Page 18 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 uplifting local decision-making so the right solutions for each of our 351 municipalities can be timely implemented.” REQUIRE TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF LOCAL CITY AND TOWNS BOARDS (S 1432) – Would require mandatory, standardized annual training for new members of key local board in cities and towns including boards of health, conservation commissions, planning boards and zoning boards of appeals. The training programs would be developed in consultation with the Massachusetts Municipal Association and would require all new board and commission members to complete these trainings prior to beginning their service. - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Probate and Family Court 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 744-1020 Docket No. ES25P1726EA Estate of: ELAINE S. K. CHOI Also known as: ELAINE S. CHOI, ELAINE SHIU KUEN CHOI, ELAINE CHOI, ELAINE SIU KUEN CHO Date of Death: 04/25/2025 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Lawrence H. Tsoi of Saugus, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Lawrence H. Tsoi of Saugus, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 07/18/2025. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice of this Court. Date: June 13, 2025 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE June 20, 2025 RAISE FINES FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY (H 2247) – Would amend current law that imposes up to a 7-year prison sentence and/or $5,000 fine for a first offense of animal cruelty and a 10-year prison sentence and/or $10,000 fine for a second offense. The bill leaves the prison sentences as they are but raises the fines to $5,500 for a first offense and $11,000 for subsequent offenses. It also creates a special account where up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses would go to fund improvements to animal shelters in the city or town in which the violations occurred. The proposal received initial House approval in 2021 but then died in committee because of lack of further action by the House. Sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy) said that Massachusetts in 2024 took a big step forward in animal rights and protection with the passage of Ollie’s law that established rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. “This bill seeks to build on that momentum by increasing penalties for animal cruelty to further deter abuse and neglect, while directing any additional revenue generated from these increased fines toTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 20, 2025 “I filed [the bill] because we rely on volunteers to make consequential decisions on local boards that shape everything from housing to public health, yet we don’t give them the training they need,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “This bill creates a simple, no-cost, standardized training so new board members understand the laws they’re upholding and can serve their communities effectively from day one.” wards financial support for local animal shelters where the violation occurred,” said Ayers. LOCAL TREE WARDENS (H 2195) – Would require that every city and town’s tree warden have sufficient training and certification; change the penalty paid to communities for someone who illegally removes shade trees from $500 to the often higher value of actually replacing the tree; and update antiquated laws including the one that fines anyone who damages a tree or plant by driving an animal into it, but does not mention a car or truck because the current law was passed before the popular use of the automobile. Supporters said that a well-maintained tree canopy can act as a buffer against climate change and protect public health. They noted that the U.S. Forest Service estimates that neighborhoods with well-shaded streets can be up to 10 degrees cooler and that tree canopies not only reduce energy costs but also mitigate the urban heat island effect, directly preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths. “Public shade trees are a valuable resource in our fight against the impact of climate change,” said sponsor Rep. Steve Owens (D-Watertown). “The laws protecting them and empowering the tree wardens who care for them have not been materially updated in more than a hundred years. This bill makes sure that wardens have the tools they need to protect and nurture our public shade trees.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “This year’s tax incentive awardees are advancing scientific innovation, strengthening our economy and improving lives across the globe with groundbreaking work. Their successes are a shining example of why Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in life sciences.” ---Lt Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey Administration announcing $29.9 million in tax incentive awards, estimated to create 1,500 industry jobs, to 33 life sciences companies. “As summer temperatures get hotter, we are committed to ensuring that every Massachusetts resident has access to a beach or pool and to be able to learn the skills they need to have a safe and fun experience. Providing free swim lessons through the Learn to Swim program, as well as ensuring we have a full contingent of qualified lifeguards, is critical to promoting water safety throughout the summer season.” --- Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo announcing that DCR will offer free swimming lessons to children aged four through 12 at 19 DCR pools across the state and that some lifeguard positions are still available. “Down payment assistance is a vital tool for empowering first-time homebuyers and advancing MassHousing’s commitment to expanding access to homeownership. By growing our leading down payment assistance program to reach more middle-income homebuyers statewide, we will grow consumer buying power and help ensure that homeownership remains accessible to working families across Massachusetts.” ---MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay announcing the expansion of its Down Payment Assistance mortgage program which now offers up to $25,000 in down payment assistance to all income-eligible first-time homebuyers, when purchasing a first home in any city or BEACON | SEE PAGE 21
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