SAUGUS Saugus’ Only Local Weekly News Source! Vol. 25, No. 28 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday THE SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CARD 781-233-4446 Friday, July 15, 2022 “By Appointment Only” A dozen companies have approached Saugus town offi cials about potential permits to open retail pot shops By Mark E. Vogler T hermo King Northeast seeks a Special Permit (S-2) in order to obtain a Class C State Inspection Station for tractor trailer trucks on Ballard Street. Selectmen say the only way they would consider granting such a permit is if the company inspects the trucks by appointment only. Patrick Sullivan, the service manager for Thermo King Northeast, told selectmen at Tuesday night’s (July 12) meeting that his company doesn’t allow “by appointment only” inspections. But selectmen were adamant that they would reject Thermo King’s request for a Special Permit to allow for a Class C State Inspection Station at 121 Ballard St. if the company doesn’t do the inspections “by appointment only.” Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said he needed assurances that there would never be a situation of any tractor trailer trucks being on Ballard Street “other than pulling into your lot.” Cicolini advised Sullivan to consider withdrawing his request because four of five votes are needed for approval of Special Permits. With one member (Selectman Corinne Riley) absent from the meeting, it was clear that Thermo King didn’t have enough support to obtain the permit. And denial of the request would prevent Sullivan from reapplying for at least two years. Sullivan later accepted Cicolini’s advice and withdrew his application without prejudice. A Class C State Inspection Station issues stickers to all commercial medium and heavy-duty vehicles over 10,000 lbs. (gross vehicle weight rating), including all trailers, semitrailers and converter dollies. PERMITS | SEE PAGE 2 “A GREAT FIRST YEAR”: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon draws rave reviews from the School Committee in her fi rst evaluation. See inside for story and more photos. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Wonderful Family Tri Level home of rig f smartpho Vieww thhee interior y fthis home ght on yo our hone. ASNGELO’ FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $4.189 Mid Unleaded $4.459 Super $4.989 Diesel Fuel $4.999 44 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2022 KERO $8.99 DEF $4.75 9 DYED ULS $4.249 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A Hours: Mon. - Wed. 6AM - 6PM / Thurs. & Fri. 6AM - 7PM / Sat. 7AM - 5PM / Sun. 9AM-1PM Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET
PERMITS | FROM PAGE 1 Page 2 “I would have supported it ‘by appointment only,’” because you could manage the volume [of truck traffic],” Cicolini told Sullivan. But if tractor trailer trucks are allowed to visit without appointment, there is no way to keep trucks THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 from parking on Ballard Street, Cicolini said. “I spoke to many residents down in that area who are very concerned about the traffic and potential traffic,” he said. “It’s been a disaster traffic-wise for a long time. We have some construction happening down there that’s UNANIMOUSLY OPPOSED: The Saugus Board of Selectmen at Tuesday night’s (July 13) meeting said they wouldn’t approve a request for a Class C State Inspection Station on Ballard Street if it would lead to tractor-trailer trucks parking on the street. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) going to bring more traffic.” Board of Selectmen ViceChair Debra Panetta echoed Cicolini’s concerns. She said she’s heard from many residents on Ballard Street and other streets in the neighborhood who are concerned the inspection station could compound the traffi c congestion problems. “It really is a mess down there, and I don’t want to add additional traffi c and additional concerns in that area,” Panetta said. “I feel very uncomfortable [with granting the permit],” she said. Panetta noted that Thermo King’s request dates back for about a year, with the hearing being continued about five times. “We really tried to work with you,” Panetta told Sullivan. Selectman Michael Serino said he also had “major concerns” about the potential of compounding traffi c woes in the Ballard Street area if selectmen approved the permit. “I don’t think you have enough room to stack tractor-trailer trucks,” Serino said. “They’re going to end up being stored on Ballard Street,” he said. A DISAPPOINTED APPLICANT: Patrick Sullivan, the local service manager for Thermo King Northeast, said his company doesn’t allow “by appointment only” inspections of tractor-trailer trucks, so he withdrew his request for a Special Permit. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano told Sullivan it was clear he had no support. “Without ‘appointment only,’ this is something we can’t approve. You’re going to get ‘a no’ tonight,” Cogliano said. Sullivan accepted the advice and withdrew his request “without prejudice,” giving Thermo King the option of returning with a modifi ed request instead of having to wait two years to reapply. Malden and Saugus Residents Named to Dean’s List At Univ. Of New England B IDDEFORD AND PORTLAND, MAINE | TANGIER, MOROCCO (July 8, 2022) — The following students have been named to the Dean’s List for the 2022 spring semester at the University of New England. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester. Salma Bezzat of Malden; and Amanda Castle, Sarah McGonigle, and Olivia Rando of Saugus. The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of fl exible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer handson learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized degree paths in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit une.edu
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 3 Evaluating Erin After a year as superintendent of Saugus Public Schools, Erin McMahon receives mostly “profi cient” grades in her report card from the School Committee By Mark E. Vogler “ I believe she had a great fi rst year,” School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould declared at a recent School Committee meeting, summing up the sentiments of his colleagues in their fi rst evaluation of Superintendent Erin McMahon since she took charge of Saugus Public Schools on July 1 of last year. “When you look at the overall, where we’re going, it’s great,” Committee Chair Vincent Serino chimed in. “So far, what we’ve seen is amazing,” Committee ViceChair John Hatch added. The committee spent about a half hour reviewing and highlighting the key fi ndings of their “End-of-Cycle Summative Evaluation Report” for McMahon. She received mostly “profi cient” grades from four members, who each fi lled out the seven-page report. “Proficient practice is understood to be fully satisfactory. This is the rigorous expected level of performance,” according to the evaluation form developed by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) which was used to measure McMahon’s overall performance in the categories of Instructional Leadership, Management and Operations, Family and Community and Professional Culture. Within the committee’s composite report, McMahon received an “Exemplary” rating within several elements of those categories: • For Instructional Leadership under the heading of Evaluation: Ensures eff ective and timely supervision and evaluation of all staff in alignment with state regulations and contract provisions. • For Management & Operations under the heading of Fiscal Systems: Develops a budget that supports the district’s vision, mission and goals; allocates and manages expenditures consistent with the district and school-level goals and available resources. • For Professional Culture under the heading of Commitment to High Standards: Fosters a shared commitment to high standards of service, teaching and learning with high expectations for achievement for all. Within the committee’s composite report, McMahon received a “Needs Improvement” rating within this category: • For Family and Community Engagement under the heading of Sharing Responsibility: Continuously collaborates with families and community stakeholders to support student learning and development at home, school and in the community. The Superintendent’s response action to the evaluation, the EVALUATING ERIN | SEE PAGE 4 When approached for her reTHE CHAIR’S EVALUATION: Saugus School Committee Chair Vincent Serino calls Superintendent Erin McMahon “one of the hardest workers I know.” (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) HER FIRST SAUGUS HIGH COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon addressed the Class of 2022 during her fi rst Saugus High School graduation in early June. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
EVALUATING ERIN | FROM PAGE 3 Page 4 superintendent provided the following written statement to The Saugus Advocate: “I am extremely fortunate to have a collaborative and productive working relationship with the School Committee in Saugus. I appreciate and respect their feedback and will continue to work with the Committee to raise the academic expectations in Saugus, and ensure our students develop a sense of belonging in school Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 We Sell Cigars & Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO ---------TUBES CIGAR SMOKERS DELIGHT! 15 Handmade Churchill Size Cigars including a Cohiba - Long wrapped $43.95 SUMMER SPECIALS! HUMIDOR SPECIAL! $99.95 Complete! Reg. 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CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 STORE HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sunday & Holidays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 so they are ready to learn. “I look forward to building an even stronger relationship with the School Committee and Town of Saugus as we implement our plan to move our district and town from among the lowest performing to the top performing in MCAS scores by 2027. “Among our priorities for the coming school year are: • Continuing to improve communication among all stakeholders — administrators, teachers, staff , students, caregivers and the community-at-large • Establishing our new early college program at Saugus Middle High School • Implementing strategies to create a sense of belonging in the schools “I am committed to helping make Saugus an exemplary district, where staff members are proud to work, and our students receive the educational foundation needed for future success.” A work in progress The superintendent has completed the fi rst year of a fi veyear plan to raise the academic performance of Saugus Public Schools from the bottom 10 percent to the top 10 percent in the state. Several School Committee members said it was “unfair” and “too soon” to expect them to evaluate McMahon in this area. But they noted in their evaluation that “some progress” was made during the superintendent’s fi rst year. Here are some excerpts from committee members’ individual remarks related to McMahon’s fi rst evaluation. Committee Chair Vincent Serino “I feel Erin is doing a good job. THEY SAY SHE HAD A GREAT FIRST YEAR: School Committee Members Joseph “Dennis” Gould, John Hatch and Ryan Fisher – all who voted to hire Erin McMahon as Saugus Public Schools superintendent a year ago — recently gave her a glowing evaluation. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) She is in a tough community as far as expectations. As far as the culture of our schools, students, staff and administrators, it has been in place for a while. This will take more work and communication. Instructional Leadership: “Erin is growing in this community and her focus on our district is outstanding. It has only been a year. We have also had a lot of challenges.” Family and Community: Take Advantage of all our HOLIDAY SPECIALS! Buy Cigars by the Box & SAVE! Competitive prices on all Brands, Great Selection “The only thing I would comment on, Erin is one of the hardest workers I know and she wants answers and solutions immediately. She needs to lean on her staff more for help. As far as communication, it is getting better. The website will help this.” Professional Culture: “Erin is building the culture currently and it will get there. Once again, really too early to evaluate.” Committee Vice-Chair John Hatch Instructional Leadership: “The superintendent is very passionate and driven to achieve the district’s number one goal, to get to the top 10 percent. Her positive attitude and focus is infectious. I feel strongly we need more time for a full evaluation.” Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould Overall: “Ms. McMahon has had a year of change, building up the team and changing the way teachers approach their curriculum and daily teachings. She also shares her goals with all teachers, Para’s, clerks and administration and it has been clear all are trying to adapt to her goals and vision but again, it is year one after two very tough years for teachers. I believe Ms. McMahon had a very good year considering the pandemic, the past teacher culture, bringing all teachers together under the same roof for each grade, changing vision and goals. I also believe she has the backing of teachers and administration to make the necessary changes needed to move Saugus upwards with the goal of getting from the bottom 10 percent to top 10 percent in the State.” Instructional Leadership: “Ms. McMahon has a clear vision and goals to meet that vision which she has clearly articulated to all School District Personnel from Top Staff down to Clerks and Para’s. Her positive impact on the same is seen on classroom walls, where her goals are tiered down to each classroom, grade and curriculum.” Management & Operations: “This is tough one to completely rate because we set the policies and Ms. McMahon A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Saugus Middle High School Principal Brendon Sullivan and Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon presiding over their initial Saugus High graduation ceremony in June. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) EVALUATING ERIN | SEE PAGE 7
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Rep. Giannino endorsed for 16th Suff olk District State Representative by ELM Action Fund preciate her work to protect natural resources and public health in the Saugus River watershed.” “I am so proud to have reJessica Giannino State Representative The Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund has endorsed Jessica Giannino in the election for 16th Suff olk District State Representative, a credit to her commitment to the environment and climate action. With issues of public health, environmental justice, transportation and energy policy inextricably linked, we need leaders at every level of government who understand the pressing issues of their community and will call for ambitious action. “Representative Giannino has been a strong voice for environmental justice in the House,” said ELM Action Fund Executive Director Casey Bowers. “We apceived the endorsement of the ELM Action Fund. I have been fi ghting for environmental justice and the closure of polluting facilities like Wheelabrator long before I was an elected offi cial,” said Representative Jessica Giannino. “I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with them to ensure that the Commonwealth meets our emissions reduction goals for 2030, 2050 and beyond.” Giannino was elected to the House in 2020 after serving as a Revere councillor-at-large since 2012. She currently sits on four Joint Committees in the Legislature; one of them is the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. During her next term, she plans to focus on public transportation and environmental justice issues in her district. In late 2021 Gianni“Brats on Bikes” Selectmen resolve to solve the problem of unruly kids on bicycles terrorizing motorists and pedestrians By Mark E. Vogler S augus selectmen say they continue to receive calls and emails from residents who are upset about recent incidents involving kids on bicycles who have been terrorizing motorists and pedestrians on town streets. “If the parents know about it, shame on them for not doing anything to stop it,” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said this week. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said he’s had recent talks with Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli about the situation and steps that his department will be taking to address the problem. “There have been two interventions and the kids have been spoken to,” Cicolini said. “The kids were from out of town. The police are very well-versed on the situation,” he said. Cicolini said he thinks the problem may be worse than last year. Cicolini said the kids seem to be more aggressive. As far as confiscating the bikes of kids involved in egregious incidents, Cicolini said, he likes the idea of tow companies being called in to impound the bicycles rather than having bikes stored at the police station. “Public education is key and it starts at home,” Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta said. “Hopefully, parents will talk to their children about this dangerous behavior. They’re playing chicken and swerving in and out of traffi c,” Panetta said. Panetta said she’s observed the behavior fi rsthand at Saugus Center and has been sworn at by some of the kids. “These young people on their bicycles are just exacerbating an awful situation,” Panetta said. “It’s terrifying. It’s scary,” she said. no received the River Stewardship Award from the Saugus River Watershed Council in recognition of her work to protect “natural resources and public health in the Saugus River watershed.” That same year she also helped the Revere’s City Council pass a ban on polystyrene in food packaging and was instrumental in passing the plastic bag ban ordinance in 2019. To learn more about Jessica Giannino, visit her website at https://www.jessicagiannino.com. The ELM Action Fund is a nonpartisan organization that helps pass laws that protect our environmental legacy, holds our elected offi cials accountable and works to build the political power of the environmental community. To learn more about its work and its recent electoral victories, visit www.elmaction.org/ elections.
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Ryann Moloney Receives the Saugus Stephen Wing Memorial Scholarship Special to Th e Advocate S augus selectmen say they continue to receive calls and emails from residents who are upset about recent incidents involving kids on bicycles who have been terrorizing motorists and pedestrians on town streets. “If the parents know about it, shame on them for not doing anything to stop it,” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said this week. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said he’s had recent talks with Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli about the situation and steps that his department will be taking to address the problem. “There have been two interventions and the kids have been spoken to,” Cicolini said. “The kids were from out of town. The police are very Ryann Moloney receives the 2022 Wing Scholarship plaque from Dan Wing. (Courtesy photos) well-versed on the situation,” he said. Cicolini said he thinks the problem may be worse than last year. Cicolini said the kids seem to be more aggressive. As far as confiscating the bikes of kids involved in egreThe Wing and Moloney Family with Ryann Moloney: (l-r) Mike Moloney, Colin Moloney, Jonelle Moloney, Ryann Moloney, Kristin Cicolini, Dan Wing, Stephanie Wing and Nicolas Cicolini. gious incidents, Cicolini said, he likes the idea of tow companies being called in to impound the bicycles rather than having bikes stored at the police station. “Public education is key and it starts at home,” Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta said. “Hopefully, parents will talk to their children about this dangerous behavior. They’re playing chicken and swerving in and out of traffi c,” Panetta said. Panetta said she’s observed the behavior fi rsthand at Saugus Center and has been sworn at by some of the kids. “These young people on their bicycles are just exacerbating an awful situation,” Panetta said. “It’s terrifying. It’s scary,” she said. No Shortage of Candidates for ZBA Vacancy Selectmen will get to choose from fi eld of three contenders at Aug. 9 meeting By Mark E. Vogler A A t a time when the town is having trouble getting volunteers to serve on local government boards, three candidates are competing for a chance to fi ll the empty seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals. And the two candidates who don’t get appointed won’t be losers because they will have the chance to serve as alternates. Former ZBA Chair Ben Sturniolo, a 25-year veteran of the board who resigned several months ago for family-related reasons before expressing an interest to return, would have been reappointed by selectmen to fi ll his seat had he not stepped down earlier this year. But selectmen began advertising to fill the vacancy before Sturniolo applied for it. So, there’s no guarantee he will receive the appointment when selectmen vote on fi lling the vacancy at their next meeting, which is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 9. Support for Sturniolo among board members is currently split. Selectman Michael Serino and Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Debra Panetta each sup10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” www.everettaluminum.com ported a motion to reappoint Sturniolo at a previous meeting. But Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano sided with Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini on a motion to fi ll the vacancy with ZBA alternate Robert Northrop, who is interested in becoming a full-time member of the board. Two motions — one to appoint Northrop and the other to reappoint Sturniolo – failed on 2-2 votes by selectmen earlier this year. Selectman Corinne Riley would have cast the potential tie-breaking vote. But she abstained from both votes to avoid a confl ict of interests. Her husband, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Christopher P. Riley, is a candidate for the ZBA vacancy. “If we go back four or five months, we’ve had a shortage of people volunteering,” Riley said during his interview this week before selectmen in the fi rst-fl oor conference room at Town Hall. His wife did not attend the meeting. “We saw the Planning Board meeting canceled the other night for the lack of a quorum. Riley received a strong endorsement from ZBA Chair Thomas Traverse. “Chris is not afraid to talk. On the Board of Appeals, it’s really tough to say ‘no’,” Traverse said. Sometimes ZBA members feel uncomfortable arguing against a popular position. But Riley would speak and vote his mind, according to Traverse. ZBA VACANCY | SEE PAGE 7 Summer is Here!
