put in their whole new floor! “Peter’s most beautiful tribute to his wife Ruth, who recently passed, 2018 (70 years of marriage) is as he has said, he built his home around his bride, his home was for his one and only Ruth outside as well as inside. As soon as they married he built her a Full size bed for them. They have a daughter Jennifer. “Peter Ruggeri would very well be a candidate for an interview about the work of his hands, and photographs to showcase his masterpieces throughout. Such a rare talent. “Thank You to an exceptional Artist Peter! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” proven to be an asset to her garden club and the GCFM through consistent volunteering beyond normal membership requirements. Laura is an agricultural expert and local resident. She has been taking weekly pictures throughout the year of trees and plants in Saugus that residents drive or walk by. She has a weekly feature – ‘Saugus Gardens in the Pandemic’ (often front page) in The Advocate paper which is published every Friday. Laura is the landscape design consultant at Northeast Nursery. She teaches landscape courses at North Shore Community College and taught for many years at Boston Architectural College.” Over the past year, as Saugus – like every other place in America – attempted to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura has been providing Saugus residents with a unique perspective on homegrown flowers and plants in her weekly column, “Saugus Gardens in the pandemic,” which appears in The Saugus Advocate. And she also accompanies her articles with photos that capture the beauty of a particular plant or flower. In her column, she often tells readers little tidbits about the history of a plant or flower in Saugus and interesting facts about the plant or flower she wants to spotlight. Indeed, she has made outdoor walks more rewarding for those who have ventured out of the house for some exercise. 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 ShoutOut.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or photo. Third annual Touch-A-Truck event Sunday UNSUNG HERO: Left to right, Laura Eisener receives the Saugus Garden Club 2021 Unsung Hero Award from Saugus Garden Club President Donna Manoogian. Laura, a landscape design consultant at Northeast Nursery, was cited in part for her weekly feature column and photos – “Saugus Gardens in the Pandemic” – which have been published each week in The Saugus Advocate since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of last year. She has been taking weekly pictures throughout the year of trees and plants in Saugus that residents drive or walk by. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) A super “Shout-Out” for Laura Eisener We didn’t receive any nominations this week from readers who wanted to publicly compliment a fellow Saugonian for a remarkable achievement or noble act of kindness or a gesture that captures the true essence of community spirit. So, we will borrow one from the Saugus Garden Club, who this week honored Laura Eisener with a certificate of recognition as the Saugus Garden Club 2021 Unsung Hero. The award says: “Outstanding Service … In honor of her outstanding service and dedication, we gladly present Laura Eisener with this certificate of recognition as the Saugus Garden Club 2021 Unsung Hero, Northeastern District, Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts 13 April 2021.” And it is signed by Sue Andersen, Northeastern District Director, Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, and Donna Manoogian, President, Saugus Garden Club. The presentation Donna made to the club on Wednesday (May 19) says: “The Unsung Hero Award recognizes that under-appreciated individual who truly makes a difference on a daily basis through outstanding service and dedication. The award honors that someone who personifies the spirit of the Saugus Garden Club as well as the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts’ mission. “The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and the Saugus Garden Club recognize and thank Laura Eisener as the club’s 2021 Unsung Hero. Laura has The Moms Cancer-Fighting Angel’s Relay Team will be holding their 3rd annual Touch-A-Truck event to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay For Life on Sunday (May 23) at Fuddruckers in Saugus at 900 Broadway (Route 1). The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Event organizer Guy Moley says the event will include a wide range of vehicles: military vehicles, first responders, Saugus Police and Fire Departments, the Saugus Department of Public Works, a crane from Iron Tree, a response boat from the U.S. Coast Guard in addition to vehicles from National Grid, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Broco Oil, Angelo’s Petroleum, Junkster Bags and many more. Special guest Todd Angilly, who sings the National Anthem at the Boston Bruins games, will open the event with the National Anthem. The Melrose Police Officer trainer will hold a K9 demonstration with his K9 partner Nero at 1:30 p.m. Social distancing will be enforced, and sanitation stations will be available throughout the lot. Masks are mandatory. Also, please come hungry because Fuddruckers will be generously donating 20 percent of all food sales to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life Wakefield during the event. Please contact Guy Moley with any questions about the event at 781-640-1310. No Memorial Day Parade, but… There won’t be a Memorial Day Parade this year. But the Saugus Veterans Council would like to invite all to Saugus’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery to recognize all soldiers who died in service to the country. The guest speaker will be Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Oswald, who is the Lynn English Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program leader. The program began in 1995 with Sgt. Maj. Oswald at the helm, and since that point the team has become nationally recognized for their achievements. The Lynn English JROTC team is among the best in the nation, winning three national championships in 2007, 2014 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 10

