SAUGUS Vol. 23, No. 43 -FREE“It’s not going to turn into a screaming match” Heffernan seeks productive talks as Health Board creates Wheelabrator subcommittee to work with the company on issues of town concern The Advocate–A Household Word in Saugus! DOC TE OC www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday MEETING OF THE MINDS: After several years of acrimony marked by countless executive sessions for the purpose of discussing litigation against the operators of the Wheelabrator Saugus trash-to-energy incinerator on Route 107 in East Saugus, the town’s Board of Health this week created a special subcommittee of citizens and town offi cials to work with the company in resolving neighborhood issues and concerns at the plant. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) By Mark E. Vogler T he Board of Health has created an 11-member subcommittee composed of town offi cials and residents to work together with Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. in resolving a wide range of issues related to the company’s trash-to-energy plant on Route 107. “We’ll get this thing rolling. I think it’s going to be a good thing,” Board Chair William Heffernan said toward the end of Tuesday’s (Oct. 20) 18-minute meeting after the board voted 3-0 to establish the special panel, which is expected to begin meeting early next month. At the outset of the meeting, Heff ernan declared the mission of “this subcommittee is to engage in productive discussions WHEELABRATOR | SEE PAGE 5 CAT 781-233-4446 E Friday, October 23, 2020 Knitting for a cause Eleanor Bourque, of Saugus, knits one of her beige and brown slippers for servicemen and women. She’s a member of the Saugus Knitting Club who meet in the parking lot of the Saugus Senior Center on Tuesday afternoons and donate their time to create items that will go to troops, the homeless and premature babies and others who will appreciate the gifts during these challenging days of COVID-19. See page 12 for story and photo highlights. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Why hasn’t the Planning Board been meeting? Precinct 2 Town Meeting member Joe Vecchione seeks a public explanation for board’s eight months of inactivity By Mark E. Vogler T he Saugus Planning Board hasn’t met in more than eight months – not since Gov. Charlie Baker began issuing shutdown orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March. Town Hall, the Roby School Administration Building, the Town Hall Annex and other locations where government bodies assembled haven’t reopened yet. But, soon after the shutdown of municipal buildings, the Saugus Retirement Board and the School Committee resumed their public meetings without having to leave their homes or offi ces through Zoom Video Conference meetings. The Board of Selectmen also got back to meeting – by “Zoom” – in April. Other major town bodies followed over the spring and summer months – except for the Planning Board, which last met on Feb. 20 in the Town Hall Annex Meeting Room. So, when is the Planning Board going to meet again and why has it been taking so long to schedule their fi rst meeting since the winter? Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione has been seeking answers for months and fi nally pressed for a public explanation two weeks ago when he emailed the fi ve members of the Board of Selectmen and Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. Vecchione requested a discussion at last week’s (Oct. 13) board meeting “regarding the status of the Planning Board and when they can and will resume their duties.” “While the construction moratorium on multi-family housing is not set to expire until next Spring, BOARD | SEE PAGE 4 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $1.919 MidUnleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.279 KERO $4.159 Diesel $1.959 HEATING OI 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 HAPPY FALL! Y FLEET
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 proposed veterans housing project in East Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Developer agrees to a month’s continuance on T he consultant for a developer seeking to build a 24-unit veterans housing project in East Saugus promises to make part of the public file a legal opinion which he says supports his client’s claim for special status under the Dover Amendment – a state law that allows for exemptions for nonprofit organizations. Richard A. Salvo, of Engineering Alliance, Inc. of Saugus, the civil engineering and land planning consultants hired by the Revere-based nonprofit organization Rising Community & Housing, Inc., also agreed to a continuance of Wednesday’s public hearing so the lawyer for neighbors who oppose the project can study the peer review report he submitted at the Oct. 14 Conservation Commission meeting. “We’re happy to continue this to the next Conservation Commission hearing,” Salvo said. He also said he had no problem including compensatory storage in the developer’s plan to reduce the potential for flooding at 206 Lincoln Ave. – site of the former Amato’s Liquor Store. Neighbors who live near the 23,000-squarefoot site where the project is planned say they worry that allowing the development will only worsen chronic flooding conditions for homeowners in the immediate area. The Conservation Commission voted to continue the hearing to their next meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 18. Salvo offered to produce the legal opinion defending his client’s Dover Amendment claim, agreed to additional flood mitigation and to the month-long continuance after being challenged by Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian. “I know the town has received a legal opinion that this is not a Dover site,” Manoogian said. At the same time, the developer has failed to produce its own legal opinion which asserts its Dover Amendment status, according to Manoogian. It would be unfair for the Conservation Commission to vote on accepting the notice of intent for the project because it would deprive the attorney representing the neighbors who oppose the project the opportunity to study the peer review report. During Wednesday night’s meeting, two representatives of BETA Group presented a peer review that determined there were no major issues of concern with the engineering aspects of the project. “No fatal flaws in the original design,” BETA’s Todd Undis said “This project would undoubtedly result in net improvement of stormwater runoff,” he said. Laura Krause, also of BETA Group, said it is up to the Conservation Commission as to whether members want to require compensatory storage. Krause said “minimal grading to provide some additional flood storage” is not required by the regulations, but could be included by the Conservation Commission. Salvo later agreed to accept that. Many of the people who testified Wednesday night were town officials who expressed opposition to the project. In addition to Manoogian, fellow Precinct 10 Town Meeting Members Martin Costello, Darren Ring and Steven C. DiVirgilo all said it would have an adverse impact on homeowners that they represent. Selectmen Michael Serino DEVELOPER | SEE PAGE 21 ~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~ ANTHONY CAGGIANO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR NE METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOKE SCHOOL COMMITTEE My name is Anthony Caggiano and I am running for Northeast Metropolitan Regional School Committee. I am a graduate of Revere High School and Suffolk University and a member of Teamsters Local 25 for over 35 years. A growing number of students are attending Northeast Regional and they need a voice on the committee to see that their safety, social and academic well-being are always protected. Anthony’s mother, Marie Sardella, was a secretary at the school in the Special Education Department. His stepfather, Louis Sardella, was the Special Education director for many years until they both retired. Each of Anthony’s three sons are graduates of Northeast Regional. As the climate of the world and out students’ future is readily changing, his focus will be on safety protocols for the students, teachers and staff. He will work closely with the Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to see that these safety protocols are Anthony Caggiano being addressed and funded appropriately. Anthony will work with the school administration and other committee members to make sure that their courses are up to date, in order to challenge students to their full potential and to further their education. “I humbly ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 3.” Facebook: @ElectAnthonyCaggiano www.ElectCaggiano.com
