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SAUGUS Co ngratu lati ons SHS Class of 2021 OCT C Vol. 24, No. 23 -FREEPublished Every Friday T he Saugus High Class of 2021 will be remembered as the fi rst class to graduate from the new Saugus Middle-High School, the last to receive diplomas at Stackpole Field, the one that observed the school’s 150th commencement exercises and the class that confronted the challenges of COVID-19 during its than anyone I can remember to walk across this stage,” Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem told the crowd before inviting Atkinson to walk up and receive his honorary high school diploma. Hashem noted that Atkinson – like the Saugus High Class of 2021 – experienced “a break” in the spring of his junior year. NEVER | SEE PAGE 10 World War II U.S. Navy veteran Joseph “Lenny” Atkinson, of Lynn, saluted the Saugus High Class of 2021 after receiving his honorary diploma last Friday (June 4) during the school’s 150th Commencement Exercises held at Stackpole Field. The 167 graduates responded with a standing ovation for the 98-year-old Saugus native who would have graduated with the Saugus High Class of 1943 had he not quit school to serve his country. See inside this week’s edition for more graduation photos and coverage. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Annual Town Meeting 2021 SEE PAGE 5 Saugus High graduate Nicholas DiVola (center) and his parents – Robert and Lauri DiVola – rejoiced in the chance to be together at last Friday’s commencement exercises more than a year after Robert nearly lost his life to COVID-19. See story inside. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) www.advocatenews.net 781-233-4446 World War II vet Lenny Atkinson receives the high school diploma he didn’t get 78 years ago – when he answered the call to serve his country By Mark E. Vogler last two years. The 167 graduates added another mark of distinction to their short list of class highlights at last Friday night’s (June 4) graduation ceremony: They got to share the stage at Stackpole Field with 98-year-old Joseph Leonard “Lenny” Atkinson – a Saugus native who should have received his diploma 78 years ago. Atkinson “waited for longer Thankful For This Night D OCATE Friday, June 11, 2021 Better late than never Tipping His Cap ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.779 Mid Unleaded $2.879 Super $3.019 Diesel Fuel $2.979 "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, JUNE 11, 2021 2021 Saugus High School graduation The Class President’s Address By Emma Peacock G $2.39 ood evening everyone, I just want to say thank you to Mr. Hashem, Superintendent Dr. DeRuosi, the entire School Committee and all the administrators and staff that came out today to support the Class of 2021. Also a huge thank you to all of the families, alumni and anyone else here today; it’s been quite the year so just seeing so many people really means a lot. Where do I even begin? Well, I’m sure many of you really can’t wait to hear another speech, am I right?! Don’t worry, I’ll try to make this as short J& $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. and sweet as possible. To start, I’m Emma Peacock and I’ve been the Class of 2021 president for the past four years. That sounds really crazy to say – four years is such a long time, but it only felt like 10 minutes. I’ll never forget our freshman orientation when we were in the old auditorium. Mr. Hashem was giving us his spiel about how fast these four years will go by so we should enjoy every second of it. I remember thinking Senior year was so far away, but here I am, giving the speech I’ve thought about giving since freshman year. Throughout these four years, we’ve enjoyed so many special memories and events together, one of our fi rst being the Freshman Fair, which we had in the middle of W wing and E wing at the old high school. We were eating slush and having water balloon fights in knee-high grass, in true Saugus High fashion. After that day, I think the school and many teachers prepared for what the Class of 2021’s next three years would look like. Sophomore year was a tough year for a lot, mainly because we all suff ered through ChemEMMA PEACOCK: She presided over the Class of 2021 as president for four years. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) istry, but we made it. We had our Semi at The Elks, which was really just a preview of our Junior prom. Junior year quickly came around and we were already upperclassmen. We watched the Class of 2019 graduate in June, and we were starting to realize we didn’t have much time left. Then after we had our Junior prom in February, COVID hit, and our twoweek school vacation turned into 12 months. Well, then we really didn’t have much time left. I didn’t really want to focus much of my speech on COVID since I feel like that’s almost every topic of conversation nowadays. But it truly made a large impact on our fi nal year and a half of high school. This wasn’t something anyone could prepare for, and the world was fi lled with so much uncertainty, all the time. We had six long months of fully remote school and it was diffi cult for so many. But when we came back to school, in-person in March, it SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 21 2021 Saugus High School graduation Photo by Ussama Azam Right by you. Right by all. A COMMUNITY BUILT ON LOVE IS ONE WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT. EVERETT BANK CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH AND BANKING FOR ALL. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 Right by you. 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC Member DIF The principal’s graduation speech “While we would never have chosen to have gone through a year like this, I truly believe our graduates are better prepared to face the challenges in their future.” By Michael Hashem T his past school year has been, well, I am really at a loss for how to describe it. I guess one way of looking at it is – this year was diff erent. Different is a nice way of describing this past school year; I am sure everyone has their own individual way of remembering it and I bet not many are positive. But we endured the struggles and the obstacles, and our seniors are here today graduating from Saugus High School. They rose to the occasion, tackling the challenges of high school while navigating through this global pandemic. The good news is that it seems as though this pandemic has lessened and we SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MICHAEL HASHEM: He calls this year’s graduates “a class that I will never forget.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) are starting to return to a sense of normalcy. As we are all too aware, normalcy is not the best description of the 2020-2021 school year. In GRADUATION | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 3 DeRuosi gets interim superintendent’s job in New Hampshire after “retiring” from Saugus By Mark E. Vogler S augus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., had planned to retire at the end of the month, concluding a five-year stint as the leader of the town’s public education system. But he won’t be retiring any time soon from a career as an educator that has spanned more than three decades. The School Board in Raymond, N.H., announced this week that DeRuosi has been hired to serve as interim superintendent and will begin his new assignment on July 1. Part of his duties will be to assist Raymond school officials in finding a permanent replacement for Tina McCoy, who will be retiring at the end of the school year. “We are extremely fortunate to have Dave lead the district on an interim basis,” McCoy said. “He has a fantastic background that will serve him well in this role, and I know that he will work well with the entire organization to keep building on the district’s successes during this transition,” she said. About two thirds of DeRuosi’s 37 years as an educator involve administrative experience. Before coming to Saugus, DeRuosi worked as Superintendent of Malden Public Schools for five years. Previously, he worked as the assistant superintendent of Revere Public Schools and also served as principal of Revere High School and as an assistant principal for the district. Dr. DeRuosi was a special education teacher during the first eight years of his career. “We are thrilled to welcome someone with as much experience and knowledge as David to our school system,” Raymond School Board Chair Joe Saulnier said. "We are very pleased to have him alongside us during this time of transition for the district, and are confident he will be a capable and strong leader here in Raymond,” Saulnier said. Dr. DeRuosi received his doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts in Boston after completing the Leadership in Urban Schools Doctoral Program. He received his master’s in School Administration from Salem State College and his Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing from Northeastern University. A SHOW OF APPRECIATION: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. (left) gets a hug from Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem after receiving an honorary Saugus High diploma last Friday. DeRuosi will head to Raymond, N.H., on July 1 – the day after he retires from Saugus. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “I am looking forward to coming to Raymond and joining the great team they have in place,” DeRuosi said. “This is a great opportunity not only to help Raymond find the best possible person to serve as their new superintendent, but also to help the district continue to move forward while that search takes place, and I can’t wait to get started.” What will be DeRuosi’s legacy? Saugus School Committee Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher said he learned about DeRuosi’s new job this week after reading local newspaper accounts. He said he wasn’t surprised. “I wish him much success,” Fisher said. “I don’t think he's the type to tinker around the house. He’s young and I’m sure he’ll want to try his hand at quite a few things over the next few years,” he said. Fisher noted that he ran for School Committee two years ago, influenced in part by DeRuosi’s handling of the privatization of the school custodians, which eliminated 21 jobs. “Like many superintendents, divisive incidents happened on his watch; he made decisions that weren’t publicly popular, and he absorbed a lot of personal criticism,” Fisher said. “I had a unique perspective. I ran in part because of the handling of the custodian issue, and now we’re working together. Even on days when we disagreed, he was professional, opened with a joke and kept pushing forward to whatever we had to fix next,” he said. DeRuosi may be best remembered for helping to lead the public campaign for a new Saugus Middle-High School and overseeing the transformation of the school district as the town moved into new and improved school facilities, according to Fisher. “Dr. DeRuosi’s legacy will reflect that on his watch we had five years of stability in the corner office, that we overhauled from a seven buildings district to three, from outdated to state-ofthe-art facilities, in the middle of a global pandemic, during a tough budget year, and we avoided the widespread layoffs that were common in other districts.” When he announced his retirement from Saugus last year, DeRuosi pledged to help Saugus school officials find his replacement and offered to help in the transition to the next superintendent. The School Committee has approved a five-year contract to pay Erin McMahon about $1 million to run Saugus Public Schools. She takes over officially on July 1 – the start of the 2022 fiscal year.