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 9 and 2017; in 2019 it was voted the number one JROTC program in its region for the third time since 2000; it was named a Navy Honor School for 20 consecutive years and participates in a variety of community service projects. The public is invited to attend the ceremony to join in honoring, remembering and respecting the sacrifices made by brave men and women in the armed forces. In accordance with state guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, facial coverings and social distancing will be required. A community garden update If you are young or old, and feel like doing some real earthy community service, why not join the growing team that’s been assisting in the creation of the Community Garden that’s going to help feed the hungry and needy people of Saugus? Here’s the latest email we’ve received from The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church: “Dear kind people, “I am grateful that we were able to plant more onions and repair the rabbit fencing last weekend. We are asking all those who have seedlings which they have been growing in their homes to [bring them to] the garden this Friday or Saturday morning between 9 and 11. If this is difficult, please let me know and we can make other arrangements. We invite any who are able to help us for an hour during one of these time slots to join us. This is a wonderful group of people! “Peace, “John+ “The Rev. John Beach “St. John’s Episcopal Church “Saugus, Massachusetts 01906 Anyone who wants to help out Rev. John on this noble project can call him at 774-961-9881 or send him an email at revjbeach@gmail.com. We will keep you posted as the garden continues to grow. Cliftondale forums coming up If you want to see a revitalization of the Cliftondale Square part of town, there are a few upcoming dates that you might be interested in. This coming Monday (May 24) – 6 to 7 p.m. The next meeting for the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee will be a site walk in Cliftondale Square. Interested observers should plan to meet in the North Shore Bank parking lot. The committee will begin the walk on Jackson Street, through the parking lot to the rear of St. Margaret’s Parish, down Lincoln towards the circle to the MEG building, and then circle back up the street past Banana Splitz, Eastern Bank and Rossetti Insurance. The meeting will end in the North Shore Bank parking lot. The committee invites business owners to attend and share their views. Mid-June: The committee is organizing a public forum on June 21 at 7 p.m., with a location to be determined. Members are hoping to get all the stakeholders, particularly the Planning Department, Cliftondale property owners (landlords) and business owners, involved. Change for Grab-N-Go Meals Saugus Public Schools is providing free meals on Tuesdays and Fridays from the Saugus Middle High School at 1 Pearce Memorial Dr. Grab-N-Go meals are available from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All Saugus families are encouraged to pick up meals. Meals will be available through June 30, 2021. Meals are no longer available for pick up at the Veterans Memorial School. Through a USDA grant, Saugus Public Schools is providing free meals to all Saugus students while in person learning or remotely learning from home. Project Bread partners with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) through the Child Nutrition Outreach Program to provide free meals to kids across Massachusetts. CHaRM Center Recycling Drop-Off site open for season The community’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) site has opened. This site will remain 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. At the CHaRM center, the Town will accept the same recycling items that can be placed outside for curbside collection each week, such as paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and glass containers. No shredded paper is accepted for recycling on-site. Additional acceptable items include TVs and computers (up to three per year per address); car tires up to 22” (for a fee of $3); books; and textiles, such as clothing, bedding, pocketbooks, belts and shoes. Plastic bags are not permitted; residents are kindly asked to empty recyclables out of any plastic bags and to remove the bags from the site. Also, rigid plastics are not being accepted for recycling at this time. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. ted. 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 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Help the Vietnam Vets “Roll To DC” This came in from Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a Vietnam War Era veteran who served four years with the U.S. Navy. He has organized a fundraising drive that will help area Vietnam Era veterans visit Washington, D.C., in the fall of next year. “I am glad to announce that we will have a ‘Roll to DC’ for Vietnam Era Veterans from Melrose, Saugus, Lynn and surrounding towns September 2022. “The managers of this effort will be Saugus VFW Post # 2346. “Gould will be Chair and David Nelson, Saugus American Legion and Stacey Minchello, Melrose Senior Center will be Vice Chairs. “Stan King, Quartermaster Post # 2346 [will] be Treasurer. “The trip will be a four night trip to DC staying at Presidential Inn on Andrews Air Force Base, home of Presidential Aircraft. It will include a ceremony and laying of a wreath at the Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier as well as visiting all Military Memorials and Statues.” “We are looking for major sponsorship and donations from all. The Vietnam Veterans will go on this trip free, but it will take approximately $70,000 of sponsorship and donations,” Gould said. “If you would like to be a major sponsor, please contact chairman Dennis Gould cell 617 257 4847 or e mail “Jdgould1969@aol.com “If you would like to send in a donation, please make check out to: “‘Saugus VFW–Roll to DC’ write ‘Roll to DC 2022’ in comment Line and mail to: “Saugus VFW Post 2346 “190C Main St “Saugus Ma 01906 “Any questions or if you would like to volunteer to GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED? In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who correctly identifies the Saugonians being sketched between now and Tuesday at noon qualifies 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 certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway in Saugus location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification 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”) Compost site reopens The town compost site has opened to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 515 Main St. