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SAUGUS D Vol. 24, No. 35 -FREEHave a Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend! e a S OCC TE DOCAT www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday “We are going to the Moon” Supt. McMahon launches lofty academic achievement goals for Saugus Public Schools as a new school year begins By Mark E. Vogler T his will be the third straight school year that Saugus Public Schools – like public education systems throughout the country – will have to deal with the health threat of COVID-19. Students, teachers and staff in the town’s public education system will wear protective face coverings when they begin a new school year next Wednesday (Sept. 8), at least through October 1, as ordered by state Elementary and SecSCHOOL | SEE PAGE 7 A READY FOR THE STUDENTS: The Saugus Middle-High School will be a busy place on Wednesday (Sept. 8) as students, teachers and staff arrive for the fi rst day of classes to begin the 2021-22 academic school year. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A Field of Dreams School offi cials see the recent opening of the Saugus Middle-High School Athletic complex — which will be known as the Christie Serino Jr. Athletic Sports Complex after it is dedicated — as a major asset for the school system. Saugus now boasts a sports facility it can be proud of. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) 781-233-4446 Friday, September 3, 2021 A shortage of town candidates Only three School Committee hopefuls have pulled nomination papers as deadline nears; six have expressed interest in the Board of Selectmen By Mark E. Vogler s of Wednesday, just three candidates had pulled nomination papers to run in the town’s fall elections for seats on the five-member School Committee. Incumbent committee members Joseph “Dennis” Gould, Arthur Grabowski and John S. Hatch are interested in running for another twoyear term. But School Committee Chair Thomas R. Whittredge and ViceChair Ryan P. Fisher said this week they still haven’t decided whether to run for reelection and will make a decision before next Friday’s (Sept. 10) 5 p.m. deadline for obtaining the nomination papers. “I can’t remember an election like this with so little interest in getting involved,” Whittredge said in an interview this week. “Two years ago, when I pulled papers in early August, there were fi ve or six other people in the running. There’s always been at least eight or nine people running for the committee,” he said. “It blows my mind. It would be a terrible thing if only three or four people ran.” Two years ago, Whittredge topped a fi eld of 10 candidates for the School Committee as three incumbents were swept from office while two others didn’t run. The race for the Board of Selectmen two years ago was also hotly contested as 12 candidates ran in a race where two incumbents were swept from offi ce and another decided not to run for reelection. As of Wednesday, only six candidates for the board had pulled nomination papers. They are Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony W. Cogliano Sr., Vice-Chair Corinne R. Riley, Selectmen Michael J. Serino and Debra C. Panetta and challengers Domenic Montano and Darren R. McCANDIDATES | SEE PAGE 6 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.919 Mid Unleaded $2.959 Super $3.119 Diesel Fuel $3.019 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.799 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 Safe & Happy Labor Day Weekend! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 MSBA awards $140M-plus for Northeast Metro Tech building project W AKEFIELD – Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School (Northeast Metro Tech) Superintendent David DiBarri and the Northeast Metro Tech Building Committee were pleased to share that the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has awarded the district a grant of up to $140.8 million grant for a new building. Northeast Metro is operating out of a more than 50-yearold building that requires educational, capital and maintenance improvements. The new school will address the current facility’s outdated building systems, including much-needed ADA accessibility and code compliance upgrades, in addition to overcrowding. The new facility will allow Northeast Metro Tech to grow enrollment from 1,270 students to 1,600, a 26 percent increase. This is expected to dramatically shorten the district’s annual waitlist, which averages 400 students. “We are grateful to the MSBA for supporting a new Northeast Metro Tech, giving our next generation of students new and expanded opportunities,” Superintendent DiBarri said. “MSBA has been a great partner throughout this process, guiding us toward a state-of-the-art career technical education center while keeping costs in check. Most importantly, this grant significantly reduces the financial impact on residents and businesses in our 12 District communities … This would not have been possible without the commitment and support of the District’s delegation at the State House, which advocated strongly on our behalf,” Superintendent DiBarri said. The new school will feature 21st-century learning environments, improved Individualized Education Program (IEP) accommodations, state-ofthe-art shop space, expanded program offerings, a new primary access roadway from Farm Street to reduce traffic congestion, a full-size gym, a 750-seat auditorium, outdoor space for learning and a new cafeteria. With a focus on sustainability, the project is targeting LEED Silver+ certification with A rendering of the proposed Northeast Metro Tech building energy-efficient mechanical systems, provisions for solar panels, and vegetated roofs. The compact, four-story design will feature an upper-level courtyard, roof decks and a double-height library rotunda. The project is estimated to cost $317.4 million. The District will now have up to 120 days to receive support from its 12 sending communities. The District must receive all approvals before Dec. 23, 2021; doing so will result in sending communities saving about $24 million in additional funds. With the vote of the MSBA Board, tax impact information for all 12 communities will be available and communities will have the opportunity to vote on the project this fall. Updates regarding the project and details about future community forums, as they become available, will be posted to the building project’s website and Facebook page. The project is being designed by architectural firm DRA with PMA Consultants as owner’s project manager and Gilbane Building Co. serving as construction manager at risk. Long weekends... The best kind of weekends. Happy Labor Day from your friends at Everett Bank! We’ll be closed Monday September 6th in observance of the holiday. As always, you can access your accounts using our ATMs and Online & Mobile Banking. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus program resumes for the 21-22 school year (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2), providing information about the return of the program for the new school year) Who we are: Healthy Stu419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC | Member DIF dents-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers that is helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families that enroll in the program a weekend’s supply of nutritious food when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/ vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up, access https://forms. gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is hoped that these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. HS2 would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with HS2, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at: https:// givebutter.com/HealthySaugus. Find us at Founder’s Day: Come by our table and say hello! Learn about the organization. Sign up for volunteer opportunities. Donations of nonperishables will be accepted at Founder’s Day! Items have been carefulHEALTHY | SEE PAGE 3

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 3 Annual Saugus Founders Day gears up for a return on Sept. 11 at town center By Mark E. Vogler F or the first time in two years, residents will get to enjoy Saugus Founders Day – one of the town’s most popular communitywide events over the past four decades – next Saturday, Sept. 11. The event in the past resonates with great community pride. And this year, it coincides with the observance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 – the terrorist attacks on New York City’s World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon. Health concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Charlie Baker’s orders on social distancing and other protocols led to the cancellation of what would have been the 40th Annual Saugus Founders Day last year. “The Town of Saugus is excited to announce this year’s Annual Founder’s Day Celebration,” Saugus Youth & Recreation Center Programs Coordinator Crystal Cakounes said this week. “The event will take place from 9am–3pm on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Booths will begin in front of Town Hall, and continue down Central Street. This is a wonderful Town tradition, and we are looking forward to celebrating again this year,” she said. The Saugus Advocate will publish a more detailed schedule of events in next week’s edition, as the information was not available at press time. Meanwhile, the Founders Day signature event – the presentation of the “Persons of the Year” awards – will not be made this year. Normally, past winners of the prestigious award honoring Saugus citizens meet in late summer to nominate candidates and select the honorees. “It’s not news to anyone that we are in the midst of a pandemic and, once again, Essex County is in the red and Saugus is in the middle of Essex County,” Joyce Rodenhiser and Kathy Blasingame wrote in a recent email to local newspapers. “So, the committee to select ‘Persons of the Year’ is being cautious. We will not be meeting to make these selections at this time. We sincerely hope to be back in action next year and perhaps we can present ‘Persons of the Year’ for three years, 2020, 2021 and 2022. May you be well and stay safe.” 20th Annual Walk of Hope of Hope for ALS on Sept. 11 T eams and individual walkers are preparing for the September 11 Walk of Hope for ALS, a 3.5-mile walk around Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield to benefit The Angel Fund for ALS Research. This will be the 20th annual walk sponsored by The Angel Fund to support amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research at the Cecil B. Day Laboratory at UMass Medical School in Worcester. The lab is under the direction of world-renowned researcher Dr. Robert H. Brown, Jr. ALS, which is more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive, always fatal neuromuscular disease that leads to muscle weakness and, as it progresses, results in total paralysis and the inability to speak and swallow while the mind and senses remain intact. The event begins with registration at 9 a.m. followed by the start of the walk at 11 a.m. Walkers of all abilities are encouraged to participate as individuals or a team. The event will adhere to all current CDC HEALTHY | FROM PAGE 2 ly chosen for their high vitamin and nutrient content. We ask that donations are not expired and come only from this list: –Macaroni & cheese (7.5 oz.) –Peanut butter (15 oz.) –Jelly (squeeze plastic bottles) –Canned vegetables (i.e., sliced carrots, green beans, guidelines, and all unvaccinated walkers are encouraged to wear masks. The walk around Lake Quannapowitt includes the annual release of doves for those who are living with ALS and those who have lost their courageous battle to the disease. There will refreshments for all walkers (in accordance with CDC guidelines). To register as a walker or to register a team, log on to The Angel Fund website at www. theangelfund.org or call the organization at 781-245-7070. Donations to The Angel Fund can also be made online or can be sent to The Angel Fund, 649 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880. All donations should be made payable to The Angel Fund. To assist its walkers, The Angel Fund for ALS Research has joined classy.org, which enables them to create their own webpage to raise money online. Registered walkers can create their page at https:// theangelfund.org/events/ walk-of-hope-for-als-4/. There are several levels of corporate sponsorship for the peas, corn) (15 oz.) –Canned tuna (5 oz.) –Canned chicken (10 oz.) –Canned beans –Canned meals (i.e., soups, chili, SpaghettiOs, raviolis) –Fruit cups –Oatmeal packets –Cold cereal –Granola bars –Pasta –Pasta sauce (no glass) Walk of Hope for ALS. Several local businesses have already pledged their support as sponsors of the Walk, including the Law Office of Nigro, Pettepit & Lucas, June’s Joggers, The Savings Bank and UMass Medical School. Information about sponsorship opportunities can also be obtained on the website, www. theangelfund.org, or by calling 781-245-7070. The Angel Fund conducts other fundraising events throughout the year that, along with individual and corporate donations, have been beneficial in helping make significant strides in ALS research. For a list of upcoming events, visit The Angel Fund website, www.theangelfund.org.