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 7 EVALUATING ERIN | FROM PAGE 4 is responsible to execute. We are not involved with daily operations so we only can rate by feedback we may receive. Again, Ms. McMahon had many challenges this year including two years of previous pandemic negativity in learning, changing the culture, vision and goals, but I believe she did a great job for one year of a fi veyear mission.” Family and Community Engagement: “Ms. McMahon had a huge undertaking this year with the huge changes from six schools to three, all children in the same grades now in the same school, changes in curriculum, implementing new vision and goals and I believe she devoted most of her eff ort in School District ZBA VACANCY | FROM PAGE 6 Riley also received favorable feedback from two of the selectmen attending the interview. “I think you would be great,” Cicolini said. “I got to know you over the years. Like Tom said, you’re not afraid to go against the grain of what the public thinks is best. Cogliano echoed Cicolini’s compliments. “You’re very intelligent. I think you would be an excellent addition to the board,” Cogliano said. The winning candidate will need votes from three of the four members who will be voting at the Aug. 9 meeting. Staff and not as much time as necessary for more family inclusion. She did come up with informative newsletters, emails and processes to communicate outward to parents which families were appreciative of. I look forward to Ms. McMahon maybe having more time in her second year to include families more.” Professional Culture: “Ms. McMahon has set the bar high for all staff , stretch goals, demanding visions and her staff hirings have been excellent personnel.” Committee Member Ryan Fisher Overall: “The superintendent endorsed and embraced a bold five-year goal for our district, putting Saugus in the top 10 percent of districts “I’m not an automatic to bring somebody back,” Cicolini said. Selectman Panetta said that although it will be a tough vote, nobody walks away a loser if they want to participate on the ZBA. “The good thing is we have three applicants and we have three positions — a permanent spot and two alternate spots,” Panetta said. The Board of Appeals holds public hearings and acts on applications for Special Permits, Variances, and Comprehensive Permits. Most Board of Appeals hearings are for Special Permit applications for residential or business uses not allowed by right. within her term. She personally leads professional development for staff , has endorsed a data-driven approach to raising student achievement. She embraces the 2019 DESE report fi ndings and the eff orts at the last School Committee by strengthening and focusing Central Offi ce and has advocated strongly for a funded budget to accomplish our goals and support our students and staff . Her leadership in the bargaining process has led us to our fi rst tentative agreements prior to contract expiration in years in a diffi cult fi scal climate. Communication has improved with stakeholders signifi cantly, must be fi ne-tuned, and the new district website will be a game changer.” Instructional Leadership: “Superintendent McMahon is an instructional leader, personally leads professional development for staff and has advocated for and embraced short and long term goals consistent with accelerated, high quality curriculum, data-driven monitoring and adjustments and the retention of high quality teachers.” Management & Operations: “The superintendent has strongly advocated for a budget crafted in support of district goals, necessary to raise student achievement before, during and following the traditional budget season in response to the 2019 DESE report. She has continued efforts to strengthen and restructure the Central Offi ce with high quality staff , and to steady future budget woes by the establishment of a special education stabilization fund.” Family and Community Engagement: “I fi nd that the superintendent recognized the need for improved communications to all stakeholder groups and has taken demonstrable steps to accomplish this, from SaugusTV to weekly and monthly communications to public search committees based in the community. The forthcoming website overhaul will allow a prime opportunity to put administration, faculty, Staff , SC, parents, guardians and students on the same page for all current and upcoming events and situations.” Professional Culture: “The superintendent fosters a culture of high standards, expectations, support for staff and respect for the growing diversity of our community. She is a talented communicator and teacher.” The COVID-19 Update Town reports 57 newly confi rmed cases over the past week; no new deaths By Mark E. Vogler T here were 57 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past seven days through Wednesday (July 13), according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. That’s 23 more new cases than reported last week. This week’s positive COVID cases reported to the town by the state Department of Public Health (DPH) increased the overall total to 9,480 confi rmed cases, according to Crabtree. There have been more than 680 confi rmed cases over the past 12 weeks as the virus continues to hang around, causing some people to continue wearing masks at Town Hall even though they are optional. Meanwhile, the state reported no new COVID-19-related deaths over the past seven days, leaving the overall total at 93 deaths since the outbreak of the Coronavirus in March of 2020. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families aff ected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said.
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 BENEFITS FOR MILITARY Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562. Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 47 - Report No. 27 July 4-8, 2022 Copyright © 2022 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST — Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Keith Regan and Matt Murphy who introduce each article in their own clever and inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https:// lp.constantcontactpages.com/ su/aPTLucK THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of July 4-8, 2022. FAMILIES (H 4978) House 154-0, approved legislation that would support military families who relocate to the Bay State by providing career stability for the spouses of service members and education for their children. The Senate has already approved a different version of the bill and the House version now goes back to the Senate for consideration. Provisions include making it easier for military personnel and their spouses who move to the Bay State to get a Massachusetts professional license, if their job requires one, so that they can continue their civilian careers and provide for their families without interruption; requiring the Commissioner of Education to issue a military spouse a valid certifi cate for teaching if he or she holds a valid teaching license from another state; allowing children of military members to register and enroll in a school district at the same time it is open to the general population by waiving the proof of residency requirement until the student actually begins school; creating a purple-star campus designation for certain schools that are military-kid friendly and show a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military; and requiring that a child or spouse of an active-duty service member in Massachusetts continue to pay the in-state less expensive tuition rate at state universities even if the service member is assigned to move out of the state. “Anyone who has worn the uniform or has a family member who has worn the uniform knows that the sacrifi ce of military service goes far beyond the individual service member,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Holyoke) Senate chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. “[This bill] is a recognition of that sacrifi ce and the • • • Rocco Longo, Owner challenges these families face. The bill will benefi t so many military families coming to our state and will help bring massive federal investments to our commonwealth.” “This comprehensive legislation is the result of countless hours of listening and learning from our veterans and advocates across the commonwealth,” said Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), House chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs. “It not only meets our veteran community’s most immediate needs, it also addresses the many challenges our veterans and their families face.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Rep. Donald Wong Yes Yes $56 MILLION FOR FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME (H 4932) Senate 39-0, approved $56 million in funding for the families of the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The Senate has already approved the measure and only fi nal approval is needed in each branch before the measure goes to the governor for his signature. “No amount of money will ever make up for the devastating loss and heartbreak that these families have been through,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Holyoke). “What happened at the Home was unacceptable and will forever leave a scar on the commonwealth especially our Western Mass communities. No dollar fi gure will ever bring these families their loved ones back. That anguish and grief will always be there, but this settlement does ensure that the families no longer need to suff er the painful and long process of continued litigation.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes EARLY EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE (S 2973) Senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House a bill designed to expand access to high-quality, aff ordable early education and care. Provisions include increasing over time from the current $65,626 to $164,065 the maximum income allowed to qualify for subsidy eligibility for a family of four; requiring the Department of Early Education and Care to evaluate and eliminate barriers to subsidy access for families on an annual basis; strengthening the recruitment of early educators; establishing early educator scholarship and loan forgiveness programs to provide greater access to higher education and professional development opportunities; allowing subsidized providers to off er free or discounted seats for the children of their own staff ; and creating a commission to study and recommend to the Legislature ways that employers could provide more support to their workers to help meet their early education and child care needs. “There are numerous benefi ts from expanding access to high-quality, affordable early education and childcare,” said Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Committee on Education. “It enhances the cognitive and social emotional development of young children; it enables parents to work and improves families’ economic well-being; and it helps employers that are struggling with a workforce shortage. This legislation makes major strides in improving affordability and accessibility of care for families, stabilizing early education providers which will improve program quality and expand capacity and supporting the early educator workforce, many of whom are women of color.” “This issue has been a top priority of mine for many years, and I am thrilled to pass this transformative piece of legislation alongside my Senate colleagues,” said Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), a member of the Special Legislative Early Education and Care Economic Review Commission. “As a father of two children, I know that affordable and quality early education and care is indispensable for families and their economic security. This bill will increase childcare access and help thousands of families obtain care at lower costs. Just as importantly, these investments will provide support to childcare providers and ensure people working in this field can earn a living wage, acquire higher education and support their own families.