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the 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 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 permitassist the committee, please contact Dennis at contact info above.” Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will continue 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 and clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for short-term or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Food help for veterans Saugus offers a Veterans Food Pantry on the third Wednesday of each month. “We have been holding it in Melrose since the Saugus Senior Center has been closed,” Saugus Veteran Services Officer Jay Pinette says. “The pantry provides a mix of fresh produce and non-perishable foods. The pantry is open to Veterans and/or surviving spouses. Registration is required and may be done by contacting the Veterans Services Office.” “The food market is generally held at the Saugus SeTHE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 11 Dozens donate blood at Masonic Lodge’s American Red Cross drive at the YMCA By Tara Vocino M ore than 40 volunteers donated blood during Sunday’s American Red Cross blood drive at the Saugus YMCA co-sponsored by the William Sutton Masonic Lodge and Saugus YMCA. “ The need has always been great, pre- and-postCOVID-19,” Saugus Masonic Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau said. “It takes less than an hour of your day.” He’s referring to a donated pint of blood, which can save up to three lives, according to American Red Cross Phlebotomist Jeanna Ciampa draws blood from Saugus resident Kate Donovan. Standing at right are blood drive cosponsors masonic Senior Steward Eduardo Sagarnaga, masonic Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau and YMCA Youth Programs & Camp Sachem Director Nicole Hanlon. Getting his blood drawn is Venkata Vissapragada. Supporting him are blood drive cosponsors masonic Senior Warden Richard Miller, YMCA Youth Programs/Camp Sachem Director Nicole Hanlon and masonic Junior Warden Alan Silva, of Saugus. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Pictured from left to right are William Sutton Masonic Lodge Worshipful Master Todd Galarneau, masonic Senior Warden Richard Miller and masonic Senior Steward Eduardo Sagarnaga, American Red Cross Donor Ambassador Julie Steigerwald Schnall and Saugus YMCA Executive Director Amy Looney checking in guests in the lobby. phlebotomist team lead Jeanna Ciampa. Saugus YMCA Executive Director Amy Looney said she’s excited to have a good working relationship with the American Red Cross and the Masons, a nondenominational fraternal organization. “We Revere resident Tiago Mereciano said he donated blood to help people. American Red Cross Phlebotomists Jeanna Ciampa and Ashley Guzman each hold up one donated pint of blood, which saves three lives, during Sunday’s blood drive at the Saugus YMCA. opened today, just for them,” Looney said. The masons will host another blood drive, also at the Y, on Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. YMCA member Stephanie Shalkoski, of Saugus, said she got involved because she knows that there’s a blood shortage. Donor Janet Peterson said donating was her daughter Hannah’s idea.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE PANDEMIC Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener M emorial Day is the traditional time when it is safe to plant tender annuals outdoors, those that would be killed by a frost. Some plants can survive and even thrive in cooler temperatures. Among vegetables, the “cool crops” include peas, cabbage, kale, lettuce and similar plants, and most onion relatives. Among the ornamental bedding plants, the most familiar one that prefers cool weather is the pansy. More tender or heat-loving crops – like tomatoes, beans, pumpkins and ornamental annuals like petunias and marigolds – need to be protected until all danger of frost is past. Some years we do have a very cold night just a week or so before Memorial Day, so that those who were too eager to plant have to run out and bring the plants in, or cover them with sheets and blankets to keep them from freezing. But this week’s warm weather seems to be tempting us to get those seeds planted early. OVAL-SHAPED: Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) cotyledons. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) A NOTICEABLE SCENT: striated lily of the valley. (Convallaria majalis ‘Striata’) (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) SPRING COLORS ON DISPLAY: A garden in Lynnhurst including pink Azalea (Azalea ‘Encore Sangria’), light blue Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’), tulips, daffodils (Narcissus ‘Geranium’) and purple-leaved coral bells (Heuchera ‘Ebony and Ivory’). (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) QUAKING ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) leaves unfolding at Rumney Marsh off Ballard Street. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) If you have seeds sprouting in your gardens, you are enjoying the sight of newly emerged cotyledons. Cotyledons are leaves that are already somewhat preformed inside the seed, ready to emerge as soon as the seed germinates. In the classification of plants, flowering plants (angiosperms) are divided into two major classes: monocots and dicots. Monocots have a single embryonic leaf in the seed, and dicots have two. Watch closely any sprouting seeds and you will see which category your seedling falls into. Most plants with showy flowers have two seed leaves, but the monocot group does include grasses (some of which do have fairly showy flowers), lilies, irises, tulips, amaryllises and some others. Monocot plants generally have parallel veins in the leaves, flower parts in threes or sixes, vascular bundles scattered in the stems – and several other similarities that differ from dicots. Dicots usually have branching veins in the leaves, flower parts in fours or fives, and vascular bundles in rings within the stems. There are sometimes exceptions to the usual characteristics, which give taxonomists something to discuss. The cotyledons are often very simple in appearance, and do not resemble the leaves which will be produced on the growing plant once it is sprouted. Dicots usually have oval cotyledons like the cucumber in the picture above. You can barely see a lobed third leaf growing out from the center between the cotyledons, which is more typical of a