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 MS4MS at World Series Park will feature some great entertainment (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by World Series Park.) W orld Series Park in Saugus will host a fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on Saturday, October 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-day entertainment will be featured starting at 10 a.m. Performing will be The Teddy Larkin Trio, The Memory Laners, Tom Rosa & Company Singers, Forever Unknown, Chloe Panico, Uncle Steve Furbish and Beat ConnXtionz Dance Company. The coordinator for the event is Saugus’s own Dario Pizzano, a professional baseball player and a member of the Saugus Little League team that competed in the Little League World Series in 2003. Dario has been actively involved in fundraising for MS4MS for the last two years. His mother, Traci, has suffered with MS for several years, and Dario wanted to be part of helping raise money for research and perhaps someday find a cure. The event will have a fall theme with hayrides, pumpkins, corn on the cob, cider, cider donuts, a Halloween costume contest and pony rides. It will consist of a ceremony on the field with the 2003 Little League Team, food, booths, an auction, a raffle, the famous Carpenito Real Estate Lottery Ticket House Raffle, a display of classic cars and some surprises. The day will culminate with a softball game between the 2003 Saugus Little League team and a combined team of Saugus Police and Firefighters. If you would like to help, would like to make a donation to the raffle or auction or need more information about the event, contact Bob Davis at 781-233-4555. PREPARING FOR THE SHOW: The Teddy Larkin Trio, who will perform at MS4MS at World Series Park on October 30. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Why School Committee Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher might not seek reelection A recent post on his School Committee Facebook page Hi Saugus, It took me a few weeks to decide whether to run for School Committee the first time. That’s not theater. It’s a 25-30 hour a week volunteer job, often longer, away from my family, on top of my current responsibilities, with a five year old daughter who doesn’t understand why my endless meetings are more important to me than my time with her. I have made lifelong friends in this job, many of which I never expected to make. I’ve lost friends doing this job, which surprised me just as much. I’ve received expressions of support and pats on the back I’ll carry with me always. I’ve also been shouted at, sworn at, threatened with physical violence, and been told I’m disgusting as a human, actively negligent in my actions and that all the harm I’ve caused to children erases any good I’ve done in life. I just turned 40, so that’s a lot of harm. Way to trigger a midlife crisis, guys. Local elected officials have told me that I have no base of support (disagree – I’ve got game), that I should just go home and play with my kid (meant as an insult, which is sad for him because she’s kickass and he could be so lucky) to recently being told without a hint of irony that, unlike the speaker, I don’t care at all about kids (by someone who might not be so crass if he ever made that 3am “Tylenol or Children’s Hospital?” call, who doesn’t exactly wow me with his empathy for all children.) I’m in the middle of a vacation that was to be cut short anyway so I could, wait for it, attend a School Committee meeting this week. I’m standing in the middle of a beautiful lake, not playing with my daughter, answering school committee emails on a hopefully waterproof phone, facing the death-ray glare of my too-good-for-me wife for the millionth time, and just opened an email questioning my integrity, my commitment, and the integrity and commitment of a School Committee chairman who is shouldering more personal responsibilities than any husband and father ever should, proclaiming that we’re to be reported to the local press because we didn’t fix a situation an hour before the writer brought it to our attention. I’ll decide in the next week whether I’m pulling papers for a second term. I’m doing a terrible job convincing anyone who loves their town and their schools to throw their hat into the ring, and the keyboard warriors who love to tear things down haven’t shown much interest in actually building something (and sadly have commitments washing their hair for the next two months.) Be kind to each other, remember that two people can have the same goal but different paths to reaching it, and always take a long walk before hitting “send” on that email. Best, Ryan Fisher

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 5 Town Election 2021 It’s time for somebody to step up to fi ll my Town Meeting seat By Ron Wallace A nother election year is fast approaching. A lot has happened since the 2019 elections. The Covid pandemic still lingers on, Apartments are fl ying up at a record pace and traffic is getting worse. On a good note the new Saugus Middle-High School is open and the new athletic field is ready to go. We also have a new Superintendent who seems very motivated and competent. Saugus has a hardcore dedicated small group of volunteers who donate a lot of time to make Saugus a better place to live. Saugus also needs more residents to get involved, run for offi ce and try to make a diff erence. Commenting and complaining on social media is not what will make Saugus a better place. We have Selectmen, Town Meeting, School Committee and Housing Authority. Also many appointed positions such as the Cemetery Commission which I also serve on just to name a few. I will not be seeking a fourth term on Town Meeting. My time is done. I really hope someone will step up and will run for and fi ll my seat in Precinct 5 and help make Saugus a better place for all of us. Ron Wallace Lifelong resident Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member 54 Magnolia St. Editor’s Note: Ron Wallace submitted this article, hoping that it will encourage fellow town residents to run for public offi ce in the town’s fall elections. Wallace says he would like to see more residents who have the time and interest to make their town a better place to live make a commitment to public service. Time is running out for candidates who would like to run for Town Meeting, the COVID-19 cases continue to rise There were 73 newly confi rmed COVID-19 cases reported in town over the past week, according to town manager By Mark E. Vogler T here were 73 newly confi rmed cases of the Coronavirus reported over the past week, raising the total to 4,524 confi rmed cases of COVID-19 since March 1 of last year, according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. The total number of deaths linked to the virus remained at 74, Crabtree said. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” he said. There were 68 newly confi rmed cases last week. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, Sept. 5 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Sept. 6 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from Sept. 2. Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m. on Channel 8 – Starship Wrestling. Thursday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting ***live***. Friday, Sept. 10 at noon on Channel 8 – From the Vault – Spirit of Saugus. Saturday, Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. on Channel 8 – Founders’ Day ***live***. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www. saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Housing Authority. The deadline for obtaining nomination papers is 5 p.m. Sept. 10. The last day for candidates to submit nomination papers to the Board of Registrars (Town Clerk’s Offi ce) for certifi cation of signatures is 5 p.m. Sept. 14. A CALL FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member Ron Wallace isn’t seeking a fourth term in this fall’s town elections, but he encourages other Saugus residents to run. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) This weekend and throughout the year, we celebrate all those who work to make our community better. 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 win-waste.com

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Arizona medical examiner rules Saugus native’s death accidental S By Mark E. Vogler augus native Angela Tramonte’s death while hiking on a Phoenix mountain trail in late July was accidental, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled this week. The medical examiner determined that Tramonte, 31, a recent Winthrop resident, died from “environmental heat exposure.” Tramonte took a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, to meet a man she had talked to online for two months. They set out to hike Camelback Mountain on July 30. But about halfway up the mountain, she was exhausted and couldn’t continue. She walked back down alone while her friend kept climbing. Her companion, off-duty Police Officer Dario Dizdar, has drawn heavy criticism on social media for not returning with Tramonte. Offi cials said the two hiked Echo Canyon Trail on Camelback Mountain on a hot day without carrying any water. Phoenix Fire Department offi - CANDIDATES | FROM PAGE 1 Cullough. Montano is a Saugus police offi cer who ran for selectman two years ago. McCullough is the animal control offi cer, an appointment he received from selectmen. Pulling nomination papers is just the preliminary stage of the town election process which culminates in the Nov. 2 town elections. Sept. 14 is the fi nal day for candidates to submit their nomination papers to the Board of Registrars. Ugly Saugus politics bothers Fisher Fisher hinted last month that he may not be running for a second term. He put a post on his School Committee page admonishing people for the way they were treating elected volunteers. In an interview this week, he said he believes the kind of unpleasant treatment he has reAngela Tramonte (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) cials said the woman became overheated about halfway up the trail. According to reports, Tramonte asked her companceived as a School Committee member probably discourages other potential candidates from getting involved in the School Committee race. “I think it's certainly a factor,” Fisher told The Saugus Advocate. “School committee members across the country are being threatened by politicians and angry parents, and they are volunteers who wanted to help their community,” he said. “You can express disagreement or criticism calmly. This has been a tough two years, and few decisions have been easy.” Fisher noted that being a School Committee member is a diffi cult and demanding volunteer position – but an important one for those who care about the public education in their hometown. “I jumped into town politics when my daughter just turned two. She’ll be eight by the end of the next term. School committee is far and away the most time intensive commitment in town. Every phone call, email and meeting is a sacrifi ce, so absolutely, it’s diffi cult when others don’t respect what we give up,” Fisher said. “I have a challenging job, and other commitments on the burner, so it’s overall a question of devoting so much time. I don’t defi ne myself by the service. I’m happy to help, and I’m also happy to step aside,” he said. “I do feel we’ve had too many people who see elected service as a way to advance their own agendas and power and stature at the expense of the kids and progress. Look how far we’ve come. We have the right superintendent at the right time, the right team, the right facilities and reion to continue to the top of the mountain to take pictures so that she could share them with her friends on social media before heading back to the parking lot. But fi re crews later found her unconscious near a home along the side of the mountain. Tramonte was pronounced dead at the scene and Phoenix police said they didn’t suspect foul play. A GoFundMe page (https:// www.gofundme.com/f/6fh8sw-justice-for-angela) for the family organized by Melissa Buttaro, a close friend of Tramonte, has raised more than $68,000. sources, and it may be between fi nishing the job or letting all our progress be washed away.” Whittredge cites personal challenges School Committee Chair Whittredge said he understands the dark side of Saugus politics and how it can drive away caring citizens from seeking to serve in volunteer elected jobs, particularly the School Committee. “I guess I’m not really surprised by the low interest shown [in the School Committee seats] so far,” Whittredge said. “In the days of social media, people just don’t want to get ripped apart online. Being on the School Committee is one of the toughest positions in town. Being the chair of the School Committee is the toughest,” he said. But as unpleasant as people can be in their social media criticism, emails, letters and phone calls, Whittredge said that kind of abuse is not the reason why he may not seek a second term. “It’s a big commitment. And right now, the future is very uncertain for me,” Whittredge said, referring to his wife Theresa’s ongoing battle with breast cancer. “I got to make sure I’m in it with two feet. Believe me, my wife is pushing me toward it,” he said. By next Wednesday or Thursday, Whittredge said, he will make a decision on whether to pull nomination papers. “If I decide to do it, getting the signatures is no problem,” he said. But I’m going to give it a couple of months to really decide,” he said. “I want to see how optimistic we are with the new chemo,” he said. