SAUGUS Vol. 24, No. 34 -FREETh e Advocate–A household word in Saugus! OC C www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday By Christopher Roberson oing into the new school year, Saugus school offi cials have varying viewpoints about the state’s new mask mandate, which will remain in eff ect until at least October 1. “I think from a public health standpoint it’s good to have a uniform mask policy that treats all public school students the same,” said School Committee Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher, adding that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is still a real threat. “The Delta variant is highly contagious and children’s hospitals are overfl owing in states where precautions aren’t being adequately taken.” Fisher said a major change from last year is that remote learning will no longer be a feasible option. “If there’s an outbreak in a school, and remember we’ve condensed students down into three buildings, it’s going to disrupt health and education more so than it did last year,” he said. “I understand masks are uncomfortable for many – I wear them First Place Finishers all day long myself – but the alternatives all across the board are worse.” School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge said vaccination decisions are personal and should not be made by government officials. “I would D O TE CAT 781-233-4446 Friday, August 27, 2021 School offi cials have mixed feelings about mask mandate G never vote to require any school age kid to be vaccinated,” he said. “I think that eventually the state may require it, but in the meantime it should be a personal choice.” School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski said each famiSCHOOL | SEE PAGE 3 Saugus Y hosts Not A Walk In The Park 5K ly should have the right to decide whether or not to get vaccinated. “What gives me the right to decide what is best for a child in this instance; isn't that a decision for the parent and child?” he asked. Runners take off from the starting line during the Not A Walk In The Park 5K at Breakheart Reservation last Saturday. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino) Emily McDivitt, 46, placed fi rst in the womens division with a time of 23:14. Ellis Iurilli-Hough, 16, with a time of 17:50, placed fi rst in the mens division. See page 12 for photo highlights. (Advocate Photos by Tara Vocino) Latest COVID-19 data shows dramatic increase in Saugus SEE PAGE 5 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.919 Mid Unleaded $2.959 Super $3.119 Diesel Fuel $3.079 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.859 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Have a Happy & Safe Summer! FLEET
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