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 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. Stumped by The Sketch Artist We had no winners in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. 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 Ellen Santosuosso! Ellen has such a love for books, she’s quite the avid reader! She is a very kind and gentle woman who goes out of her way to help others. Ellen has a gift for numbers and she shares that talent by making herself available to assist with financial tasks. “People usually see her comforting a friend who is down, walking with a friend to assist with a feisty dog. She has very often answered knocks on her door to avert a mini crisis. “She believes in giving people second chances, and working to take the stigma off certain mental and physical illnesses. Ellen believes in peace and to live her life according to the Dali Lama’s wisdom and principles. ‘Peace begins with me’ “Ellen is an animal lover and cherishes her cat, Lucky. “She also is a green thumb gardener who enjoys spending time planning and planting gardens. “Keep on brightening your little corner of the world “As Helen Steiner Rice would say! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist “ A “Shout-Out” for Rachel This one’s an editor’s nomination. We neglected to run the press release when we received it last month. But it’s still worth mentioning that The Telly Awards have recognized Saugus TV for Achievement of Excellence – once again. Program Manager Rachel Brugman recently received news that the 42nd annual Telly Awards recognized excellence in her television show “The Saugus Ironworks Preservation,” which features a presentation by the Saugus Historical Society’s Paul Kenworthy. As the recipient of The Telly Award for Excellence in Television in the craft of using stock footage, Rachel Brugman will be receiving a statue which will formally honor her achievement. Telly Awards are judged by members of The Telly Awards Judging Council, a group of over 200+ working industry who have previously won the Telly Awards highest accolade and, as such, have demonstrable expertise in the categories they review. To view the winning video, access https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUKX1oqUgps. The Telly Awards recognize the best work created within television and across video, for all screens – receiving over 12,000 entries from all 50 states and five continents. Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies and publishers from around the world. Learn more at Tellyawards.com. So, here’s a very loud “Shout-Out” for Rachel Brugman. A “Shout-Out” for Dr. DeRuosi Here’s a special nomination for retiring Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., who was among several people receiving honorary diplomas at last Friday’s Saugus High School graduation ceremony. 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 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 who were 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 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”) School Committee Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher notes that DeRuosi has received his fair share of adverse publicity during his five years as the leader of Saugus Public Schools. “He’ll be remembered for unpopular decisions, mistakes made and divisive incidents that happened on his watch, the same as every other leader,” Fisher told us this week. “He’ll also be remembered for five years of stability in a corner office that wasn’t used to it, a district that he overhauled from seven THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 6 Spring!

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 5 Annual Town Meeting 2021 Members approve a new fiscal year budget over some contentious questions By Mark E. Vogler s the Saugus Public Schools system getting its fair share of public money? How does the town miniI mize the financial impact of the declining enrollment as more students decide to go to charter schools and other options outside the district? And should the town consider reducing its generous contributions to pay for the health insurance benefits of current and retired town employees? Discussion of Article 2 – the proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year that begins July 1 – ignited some spirited and sometimes contentious debate during the fourth and final session of this year’s Annual Town Meeting. In the end, Town Meeting members voted 38-2 in support of the $97.3 million package – which includes $67.4 million for the municipal department operating budgets and $29.9 million for the School Department operating budget. Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member William R. Moore and Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Steven C. DiVirgilio cast the lone votes opposing the budget. DiVirgilio, a member of the Finance Committee, drew some criticism from fellow Town Meeting members when he suggested that “nobody has [the intestinal fortitude] to deal with” the costs of the town paying 85 to 90 percent of health insurance costs for current and retired town employees. That triggered an immediate response from Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member William E. Cross III, who is a Saugus Fire Department lieutenant. Cross said the suggestion raised by DiVirgilio was an “us vs. them argument” that was getting “a little tiresome.” Cross said the rich health benefits package compensated employees earning far less than those of surrounding communities. He suggested that Saugus firefighters were 15 percent behind in pay compared to other departments. DiVirgilio said the town’s tax base just doesn’t support the health benefits which employees and retirees are receiving from the town. Several School Committee members who participated in Monday night’s Town Meeting discussion argued that the amount of money being budgeted for the schools for the coming fiscal year – a $300,000 increase over the current fiscal year – comes a year after the School Department had previously been level-funded. “Last year, we were the only department that got level-funded,” School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould said. “I’m angry …. I think the schools ought to get a break,” he said. Gould said the School Department was about $2.1 million under level-funded. Gould and other committee members said the School Department needed $425,674 more to offset its budget deficit. School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge said the School Department is facing a situation where it would be cutting 18 positions next year. The cuts would mean a reduced number of counselors to deal with social and psychological issues students are facing in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said School Committee members are overlooking the actual amount of funds the schools receive. He noted that the amount of Schedule 19 chargebacks for the schools (for certain fixed costs and employee health insurance) in the 2021 fiscal year budget was $27.2 million – an increase of $3 million over the previous fiscal year. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, a former School Committee member, said the town needs to take a closer look at the magnitude of funds being lost with the growing trend of would-be Saugus Public Schools students choosing to go to charter schools, vocational schools and private schools. Saugus school-aged residents who have chosen other options instead of attending Saugus Public Schools have cost the town $3.3 million (fiscal year 2019), $3.5 million (fiscal year 2020), $4.1 million (fiscal year 2021) and an anticipated $4.2 million for the 2022 fiscal year, which begins July 1, according to Manoogian. “We’re losing revenue as a result of the student flight,” Manoogian told Town Meeting members. “I’m optimistic that this new superintendent will get her arms around this thing,” Manoogian said, referring to Erin McMahon, who takes over the superintendent’s job on July 1. “I’m going to wait for this new superintendent to put together a plan,” Manoogian said. Manoogian and several other Town Meeting members complained that the School Department didn’t provide Town Meeting with a reasonable financial briefing in advance of this year’s meeting. Saugus Public Schools ranks about 49 percent over net school spending, which means it is getting adequate funding to run the school system. “The only thing that seems to go up in Saugus Public Schools is the salaries,” Manoogian said. He added that he is Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 confident that the new superintendent will be able to provide a better explanation of MEETING | SEE PAGE 14 A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 OPEN DOOR SPECIALS FOR FATHER’S DAY! Or any other day! Same Location * Same Service for over 49 Years... 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Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 4 buildings down to three, from outdated facilities to state of the art, in the middle of leading us through a global pandemic, during a tough budget year, while avoiding the widespread layoffs that were common in other districts.” The vicious body politic of Saugus can wear you down if you hang around long enough. Indeed, DeRuosi deserves some criticism for the scathing District Review and the substandard MCAS testing scores which contributed to the Middle and High Schools being targeted for intervention by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. But DeRuosi – like most elected and appointed town officials who toiled through the worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic – deserves praise for persevering as a public servant during stressful and challenging times of the Coronavirus. And the best thing that can be said about Dr. DeRuosi is that he lobbied hard to get the town to vote for the funding for a new Saugus Middle-High School and the consolidation of seven school buildings into three. When Saugus residents take time to appreciate that nice, new complex, they should thank Dr. DeRuosi for efforts on that project. In presenting the retiring superintendent with his honorary Saugus High diploma last Friday night, Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem credited Dr. DeRuosi with leading the School District “in a complete overhaul.” “He’s done a tremendous amount for the school system and the students of Saugus.” Hashem then gave the superintendent a bear hug. “Shout-Outs” are also in order for these retiring staff who also received honorary diplomas: • Chemistry Teacher Carl Piepora, who spent 19 years in Saugus Public Schools • High School Clerk Donna Anderson – who spent 34 years in Saugus Public Schools – the last eight as Hashem’s principal clerk. “She has an institutional knowledge that will be missed by everyone,” Hashem told the crowd at Friday’s 150th Commencement Exercises. • Teacher Valerie Sorensen, who spent seven years in the Belmonte Middle School, seven years in the Saugus High School and the past year in the new Saugus Middle-High School. “Valerie is a dedicated teacher and a true friend,” Hashem said. A Town Meeting Distraction – and disgrace Precinct 10 Town Meeting Members Peter Delios and Peter Manoogian took Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member John S. Cottam to task at Monday’s night’s final session of this year’s Annual Town Meeting. It wasn’t clear to me what Cottam apparently said to draw the ire of Delios and Manoogian. But, apparently, it was a derogatory comment uttered while Manoogian had the floor, and it was very disruptive. In a scathing attack on Cottam, Delios noted that “Our people voted for us … not for kids” to be calling fellow Town Meeting members names and ridiculing them. Town Moderator Steve Doherty told Delios “I couldn’t agree with you more.” Then he went on to blame it as a byproduct of Zoom videoconference meetings, which have been marked with frequent offhand comments and interruptions. Delios went on to say that the voting public should be outraged for a Town Meeting member to be making a mockery of the process. “I’d boot that guy,” Delios said. All Town Meeting members should be embarrassed whenever they hear one of their own interrupting their proceedings with disparaging remarks. It’s rude. It’s nonproductive. It’s polarizing. It’s an affront to the spirit of the New England Town Meeting that this kind of conduct is tolerated. If Cottam said what Delios and Manoogian allege, he owes Saugus residents and his colleagues a public apology. It’s the kind of conduct that adds to the longtime, notorious reputation of the divisive Saugus body politic. Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@ comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. Learn to recognize the signs of Alzheimer’s The Saugus Public Library will be teaming up with the Woburn Chamber of Commerce on Monday (June 14) to offer some guidance to folks who are interested in knowing more about Alzheimer’s and other dementia that cause memory, thinking and behavior problems which interfere with daily living. A free informational program will be offered via Zoom videoconferencing. To register, call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-2723900 or log on to the library’s website (sauguspubliclibrary.org) to register online. The Alzheimer’s Association developed the new 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s education program to help people recognize common signs of the disease and know what to watch for in themselves and others. The one-hour program: • Explores typical age-related changes • Describes common signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia • Offers tips for how to approach someone about memory concerns • Explains the importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis • Details possible tests and assessments for the diagnostic process • Identifies helpful Alzheimer’s Association resources Let’s hear it for strawberries! The Saugus Historical Society will hold its annual strawberry festival at the American Legion Hall on June 19 in conjunction with the Saugus Garden Club plant sale. Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake will be served in the American Legion Hall (44 Taylor St.) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with hot dogs, chips and drinks. Shortcakes are $5.00 each and can be eaten on the premises or taken out. Hot dogs are $2.00, water THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 7

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 7 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 6 or soda, $1.00 each. The Garden Club plant sale will be held on the Roby School lawn from 9-2, and there will be several craft vendors, including jewelry, hair products and many other items of interest. 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? Contact The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church to get the latest update on how the garden is doing and what you can do to help. 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. Remember folks, this is your garden. Be a part of it. Cliftondale forum coming up Joe Vecchione, chair of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee, this week released final details of the committee’s upcoming community forum for folks who are interested in learning about or contributing to the discussion of bringing the Cliftondale Square area back to life. The forum has been set for Monday, June 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MEG Building (56-58 Essex St.) in Saugus. Janice Jarosz, the President of the MEG Foundation, offered the MEG Building for the forum. There will also be a Zoom meeting set up for anyone from the public who wants to attend or participate virtually. The foundation offered to provide refreshments. “The program for the evening will include the presentation of the community survey results (approaching 350 participants) and analysis drawn from that process (trends, demographics, etc.) including a brief Q&A.,” Vecchione wrote in a recent email. He continued, “This will also include the sharing of information we have gained since the inception of this committee including the procurement of flashing crossing beacons, application for the Shared Street grant, denial of the church parking, and North Shore Bank not currently for sale. “After the presentation, we would then begin a workshopping session that will be a bit more interactive. I’m not sure who attended the MVP Workshop in January 2020, but one particular exercise I felt was effective and interactive was a series of physical blown up maps where participants could jot down an idea, shortfall or potential remedy of a particular issue on a sticky note and place it on the map. Each map focuses on a particular issue (in this case: parking, safety, developmental opportunities, underutilization, etc.). This is a simple, straightforward and not overly restricting exercise that could be beneficial in creating a wealth of ideas especially after results of the survey are shared with those present.” For more details, Vecchione invites folks to contact him at 781520-9859 or via email (joevprecinct2@gmail.com). Grab-N-Go Meals end next week The Grab-N-Go meal service will end next Wednesday (June 16). Saugus Public Schools has been offering free meals for pick up on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Saugus Middle-High School from 10:30-11:30 a.m. All Saugus families are encouraged to take advantage of the free meals. Meals will be available through Tuesday, June 15. Through a USDA grant, Saugus Public Schools has been 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 children across Massachusetts. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus will resume providing a take-home grocery bag with a weekend’s meals when school resumes in September. All food is provided free of charge and paid for by fundraising and donations from the community. If anyone is interested in receiving assistance from Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, please visit the Facebook page or email HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Master Plan forum next Thursday Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree invites town residents and other concerned people to participate in another Master Plan Virtual Forum – this one on “Housing, Open Space, and Climate Resiliency, and Clean Energy” for Saugus United 2035.” It’s set for next Thursday (June 17) at 5 p.m. Crabtree says it is a great opportunity for residents and Saugus officials “to participate in crafting the direction for Saugus’ future and Master Plan Process.” The Town’s project consultant, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), will be assisting the Town in conducting the Forum in the Zoom format. This Forum will contain presentations on the Master Plan elements, followed by breakout sessions to facilitate discussion and input. Join the meeting by accessing https://zoom.us/ j/95494441075?pwd=UU1iNlhhOHp3UkZOZmMzLzljN0Mydz09 For those who are familiar with using the Zoom format, here are the vitals: Meeting ID: 954 9444 1075 / Passcode: 967228. “The Master Plan was last completed in 1988 and updating the plan is a major priority for the Board of Selectmen. The townwide plan could include goals and policies for what stakeholders want to see happen with land use, housing, economic development, natural/cultural resources, open space, recreation and transportation,” Crabtree said in his email this week. According to a Town of Saugus post, “Town Meeting members approved the allocation of $150,000 to update the Plan after Mr. Crabtree drafted the article for the special Town Meeting warrant. He stressed the importance of the town pursuing smart growth in order to sustain a full-service community and balance the impact of development, while considering strategies to manage future growth in development, protect environmental resources, set priorities for developing/maintaining infrastructure, create a framework for future policy decisions, and provide guidance to land owners and developers as well as permitting authorities. “The Forum will continue the process of updating the Master Plan, with other forms of public participation to follow. Crabtree said it’s critical to get feedback from different stakeholders in crafting the town-wide plan, which will include whatever the Planning Board and community wants to see in it. “The Town is excited to hear from residents about their housing, open space, and climate resiliency, and clean energy input and ideas for Saugus. This latest Forum will provide ample opportunity to provide that input and learn about the project. “Questions about the event can be directed to Scott Crabtree, Town Manager (scrabtree@saugus-ma.gov) or Chris Reilly, Director of Planning and Community Development (creilly@saugus-ma.gov). Additional information can be found at www.mapc.org/resource-library/saugus-united/.” Summer Reading Program at the library This just in from Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services at Saugus Public Library: “The Saugus Public Library is reopening just in time for its annual summer reading program. Although the THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 8

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Somerville man held without bail in fatal Saugus crash A Somerville man was arraigned today on charges in connection with a fatal head-on collision in Saugus. Judge Robert Murphy, Jr. ordered him held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for June 17. William Leger, 35, pleaded not guilty to Motor Vehicle Homicide by Reckless Operation, Unarmed Robbery, Receiving a Stolen Vehicle (subsequent offense), Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License (subsequent offense), Marked Lanes Violation, Speeding, and Driving the Wrong Way on a State Highway. He appeared in Lynn District Court via video from Massachusetts General Hospital. The charges allege that after robbing a convenience store, Leger drove a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed the wrong way on Route 107 in Saugus and crashed head-on into another vehicle, killing the sole occupant. Ashley Forward, 19, of Lynn, was pronounced dead at the scene. Leger was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. “At 10:49 a.m. [Wednesday] Saugus Police were dispatched to 7-Eleven, 386 Lincoln Ave., for a report of an THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 7 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 school year is ending, it doesn’t mean that the opportunity to learn and grow has. This summer kids of all ages will explore the animal kingdom as the Saugus Public Library presents its “Tails and Tales” summer reading program. Activities will include Take & Make crafts, virtual STEM programming, storytimes, outdoor performers and more. “The Saugus Public School District recommends that students read at least 20 minutes a day this summer. The library is here to help families create a summer reading routine that is fun for kids and their families. The 2021 Summer Reading Program is open to young people, preschool through young adult. unarmed robbery. While en route, a description of the suspect’s vehicle was relayed to officers, and a Saugus Police officer subsequently located the vehicle traveling east on Ballard Street,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said in a press release issued by his office. “The officer then attempted to stop the suspect, who fled and led the officer on a brief pursuit. Police immediately terminated the pursuit when the suspect turned onto Route 107 and began traveling south in the northbound lanes,” Ricciardelli said. “Approximately 1/2 mile south, the suspect’s vehicle collided with another vehicle. The operator of that vehicle, a 19-year-old female, “We reward our readers! We’ve once again partnered with local businesses to reward summer reading. We’d like to thank those businesses who generously donated prizes and the New Friends of the Saugus Public Library who purchased others. We’re also participating