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 3 Renovations underway at Belmonte School (The following info is from a press release issued yesterday by the Town Manager’s offi ce.) S augus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the School Building Committee are pleased to announce that construction is underway at Belmonte School to make necessary renovations to the structure and convert the previously grades 6-8 Middle School into an Upper Elementary School serving grades 2-5. This renovation is the second phase in the Town’s comprehensive, District-Wide Master Plan Solution, which will change the way education is delivered in the community and help the school district achieve its goal to become a top-rated school district in Massachusetts. “It is extremely exciting to see the community’s vision become a reality after years of working together on this collaborative effort,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “This District-Wide Master Plan Solution, when paired with the newly implemented 21st Century Education Plan that was approved and adopted by the School Committee, will continue to change the way education is delivered and valued within our community.” “We are all hoping for the pandemic to pass so that our students can enjoy this tremendous educational facility that the residents of Saugus overwhelmingly supported,” stated Crabtree. The renovations to Belmonte School will include but may not be limited to: • Upgrades to all classrooms, including instructional techGina S Soldano REALTOR® ABR®, AHWD, e-PRO®, GREEN, MRP®, PSA®, SFR®, SRES®, SRS® Broker/Associate Millennium Real Estate 291 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02149 (857) 272-4270 Gina.Soldano@era.com gsoldanorealtor.com Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law AT THE WORK SITE: The Belmonte School Renovation project is the second phase in the Town’s comprehensive, District-Wide Master Plan Solution. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) nology, all new furnishings and new classroom storage and fi nishes lic areas • Updated fi nishes to all pub• New bleachers, lighting and sports fl ooring at the gymnasium • New age-appropriate furnishings, lighting and finishes at the media center and cafeteria • Reconfiguration and upgrades to the school’s administration area to include a secure main entrance and updated offi ces and support areas • Resurfacing parking and roadways • Drainage upgrades and improvements • Construction of a new play area that is age-appropriate for Upper Elementary School students, located at the rear of the site In addition, the existing shop wing will be renovated into a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) center with maker space, science and arts classrooms and new District Administration offi ces with a separate visitor entrance. The first phase of the DisCASH FOR GOLD RENOVATIONS | SEE PAGE 17 WE’RE BUYING GOLD SILVER PLATINUM DIAMONDS Class rings, wedding sets, pendants, earrings,pins, broaches, watches, dental, coins Redeem this coupon for up to an extra $50 in CASH toward your transaction You will receive $25 CASH on any $100 transaction $50 CASH on any $500 transaction Veterans receive an additional 10% back Exclude coin and better. Not to be combined with any other offer. One per customer UNIVERSAL DENTAL LAB 7 BROADWAY * MALDEN 781-324-2770 Rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants Rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, pendants, loose trict-Wide Master Plan Solution entailed the demolition of Saugus’s previous high school and subsequent construction of a brand-new, grades 6-12 Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) Middle-High School. In June of 2017, an overwhelming majority of Saugus residents voted to support a new, 21st-century education plan, Middle-High School and District-Wide Master Plan Solution that will continue to prioritize education within the community. Following the 71 percent approval vote, the MSBA awarded the Town a grant of up to $63.8 million to build the Middle-High School. The newly completed MidIs 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 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 Broken, Mismatched, Fine, Jewelry We Buy Any And All Conditions! Not sure what you have??
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 BOARD | FROM PAGE 1 there are still many planning and zoning related issues that need to be addressed including zoning amendments that need Planning Board recommendation prior to being put on the STM warrant,” Vecchione wrote in his Oct. 8 email in advance of the meeting. “The Planning Board’s hiatus prevents anyone from submitting any plans outside of multi-family housing as well as any additional zoning amendments proposed, sometime sensitive,” he said. “Checking with each town and city bordering Saugus and beyond, we are the only municipality that is not conducting Planning Board meetings. All have switched to a virtual format but have resumed business. This includes and is not limited to Melrose, Wakefield, Lynnfield, Lynn, Revere, Malden, Everett, Peabody,” he wrote. “...We simply cannot continue this hiatus as it adversely impacts planning and development outside of multi-family housing and also prevents making improvements to our zoning bylaws that will ultimately improve and protect the Town of Saugus.” Vecchione seeks Planning Board seat It is not up to selectmen to decide if and when the Planning Board should meet. That’s not in the purview of selectmen powers. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini articulated that and other concerns in an email responding to Vecchione. “Bottom line is the Planning board runs as an autonomous group and is not overseen by the TM or the BOS, '' Cicolini said, referring to the town manager and selectmen. Cicolini said he fully supports “asking the town counsel what options exist for the town to pursue” in order for the Planning Board to resume its meetings. “...I’m just saying I don’t think we should have any discussions without having TC [Town Counsel] opine first,” he said. But the issue was discussed anyway, toward the end of last week’s selectmen’s meeting, at the urging of Board Vice Chair Corinne Riley and Chair Anthony Cogliano. In his email, Vecchione suggested that if the 50-member Town Meeting body is capable of meeting in a virtual meeting, a five-member board should be capable of meeting, too. “In my PRESSING FOR A MEETING: Planning Board Chair Peter A. Rossetti, Jr. says he agrees with issues raised by fellow Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione. Rossetti says he hopes his board finally meets next month, via “Zoom” video conferencing. He says it hasn’t met since February because of a legal opinion which recommends they not meet. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) opinion, any further delay specific to Planning Board will begin to seem intentional,” he said. Vecchione also offered himself as a potential Planning Board candidate if any member’s term were expiring and/or somebody couldn’t fulfill their duties. He declared himself “eager to be considered as a Planning Board member given my expertise, enthusiasm and background.” “I’m always available for discussion,” he said. During a brief discussion, selectmen referred to Vecchione’s concerns. But they did not refer to him by name, only as a Town Meeting member who sent them several emails. Meanwhile, Vecchione watched the meeting via “Zoom” Teleconferencing. “If we have people on the Planning Board who refuse to meet, maybe they shouldn’t be on the Planning Board,” Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said. “There’s no reason in the world they can’t meet,” he said. A November meeting possible In an interview with The Saugus Advocate this week, Planning Board Chair Peter A. Rossetti, Jr. said he agrees with many of the issues raised by his fellow Precinct 2 Town Meeting member. “We need to have some kind of meeting soon,” Rossetti said. “It’s becoming an impediment to town business. I said I want to have a meeting in November. Tentatively, it’s being set for maybe Nov. 19. I am told that the powers that be are looking into it and will let me know,” he said. “We have a tremendous amount of work to do because we haven’t taken action on anything for months. In some cases, it’s going to have a significant impact on the town because it involves money – real estate taxes and fees that aren’t being collected,” Rossetti said. “There are places on Route 1 that need action or they go someplace else. Some of these [projects] haven’t hit the press or public knowledge yet. In some cases, they have been waiting months to get answers. Sooner or later, they will go find a place that answers their questions. That could cost the town tax revenue, development fees and other things.” Rossetti is also concerned about several proposed zoning articles that Town Meeting did not get to act on because of the Planning Board’s inactivity. They include three articles authored by Vecchione to improve the Business Highway Sustainable Development Zoning District (BHSD). Vecchione’s zoning articles and others were aimed BOARD | SEE PAGE 6
