SAUGUS Vol. 23, No. 30 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net WWII vet gets birthday surprise MASK UP & STAY SAFE ALL SUMMER! Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, July 24, 2020 “Clean up your junk before you get arrested” Roller World owner warns illegal dumpers to come back and retrieve the trash they tossed behind his building – or risk prosecution A CENTURION SURPRISE: Birthday boy Maurice DiBlasi is all smiles after receiving a citation from State Rep. Donald Wong for turning 100 as DiBlasi’s daughter, Joanne DeLisio, looks on Monday morning. See page 13 for photo highlights. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino) ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $1.939 Mid Unleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.459 KERO $4.159 Diesel $2.219 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A DA CAUGHT ON CAMERA: A photo taken from a security fi lm shows two men at the back of a U-Haul truck appearing to illegally dump a couch near a wetlands area behind Roller World, Inc. on Route 1 South in Saugus. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) By Mark E. Vogler erry Breen’s daughter made a special sign for him to post on the back of his Route 1 South business: “Smile! You’re on camera and your license plate is too.” It’s his way of putting the illegal dumpers who drive onto his property to toss bags of construction debris, rocks, broken down furniture and unwanted materials on notice that they should stop littering on his property. J “Clean up your junk before you get arrested,” Breen said in an interview this week. As the longtime owner of ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Nicely updated 7 room Colonial boasting to move in! View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. IT’S CRIMINAL: Jerry Breen, the owner of Roller World, Inc., at 425 R Broadway (Route 1 South) in Saugus, stands on the back of his property near a debris fi eld left by illegal dumpers. He says some of the debris has spilled into a brook behind his property. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Roller World, Inc., he’s had to deal with the dumpers periodically for close to four decades. His security cameras recently caught several instances of brazen dumping that Saugus police and the state environmental police are currently investigating. “A few years ago when this happened, all I wanted was for the guy to come back to pick up his living room set and take it someplace else,” Breen said. “I don’t want to prosecute anyone. But I want to send a message to people who think this is a dumping ground here. But if you keep on dumping, I’m going to track you down and the police will arrest you,” he said. “I had a guy tell me that it cost $900 to get rid of all of these bags, rocks and furniture that were dumped here. I run a roller skating rink that’s been closed for three months, so I don’t have $900 to give away for this,” he said. Separate dumping incidents occurred on June 11 and June 14 at the back of Breen’s property near an embankment that leads into a brook fl owing through Breakheart Reservation. Some of the rocks and debris rolled into the water. “You would think that dumping in a river is a pretty serious thing – an environmental violation…We’re talking about bags of cement, grass and rocks and one of the cushions from the couch,” he said. Film from a security camera captured two men unloading a couch from the back of a U-Haul truck at about 6 p.m. on July 14. They dumped the couch on the ground near a dumpster. Although the license plate number wasn’t recognizable from photos taken CLEAN UP SEE PAGE 7 Prices subject to change FLEET
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Facebook.com/ advocate.news.ma Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. * Corporate Litigation Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Let there be light at World Series Park (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by World Series Park.) orld Series Park in Saugus plans to have lights installed in the spring of 2021. This would complete the park by its being able to host night games, not having to stop games because of darkness and providing fl exibility for rescheduling rainouts. Most of the funds needed W for this project will be available next year. A fundraising eff ort is being conducted to raise additional, necessary funds. Wheelabrator Saugus has made a $5,000 donation to kick off this lighting project. Wheelabrator has supported World Series Park and SauWe Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600 GALLON We accept: MasterCard * Visa * & Discover Price Subject to Change without notice 100 Gal. Min. 24 Hr. Service 781-286-2602 gus Babe Ruth over the years by purchasing a sign and sponsoring two state Babe Ruth League tournaments. “We can always count on Wheelabrator for help,” said World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis. “Through the generosity of a lot of people and businesses World Series Park has fi nanced everything we have in creating this fi rst-class baseball facility for the youth of Saugus. We want to complete the picture with lights.” “We’re pleased to continue HELPING LOCAL NIGHTTIME BASEBALL: Jack Walsh from Wheelabrator Saugus presents a check for $5,000 to World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis for the World Series Park Lighting Fund that will go toward the installation of lights next year. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) our support of the outstanding work Bob and his crew do for the youth of Saugus,” said Wheelabrator Saugus’s Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Michelle Nadeau. “Having lights at World Series Park makes an outstanding facility even better for the community to enjoy, and we are glad to take part.” Davis said that in 2011, the Furtado Family, owner of several Dunkin’ Donuts, kicked off the fi rst lighting fund with a $2,000 donation. “We’ve had a collection jar for lights at the snack bar for the last eight years and people have been very generous putting money in,” Davis said. “That will be included in the current fund. We thank everyone for their past and future generous donations.” To donate to the World Series Park 2020 Lighting Fund, checks should be made payable to World Series Park and sent to World Series Park, 8 Holden Ave., Saugus, MA 01906. Please indicate that the donation is for the Lighting Fund. Seven streets will receive improvements $1. T Town announces road paving work will begin next week own Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced on Wednesday that a series of pavement improvement projects within several areas of Saugus will soon be underway as an eff ort to ensure that the town’s streets are in the best possible condition. “Ensuring and continuing to improve the functionality and safety of the Town’s roadways has always been of critical importance to this administration,” said Crabtree in a statement issued by his offi ce. “Safe roadways improve traffi c fl ow and reduce congestion and accidents, which will benefi t Town residents and visitors every day, making it easier for everyone to get to where they need to be.” The following streets will be undergoing milling, overlay paving, roadway reclamation and curb replacements as part of the Town of Saugus’s road paving plan to improve roadway safety and traffi c fl ow: portions of Forest, Vine and Walnut Streets, Adams and Clinton Avenues and Harmon Road, as well as the entirety of St. James Road. The Department of Public Works will oversee the work. Efforts will begin on Monday (July 27) and will conclude by October, weather permitting. Parking will be limited in work zones during construction, and traffi c detours will be established as required to allow for this work to reach completion. Each year under the Crabtree Administration, the Town paves a series of roadways as part of its ongoing road paving plan. Last year the Town paved Elmwood, Fairmount, Adams and Orcutt Avenues and Stone, Lewis, Landers, Ballard and Forest Streets. During 2018 the town paved Alvah, Innis and Mader Streets, Pleasant Avenue, Howard Farm Lane and portions of Elm, Plymouth and Walnut Streets, Adams, Fairmount and Williams Avenues and Morris Place. “It is a top priority of this Board of Selectmen and administration to continue to make important and benefi cial improvements to our community’s infrastructure,” said Crabtree. “We are happy to continue to provide these services to our residents and families of Saugus.” The Town would like to thank residents in advance for their patience and cooperation during this construction project. For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ SHS Senior Class President Kiley Ronan hopes Class of 2020 “is remembered for their perseverance” ~ HOURS ~ Open 7 Days a Week Monday thru Sunday THE SOURCE OF HER INSPIRATION: During a recent interview in the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site, Kiley Ronan said her mom, Lisa Ronan, is the person she looks up to for advice whenever she confronts life’s big challenges. “She’s just so positive…She just makes the tough times easier,” Kiley said. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Editor’s Note: For this week, we sat down with Saugus High School Senior Class President Kiley Ronan, who will be among the 160 graduates at tomorrow (Saturday, July 25) morning’s 149th Commencement Exercises at Stackpole Field. Kiley, who has been president of the Class of 2020 during all four years, agreed to do the interview last Friday while exercising social distancing at a picnic table in the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. The interview focused on the challenges that Kiley and her classmates faced after COVID-19 forced the closure of schools statewide in early March. She talked about the legacy of this year’s graduates, who she hopes “are remembered for their perseverance.” Kiley’s class has the distinction of being the final one to graduate from the recently demolished, 66-year-old Saugus High School. Had it not been for the Coronavirus pandemic, the Class of 2020 would have returned after April vacation to spend its fi nal weeks in the High School wing of the new Saugus Middle-High School. But the students fi nished their High School education through remote learning. Kiley is considered the best overall student in her class. She excelled scholastically as a National Honor Society member and is one of the top 20 students in her class (with a 4.1 grade SHS | SEE PAGE 10 * Breakfast * Lunch * Take-Out WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! INDOOR SEATING & OUTDOOR DINING We Practice Safe Social Distancing & Cleaning 325 Main St., Saugus * (781) 558-2070 irontownsaugus.com
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 dine drink gather enjo Friday, July 24 at 9PM The Led Zeppelin Tribute Band IN THE LIGHT y LIVE MUSIC ON THE PATIO EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT! JULY 16 - Kevin Kennedy JULY 23 - Acoustic Duo AUGUST 6 - Freddie G's Happy Hour Band Two Amazing Nights One Legendary Band! FORTUNE Thursday, July 30 & Friday, July 31 Saturday, August 1 at 9PM MOJO SLIM A Breakaway Favorite! Friday, August 7 at 9PM WILDFIRE MIAA Board votes to delay start of High School Fall Sports season to Sept. 14 Hope remains for H.S. fall teams, though state offi cials will have the fi nal say in August By Steve Freker igh school student-athletes all across Massachusetts who are hoping to get out there and compete in fall sports got a major boost Tuesday. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Board of Directors voted unanimously (180) to accept the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force’s recommendation to push back the start of all fall sports until Monday, Sept. 14. By waiting until mid-SepPizza “2 for Tuesday” Indulge in our Pizza "2 for Tuesday" every Tuesdays at Breakaway. A deal that you can't resist! You have the option to dine in or pick up! To learn more, call us at 978-774-7270. 