in Read to Bead – kids collect reading Brag Tags and colorful beads as they go. “Families are encouraged to register for the animal themed “Tails and Tales” Summer Reading Program using the Beanstack app. It’s easy – just download the Beanstack app, register under the Saugus Public Library, and you’re on your way. It’s like a Fitbit for reading! For more information, or to register in person, stop by the library or visit our website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading-program/). “It’s been a challenging school year. It’s important to keep reading to retain skills – and an opportunity to catch up with peers. Research shows that children who do not read during the summer fall behind. The effect is cumulative – over many summers these students fall significantly behind their peers. “Most importantly perhaps, it’s an opportunity to build a reading routine: turn off the media, sit with a child, and enjoy some beautiful story books. Try reading a longer book to them, and let them read to you. With Beanstack kids can take a safari around the world to learn about animals on different continents, listen to animal stories from around the world and do research on their favorites. “Need some help finding registering for summer reading, or finding a ‘just-right book’ for your child? Stop by the library succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the crash.” Saugus Police, Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Essex State Police Detective Unit and the Essex District Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation. The investigation revealed that the defendant’s car, a grey 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, was reported stolen on June 2, 2021 to Lynn Police and that the defendant was operating with a suspended license. Essex Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Shugrue represented the Commonwealth. The defendant is represented by Attorney Nathaniel Spinney and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. and see us! All programs are free of charge.” CHaRM Center Recycling Drop-Off site open for season The community’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) site is open. 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 on-site recycling. 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 781-2314036 with questions or for more information. Compost Site open The town compost site is open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 16

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 9 2021 Saugus High School graduation The Salutatory Address By Charles Denovellis W ow, you really don’t ever think you’ll get to this moment. I’ve watched some of my friends and sister graduate, and you know that someday it’ll be you, but you don’t really realize it’s happening until you’re actually up on this stage. I’m up here right now to give a speech as your salutatorian and leave you with something inspirational or thought-provoking. I have been told by my teachers that one of my weaknesses is my writing, so we’re gonna see how this goes. The two pieces of advice I received was to make it good and make it funny. Not very specifi c but with those as my goal I sat down (about two days ago), opened my computer and started to write. Probably 15 minutes in it hit me. I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to write about. I’m a kid that got a few good grades on tests – what advice am I supposed to have to give to you? I simply did not know. Sometimes (in fact a lot of the time) in life you’ll fi nd you just don’t know. Now I don’t know a lot of things; my friends often call me the dumbest smart kid they know. My freshman year I had to visit the main offi ce, where I was confused to fi nd that the door was locked. It was only after someone had opened the door for me that I realized I was supposed to be pushing rather than pulling. Just last week on our last day my friend Colin let me know that I was in fact parked in the wrong spot. So everyone got to watch me get out of my car just to get back into it and pull into my actual spot, the spot I had been parking in all year (second in the class). But let’s face it, the things we don’t know are not always gonna end in funny situations. We will experience, if we have not experienced it already, a big life question that we may not have the answer to. What am I going to do with my life? How am I going to deal with this situation? How am I going to get through this? I’m sure a lot of us have asked these same questions to ourselves, and have answered back “I don’t know.” Not knowing can be scary. Not knowing can be embarrassing. Not knowing can be stressful. I’m sure many of us have looked at the people around us and thought they seem to have all the answers and have asked ourselves “so why don’t I?” But I can assure you most of them are just as confused as you are. Not knowing is okay, it’s a natural human reaction. Nobody knows everything, despite my friends and family for supporting me through the years, the Saugus High School staff and administration for helping us along in our journeys, and Mrs. Hashem and Ms. Usseglio for being great advisors all four years. If there is one thing I wish to leave you with, it’s that you have years and years to think about the past and worry about your future. It’s graduation, take today to be proud of yourself for this accomplishment. Thank you. Editor’s Note: Charles Jerry Denovellis fi nished as the second highest scholastically ranked student in the Saugus High School Class of 2021, thus earning the honor to deliver the Salutatorian Address at the school’s 150th Commencement Exercises. He plans on attending the University of Massachusetts Lowell in the fall. CHARLES DENOVELLIS: He fi nished as the second highest scholastically ranked student in the Class of 2021, earning the honor to be the class Salutatorian. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) what some people would like you to believe. It’s when we focus so much on not knowing that we forget to fi nd a solution, that it becomes a problem. So do yourself a favor and don’t worry about not knowing – spend that energy and time on fi nding an answer. I know that being confused and not knowing the answers to big questions in life can bring you to a low point, but the best thing about low points is that there is nowhere to go but up. On that optimistic note I’d like to congratulate the class of 2021, we’ve made it. Michael, it’s been an honor competing with you. I’d like to also thank 2021 Saugus High School graduation The Valedictory Address By Michael Kenny Thank you, Mr. Hashem. Four years ago – I stood at a podium in the old Saugus High School auditorium and gave a speech at our eighth grade moving on ceremony. As a matter of fact, I have that speech right here. While trying to figure out what I wanted to say today, I looked over this speech again. I had to stop myself from cringing when I realized that I quoted myself, Dory from Finding Nemo, and the one and only Mr. Cox. Nonetheless, I did have some good lines in there. I wrote how, and I quote, “We are going to be high school students. In about two and half months, we will once again feel like six graders. We will once again have to fi nd our way around and adjust to a new learning environment. But eventually in four short years we will be sitting here before you at another graduation.” That day has come. With that being said, I want to give a warm welcome to the teachers, administration, faculty members, town offi cials, parents, siblings, and other family members gathered here today to commemorate the end of an era. Now I’m going to be completely honest; I’ve known for quite some time that I’d have to give a speech up here, but of course I did what every high schooler does. Procrastinate. I thought for so long and asked so many people how I could make this speech somewhat interesting because believe me I’ve had to sit through some that were worse than virtually logging into homeroom just to go back to sleep on a Monday morning. What I came up with was MICHAEL KENNY: He fi nished as the top scholasticallyranked student in the Class of 2021, earning the honor to be the class Valedictorian. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) to try and make my speech, our speech. 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Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 NEVER | FROM PAGE 1 Atkinson was supposed to be a member of the Saugus High Class of 1943. “Instead of dealing with the [COVID-19] pandemic, he left to join the Navy and partake in World War II. Tonight, at long last, at 98 years old, he’s here to receive his Saugus High School diploma,” Hashem said. Escorted by his son Paul Atkinson, of Methuen, the Lynn resident, who looks forward to celebrating his 100th birthday in November of next year, walked up to the makeshift stage to receive his honorary degree. After receiving the diploma from Hashem, Atkinson turned to face the crowd and doffed his World War II baseball cap in what appeared to be a salute to the Class of 2021. The graduates, clad in their red gowns, reciprocated with a loud standing ovation. Atkinson, who grew up in East Saugus, is the oldest of seven children – all of whom are still alive, according to Hashem, who read from a mini-biography. Atkinson is married and has five children and seven great-grandchildren. He served in the U.S. Navy from December 1942 to January 2, 1946. After the war, he returned home to work at General Electric as a Technical Engineer and GE sent him to MIT for training. “I spent 45 years there,” Atkinson said in an interview before the graduation ceremony. Atkinson attended the Great Lakes Training Center in November of 1942. He trained on the Higgins troop landing boats and was assigned to the USS President Adams. After receiving the wartime training, he was shipped out to the South Pacific and assisted with the invasion of troops at Bougainville Island, where his crew would bring Marines onto the beaches while under fire and bring wounded troops back to the ship. Atkinson spent six months on Bougainville as part of the liberation troops and was sent to participate in the liberation of the Philippines. He received MORTAR BOARDS WITH AN ATTITUDE: A few Saugus High School graduates got creative in decorating the tops of their caps at last Friday’s commencement exercises. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) A ROLLING CELEBRATION: This SUV parked outside Stackpole Field paid tribute to the graduating seniors. CLASS PRESIDENT: Emma Peacock presided for four years over the Saugus High School Class of 2021. TOP TWO STUDENTS: Left to right, Michael Kenny, who received Valedictorian honors as the highest scoring academic student in the Class of 2021, and the runner-up: Salutatorian Charles Denovellis. SON OF A PRINCIPAL: Keith Michael Monto celebrated his graduation day with his mother – Saugus Middle School Principal Myra Monto. TWIN SCHOLARS: Left to right, Christopher Denovellis, president of the Saugus High School Student Council, and his twin brother Charles Denovellis, the class Salutatorian. Both are members of the National Honor Society. numerous medals for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one star, the American Area Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. A CASCADE OF CAPS: At the end of the commencement exercises, the young graduates celebrated by flinging their caps skyward. HONORARY DEGREE: Retiring Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., received an honorary diploma from Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 11 A MOMENT WITH DAD: Saugus High School graduate Andrew Hatch shared his night with School Committee Member John Hatch. Andrew is a National Honor Society member and an Advanced Academy Scholar. THE OLD AND THE NEW: Retiring Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., and his successor, Erin McMahon, who takes over as the new leader of the town’s public school system on July 1. PROUD GRADUATES: Showing off their diplomas, from left to right, are Senior Honors graduates Kaylee Marie DaRosa, Cheryl Theresa Nguyen and Ariana Pham Brown. Cheryl and Ariana are also Advanced Academy Honors Scholars. BUDDIES BOUND FOR UMASS LOWELL: Friends and Saugus High Honors graduates Colin Wildman, Matt Ruggiero, Andrew Hatch and Charles Denovellis will get to spend more time together as they pursue their college educations. PROUD PARENTS: Saugus High Honors graduate Mason Gregory Nickolas joined his parents, Gregory and Deborah Mae Nickolas, after receiving his diploma. Gregory is the director of the Saugus Youth & Recreation Center and Deborah works as a senior clerk at Town Hall. SAUGUS SCHOOL COMMITTEE: Left to right: School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge and Members Joseph “Dennis” Gould, John Hatch, Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher and Arthur Grabowski. ELECTED TOWN LEADERS: Left to right: Selectman Debra Panetta, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus), Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley and Selectman Michael Serino. HONORARY GUESTS: Left to right: Paul Atkinson with his dad, Joseph Leonard “Lenny” Atkinson – a World War II veteran who received an honorary Saugus High School diploma last Friday night at the school’s 150th Commencement Exercises. Lenny would have graduated with the Class of 1943, but he served his country with the U.S. Navy. A FAMILY AFFAIR: Saugus High Honors graduate Isabella Marie Moreschi, holding diploma (center) is joined by (left to right) her aunt, Donna Perrotta, her sister Gabriella Moreschi (2019 Saugus High), her mother, Christine Moreschi (chief administrative aide to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree), her grandmother Jean Castelluccio and her cousin Stephanie Perrotta. In the back row are Isabella’s father, Tom Moreschi, and her aunt, Sandra Castelluccio. Isabella is an Advanced Academy Honors Scholar. A SPECIAL NIGHT: Saugus Town Clerk Ellen Schena (left) and members of her family celebrate daughter Catherine Eleanora Schena’s graduation. Catherine is an Honors Graduate. A GOOD WAY TO END IT: The Saugus High Class of 2021 was the first to graduate from the new Saugus Middle-High School complex and was probably the last to receive their diplomas at the old Stackpole Field. What a way to observe the school’s 150th Commencement Exercises. GOOD LUCK, GRADUATES: Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem addressed the Class of 2021 at last Friday’s Commencement Exercises.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Sachems win three straight By Greg Phipps A fter last week’s upset of Peabody, Head Coach Joe Luis was hoping his Saugus baseball squad would carry the momentum of that victory moving forward. The Sachems have done just that by producing subsequent victories over Salem and Beverly this week. Saugus also did something it has struggled to do most of the season. That is to score runs. The Sachems erupted for 17 in the two wins. On Monday, they tallied in the double digits by defeating Salem, 104, at World Series Park. In what was a tight 1-1 contest through the first few innings on Wednesday at Beverly, Saugus broke open the game by scoring six unanswered runs. Starter and eventual winning pitcher Nathan Ing would keep the hosts at bay to secure a 7-1 win. The pitching was very good for both sides early in the Beverly game, as each team had to manufacture its run small-ballstyle. Saugus scored on a bunt play while Beverly brought its tally across on a groundout. Improving to 5-7 overall with Wednesday’s triumph, the Sachems, with a postseason tournament bid in Saugus hitter Anthony Macone began to head out of the batter’s box on a ground ball that ended up going foul in Wednesday’s game at Beverly. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Pitcher Nathan Ing started against Beverly on Wednesday and earned a 7-1 victory. Saugus first baseman Ryan Anderson was about to place the tag on a Beverly base runner during a pickoff attempt on Wednesday. The throw was not in time. their sights, had won three straight heading into Thursday’s tilt at Swampscott. They had amassed 21 runs (an average of seven a game) in that span and are hoping the increased offensive output will continue. Since being shut out by Masconomet back on May 24, the Sachems have actually scored 27 runs in their last four games. They brought six across in a 10-6 loss at Gloucester back on May 26. Looking ahead, Saugus travels for a game at Marblehead on Monday. Senior leaders help score win during Senior Night By Tara Vocino T he Saugus High School Boys’ Varsity Baseball team beat the Salem High School Witches 10-4 during Monday’s Senior Night game at World Series Park. Head Coach Joseph Luis called it a great win, congratulating his senior leaders. “With contributions from both centerfielder/senior Kyle McLaughlin, who Shown from left to right: father Charles, centerfielder Kyle and mother Maureen McLaughlin. McLaughlin plans to attend Wentworth to major in architectural engineering. Shown from left to right: father Jason, captain/pitcher/ catcher Jason Casaletto, mother Tara and sister Madison. Casaletto plans to attend Plymouth State University to major in education to become a high school teacher. played great defense and began a four-run inning with a single with no outs [and] captain Jason Casaletto was on base three times today to lead his Saugus Sachems to the victory and stopped Salem’s running game by throwing out two runners,” Luis said. Captain Jason Casaletto on the mound during Monday’s Senior Night at World Series Park Centerfielder Kyle McLaughlin on the field (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 13 Sachems beat Salem to clinch NEC South title By Greg Phipps T wo memorable achievements in the Saugus High School softball team’s 2021 season have come against Salem. Starting pitcher Leah Ventre hurled a perfect no-hit game in the season opener against the Witches, and Saugus clinched this year’s Northeastern Conference (NEC) South championship with a 12-0, five-inning victory on Tuesday at Salem’s Mack Park. The season-opening triumph was also a 12-0 final, and Tuesday’s contest was pretty much put on ice in the opening inning. The Sachems, who improved to 8-2 overall, exploded for 10 runs in the top of the first – an outburst that was ignited by Cat Schena’s two-run home run over the centerfield fence. Coming off a close 3-2 loss at Peabody on Monday when they managed just two hits, the Sachems wasted no time getting their normally vaunted offense in gear against Salem. All told, Schena had two hits and drove in three; both Kirby Dalton and Alexa Ferraro stroked two hits and had two RBI. Also contributing offensively were Lily Ventre, who scored three times, and Felicia Reppucci, who singled and drove in a run. Saugus proceeded to tack on two more runs over its final four at bats to account for the total output. Pitcher Leah Ventre was not as dominant as she was in the first meeting between the teams. In fact, the Witches threatened with the bases loaded in the bottom of the first. But Ventre escaped the jam unscathed and settled down after that. She gave up five hits, walked only one batter and fanned four in her five-inning effort. Head Coach Steve Almquist was feeling good for his team after the game. “It was very exCat Schena shared a high-10 with Head Coach Steve Almquist as she rounded third base after hitting a first-inning home run on Tuesday at Salem. Ava Rogers slid in safely ahead of the throw home in Tuesday’s win at Salem. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Cat Schena followed the flight of the ball after connecting for a two-run homer against Salem. Kyra Jones prepared to make contact in an early inning at bat on Tuesday. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, June 13 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, June 14 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, June 15 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from June 7. Wednesday, June 16 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Cheer Performance from June 9. Thursday, June 17 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Town Meeting from June 7. Friday, June 18 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – SHS Graduation from June 4. Saturday, June 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Boys Lacrosse vs. Gloucester from June 10. 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*** Second baseman Kirby Dalton threw from her knees after making a nice stop of a hard-hit grounder on Tuesday. citing. It’s been a while since a Saugus team pulled this off, so the kids were excited,” he told the press after his team secured the league’s South title. “I’m happy for them. The kids worked really hard, so it’s good to see that hard work come to fruition.” Tuesday’s win gave Saugus an unblemished 7-0 record against NEC South opponents, but the upcoming schedule provides some challenges. The Sachems took on Marblehead on Thursday at home, and then travel to face Swampscott on Friday. The team will celebrate its Senior Day on Monday against Danvers. Monday’s one-run defeat at Peabody broke a six-game winning streak. Almquist is hoping his squad can get on another roll. “There’s some tough games coming up. We’re hoping to rail off some wins and improve our positioning for the state tournament,” he observed.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Sachems girls’ tennis co-captain slated to be selected MVP T By Tara Vocino he Saugus Girls’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis Sachems lost to Marblehead High School Magicians on Monday at the former Belmonte Middle School, although one of the captains had a heroic win. Co-Captain Lanna Queiroz had a heroic score at the #1 singles position: 6-2. 6-1. “Once we have a meeting at the end of the season, the coaches will discuss the Northeastern Conference Most Valuable PlayKneeling from left to right are Alex Couseillant, Sami Sarnacchiaro, Wiktoria Biegun, Cadence Callahan, Lily Comeau, Diane Jubeili, Paige Prezioso. Standing from left to right: Head Coach Kristen Gerety, Gia Saunders, Rachel Rivas, Rayaan Jubeili, Ashleigh Moore, Morgan Belyea, Amelia Pappagallo, Madi Riera and Lanna Queiroz. Not pictured: Madison Casaletto. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Shown from left to right are Captain Lanna Queiroz, Head Coach Kristen Gerety, and Captain Paige Prezioso. Queiroz is in the running to become the Most Valuable Player in the Northeastern Conference. er,” Head Coach Kristen Gerety said. “However, with [Monday’s] win, it secures her as one of the top players in the conference.” Life after Covid-19 Graduation was a joyful affair for a Saugus High student who nearly lost his dad to the deadly Coronavirus last year By Mark E. Vogler N icholas Austin DiVola looked mighty dapper as he walked around Stackpole Field last Friday night, sporting a red bowtie and a happy face as he enjoyed the moment with fellow members of the Saugus High School Class of 2021. But most important of all to DiVola was that his dad – Robert – was alive and well to enjoy the occasion. Last spring, those plans could have been spoiled in a tragic way when Robert nearly lost his life to COVID-19. “It’s really great to be here,” Robert said after the commencement exercises conMEETING | FROM PAGE 5 the School Department budget next year because of her sound fiscal skills. Precinct 3 Town Meeting cluded. Nicholas invited his dad and his mother, Lauri, to join him in a newspaper photo together. “It was very tough there for a while,” Lauri said. “It was very tough for us all. Things are a lot better for us now,” she said. Nicholas’s 17th birthday back in April of last year was emotionally draining for him and the rest of the family. “My dad seemed like he had a coma-like sickness and he wasn’t getting better,” Nicholas said in an interview after his dad wound up in the hospital and needed a ventilator to fight for his life against the killer Coronavirus. “He wound up in ICU for a Member Christopher P. Riley said town officials need to take a closer look at employee health insurance. “We can’t afford $15.5 million for health insurance,” Riley said, calling it “a week after that and we haven’t seen him for about two weeks,” he said. Nicholas, his mother and brother, Joe, were quarantined in their house after Robert was diagnosed with and treated for COVID-19. A group of friends and town officials came to the family’s assistance – both emotionally and financially. A noisy convoy of about 100 trucks and cars, blaring their horns and displaying signs wishing him a happy 17th birthday, rolled past the family SUV where he sat with his mother and brother. The surprise birthday procession included several vehicles from spending problem” that goes back decades. “What used to be a benefit to the town is now a cost to the town,” Riley said. He noted that the town is spending more on Gerety said it’s huge for her since she is a senior and has been playing number one on the team since eighth grade. Queiroz will be a walk-on for the Melrose Department of Publics Works. They came to show support for their coworker, Robert DiVola, who remained in the hospital. Lauri DiVola was visibly moved by the display of support showered on her husband, son and family during the drive-by parade last year. “This is awesome. It’s unbelievable. We feel all the love from this whole procession,” Lauri said as she sat in the driver’s seat of the SUV, which was parked across Evergreen Street, a short distance from her home. “I t ’s really overwhelming how much people care. They’ve dropped food off at our house. We truly feel the love. It’s really beautiful,” she said in an interview at the time. The DiVola family also received strong financial support on a GoFundMe page health insurance benefits than the Police and Fire Department budgets combined. DiVirgilio expressed cynicism as to whether Town Meeting would ever broach the isthe tennis team at Coastal Carolina University. Co-Captain Paige Prezioso, also a senior and Queiroz’s best friend, will attend Stonehill College. A GRATEFUL GRADUATE: Nicholas Austin DiVola counts his blessings for his dad’s recovery last year from the Coronavirus after he was in the hospital on a ventilator. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) that was organized by Sarah Marsella and Kerri Streeter. It raised more than $44,000. sue of paring down employee benefits so it is more affordable to the town. “There will be no cuts when there are town employee members in Town Meeting,” DiVirgilio said.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 15 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE PANDEMIC Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener T he new Saugus police cars aren’t the only hybrids you might notice around town this week! Tall bearded iris are everywhere. Because several Eurasian iris species were already hybridized by both nature and gardeners before horticultural record keeping began, it is hard to assign a species name to these plants. One of the oldest species with these characteristics is German iris (Iris germanica). Sweet iris or Dalmatian iris (Iris pallida) is known for its fragrance, which can be detected in many of the hybrid varieties. Overall there are nearly 300 different species of iris, some of which fit into the bearded iris category, but others like Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) have a very different root system and much narrower leaves, and there are a number of species which grow from bulbs. Unlike tulips where both petals and sepals are usually very similar in color, shape, size and position, the sepals and petals on irises are distinct. Most irises have a distinctive flower shape consisting of six colorful parts, three outer sepals called falls that droop, and three inner petals called IN MY GARDEN: Tall yellow bearded iris. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) SAUGUS CENTER: Bright green, new growth on yews and arborvitae that spell out Saugus signify a new beginning like the banners for graduates waving from the lamp posts. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) LADY SLIPPER: The flower is pollinated by native bumblebees. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ROCK STAR IRIS: Tall bearded, reblooming type; pale purple with apricot center on falls. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) standards that are erect. The familiar bearded irises are from Europe and STRAWBERRY AT SAUGUS IRONWORKS: The plant’s flower and fruit. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) grow from rhizomes that look a bit like ginger root. These starchy rhizomes help the plant survive dry or challenging conditions, but they also provide food for one of the iris’s most serious pests, the iris borer. Iris borer larvae hollow out the rhizomes and ultimately can kill the plants, then as winged adults look for other iris gardens to lay their eggs. These pests were the bane of my iris bed some years ago, but they have apparently decreased since I have had no trouble with them recently. Bearded irises bloom in a wide range of colors, like the rainbow for which this genus was named: red, orange, yellow, green, nearly blue, purple and white. Various shades of purple and yellow are most common. As long as they have a sunny spot and well-drained soil, they usually thrive. In recent decades some breeders have been working on producing reblooming varieties of bearded irises. Not only do these bloom in late May to early June, like the familiar bearded iris varieties, but once established they often rebloom in October or even November. One of the most reliable of these is a tall, white flowering one named ‘Immortality,’ but there are many others now available, including a shorter one named ‘Rock Star,’ pale purple with an apricot center on the falls, which I recently added to my garden. We’ll see what happens in the fall! Sometimes it takes a few years for the root system to become strong enough to support a second bloom season. Our region’s native orchid, pink lady slipper or moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule), is blooming in the woods of eastern Massachusetts. It likes very acidic soil and often grows in pine woods, but it can also be seen in oak woods and other shaded areas. It is unlikely to survive transplanting and should never be collected from the wild. The flower is pollinated by native bumblebees. Other native lady slippers, like the yellow lady slipper (Cypripedium calceolus, parviflorum or pubescens) and showy lady slipper (Cypripedium reginae), are somewhat less challenging to propagate and grow successfully, but the pink lady slipper is fairly widespread in wild habitats throughout New England. 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.

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” JOSEPH D. CATALDO INDENTITY PROTECTION PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The IRS has been issuing Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IPPIN’s) since 2011 in order to assist in identifying taxpayers and to accept a tax return for filing. In January of this past year, the IRS opened up this program to all taxpayers THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 8 $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town 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 permitted. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-2314036 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 if they choose to opt into the program. Prior to January of this year, the IRS would assign an IPPIN to a taxpayer whose identity was stolen. So too often tax preparers would go to e-file a tax return only to find out that someone had already filed a tax return under that taxpayer’s social. Therefore, the electronic filing would be rejected. A taxpayer would then have to call the IRS fraud department and the IRS would then issue a IPPIN to the taxpayer to be attached to the paper return that would then need to be filed. In New Release IR-20212022. “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 assist 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 9, the IRS announced the program is now available to all taxpayers who can verify their identity by specified procedures. The IRS will mail a CP01A Notice to taxpayers that opt in which contains their 6-digit IPPIN. A Taxpayer can also obtain a IPPIN by using the IRS online tool Get an IPPIN. Each year, taxpayers will receive a CP01A Notice containing a new IPPIN. Taxpayers may opt in by either faxing or mailing Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number, or by using the Get an IPPIN online tool. In concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing 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. 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 order to file Form 15227, taxpayers will need: 1. A valid social security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) 2. Adjusted gross income of $72,000 or less 3. Access to a telephone The IRS will process the form and then call the taxpayer to validate his or her identity. Upon successful validation, the taxpayer will then receive a CP01A Notice with an assigned IPPIN for the next filing season. To online method of obtaining a IPPIN is available at www.irs.gov/getanippin. Once you opt in to the IPthe 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 benefits. 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 VetPIN system, as of right now, you cannot opt out. The IRS expects that taxpayers will be able to opt out beginning in 2022. Data breaches of personal information are still on the rise. Obtaining an IPPIN may provide some taxpayers comfort particularly if their personal information may have been compromised. Think about how many people this past year received notices from Mass Unemployment stating that they applied for unemployment benefits when in fact someone else did using their name and social security number. erans’ 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, 781979-4186, kburke@cityofmelrose.org Wakefield: David Mangan, 781-246-6377, dmangan@ wakefield.ma.us Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781-2314010, jpinette@saugus-ma.gov 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 since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 17 First Financial Trust, The Savings Bank Subsidiary, Launches New 401(k) Service F irst Financial Trust, N.A. (FFT) has expanded its trust administration, investment management, estate settlement, and personal fi nancial planning services with the addition of a 401(k) advisory and fi duciary program to its portfolio. First Financial Trust, a subsidiary of The Savings Bank, launched its 401(k) program following inquiries made by local businesses about the GRADUATION | FROM PAGE 2 fact, I would say this year has been as far from traditional as anyone could have imagined before last March. This global pandemic has lingered over us for nearly a year and a half, and this will be a period in history where everyone will be able to say what they were doing during this time in their lives. While everyone was impacted, our students faced unprecedented uncertainties since last March. Uncertainty is possibly the best word to describe this entire time for our graduates that sit before us. They left our old school building for two weeks on Friday, March 13th, 2020. Two weeks turned into three weeks, then it was until after April vacation, then we ended up staying until long after that school was demolished and the 20192020 school year ending. We started this school year in a new complex with stateof-the-art technology and a groundbreaking educational design for students grades six to twelve. Oh, and by saying we started – it was remotely via computers from home and not actually in this new complex. There were several start dates that came and went before fi nally coming into a hybrid model, two days a week in late February, and ultimately back in person fully the week before April vacation. It was more than a full year later. But even