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL $250 OR $500 TAX REBATE TO SOME TAXPAYERS — The House and Senate leadership unveiled legislation that would use some of the state’s estimated $3.6 billion surplus to give one-time tax rebates to an estimated 2 million eligible people. The package is estimated to cost $500 million. A $250 rebate would go, by September 30, to individual taxpayers and a $500 rebate to married taxpayers. Eligibility will be determined by annual BHRC | SEE PAGE 9 OUR OFFICE HAS MOVED TO 519 BROADWAY, EVERETT SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 9 BHRC | FROM PAGE 8 income reported in 2021, with the minimum income required to be $38,000, and the maximum $100,000 for individual fi lers and $150,000 for joint fi lers. “Whether it is the rising price of gas, groceries, or summer clothes for kids, the Massachusetts Legislature has heard loud and clear that increased costs due to infl ation have cut into family budgets,” said speaker of the House Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Senate Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues, in a joint statement. The statement continued, “These rebates represent the Legislature’s commitment to delivering immediate financial relief directly to residents of the commonwealth, rather than to large oil companies that continue to profi t off economic uncertainty and international conflict and follow our eff orts to provide $500 in premium pay for lower income front-line workers during the pandemic. As we recognize the need for structural change as well, we continue to work on potential changes to the tax code with the goal of providing additional relief to residents.” “The Legislature’s ‘Taxpayer Energy and Economic Relief Fund’ proposal is a good start in reimbursing taxpayers for the muti-billion-dollar over-taxation revenue surpluses bonanza of the past two years,” said Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation. “Anything that reduces taxpayers’ burden especially in this economy is welcomed, but this will only reduce the pain for a few weeks in the fall. Gov. Baker’s tax relief bill offers broader and long-overdue structural tax reforms. It also needs consideration and adoption. Clearly there is suffi - cient surplus revenue for both.” “This is a poorly thought-out gimmick being done right before the election simply to score points with voters, plain and simple,” said Mass Fiscal Alliance spokesman Paul Craney. “Meaningful relief should be broad based and focused on lowering taxes on the people they most eff ect. Picking winners and losers through arbitrary brackets, as well as penalizing married couples more likely to have families depending on them, is a poor way for our out of touch Legislature to show solidarity with the privations their ill-conceived economic policies are currently forcing Massachusetts families to contend with.” Critics also took a swipe at the measure because it doesn’t provide a rebate for lower-income taxpayers earning less than $38,000. Marie-Frances Rivera, president of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, said that rebates that exclude people earning less than $38,000 is not targeted tax relief to people who need it the most and are struggling to pay rent every month. Mariano responded at a press conference and pointed out that the Legislature several months ago had already spent $490 million on low-income folks who were adversely aff ected by the COVID loss of jobs. “So we felt we had addressed a lot of the needs there,” said Mariano. “The next step was to move up and take care of the folks who are in that middle income area that so often is neglected.” Some opponents said it is also unfair to exclude people earning over $100,000 from the rebate. They noted that if you have three children and earn $100,000 you are not exactly rich. $400,000 FOR FARMS — The Baker Administration announced the granting of $400,000 in grants to several Bay State farms to improve their operations. “[The] administration remains committed to the Massachusetts agricultural industry to ensure our local farmers continue to succeed and have the support they need to provide invaluable products for the public to enjoy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “These Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program Improvement grants will further strengthen the commonwealth’s food supply system making it more resilient now and well into the future.” “The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is steadfast with its commitment to our commonwealth’s farming families,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Through the … program we have been able to conserve critical farmland, preserve Massachusetts agricultural history and provide support to help keep these farm businesses sustainable now and for future generations.” SOME COVID-19 POLICIES EXTENDED (H 4978 AND S 2559) — The House approved a bill that extends the authority for remote participation for all public bodies and the authority for representative town meetings to meet by remote means through March 31, 2023. Other provisions authorize the use of electronic communication technology in real estate property closings by attorneys; require landlords, when sending tenants a notice to quit for nonpayment of rent, to include information regarding the tenant’s legal rights; require all public notices be posted to a website; require that the meeting of a state public body must have at least one of its members physically present at all meetings; and permit notary publics to select a tamper-evident technology for notarial acts with electronic record. “This legislation makes permanent the fl exibility permitted under the Open Meeting Law during the COVID-19 State of Emergency while keeping with the Open Meeting Law’s objectives of transparency, convenience and access by the public,” said Rep. Tony Cabral (D-New Bedford), the chair of the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “The ability to participate remotely has significantly increased and promoted access and participation in our democratic process throughout the commonwealth. There is no reason to move backwards from this new era of public access. Now that we have experienced the benefi ts of remote access to public meetings, we cannot go back.” Advocates for the bill include the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, Boston Center for Independent Living, Common Cause Massachusetts, Disability Law Center, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association, MASSPIRG, New England First Amendment Coalition, and New England Newspaper & Press Association. Those groups released a joint statement. “We applaud the Legislature for consistently appreciating the importance of remote access to public meetings,” read the statement. “Across the commonwealth, remote access to public meetings has significantly increased public participation in state and local government, and has lowered longstanding barriers for people with disabilities, people with limited access to transportation and people with work and family obligations.” The Senate has already approved its own version of the measure and a House-Senate conference committee will likely craft a compromise version. LOTTERY FOR LOW LICENSE PLATES — The Registry of Motor Vehicle announced that applications for the 2022 Low Number License Plate Lottery are now being accepted and must be submitted online by 5 p.m., Friday, September 2. This year’s goodies are 199 low license plates including F7, 36, 78K, X44, 1S, and 6666. Applications are available online at http://www.mass.gov/RMV There is no fee to apply. However, If the applicant is selected as a winner, there is a special plate fee that will be required, in addition to a standard registration fee. Prior to the establishment of this lottery several years ago, these low-number plates were given away under the old-school system which gave the plates to “well-connected” drivers who “knew someone” in state government. QUOTABLE QUOTES “These toxic chemicals don’t belong anywhere, let alone in food packaging. Kudos to Rhode Island for taking this important step to protect the public from PFAS. I hope Massachusetts will soon become the next state to act.” — Ben Hellerstein, state director for Environment Massachusetts, on Rhode Island’s passage of a new law banning PFAS (per- and poly-fl uoroalkyl substances) in food packaging. Supporters say that PFAs are dangerous chemicals which have been linked to a wide BHRC | SEE PAGE 18
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 “Oceans of Possibilities” Saugus Public Library’s 2022 Summer Reading Program (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by the Saugus Public Library.) T he Saugus Public Library invites readers of all ages to dive into the 2022 “Oceans of Possibilities” summer reading program. There will be programs and prizes for kids, teens and adults. Registration already began and runs through August 26. KIDS SUMMER READING 2022: Summer reading plays a vital role in helping reduce what is known as the “Summer Slide” — the learning loss experienced between school years that can leave students dramatically behind their peers. The Saugus Public School District recommends that kids 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 families. Kids prizes: We provide all kinds of prizes to incentivize reading. We have a prize cart with books and toys. We’re also giving away reading Brag Tags and colorful beads — kids love watching that chain grow as they record their reading. We also have gift cards and vouchers donated by local businesses. We will have Grand Prize drawings for whale watches, sailboat rides and tickets to visit the beluga whales at the Mystic Aquarium. The deadline for Grand Prize drawings is August 2! How to register kids: Families are encouraged to register for the “Oceans of Possibilities” 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 — but includes lots of fun activities and links to ocean-themed stories, drawing lessons and informative videos about the oceans and ocean animals! For more information, or to register in person, stop by the library or visit our website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/children/summer-reading-program/)./ Kids programs: The library will be off ering plenty of free educational and enriching activities all summer long. Activities will include story times, STEAM programs, summer reading enrichment for grades K/1 and 2/3, live animal programs, a magician, a lifesize humpback whale, take & make crafts and much, much, more! All programs are free of charge. Check the library’s online event calendar for details. Build a reader: We suggest creating a reading routine this summer: At the same time of day, turn off the media, sit with a child and enjoy a good story. Read when they read, read to them or let them read to you. Let them read what they love. Provide a variety of reading materials; leave them in the car or download audiobooks to your phone and listen while you run errands. Need some help getting your child to fall in love with reading? Stop by the library and see us! ADULT SUMMER READING 2022: The summer is full of possibilities. Whether you head to the beach with a paperback or listen to an audiobook in your car, you can explore our summer theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” Step outside your comfort zone — take a trip, cook something new, try a new author. Check our website for suggestions. Who knows what’s possible? Every adult who enters our summer reading contest will be eligible for a drawing for a Kindle Paperwhite at the end of the summer. To participate, fi ll out the form on our website or print and mail it to the library at Adult Summer Reading, Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., Saugus, MA 01906. You can also pick up a form at the library. See the website for details: https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/adult-summer-reading-2022/ TEEN SUMMER READING 2022: Grades 6-12, through August 26: Submit a form online for every book that you read over the summer. Books can be graphics, manga, fi ction, nonfi ction or audio books. You can use required reading books for school, or your own picks. Participants will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift card! The more Reading Forms you submit, the greater your chances of winning! See the website for details: https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/teen-summer-reading-2022-grades-6-12/ Special Program in July at the Iron Works: Thurs., July 28, 10 a.m.: Whalemobile (registration required, grades fi rstsixth). Special Programs in August at the Iron Works: Thurs., Aug 11, 10 a.m.: Henry the Juggler. Tues., Aug 23, 10 a.m.: Magic Fred! Fri., Aug 26: Summer Reading Ends! — last day to log reading and collect prizes. Weekly programs Mon., 9:30 a.m.: Coordinated Family & Community Engagement (CFCE) Playgroup (two years old & under). Mon., 10:30 a.m.: CFCE Playgroup (three years old). Mon., 3:30 p.m.: CFCE Full STEAM Ahead (three years old+). Tues., 9:30 a.m.: CFCE Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten (three-fi ve years old). Tues., 3:30 p.m.: CFCE Friendship Storytime & craft (three years old+). Tues., 10:30 a.m.: Music & Mother Goose at the Iron Works (one-four years old). Wed., 9:30 a.m.: Baby & Me at the Iron Works (birth to two years old). Wed., 10:30 a.m.: Storytime at the Iron Works (twos & threes). Fri., 9:30 a.m.: CFCE Friendship Story Time (two-four years old). Fri., 9:30 a.m.: CFCE Playgroup (four-fi ve years old). Fri., 10:30 a.m.: CFCE Sensory Play Group (two-four years old). Monthly programs • Afternoon Story and Craft with Kelly! (three years old+) • Reading Squad Book Club (9-12 years old) ~ GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS! ~ to be held by August 2 • Tickets to the Mystic Aquarium; two adult, two child • Tickets to NE Aquarium Whale Watch; two adult, two child • Tickets to a Sunset Sail Salem afternoon cruise (two) • Tickets to Canobie Lake Park (two) WEEKLY DRAWINGS for free S ice cream, pizza, bowling, mini golf, roller skating, etc. Come to our summer programs; see our online event calendar for up-to-date details — Saugus Public Library, 295 Central St., 781-231-4168. For more information contact melton@noblenet.org FUN-damental Basketball Camp Open to Boys and Girls in Local Area T he FUN-damental Basketball Camp, open to boys and girls in local area cities and towns, will be held July 25 to July 29, 2022 at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, located at 51 Summer Street in Everett. The camp will be held between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm for boys and girls entering grades 3 thru 8 as of September, 2022. The cost of the camp is $100. Tony Ferullo, boys’ varsity basketball coach at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden, will be the Director of the camp. The purpose of the camp is: • To provide all campers with the fundamental tools to help them become better basketball players; • To create a positive atmosphere where the camper will learn and have fun at the same time; and • To instill the spirit of the game into all campers, and inspire them to continue playing the game either competitively or just for fun. Each camper, who will receive a T-shirt and certifi cate, will participate in various drills, scrimmages and individual contests. Special guests will speak and share their personal basketball tips. An awards ceremony will take place on the last day of the camp, and parents and friends are welcome to attend. For more information about the FUN-damental Basketball Camp, please contact Camp Director Tony Ferullo: 857-312-7002 or tferullo@ suff olk.edu.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 11 Saugus Gardens in the Summer Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable H By Laura Eisener ot weather has certainly arrived and we are still well below average for rainfall, so gardens are thirsty. On the other hand, we have had plenty of pleasant weather to pursue gardening and other outdoor activities. The tall stalks of white bellshaped flowers on Prospect Street near the corner of Summer Street have gained a lot of admiration the last few weeks. Homeowner Lisa Stasio believes they may be 20 years old, and they have grown more fl owers over the years. There had been some on Summer Street years ago, but they have not fared as well, perhaps due to more salt being applied to the busier street. The plants’ pointed leaves remain in the winter to provide some color, but it is when they are in bloom that they really capture the attention of passersby. Lisa says she has used the stalks after blooming to stake up other plants in her garden. Common yucca (Yucca filamentosa) grows wild in dry rocky terrain in the southeastern United States and is also known as Spanish bayonet for its stiff, pointy foliage and as Adam’s needle because of the threadlike filaments protruding from the leaves. It is very drought tolerant and can send its parsnip-like root several feet deep into the ground to ensure it gets enough water. In late June, tall stalks that Lisa describes as looking like giant asparagus grow up and produce the bell-shaped blossoms that we are seeing now. In their natural range, they are pollinated by yucca moths, but we don’t see many fruits and seeds produced in New England from the fl owers. They are quite cold-hardy, though, and the plants have no trouble with Northeast winter weather. There are a few in bloom in the center of the rotary in Cliftondale Square. Those who have never grown their own vegetables may be completely unfamiliar with the fl owers that precede the fruits of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash, etc. Many of the plants at the community garden behind the rectory of St. John’s Church are flowering, and a few have fruits beginning to develop, including tomatoes and peppers. The harvest of these plants will be donated to the food bank in Saugus. This week the garden also has a bountiful supply of vegetable plants in pots donated by Huberman’s Greenhouses, which will be given out to members of the Saugus community who would like the opportunity to grow their own vegetables. Details can be found in “The Sounds of Saugus” section of this paper. Cucumbers are among the new arrivals at the garden, and several of them have charming yellow fl owers already blooming. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a vining annual from India and southern Asia now grown in most parts of the world for its “fruits” used as a vegetable. Many diff erent varieties of this species are grown, some with large fruits used as slicing cucumbers, most familiarly used in salads. Other varieties are grown primarily for pickling, during which process they are cooked and fl avored, usually with vinegar and other herbs BEAUTIFUL FLYERS: A pair of monarch butterfl ies (Danaus plexippus) alighted on a daisy fl eabane (Erigeron annuus) in Lynnhurst. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) or spices. Small pickles called gherkins are sometimes made with small immature cucumbers or with a closely related species often called gherkins (Cucumis anguria). Cucumbers are members of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae) along with pumpkins, squash, watermelons and some types of gourds. The summer Wednesday evening concerts at Saugus Iron Works provide a pleasant outdoor diversion and give a chance to see some of the inSPECTACULAR YUCCA FLOWERS: These plants tower about six feet tall at the corner of Summer and Prospect Streets. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Lisa Stasio) teresting wildlife that enjoy the river and gardens at dusk. Birds like great blue herons, great and snowy egrets, Canada geese, several kinds of ducks, and even the bald eagles have been seen enjoying the water, fi sh and/or aquatic plants in the turning basin of the Saugus River before sunset. Butterfl ies and other pollinators visit the fl owers in the herb garden and along the river edge. Deer are occasionally seen on the nature walk or near the blacksmith shop in the morning or early evening. 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. NATURE’S NEIGHBORS: A Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and snowy egret (Egretta thula) shared the waters of the Saugus River near the Iron Works on a recent evening. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) Saugus Garden Club spruces up garden at Rubin House M embers of the Saugus Garden Club have been busy in recent weeks with fun and good works. After a successful plant sale on June 18 in connection with the Strawberry Festival, several members of the Garden Club have been joining other volunteers in the community garden, where fresh vegetables are being grown for the Saugus Food Bank. This week a group of Garden Club members began working on a garden renovation in East Saugus at The Rubin Home, which provides residents with assisted living and dementia and Alzheimer’s care. After weeding and pruning existing plants, they are working on choosing new perennials for the area that will be planted this summer. It’s not all hard work though! On Saturday, July 9, Saugus Garden Club members attended the Salem Garden Club’s Garden Stroll of 17 personal and public gardens around the Historic Salem Common Neighborhood. The stroll was followed by lunch at the Hawthorne Hotel. SUMMER BOUNTY: A cucumber blooms in the community garden. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) A SUMMER WORK OUTING: Saugus Garden Club members worked on a garden at The Rubin Home on Monday. Pictured from left to right are Helen Fahey, Dolores Venetsanakos, Club Co-President Donna Manoogian, Joanie Allbee and Laura Eisener. (Photo courtesy of Donna Manoogian)
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler The Superintendent’s Report Card Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon recently received her fi rst professional evaluation since being hired by the School Committee a little more than a year ago. For the average Saugonian watching the committee’s June 16 meeting, it can be diffi cult following the superintendent’s half-hour public evaluation without having the written document in front of you — unless you are familiar with the process. Rather than write a straightforward story about the evaluation segment of the meeting, we felt our readers would be better served if they were able to read highlights of the evaluation, with comments from each of the committee members who evaluated the superintendent. For this week’s issue, we decided to request copies of the evaluation — which included a composite evaluation and individual evaluations from the four committee members who interviewed the superintendent. In addition, we asked the superintendent for reaction to the evaluation. Her comments are included in our story. It’s important to point out that School Committee Member Leigh Gerow decided not to participate in the evaluation because she’s only been on the committee a short time. She joined the committee in May, fi lling the vacancy created when Committee Chair Thomas R. Whittredge resigned for personal reasons. Whittredge left offi ce before he could submit an evaluation. —Contest— CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK The evaluation results really shouldn’t be a surprise to readers. The superintendent has received considerable support and praise from the committee during her fi rst year. Faced with some significant challenges in one of the state’s most underperforming school districts in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and a massive reorganization involving curriculum and a consolidation from six schools into three, the superintendent had her work cut out in her very fi rst year. She received a “Profi cient” grade in each of the category standards. The highest possible grade she could receive is “Exemplary.” But the individual remarks refl ect the views of a committee that believes she is doing “a great job.” In his evaluation, School Committee Chair Vincent Serino notes that the superintendent needs improvement in several elements of Family and Community Engagement, specifi cally when it comes to sharing responsibility and communication with families and community stakeholders. In the category of Professional Culture, Serino also notes that the superintendent needs improvement in communication and also in managing confl ict. The superintendent has set lofty goals, including a fiveyear plan for Saugus Public Schools to rise from the bottom 10 percent of academically performing school districts to the top 10 percent in the state. With so much on her plate in her fi rst year, the areas where the School Committee has identifi ed as “needs improvement” shouldn’t be a major concern. GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED? If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who’s being sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978 683-7773. Anyone who identifi es the Saugonian sketched in this week’s paper between now and Tuesday at Noon qualifi es to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certifi cate, compliments of Dunkin’ Donuts in the Food Court at the Saugus Square One Mall. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identifi cation in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) But going forward, communication with the public, town officials, teachers, parents, students and others involved with Saugus Public Schools is crucial to the superintendent achieving her goals and for the betterment of public education in Saugus. Some of the School Committee members expressed concerns about the public evaluation process. But the committee voted to hire the superintendent on a fi ve-year contract that totals about a million dollars. The evaluation is necessary in order to hold the superintendent accountable. Used with future evaluations, it’s also a valuable tool to measure her overall performance, documenting her strengths and shortcomings and areas where she needs to improve. Evaluations by their nature, of course, are subjective. We leave it up to our readers to draw their own conclusions as to how well the superintendent is performing in her fi rst year of a fi ve-year plan. Back-to-School Countdown Hey, Saugus kids! Enjoy your summer while it lasts. Read a little. Have fun. Relax, because you only have about seven more weeks left until it’s back-to-school time! The 2022-23 School Year Calendar was recently posted on the Saugus Public Schools website. School begins Aug, 30 for students in grades 1 to 12. Kindergarten and Pre-K classes begin on Aug. 31. If you are interested in local places to visit to spice up your summer, go to the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Breakheart Reservation, the Youth & Recreation Department or the Saugus Senior Center. Collectively, these places off er a lot of summertime options for Saugus residents. 2015 Student Records will be destroyed The Cumulative Record Folders for the Saugus High School Graduate Class of 2015 are scheduled for destruction on Aug. 1. Any 2015 Graduate of Saugus High School who wishes to obtain their records before they are destroyed, please email Kim Alba at kalba@saugus.k12.ma.us The pick-up dates and times will be given to you via email. Cruise Night Car Show for a Cause Guy Moley and Fuddruckers on Route 1 North in Saugus are at it again — organizing another fundraiser — this one being the Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angel’s Seventh Annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life. The Cruise Night Car Show is set for 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday (July 17) at Fuddruckers on Route 1 North. The rain date is Sunday, July 24. If you like a few hours fi lled with cars, motorcycles, trucks, food, music, raffles and trophies, Guy says you should check it out. Or, call him for more information at 781-6401310. We have a winner! Congratulations to Cheryl Panico for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched?” Contest. She was one of several readers answering correctly. But she was the only one to have her name picked in a drawing from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is Gene Decareau and his wife Arlene — who is the wind beneath Gene’s wings. “This couple extends themselves to Saugus in Countless ways. Company comes through the front door (that’s people who don’t know how to use the back door!) but friends they greet through a quaint country screened-in porch & beautifully landscaped gardens they tend to. Warmth exudes with smiles and a cold drink. “Gene and Arlene were the subject of a sketch in (Jan. 8th Saugus Advocate pg. 9), which includes a short bio in “We have a winner!” (January 15, 2021 page 5) “Gene is a member of the Saugus Lions Club and was awarded a “Dedicated Humanitarian Services” Award from the Lions Club. When people donate $50.00 or more to the Lions Club, Gene will often surprise the generous donor with a pie! “Gene has often baked pies for fund raisers and one time with a bid of $35.00, one gentleman of the Saugus Historical Society walked off with smiles and a pie he later claimed was worth it! “Often, Gene has people rolling in dough learning how to make pies. Gene graciously gives all his pie secrets & techniques. (Quite often Chefs give a little of their secrets and then hold back some.) Gene sets you up to succeed and enjoys seeing your progress. “Gene and Arlene talked about the many pie fillings and certain way the bananas are prepared for the bottom of Gene’s signature “Banana cream pie” “All Gene’s pie’s start with his meticulous care and abundance and are then topped with a fresh batch of his homemade whip cream! “This sketch Artist enjoyed pleasurable hospitality while making pies with his tips & secrets and saw major pie crust improvements! * Gene has been a Guest on Saugus Cable TV showing how to make pies. In the sketch depicted is Gene’s “secret ingredient“ Orange Juice which is shared freely. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 13
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 13 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 12 “Thank You! Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” “Shout outs” to Gene and Arlene We didn’t receive any nominations from our readers this week for a Saugus resident deserving of high praise. So, we’ll share some of the complimentary comments we received from readers responding to last week’s (July 7) “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest, who identifi ed correctly Eugene and Arlene Decareau, who will be celebrating their 70th anniversary this fall: Stacie Manning:“This week’s sketch is the wonderful Gene Decareau and his lovely wife Arlene. Both are extraordinary individuals and a terrifi c couple. They are always available to help anyone when needed, and they are both tremendous assets to the town of Saugus. The sketch artist did a great job with this drawing. A+++” Cheryl Panico: “He (Gene) does make delicious pies! Bonnie Newman: “What a delightful character he (Gene) is!” 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 the mention in the subject line, “An Extra Shout Out.” No more than a paragraph. Anything longer might lend itself to a story and/ or a photo. Summer Concert Series continues Wednesday The National Parks Service and Saugus Public Library are co-sponsoring a free Summer Concert Series that continues next Wednesday (July 20) at 6 p.m. at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, located at 244 Central St. in Saugus. Ditto Band will perform American rock and folk from the 60s & 70s next week in the Wednesday evening series which will last through Aug. 24. Here is the rest of the Summer Concert Series at a glance: • July 27th –Jump Street: Pop, R & B, Blues, Jump, Classic Rock. • August 3rd — Squeeze Box Stompers: Cajun & Zydeco • August 10th — Memorylaners : 50’s, 60’s & 70’s music • August 17th — Decades of Rock Band : Classic Rock 70’, 80’s & 90’s • August 24th — Marina & Bernardo: Acoustic Folk Each concert will be held outdoors, weather permitting (see SaugusPublicLibrary.org for updates/cancellations). Bring your own chair or blanket. Picnics welcome! What’s happening at the Saugus Public Library For school children looking for interesting projects and programs to participate in this summer, there’s plenty to do at the Saugus Public Library. Here are this month’s highlights: Firetruck Storytime at the Saugus Ironworks, Thursday, July 21st, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Head to the Saugus Ironworks for a chance to meet Saugus firefighters, see their fire engine and listen to a fi retruck story with Ms. Amy. Open to all ages. Registration is not required. Please check the online event calendar the morning of the event for weather-related updates. Shark Week Storytime and Craft with Kelly, Thursday, July 21st, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Craft Room. Ages 4 and up. Registration is not required. Disney Dance Party at the Saugus Ironworks, Monday, July 25 at 4:30 p.m. with Miss Toniann. Stories and Dancing. Wear your favorite dress up clothes. 3-D Fish Bowl Crafts, Wednesday, July 27th, from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. in the Craft Room. Create and decorate your own 3-D fi sh bowl. Ages 4 and up. Registration required, at the Children’s Desk or email nshmueli@noblenet.org. Check out the Whalemobile, Thursday, July 28, at the Saugus Ironworks. Four time slots available: 10, 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m. Ages 5 and above only. Registration required. Backup location for rain or extreme heat: Saugus YMCA. Check the event calendar the morning of the event for weather updates. Coming events: Princess Ariel Storytime at the Saugus Ironworks, Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 10 to 11 a.m. Stories, songs and activities with Ariel. All Ages. Registration not required. Tie-Dye with Zoe, Thursday Aug. 4, 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Craft Room. Ages 8 and up. Registration required. Email melton@ noblenet.org to register. Please bring one item to tie-dye. WIN Waste Innovations to address town WIN Waste Innovations is fi nally set to sit down with the town officials and offer a proposal on what could be included in a new host agreement related to the operation of its trash-to-energy plant and the adjacent ash landfill on Route 107. “Nothing is more important to us than our partnerships - 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. ES21P2115EA Estate of: ANDREW M. GRAZIANO Also known as: ANDREW MICHAEL GRAZIANO Date of Death: 10/30/2020 CITATION ON PETITION FOR SALE OF REAL ESTATE BY A PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE To all interested persons: Anita E. Graziano of requesting that the court authorize the Personal Representative to sell the decedent’s real estate at a private sale. 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 a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/01/2022. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. WITNESS, Jennifer M R Ulwick, First Justice of this Court. Date: July 30, 2022 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE July 15, 2022 with the communities we serve,” WIN Waste Innovations Vice President of Environmental Aff airs James Connolly said last week. “We look forward to continuing our discussions with the Landfi ll Committee on ways in which the Town can maximize the benefi ts of our public-private partnership with Saugus,” Connolly said. The meeting between the Board of Health landfill subcommittee and WIN Waste offi cials has been set for July 27 at 7 p.m. in the second-fl oor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall, according to Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, who co-chairs the panel with Board of Health Chair William Heff ernan. “This will just be a presentation,” Cogliano told his colleagues at Tuesday night’s (July 13) meeting. Cogliano said the public will be allowed to ask questions, but no action will be taken at the meeting. “The committee will take it (presentation) under advisement and schedule another hearing. I want the public to hear what they present,” he said. Cogliano said he will make arrangements for SaugusTV to cover the meeting to be broadcast on local cable television. This is a rescheduling of the meeting that was originally planned for February, but was postponed indefinitely until the board was operating at full strength. The Board of Health subcommittee, which in recent months has been referred to as the Landfill Committee, was created by the Board of Health in THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 14 - 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. ES22P2017EA Estate of: FRANK A. SHELIST Date of Death: 10/28/2021 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative Joy M. Peterson of Northampton, MAf requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Roy F. Gelineau, Jr. of Danvers, f MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in y 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 a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/22/2022. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you 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 tory 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, Jennifer M R Ulwick, First Justice of this Court. Date: July 12, 2022 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE July 15, 2022