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 7 SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 1 ondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley. But while urging students to take all necessary steps to protect themselves from the virus, new Superintendent Erin McMahon has ushered in a new era for the town’s public school system – setting astronomically high academic goals. As she prepared for the first academic school year of her five-year contract, McMahon declared, “We are going to the Moon.” “By June 2007, the Saugus Middle/High School will be in the Top 10 percent of the state high schools as measured by both math and reading on MCAS in the 10th grade,” she said. “We will do this by making at least one year’s growth for every student in math and reading year over year, starting in 2022,” she wrote in one of the two goal statements for the coming year. “The Veterans Early Learning Center and Belmonte STEAM Academy will prepare students for this challenge through teaching students to read and write by age 8. Together, with a yearly goal of effective instruction, we will see long-term outcomes.” The other goal involves enhancement of teacher performance. All teachers will be observed regularly in every classroom for the purpose of perfecting high quality instruction. The School Committee supports the goals, and most members say they are excited about the superintendent’s approach to the new school year. The Saugus Advocate asked the School Committee members to cite what they are looking forward to the most as the district begins the 2021-22 school year. Here are their responses: School Committee Chair Tom Whittredge The thing that I’m most excited about is getting all of these kids back in school at the same time for in person learning. And, I’m also excited to see the three-school system in action. I think all of these schools are running in the right direction. There’s so much to be thankful for and excited about. We have a new education plan. We have new leadership. Everything is brand new and state-of-the-art. New Schools. A new athletic stadium. We’re going to be one of the most desirable districts around. A lot of school districts in the area are going to be jealous when they look at our facilities. I’m also looking forward to a culture change that involves everybody – staff, faculty, students and parents. I want us to go into the new year with a positive attitude instead of worrying about the same old, same old stuff. As far as the new athletic facility, it’s absolutely incredible. It’s awesome. It’s what we need to keep our kids in the school district. I believe it’s going to go a long way toward keeping our student athletes in the district because we have a great facility. We’re in a good spot right now and I want to keep it going Also, I do have some concerns. Sure, there are going to be a lot of hiccups. We can’t fill all of the buses at this point because of a lack of drivers. We normally have four buses. But we only have two buses right now. I’m hoping that by the time school starts, we will be able to have some more filled. School Committee ViceChair Ryan Fisher I'm looking forward to a full year of kids in classrooms, uninterrupted, taking full advantage of the three school alignment. The superintendent has announced her “moonshot” to put Saugus schools in the top 10% in five years, and she’s hitting the ground running. Covid’s still here, and there are going to be bumps on the road, but I’m anxious to get started. Great things are ahead. School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould Totally excited about starting the new school year with three new and/or refurbished schools, equipment, electronics, desks/chairs, athletic field and new play areas for PreK-1 and 2-5. Also looking forward to the common curriculum, standards and sharing of best practices for each grade, now that all Saugus Students for each grade PreK-12 are in the same building under the same principal. I also hope we can have as normal as possible face to face learning, ability to move around buildings, participate in afterschool activities and sports. Lastly, very pleased with adding a new media specialist for 2-5 Belmonte to enhance the library offerings and addressing our reading needs. School Committee Member Arthur Grabowski I’m looking forward to having the school year as normal as possible. After the horrendous time we had last year, I really want to see the students back in the classroom, participating in extracurricular activities and getting back to the business of learning and achieving. I would hope that this COVID situation will not impact us like it has in the past. We can’t afford another year like we had last year. The students cannot afford another year like last year. So, I’m looking forward to the students getting back in the classroom and doing what needs to be done to bring everybody back to where they should be in an educational and emotional place of well-being. 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

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Hanging with Henry Juggler entertains a gathering at Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site By Laura Eisener T he performance had been rescheduled from a previous date but still drew a good audience. Henry the Juggler told us he is from Amherst, Mass., and had never been to the Iron Works before. He put on a great show and invited participation by the audience, resulting in many laughs. At the end, he invited young would-be jugglers to come up and get some coaching on their skills and had a number of takers for this instruction. Henry the Juggler is a professional. He has been seen by tens of thousands up and down the East Coast – appearing at theaters, schools, libraries, festivals, scout troops and business districts. He has been performing and teaching juggling for over 30 years. He studied physical comedy at California’s Dell’Arte School, and he continues to develop his act through classes in TaiChi, Feldenkraiz and Tango. He is an active member of the International Jugglers Association and the Hats Off Performers Guild. Henry is the producer of the annual New England Performers’ Retreat. ENJOYING THE SHOW: some of the crowd at Saugus Ironworks watching Henry the Juggler perform. Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com A CROWD PLEASER: Henry the Juggler juggled for an enthusiastic crowd of 40-50 at a program sponsored by the Saugus Public Library. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA THE MAIN EVENT: Henry the Juggler balanced a backpack, toy raccoon and flip-flop “borrowed” from the crowd on a crutch on his head at the Saugus Iron Works on Monday morning. (Courtesy photos to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) WELCOME TO SAUGUS: Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault introduced Henry the Juggler at the Saugus Iron Works on Monday morning (Aug. 30). TESTING THEIR SKILLS: A group learned to juggle at the end of Henry the Juggler’s performance.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 9 The Savings Bank program plants a tree and gives a tree T he Savings Bank (TSB) will plant a tree and give a tree to existing free checking account customers who sign up for eStatements and anyone who opens a new free checking account with eStatements during the month of September. TSB has partnered with One Tree Planted to reforest areas devastated by wildfires by planting a tree in the customer’s name in those forests and giving a Plant a Tree kit to the customer to grow the urban forest in their own community. Eligible customers will receive a Plant a Tree kit that includes a seedling to plant and an online Tree Certificate with their name and the location of the tree planted through the One Tree Planted program. “Climate change is a real issue and trees have been identified by scientists as one of the solutions to the climate crisis,” said TSB Bank President Bob DiBella. “The Savings Bank is happy to participate in this unique project that not only addresses reforestation to help with forest fire recovery, but also addresses the importance of helping the environment by reducing waste, saving paper and lowering greenhouse gas emissions with eStatements.” To open a new free checking account with eStatements, visit any TSB branch office or go to the website tsbawake24.com. To enroll in eStatements, login to online banking on the website or visit any branch office. One Tree Planted is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provides jobs for social impact Savings Bank, which is headquartered in Wakefield, Mass., is a $695 million community bank with offices in Wakefield, Lynnfield, North Reading, Andover and Methuen. Saugus receives state grant to develop a plan in response to climate change By Mark E. Vogler S augus is among 66 communities receiving grant money from the state to develop a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan. The town learned recently that it received $74,500 “I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for supporting and recognizing our efforts here in Saugus,” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree said in a statement to The Saugus Advocate yesterday. “The Town has taken climate change seriously over the years by taking the necessary steps to start addressing it head on. We have conducted an MVP workshop and are in the process of conducting a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) update and a Master Plan,” the town manager said.. “Throughout all three processes our community has consistently mentioned the increased effects that flooding and heat have had on our residents. Through this Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CARP) planning process we hope to achieve a better understanding of the latest science available to implement nature-based solutions to keep our residents safe from rising tides and increased temperatures,” he said. “We are particularly worried about our vulnerable populations such as those that live in close proximity to the Rumney Marsh Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) that is prone to flooding, our low-moderate income and/or elderly households that may not have the resources to prepare for significant climate events, and our families that