221 Newbury Street, Danvers For Tickets call (978) 774-7270 or www.breakawaydanvers.com Facebook.com/ advocate.news.ma tember, it would mean fall athletics would not begin until schools are back in session. Most high schools in Massachusetts, including those in Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus, are scheduled to begin classes between Sept. 1 and Sept. 8. The Sept. 14 start date would also mean that is the date supervised practices and workouts might begin with coaches working with players. Games would not be scheduled or held until at least a week after that date, two weeks or more for football, under the proposal voted on by the Board. Even still, despite the MIAA Board’s positive vote, the fate of fall sports still lies with guidelines still to be set and released through Governor Charlie Baker’s offi ce by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) as well as guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Ele505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening We are the smile care experts for your entire family H Girls soccer teams are hoping to get out on the fi elds this fall. They all await word from state agencies. (Steve Freker Photo) In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today mentary and Secondary Education (DESE). MIAA’s vote represents positive progress, but the state agencies will announce sometime in early August what fall sports, if any, they determine can safely be played at the high school level. At this time at least two major fall sports, football and soccer, are listed in a “Level 3” category, under Gov. Baker’s phased Reopening Plan. Level 3 sports, under the plan, are designated as “higher risk” for potential transmission of COVID-19 and, as stated at present, games would not be allowed at any point of Phase III and would be considered for Phase IV. Gov. Baker has previously announced that Massachusetts remains in Phase III and would not advance to Phase IV (designated “Return to Normal”) until there is a COVID-19 vaccine. For fall sports games to be played this season, a change in that present stance would have to be made and advanced. “It was a truly positive move, but there is still a lot of work to do and a lot of decisions to be made before we get to actually beginning a fall sports season,” said Malden Public Schools Director of Athletics Charlie Conefrey, who is a fi rst-year member of the MIAA Board of Directors. Conefrey joined his colleagues in approving the Task Force’s recommendation. “Everyone wants to see the student-athletes out there participating and competing in athletics,” Conefrey said, “but the safety and health of all involved – students, coaches, staff and families – are the number one priority. It would have to be done safely; that is the bottom line.” Also in question is whether some fall sports, which are categorized in lower risk levels, such as golf and crosscountry, might be allowed to be played, while others in the highest risk category, football and soccer particularly, might not be allowed. According to sources, a number of high school athletic directors would be hesitant to allow some sports to go forward and others not allowed. Additionally, there has been a recurrent “I heard that...” rumor the MIAA may be considering fl ip-fl opping fall sports with spring sports seasons for the 2020-21 school year, but this proposition has not been offered or discussed at all at the MIAA level to date. Fall athletics were originally scheduled to begin for most sports on Aug. 24, with football starting Aug. 21. In addition to the recommendation to delay fall sports, the MIAA Board of Directors voted to accept two other proposals put forward by the Task Force. The Board agreed to follow any guidelines established by the state EEA and DESE agencies regarding fall athletics, and to meet again following the release of the guidance to make any further announcements on fall sports.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 5 COVID-19 cancels Cliftondale celebration MEG Foundation and Cliftondale area businesses continue discussions of a future Merchants Celebration event By Janice K. Jarosz everal months ago, members of the MEG Foundation met with a group of businesspeople from the Cliftondale area to make plans to sponsor a Merchants Celebration event. The first celebration event was held prior to Saugus Founders Day with Peter Rossetti and several other businesspeople joining together in creating a plan for the proposed celebration. At that fi rst celebration, a portion of Lincoln Avenue was closed for pedestrians, a disk jockey played music throughout the celebration and games for the children were held in the parking lots. Merchants placed tables on the sidewalks in front of their stores. There was even a live elephant! It was a very successful event with a large crowd of friends and families enjoying a wonderful Saturday afternoon. One of the initial plans for the 2020 event was to recognize the many longtime businesses in Cliftondale Square. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, the fall date was cancelled, but the committee will continue to meet throughout the next several months and, hopefully, set a new date in the future. Until then, we will, throughout the year, recognize the establishments that have, for many years, continued to maintain quality businesses in Cliftondale Square. S Lomas Flowers celebrates Christmas in July There have been many studies done on why fl owers make people happy and, interestingly, research has proven that fl owers have an emotional connection and are linked to an immediate happiness of a person. Studies also found that when you receive a gift of fl owers, for whatever the occasion, you feel more cheerful and more inclined to connect with others. Flowers used in social environments enhance an event by creating a warm, welcoming ambiance among those attending. Being surrounded by beautiful flowers improves a person’s happiness, and that person becomes more cheerful. One such person who understands all the many benefi ts of fl owers is Paul LaCorcia, co-owner of Lomas Flowers of Cliftondale. Marsha, his wife of almost 49 years, opened Lomas Flowers approximately 38 years ago at 486 Lincoln Ave. At that time, Cliftondale Square was a convenient section of town to shop. There was the Post Offi ce, a bakery, a gift shop, hair salons, Hoff man’s Department Store, the Tumble Inn, Lena’s sub shop, a cobbler, a fiveand-dime where you could buy anything from a parakeet to a package of clothespins, to name a few. Paul, the talented and welleducated professional in the floral business, and Marsha, who is the business manager, have enjoyed many successful years at their location. Paul travels to Chelsea to purchase the flowers, and he designs all the fl oral bouquets and arrangements, always taking special care with each order. “To this day, I still love my job – love the people and grateful for the ability to continue to work,” said Paul. “My wife handles the business end and runs the gift section, which is very popular. Marsha has the knack of picking out special gifts and collectables for every occasion – items you don’t fi nd in larger stores.” “Mother’s Day is one of the busiest holidays,” said Paul. “But up until a few years ago, it was Valentine’s Day. As it was only a one-day holiday, husbands and boyfriends would stop by on their way home from work for their wives or girlfriends, and a good deal of young boys came in to pick out one rose for their special girl. Valentine’s Day was a romantic time years ago.” Paul continued, “Today Mother’s Day and the Christmas season remain busy along with weddings and funerals. I take pride in designing fl owers for weddings as I want everything perfect. Flowers add so much to every occasion.” Lomas Flowers is celebrating Christmas in July with many personal gifts at half price. Paul and Marsha invite you to stop by to see the beautiful gifts and fl ower arrangements. They can help you pick out that very special bouquet of fl owers or special gift that will please even the most discriminating taste. AN EYE TO THE FUTURE: Paul LaCorcia, co-owner of Lomas Flowers of Cliftondale, looks outside his store at 486 Lincoln Ave. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 A police car that everyone will love Local businessmen give a special gift to town: Saugus Police Car 66, a restored and remodeled police cruiser By Mark E. Vogler A fter driving by that attractive antique police car parked on the lawn in front of the Middleton Police Station many times over the years, Armene Missakiane fi gured that the town he lived in and loved deserved one, too. SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available It took a few years to fi nd the right car, restore and rebuild it and convert it into a police cruiser that would become a signature part of the Saugus Police Department fl eet. But after several years of hunting for parts and untold hours working on the 1966 Ford Galaxie 500, fourdoor sedan – a special police car now belongs to the people of Saugus. Missakiane, who is president of A.M. Detail, Inc. of Salem Turnpike, and his partner, Moisey Brailovskiy, made the formal gift presentation of Car 66 at Wednesday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting held by Zoom videoconferencing. Selectmen were thrilled with the gift “I want to thank you very much for doing this for our town. We sincerely appreciate it,” Selectman Debra Panetta said. “Adding this beautiful vehicle to our fl eet is just such a treasure,” she added. “What made you decide to build this car and to donate it to our town?” Panetta asked. Missakiane mentioned the http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only Middleton police cruiser, Car 54, as the “personal” motivator. “Make one for the town and make it better than anyone else,” he said. “It’s from our hearts to the town,” Brailovskiy, a Lynn resident, chimed in. He said he hoped to see it used at parades and prominently displayed. “I’m sure it will be a big hit with everyone in town,” Selectman Michael Serino said. THIS ONE’S FOR SAUGUS: Armen Missakiane and Moisey Brailovskiy of A.M. Detail, Inc. of Saugus presented this restored and remodeled 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 – which they made into an old-fashioned police cruiser – as a gift for the town. (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate) It cost two years and $40,000 to build Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, in an interview later, called the car “amazing” while lauding its creators. “I’ve been watching the progress since I was elected in November. They did an outstanding job with the car. Everything about the vehicle is mint condition with original parts,” Cogliano said. “They did add some modern conveniences, like power steering, brakes and air-conditioning. They also installed a modern siren system. I can’t wait to get the fi rst ride in it. Armene and Moisey are true gentlemen and went above and beyond with this restoration. On behalf of the Town of Saugus, I commend them for a job well done.” Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini noted the car would be ideal for parade as well as education. He suggested the construction of a special board that would be inscribed with the car’s history and what the men did to restore it. Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley said the town will get a lot of use out of the old vehicle. “The classic cars – there’s just no replacing them,” Riley said. In an interview Wednesday night, Missakiane said he and Brailovskiy found the car several years ago at an auction in the Atlanta, Ga., area. “It took about two years and $40,000 to restore and rebuild it,” he said. “We had to restore the engine, the transmission and other units. The car was not salvaged. It had sustained a fire under the hood. But the rest of the car was okay,” he said. “When we found the car at auction, I told the town manager [Scott C. Crabtree], and he supported us and passed us on to the Police Department. Former Chief [Domenic] DiMella approved the project and we started work on it at my shop at 20 Salem Turnpike.” Jacobo Deleon, an employee at A.M. Detail, Inc., was also involved in the project. There is a good reason why Missakiane and Brailovskiy went great distances to fi nd the right car, which was a private vehicle that wasn’t used for police work. “Vehicles down there [in the southern part of the country] are not as corroded as much as up here. Maybe they have fi ve percent rust,” Missakiane said. “We restored everything to brand-new condition, and we put heavy rust-proofi ng on it. This particular vehicle was very diffi cult to work on because no body parts were available. We spent a lot of time to locate the correct parts,” he said. “Every single bolt and nut on that vehicle was cleaned up. Every single piece on that vehicle was restored.” From Russia with love came the car clock The car has 72,000 original miles on it. The restoration work involved trips to Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and other states to fi nd suitable parts to replace worn-out ones and to add to the car. Missakiane, a Saugus resident since 2007, is of Armenian descent and immigrated to the United States from Russia in 1995. He used his Russian connections to fi nd a suitable clock for the car. “The clock in the vehicle wasn’t working, so I called one of my friends in Russia,” Missakiane said. “He shipped me a clock from Russia that is the same as what’s used in Russian police cruisers.” Car 66 – named after the year it was built – was fi nally completed about a month ago. Now Missakiane hopes the Police Department will fi nd a 22-foot-by10-foot spot to park it. The car is 15 feet long and 6 feet wide. He has off ered to garage it at his shop on Route 107 during the wintertime if the town needs a place to store it. “We love the town. We do respect the older citizens. This gift is for everyone who lives in Saugus,” Missakiane said. “Originally, when we started this project, we said that when we fi nished it, we would dedicate it to the Town of Saugus – not just the Police Department – so, here’s to Saugus.”