then, school was diff erent and not just because it was a new building or that there was a middle school sharing the space. There were the new terms that we had become all too familiar with, social distancing, COVID protocols, quarantining, cohorting, contact tracing, and we were all wearing masks. It was the late Christopher Reeve that said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who fi nds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” It would be fair to say that we have all been availability of retirement plans, a key factor in helping them retain and attract employees. “Our 401(k) program is an excellent opportunity to provide more value to existing First Financial Trust and The Savings Bank clients, as well as to build new relationships with businesses throughout the community,” said Bob DiBella, President and CEO of The Savings Bank. on our own hero’s journey this year. The sports seasons happened with strange rule changes and for some sports during diff erent seasons. For example, who does not think football in New England in March. Our drama club did an old radio play before an audience of about 30 people performing while wearing masks. “Meetings” and “classes” happened virtually, and we all came to know another phrase – “you’re on mute” – and we consistently had the instinct to wave goodbye after every Google Meet or Zoom Conference. We were truly through the looking glass and just hoping that we would get closer and closer to a sense of normalcy. To your credit, the graduates for the Class of 2021 rose to the challenges and overcame the obstacles to get to a relatively traditional end of the school year. While we would never have chosen to have gone through a year like this, I truly believe our graduates are better prepared to face the challenges in their future. This pandemic has served them to overcome adversity and be better for it. John Wayne declared, “Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway,” and looking back I think that is what each of us did to get back to a sense of familiarity. The graduates sitting before us today certainly demonstrated courage and perseverance to get through senior year in the midst of all the adversities. I know that I started my speech a little diff erently than past years’, but this year is different. I do want to thank the Superintendent and his administration for their eff orts in making this year happen. Thank you to the School Committee, Selectmen, Town Manager and State Representative, many of whom are here this evening. You have all helped our school and our commuThe new 401(k) program was launched with American Trust Retirement, an award-winning third-party administrator. With this partnership, First Financial Trust, N.A. has two 401(k) advisory services from which businesses can choose after meeting with First Financial Trust and discussing their individual needs. TRUST | SEE PAGE 18 nity get back on our feet. For myself, I want to thank my administrative team for stepping up and orchestrating a move to a new complex, the merging of two staff s and providing a safe and healthy environment for staff and students. I further need to thank the stakeholder groups that helped our students the most during this stressful time. Thank you to the teachers and all of the building staff , especially our nurses, and the parents/guardians, families and friends that collaborated together to bring teaching and learning back to the forefront in Saugus. The Town of Saugus and the Saugus Public Schools have risen to the occasion and helped us conquer this historic challenge. I am truly proud to be a Saugonian today. To the graduates of Saugus High School, Class of 2021, you will truly be a class that I will never forget. I am proud to have gotten the opportunity to be your principal and I am certain that you are all up to the challenges to come. I will end my speech with a quote from a former fi rst lady, that I have previously used but now seems so appropriate to our current conditions. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’” I would say that just about sums it all up; you have been through this crazy period in history; you are ready to take on anything. Best of luck, enjoy and embrace your future, make every day count, and most importantly...Thank you and congratulations. Editor’s Note: Michael Hashem, a 1985 graduate of Saugus High School, is in his eighth year as principal of Saugus High. He has spent 30 years of his professional career as a teacher and administrator in Saugus Public Schools. S y Senior H li S i Fid Dit d Sa e a BY JIM MILLER elping Seniors Find Discounted High-Speed Internet Services Dear Savvy Senior, Do you know where I can fi nd cheaper high-speed internet services for my home? I’m 70-years old and live strictly on my Social Security and would like to fi nd something faster and less expensive than I currently have. Surfi ng Susan Dear Susan, There are actually two new resources available today that can help you save money on your home internet services, but what’s available to you will depend on your income level and where you live. Here’s where to begin. Internet Discounts Depending on your financial situation, a good fi rst step to reducing your home internet costs is through the new Emergency Broadband Benefi t (EBB) program. This is a temporary federal benefi t that provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10 to $50 toward the purchase price. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $17,388 for one person or $23,517 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefi ts such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension or survivors pension benefi t, or live on federally recognized tribal lands. Households that experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 due to job loss or furlough can also qualify for the EBB program, as long as their household income for 2020 was at or below $99,000 for single fi lers and $198,000 for joint fi lers. To apply, go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org where you can apply online or print out an application and mail it in. If you’re already receiving assistance through the federal Lifeline benefi t (see LifelineSupport.org), which is a $9.25 monthly subsidy for phone or internet costs, you automatically qualify for the EBB program, and you can receive both benefi ts at the same time. You can apply your EBB and your Lifeline benefi t to the same or separate services. Or, if your broadband provider already has its own low-income or COVID-19 relief program, you may be able to qualify through this program as well. Talk to your broadband provider for more information. Low-Cost Internet If you’re not eligible for the EBB program, another resource for locating cheaper highspeed internet is Aging Connected, which has a higher income qualifi cation. Created by Older Adults Technology Services from AARP (OATS) and the Humana Foundation, Aging Connected is a nationwide campaign created to help lower-income seniors fi nd low-cost, inhome broadband options in their area. Partnering with telecommunications companies, nonprofits and public entities, Aging Connected will help you search for services in your area that provide high-speed internet at a very low cost. Most participating companies charge around $10 to $15 per month, with no contract and no equipment fee. Aging Connected also provides referrals to affordable desktop and laptop computers for under $160. To qualify, you’ll need to show that your annual household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $23,800 for one person or $32,200 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefi ts similar to the EBB program. To search, go to AgingConnected.org and type in your ZIP code, name and email address, or you can call 877-745-1930. Other Search Options If you fi nd that you’re not eligible for either of the previously listed resources, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like InMyArea. com and BroadbandNow.com, both of which provide a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Seni nior ni r ior

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 TRUST | FROM PAGE 17 “We believe this is an excellent opportunity for businesses to retain top level talent, and we can simplify the process by providing exceptional service from our experienced team. We are excited to grow our relationship with both existing First Financial Trust, N.A. and The Savings Bank clients, as well as build relationships with the business community,” Brendan Szocik, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Trust added. “As with all our current services, the 401(k) offering will be held to the highest fiduciary standards that we pride ourselves on. We encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about our 401(k) services for their business to contact Andrew DiNuccio, Investment Officer, at 617-6587624, or visit our website at www.firstfinancialttrust.com.” A subsidiary of The Savings Bank, First Financial Trust has offices in Wakefield, Leominster, and Wellesley, Massachusetts and serves clients across the United States. First Financial Trust is one of 53 nationally chartered trust companies in the United States. Established in 1869, The Savings Bank, headquartered in Wakefield Massachusetts, is a $675 million community bank with offices in Wakefield, Lynnfield, North Reading, Andover, and Methuen. 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. 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 smartphone 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: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on roll calls from recent debate on the Senate version of a $47.72 billion fiscal 2022 budget. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. MASSHEALTH MUST REPORT BED HOLDS (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would require MassHealth to report data to the Legislature relating to medical and non-medical leave of absence days, known as bed holds, for nursing home residents. The data would include the number of residents on a leave of absence, monthly capacity levels per nursing home, the total number of empty beds and the average MassHealth payment rate per resident. MassHealth is the state’s Medicaid program that provides healthcare for low-income and disabled persons. Amendment supporters said the bed hold policy is an essential protection for MassHealth nursing home residents who leave the nursing home for a hospital stay or to visit with family and allows them to return to their same bed. They noted the program’s goal is to protect nursing home residents, especially those with dementia, from the confusion and trauma that might result if they were forced to move to a new room and a new bed after a short absence. “We must ensure that vulnerable nursing home residents are provided with quality care and protected from the unnecessary trauma of returning to an unfamiliar environment following a hospital stay,” said the amendment’s sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “Facilities that cannot meet these basic obligations must not be allowed to operate in the commonwealth and will not survive the necessary post-COVID reforms. This data reporting is a starting point that will help ensure proper transparency and accountability in this industry.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $100,000 FOR STUDENT LOAN OMBUDSMAN (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved $100,000 to pay the salary of and advertise for the newly created position of student loan ombudsman who would serve under the attorney general as an independent mediator for student loan borrowers. “For six years, we fought for the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights to protect the nearly 1 million student loan borrowers across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow), the sponsor of the amendment. “Since it was passed and signed into law this January, we have engaged with the Division of Banks and the Attorney General’s Office on implementation and this funding will help set up a central ombudsman’s office, to answer questions, investigate and take action on [student loan] servicers.