don’t speak English as their first language.” Crabtree said this is an example of town officials constantly looking out for the best interests for Saugus residents. “We are making a concerted effort to ensure that our vulnerable populations are informed about and participate in this planning initiative. This grant will have a tremendous benefit for Saugus residents so that we can better understand how to respond to the climate threats facing our Town,” he said. Building on its commitment to Aluminum Everett 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 63 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 60 •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofing •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum creating a more climate change resilient Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration this week announced $21 million in grants to cities and towns through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program, representing a doubling of the program budget since last year. To date, this brings total awards through the MVP program to more than $65 million. The grant program, which was created in 2017 as part of Governor Charlie Baker’s Executive Order 569, provides communities with funding and technical support to identify climate hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement priority actions to adapt to climate change. The grants are in addition to the Administration’s proposal to invest $900 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into key energy and environmental initiatives, including $300 million to support climate resilient infrastructure. Through this latest round of funding, 93 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns, or 328 municipalities, are now enrolled in the MVP program. The program pairs local leadership and knowledge with a significant investment of resources and funding from the Commonwealth to address ongoing climate change impacts, such as inland flooding, storms, sea level rise, and extreme temperatures. Of these funds, $20.6 million was awarded to 66 cities, towns, or regional partnerships to implement projects that build local resilience to climate change in the Commonwealth’s fifth round of MVP Action Grant funding. “Massachusetts communities are implementing important, nation-leading efforts to adapt to climate change,” Baker said this week. “Our Administration is committed to working with municipalities across the Commonwealth to tackle these urgent challenges, which is why we have proposed a significant increase in funding for climate adaptation projects through our federal ARPA spending plan.” and restores biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits that contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To learn more, visit onetreeplanted.org. Established in 1869, The Summer is Here!

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler H ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus. Back to School Best wishes to the students, staff and teachers of Saugus Public Schools as the new school year begins next Wednesday (Sept. 8). And best wishes to all the other school-age children in Saugus who are headed to other schools in the area. And good luck to all of those Saugonians who are headed off to college or have already begun their school years. For Saugus Public Schools, the year begins with great expectations as new Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon begins her five-year plan. She has set the bar high for academic achievement with a goal for the Saugus Middle-High School reaching the top 10 percent of state high schools as measured by both math and reading on MCAS in the 10th grade. Those are lofty goals, given that Saugus is starting out as being in the bottom 10 percent. The town’s school system is blessed with having the new school and extensive renovations done to its other two buildings – at the Veterans Early Learning Center and the Belmonte STEAM Academy. And student athletes have a lot to look forward to: competing in a brandnew athletic complex that recently opened. There seems to be a great spirit growing in a school system that has recently been one of the state’s lowest performing in the high school and middle school grades. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend with family and friends. Best wishes to all for a rewarding academic year that gets underway next week. Pig Out on reading: library announces a special story time The Saugus Public Library is pleased to welcome Farmer Minor and Daisy the potbellied pig for a very special story time: “Pig Out on Reading.” This family fun event will be held on Friday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. outdoors at the Saugus Iron Works. Farmer Minor will tell the children stories about life with Daisy and read her some favorite books. This program is recommended for children ages one to six. No registration is required. Farmer Minor’s program was created to help kids develop a love of reading. Farmer Minor and Daisy (and two pugs!) have presented their program to children in 49 states. They have been featured in newspapers and TV across the country. This program was made possible through the generosity of the Saugus Cultural Council and the cooperation of the National Park Service at the Saugus Iron Works Historic Site. For more information, visit the library’s website or contact Amy Melton, Head of Children’s Services, at melton@noblenet.org. A one-day trash/recycling delay The Town of Saugus announced that the trash and recycling collection will run on a one-day delay from Tuesday, Sept. 7 through Saturday, Sept. 11, due to the observance of Labor Day. There will be no collection on Monday (Sept. 6), due to the holiday. Services will resume on a one-day delay from Tuesday through Saturday. Residents whose collection day falls on Monday will be collected from on Tuesday. Collection will continue to run on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. The compost site will be open normal hours tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 4). The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Legion Hall News Here’s some good news for people who enjoy those Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210. Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210, shared this information with us: Legion Hall, located at 44 Taylor Street, will resume its Friday breakfasts starting next Friday, Sept. 10 and will continue through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. The American Legion post will hold its first monthly dinner at 6 p.m., with a meeting to follow on Tuesday, September 7. tional Leadership at Columbia University. She believes in “working as a team effort building bridges and common paths. “She has been quoted saying many positive statements that give glimpses into who she is and what type of cooperative collaborative Leadership principles she follows and implements. She has said she hopes to bring a calm purpose and joyous atmosphere to the school committee. “‘We are going to the Moon,’ she declared at a recent School Committee meeting, noting that a major goal is to bring the Saugus Middle School/High School from the bottom 10 percent to the top 10 percent of state high schools as measured by both math and reading on MCAS in the 10th grade by June of 2027. With attitudes such as these she has capabilities to move mountains! “Congratulations Erin On your new position! Keep on shining your light brightly! “Yours Truly, GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who correctly identifies the Saugonian who was sketched between now and Tuesday at noon qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway Saugus location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) Saugus Historical Society news On Wednesday, Sept. 8, the Saugus Historical Society will hold its first in-person general meeting since March of 2020, at 7 p.m. at the newly renovated 30 Main St. There will be a tour and a brief presentation about the history of 30 Main St. and some interesting people connected with it, and a brief history of the Saugus Historical Society. The society’s president, Laura Eisener, emailed us the following note: “We may need to limit the number of people in attendance, as this first public glimpse of the inside of the enlarged building could draw a crowd! The program will be filmed by SCTV and available for viewing later in the month. Members and their guests are invited to attend. Non-members please call president Laura Eisener 781-231-5988 and let her know of your wish to attend – walk-ins will be admitted if there is space.” September 11, Founders Day: SCTV will hold an open house of their new addition on Founders Day from 112. Due to previous commitments by board members, the historical society will not have a table on Town Hall lawn nor have our section of the house open to the public on that day. New members are needed for the Saugus Historical Society Board of Directors. There are two openings, one for a secretary and one for a regular board member. The board generally meets on the first Wednesday of each month except in summer. Due to COVID, the Board is primarily communicating via email at this time. Anyone who has questions, suggestions or an interest in being on the Saugus Historical Society board, please call President Laura Eisener at her home phone: 781-231-5988. We have a winner! Congratulations to Frances V. Palczynski for getting drawn from the green Boston Red Sox hat as the winner in the Aug. 13 “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Here’s the answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to the sketch is Erin McMahon “She is the district’s new Superintendent for Saugus; she replaced Dr. David DeRuosi. Jr. Erin is the first woman to lead the Schools in this position. “She has taught at the Graduate level Business Educa“The Sketch Artist” A Candlelight Vigil for COVID-19 remembrance Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley reminded us that the date has been set by the Town of Saugus along with the Saugus Clergy for “Remembering Those Who Passed and Those That Lifted us Up.” Plans continue for the Candlelight Vigil set for Sunday, Sept. 19 on the Town Hall lawn. “It will be a time to remember those who have passed, and also a celebration of Thanksgiving for those who we relied upon so heavily during one of the most susceptible times we have faced in recent history,” Riley said. “Since COVID-19 hit Saugus last Spring, we’ve lost so many not only from COVID, but from other causes as well. During the time of lockdown, social distancing guidelines affected how, if at all, we said goodbye to our family members and friends … More information will be forthcoming over the next few weeks regarding this town event. If you lost a loved one during the COVID pandemic and would like their name mentioned at the vigil, please send their names along to Saugusremembers@gmail.com and we will be sure to include them.” SaugusTV sets Open House date Founders Day will be extra special for the staff of SaugusTV. The town’s cable television organization gets to show off its brand-new studio with “an Open House,” set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11. Saugus residents, businesses and organizations are invited to check out SaugusTV’s new quarters at 30 Main St. – in the renovated Saugus Historical Society building. It’s a chance for everyone to come and see the new facility and meet and talk to the SaugusTV staff and other members who make regular use of the studio. Light refreshments will be served. What’s happening at Breakheart? Brett Power, a spokesperson for the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), gave us the latest listing for September at Breakheart Reservation. Here’s what’s happening. How about some Qi Gong and Tai Chi with State Rep. Donald Wong tomorrow (Saturday, Sept. 4) from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.? Join Rep. Wong for a relaxing Tai Chi class at the Breakheart Visitor Center! This free class is co-sponsored by DCR, the Friends of Breakheart, Cervizzi’s Martial Arts, the Asian American Cultural Center/Qi Farm and Win Waste Innovations. Donations are welcome. Best suited for adults and kids eight and older. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. All programs are free and open to the public. An adult must accompany children. Inclement weather cancels outdoor programs. Reasonable accommodations are available upon advance request. Breakheart Reservation is located at 177 Forest St. in Saugus. Parking is free. For more information call 781-233-0834 or visit the website – https://www.mass.gov/locations/ breakheart-reservation – or email brett.power@mass.gov. A call for candidates to serve Saugus At the moment, it doesn’t look like there is much inTHE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 11