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 7 CLEAN UP | from page 1 on the security camera, Breen said a Saugus police offi cer noticed a distinctive fl ying bat on the side of the truck, which he was able to locate at a local business. “Hopefully, police will be able to fi nd out the guy who rented the truck being used at the time [of the dumping], Breen said. Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli said a lack of resolution for the license tag number makes it a more diffi cult case to solve. Nevertheless, he said it’s an active investigation. “This is not the first time LITTERBUG BAGS: This week Jerry Breen called on illegal dumpers to return to his property to retrieve the trash they tossed. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) it’s happened to him, so I’m sure he’s frustrated,” said Ricciardelli. “Just because you catch it on camera doesn’t mean you can figure things out. I feel for Mr. Breen. He’s been a valued member of the community ever since I’ve been in the Police Department. We’re doing everything we can to investigate,” the chief said. Other photos takA WARNING SIGN TO THE CULPRITS: If people drive to the back of Roller World, Inc. at 425R Broadway (Route 1 South) and dump trash, there’s a good chance they will be fi lmed – and that could become evidence for police. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) en from Breen’s security camera show a gray Mitsubishi making three trips to the back of Roller World on July 11, each time tossing paper bags from Rocky’s Ace Hardware on the ground. “There are 57 bags that say Rocky’s Ace Hardware on them,” Breen said. He noted that one of the bags contained some potential evidence that could lead police to a Saugus work site where the trash originated. Breen recalled that he once had gates installed at the back of his property to block people from dumping trash and construction debris. But town offi cials considered it a potential safety hazard, so Breen said he was told to take the gates down. “It’s the perfect place to dump stuff after hours when nobody is watching. But with the help of the police, we’re hoping to put a stop to that,” he said. Offi cer Carmine Cicolini of the Saugus Police Department is investigating the dumping incidents. Citizens who have information that may help investigators solve the case should call Saugus Police at 781-941-1199. • • •
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Saugus stands out for Police Officers, President Trump S augus residents and people from surrounding cities “stood out” for President Donald Trump and police offi cers on the Lynn Fells Parkway and Main Street last Wednesday afternoon. According to the attendees, the response was excellent and there will be more “standouts” leading up to the November election. (Advocate photos by Josh London) President Trump supporters are shown on the Fellsway during their rally in Saugus last Wednesday afternoon. Tanya Manning is shown selling President Trump merchandise. Barbara Mackey of Nahant shows her O’Connor for US Senate and President Trump signs. Mike Yeshilian of Saugus delivers his message with a bullhorn during a rally for the police on the Lynn Fells Parkway. A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Same Location * Same Service for 48 Years! Joan DeLuca of Quincy stands in support of President Trump. Mark Sahady of Malden waves his Trump fl ag. Chris Dan Steve We Welcome You Back & Wish You Well! * Desktop Humidors * Travel Humidors * Vapes * Juice * Cigar Accessories * Bongs * Lighters & Ash Trays * Glass Pipes * Gift Cards * Rewards Program * Juuls * CBD Infused Products Cigar of the Month! Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Magnum Box of 20 - Only $149.95 Buy your Cigars by the Box & Save! Plus our “Golfers’ Special” 15 Handmade Cigars - Churchill Size including a Cohiba! Only $43.95 STORE HOURS 8 AM - 7 PM Mon. - Sat., Sun. 8 AM - 6 PM Ron McCarron of Wakefi eld stands in support behind a trailer of political signs. Renee Hensley of Saugus waves her Trump fl ag.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 9 The U.S.S. Constitution By Th e Old Sachem he world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afl oat is the USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides.” She had a wooden hull, with three masts, a heavy frigate of the US Navy berthed in Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard at one end of The Freedom Trail. The mission of the ship these days is to promote understanding of the US Navy’s role in war and peace, through educational outreach, historical demonstration and active participation in public events as part of the Naval History & Heritage Command. Old Ironsides is today fully commissioned with a crew of 60 Navy active-duty personnel that participates in ceremonies, educational programs and special events, and is kept open to the public year-round. The Naval Act of 1797 authoT rized the construction of six frigates, and the USS Constitution was the third to be constructed. Secretary of War Timothy Pickering submitted 10 vessel names to President Washington in March of 1795 for naming the frigates. Joshua Humphreys designed the six frigates to be larger and more heavily armed than traditional frigates of this period. The Constitution was built in the shipyard of Edmund Hartt in Boston’s North End. The ship’s hull was built 21 inches thick and required 60 acres of trees, pine and oak, including southern live oak from St. Simons, Georgia. It was built with 44 guns, had a tonnage of 1,576 and a displacement of 2,200 tons. It was longer than the standard of frigates with a length of 304 feet stem to stern. The beam was 43 feet 6 inches and the main-mast soared 220 feet. With three masts she had a speed of 13 knots and a complement of 450, including 55 Marines and 30 boys. For armaments the Constitution carried 30 24-pounder long guns, 20 32-pounder carronades and two 24-pounder bow chasers. The fi rst duty was to provide protection for American merchant shipping during the Quasi-War with France and to defeat the Barbary pirates in the First Barbary War. The Barbary pirates started seizing American merchant vessels in the Mediterranean Sea from the port of Algiers in 1785. In 1793, 11 American ships were captured by pirates – with the crews and stores held for ransom. In 1807 the British ship Leopard attacked the USS Chesapeake, killing three Americans and injuring 18, and four sailors went on trial for desertion. Fifteen days earlier the HMS Guerriere captured the USS Spitfi re off Sandy Point, New Jersey. Secretary of the Navy Paul Hamilton had ordered the USS President and the USS Argus to patrol coastal areas from the Carolinas to New York. Commodore John Rodgers, who commanded the President, had heard of the Guerriere attack, and sailing off the Virginia Capes northward sighted a British vessel he believed to be the Guerriere sailing south. Rodgers pursued the English ship, the Little Belt, and soon engaged into battle. Within 15 minutes the Little Belt’s guns were put out of action. There was disparity among both ships: The Little Belt was far smaller than the President and suff ered the most damage. The Little Belt was off ered space in any American port for repairs, but it proceeded north to the North American Station in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while the President sailed to New York City. The President suff ered only one sailor injured; the Little Belt had nine dead and 23 injured, two fatally. Both nations argued about the encounter for many years. During the War of 1812 against Britain, the Constitution captured many merchant ships and defeated fi ve British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane and Levant. The battle with the British frigate, Guerriere, brought about the nickname of “Old Ironsides.” On August 19, 1812, with the war going on the HMS Guerriere sailed into an ill-fated action against the Constitution. Painted across the topsail of the British ship were the words “NOT THE LITTLE BELT,” but she felt the same fate. After exchanging fi re the Constitution was maneuvered into an advantageous position within 25 yards of the opponent. The American captain, Hull, ordered a full double-loaded broadside of grape and round shot, which removed the Guerriere’s mizzenmast, which hampered her movement, and the British ship collided with the Constitution, leaving the Brits’ bow guns incapable of eff ective fi re. The two ships rotated together and both captains ordered boarding parties, but the swelling seas made this impossible. When the ships fi nally became unhinged, shot waves tore Guerriere’s rigging and the mainmast fell. The British surrendered. The Guerriere was badly damaged and Hull ordered her burned; the British crew were taken aboard, and the Constitution sailed to Boston, where the captain and crew were hailed as heroes. The Constitution next faced the HMS Java off the coast of São Salvador, destroyed the British ship and took the prisoners to Boston for repairs again. Constitution required massive repairs, and shortages of necessary equipment kept her in Boston along with her sister ships – Chesapeake, Congress and President – for most of the year. The Americans were concentrating on the Great Lakes, so little was done for the Atlantic fl eet. Charles Stewart was named commander of the Constitution, and when repairs were completed, he set sail on New Year’s Eve for the West Indies. The object was to harass British shipping, and the ship captured fi ve British merchant ships and the HMS Pictou by late March 1814. The mainmast split off the coast of Bermuda, requiring immediate repair. Stewart set a course for Boston pursued by two British ships: the HMS Junon and the HMS Tenedos. To increase speed, Stewart ordered drinking water and food to be cast overboard, and the Constitution was able to outrun the pursuers and landed at Marblehead, Massachusetts. The people of Marblehead gave the Constitution their cannons from Fort Sewell, and after two weeks Stewart set sail for Boston. Stewart was blockaded in Boston as the British Royal Navy sent the 50-gun HMS Leander with a fl eet to North America to stop the American frigates attacking British shipping. Stewart saw a chance to escape the blockade and set sail for Bermuda on December 18. With the British in pursuit, Stewart managed to keep ahead. On December 24 he intercepted the British merchantman, Lord Nelson, and placed a prize crew aboard, and the Constitution celebrated Christmas dinner with the stores taken from the British ship. Although Stewart was aware that The Treaty of Ghent had been signed, he realized that war remained until the treaty was ratifi ed. He captured the merchantman Susanna on February 16; the animal hides taken had a value of $75,000. Stewart sighted the small British ships Cyane and Levant sailing together and gave chase. The British began a series of broadsides against the Constitution, and the Levant was forced to withdraw for repairs. Stewart concentrated fi re on the Cyane and the British soon withdrew her colors. However, the Levant had returned, and Stewart overtook her and after several more broadsides the British struck colors. The three ships were repaired and proceeded now as American fl eet to the Cape Verde Islands, arriving at Porto Praya on March 10. Stewart’s squadron was sighted by a British squadron and set sail. Cyane was able to elude the British and reached America on April 10. The Levant was overtaken and recaptured by the British. The Constitution sailed towards Guinea, then west towards Brazil. The Constitution arrived in Maranhão on April 2 and heard of the ratifi cation of the treaty, so he removed the prisoners and set sail for America, arriving in New York on May 15 amid a large celebration for the action of the Constitution. The Constitution became part of the Mediterranean Squadron in April 1820 for a three-year tour. She collided with the British merchant ship Bicton in the Mediterranean; the Bicton sank along with her captain. The commanding officer, Jacob Jones, had a reputation as being very lax in discipline, and the ship was ordered to return to Boston, where Jones was relieved of command 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 AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is Your Vehicle Blowing Hot Air on Hot Days?!! 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The Constitution did much more action which I will relate in a further article. Bostonians are very proud of their heroic vessel and often visit the ship to view the historic vessel.