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 5 WHEELABRATOR | FROM PAGE 1 with Wheelabrator.” He noted that relations between Wheelabrator and the Board of Health deteriorated so badly several years ago that company representatives stopped coming to the board’s meetings because of lawsuits the board initiated. Meanwhile, adversarial relations hindered eff orts to resolve potential health problems and other issues aff ecting town residents – particularly those in Precinct 10, where the plant is located, according to Heff ernan. dress, and they only can do so by working together, he added. One of the benefi ts of the subcommittee is that there will be an immediate response when problems arise at the plant, he stressed, adding that was the reason for including a Fire Department offi cial as a member. “My intent is not to silence anyone,” Heffernan said, noting that there would be a public comment period at the end of every meeting, allowing citizens to express their concerns and to ask questions of Wheelabrator offi cials and the commitWHEELABRATOR OFFICIALS “WELCOME” RENEWED TALKS WITH SAUGUS TOWN OFFICIALS Wheelabrator Saugus offi cials are optimistic about the Board of Health’s decision this week to establish a special subcommittee of town offi cials and several Precinct 10 residents to work with the company on resolving issues of concern related to the trash-to-energy plant. “We welcome the creation of the committee and look forward to the discussion about how Wheelabrator Saugus can best continue to provide economic and environmental value to Saugus and the region,” Wheelabrator’s Vice President of Environmental Compliance, James Connolly, said in a statement. “We appreciate town leaders for creating this opportunity for cooperative and productive dialogue.” “We need to get back to the table. This is not just about closing the landfi ll. Yes, that’s a huge piece of the puzzle,” he said, referring to the ash landfi ll located near the Wheelabrator plant. But there are a number of other ongoing issues which the town and company need to adtee. “But it’s not going to turn into a screaming match like it did a few years ago, because that was just unproductive.” Originally, a 10-member panel Heff ernan said the list of 10 members he proposed was developed as a result of multiple meetings between himself, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano and Town Manager Scott Crabtree “to discuss who we thought would be the best candidates.” All three town officials are members of the committee. They decided to limit the composition to two selectmen, two members of the Board of Health, two former members of the Board of Health, a Saugus Fire Department lieutenant, the town manager, a Precinct 10 Town Meeting member and another resident who lives in the precinct. Joining Heff ernan, Cogliano and Crabtree on the subcommittee are: • Board of Health Vice Chair Shawn Ayube • Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley • Saugus Fire Department Lt. and Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member William E. Cross III • Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Delios • Precinct 10 resident Christopher Williams • Former longtime Board of Health Chair Joe Vinard • Former, longtime Board of Health Member Diane Serino, who is also a Precinct 10 resident Only Saugus residents were allowed because of a residency rule. And 10 was considered a manageable number. Heff ernan and other members said they were concerned about having too many members on the subcommittee, making the meetings less productive. Heff ernan said the committee would not include representation from specifi c environmental groups because other groups would want to come forward and “then we have 25 people” on the committee. “We’re handcuffed with a wealth of dedicated folks who want to be involved – and that’s a wonderful problem to have,” Ayube said. WHEELABRATOR | SEE PAGE 7 www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash For Your Car, Truck or SUV! 2014 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE LT Excellent Condition, Most Power Options, Key-less Entry, Panoramic Moon Roof, Backup Camera, Remote Start, 126K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME $10,900 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com 2008 CADILLAC DTS Platinum Package, Every Conceivable Option, Clean Title, Only 86K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME $8,500 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle!
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 BOARD | FROM PAGE 4 at providing the town with protection before the moratorium on multifamily buildings expires in April of next year. A Special Town Meeting last year approved an article that placed a two-year ban on the issuance of any new building permits for the construction of multifamily dwellings consisting of three or more dwelling units in any zoning district in the town. Rossetti said he isn’t worried about potential legal ramifi cations from the Planning Board’s inactivity. “Theoretically, it’s October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Portal To Hope sends special thanks to our program supporters and volunteers! For more information about Portal To Hope, or to get involved in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678, or visit www.portaltohope.org Join Portal To Hope’s Domestic Violence Task Force or Youth Leadership and Safety Council FORCING THE ISSUE: After months of questioning town offi - cials on why the Planning Board hasn’t met in months, fi rstterm Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Joe Vecchione recently prompted a public discussion when he wrote some emails to the Board of Selectmen. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) not like a developer could turn around and sue us or sue the town, because we are protected by the COVID requirements now in eff ect,” he said. Planning Board opposed meeting electronically In this week’s interview, Rossetti stressed that it was the majority of the Planning Board members who voted against meeting, even via “Zoom.” “I did contact all of the board members and asked them if they wanted to meet,” Rossetti said. “Three voted against meeting,” he said. ”As chair, I didn’t vote,” he said. Essentially, the board was inA BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES. LOW MONTHLY FEES - ONLINE BANKING & BILL PAY REMOTE DEPOSIT CAPTURE - COIN SERVICES TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT OUR DIFFERENT BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS. WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT OPTION. EVERETT – 419 BROADWAY LYNNFIELD – 7 7 1 SALEM STREET 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 Visit our website to learn more at: EVERETTBANK . COM Member FDIC Member DIF fl uenced by the town counsel’s legal opinion, which discouraged members from even holding meetings via “Zoom” teleconferencing. At the time, Rossetti said, he could understand why a majority of the Planning Board members didn’t want to hold remote meetings. “Somebody is going to be asking ‘Why did you go against a legal opinion you paid for?’” Rossetti said. “So, I could understand that. It was the determination of counsel that it’s not the thing to do, because they didn’t think the public would be adequately represented,” he said. There was also the logistical problem of presenting complex documents on the screen so members of the public could understand. And the ability of members of the public to participate in the process was limited. That was part of the board’s attitude, according to Rossetti. What the legal opinion says An Aug. 19 legal opinion auRIGHT BY YOU thored by Town Counsel John J. Vasapolli seems to be the main reason for the Planning Board’s apparent indiff erence to meeting via “Zoom” teleconferencing. And, thus it appears to be a contributing factor to the board being in limbo all of these months. “While the Zoom platform off ers a convenient, accessible means of conducting remote meetings, our recommendation is that it be used, if at all, for routine, uncomplicated business and not for conducting substantive hearings,” Vasapolli wrote in his two-page opinion more than two months ago. “We have several reasons for this. First, it is our understanding that some of the members of the Board, and Board staff , may not have the equipment or technological skills needed to use the full range of features that Zoom provides via internet videoconferencing. Although Zoom allows participation by phone, we do not feel that is an adequate substitute for the collaborative and discursive nature of an in-person meeting,” the opinion continued. “Relatedly, getting the most out of Zoom requires having a Host who is highly conversant in this technology and capable of managing a potentially high number of participants and their participation in meetings. Additionally, the introduction of plans and other complex documents could prove to be diffi cult in the zoom format.” Vasapolli recommended the board publish a notice advising the public why the Planning Board hasn’t been meeting electronically: “...in accordance with the advice of counsel … the Planning Board has opted to decline to conduct public meetings and/or public hearings via remote/electronic means until further notice due to technical consideration and concerns that proceeding remotely/electronically could limit public participation.” Meanwhile, Rossetti said he hopes the Planning Board will begin holding “Zoom” meetings soon. “I can understand why they don’t want to meet in person, because of the COVID,” Rossetti said. “But they should be able to meet electronically, though. Other boards are meeting, so why can’t we?”