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) IN PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would provide $500,000 to fund the purchase by cities and towns of AEDs so that each police cruiser, fire engine, ambulance and other first responder vehicles will have the device available inside the vehicle. “AEDs are absolutely crucial to the mortality rate of someone experiencing a cardiac event,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) who sponsored the amendment. “In small towns found in central and western Massachusetts, like some of the ones I represent, police are often the first to respond to a 911 call, even in a medical emergency. Many municipalities do not have the resources to equip those vehicles with AEDs, which in turn allows precious moments to slip by for someone in a cardiac event. This bill establishes funding for municipalities to purchase AEDs through an AED trust fund for all safety vehicles, particularly in these smaller towns, so that this type of tragic scenario can be avoided.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment). Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been 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 31-June 4, the House met for a total of two hours and 17 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 25 minutes. Mon. May 31 No House session No Senate session Tues. June 1 House 11:03 a.m. to 1:13 p.m. Senate 11:05 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Wed. June 2 No House session No Senate session Thurs. June 3 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Senate 11:13 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Fri. June 4 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@ beaconhillrollcall.com

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 19 GRADUATION | FROM PAGE 9 been through so much. We left school on March 13, 2020, and had no idea that we would eventually miss almost our entire senior year. Sports were cancelled; we had to run every time someone coughed; and oh yeah… our school got torn down. We didn’t get to say goodbye to the leaky ceilings, smoking heaters, and asbestos-filled auditorium. Now don’t get me wrong, the new school is amazing, but I’ve come to realize that the building is just a building. The people of Saugus are what make it a home. So… why don’t we hear from some of these people? I randomly asked a few of my fellow classmates to tell me their favorite memory from the past four years, and here’s what they said… Andrew Cipriano – “Hi I’m Andrew Cipriano and my favorite memory from Saugus High School is running around the school on the last day and taking pictures with all the teachers.” Victoria Pagliarulo – “Hi I’m Victoria Pagliarulo and my favorite memory from Saugus High School is when I would stay after school until dark every night making posters for color day with my best friends and other classmates that ultimately grew into my friends as a result.” Kyle Bernard – “Hi my name is Kyle Bernard and my favorite Saugus High School memory is definitely when our drama club took a show all the way to State Finals in a theatre competition.” As for me, my favorite memory will be this moment right now because it is the final sentence to the final page to the final chapter of our Saugus education. We endured. We achieved. Sometimes we failed. But we overcame obstacles. We changed. We grew. We formed connections that no other class will ever match. We’ve come to understand Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” We had time taken away from us, but we always made the best of the time we were given. None of this would’ve been possible without the support of our families and friends. I’d like to ask at this time that all graduates stand. Turn to face the audience. And applaud your biggest supporters. Thank you. You may be seated. I need to specifically thank my grandparents, my father, my sisters (Vanessa and Tayla), and especially my mother. You are the strongest woman I’ve ever known, and I wouldn’t be on this stage today without your support. I love you, and I thank you. I’d also like to thank the entire Saugus Public School Department that helped make this day possible. I want to especially thank our class advisors, Mrs. Hashem and Ms. Usseglio. We thank you for all that you’ve done for us. I want to thank my friends (shout out Chel boys) and fellow classmates that went through all of the ups and downs of high school with me. To the Salutatorian, CJ Denovellis, it was an honor competing with you. Awesome. Now that I got the boring thank yous out of the way, I can really get to the crux of my speech. I just want to say how honored I am to be a part of this class. Saugus always gets a bad rap, but that’s because people simply don’t know what it means to be a Sachem. People think that it’s impossible to do well going to a public school. But hey, who cares what they say. Just tell them that Michael Kenny will be parking his car in Hahrvard yard in the fall. But honestly… when I look at this class I know there is nothing we cannot achieve. I came up with this quote (mainly because I wanted to sound smart), but it goes, GRADUATION | SEE PAGE 20

Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 GRADUATION | FROM PAGE 19 “Don’t fear the future, make the future fear you.” I encourage you all to work hard. Nobody is perfect and nobody ever will be, but you can always give a perfect eff ort. I encourage you all to fi nd what you are passionate about and stand up for what you believe in. Steve Jobs says how “the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” But most importantly I need you all to promise me that you will enjoy the good times. Don’t be dragged down by things that are out of your control. Instead, appreciate your life and never take a moment for granted. Essentially, think of it this way. You need to live a life that you will have no regrets about when you are an old hag sitting on your rocking chair. Go out and form those memories that will last a lifetime. Keep those who you love close. And do as Pop Smoke says: “Shoot for the stars, aim for the moon. “Class of 2021, I am beyond humbled to be your Valedictorian. I’ve loved getting to know you all and can’t wait to see all of the phenomenal things that we achieve in the future. I wish you all the best of luck in college and beyond. And no matter where life takes you, just promise me, promise me that you will remember that it is always a great day to be a Sachem. Thank you. Editor’s Note: Michael Kenny fi nished as the highest scholastically ranked student in the Saugus High Class of 2021, thus earning the honor to deliver the Valedictory Address at the school’s 150th Commencement Exercises. He plans on attending Harvard University next fall, where he will study Biomedical Engineering. 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 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! 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 ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 21 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 2 “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior was so refreshing. These past three months have been some of the best and I think a lot of you can agree. We created new traditions like banging out volleyball games outside in the courtyard and being able to eat lunch outside every day. I’m gonna miss that a lot. I’ll miss cheering on our sports teams whether it was here at Stackpole Field or in the old Tower’s Gym. We’ve missed out on a good amount this year, but we’ve made the best of it. We were all so lucky to get a Senior Prom this year, and being able to have it at Danversport was really the icing on the cake. Here we are today, some of us maskless, which feels so wrong, but so right. I have a few thank you’s be~Handyman Services~ •Plumbing •Electric •Ceiling Fans •Waterheaters + More Call Tom 781-324-2770 fore I finally wrap this whole thing up. I want to give the biggest thank you to Mrs. Hashem and Ms. Usseglio for being the best advisors I could’ve asked for. I couldn’t have done a lot of this without you guys. Another huge thank you to my class board and especially my Vice President and best friend, Serena Cacciola. None of the last two years could’ve been possible without you by my side through it all and I truly mean that. And a fi nal thank you to all of my family and friends that are here today. You guys have all believed in me so much more than I’ve ever believed in myself, and I don’t know how I’m gonna live next year without you guys. Dad, I know you’ve bugged me almost every day for the past month to not procrastinate writing this speech, like I do with everything else. But I hate to break it to you, I did write this whole thing on Wednesday. Once again, thank you to the Class of 2021 for making the last four years four years that I’ll never forget Editor's Note: Emma Peacock is the president of the Saugus High School Class of 2021. She is a Senior Honors Graduate. She plans to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall, where she will study Early Childhood Education. 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 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 9. In what country are the 1. On June 11, 1775, the Revolutionary War’s first naval battle occurred in what New England state? 2. What are the two cities in Charles Dickens’ novel “A Tale of Two Cities”? 3. What chocolate-based ice cream reportedly was the first widely available flavor (in 1929) other than vanilla, chocolate and strawberry? 4. About how many wedding chapels are there in Las Vegas: 50, 75 or 100? 5. On June 12, 1942, who received a diary for her 13th birthday? 6. In June 1919 who directed a theatre orchestra and played a trumpet solo for the song “Ain’t Misbehavin’”? 7. In 1964 what group was the first Motown group ever to receive a Grammy Award nomination – for “(Love is Like a) Heat Wave”? 8. On June 13, 1927, what aviator had a ticker tape parade on NYC’s Fifth Avenue? islands known as “The Spice Islands”? 10. What member of a duo with a theme song of “Love Nest” won an Oscar in 1975 for a role in “The Sunshine Boys”? 11. In what Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is the song “June is Bustin’ Out All Over”? 12. June 14 is Flag Day; what Massachusetts city has on Flag Day “the longest-running parade of its kind”? 13. In what year did the American Psychological Association declare homosexuality not a mental disorder: 1953, 1973 or 1984? 14. On June 15, 2007, host Bob Barker retired from what game show? 15. The card game “21” originated in what country? 16. On June 16, 1884, the first gravity-powered roller coaster in America debuted; at what seashore was it? 17. In what Canadian province is the world’s longest freshwater beach? 18. What is another word for bubble tea? 19. What Massachusetts town has the Bridge of Flowers (“the only one of its kind in the world”)? 20. June 17 is Bunker Hill Day; Bunker Hill is in what Boston neighborhood that was the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony? 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 Patel, Bhumikaben K Avila, Jonathan Pacas-DelCid, Nathalie M Patel, Brijeshkumar M Rodriguez, Jacqueline Pacas-DelCid, C H SELLER1 Patel, Kailash S Juiced Inc RE North Shore Invs LLC SELLER2 Patel, Rakesh K ADDRESS 9 Nirvana Dr #1A 15 Baker St 37 Harrison Ave CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 21.05.2021 17.05.2021 17.05.2021 PRICE $450 000,00 $555 000,00 $480 000,00 ANSWERS 1. Maine (the Battle of Machias) 2. London and Paris 3. Rocky Road 4. 50 5. Anne Frank 6. Louis Armstrong 7. Martha & the Vandellas 8. Charles Lindbergh 9. Indonesia 10. George Burns of Burns & Allen 11. “Carousel” 12. Quincy 13. 1973 14. “The Price is Right” 15. France (vingt-et-un) 16. Coney Island 17. Ontario (Wasaga Beach on Lake Huron) 18. Boba 19. Shelburne Falls 20. Charlestown

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