THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 16, 2024 Page 15 SOUNDS| FROM PAGE 14 Recycling Coordinator Scott A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Brick program for Saugus War Monument The Saugus War Monument Committee, once again, is sponsoring the Buy-A-Brick Program to honor all those who have served their country. If you would like to purchase one in the name of someone who is presently serving or has served, in the memory of a loved one, or just someone from your family, school, etc., the genBEACON | FROM PAGE 11 eral pricing is $100 for a 4” X 8” brick (three lines) or $200 for an 8” X 8” brick (fi ve lines). Each line is a maximum of 15 characters. The improvement and upkeep of the monument on the corner of Winter and Central Streets rely on the generosity of donors through fundraising. The brick application must be in by Sept. 10 to ensure the bricks will be ready for Veterans Day. Please contact Corinne Riley at 781-2317995 for more information and applications. About The Saugus Advocate We welcome press releasThis legislation ensures that fi rst responders who are injured in - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Probate and Family Court 36 Federal Street Salem, MA 01970 (978) 744-1020 Docket No. ES24P2399EA Estate of: JANET T. NOLL Also known as: JANET NOLL Date of Death: 05/07/2024 CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Richard Noll of Saugus, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Richard Noll of Saugus, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/16/2024. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 12, 2024 PAMELA A. CASEY O’BRIEN REGISTER OF PROBATE August 16, 2024 es, news announcements, freelance articles and courtesy photos from the community. Our deadline is noon Wednesday. If you have a story idea, an article or photo to submit, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a message at 978-683-7773. Or send your press release to me in the mail at PO Box 485, North Andover, MA 01845. Let us become your hometown newspaper. The Saugus Advocate is available in the Saugus Public Library, the Saugus Senior Center, Saugus Town Hall, local convenience stores and restaurants throughout town. the line of duty have access to the pay and health care, including mental health care, that they need to support their families and their road to recovery.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Y e s ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906) – Gov. Healey signed into law legislation changing how a family is defi ned in state law. Supporters said the new law would ensure legal parentage equality by protecting LGBTQ+ families, and children born through surrogacy and assisted reproduction, in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. They said the measure would dismantle archaic legal barriers to basic parenting responsibilities for modern families, opening the door to legally attend and make decisions during medical appointments, manage a child’s fi nances, participate in educational decisions and provide authorizations for a child’s travel. “Our laws need to refl ect the realities of modern families and the loving environments where children grow and fl ourish,” Gov. Healey said. “This moment is a victory for all families in Massachusetts who deserve to be treated with dignity and to have their rights recognized and protected under the law.” PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS (S 2902) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a measure that would require a manufacturer or person that sells Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment to any person or government agency, to provide, beginning January 1, 2025, written notice to the buyer, at the time of sale, if the equipment contains toxic perand polyfluoroalkyl substance chemicals, known as PFAS. The seller would also have to provide the reason the chemicals were added to the equipment. BeginBEACON | SEE PAGE 17 a nior How to Choose a Walk-In Bathtub Sa nir Sa y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Dear Savvy Senior, Because of my back pain and mobility problems, I’m interested in getting a walk-in bathtub that’s safe and easy to get in and out of. What all can you tell me about walk-in tubs, and can you recommend some top options? Old and Achy Dear Old, For mobility challenged seniors, a walk-in bathtub can be a terrifi c option to consider because they’re much easier to get into and out of than a standard tub, which also helps prevent falls. Here’s what you should know, along with a reliable resource to help you choose one. Age-Friendly Tubs Walk-in bathtubs are uniquely designed tubs that have a watertight, hinged door built into the side of the tub that provides a much lower threshold to step over (usually 3 to 7 inches) versus a standard tub that’s around 15 inches. Most walk-in tubs have high sidewalls, usually between three and four feet high, and are between 28 and 32 inches wide, but will fi t into the same 60-inch-long space as your standard tub without having to reconfi gure the room. In addition to the low threshold, most walk-in tubs also have a built-in seat, grab bars, anti-slip fl oors and anti-scald valves. Some tubs also come with handheld showerheads and quick drains (that drain the tub in under a minute), and many higher-end models off er therapeutic spa-like features that are great for seniors with arthritis and other ailments. The best kind of tub for you will depend on your needs, preferences and budget, and the size and layout of your bathroom. But be aware that walk-in bathtubs are not cheap. Prices range anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 or more for the tub and installation costs. Insurance and Aid Because walk-in tubs are not considered durable medical equipment, original Medicare does not typically cover them nor do Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policies, but some Medicare Advantage plans may help pay. If you’re receiving Medicaid, many states have Home and Community Based Services that may provide some assistance. Or, if you’re a disabled veteran, the VA has some home modifi cation grants that ior may help pay. There are also grants and loans available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that help elderly, low-income residents of rural areas make home modifications, which may be used to pay for a walkin bathtub. And, depending on where you live, there may be local programs that can help like Habitat for Humanity or Rebuilding Together. To fi nd out if these options are available in your area, contact your Area Aging Agency (call 800-677-1116) or nearby center for independent living (see ilru.org). If, however, you can’t locate any financial assistance and you can’t aff ord to pay upfront for a walk-in tub, most manufacturers off er fi nancing so you can make monthly payments. You should also know that if you’re using a walk-in tub for a specifi c medical condition, you may also be able to deduct the costs of the tub from your taxes as a medical expense (see irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf). Best Walk-In Bathtubs To help you choose a walkin bathtub the National Council on Aging, which is a national nonprofi t organization that advocates for older Americans, put together a review team to research the diff erent companies and tubs. Their list of best walk-in bathtubs of 2024 includes: • Best Walk-in Tub Overall: Ella Ultimate Walk-In Tub • Best Walk-in Tub with Shower: Kohler Walk-In Tub with Shower Package • Most Affordable Walk-in Tub: Ariel Walkin 3052 Soaker • Best Soaking Tub: American Standard Gelcoat Entry Series • Best Wheelchair-Accessible Tub: Ella Transfer • Best Walk-in Tub for Small Spaces: AmeriGlide Sanctuary 2646 WIT See NCOA.org/adviser/walkin-tubs/best-walk-in-tubs for detailed reviews and product links. To get started, you should contact a few walk-in bathtub retailers who can send a professional to your home to assess your bathroom and give you product options and estimates. Lowe’s and Home Depot also off er free evaluations and a wide range of walk-in tub options. 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.
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