cucumber leaf. Monocot leaves are more often pointed and swordlike, such as a blade of grass. But they are both very welcome sights to anyone who has sown some seeds and is anxiously waiting to see them sprout! The warm weather of this week has brought about the end of many spring bulb flowers, but it encourages many other plants to burst into bloom. In sunny gardens we are still enjoying the fragrance of lilacs, but if the sun makes us retreat to the shade, we will certainly notice the scent of the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). Its small, bell-shaped flowers have a sweet fragrance that has been the basis of some famous perfumes, such as Muguet des Bois, which is also the French name for this plant. Lily of the valley survives a great deal of competition from neighboring plants, but will crowd out less aggressive perennials nearby. This trait can be welcome or unwelcome depending on the goals of the garden. While the flowers last only a few weeks, ANOTHER SPRING FRAGRANCE: Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) blooms beside the Boardman House on Howard Street, one of two 17th-century houses in Saugus. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) just like lilacs the memory of the scent may last a lifetime. There are a few unusual varieties – one with pale pink rather than white blossoms (Convallaria majalis ’rosea’), and another with white striped foliage (Convallaria majalis ‘striata’). Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, May 23 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, May 24 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, May 25 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from May 19. Wednesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Finance Committee Meeting ***live***. Thursday, May 27 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from May 20. Friday, May 28 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Appeals Meeting from May 20. Saturday, May 29 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from May 20. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice***

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 13 THE SOUNDS| FROM PAGE 10 nior Center, but given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently offering a contact-free, drive-thru food pantry at Memorial Hall on Main Street in Melrose. If you are unable to pickup, some limited deliveries may be available. This offering is year round. Please call the Saugus Veterans’ Service Office at 781231-4010 or e-mail VeteransServices@saugus-ma.gov in order to register. Proof of Veteran status is required.” Helping the Vet During these challenging times, your local Veterans’ Service Officers (VSOs) would like to share some information on a benefit program that is available to those who qualify. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the “Chapter 115 Benefits Program” is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for Veterans and/or their surviving spouses who reside in Massachusetts and meet certain income and asset guidelines. Benefits may include monthly ordinary benefits and/ or payment/reimbursement for medical expenses. Whether you are laid off, in transition or living on a fixed income, the program is designed to provide short-term or long-term assistance as needed to provide relief. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local VSOs. Every town or district in Massachusetts has a VSO. VSOs assist Veterans and their dependents in learning about, applying for and receiving Chapter 115 benSPORTS | FROM PAGE 8 where four teams will compete for the 2021 Championship. This will be the first time since the 2019 season the Classic will be held, having been sidelined along with the entire rest of the high school season in 2020. Malden High School Head Coach Steve Freker and the Golden Tornado baseball squad will host the Doubleheader action on two adjoining Malden fields, Maplewood Park and Rotondi Field, beginning at 11:00 a.m. with first-round action. The Championship Game is set for 1:30 p.m. at Maplewood Park featuring the two firstround winners, with a Consolation Game on the adjacent field. Malden High will play Salem Academy at 11:00 a.m. at Maplewood Park in one first-round matchup, while Somerville High and Winthrop High will face off at 11:00 a.m. at Rotondi Field at Howard Park. Coach Freker said it has been efits. VSOs can also help you in applying for other benefits and connecting with local resources. Your local VSO handles applications, obtains program approval from DVS and provides local benefits. The program is funded by a combination of state and local funds. DVS pays for 75% of the approved benefits, and your city or town pays for 25%. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are: Family of 1 – monthly income less than $2,081and an asset limit of $5,000. Family of 2 – monthly income less than $2,818 and an asset limit of $9,800. To determine if you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Chapter 115 program, visit the following link and follow the instructions – https:// massvetben.org/ – or call your local VSO for more information. The VSOs are also able to help Veterans apply for Federal VA benefits and local benefits and provide food assistance monthly. For example, did you know that if you own a home and have a VA service–connected disability you are eligible for a partial or full exemption of your property taxes? “Please contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer for more information on any of the services mentioned. We are all here to assist. We are regularly checking voicemails and emails as we continue to work remotely and in our offices throughout COVID-19.” Melrose: Karen Burke, 781-9794186, kburke@cityofmelrose.org. Wakefield: David Mangan, 781246-6377, dmangan@wakefield. ma.us. an honor to memorialize Coach Serino all of these years. "He was a leader and mentor to hundreds of athletes and coaches. There is really no one in this region who has made such an impact on so many lives in the high school and college ranks," said Coach Freker, who is now in his fifth year at Malden High, returning after an 18-year absence. He was the head baseball coach at Saugus High from 2014-2016 and head baseball coach at Malden Catholic from 2000-2012. He coached baseball at Malden High from 19851999 previously. While at Malden Catholic, Freker served under Serino who was athletic director at the time, and also coached