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 13 late 2020 to promote a better working relationship with WIN (formerly Wheelabrator) on issues related to the incinerator and ash landfi ll. A main focus of the committee members over the past year has been the development of a new host agreement that addresses a wide range of health, safety, environmental and community issues. These are key issues that members want to see as part of the agreement: • All members agree health is most important, and company offi cials should verify they are doing all they can to make sure everyone is safe in Saugus and surrounding communities. • Committee would like to look into a program like Massport with Winthrop with the noise issue there. • Continued testing for the public safety, continue to work with the committee, striving as much as possible to clean quality air coming out of the stacks while lowering noise levels and testing what is in the ash. Water testing, especially around all three landfi lls • Co-Chair Cogliano wants to know about air quality monitors • Lower NOx (Nitrous oxide) levels without purchasing credits. • Keep upgrading facility to invest in it to make it more modern. • Plan Comprehensive Health Study, funding for air quality testing and small particle testing, funding for noise monitoring. • Construction of a 3rd Fire Station to cover the west side of town. • Free Tipping Fees. • Striving for Air Quality for a better quality of life. - 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. ES22P1990EA Estate of: JAMES KEVIN CROTTY Also known as: JAMES K CROTTY, JAMES CROTTY Date of Death: 04/07/2017 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment Avery S. Crotty of East Kingston, NH requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Avery S. Crotty of East Kingston, NH be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in y 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 a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/15/2022. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you 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 tory 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. Jennifer M R Ulwick, First Justice of this Court. Date: July 08, 2022 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE July 15, 2022 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE July 15, 2022 • Create a subcommittee for closing of the ash landfi ll. Saugus seeks student poll workers Town Clerk Ellen Schena is circulating that “Uncle Sam needs you” fl yer again, in search of student poll workers for the town’s fall elections. “I am looking for 16, 17 & 18 years-old Saugus Students to work the September and November Elections,” Schena wrote in a recent email to The Saugus Advocate. “Both are Tuesdays and there will be no school. Attached is the fl yer I have used in the past.” The fl yer includes a facsimile of a poster with a pointing “Uncle Sam,” and the declaration “I WANT YOU To Become a Poll Worker Today!” The flyer, titled “Calling all Saugus High Juniors and Senior,” promises to accommodate any hours the students want to work. It notes that the students can work as Community Services volunteers to fulfi ll their High School hours, or they can get paid as election workers: 16-year-olds can work parttime shifts of 6 to 8 hours. 17 & 18-year-olds can work full-time shifts of 8 to 12 hours. Interested students can stop by Town Hall or contact the Town Clerk’s Offi ce to apply for work. Ask for Andrew DePatto, the Saugus Election Coordinator. He can be reached at 781231-4102. Another bonus for participating students: “Great to have on your College Applications/Resumes.” Food pantry seeks volunteers Here’s a message from Pastor Joe Hoyle of the Cliftondale - 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. ES22P1962EA Estate of: MARILYN A. FAHY Date of Death: 03/09/2022 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative Julie A. Bowen of Reading, 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: Julie A. Bowen of Reading, MA f be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in y 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 a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/15/2022. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you 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 tory 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, Jennifer M R Ulwick, First Justice of this Court. Date: July 06, 2022 Congregational Church about a collaborative community commitment to help needy Saugus residents: “The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in our community faces food insecurity. “With faithful donations and volunteers, we have been able to give out thousands of meals to our neighbors in need throughout the years. The Food Pantry is open every Friday from 9:30am-11am, distributing pre-packaged groceries (including meat and produce) at 50 Essex St. “We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Pastor Joe Hoyle, Executive Director at office@clindalecc. org or 781-233-2663.” Compost site now open The community’s compost site will be open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main Street. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town 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 the 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, maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781231-4036 with questions or for more information. Concerts for vets Rockin 4 Vets presents ‘Homegrown Rock Concerts’ and ‘Throw Back Thursdays’ for New England Vets this summer at the Kowloon Restaurant’s outdoor venue, Route 1 North in Saugus. For tickets and prices go to Tickets@GIMMELIVE.COM. THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 15 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 14 Home Grown Rock Lineup – Doors open at 3 p.m. — Concert at 4 p.m. JULY: July 10 — Fat City; July 17 -- Victor Wainwright and the Train; July 24 — ft. Johnny A; July 31 — Anthony Gomes AUGUST: August 7 — Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters; August 14 — Rockin the House! Deric Dyer; August 21 — James Montgomery – Christine Ohlman; August 28 — Veronica Lewis. Tribute Bands — Doors open at 6 pm — Concert at 7 p.m. JULY: July 14 — Cold Spring Harbor – Billy Joel; July 21 — Shot of Poison – Poison; July 28 — Aerosmith AUGUST: August 4 — Chicago; August 11 — What A Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers; August 18 — Another Tequila Sunrise – Eagles; August 25 — Panorama – The Cars. SEPTEMBER: September 1 — Being Petty – Tom Petty; September 8 — Studio Two – The Beatles; September 15 — Completely Unleashed – Van Halen If you would like to attend a show, please call Lauren at 617.247.4112. Band photos available upon request. More outdoor music at Kowloon The Kowloon Restaurant announces their outdoor concert series for July with a variety of live bands at their Route 1 North in Saugus outdoor venue. For tickets call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077. July Outdoor Concert Lineup: The Business Time Band From “Twist and Shout” to contemporary hits Saturday, July 16, 6 to 9 p.m. Up All Night! A dance band with dynamic vocalists Saturday, July 23, 7 to 10 p.m. Eric Grant Band Country music band Friday, July 29, 7 to 9 p.m. Fevah Dream Dance party band Saturday, July 30, 7 to 10 p.m. Buy a brick to honor a Saugus veteran The Saugus War Monument Committee once again is sponsoring the Buy A Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just from your family, school, etc., the general pricing is $100 for a 4” X 8” brick (three lines), $200 for 8” X 8” brick (fi ve lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising. The brick application must be in by Sept. 15th to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley 781-231-7995, for more information and applications. SHS Class of ‘62 plans 60th reunion Leaders of The Saugus High School Class of 1962 would like you to “SAVE THE DATE.” “Their 60th Class Reunion will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Prince Pizzeria in Saugus. They are reaching out to contact fellow classmates as well as other years who would like to join them. The well-known 50’s and 60’s music group of Howie Conley will be there for their musical enjoyment. Those of you who have heard them know what a performance they put on. There will be pizza and salad combinations plus soft drinks. The price includes all you can eat, tax, gratuities, plus Howie Conley’s group and is $29 per person. There is a bar available for wine, beer and mixed drinks. There is no need to purchase tickets at this time. Please let one of the following people know of your interest either by a phone call or a text message so that you can be easily reached when the time draws near. No commitment is necessary. They are just exploring the number of interested classmates. • Donna “Cann” Olivera 781987-4308 • Jonni “Giantonio” Matrona 781-439-4200 • Janice “Cristiano” Pomeroy 617-512-2097 • Larry Seavers 704-906-2606 THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 18