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 11 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 10 terest in Saugus residents running for public office. I’ve talked to a few local officials and have read a little on local social media (something I don’t like to make a habit of doing) about the ugly side of Saugus politics discouraging people who might otherwise run for local office. It’s true that Saugus politics has a long reputation for being a brutal blood sport. But it would be a shame if civic-minded folks decide to shun public office because of the nasty body politic of Saugus. If you feel like you have something to contribute to the betterment of your community, have the support of your family and have the time – run for public office, but run for the main reason that you want to help your town. It would be a shame if only three people run for the School Committee and only six for the Board of Selectmen. And that was the count as of Wednesday (Sept. 1), according to the Town Clerk’s Office. Though the number of candidates pulling nomination papers at this point may seem down, there is still a week to go. “Some years papers are pulled early and some years papers are pulled at the last minute,” Town Clerk Ellen Schena told me yesterday. “Last day to pull candidate papers is Friday, September 10th until 5 p.m. The Town Clerk’s office will remain open until 5 p.m.” For Saugus residents who plan to run as candidates in the town’s fall elections, here are some important dates released by the Saugus Town Clerk’s Office: Sept. 7 at 5 p.m.: last day for incumbent Town Meeting Members wishing to become a candidate for reelection to submit written notice to the Town Clerk. Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.: last day to OBTAIN nomination papers. Sept. 14 at 5 p.m.: last day for candidates to SUBMIT nomination papers to the Board of Registrars (Town Clerk’s Office) for certification of signatures. Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.: last day to file objections or withdrawals. Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m.: drawing of ballot positions (Town Hall Auditorium). Oct. 13 from 8:15 a.m.-8 p.m.: last day to register to vote. Fifty certified signatures of registered voters are required for the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Housing Authority. Ten certified signatures of registered voters are required for Town Meeting Members. Signatures must be of registered voters in the candidate’s precinct. Oct. 26: Office of Campaign Finance Reports are due on this Monday, the eighth day preceding the election. Nov. 2: Town Elections. Dec. 2: Office of Campaign Finance Reports are due on the 30th day following the election All candidates are expected to comply with the Town of Saugus Zoning Bylaws (Article 7, Section 7.3, Sub-Section 8) regarding political signs. A concert for cancer care The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host Country Women, a benefit concert with Samantha Rae Whiskey–6 and Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy – along with Darren Bessette & Carly Tefft and Sandy Gennaro – on Friday, September 10. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., and tickets are $20 per person. The concert will benefit the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The concert is slated for Kowloon Restaurant’s outdoor entertainment venue on Route 1 North in Saugus. Samantha Rae Whiskey–6 is a country-rock act that delivers a mix of country rock originals and pop country radio favorites driven by a powerful rhythm section. The band is fronted by Samantha Rae. Critics call her “A beautiful and energetic small town country spitfire who packs both a punch and sultry country tone.” The band was nominated for and won the prestigious fan-voted New England Country Music Group of the Year. Ayla Brown & Rob Bellamy are billed as “Country/ Americana. Rob is the grit of the vocal and Ayla is the soul.” The newly married couple first began writing songs together after meeting over a 1,000 miles away in Nashville. They eventually began recording demos, uploading videos on Facebook and YouTube of their songs and booking shows together along the East Coast. In 2019, they released their first EP, “Make it Mean Something.” For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-2330077. A “Shout-Out” to the DAR We didn’t receive any recommendations for shoutouts this week. So, I will use my editorial discretion to recognize members of the Parson Roby Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. The local DAR has approached the town recently with a request for permission to register Riverside Cemetery with the “Wreaths Across America” Organization. “It is our organization’s goal to promote education, historic preservation and patriotism,” DAR representatives wrote in a recent letter to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. “Our aim is to gather enough Sponsorships to have ‘Wreaths Across America’ place wreaths on all veteran graves this December 2021,” the letter continued. “Your permission, endorsement and Cemetery Chairman are required prior to us gathering support from family, friends and neighbors in recognizing our town veterans. The DAR has always supported veterans, since our founding in 1893, and this is just a small gesture for us to recognize their service to our town, state and country.” Special praise to DAR representatives Charlotte Line, Gail Cassarino, Janice Jarosz, Jaclyn Smith, Linda Ross and Wendy Renda for organizing the effort. The local DAR organized a cleanup of the old burial ground at Saugus Centre last October. Their project included cleaning up the old headstones so they looked like new ones. Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. A community garden update If you are young or old and feel like doing some real earthy community service, why not join the growing team that’s been assisting the Community Garden which has been helping to feed the hungry and needy people of Saugus? Contact The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church to get the latest update on how the garden is doing and what you can do to help. Anyone who wants to help out Rev. John on this noble project can call him at 774-961-9881 or send him an email at revjbeach@ gmail.com. We will keep you posted as the garden continues to grow. Remember folks, this is your garden. Be a part of it. “We are also working on the garden on Friday from 9-11 and invite all interested folks to join us,” Rev. John wrote in an email to us this week. Clarifying some veterans’ issues Jay Pinette, the Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Saugus, wanted to pass along a few words to clear up any confusion about how his office works. “Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are not VA employees and do not have direct access to VA systems or information,” Jay wrote to us in an email. He continued, “Local VSOs are employees of their respective cities and towns. VSOs are generally able to assist veterans and eligible dependents with VA-related claims and benefits activities. “One of the primary duties of the VSOs is to administer a program for veterans and eligible dependents that is referred to as ‘Chapter 115’. Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. CH. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial assistance for low income veterans and their dependents. Qualified veterans and their dependents who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria may receive monthly financial benefits that are intended to assist the veteran with housing and living expenses. “If local Veterans wish to enroll in VA healthcare and/or obtain a VA ID card, representatives from the VA Bedford will be on-site at the Lynn VA Clinic twice a month. The on-site enrollment will be held on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are advised and the dates and times are subject to change. The Lynn VA Clinic is located at 225 Boston Street, Suite 107. For more information or to schedule an appointment for enrollment, call 781-687-3348 or e-mail vabedoutreach@va.gov. “The Veterans Services Offices of Saugus and other surrounding communities have partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to hold monthly mobile food markets for veterans. With the closure of the Saugus Senior Center during the pandemic, the food market was moved to Melrose. We have now moved the food market back to the Saugus Senior Center. The veterans mobile food market is held on the third Wednesday of each month. Veterans and eligible dependents must sign up with the Saugus Veterans Service Office to determine eligibility. VSO Jay Pinette can be reached at 781-231-4010 or at jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Or on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906.” About the veterans’ bricks Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley, who is involved with a lot of veterans events and programs in town, passed this note along: “The Saugus Veterans Council would like to inform those who ordered bricks prior to May 2021, which were displayed at the Memorial Day Ceremony, that those bricks will be installed at Veterans Park mid August and will be dedicated on Veterans Day.” CHaRM Center Recycling Drop-Off site open The community’s Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) site has opened. This site will remain open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. At the CHaRM center, the Town will accept the same recycling items that can be placed outside for curbside collection each week, such as paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and glass containers. No shredded paper is accepted for on-site recycling. Additional acceptable items include TVs and computers (up to three per year per address), car tires up to 22” (for a fee of $3), books and textiles, such as clothing, bedding, pocketbooks, belts and shoes. Plastic bags are not permitted, residents are kindly asked to empty recyclables out of any plastic bags and to remove the bags from the site. Also, rigid plastics are not being accepted for recycling at this time. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Compost site open The town compost site is open to residents on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Stickers are required to gain seasonal access to the site. Stickers may be purchased for $25.00 at the Department of Public Works (DPW) located at the Compost Site when making your visit to the Compost Site. The Town accepts checks only for payment of the $25.00. No cash will be accepted. Kindly bring a check when visiting. Thank you! Compost site stickers must be permanently placed on the lower left corner of residents’ automobile windshields. Vehicles registered out of state are not permitted. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. We ask all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Help the Vietnam Vets “Roll to DC” A reminder from Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a Vietnam War Era veteran who served four years with the U.S. Navy. He has organized a fundraising drive that will THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 12