two of Coach Serino's sons, Nick and Anthony. Both of the sons were D-1 scholarship baseball players at UMass-Amherst. Nick Serino went on to the professional ranks with the Toronto Blue Jays organization, one of 8 professional MLB baseball players from Malden Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781-2314010, jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Front Door Pickup at the Saugus Public Library “We miss our patrons and look forward to the day when we can be open to the public once again. In the meantime, Front Door Pickup makes borrowing books, movies, and CDs easy. It’s also a great way to pickup take and make crafts, supplies for virtual programs, and remotely printed documents. Please watch our video for more information about the service. “To use Front Door Pickup, simply place items on hold and then, once notified that the item is ready, contact us to schedule a pickup date. You can call us at 781-231-4168 extension 3102 or email us at SAU@NOBLENET.ORG. “Pickup dates and times are: “Tuesday: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm “Wednesday: 10:30 am to 2:00 pm “Thursday: 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm “When you arrive at the Taylor Street entrance to pickup, please enter through the door into the hallway (one at a time, please, and don’t forget to wear a mask!) and retrieve the bag with your name on it. All bags will be sealed to protect your privacy. “And should you need assistance, a librarian will be standing by to help. “Fast, simple, and easy!” 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 over five years Catholic from 2006-2012. "We started the Serino Classic in 2014 at Saugus High and it was such a big success we brought it to Malden High when we returned here," Freker said. Tony Serino was an assistant coach at Malden High and Saugus High while the athletic director at Winthrop High now is Matt Serino, another Chris Serino son, to keep the ties going. It will be the season opener for Malden and Coach Freker said the Tornado team is excited about it. "What a way to open the season! Hopefully we can bring the title back to Malden!," he added. SERINO CLASSIC WINNERS 2014 Saugus 2015 Saugus 2016 Saugus 2017 Malden HS 2018 Malden HS 2019 East Boston 2020 No classic-COVID-19 2021 ????? 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 commuPRIMER | FROM PAGE 10 quired for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Housing Authority. Ten (10) certified signatures of registered voters are required for Town Meeting Members. Signatures must be of registered voters in the candidate’s precinct. Oct. 26: Office of Campaign Finance Reports are nity? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview while practicing social distancing outside a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee. Or, if you prefer to be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation copes with the Coronavirus crisis. due on this Monday, the 8th day preceding the election. Nov. 2: Town Elections. Dec. 2: Office of Campaign Finance Reports are due on the 30th day following the election All candidates are expected to comply with the Town of Saugus Zoning Bylaws (Article 7, Section 7.3, Sub-Section 8) regarding political signs. 1. May 21 is National Bike to Work Day; what inventor brothers operated a bike repair shop in Dayton, Ohio? 2. What is the world’s lowest freshwater lake? 3. What fruit has seeds on the outside? 4. May 22 is National Maritime Day; what are the three Canadian Maritime provinces? 5. How are Poppie Fresh, Biscuit and Bun Bun similar? 6. What First Lady wrote a newspaper column called “My Day”? 7. In what four Shakespearian plays do ghosts appear? 8. On May 23, 1934, Robert Moog was born, who invented what? 9. Mayor McCheese was mayor of what land in commercials? 10. Powhatan was the father of what Native American? 11. Who were the arch enemies of Bullwinkle and Rocky? 12. On May 24, 1883, what bridge over the East River in NYC opened (the world’s only steel-cabled, stone-towered bridge)? 13. In 1958 who received the only Golden Globe Award ever awarded for Most Glamorous Actress? 14. On May 25, 1895, the Republic of Formosa was formed on what island? 15. How are Blue Mountain, Kona and Java similar? 16. May 26 is World Otter Day; what two continents do otters not live on? 17. How are lightsaber, droid and wookie similar? 18. U.S. President Chester Arthur’s whisker style and favorite food were both called what? 19. What advice columnist with a pseudonym said, “The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie”? 20. On May 27, 1937, what bridge opened that has appeared in dozens of movies? ANSWERS 1. Flying airplane inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright 2. The Sea of Galilee 3. Strawberry 4. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island 5. They were characters in the Pillsbury toy line. 6. Eleanor Roosevelt 7. “Hamlet,” “Julius Caesar,” “Macbeth” and “Richard III” 8. An electronic music synthesizer 9. McDonaldland 10. Pocahontas 11. Boris and Natasha 12. The Brooklyn Bridge 13. Zsa Zsa Gabor 14. Taiwan 15. They are horticultural varieties of coffee. 16. Antarctica and Australia 17. They are vocabulary in the Star Wars franchise. 18. Mutton chops 19. Ann Landers 20. The Golden Gate Bridge

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen A note from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Join me this Sunday night and every Sunday night between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Show.” Jump in my time capsule and come back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. My special guest on Sunday, May 23 at 6 p.m. will be Tony Dow, best known for playing Wally Cleaver on the beloved and iconic television series “Leave it to Beaver.” Listeners are always invited to call in and talk with Tony. There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on Audacy.com” Download the free Audacy app on your phone or tablet Listen online at www.wmexboston.com Or tune into 1510 AM if you have an AM radio. Visit us at www.bobkatzenshow.com THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local senators’ roll call attendance records for the 2021 session through May 14. The Senate has held 28 roll calls so far in 2021. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each senator votes and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record. In the Senate, 39 of the 40 members did not miss any roll calls and have 100 percent roll call attendance records. It is a Senate tradition that the Senate president only votes occasionally. Senate President Karen Spilka follows that tradition and only voted on 11 of the 28 roll calls while not voting on 17 of them. Sen. Spilka’s office did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on her voting record. We specifically asked if Spilka was in the Statehouse building for all the formal and informal sessions; how the tradition developed that the president rarely votes; has she ever thought of breaking that tradition and being recorded on all roll calls; and how does she choose on which roll calls she will vote? The vast majority of the 40 senators are not in the Senate chamber during a session because of the COVD-19 pandemic. Most are watching and listening to the session from their home, business or Statehouse office and voting remotely. Senators’ votes are communicated to Senate officials during the session or prior to the session if senators are informed in advance that there will be a roll call vote. If a member wants to speak on an issue under consideration, they do so on a separate “debate phone line” and their voice is then heard in the Senate chamber and by anyone watching the broadcast online. 2021 SENATE ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH MAY 14 The percentage listed next to the senator’s name is the percentage of roll call votes on which the senator voted. The number in parentheses represents the number of roll calls that he or she missed. Sen. Brendan Crighton 100 percent (0) 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 filed. 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 May 10-14, the House met for a total of two hours and 48 minutes while the Senate met for a total of two hours and 46 minutes. Mon. May 10 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:16 a.m. Senate 11:14 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Tues. May 11 No House session No Senate session Wed. May 12 No House session No Senate session Thurs. May 13 House 11:00 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Senate 11:26 a.m. to 1:46 p.m. Fri. May 14 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com SACHEM | FROM PAGE 7 the Los Angeles Angels. After negations were through, the Cardinals offered a ten-year $200 million, the Marlins offered a ten-year deal, and the Angels offered $250 million for ten-years. He moved to LA. He struggled in 2012 hitting only .285 and thirty home runs. In 2013 he hit .258 with seventeen home runs in ninety-nine games. In the 2014 season he upped his totals with a batting average of .272. The 2015 season had him hitting 40 home runs while batting .244. It was the seventh tome in his career that he hit at least forty home runs in a season. In 2016 he became the twentieth player to reach 5,000 career bases and was intentionally walked over 300 times. In 2017 his batting average sunk to .241. He had the slowest base running speed of all major league players at 21.8 feet per second. In 2018 he batted .245 with nineteen home runs as the sixth oldest player in the major leagues. In 2019 Pujols hit .244. At the beginning of the 2020 season, Pujols was the oldest player in the major leagues, he batted .224 with six home runs. On September 18 he hit his 661st career home run and passed Willie Mays for fifth place all time. He went on to whack another homer in the game to reach 662. In the 2021 season he was designated for assignment by the Angels after twenty-four games and batting only .198. Pujols became an American citizen in 2007. He married Deidre on New Year’s Day, 2000, and they have five children. Pujols and the Hanon family opened Pujols 5 Westport Grill in Maryland Heights, Missouri and a ten-foot, 1,100 pound statue of Alberto was placed outside the restaurant. He founded the Pujols Family Foundation in 2005, a non-profit dedicated to their “commitment to faith, family and others”. The organization promotes awareness of the Down Syndrome and works to support those who have the disease and provides aid to those with disabilities in the Dominican Republic. He has since aided the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and the Albert Pujols Wellness Center for Adults with Down Syndrome in Chesterfield, Missouri. The family has taken several trips to the Dominican Republic with supplies and a team of doctors and dentists for the SACHEM | SEE PAGE 15 MAJOR | FROM PAGE 1 tem “tenfold.” “And we’re getting decades of more useful life because of the capital and infrastructure upgrades,” Crabtree said. “We’re reducing our costs of treating the wastewater by not allowing non-waste water or clean water from getting in our system. We’re in compliance with the ACO and what was regulated under the DEP [Department of Environmental Protection], the AG [Attorney General] and the Environmental Protection Laws.” “We’re light years ahead” Selectman Michael Serino commended the benefits cited by Crabtree, calling it “great news.” “I signed the ACO and I’m hailing its ending,” Serino said. “It’s important that the public see what we have done to the sewer system and how we have saved them almost double the water and sewer bill if we didn’t do anything,” Serino said. “I hope they understand that the improvements were a good thing for the town.” Crabtree said that invitations were sent out to the public – particularly all 50 Town Meeting members – for them to view the presentation, which is titled “Overview of Wastewater Facilities Plan and ACO Closeout.” “We extended the useful life and really have a cost savings for the ratepayer. We enjoy such a low bill because of this,” Crabtree said. The timing of this week’s presentation coincided with the Board of Selectmen’s unpopular vote to support an 8.25 percent increase in the sewer rates for the 2022 fiscal year that begins July 1. (See related story.) Crabtree and other town officials wanted to emphasize that the rate increase was necessary to fund millions of dollars of improvement in the system to stop dumping raw sewage into the Saugus River. At the same time, he also stressed that Saugus is still paying considerably less on its residential and commercial sewer rates than other area communities. “We’re light years ahead because of the work the town has committed over the last 15 years,” Crabtree said. For instance, he noted that while the average residential user in Saugus is paying $351.48 annually, the other three communities hooked into the Lynn Water and Sewer District are paying considerably more: Swampscott ($566.80), Lynn ($652.39) and Nahant ($775.56). But after the consent decree was signed in 2005, the town’s consultants projected that Saugus would need to double its sewer rates within the first five years, with a projected annual bill of $937 by the year of 2022. “The rates are not generating enough revenue to actually pay for the operating, fixed costs and debt service,” Crabtree said. “So, we’re always trying to play this ‘catchup.’ We did the ACO work and the capital work….But we didn’t do the part of increasing the rate to pay for the work that was being done over this 10- or 15-year period,” the town manager said. “It’s time to pay the piper” Selectman Jeff Cicolini agreed with Crabtree that past Saugus Boards of Selectmen put the town in a fiscally bad situation of “it’s time to pay the piper.” “All they did was kick the can down the road,” Cicolini said, referring to the “zero increase” votes on sewer rates instead of voting to double the rates. “Yeah, they looked like heroes back then [by voting no rate increases],” Cicolini said. “But now they put us in a financial position that’s just not favorable,” he added. Meanwhile, Cicolini noted that not doubling the sewer rates as recommended by town consultants has proven fiscally unwise, as “we have no retained earnings to fall back on.” Mike Nelson, Professional Engineer and Principal of the town consultant CDM Smith, said the town has made substantial progress over the life of the ACO. “I would proclaim very loudly, ‘Yes, it’s working,’” Nelson said. “In June, we will be submitting our report to the regulators and formally request release from the ACO. The ACO will be formally dissolved,” Nelson said. “You will no longer be under the presumptive mandates to do this work…. You are now free to do the work how you – the town – sees fit.” Nelson said he is optimistic that state regulators will be able to dissolve the ACO sometime in the fall. “The Sewer Rehabilitation Program in Saugus has been a model of success. Continuing the program at your pace will continue to reduce flows to the [Lynn Water and Sewer District]. At a glance, this is what Saugus got for the $25 million invested in town sewer system improvements to date: 33.5 miles of sewer line rehabbed, 1,100 manholes improved, 3,100 sewer connections installed, major improvements to the Lincoln Avenue pumping station, nine of the worst 26 substations upgraded, and all overflows in a 10-year storm event were eliminated. Public Works Director Brendan O’Regan noted that the work done on the town’s sewer system improvements is significant MAJOR | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 15 Bike to the Sea’s trail targeted for completion By Christopher Roberson N early 30 years after it was established, Bike to the Sea is expected to have its rail trail project, the Northern Strand Community Trail, mostly completed by the end of the year. Stephen Winslow, co-founder of Bike to the Sea, said he and his wife Helen created the organization in 1993 after discovering that the roads and drivers in Malden were “very hostile to bicyclists.” “When we moved to Malden we found the roads and drivers were very hostile to bicyclists and no real convenient trails,” he said. “About the same time, the Minuteman Trail was being built along a former rail line through Arlington and proved popular with people of all ages. We thought that the overgrown and little-used Saugus Branch Rail Line offered the same opportunity, so Helen and I formed Bike to the Sea to pursue the idea.” In 1996, the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization determined that using the Saugus SACHEM | FROM PAGE 14 poor who need medical care. Pujols by the end of the nity Parks program as well as additional funding from Malden and Everett. However, another financial push will be needed to complete the trail. “An additional $8 million investment will be necessary to connect the trail along Lynn Common, Market Street and Lynn Shore Drive to the beach,” said Winslow. Speaking about the number The Northern Strand Community Trail begins in Everett and travels through Malden, Revere and Saugus. The final leg of the trail is expected to be completed by the end of the year, taking it to Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation. (Photo Courtesy of Bike to the Sea) Branch Rail Line to Lynn would be the best option for the trail rather than running it along Rumney Marsh to Revere. Winslow said that in 2005, “after a decade of study and negotiations,” Everett was the first community to sign a lease with the MBTA, which allowed construction of the trail to begin. 2018 season ranked in the top ten players in major league history in four career statistical categories: home runs Malden, Saugus and Revere joined the effort soon thereafter. Between 2010 and 2015, Winslow said, officials in Everett, Malden, Saugus and Revere worked to clear the railbed and convert it into a bike trail. He said that earlier this year a bridge was installed over the Saugus River, and the section of (fifth), runs batted in (third), total bases (fifth), and doubles (fifth). He was ranked ninth in career batting averMalden City Councillor and co-Founder of Bike to the Sea Stephen Winslow the trail under Route 1 in Revere was paved. In addition, he said construction is underway in Everett to connect the trail to the Mystic River. The last leg of the project will be to bring the trail to an end at Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation. Winslow said that over the years Bike to the Sea has received approximately $18 million from the Gateway Commuage (.302), second in slugging percentages (.554). He has been named by many as one of the all-time of residents who use the trail, Winslow said a counter was installed in Malden and recorded 50,000 pedestrians and bicyclists in July 2020. In addition, Winslow said residents can use the trail to access the Mystic River Trail in Everett. “The Northern Strand has been designated to be part of the East Coast Greenway/Bike Route 1 which extends off and on-road from Maine to Key West, Florida,” he said. Looking ahead, Jonah Chiarenza, executive director of Bike to the Sea, said he would like to have ongoing trail runs and clean ups to “develop synergies for economic investment and improved access to recreation.” greatest hitters. Maybe if we are lucky, he will join the Red Sox and end his career in Boston.