1. George Washington 2. Scooter 3. 1950s 4. Joe DiMaggio 5. International Business Machines 6. J. M. Barrie 7. Hollywood Boulevard 8. Dorothy Sayers 9. Ricotta (a byproduct of making mozzarella) 10. Nadia Comăneci 11. It stands for the name of the fi rst computer (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) 12. Wolverine 13. Violin 14. “Woman” 15. Shampooing customers’ hair twice 16. Strawberries 17. Mars 18. Moxie 19. Canada and USA (Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park) 20. Tonto on The Lone Ranger series Page 16 Savvy Seniory Senior BY JIM MILLER CREDITOR CLAIMS AGAINST THE PROBATE ESTATE How to Find and Claim Your Family’s Forgotten Assets Dear Savvy Senior, A while back I read an article about some online tools that can help people search for lost or forgotten money left behind by their deceased relatives, but I’ve misplaced it. Can you help me with this? My mom, who passed away in January, was always bad about keeping up with her money, so I’m wondering if there was anything she left behind. Searching Son Dear Searching, Forgotten or lost money is actually very common in the United States. According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there are literally billions of dollars in unclaimed funds sitting in state treasuries and other agencies just waiting to be found. These unclaimed funds are from accounts that are inactive or whose owners, or their heirs, cannot be located. Unclaimed funds can include things like lost or forgotten saving or checking accounts, stocks, utility security deposits, tax refunds, life insurance policy proceeds, un-cashed dividend checks, matured savings bonds and much more. This typically happens because of a change of address (the owner moved), a name change (the owner got married or divorced), or the owner dies, and the estate was unaware of the money or the heirs could not be located. By law, companies and fi nancial institutions that can’t fi nd the owner or their next of kin within two to fi ve years must turn the property over to the state where it’s held indefi nitely. Where to Search About 10 percent of all Americans have some unclaimed money out there waiting to be found, so it’s very possible your mother had some too. To start your search, go to Unclaimed.org, which has links to all state programs that will let you do a state benefi ts search online for free. Or you can do a multi-state search in 39 states at MissingMoney.com. Be sure to check every state in which your mother lived, worked or did business. Also, make sure to check under your mom’s maiden name, and if she had a frequently misspelled name, search those misspellings too. Using her fi rst initial and her last name is also encouraged to make sure everything comes up. Every state can tell you immediately if your mom has some unclaimed money, as well as how to go about collecting it. Look Here Too In addition to state treasuries, here are some other resources that can help you look for unclaimed money that may have been overlooked. Forgotten retirement benefi ts: To search for lost or forgotten 401(k) funds your mom may have left behind with an old employer, use the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefi ts at UnclaimedRetirementBenefi ts.com. Or to search for lost pension benefi ts, use the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation trusteed plan search tool at PBGC.gov/search-trusteed-plans. Lost life insurance: To track down a lost or forgotten life insurance policy, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, an insurance regulatory support organization, off ers a free policy locator service at https://eapps.naic.org/ life-policy-locator. Unredeemed savings bonds: It’s very common for people to lose track of U.S. saving bonds because they are often given to children as gifts, then forgotten before the bonds reach maturity. To fi nd out if your mom had any, the U.S. Department of the Treasury provides an online search tool at TreasuryHunt.gov for fi nding matured, uncashed savings bonds over 30 years old and no longer earning interest. Federal tax refunds: Each year thousands of refund checks totaling millions of dollars are returned to the IRS by the post offi ce. To look for lost Federal tax refund checks go to IRS.gov/refunds or call 800-829-1954. 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 y and author of “The Savvy Senior”r book. gna ingredient? 10. On July 18, 1976, who scored the first-ever perfect 10 at the Olympics? 1. On July 15, 1948, General of the Armies of the United States John J. Pershing died; who previously had that title? 2. What vehicle is also the name of a pie? 3. In what decade was Brasilia built: 1780s, 1890s, or 1950s? 4. On July 16, 1941, what player created a record by hitting safely for the 56th consecutive baseball game? 5. What does IBM stand for? 6. What author crated Neverland? 7. July 17 is National Ice Cream Day; reportedly, in 1906 the Hot Fudge Sundae was invented at C.C. Brown’s on what famous street? 8. What author created the detective Lord Peter Wimsey? 9. What lasagna ingredient is a byproduct of making another lasa11. What is the importance of ENIAC? 12. What animal is also called a glutton and is a nickname for the State of Michigan? 13. What instrument does a concertmaster play? 14. On July 19, 1848, as advertised in the Seneca County Courier, the Seneca Falls Convention began “to discuss the social, civil and religious condition and rights of” what? 15. Due to a heatwave, Castenaso, Italy, imG enerally, a creditor of a Massachusetts decedent has one year from the date of death to fi le a claim against the decedent’s estate. In years past, the time period within which to fi le a claim commenced when the Personal Representative was actually appointed by the Probate Court. Under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MUPC), which was effective on March 31, 2012, creditors now have one year from the date of death to fi le a claim against the estate. The purpose of the one year from the date of death provision is to promote the quick settlement of estates by allowing the Personal Representative of the estate to pay claims and to make distributions after one year from the date of death without the risk of being held accountable to a creditor. It is not enough for the creditor to simply provide notice of the claim to the Personal Representative, or even to just fi le a Notice of Claim in the probate court. MUPC Section 3-803(a) provides that, before the oneyear period expires, the creditor must bring an action against the Personal Representative in the appropriate court, serve the Personal Representative with process by in hand delivery, and fi le a posed a fine for barbers and hairdressers doing what? 16. What is the fi rst fruit to ripen in spring? 17. On July 20, 1976, the Viking I landed on what planet that is also the name of a candy bar? 18. What word meaning pep is also the name of the offi cial soft drink of Maine? 19. The first world peace park is in what two countries? 20. On July 21, 1979, Jay Silverheels became the first Native American with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame; what well-known TV character did he play? Notice of Claim with the Probate Court setting forth the creditor’s information and the amount of the claim. It often occurs that there is no estate to be probated or, even if there is a probate estate, the proceedings do not commence until after one year from the date of death. In this case, the creditor is out of luck and any subsequent claim would be barred. If a creditor is aware of the decedent’s death and the probate process has not commenced, the creditor has the right to petition the Probate Court in order to seek the appointment of a suitable Personal Representative. In this situation, the creditor would be aware that probate assets do indeed exist and that the dollar amount of the claim justifi es the expenses to be incurred. The MUPC puts the onus on the creditor to learn of the decedent’s death and to take action accordingly before the statute expires. It should not be too diffi cult for the creditor to follow-up when no payments on the debt have been made. Furthermore, with today’s easy access to the internet, a quick google search of the debtor’s name and address would provide the date of death of the decedent. It is important for Personal Representatives to be aware of this one-year statute before fi nal estate distributions are made. ANSWERS THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” Joseph D. Cataldo
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 Page 17 Sunday, July 17 from 9–11 p.m.on Channel 8 — “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, July 18 all day on Channel 8 — “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 — Board of Selectmen Meeting from July 12. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Wednesday, July 20 at 8 p.m. on Channel 8 — Wrestling Legends with Toru Tanaka. Thursday, July 21 at 2 p.m. on Channel 8 — From the Vault: Special Olympics from 2009. Friday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m. on Channel 8 — What’s Cookin’? with Safi yat. Saturday, July 23 at 11 a.m. on Channel 8 — Empire Pro Wrestling–Marshfi eld Fair from 2011. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** 8855-GO-4-GLAS55-GO-4-GLAS We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! 781 233 4446
Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022 BHRC | FROM PAGE 9 variety of health problems including immunosuppression, low birthweight, liver disease and testicular and kidney cancer. “The Legislature’s move, driven by Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka, to give driver’s licenses to people in this country illegally resonated like no other issue before with the people of Massachusetts. MassFiscal set a record with the number of people who used our website to contact their legislators opposing this vote. — Paul Craney, spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “I look forward to working with you and your team and our team as we hopefully quickly and successfully settle the differences between both of our bills. It’s the fi rst time we’ve attempted to update and modernize the cannabis laws since they were enacted by the voters in 2016 and modifi ed by us in the Legislature in 2017.” — Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) on the conference committee working on drafting a compromise version of a bill that would make changes in the cannabis laws. “We’re seeing more daylight shootings on busy streets and more guns in the hands of teenagers. The common thread, beyond shooters willing to send bullets fl ying regardless of where they are, is that the guns were likely traffi cked in from another state.” — Suff olk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden urging governors and legislators in states with “easy-access gun purchase laws” to consider the impacts their laws are having on cities like Boston. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozen s of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of July 4-8, the House met for a total of seven hours and 44 minutes and the Senate met for a total of seven hours and 55 minutes. Mon. July 4 No House session No Senate session. Tues. July 5 House 11:03 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. Senate 11:18 a.m. to 12:09 p.m. Wed. July 6 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:51 a.m No Senate session. Thurs. July 7 House 11:04 a.m. to 5:48 p.m. Senate 11:19 a.m. to6:23 p.m. Fri. July 8 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 15 Looking for book donations The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently-used adult hardcover and softcover Fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently-used Children’s Books. Please limit donations at this time to ONLY Fiction and Children’s books; we do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please....clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains, or dirty covers! Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please DO NOT place donations in the outdoor book drops. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781233-9858. 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 nearly six and a half 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 s 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-to20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And, I’ll buy the coff ee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coff ee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works. For Advertising with RESULTS, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or info@advocatenews.net 69 Foundry St. #321 Wakefield, MA 01880 We are fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian and Spanish! 42 Richard St. Saugus, MA 01906 38 Main St. Saugus 20 Railroad Ave. Rockport (781) 558-1091 mangorealtyteam.com YOUR AREA IS POPULAR! 2 bed 1.5 bath ranch: large eat-in kitchen, living room, heated two-car garage, walk up attic, basement, front porch and outdoor patio, close to major routes, Boston, Logan Airport and more..........................................$539,000 Find us on Google and see what our clients have to say about us! 73 Plummer Ave, Winthrop MA 02152 The market is packed with buyers looking for homes in your neighborhood! If you're thinking about selling, you're in an excellent position. 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