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Poor Sportsmanship, Pandemic contributing to shortage of High School Sports Officials Behavior of parents cited as among the worst of all adult spectators at High School games By Dr. Karissa Niehoff Executive Director National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) As high schools begin a third school year of sports and other activities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a familiar issue continues to challenge administrators nationwide: finding enough individuals to officiate all scheduled contests. In some states, Friday Night Lights have become Thursday or Saturday Night Lights as teams consider playing on alternate dates to accommodate the lack of individuals to officiate games. The shortage of officials in high school – and middle school – sports has been a growing concern for several years – in large part due to unsportsmanlike behavior by parents and other adult fans. Now, additional sports officials are electing to stay on the sidelines because of health concerns related to COVID-19, or they are uncomfortable wearing a mask during games. The challenge for schools and state associations remains two-fold: how to recruit more individuals to become officials and how to retain those people currently serving as officials. Short of unexpected events like the coronavirus, if a new official remains active after the first three to five years, the outlook for a long-term career is pretty good. Hoping to make an impact nationally on the officiating shortage and the sportsmanship issues at hand is Dana Pappas, who joined the NFHS staff last month as the new Director of Officiating Services. Pappas joins the NFHS staff after 24 years with the New Mexico Activities Association, including the past 17 years as commissioner of officials. Although there was a hope that the post-pandemic behavior of parents and other fans would be improved, Pappas said the jury is definitely still out as sportsmanship issues have continued to exist. “From some of the early reports, there are still many acts of bad sportsmanship occurring,” Pappas said. “There are still people who are going after sports officials after games, during games, and it continues to be an adult problem. I don’t think too many of the issues we see are really the kids. It’s generally the spectators, although it can be coaches at times when their behavior incites the crowd. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 11 help area Vietnam Era veterans visit Washington, D.C., in the fall of next year. “I am glad to announce that we will have a ‘Roll to DC’ for Vietnam Era Veterans from Melrose, Saugus, Wakefield and surrounding towns September 2022. “The managers of this effort will be Saugus VFW Post # 2346. “Gould will be Chair and David Nelson, Saugus American Legion and Stacey Minchello, Melrose Senior Center will be Vice Chairs. “Stan King, Quartermaster Post # 2346 be Treasurer.” It will be a four-night trip to D.C. – staying at The Presidential Inn on Joint Base Andrews, the home of presidential aircraft. It will include a ceremony and wreath laying at the Vietnam Wall and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier as well as visiting all military memorials and statues. “We are looking for major sponsorship and donations from all. The Vietnam Veterans will go on this trip free, but it will take approximately $70,000 of sponsorship and donations,” Gould said. “If you would like to be a major sponsor, please conPoor behavior by players’ parents have plagued high school sports for many years and is now being blamed for contributing to a nationwide shortage of game officials in nearly every sport. (Courtesy Photo) “I think the sportsmanship issue is something that continues to keep individuals from officiating, or we lose them because of poor sportsmanship.” Pappas noted that in addition to losing officials due to the COVID-19 concerns and poor sportsmanship, others may have changed jobs during the pandemic, and with some games being moved earlier in the day, they are unable to get free from their jobs to handle officiating assignments. While the loss of officials because of the pandemic is understandable and uncontrollable, losing individuals from the officiating ranks due to the boorish and over-the-top nasty behavior of parents and other adults is unacceptable. Pappas said many states back the statement: “If you act in an inappropriate manner, you will have to pay.” While these programs are necessary, she also believes proactive plans should be in place as well. “Doing preseason meetings with coaches and parents are important, but I think having officials go and address parents and talk to them about rules changes is important. It would be great for officials to go and talk to parents and kids so that they understand that they are not just the bad guys in the striped shirts, that they are someone who wants to be a part of the educational process, who’s giving back and there really to help and educate. “There needs to be shift in those expectations and remind parents of what it was like when their tact chairman Dennis Gould cell 617 257 4847 or e mail Jdgould1969@aol.com “If you would like to send in a donation, please make check out to: “‘Saugus VFW–Roll to DC’ write ‘Roll to DC 2022’ in comment Line and mail to: “Saugus VFW Post 2346 “190C Main St “Saugus Ma 01906 “Any questions or if you would like to volunteer to assist the committee, please contact Dennis at contact info above.” Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will continue to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in kids didn’t have an opportunity to play. Everyone agrees that was not good for anyone last year. And if you continue to abuse officials, we are going to be exactly where we were because there won’t be any way to adjudicate these games.” The NFHS has been actively recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign. More than 50,000 individuals have expressed an interest in officiating through this national effort at www.highschoolofficials.com Most recently, the NFHS has been targeting high school coaches to consider officiating another sport in their off-season after previous campaigns directed to other groups. Assisting state associations and schools in recruiting more officials is also on Pappas’ To-Do list. “Kids coming out of high school think they have two options – to play sports or to coach sports. They forget about the people who are officiating their games! So, how do we make officiating something that is at the forefront of their minds? When they are leaving high school or leaving college, they need to understand that there is an entire career path they could follow in the world of high school officiating.” As fall high school sports swing into full action this month, let’s respect the men and women who are giving of their free time so that once-in-a-lifetime opportunities of high school activities can continue for our nation’s youth. need, even for short-term or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been over five and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@ comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 13 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE SUMMER Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener O ne of the largest plant families is the Compositae family (Asteraceae). Any “flower” that looks like a daisy is in this family, including coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia spp.), Montauk daisies (Nipponanthemum nipponicum), oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), zinnias (Zinnia spp.) and many others. What most people see as a flower is a head made up of many small flowers, often known as florets. The word floret refers to a flower that is one of a tight cluster, such as members of the Compositae family and the cabbage family (Brassicaceae, also known as Cruciferae), such as cauliflower and broccoli. Disk florets make up the “center” and contain the reproductive parts, so those are the florets that can become seeds. How many are there in the center of a sunflower? Go ahead and try to count them if you like, but some of the larger ones may have over a thousand individual florets. The ray florets are not capable of forming seeds, but they do have a showy, fused together petal, so their role in attracting pollinators is important. One genus, sunflower (Helianthus), has become very popular around the world as a food product and as an ornamental flower. Some sunflower species are perennial in our climate, such as the Jerusalem artichoke or sunchoke (Helianthus tuberosus), which has an edible underground tuber and is a very vigorous North American native. The most familiar species, common sunflower (Helianthus annuus), is an annual known for its large size flower head and golden petals in late summer and fall. These can reach 10' tall in some varieties. It is amazing A SUNFLOWER CLOSE-UP: From Joanie Allbee’s garden. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) DAYS OF THE SUNFLOWERS: One of the cheerful faces of the popular flower that thrives in Saugus gardens in late summer. See inside for more photos and interesting facts about the sunflower in this week’s “Saugus gardens in the summer.” (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) A LATE SUMMER GIFT: The colorful annual zinnia (Zinnia elegans), showing several layers of pink petalled ray florets and yellow disk florets. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) to see such a huge result from a seed planted just this spring. The tallest ones usually produce a single flower head per stem, but other varieties may have branching stems with multiple heads per plant. While yellow is the usual color of the petals, varieties which have red, orange or nearly white are also available. The color of the disk florets can vary on a single sunflower variety, depending on what stage they are in, and they may change color once pollinated, and then as they develop seeds they will usually be varied tones of brown. Often the disk florets are brownish, but at least one popular ornamental variety, ‘Sunbeam,’ has disk florets that are green. Seeds produce an important and nutritious oil, and the seeds themselves are consumed by people and animals. Most common sunflower vaSUNFLOWER-THEMED MANTEL: Bouquet, painting and wall quilt in my living room. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) rieties, those considered “single” sunflowers, have a single row of ray florets around the outer edge. Sunflower varieties considered “Double” have multiple rows of ray florets – sometimes this means that there are no disk florets visible at all, and sometimes there is a very small center with disk florets. Vincent Van Gogh painted “Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers” in 1888 in his famous “yellow house” in Arles. There are at least two varieties of sunflowers in the two-tone yellow vase of his most famous painting – some are single and some are double. He actually painted about a dozen versions of this subject, and sunflowers have been a popular theme for many other artists also. While most sunflower varieties are ‘single,’ there are popular varieties, such as ‘Teddy Bear,’ which have so many ray florets it is hard to see any disk space at all! At an average of 3' tall, ‘Teddy Bear’ is often described as a dwarf sunflower as it is not grown for its dramatic height. ‘Sunfinity,’ which blooms continuously for most of the summer and early fall, is an especially popular potted variety, bearing many flower heads at once on branching, stout stems. Their bloom time is far longer than that of other sunflower varieties, but they rarely form seeds. The rainy weather of July was somewhat challenging for the sun-loving common sunflowers, but their cheerful faces have still popped up in several Saugus gardens. Joanie Allbee grows hers from seed and says, “I love NEWCOMERS: Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and blanket flower (Gaillardia grandiflora), two perennial Compositae family members newly planted at the Saugus Historical Society/Saugus Cable TV headquarters at 30 Main St. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) A WELCOMED GUEST: Here is a picture of a hummingbird in Joanie Allbee’s sunflower garden. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) them. They make me smile, and it’s fun to see the hummingbirds plugged right into them – they stop at the window in mid-flight hovering as if to say ‘Thank you!’ I in turn smile and say ‘Thank you’ to them!” 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 offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Children learn lessons in fables T By Tara Vocino he Saugus Public Library hosted the Fairy Tale Players, who presented “Three Fabulous Fables: The Lion and the Mouse, The Boy who Cried Wolf and The Tortoise and the Hare,” at the Saugus Iron Works recently. Children shared their favorite parts of the play by Aesop after it had ended. Belmonte School student Melody Phelon, 8, said it was cute when the Mouse bit the net to free the Lion in “The Lion and the Mouse.” However, her favorite moment in the set of tales was when the Tortoise and the Hare shook hands at the end. Preschooler Marcella Bertoli said all of the lessons were her favorite, adding that she couldn’t just pick one. Her grandfather Kevin Halpin said his favorite was “The Tortoise and the Hare” with the message that the slowest one wins. “I liked how they made the children part of the show,” Halpin said. “It’s great that they were able to keep them entertained.” Avellina Dellheim said she liked when the characters were nice to each other. Children Melody Dellheim, Joy Phelon and Avellina Delheim watched the play. Marty Mason (as the hare) was interviewed by the reporter (Danielle Melillo) about the race. When asked by characters, Veterans Memorial Elementary School first grader Avellina Dellheim, 6, standing, said her talent is playing soccer. Jocelyn Duford, as the hunter, captured the lion. The pirate said the setting of “The Lion and the Mouse” was in the jungle. Saugus Public Library Head of Children’s Services Amy Melton welcomed the Fairy Tale Players to town. The tortoise and the hare begin the race. The sheep (Jocelyn Duford) danced to keep the shepherd (Marty Mason) occupied in “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” Marty Mason (as the lion) and Danielle Melillo (as the mouse), at right, taught the mouse to be friends with the lion in the fable “The Tortoise and the Hare.” The characters shield each other from a hailstorm. The mouse freed the lion by biting the net to show children that friends come in all shapes and sizes. Marty Mason (as the shepherd boy) played rock, paper and scissors with the wolf (Danielle Melillo), which taught children to learn how to tell the truth. The tortoise won the race when the hare fell asleep, teaching children that slow and steady wins the race. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 15 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local representatives voted with their party’s leadership in the 2021 session through August 27. The votes of the 2021 membership of 29 Republicans were compared with those of GOP House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). The votes of the 2021 membership of 128 Democrats were compared to House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 66 votes from the 2021 House session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls that were not quorum calls or votes on local issues. THE DEMOCRATS: A total of 101 (78.9 percent) of the 128 Democrats voted with Mariano 100 percent of the time. That means that nearly four-fi fths of the Democrats always voted with Mariano. Another 13 Democrats (10.1 percent) voted against Mariano only once. Only fi ve Democrats (3.9 percent) voted with Mariano less than 90 percent of the time. The Democratic representative who voted the lowest percentage of times with Mariano is Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville) who voted with Mariano only 78.4 percent of the time. She is followed by Reps. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) 80.3 percent; Rep. Colleen Garry (D-Dracut) 83.3 percent; Tami Gouveia (D-Acton) 86.3 percent; and Nika Elugardo (D-Jamaica Plain) 89.3 percent. THE REPUBLICANS: None of the 29 GOP members voted with Jones 100 percent of the time. Sixteen Republicans (55.2 percent) voted with Jones at least 90 percent of the time. Thirteen Republicans (44.8 percent) voted with Jones less than 90 percent of the time. The Republican representative who voted the lowest percentage of times with Jones was Rep. Joseph McKenna (R-Webster) who voted with Jones only 81.8 percent of the time. He is followed by Reps. Alyson Sullivan (R-Abington) 83.0 percent; Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) 83.3 percent; Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) 84.8 percent; and David DeCoste (R-Norwell) 86.1 percent. REPRESENTATIVES’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2021 The percentage next to the representative’s name represents the percentage of times the representative supported his or her party’s leadership in 2021 through August 27. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the representative opposed his or her party’s leadership. Some representatives voted on all 66 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each representative is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted and does not count the roll calls for which he or she was absent. Rep. Jessica Giannino 100 percent (0) Rep. Donald Wong 95.3 percent (3) HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of August 2327, the House met for a total of 35 minutes while the Senate met for a total of seven minutes. Mon. Aug. 23 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:03 a.m. Senate 11:17 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. Tues. Aug. 24 No House session No Senate session Wed. Aug. 25 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Aug 26 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Senate 11:04 a.m. to 11:08 a.m. Fri. Aug. 27 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Florence & Chafetz expands assisted living memory care with 12 new apartments Assisted living now taking reservations for renovated homes F lorence & Chafetz Home, a specialized memory support residence operated by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare (CJL), is pleased to announce the expansion of its assisted living memory care residences on September 1, 2021. The 12 newly open private studio apartments, each with a private bathroom, showcase bright and airy common spaces that foster resident interaction in a secure environment. “When we embarked upon the expansion, our goal was to create memory care apartments with an open concept setting,” said Executive Director Kristen Donnelly of Florence & Chafetz Home and Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living. “Most importantly, these new living spaces enable our residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia to walk about freely yet safely.” Interior design elements were specially selected to enhance the warm and comforting environment. The apartments feature individual heat and air-conditioning control, handicap accessible bathrooms, and showers with seats. Many of the new spaces overlook the expansive grounds and courtyard. Common spaces include a living room, a café with fresh baked goods, a library, a courtyard, a dining room, a salon and a huge activity room. “We have been receiving so many requests for memory care assisted living,” said CJL Director of Marketing Jennifer Fazekas. APARTMENTS | SEE PAGE 17 Sa Sen i r Sa a y Senior Senio BY JIM MILLER H t Hdl Y Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are moving to a diff erent area of the country to be near our daughter. Will this aff ect our Medicare benefi ts? Will we need to adjust our coverage or re-enroll in a new plan? Moving Away Dear Moving, Moving can indeed aff ect your Medicare benefi ts depending on the type of coverage you have and where you move to. If you and your husband are enrolled in “original Medicare” Part A and Part B, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t need to change your plans when you move because they’re the same throughout the U.S. You will, however, need to notify the Social Security Administration of your change of address, which you can do at SSA.gov/myaccount/ change-of-address.html or by calling 800-772-1213. But, if you’re enrolled in a Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan, or a Medicare (Part C) Advantage plan and you move out of your plan’s service area, you’ll need to choose a new plan that serves your new area. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do depending on the type of coverage you have. If you have a Part D plan: If you’re in rolled in original Medicare and have a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, you’ll need to contact your Part D plan to fi nd out if it will work in the area you’re moving to. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to enroll in a new plan that provides coverage in your new location. You can make this switch the month before you move and up to two months after the move. Otherwise, you’ll need to wait until the next open enrollment (in the fall) and could be penalized for having no acceptable prescription drug coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan: If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, again, contact your plan to fi nd out if it will serve your new area. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to enroll in a new plan that does. To shop for new Advantage and/or Part D prescription drug plans in your new lonior M di ior How to Handle Your Medicare Coverage if You Move cation, see Medicare.gov/ plan-compare. You can switch Advantage plans the month before you move and up to two months after you move. But be aware that if you relocate out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area and fail to enroll in a new plan in your new area, you’ll automatically be switched to original Medicare. This will happen when your old Medicare Advantage plan is forced to disenroll you because you don’t live within its service area anymore. If you have a Medigap policy: If you’re enrolled in original Medicare and have a supplemental (Medigap) policy, you’ll need to notify your provider that you’re moving, but you should not need to change insurance companies or plans. (Note: there also are Medicare Select plans, which are Medigap plans that are network-based and are available in a few states. These plans may require you to change.) Medigap plans are standardized across the country; for example, Medigap Plan F off ers the same coverage in one state as it does in another state (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have waivers from the federal government allowing them to standardize Medigap plans diff erently, so plan designs are diff erent in those three states). But be aware that Medigap costs vary by location, so your monthly Medigap policy premium may be higher or lower depending on the cost of medical care in your new area. Call your provider and tell them the new ZIP code, and they’ll let you know the cost. Sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised that it’s lower. If it’s not, you could look for a cheaper policy. However, you may have to undergo medical underwriting. Medigap policies come with their own rules for enrolling, and some states have different enrollment standards than others. 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.