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 CORONAVIRUS | FROM PAGE 6 allows upper arm access. Prescreen yourself for COVID-19 symptoms and do not attend if you are not feeling well. You will be unable to receive the vaccine if you are currently not feeling well, have received any other vaccine in the last 14 days or are allergic to a component of the vaccine. Please anticipate staying for 15-30 minutes of monitoring after you receive your vaccination. “Please do your part to stay safe and do not hesitate to call the Town with any needs. The Town and its staff are here to assist you. “For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at 781-231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.” “The Town of Saugus has partnered with the Commonwealth, Fallon Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Square One Mall as a collaborative eff ort to work to downgrade the Town’s risk of spread of COVID-19 status by establishing and extending the following COVID- 19 testing sites in Saugus: “Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall (Far Side Parking Lot on Essex Street), located at 1201 Broadway with entry off of Essex Street, will offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed. [Residents] drive-up and register using a tablet when they arrive. Saugus Police will be assisting with traffi c. The testing site will be staff ed by 10-12 individuals to handle registrations. All samples go directly to the Broad [Institute] in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24-36 hour turnaround time. Notifi cation of results will be made for negative results via emails while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results. These sites do close when it rains because of risk of test contamination. The state has indicated the site will remain open until further notice. “This information will be on the Town’s website and on the state’s website: https:// www.mass.gov/info-details/ stop-the-spread?rgja#saugus“The Board of Health and the Saugus Health Department will continue to partner with the state and are working on a planned response to the COVID-19. They are analyzing the data from the past couple of weeks and developing specifi c strategies to combat the spread through additional enforcement and intervention measures. We need to do whatever is necesCORONAVIRUS | SEE PAGE 18 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244 Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 Page 17 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured OBITUARIES Bruce J. “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior Entwistle Age 72, died at Seasons Hospice Inpatient Center in Milton on Tuesday, May 11. He was the husband of Donna (Ducott) Entwistle, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Melrose and a lifelong resident of Saugus, Bruce was the son of the late John Leonard Entwistle and Ruth Fiske (Gillam) Turcotte. He was a leader for Boy Scout Troop # 61 in Saugus, enjoyed camping with his sons. He liked gardening, golfi ng and vacationing with friends and family. MAJOR | FROM PAGE 14 ~Handyman Services~ •Plumbing •Electric •Ceiling Fans •Waterheaters + More Call Tom 781-324-2770 for Saugus, though quite typical for what’s going on throughout the state. “This isn’t unique, what Saugus is doing,” O’Regan said. “Hundreds of millions of dollars a year are spent in the Commonwealth on sewer rehabilitation,” he said. In addition to his wife, Bruce is survived by his son Robert James Entwistle of FL and his husband Eric, Bryan David Entwistle and his wife Jen of Gloucester, granddaughter Grace. He was the brother of Joyce DeCristoforo and her husband Ron of FL. He was predeceased by his brother Robert J. Entwistle. Bruce was also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was a late veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. But the improvements to the Saugus sewer system under a state ACO involved major work for the town’s system, which is 120 years old with pipe sizes ranging from four to 36 inches and 100 miles of sewer line weaving underground. And it cost $25 million to correct the main issue of sanitary sewer overfl ows – sewage bubbling out of manholes onto streets, and ultimately in the Saugus River and other receiving waters, according to O’Regan. Anyone who missed it can watch a rerun of the Zoom videoconferencing program by accessing https://vimeo. com/552528472. Office/Commercial Space for Lease 3 Large rooms, each with walk-in storage area. Ideal for Law Office or Aerobics Studio. Like new condition. Second floor elevator direct to unit. Seperate entrances - New Baths - Large Parking Area. On MBTA Bus Route #429. Located on Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza Rte. 1 South 425 Broadway Saugus Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 CORONAVIRUS | FROM PAGE 16 sary to keep ourselves, family, neighbors, and communities safe. Continue to wear your masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings, and continue to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines. “The Saugus Health Department strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases DO exist in Saugus. Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals may not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why Governor Baker [directed] to wear a cloth face cover over [your] face when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance. “Again, this is a reminder that the CDC and MDPH have provided guidance to everyone regarding preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth. “Please follow CDC and MDPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: Clean your hands often for at least: 20 seconds Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Stay at least 6 feet between yourself and others Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others “Please stay healthy and please call us with any needs.” REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 BUYER2 Connick, Brian E SELLER1 Rice, Ruth E SELLER2 ADDRESS CITY DATE PRICE 141 Essex St #A2 Saugus 30.04.2021 $280 000,00

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