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 SHS | FROM PAGE 3 point average) while also being a standout athlete – serving as the captain in all three sports that she competed in: soccer, basketball and track. She’s been captain of the track team since her sophomore year. Her numerous scholastic and athletic awards include the Chief Drew Award-Best All Around Female Athlete, the Principal’s Leadership Award and the Douglas Lockwood Scholarship – Most “All Around” Student. In addition, she received the Saugus Booster Club Scholarship, Veteran’s Memorial School PTO Scholarship and the Saugus High School Alumni Association Deborah Gecoya Cole Scholarship. Last November she was the student recipient of the “Readers Make Good Leaders Award” that was presented at the 5th Annual Saugus Public Library Foundation Fall Fest Gala. As a junior, she won the Boston College Book Award last year. In the fall she plans on attending College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, where she will major in Psychology on a Pre-Health track. Her career objective is to become a physical therapist. Kiley, 18, is the daughter of Shane and Lisa Ronan. She has three brothers: Brendan Ronan, Colin Ronan and Nick Antenucci. Brendan is a 2017 Saugus High School graduate. Highlights of this week’s interview follow. Q: What is the biggest challenge, being the class president in the midst of this global pandemic that has everybody freaked out and has some serious health consequences? A: I would say the biggest challenge being the class presPROUD PARENTS: Left to right, Lisa and Shane Ronan display a poster of their daughter, Kiley, who was the student recipient of the “Readers Make Good Leaders Award” that was presented last November at the 5th Annual Saugus Public Library Foundation Fall Fest Gala. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate). BIGGEST FANS: This picture from Kiley Ronan’s basketball Senior Night shows her three brothers admiring a poster of their sister. Left to right are Colin Ronan, her oldest brother Nick Antenucci and Brendan Ronan, a 2017 Saugus High School graduate. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate). www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM ident right now is trying to make sure the things happen that my class deserves, because, obviously we do deserve a Prom and we deserve the Awards Night and the Graduation. And it’s just had to provide that, given the circumstances. So, the biggest challenge is just making sure my class is happy and trying to make accommodations for them, like to ensure that they feel like they did work for something – like they did achieve something – because they did and they deserve that. And the principal and advisors … they’ve all been great, helping make sure things happen. 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Everett Aluminum STAY SAFE! bered for their perseverance, because I don’t want people to think that they feel sorry for us because we graduated through a pandemic – that we’re facing so much adversity right now, even going to college. I want them to know that we’re stronger than all of this stuff that’s happened and that the Class of 2020 made the best of what they could. Q: During the pandemic did you have to make adjustments as the class president? A: Yes. During this pandemic I was meeting with my advisors and the principal and administration through Zoom [meetings through videoconferencing]. We were having meetings discussing the Prom, Awards Night and Graduation and how to make Senior Week events happen. It was just different. Normally, those would be in-school meetings or just going to their rooms to talk to them, but, given the circumstances, things had to change. Q: You feel that the school administration and School Department administration kept you in the loop on important issues? A: Oh yes, definitely; they did. My advisor was constantly texting me and telling me all the new updates: what can happen and what can’t happen. My principal did a great job of making sure I was involved, because they wanted a student’s opinion to make sure we were getting what we wanted and what we deserved – all that stuff. But yes, they have been great. Q: What’s it going to be like next Saturday morning [tomorrow, July 25]? COLLEGE BOUND: Kiley Riley says she got accepted at her top choice, College of the Holy Cross, where she plans to major in Psychology, on a Pre-Health track. Her career objective is to become a physical therapist. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A: Saturday is going to look like everybody is wearing a mask – students and everybody else, and we are allowed two guests per student. The microphone is going to be cleaned in between speakers. We’re going to be 10 feet apart. Social distancing is happening. We’ll pretty much be following all of the guidelines and making the best of the situation. Q: So, that’s 10 a.m. sharp at Stackpole Field? A: Yes. Q: And other than the caps and gowns, everybody has a mask. A: Yes, so it will be cap and gown – and part of it will be the mask. Q: Is it free-form with the mask – whatever the student wants? Or is it going to be red and white, the school colors? A: Everybody is going to be given the same kind of mask, but I don’t think they will be required to wear it. I think they can wear whatever they want, but they all will be getting a “Class of 2020” mask. Q: So, what does it look like? A: I think they are black and red and white. I think it says SHS | SEE PAGE 11 Summer is Here!
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 11 SHS | FROM PAGE 10 “2020.” I think it has a Sachem head on it, or something like that. Q: So, it’s going to be something unique, something like a keepsake? A: Yes, so even if they don’t want to wear it, they can put it away and keep it for memories. I don’t know if they want to remember this stuff [COVID-19], but if they do, they have the mask. Q: So, would you call this year’s graduation sort of the marquee event for this year’s seniors? A: Yes, I would say, defi nitely – through all of this going on at the end of our senior year; a lot of things were cancelled. And I think graduation day being replanned is defi nitely something we have all been looking forward to. Q: So, this year’s commencement will be a bigger boost than in past years? A: Yeah. Defi nitely. I think it’s going to look diff erent than in past years, but I think it’s going to be … maybe more of a big deal. Q: Yes, that does make sense. Any other special things you are privy to that you can talk about? Or are there some surprises? A: I don’t know if there are any surprises. I know we will be seeing our Senior Video through a drive-in at the mall, so that’s something we’re all excited about. I think we’re working on getting snacks, and kids can come in their cars and watch Senior Videos, so that should be a lot of fun. Q: And that’s happening… A: Yeah, that is happening next week [this week], I think on Tuesday. Q: In the midst of this pandemic, what’s the most interesting thing that you will remember as being class president, maybe something you had to deal with or observed? A: That’s a tough one. The most interesting thing – I think the most interesting thing is going to be graduation, just because I’ve attended every graduation before mine; I know what a typical graduation looks like, but I have no idea what ours is going to look like. And we also won’t be able to do a rehearsal before the graduation, which normally you do – two to three days of rehearsals. It’s going to be something, like, we’re going to have to fi gure out as we go, and I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. Q: And you are only allowed two guests? A: Yes. Two guests per student. A HAPPY BEGINNING: This is the senior sunrise photo that Kiley Ronan and the SHS Class of 2020 took on the fi rst day of the 2019-20 school year last August. Kiley is standing in the middle rear, just behind the center stand to the goal post at Stackpole Field. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) Q: So what happens with other family members, besides the parents? Like, you have three brothers. A: Yes. We’re leaving the brothers home, that’s for sure. And honestly, I don’t know if they’re sad about it. Q: I was wondering if they had something set up where folks who couldn’t be at Stackpole could view it at another location. A: They might be working on it. I think they might be working on two more guests, so it could be four guests per family, but right now, it’s just two. And I think they are working on getting it on some sort of TV channel, like a video recording – something like that. Even if it’s not live, it will be prerecorded so you can at least watch it later. Q: If it’s just two guests, I guess Nana and Grampy are going to be upset. A: I know. I know. A lot of people are missing out. It’s not fair, but I’m just grateful that we get two [passes for guests]. You want people in the stands, so at least you get somebody. Q: And, in most cases it’s going to be mom and dad. A: Yeah. The two closest people to you, whoever you want that to be. Q: Okay. Let’s talk about what you’re going to do after you graduate. A: So, after I graduate, I will be attending the College of the Holy Cross and I am going to be majoring in Psychology on the Pre-Health track. And I’m hoping to go to graduate school to become a physical therapist. Q: Now, do you have anyone in your family who has been to Holy Cross? A: No, I don’t. I toured that school, and right when I was there, I loved it. It was my top choice. It was also my “reach school,” so it was like I wasn’t positive that I was going to get in. And I did and I’m so happy I’m going there. Q: How many schools did you apply to? A: I think I applied to five, maybe, but I was honestly unsure about Holy Cross, like I didn’t know if I was going to get in. And when I was accepted, I knew that was the school I was going to be going to. Q: Now, you got a scholastic scholarship. Did you get an athletic scholarship, too? A: No, I didn’t – just scholastic. I’m hoping that once I get there, I can maybe walk onto a team or play club. I’m defi nitely hoping to continue in sports somehow. Q: That’s probably not going to happen in the fall, with collegiate sports being shut down at a lot of places. A: No, it’s defi nitely not going to happen in the fall, so maybe I will shoot for next year. Q: Now, one of the good things that I have observed in the past – those community and public service projects involving the senior class – has the pandemic kind of clamped down on that, because of the social distancing? A: Yeah. A lot of things within our community have been cancelled. But now, with some restrictions being lifted, I know that some things are starting back up again, so hopefully, we will get to normal. Q: Has there been, like, a special public service project that has prevailed which was attached to this year’s graduating class? A: What sort of public service? Q: Well, you have Founders Day. I know you raise money every time people throw a ball at a target, trying to make a seat collapse and knock somebody down into the dunk tank. A: Yeah. We did that at the beginning of our senior year, so that actually went well for us, so I’m grateful we were able to do that, but we really didn’t have anything planned toward the end of the year. And then, obviously with this all happening, we didn’t get to plan anything. Q: Have you been doing a lot of Zoom, staying in touch with other students, particularly members of the Student Council and other class leaders? A: Yeah. Towards the end of the school year, we were doing weekly meetings, just keeping everybody updated, because everything was up in the air; we weren’t sure what was going to happen. We wanted to make sure everyone’s opinion was involved – and making sure everyone was happy – just keeping everybody in the loop, mainly, because when people don’t know anything, they get frustrated and they feel like nothing is going on. But we really were trying to make things happen for them. Q: As you look back on your school career at Saugus High, give me a couple of things that you are proudest of. A: I’m proudest of – defi nitely – the way we handled this situation. You interviewed me in August, and I would have never expected this is how we would be doing another interview at the end of the year. I don’t think anybody expected our senior year would be ending like this, so just the way they handled things, like the “Zooms” we were talking about. Everyone seemed to be really positive and optimistic – all just trying to get creative and think of things we can do, so defi nitely that. And I’m proud of how we handled school when we were in it. I think we actually made the most of it: Sports teams excelled; Drama Club; we got the most out of it while we were there. And I think we defi nitely cherished our time there. Q: The other student leaders I talked to … they said they felt more of a closeness out of necessity. It’s almost, like, the class had a huge chip on its shoulder because it didn’t get the respect and recognition – which translated into action by the town – things like the banners around town with the photos of every senior class member of Saugus High. A: Oh, defi nitely. Personally, I feel so honored [by the banners]. I think they [town offi - cials] did a great job – the banners on the light poles and our names on a billboard – they did a great job honoring us; I defi - nitely think so. And I think this [the COVID-19 pandemic] will unite the Class of 2020 – not just in the Saugus community – but all communities. The Class of 2020 is always going to be remembered. Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: When I grow up, I want to be a physical therapist. Q: Any specialty? A: Right now, just a physical therapist. Once I get more into school and college, I’ll get a more direct way of where I want to go. But for right now, I’m just hoping to be a physical therapist with a psych background, because I want to make sure that … I think the mental has a lot to do with the physical, so you can understand what’s going on in their [the patients’] minds and to help them physically feel better; so defi nitely, I want to help people. It’s what I hope to do when I’m older. Q: And your volunteer work during High School? A: During my High School career, I was involved in the National Honor Society Class Board. Q: I meant particular volunteer activities around town, like doing something at the Senior Center. A: We did a Senior Citizen Senior Prom last year through the National Honor Society. We were going to do the same thing this year, but things got cut short. And we did Relay For Life last year for the National Honor Society, and I think it happened virtually this year. Just a lot of changes, but we definitely had some service projects in line. Q: What’s been your inspiration to get through this tough time? Like somebody you look up to as a role model? A: Definitely, my mom – I think not only during these times – but she’s just so positive. Even with all of the senior stuff getting canceled, she’s just done a great job in trying to brainstorm with me on the things we can do. And I think she has always inspired me – just, like, how she handles situations. She just makes the tough times easier. Definitely. Q: That’s good. So, she’s obviously going to be one of the two guests that you will have there at graduation. A: Yeah, she is defi nitely one of the two that I have invited. Q: Anything else that you would like to share to tell the people of Saugus about this year’s Saugus High graduates? How should this class be remembered? A: Just for the Class of 2020 – I think we have cherished our time at Saugus High and have done the best we could. This is not how we expected it to end, but I think we are going to be better for it. I think we’ve learned some life lessons that will be with us for adulthood and entering the real world. I think we had to grow up earlier than we wanted to, but I think we are going to be better for it – defi nitely.
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Saugus gardens in the pandemic Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener A great place in town to see interesting trees, shrubs and perennials is Saugus Ironworks National Park on the banks of the Saugus River. Its plantings include native species reintroduced along the riverbank, an herb garden originally designed in the 1970s to showcase species important in the 17th century, ornamental trees and shrubs on the upper lawn and an intriguing mixture of trees, shrubs and vines along the nature walk in the lower section of the property. This year the grounds have been open so people can walk around and view outside features, walk on the nature trail and observe the birds on the river from the dock and the casting bridge, but this is the first week in 2020 that there have been rangers on the site. One of the trees most commented on is a woody plant known as European smoke tree. It is on the front lawn of the Appleton-Taylor-Mansfi eld House, just to the right of the front door as you enter the site. It is also known as smoke bush, because it usually starts out multi-stemmed rather than single-stemmed, and at a 20 foot mature height its size is right on the edge of where we distinguish trees from shrubs. I have also heard it called “The Fluff y Tree,” which describes it perfectly through the summer. It has fl uff y, beige infl orescences that look like smoke. The fl owers themselves are yellowish and tiny, blooming in June, but the hairy peduncles (fl ower stalks) remain all summer, and at this point in July have a few small, hard, beige fruits that each contain a single seed. Look closely, and each “puff ” of smoke has one or two tiny, fl at dots which are the seeds. Old names for this shrub include Venetian sumac, dyers’ sumac and young fustic, all referring to the yellow-orange dye made from its wood which was popular up until the mid-19th century when synthetic dyes became available. Smoke tree is in the same family, the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), as sumac, but most people will not have an adverse skin reaction to smoke tree as they might to poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix). Smoke tree has distinctive blue green oval leaves, very diff erent than the compound leaves of sumac. A few years ago when I volunteered as a weeder in the Saugus Ironworks herb garden, I noticed a visiting family absolutely enthralled by “The Fluff y Tree” – they danced around it, took many pictures of themselves with it and eventually came and asked me if I knew what it was called. It was fun to see a whole family show such enthusiasm when they encounter an unfamiliar tree! I’m sure there were other things they liked about their visit, but there was no doubt that everyone in that family would remember “The Fluff y Tree” with delight for decades to come, and they told me they’d be checking out nurseries to buy one to plant in their own garden to remember their vacation. One of the features that makes the Ironworks plant somewhat unusual is that it is not the purple leafed variety (Cotinus coggygria, ‘Royal Purple’), which is widely available in nurseries and which has been planted in many gardens in Saugus. The purple leafed variety is very striking, the peduncles also a purplish color, so it is dramatic contrast to the green foliage of most garden shrubs and trees that may be growing around it. Also avail“THE FLUFFY TREE”: Smoke tree at Saugus Ironworks, when in bloom in June, has fluffy, beige inflorescences that look like smoke. (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) able is a variety with golden leaves from spring to fall (Cotinus coggygria, ‘Golden Spirit’) and pale pink to beige infl orescences in summer. A close relative, American smoke tree (Cotinus obovatus), is more diffi cult to fi nd in nurseries or gardens. It is very similar with larger oval leaves and similar “smoke” in summer. The Native American species has a nice orange-yellow fall foliage while the European smoke tree does not have spectacular fall color. European smoke trees are monoecious, which means male and female flowers occur on a single plant. American smoke tree is dioecious, which means male and female fl owers are on separate plants, so you usually need two diff erent plants for seeds to be produced. A beautiful orange perennial blooming in many Saugus gardens – including mine – this week is butterfl y weed (Asclepias tuberosa), which is sometimes known as pleurisy root. It can be found in several places at the Ironworks, including the slope leading down to the industrial buildings. It became popular recently because it attracts pollinators, especially butterfl ies, has an attractive fl ower and is better behaved BUTTERFLIES LOVE THIS: A beautiful orange perennial – called butterfl y weed – grows on the hillside at the Saugus Ironworks. It’s blooming in many Saugus gardens this week. in a garden than the common milkweed (Asclepias syriacus), which may be the best butterfl y plant. Butterfl y weed was 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year because of its many garden attributes, including resistance to deer and other pests. One of Robert Frost’s early poems, “The Tuft of Flowers,” tells of a clump of butterfl y weed spared from the mower’s blade one morning, which Frost and a butterfl y arrive to appreciate later in the day. I fi rst read this poem for a paper in Mr. Regan’s English class at Saugus High and it stuck with me. Monarch butterfl ies and several moth species lay their eggs on butterfly weed and the hatched caterpillars can live on the plant, but it is not the preferred larval food. It does not convey the level of protection from predators and disease that a diet of milkweed conveys with the cardenolides in its sap. If you break a stem, you will notice that butterfl y weed’s sap is clear, not milky like milkweed. Still, it provides ample nectar for many butterfl ies, including monarch, as well as for hummingbirds and other pollinators. Butterfl y weed fl owers are usually tangerine orange although some cultivated varieties, such as ‘Butterfl ies Mixed,’ may have reddish or yellowish fl owers, and ‘Hello Yello’ has bright yellow rather than orange fl owers. It can be expected to bloom for several weeks in July in sunny locations. Once the fl owers pass, it will develop follicles pointed at each end but somewhat narrower than those of common milkweed. These split to disperse seeds with fl uff y “silk” called comas attached that help them fl oat a distance from the parent plant. It makes a very good cut fl ower unlike milkweed species with a thicker sap, and it can be paired well in an arrangement with other fl owers and foliage. The slopes of the Ironworks also have many common milkweed plants, so this is one of the places in Saugus where monarch butterfl ies are most likely to be found. When I visited the Ironworks this week, I did see a monarch fl ying from one milkweed to another. Unlike butterfl y weed, the fl owers of milkweed are pale pinkish and arranged in a sphere, but if you look closely at individual blossoms you will see that they have a very similar shape to the butterfly weed fl owers. The milkweed is much taller and its leaves are a paler green, much larger and rounded at the ends unlike the narrow dark green foliage of butterfl y weed. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design and plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and off ered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town, since so many people have taken to walking the streets in their neighborhoods as a way to get some exercise and get out of the house!” Town receives $360K CDBG-CV program grant to help businesses hurt by COVID-19 (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by Town Manager Scott Crabtree’s Offi ce.) S augus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced that the state Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has awarded the Town of Saugus a grant of up to $360,000 through the Community Development Block Grant COVID-19 opportunity (CDBGCV) program to provide fi nancial assistance to local small businesses that are being negatively impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will provide the necessary resources for the Town to provide grants of up to $10,000 per business to qualifying microenterprises (a commercial enterprise that has fi ve or fewer employees in which one or more of whom owns the enterprise) adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Town Manager, Board of Selectmen and Town officials investigated and researched funding opportunities in order to provide microenterprise assistance to help address impacts due to these unprecedented times. Offi cials applied for aid and were awarded up to $360,000, made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (CARES Act) to DHCD by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) via amendment to the existing DHCD CDBG FY2019 One Year Action Plan. “I am extremely grateful that Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and the Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the Town of Saugus this grant funding to support our community’s small businesses, many of which have been devastated during these diffi - cult times,” said Crabtree. “This fi - nancial assistance will provide us with the necessary resources to help some of our business community, which has always served as the Town’s partner. The Town is extremely grateful to the business community and the commercial taxpayers [along with the residents and the MSBA] for its substantial contribution in funding for the District-Wide Master Plan Solution which includes the new 6-12 Middle High School and renovations to the current Belmonte and Veterans Memorial Schools.” The CDBG-CV opportunity supports communities across the Commonwealth in their work to provide vital services to low-income residents and small businesses affected by COVID-19. The Town’s Offi ce of Planning and Economic Development, in conjunction with the Town Manager’s Office, will oversee the implementation of this grant and subsequent distribution of funds to eligible small businesses. Eligible small businesses that are interested in applying for assistance should contact the Offi ce of Planning and Economic Development at 781-231-4045. For more information, contact the Town Manager’s Office at 781-231-4111.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 13 Saugus fetes World War II veteran Maurice DiBlasi with surprise birthday celebration By Tara Vocino he secret to turning 100 is being yourself, caring for other people and walking for World War II U.S. Navy veteran Maurice DiBlasi’s surprise birthday celebration in front of his Garfi eld Avenue home on Monday morning. “I don’t deserve this,” DiBlasi said as he threw out kisses to the 30-person crowd present, including neighbors, friends, family, Fire Department, State Rep. Donald Wong and Veteran’s Service Department. “Look what kind of family I have [who T Saugus vet Maurice DiBlasi is greeted with a special surprise birthday celebration outside his home (above and pictured right) on Garfi eld Ave. on Monday. fl ew in from out-of-state].” Caretaker Barbara Surette joked that DiBlasi is the “Mayor of Saugus” – neighbor Debbie Luongo said he’s likely older than the nearby trees. State Rep. Donald Wong awarded DiBlasi a citation. Family, friends and neighbors: Lauri Mackey, Emerson Finn, 17 months, Kevin Finn, grandson Conrad DeLisio, great-grandson Jackson Burke, grandson-in-law Joseph Burke, great-granddaughter Lila Burke, granddaughter Nicole Burke, daughter Lisa Barris, friend John Bagliri, birthday boy Maurice DiBlasi, daughter Patricia Howell, caretaker Barbara Surette, daughter Joanne Delisio, great-granddaughter Layla DeVincent, great-grandson Steven DeVincent, granddaughter Erika DeVincent, Chris Finn, Courtney Finn, Alyssa Barras, Chris Marino, Fire Lieutenant Mark Gannon, Firefi ghter Drew Oxley and Firefi ghter Anthony Arone. State Rep. Donald Wong reads a citation to Maurice DiBlasi in celebrating his 100th birthday on Monday. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Thank you to all the Daughter Lisa Barris hugs her dad, Maurice DiBlasi. first responders, healthcare workers, and all other essential workers who are working hard to keep our community safe and healthy. RIGHT BY YOU From left to right are grandson Conrad Delisio, great-grandson Jackson Burke, grandson-in-law Joseph Burke, granddaughter Nicole Burke, great-granddaughter Lila Burke, daughter Lisa Barris, friend John Bagliri, birthday boy Maurice DiBlasi, daughter Patricia Howell, daughter Joanne Delisio, greatgranddaughter Layla DeVincent, great-grandson Steven DeVincent, granddaughter Erika DeVincent, granddaughter Alyssa Barris and dog Ghost DeVincent. 419 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 • 617-387-1110 www.everettbank.com Member FDIC Member DIF
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Saugonians named to Dean’s List at UMass Amherst AMHERST – The following Saugus residents were named to the Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year: Kevin Alfred Bardhi, Kristen Marie Barry, Gianna Marie Cicolini, Kristen Celia Correia, Andrea Janet Dame, Sophia Marie Destefano, Timothy Alfred Drescher, Ryan Paul Duggan, Tayla Grace, Jhoom S. Jain, Nick MacIsaac, Andrew Ryan Mann, Molli Elizabeth Motroni, Rachel Elizabeth Moy, Nicole Caroline Orent, Nicholas Alexander Petkewich, Vi Nhat Pham, Diana Reach, Alex Matthew Ricciardelli, Kayla Michelle Riera, Katarina Samardzic, Sophia Kay Struzziero, Samantha J. Szczesny, Barbara Argyro Talagan, Tia Elizabeth Trabucco, Anneliese Regina Vogt, Lauren Webster and Caitlin Debra Wright. In order to qualify, an undergraduate student must receive a 3.5 grade point average or better on a 4-point scale. F ~ Editorial & Opinion ~ Uber and Lyft continue to have unfair advantage over taxi companies or the past 11 years, taxi companies that have been around for decades have been struggling to compete with rideshare companies, most notably, Uber Technologies, Inc. and Lyft, Inc. We believe that healthy business competition is good for the consumer; however, there needs to be a level playing fi eld. That has not been the case with the taxi and rideshare companies. Unlike the taxi companies, Uber and Lyft are somehow exempt from state regulations. We also agree with the lawsuit Sunday, July 26 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, July 27 all day on recently fi led by Attorney General Maura Healey maintaining that Uber and Lyft drivers are employees rather than independent contractors. Therefore, they should be protected under the state’s wage and hour laws. This protection would grant them the right to receive minimum wage, overtime pay and earned sick time. “Uber and Lyft have built their billion-dollar businesses while denying their drivers basic employee protections and benefi ts for years,” said Healey. “This busiChannel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. on Channel 8 – Cliftondale Church Service from July 19. Frank’s House Painting 781-289-0698 “PROPER PREP MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE” - F. FERRERA • Exterior FREE ESTIMATES --- FULLY INSURED • Interior • Ceiling Dr. • Paper Removal • Power Wash • Carpentry ness model is unfair and exploitative. We are seeking this determination from the court because these drivers have a right to be treated fairly.” Why this has not been the case right along is beyond comprehension. Market them anyway you want, but at the end of the day, Uber and Lyft are also taxi companies. Last year alone, Uber reported revenue of $14.1 billion while Lyft reported revenue of $3.6 billion. Clearly, they can aff ord to treat their employees fairly and obey the state’s regThis week on Saugus TV Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from July 20. Thursday, July 30 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – S.A.F.E. #2 (Student Awareness of Fire Education). Friday, July 31 at 9 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Friday Night Frights” (scary movies). Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Educational and Governmental). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may change without notice***
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 15 Over 200 community, labor and religious groups call for Emergency Housing Stability Bill W ith the Massachusetts eviction and foreclosure moratorium currently set to expire on August 18 and the legislative session expected to end July 31, over 200 community, labor and religious organizations have signed a letter to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka and Governor Charlie Baker urging them to pass An Act to guarantee housing stability during the COVID-19 emergency and recovery. The bill is sponsored by 89 members of the state legislature, which is nearly half of its members. Proponents say it is the only way to head off an enormous wave of evictions when the current moratorium ends. The state’s eviction/foreclosure moratorium was enacted in April in response to the COVID-19 crisis; State Housing Court officials and landResidents at risk of eviction rally for housing stability in Boston on June 27. (Photo Courtesy of City Life/Vida Urbana) lord advocates predict up to 20,000 eviction cases as soon as it ends. The expiration of increased unemployment payments under the federal CARES Act on July 31 will put even more tenants at risk. With new data showing the disproportionate impact of evictions on Black people and communities of color in Massachusetts, and one million state residents still unemployed, the bill’s advocates warn that failure to pass it will exacerbate existing inequities, further entrench systemic racism, harm public health and do tremendous harm to the very areas that have been hardest hit by COVID-19. An Act to guarantee housing stability during the COVID-19 emergency and recovery was fi led by Representative Kevin Honan, who is the chairperson of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing, and Representative Mike Connolly in the House (HD.5166), and by Senator Pat Jehlen in the Senate (SD.2992). The bill includes provisions to protect renters from eviction for nonpayment related to COVID-19, to halt arbitrary “no fault” evictions and rent increases for 12 months, to prevent foreclosures and provide mortgage deferment options for homeowners and to stabilize landlords with particular emphasis on owner-occupant and small-scale property owners. The letter was organized by Homes For All Massachusetts, a statewide coalition of community and housing justice groups, and it was signed by over 220 organizations from across the state, including the Massachusetts AFLCIO, Massachusetts Communities Action Network, Western Mass. Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations, Cambridge Health Alliance, Massachusetts Senior Action Council, SEIU State Council and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay releases Water Quality Report Card On Wednesday, July 22, the environmental advocacy organization Save the Harbor/Save the Bay released its annual Metropolitan Beaches Water Quality Report Card, using data from the 2019 beach season. In 2019 weekly water quality testing at Boston’s regional beaches began on May 23. Supplemental daily testing of Constitution Beach, King’s Beach, Malibu Beach, Tenean Beach and Wollaston Beach began on June 13. Testing concluded on September 1. The scores refl ect the percent of samples that complied with the single sample limit for bacteria of the state Department of Public Health (DPH) – the most straightforward way of evaluating beach water quality and potential impacts on human health. In 2019 the overall water quality safety rating for Boston Harbor’s regional beaches owned by the Commonwealth and managed by the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) was 88 percent, a decline from the previous year’s score of 94 percent. Changes in the intensity and frequency of summer storms often explain the variations seen on our beaches from year to year. These seasonal variations are why Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is reluctant to draw conclusions from a single year’s sampling results, preferring to rely on the multiyear average that is included in this report. Last year was one of the wettest years on record for Massachusetts, part of the wettest 12-month stretch in the state’s 124 years of record keeping. Some summer storms dropped The latest Water Quality Report Card from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay shows a safety rating of 88 percent for the state’s metropolitan beaches. (Photo Courtesy of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay) a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours. It was a summer of extremes, with July also being the hottest one on record, making beach accessibility even more critical to the region’s residents. In 2019 four of the region’s 15 public beaches (Carson Beach, M Street Beach, City Point Beach and Pleasure Bay, all in South Boston) achieved a perfect score of 100 percent, making them the cleanest urban beaches in the nation. Three area beaches (Nahant Beach, Constitution Beach in East Boston and Nantasket Beach in Hull) scored between 90 percent and 97 percent. Four area beaches (Short Beach in Revere and Winthrop, Revere Beach in Revere, Wollaston Beach in Quincy and Malibu Beach in Dorchester) scored between 83 percent and 88 percent, while four area beaches (Savin Hill Beach in Dorchester, Winthrop Beach in Winthrop, King’s Beach in Lynn and Swampscott and Tenean Beach in Dorchester) scored less than 80 percent in 2019. One critical weakness of the area beach posting and flagging program, in which bacteria testing triggers advisories, is that postings are always a day late because beach managers must wait 24 to 36 hours after a sample is collected to obtain test results. Beach water quality might have already changed significantly during this period, and the prior day’s test does not necessarily refl ect current conditions. In 2019, DPH made changes to the beach posting protocols, which resulted in 39 additional days when area beaches were incorrectly fl agged as unsafe for swimming, including over the Fourth of July weekend. While Save the Harbor/Save the Bay recognize the importance of protecting public health, the current system is severely fl awed and needs to be improved. Although Save the Harbor/Save the Bay had hoped to resolve this situation before the start of the 2020 beach season, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced public agencies, advocates and other stakeholders to – rightly – direct their attention and resources to other pressing public health concerns. As Save the Harbor continues to address the impacts of systemic racism that has too often prevented people of color from Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School. The legislation has also been endorsed by the four Roman Catholic Bishops of Massachusetts. 1. On July 24, 1911, American Hiram Bingham discovered what abandoned Incan city in Peru? 2. What do square, barn and lion have in common? 3. What “crab” is considered a “living fossil” because it originated 450 million years ago? 4. On July 25, 1917, what exotic dancer and alleged spy was sentenced by a French court to be executed by fi ring squad? 5. What color is cyan? 6. On July 26, 1992, the “Dream Team” of what U.S. sport played its first game at the Barcelona Olympics? 7. What comic pair’s theme song was “The Dance of the Cukoo”? 8. On July 27, 1940, the cartoon “A Wild Hare” was released, introducing what victim of Elmer J. Fudd? fully enjoying the benefi ts of our shared $5 billion investment in clean water, it is important to note that access to these urban beaches is particularly important to the region’s low-income and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) residents. Later this year and early next year, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay will host three forums and a conference on the future of our public beaches, to help our community partners in waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities address systemic racism, sea level rise, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which threaten public health and safety. Working with their policy partners at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, the state Department of Environmental Protection and DCR, Save the Harbor will also convene a public meeting of their Beaches Science Advisory Committee, to create a shared understanding and consensus among stakeholders and regulators on how to best address the inadequate and inaccurate posting protocols, to both protect public health and preserve public access to clean water. In the interim, instead of simply relying on postings and fl ags, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay urges beachgoers to also rely on common sense and the multiyear average included in this report to decide when and where it is safe to swim. And when you are on the beach, be sure to wear a mask and observe the guidance for social distancing – to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19. 9. What do Clark Kent, Oswald Chesterfi eld Cobblepot and Diana Prince have in common? 10. What are Texas, Memphis, Kansas City and the Carolinas well known for? 11. What two men had the lead roles in the 1980 fi lm “Stir Crazy”? 12. What is advisable to wear at Hawaii’s black sand beaches? 13. What game using colored balls did the Olympics only allow at its summer games in 1900 in Paris? 14. On July 28, 1866, Congress authorized the legal use of what measurement system? 15. What First Lady during the Inaugural Ball during the War of 1812 “set astir an Air of Expectancy” upon serving a large dome of ice cream? 16. On July 29, 1981, who married in front of an estimated 500 million TV viewers? 17. The Drake Passage connects what oceans? 18. What are the four strokes of competitive swimming? 19. What do harbor, Ross, Baikal and gray have in common? 20. On July 30, 1863, what American inventor/manufacturer was born who said, “If I’d listened to customers, I’d have given them a faster horse”? ANSWERS 1. Machu Picchu 2. They are types of dance. 3. The horseshoe crab, which is not a crustacean 4. Mata Hari 5. Greenish blue 6. Basketball 7. Laurel & Hardy 8. Bugs Bunny 9. They are “real” identifies of fi ctional characters (Superman, The Penguin and Wonder Woman). 10. Their barbecue styles 11. Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder 12. Shoes – black sand absorbs a lot of heat. 13. Croquet 14. Metric 15. Dolly Madison 16. Prince Charles and Lady Diana 17. Pacifi c and Atlantic 18. Backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle (or front crawl) 19. They are types of seals. 20. Henry Ford
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 The Coronavirus count State reports four new confi rmed Saugus COVID-19 cases; two new deaths reported By Mark E. Vogler T he spread of Coronavirus continues to show a steady reduction in Saugus – like most communities in Massachusetts – as the state continues to move toward normalcy under Governor Charlie Baker’s Reopening Plan. There were just four new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Saugus over the past week, raising the total to 566 confi rmed cases. This marked the sixth consecutive week that there were fewer than 10 cases reported, according to new data released late Wednesday afternoon by the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Meanwhile, the town’s death total from the virus increased by two to 38. For the second straight week, the state did not publish the rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population – a statistical analysis which two weeks ago had Saugus with a rate of 1,959.52 per 100,000, the 22nd highest rate among all communities across the state. Saugus has ranked among the top 25 in confi rmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 for most weeks since the town’s fi rst resident tested positive for the virus on March 19. The statistic made it easy to compare the incidence of COVID-19 in diff erent communities, large and small. The DPH website now includes a measurement which focuses on test results over the past 14 days up until Wednesday. Those statistics showed 5,926 Saugus residents have been tested for the virus so far – including 718 over the past 14 days; of those tested, there were 12 confi rmed cases of the virus for a positivity rate of 1.67 percent during that time. That matches the average state positivity rate of 1.67 percent. As of Wednesday, DPH offi cials reported 8,249 deaths statewide linked to COVID-19. Of those, 1,136 have been reported in Essex County The DPH has been releasing numbers of COVID-19 cases for all 351 municipalities, broken down by city and town, every Wednesday. As of Wednesday, there were 16,815 confi rmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Essex County, the third highest number among the state’s 14 counties. There were 114,320 confi rmed cases of the Coronavirus statewide. How Saugus compares to neighboring communities Town residents are able to compare the number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Saugus to those in neighboring cities and towns as well as communities of similar size by going to the DPH website at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-responsereporting, then click on COVID-19 cases by city/town. Here’s how nine other area communities compare to Saugus: Lynn: 3,779 cases, 136 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 3.62 percent positivity. Revere: 1,870 cases, 70 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 4.30 percent positivity. Everett: 1,823 cases, 52 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 2.22 percent positivity. Malden: 1,280 cases, 34 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 2.12 percent positivity. Peabody: 1,021 cases, 29 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 1.79 percent positivity. Saugus: 566 cases, 12 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 1.67 percent positivity. Wakefi eld: 326 cases, 8 total positive tests in the last 14 days, 1.03 percent positivity. Melrose: 273 cases, 27 positive tests in the last 14 days, 1.48 percent positivity. Reading: 305 cases, 5 positive tests in the last 14 days, .75 percent positivity. Lynnfi eld: 98 cases, 0 positive tests in the last 14 days, 0 percent positivity. Statewide totals: 112,347 cases, 3,011 positive tests in the last 14 days, 1.67 percent positivity. (Data compiled by DPH and made public as of July 22, 2020.) Tips to protect yourself (off ered by the Town of Saugus) Please follow CDC and MDPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: • Cleaning your hands often for at least: 20 seconds • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth • Staying at least six feet between yourself and others • Staying home as much as possible – only leave for essential reasons • Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others Please stay healthy and please call us with any needs. We are her [sic] for you. For more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at 781-231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s offi ce at 781-231-4111. For additional information about COVID-19, go to the town website at https://www. saugus-ma.gov/ and pull down the bar titled “COVID-19 Resources.” by Jim Miller Video Calling Solutions for Tech-Challenged Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some simple devices that can help techchallenged seniors with video calls? My 80-year-old mother has been isolating herself for months now in fear of the coronavirus and I haven’t been able to see her face-to-face in quite a while. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Video chatting is a great way to stay connected and keep tabs on an elder parent when you can’t be there, but it’s even more important now during this pandemic as many isolated seniors are also suff ering from chronic loneliness. To help connect you and your mom virtually, there are various products on the market that offer simple video calling for seniors who have limited ability or experience with technology. Here are four devices to consider. GrandPad: This is a top option for simple video calling, and much more. The GrandPad is an 8-inch tablet specifi cally designed for seniors, ages 75 and older. It comes with a stylus, a charging cradle and 4G LTE built-in so it works anywhere within the Consumer Cellular network – home Wi-Fi is not required. Ready to go right out of the box, GrandPad provides a simplifi ed menu of big icons and large text for only essential features, providing clutter-free, one-touch access to make and receive video calls, send voice emails, view photos and videos, listen to personalized music, check the weather, play games, browse the Internet and more. A GrandPad tablet costs $250 plus $40 monthly service fee and is sold through Consumer Cellular at GrandPad.net or call 888-545-1425. Amazon’s Echo Show: With its built-in camera and screen, the voice-command Echo Show also provides a simple way to have face-to-face chats with your mom, but she’ll need home Wi-Fi installed. Echo Shows, which come in three screen sizes – 5-inch ($90), 8-inch ($130) and 10-inch ($230), will let your mom make and receive video calls to those who have their own device, or who have the Alexa app installed on their smartphone or tablet. Once you set up her contacts, to make a call your mom could simply say, “Alexa, call my daughter” And when you call her, she would ask Alexa to answer the call (or ignore it). There’s also a feature called “drop-in” that would let you video call your mom’s device anytime without her having to answer it. Available at Amazon.com, the Echo Show also offers thousands of other features your mom would enjoy like voiceactivated access to news, weather, her favorite music and much more. If you decide to order an Echo Show device for mom, be sure your ask Amazon to mark it as a gift so it doesn’t get tied to your Amazon account. For instructions to help your mom set it up, or if she doesn’t have a smartphone, go to Amazon. com/gp/help/customer/display.html, and type in “Help Loved Ones Set Up Their Echo Show Remotely” in the “fi nd more solutions” bar. ViewClix: This is a smart picture frame specifi cally designed for elderly seniors that lets family members make video calls, send photos and post virtual sticky notes with messages to their loved ones ViewClix from their smartphone, tablet or computer. Seniors, however, cannot initiate video calls from their ViewClix. Home Wi-Fi is also required. Available in two sizes – 10-inch for $199, and 15-inch for $299 – you can learn more about this product at ViewClix.com. Facebook Portal: If your mom is a Facebook user, a voicecommand Facebook portal (see portal.facebook.com) is another simple way to stay connected – home Wi-Fi is needed. Portals, which come in three sizes – the original 10-inch Portal ($179), the 8-inch Mini ($129) and the massive 15-anda-half-inch Portal Plus ($279) – are like Echo Shows, except they connect through Facebook. With a Portal, your mom can video call your smartphone or tablet (and vice versa) using Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Obituaries Page 17 Donna “Higgins” Tanner Cove, Saint Petersburg, Fla. Donna grew up in Saugus, attended the Saugus school system and graduated from Saugus High School in 1972. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass. Past National Commander DAV Auxiliary, former Saugonian Donna Marie “Higgins” Tanner, National Commander of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Auxiliary, 2006-2007, and former Saugus resident passed away suddenly from a heart attack on May 2, 2020, in Saint Petersburg, Fla. She was the daughter of Ed and Barbra Higgins, formerly of Saugus, and resided in Americana Donna married Jim Tanner, a disabled veteran from Chelsea, and immediately joined Saugus DAV Auxiliary Unit 115 in 1983, and she held all elected offi ces. In 2001 she was elected Massachusetts DAV State Commander, and in 2002 she was appointed the DAV’s National VA Veterans Service Representative – attending meetings in Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. Donna worked for 25 years as a Bank Branch Manager for Santander Bank in Everett and North Station, Boston. In 2002 she voluntarily withdrew from the workforce to devote her time to helping veterans. For almost 20 years she was the DAV Hospital Service Ride Coordinator at the Bedford VA Hospital and coordinated free rides for thousands of veterans living on the North Shore to VA Hospital appointments in Boston and Bedford. In 2006 she was elected National DAV Auxiliary Commander; she visited Auxiliary Units throughout the country, hospitalized patients in VA Hospitals and the Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md. She attended the National Disabled Veterans Sports Clinic in Colorado. Donna was always happy and had a smile on her face. She loved helping veterans and their families. She enjoyed spending time in Florida helping her parents, husband and all the friends she easily made. She would say she led a good life, having Saugus education, working jobs she enjoyed and helping thousands of veterans. Donna would say Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 BUYER1 BUYER2 Badda, Fahd Cheng, Bao S Shen, Ningjun Ruiz, Jojany M Pousland, Christopher M Damico, Kristen A Kavanagh, Charles E Kallinich, William R Brown, Jacquelyn Soares, Natalia Hagstrom, Kerri Alvarez, Paula A SELLER1 Simmou, Samira Guan, Luis F Zhang, Chen Segovia, Alexander M Salvato, Danielle M Damico, Michael Moulton, Samantha M Kelly, Kristin M Brown, Lamont N Martel, John A Levasseur, Jeanne M Zhang, Chen Mas Builders LLC Hooper, Gloria J Prezioso, Robert V R&Claire Anderson T Anderson, Robert L Palermo, Patricia A Perkins, Kathleen Diorio, Marilyn M Anastas, Nicole M Mai, My Perkins, Stephen H Topmpoint Capital Corp Plesz, Allison Plesz, Douglas SELLER2 ADDRESS 5 Sunnyside Park 17 Homeland Ave 17 Homeland Ave #B 8 Althorn St 168 Hamilton St 3 Pranker Rd 7 Social St 40 Boulder Rd 45 Magnolia St 43 Atlantic Ave 5 Wormstead St 9 Johnson St #9 her greatest pleasures of life included being National Commander of the DAV Auxiliary, visiting all 50 states, meeting the President, spending time with her grandson Cyrus and beating the boys playing poker on Friday nights. Donna will be missed. Arrangements were made by Veterans Funeral Care, Clearwater, FL 33765; https://veteransfuneralcare.com/obituary/ donna-tanner. ~ HELP WANTED ~ Construction Help Wanted Seeking Full-Time Laborers Basic construction knowledge, MA Drivers License with clean driving record a must. EVERETT ALUMINUM Call Steve at: (617) 389-3839 ~Handyman Services~ •Plumbing •Electric •Ceiling Fans •Waterheaters + More Call Tom 781-324-2770 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 02.07.2020 02.07.2020 02.07.2020 01.07.2020 30.06.2020 30.06.2020 30.06.2020 30.06.2020 30.06.2020 29.06.2020 29.06.2020 29.06.2020 PRICE $350 000,00 $767 500,00 $710 000,00 $488 000,00 $440 000,00 $538 000,00 $525 000,00 $466 000,00 $400 000,00 $428 000,00 $675 000,00 $401 000,00
Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Advocate Call now! 781-233-4446 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! “COMPLETE GLASS SERVICE CENTER” Storefronts & Entrance Doors Custom Mirrors • Table Tops • Auto Glass Insulated Glass • Window & Screen Repairs 2034 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett 617-389-GLAS Classifi eds eds
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President Keeping our sellers & buyers safe is our top priority! Stay Well and we will return to full time, full service soon! NEW LISTING BY SANDY WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING BY NORMA NEW LISTING BY NORMA OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY JULY 26, 2020 12:00-1:30 67 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT 6 ROOM SINGLE WITH FINISHED BASEMENT NEW PRICE! $559,900 LISTED BY SANDY SINGLE FAMILY 39 LEXINGTON ST., EVERETT $725,000 LISTED BY SANDY SOLD BY NORMA! SINGLE FAMILY 33 WOODWARD ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $399,900 LISTED BY NORMA SOLD BY SANDY! 123 CENTRAL AVE., EVERETT SINGLE FAMILY $449,900 SOLD BY SANDY! SINGLE-FAMILY 67 DARTMOUTH ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $484,000 SOLD BY NORMA! 11 FAIRLAWN ST., EVERETT TWO FAMILY $759,900 EVERETT APT. FOR RENT Sometimes, the Key to Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate O Dil F 10 00 AM Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 www.jrs-properties.com 500 PM Denise Matarazz - Agent 617-448-0854 Maria Scrima - Agent Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Kathy Hang Ha -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent
Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, July 24, 2020 # 1 “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” View our website from your mobile phone! 335 Central St., Saugus, MA 781-233-7300 WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! LITTLEFIELD REAL ESTATE SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial. New windows, siding, new kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances, new cabinets. New hardwood flooring throughout house. New heat. Central AC. New maintenance free deck..........$570,000 WAKEFIELD CONDO ~ 3 rooms, 1 bed, 1 bath, newly renovated, SS appliances, granite, high ceilings, deeds parking, pets allowed ....... $269,900 SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial, 4-5 bedroom, 2 full baths, gas heat, central AC, new siding, new roof, hardwood flooring, fresh paint, new kitchen with SS appliances quartz counters ...............$559,900 38 Main Street, Saugus MA WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM 781-233-1401 WAKEFIELD ~ New construction duplex. 3 bed, 2.5 baths, 2400 sq feet, garage under, central AC, Gas heat, fireplace living room............. Call Keith Littlefield for pricing REVERE BEACH ~ Condo, 2 beds, 2 baths, quartz counters, SS appliances, central AC, beautiful ocean views, indoor pool, gym, sauna...... $394,900 SAUGUS ~ Birch Pond Estates. 3 bed, 3 bath split, Vaulted ceilings, finished walkout lower level, gas heat, central AC, gas fireplace, 2 car garage, sprinkler system, manicured grounds.................... $729,000 SAUGUS ~ 3 bed, 1.5 bath colonial. Open concept 1st floor, 2 car garage, newer gas heat, roof and HW heater, prof landscaping....$439,900 SAUGUS ~ Oversized split entry, stainless appliances, granite counters, great location, large 3 season sun room. in-law apartment... $644,900 Call Rhonda Combe For all your real estate needs!! 781-706-0842 MELROSE ~ Single family, 4 bed, 2 full bath, SS appliances, new gas heat, quartz counters, Central AC, Garage under...................$650,000 LAND FOR SALE SAUGUS Call Rhonda Combe at 781-706-0842 for details!! Call Eric Rosen for all your real estate needs. 781-223-0289 SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD UNDER UNDER CONTRACTCONTRACT
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