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 OBITUARIES Rosemary T. (Kehoe) Furbush 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! Office: (781) 233-2244 Age 85, of Revere, formerly of Saugus, died on Sunday, August 29. She was the wife of the late Daniel P. Furbush, Jr. Born in South Boston, Mrs. Furbush was the daughter of the late John J. and Julia T. (Warren) Furbush. She enjoyed summering with her husband at Sebego Lake in Maine. Mrs. Furbush is survived by her five children, Daniel P. Furbush III, Kathleen M. Carlotti, Michael A. Furbush, Mary A. Brown, Robert F. Furbush; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by 1 grandson, Steven J. Brown and 3 brothers, Warren, John and Henry Kehoe. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134 “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 17 REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS 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. Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade BUYER1 Rengel, Shayane K BUYER2 SELLER1 Rangel, Wilton SELLER2 ADDRESS CITY “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” JOSEPH D. CATALDO SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS R etirees have to decide when to collect their social security benefi ts. Widows or widowers can collect his or her benefi ts under their deceased spouse’s work history at age 60. Otherwise, you can collect benefi ts at age 62, at full retirement age which is age 66 if you were born in 1943-1954, age 66 and a certain number of months (based upon your year of birth between 1955 and 1959) or age 67 for those born in 1960, or at age 70. In 1983, Congress reduced Social Security Benefits by raising the retirement age and gradually increasing the monthly benefi t available to you if you wait until age 70 to begin collecting. For individuals born after 1960, the Social Security Administration increases monthly benefi ts approximately by 7% per year between the ages of 62 and 70 if you wait to collect at age 70. Therefore, by waiting until age 70 to collect, your actual monthly benefi t will have been increased by approximately 76%. Furthermore, those highter monthly benefi ts are also indexed to infl ation. As an example, if someone APARTMENTS | FROM PAGE 15 She added, “It is gratifying to ofwere able to collect $1,125 per month at age 62, waiting until age 70 would result in a monthly benefi t of $1,980, for a $855/month increase. One option is to withdraw from an existing retirement account such as a Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, 403 (b) or 401(k) plan for the years from age 62 to age 70. Then, you can begin collecting your social security at age 70. If you were to die with a surviving spouse, your surviving spouse would be able to collect your monthly benefi t with cost of living increases each year based upon the higher age 70 benefit. Your spouse would have to be married to you for at least 10 years. This would also help your minor children who would be able to collect based upon the higher age 70 monthly benefi t that fer the local community new living options for those who need specialized care.” you were receiving prior to your death. Another option is to continue working part time until age 70 in order to generate enough cash fl ow to meet your monthly living expenses. Of course, if these options are not feasible, you can certainly begin collecting at full retirement age, or even age 62 if your situation warrants it. If you have not done so already, go onto the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov and establish a user id and password. You will have the ability to double check that all of your earnings have been posted to your account and you will be able to see what your monthly benefi t would be based upon the year you wish to begin collecting. Also keep in mind that up to 85% of your social security benefi t can be taxable depending upon your other taxable income. Located on scenic Admiral’s Hill at 201 Captains Row, the assisted living off ers 69 studio and one-bedroom apartments for traditional assisted living and 36 for memory care. For information and/or to book a tour, please contact Jennifer Fazekas at jfazekas@chelseajewish.org or call 617-8870826. About Chelsea Jewish Lifecare CJL, a highly respected leader in senior living, employs over 1,500 people and provides care to over 1,500 individuals daily, with campuses in Chelsea, Peabody, West Roxbury and Longmeadow, Mass. Offering a full continuum of services, CJL (www. chelseajewish.org) is redefining senior care and re-envisioning what life should be like for those living with disabling conditions. The eldercare community includes a wide array of shortterm rehab and long-term care residences, ALS and MS–specialized care residences, traditional and specialized assisted living options, memory care, independent living, adult day health, ventilator care, home care and hospice agencies that deliver customized and compassionate care. DATE PRICE 371-1/2 Lincoln Ave Saugus 13.08.2021 $870 000,00

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 8. Who starred in “Million Dollar Mermaid,” “Dangerous When Wet” and “Bathing Beauty”? 9. On Sept. 5, 1882, the first 1. On Sept. 3, 1783, what war ended? 2. The Museum of Broken Relationships, which is in Croatia, has an outpost in what locale known as Tinseltown? 3. What is reportedly the most popular pizza topping? 4. What trains have expethe pandemic? 5. September 4 is World Beard Day; in 1860 what candidate was advised to “let your whiskers grow” so he could get more votes for U.S. president? 6. What are the “Three Rs” of education? 7. What kind of event is La rienced a sales jump during Tomatina Buñol in Spain? U.S. Labor Day parade was held in what city? 10. In what Boston neighborhood is there a 10 foot wide, 1800s house? 11. What sports player has been nicknamed King James? 12. On Sept. 6, 1628, the Puritans first settled Salem after sailing from England in what month: June, July or August? 13. What book has the subtitle “or There and Back Again”? 14. On Sept. 7, 1921, the “Inner-City Beauty” pageant (A newspaperman called the winner Miss America, which the pageant was later called) was held in what beach city? 15. Which month is Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month, which was established by Lone Star Publishing? 16. Which state is the Cornhusker State? 17. On Sept. 8, 1945, the division of what country began? 18. Where in the world would you find a delta? 19. What are the three Olympic triathlon sports? 20. On Sept. 9, 1843, Nancy Johnson received a patent for what invention with a dasher? ANSWERS 1. The American Revolution 2. Hollywood 3. Pepperoni 4. Model trains 5. Abraham Lincoln 6. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic 7. A tomato throwing festival 8. Competitive swimmer/actress Esther Williams 9. NYC 10. The North End (44 Hull St.) 11. LeBron James 12. June 13. “The Hobbit” 14. Atlantic City 15. September 16. Nebraska 17. Korea 18. At the mouth of a river 19. Cycling, running and swimming 20. An ice cream churn (It helped shorten a labor-intensive process, making ice cream more affordable.)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Looking to purchase a new home? Sandy Juliano Broker/President Remember, the seller pays agents commission. There is no cost to you to use a real estate agent to protect you during the biggest transaction of your life! Call today and ask about Buyers Representation. WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! LISTED BY NORMA & ROSEMARIE OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AUG. 28, 2021 12:00-1:30 CONDO 30 CHELSEA ST. #812 EVERETT CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 NEW PRICE! CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 LISTED BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT 6 FAMILY CHARLES STREET, MALDEN $1,250,000 CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 SOLD BY MICHAEL AS BUYER’S AGENT UNDER AGREEMENT 4 FAMILY 54 EVERETT ST. EVERETT 756 BROADWAY, EVERETT $859,900 CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 NEW LISTING BY NORMA SOLD! TWO FAMILY - 123 BUCKNAM ST., EVERETT $849,900 CALL QUAZI FOR DETAILS! 617-447-1989 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY SOLD BY JOE & NORMA AS BUYER’S AGENT 15 SOUTH MARBLE ST. STONEHAM AUG. 29, 2021 12:00-1:30 SINGLE FAMILY 20 BAKER RD., EVERETT $569,900 SOLD BY MICHAEL AS BUYER’S AGENT 58 BRADFORD ST. EVERETT Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 Open Daily From 10:0 Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate :0 00 AM 5:00 PM www.jrs-properties.com Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent

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