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 7 ~LETTER TO THE EDITOR~ SAUGUS VETERAN APPEALS FOR PUBLIC HELP ON SPONSORING LATEST CIVIL WAR CEMETERY LOT PROJECT AT RIVERSIDE CEMETERY Dear Editor: I hope this letter fi nds all Saugus residents and their families well. It is a hard time for all of us and hopefully, they will have a vaccine soon for COVID-19. As many of you know, I take care of the Veteran cemeteries here in Saugus and one of my fi nal projects is to have curbing installed around the Civil War cemetery lot. Curbing will prevent people from running over the lawn and sprinkler heads damaging both on a yearly basis. Because I can’t do any raffl es or fund raising this year with the pandemic, I am reaching out to you for possible donations to help out with the curbing and maintenance of our veterans lots here at Riverside Cemetery. WHEELABRATOR | FROM PAGE 5 “Obviously, there’s a limit when you start having nonproductive conversation because there’s too many people in the room,” he said. Ayube said there were a few candidates he would have liked to have seen on the subcommittee. He mentioned Selectman Debra Panetta as a candidate “who comes to mind.” Panetta has been vocal in her interest in serving on the subcommittee, stressing her three decades of experience in working on Wheelabrator-related issues. She told the Health Board she was “very disappointed” at a meeting back in March when Cogliano presented his recommended list of 10 members. All but one candidate recommended by Cogliano – former School Committee Member Elizabeth Marchese – was not on the list approved this week. “We can only have two selectmen,” Heff ernan said. Board adds a citizen environmentalist Veteran Health Board Member Joia Cicolini was unable to attend the meeting because of work-related training. She sent a letter praising the panel’s composition and the recommended members, but suggested a slight expansion. “If my fellow board members are in agreement and feel appropriate, I would like to see consideration of an additional member from one of the environmental groups,” Cicolini wrote. I know this is a hard time fi - nancially for everyone. If you can help out, that would be great. But if you can’t, I understand and thank you for previous donations. I also wanted to let you know that because of your earlier donations, the Saugus Veterans cemeteries were recognized by Care Dimensions and on a national level by the Sons of the Union Soldiers of the Civil War. We were presented with the National Founders Award in August of last year in Cleveland, Ohio. You can watch the video that was made by googling (Gordon Shepard Riverside Cemetery Saugus MA). Scroll down to (Riverside Cemetery, YouTube Kevin Tucker, posted Aug. 15, 2019). In the video, you will be able Two other members agreed. “I think we do need to have an environmentalist committee member there,” Health Board Member Maria Tamagna said. “We do need to have open lines of communication with Wheelabrator…the environmental people in town need to be heard,” she said. Ayube suggested adding Jackie Mercurio, a Saugus resident who has been active with several local environmental groups and somebody who could “add some more diversity of thought.” Tamagna said she likes the idea of adding Mercurio to the subcommittee because “she doesn’t have an interest in one particular committee, yet, she is an environmentally cautious citizen.” She called Mercurio “a good fi t.” Mercurio is the daughter of the late Pam Harris – a longtime Board of Health member and active environmentalist who was a staunch critic of Wheelabrator on many plant-related issues. Mercurio has been a passionate opponent of the trash-to-energy plant. Heffernan and Tamagna both voted to support Ayube’s motion. Members Geraldine Gatchell and Cicolini were absent from the meeting, so the vote carried, 3-0. Ayube, who is also a Precinct 7 Town Meeting member, had mentioned that the board received letters of interest from people who don’t live in Saugus. “Their comments don’t fall on WHEELABRATOR | SEE PAGE 12 to see what we have been able to accomplish over the many years with your support. Some of our improvements over the years are curbing around the large Veterans lot, three custom fl ag poles, green grass due to three sprinkler systems, pavers installed around the columbarium, walkways, and pavers around the flagpole. Last year (2019), 26 new marble markers and posts were installed in the Civil War Lot along with eight cannon balls and of course the yearly maintenance of the lawn, fl ags and fl owers. Hopefully, you will be proud of what your donations have accomplished. I know I am. So, please watch the video and enjoy and remember no donation is too small. Stay well, stay healthy. Thank you for your support. Make checks payable to Civil War Restoration and send them to: Gordon Shepard 26 Waban St. Saugus, MA. 01906 Sincerely, Gordon Shepard SALES • RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT VARADA PROPERTIES service with integrity Serving Greater Boston Since 2008 FOR SALE $989,900 TWO-FAMILY PROPERY westside • prime location 8 ELSIE STREET • MALDEN INCOME POTENTIAL 617 • 606 • 0172
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 COVID-19 spike continues in Saugus Confi rmed cases in town surpass 800 mark with 43 deaths T here were 46 new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saugus reported within a six-day span, increasing the overall total to 808 since the outbreak of the virus back in March, according to a press release issued Wednesday (Oct. 22) by the Saugus Department of Public Health. The fi gures, which are based on information received by the state Department of Public Health (DPH), also show the death toll of town residents has increased to 43. Saugus has recently been upgraded from moderate-risk to a high-risk community, and shading went from yellow to red on the state’s COVID-19 map based on the average daily incidence rate over the previous two weeks. There is a new metric for understanding how much the virus has spread locally. It shows the number of cases detected on average each day over the last two weeks in each of Massachusetts’s communities. More than eight cases per 100,000 translates to a high risk; between four and eight cases per 100,000 is moderate risk; and any less than that is low risk. Cities and towns shaded red have a high-risk level, which is the highest category. The state’s latest weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report was due to be released late yesterday, but was not available at press time. The Town of Saugus has partnered with the Commonwealth, AFC Urgent Care, Fallon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Square One Mall as a collaborative effort to work to downgrade the town’s designated “High-Risk” red COVID-19 status by establishing and extending the following COVID-19 testing sites in Saugus: AFC Urgent Care, which is located at 371 Broadway, is currently off ering free testing by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please register online at afcurgentcaresaugus.com. Call 781233-1000 for more information. AFC Saugus will be participating in Stop the Spread up through October 31. Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall (Far Side Parking Lot on Essex Street), which is located at 1201 Broadway with entry off of Essex Street, will offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is needed. Residents drive-up and register using a tablet when they arrive. Saugus Police will be assisting with traffi c. The testing site will be staff ed by 10-12 individuals to handle registrations. All samples go directly to the Broad Institute in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24-36 hour turnaround time. Notification of results will be made for negative results via emails while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results. These sites do close when it rains because of risk of test contamination. This site has recently been extended until January 15, 2021. This information will be on the Town’s website and on the state’s website: https:// www.mass.gov/info-details/ stop-the-spread?rgja#saugusThe Board of Health and the Saugus Health Department will continue to partner with the state and are working on a planned response to the COVID-19. They are analyzing the data from the past couple of weeks and developing specifi c strategies to combat the spread through additional enforcement and intervention measures. We need to do whatever is necessary to keep ourselves, family, neighbors and communities safe. Continue to wear your masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings and continue to follow the CDC and DPH guidelines. The Saugus Health Department strongly believes that additional unrecognized cases do exist in Saugus. Due to the fact that they are undetected, some of these infected individuals may not be properly isolated or quarantined, which is why Governor Baker directive is to wear a cloth face cover over their face when around others, practice social distancing, avoid gatherings, and to follow the CDC and MDPH guidance. Again, this is a reminder that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH have provided guidance to everyone regarding preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the Commonwealth. Please follow CDC and DPH guidance to prevent COVID-19 illness by: • Cleaning your hands often for at least 20 seconds • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth • Staying at least six feet between yourself and others • Covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others • Staying healthy; “please call us with any needs” – for more information, contact the Saugus Health Department at 781-231-4117 and/or the Town Manager’s Offi ce at 781231-4111. Cleaning under COVID-19 Town of Saugus activates air purifi cation system in schools and town buildings to contain the spread of the virus (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by the Town Manager’s Offi ce.) S augus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree recently announced the implementation of an advanced air purification system in the Saugus Public Schools classrooms and offi ces, as well as in Town of Saugus buildings and offices, as part of a continued eff ort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to prioritize the health and safety of the students, educators employees and visitors in Saugus. The Town has applied for funding assistance for the systems through the Federal CARES Act and the State’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. Under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control FROM SPACE TO SAUGUS: One of the air purifi er units the Town of Saugus recently acquired is based on technology originally developed by NASA researchers to use on the International Space Station. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) and Prevention (CDC) and the state Department of Public Health (DPH), the Town recently retained hygienists, mechanical engineers and architects to assist in implementing necessary modifi cations to municipal buildings and schools. After careful research conducted by these experts, the Town identifi ed, invested in and implemented the Beyond by Aerus air purifi - cation system, which captures and removes 99.97 percent of contaminants. The Town acquired 167 of the following Energy Star certifi ed models to make up the system: • The Beyond Guardian Air – this advanced air purifi er features better than High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) fi ltration and has been univerCLEANING | SEE PAGE 17 Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 62 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 9 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. Numbed by the COVID Numbers The state Department of Public Health has done it again – changed the day of the week and the format for releasing its “COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report.” Every Wednesday night, for many months now, I have set aside several hours to tap into the state’s website to navigate through various statistics related to how the Coronavirus has been affecting Saugus residents as well as folks in three other cities (Everett, Malden and Revere). In an effort to put the data into context, we showed Saugus (or one of the other three cities) compared to nine other communities nearby. When I went to the state DPH COVID website Wednesday night (Oct. 21), I learned that the city/ town data and map will be released at 4 p.m. on Thursdays – which is way past our deadline. And it would be pointless to report on it for the following week’s paper. So, we will once again have to make adjustments in getting the most current information for our readers. The DPH, in a note posted on this week’s website, promises: “The Weekly Public Health Report includes enhanced, more granular information to be updated on a weekly, or biweekly basis.” That remains to be seen. This is the same agency that in the early weeks of COVID-19 refused to provide basic information on the COVID infection numbers in each community. In other words, they refused to say how many in a particular city or town had been infected. My early read of the situation is that the change of date and the format is just going to confuse people. Then again, maybe the state is doing us all a favor by overwhelming us with numbers that change every day – and numbers which will now be meaningless because they will be outdated by the time we report them. Not a fun election this year Ever since my days as a cub reporter covering local elections for the Portland Press Herald in some tiny towns of the Sebago Lake area of Maine, I got a kick out of interviewing the various candidates running for public office. It was fun, interesting and rewarding to sit down with aspiring politicians or incumbents seeking reelection and ask them what they brought to the table for the betterment of their particular community. The Bridgeton (Maine) Board of Selectmen. The Williamstown (Mass.) Board of Selectmen. The Odessa (Texas) City Council. The Ector County (Texas) Board of County Commissioners. The DeSoto County (Florida) Selectmen and Board of County Commissioners. The Lake County (Florida) County Commissioners and County Sheriff’s race. The Nantucket Island Board of Selectmen and County Commissioners (in a town where a selectman is a county commissioner). The Lawrence (Mass.) City Council and Mayoral races. And more recently, the Saugus Board of Selectmen. And, of course, there have been countless congressional and state legislative races in the various states I have worked – too many to mention over the past 45 years. I have always felt a deep sense of satisfaction and professional fulfillment, while also knowing that aggressive, but fair and honest reporting on the respective races was indeed a public service for the community where I worked. And, in most communities, there was the League of Women Voters, which would organize and sponsor debates and inspire young reporters to go out and do a better job in election coverage. Saugus had one many years ago. As this presidential election year winds down, I still feel election coverage is important stuff – perhaps the most important part of any local reporter’s duties. But it’s not as much fun. And it doesn’t seem to be rewarding. In fact, it’s a thankless task, when you have a U.S. president who daily attacks the integrity of all journalists. And you have a situation where politics on any level has become so polarizing that it breaks families and friendships apart. letter with it. I asked each member to vote if they would like to meet using zoom or a similar system. “Three members felt they supported the legal opinion that holding a ‘zoom’ meeting was not advised for the reasons in the opinion. One member stated he had no opinion, but would support whatever the majority voted. The Chair did not vote since the chair votes only to break ties. Does that answer the question? “This all happened about August. Since then we have been trying to hold meetings, but are still being advised to follow the legal opinion…” Sounds like it’s time for an updated legal opinion. Stay tuned. Be on the PEG Cable Access Board Feel like doing some volunteer work for the Town of Saugus? Well, Wendy Reed, Clerk of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, told us about this opportunity: The Saugus Board of Selectmen is accepting applications for appointment to the PEG Cable Access Board of Directors in the Town of Saugus. These are volunteer / non paid positions for Saugus residents. Those interested may submit letter of interest / resume to: Saugus Board of Selectmen Saugus Town Hall 298 Central St. Saugus For more details, please call Wendy at (781) 231-4124 GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED? In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist goes out and mingles with townsfolk and sketches them. Got an idea who this Saugus resident might be? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast. net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. The first reader to respond between now and Tuesday morning and correctly identify the person sketched is the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway Saugus location at Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) I can’t recall at any time in my newspaper career where there’s been so much divisiveness and bitterness. I remember the good old days when there was more respect for people and the democratic process. Nov. 3 couldn’t come fast enough. God help America. A lingering legal opinion There seems to be a lot of finger pointing going on in town government circles about the inactivity of the Planning Board and why they’re not meeting. It’s certainly not a great thing for Saugus residents, knowing that their town’s Planning Board is the only one on the North Shore which hasn’t been meeting – even by electronic means. For what it’s worth, I received an email close to yesterday’s deadline from Planning Board Chair Peter A. Rossetti Jr., which I think would be of interest to everyone concerned about this issue. This was in response to a question I asked him about an informal vote by Planning Board members to decline meeting, because of COVID-19: “I wrote a letter to the Board and sent the long version of [Town Counsel John] Vasapolli opinion A Saugus United 2035 update Quite a few Saugus citizens took the time to opine on what they want their town to be like in 15 years. Christian Brandt, Planner & Community Engagement Specialist for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), told us this week that 699 people filled out the town’s Master Plan/Visioning Survey by the end of last Thursday (Oct. 15). Meanwhile, there were only 26 views on YouTube. “Like I said previously, these views are really not a good indication of engagement,” Brandt told us this week. But, on a very positive note, there are close to 700 Saugonians who care enough about the future of their community to fill out a lengthy online survey. Their time will contribute greatly to the development of the town’s Master Plan, according to Brandt. So, what’s next? “In terms of next steps, we are a) completing a draft of the existing conditions and b) synthesizing all of the survey data in order to develop a draft vision,” MAPC Project Manager Christopher Kuschel wrote us in an email this week. “We’ll be working on this over the next month or so. This will then be presented to the community for feedback and we will begin gathering a deeper level of feedback on the various master plan topics. (We don’t have exact timing for this at this point.)” If you didn’t fill out a survey, there is still plenty of opportunity to offer feedback to town officials and MAPC staff as they collaborate on the Master Plan process. Stay tuned, Saugus. Cultural Council seeks funding proposals Attention, creative people! The Saugus Cultural Council is looking for you. Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs will be considered for possible grants totaling $7,000. The council has THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 10
Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 9 set a Nov. 16 deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. According to Council Chair Mike Sullivan, these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Saugus – including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. The Saugus Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting thousands of community-based projects in the arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community. Previously funded Saugus projects have included a field trip to see Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” an artist workshop at Breakheart Reservation, dramatic performances and local author speaking engagements. For local guidelines and complete information on the Saugus Cultural Council, contact Mike Sullivan at michaelsullivan027@gmail.com. Application forms and more information about the LCC Program are available online at www.mass-culture.org or https://mcc.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp. We have a winner! We have a winner in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Congratulations to Sue Fleming. She contacted us first and guessed correctly. Thanks to many other readers who sent the correct answer by email or phone message. Try again this week. Here’s last week’s answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is Margie Berkowitch Class of 1954! Margie Has a lot of irons in the fire so to speak, always reaching out. She’s been a quilter since 1988 and has won many awards for her quilts. She is so open and friendly with helping others learn to sew and quilt. She taught the children at the Library and the adults at the Saugus Senior Center, as well as Secretary of Friends of Saugus Senior Center. She is a lifelong member of the Saugus Historical Society. Serving pancakes and strawberry shortcakes at the Strawberry Festival is how she enjoyed summers as well as knitting for others and she has been a part of the Saugus Hammersmith Quilter’s Guild and has made many treasures to be given away to groups in need and Margie has made many masks for various places. She is a Eucharistic Minister and has. Kind heart and willing hands. “Margie wore the crown of Woman of the Year in 2010, she was totally surprised and never expected it, she was actually swimming in her pool when the call came! “Yours Truly, The Sketch Artist” A “Shout-Out” for the MEG Foundation Precinct 3 Town Meeting Member Rich Thompson, who also chairs the Cemetery Commission, offered this week’s nomination on behalf of the entire Saugus Cemetery Commission: “Shout out to the MEG Foundation and the Saugus DAR chapter for getting together and cleaning up the First Parish Cemetery grounds in Saugus Center. Thanks to Janice Jarosz, Gail Cassarino, Paula Walsh, Justina Dolan, Charlotte Line, Marsha Pease, Judith Askley, John Line, Skylar Ross, Linda Ross, and Kathy Giannetta for their hard work to clean it up and research the graves.” More praise for Laura It is always great when you get more than one “Shout-Out” in a week. Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo, our avid reader who instigated our weekly “Shout-Out” feature more than a year ago, offers more words of praise for a fellow Saugonian: “For a Shout Out, I would like to back you on your Shout Out to Laura Eisener (Oct. 16 Sounds of Saugus). I read her column (Saugus gardens in the pandemic) every week and she has some great tips on gardening and beautiful pictures. Great job Laura!” Praise for the Pumpkin Patch “A Shout Out and thank you to the First Congregational Church in Saugus Center for this year’s annual Pumpkin Patch. The Town’s people did not get to celebrate many of our yearly traditions because of Covid 19 so it is nice to see this touch of normalcy and tradition to lift all our spirits!” Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with the mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or photo. Food drive tomorrow! Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley reminded us this week to let folks know there is a food drive tomorrow (Saturday, Oct. 24): “The Town of Saugus, organized by the Board of Selectmen, has scheduled a third drop-off food and necessities drive to benefit the Saugus Senior Center and the Saugus Food Pantry, on Saturday, October 24th, 9 a.m. to Noon at the Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St. “All items are appreciated, but there are many specific items that are in need, especially with the holidays fast approaching. They are: cranberry sauce, canned vegetables, turkey gravy, stuffing mix, canned ham, canned soups, canned pasta sauce, oatmeal, small cereal boxes, peanut butter, jelly, loaves of bread, pasta, paper towels and toilet paper.” In Person Early Voting – dates and times In Person Early Voting continues, so Town Clerk Ellen J. Schena requested that we let folks know about it. It will take place in the Saugus Public Library, at 295 Central St. Use the Taylor Street entrance. Here are the remaining times: Friday, Oct. 23 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 – 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (This is also the last day to register to vote.) Sunday, Oct. 25 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 – 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Some other important dates: Oct. 24, last day to register to Vote/Make changes to Voter Registration; Nov. 2, last day to apply for Absentee Ballot. Deadline is noon; Nov. 3, 2020, State/Presidential Election Town-wide Fall Street Sweeping underway Sweepers started in the area of north Saugus (Precincts 5 and 7) and are working their way across town, working from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents are kindly asked to keep vehicles off the street when sweepers are in the area. Locals may assist the Department of Public Works by sweeping their driveways or sidewalks into the gutter Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) The Grab-N-Go meals program is back for another year at the Saugus Public Schools to keep needy students from going hungry. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2), in partnership with Whitsons Food Service, resumed the program. Breakfasts and lunches are available for pick up at Veterans Memorial School at 39 Hurd Ave. every Tuesday and Friday between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekly until further notice, according to Julie Cicolini, a board member with Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus. “Students will receive meals for Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Tuesday pick up,” Cicolini said. “Students will receive meals for Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at the Friday pick up. This will ensure that meals are available for seven days a week.” “As a reminder, please maintain social distancing with food service employees and wear a mask during pick up,” she said. For more information or assistance please email hs2information@gmail.com or visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page. HS2 is a nonprofit group that helps to offset food insecurity households. HS2 provides a weekend’s supply of nutritious food for weekends or school holidays during the school year. 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. But they have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. “For the protection of our volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact & crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing prebagged groceries,” says Wendy Reed, Clerk of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, who also oversees the operation of the all-volunteer food pantry. “We understand clients may receive items they don’t THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 11 area prior to the program’s start. Residents are asked not to sweep driveways and/or sidewalks once the sweepers have swept. Keep in mind that street sweepers are unable to collect stones, branches, leaves or other foreign objects. In addition, residents are asked to be mindful that sweepers cannot pick up large piles of sand. Please contact the Department of Public Works at 781-231-4143 with any questions. Fall Curbside Leaf Collection dates The Town of Saugus announces that the Fall Curbside Leaf Collection will take place during the following weeks: Oct. 26–30, Nov. 16–20, and Nov. 30–Dec. 4. Residents should place leaves outside by 7 a.m. during their regularly scheduled collection day. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling. Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal; however, if using barrels, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall (298 Central St., Saugus). Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible. Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. “Missed pickups” will not be conducted. Please contact Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 11 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 10 want or need, but feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in 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. Food help for veterans Saugus offers a Veterans Food Pantry on the third Wednesday of each month. “We have been holding it in Melrose since the Saugus Senior Center has been closed,” Saugus Veterans Service Officer Jay Pinette says. “The pantry provides a mix of fresh produce and non-perishable foods. The pantry is open to Veterans and/ or surviving spouses. Registration is required and may be done by contacting the Veterans Services Office…given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently offering a contact-free, drive-thru food pantry at Memorial Hall on Main Street in Melrose. If you are unable to pick-up, some limited deliveries may be available. This offering is year round. Please call the Saugus Veterans’ Service Office at 781-231-4010 or e-mail VeteransServices@saugus-ma.gov in order to register. Proof of Veteran status is required.” Food4Vets/Veterans Northeast Outreach Center – food distribution Veterans will be provided a box of nonperishable food supplies, which should be sufficient to cover meals for 10-14 days (two adults), plus fresh fruit and vegetables when available. You must preregister and show proof of Military/Veteran Status: North Shore Community College Danvers Campus, 1 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers; Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 10:00 am to noon. To register, use the following link: https://clearpathnewengland.formstack.com/forms/food_ supply_request_vneoc_danvers. For registration assistance, please feel free to contact VNEOC at 978 372-3626. A copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 or other proof of Veteran status is required. Or call the local Veterans Service Officer for assistance. Saugus Public Library update “We continue to offer our popular Front Door Pickup service from the Central Street foyer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. “Pickup Hours are: “Tuesday: 3:30 to 6:30 pm “Wednesday: 10:30 am to 2 pm “Thursday: 3:30 to 6:30 pm “How do you use Front Door Pickup? To get started, go to our online catalog. Click on the green MY ACCOUNT button in the screen’s upper right. Login in to your account using your library card number and password, then simply place items on hold. How do you do that? Watch this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0m7bB5HyA0&feature=youtu.be] for step by step instructions. “Once we notify you that your items are ready, call us at 781-231-4168 ext. 3102 to set a pickup date. Or you can call us at the same number to reserve up to three items over the phone. “Either way, you must make an appointment to pickup once your items are ready. Call us to set a pickup date at 781-231-4168 ext. 3102. “Please leave a voicemail if you don’t get through. We’ll return your call and set a pickup day as soon as we can. Buy a brick to honor your vets “Veterans Buy-a-Brick Program. Due to the low number of orders and the uncertainty of how a Veterans Day ceremony will be allowed, the program will be extended until May. The installation of bricks will be during the Memorial Day ceremony. We will be contacting the people who have already purchased a brick. Any questions, please call 781-231-7995.” Helping the Vet During these challenging times, your local Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) would like to share some information on a benefit program that is available to those who qualify. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the “Chapter 115 Benefits Program” is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for Veterans and/or their surviving spouses who reside in Massachusetts and meet certain income and asset guidelines. Benefits may include monthly ordinary benefits and/or payment/reimbursement for medical expenses. Whether laid off, in transition or living on a fixed income, the program is designed to provide short-term or longterm assistance as needed to provide relief. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local VSOs. Every town or district in Massachusetts has a VSO. VSOs assist Veterans and their dependents in learning about, applying for and receiving Chapter 115 benefits. VSOs can also help you in applying for other benefits and connecting with local resources. Your local VSO handles applications, obtains program approval from DVS and provides local benefits. The program is funded by a combination of state and local funds. DVS pays for 75% and your city or town pays for 25% of the approved benefits. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are: Family of 1 – monthly income less than $2,081and an asset limit of $5,000. Family of 2 – monthly income less than $2,818 and an asset limit of $9,800. To determine if you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Chapter 115 program, visit the following link and follow the instructions – https://massvetben.org/ – or call your local VSO for more information. The VSOs are also able to help Veterans apply for Federal VA benefits and local benefits and provide food assistance monthly. For example, did you know that if you own a home and have a VA service–connected disability, you are eligible for a partial or full exemption of your property taxes? “Please contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer for more information on any of the services mentioned. We are all here to assist. We are regularly checking voicemails and emails as we continue to work remotely and in our offices throughout COVID-19.” Melrose: Karen Burke, 781-979-4186, kburke@ cityofmelrose.org Wakefield: David Mangan, 781-246-6377, dmangan@wakefield.ma.us Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781-231-4010, jpinette@ saugus-ma.gov A “Beetlejuice” benefit at Kowloon Restaurant The Kowloon Restaurant, which is owned and operated by the Wong family, is set to host the movie “Beetlejuice” in a Halloween benefit for Winter Walk, a philanthropic organization that raises awareness and funds in an effort to end homelessness in Greater Boston. The event – hosted by Sue Brady Hartigan (Boston radio talent & Winter Walk Event Committee) – is set for Friday, Oct. 30. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and movie time is at 7 p.m. at Kowloon Restaurant, Route 1 North in Saugus. Admission is $75 per parking spot (for up to six people) and $50 per table (for up to four people). Guests can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for the turf area. The movie will be shown in the outdoor dining area and will be socially distanced. Guests are invited to dress up in costume for Halloween, and the most creative costume wins a prize. Winter Walk – founded by Paul English (Kayak co-founder & CEO of Lola) – raises awareness and funds toward an end to homelessness in Greater Boston. Winter Walk is a two-mile walk which begins at and ends on Copley Plaza. Participants, housed and homeless, will walk together and hear real stories of Boston’s homeless population. The 2021 Winter Walk, presented with Boston Medical Center (BMC) and Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan (BMCHP), is set for both a live and virtual event on Sunday, February 7, 2021. COVID-19 testing extended This just in from Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, the Saugus Board of Health and the Saugus Health Department: They announced the extending of free COVID-19 testing until January 15, 2021, as part of a partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s “Stop the Spread” initiative, which aims to help mitigate the spread of the virus in high-risk communities and prioritize residents’ safety. Saugus has been upgraded to a high-risk from a moderate-risk community and has moved to a shaded red from yellow on the state’s coronavirus map based on the average daily incidence rate over the past two weeks. Cities and towns shaded red have the greatest risk levels. The Town of Saugus’s continued partnership with the Commonwealth, AFC Urgent Care, Fallon Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Square One Mall is a collaborative effort to work to downgrade the Town’s designated “High Risk” “Red” COVID-19 status through the existing COVID-19 testing sites in Saugus. AFC Urgent Care, located at 371 Broadway, is currently offering free testing by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please register online at afcurgentcaresaugus. com. Call (781) 233-1000 for more information. Fallon EMS at the Square One Mall (Far Side Parking Lot on Essex Street) located at 1201 Broadway with entry off of Essex Street, will continue to offer free mobile drive-up testing for Saugus residents in their cars Monday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. through January 15, 2021. No appointment is needed. Residents drive-up and register using a tablet when they arrive. Saugus Police will be assisting with traffic. The testing site will be staffed by 10-12 individuals to handle registrations. All samples go directly to the Broad Institute in Cambridge for immediate testing with a 24-36 hour turnaround time. Notification of results will be made for negative results via emails while phone calls will be made for positive COVID-19 results. This information will be on the Town’s website and on the state’s website: https://www.mass.gov/ info-details/stop-the-spread?rgja#saugusLet’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 more than four 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 while practicing social distancing outside a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee. Or, if you prefer to be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation copes with the Coronavirus crisis.
Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 ~ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ~ TOWN MEETING MEMBER WANTS BIKE PATH MOVED AWAY FROM FIRE STATION Dear Editor: Upgrades to the Northern Strand/Bike to the Sea bike path are progressing. Work on the Essex Street/School Street Crossing will be starting shortly. The plans are to remove the dangerous path that crosses Essex Street at a long angle with a direct 90 degree angle perpendicular to Essex Street. I believe that this bike path should cross Essex Street in the most direct manner (90 degrees). My problem with these plans is that the new route for the bike path will take it through the middle of the fire station driveway. A shared use of the fire station driveway replaces one bad idea for another bad idea. There must be another way to run this path than through the middle of the fire station driveway! The intersection of Essex and School streets already have enough challenges such as speeding traffic, lack of signage, park activities, a steady flow of fire engines and a bike path. I believe we need to rethink this plan and not rush a bad idea. Sincerely, Bill Brown Precinct 6 Town Meeting member School Street Saugus THE SAUGUS UNITED PARISH FOOD PANTRY APPEALS FOR PUBLIC HELP IN PROVIDING FOOD SO LESS FORTUNATE CAN ENJOY A HAPPY THANKSGIVING Dear Editor: Do you know someone who is hungry? Perhaps an elderly neighbor living on social security, a veteran who served our country but is now struggling or a family that has been affected financially from COVID. They may not feel comfortable reaching out for help! Food Insecurity is being without reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food. More than 800 million people live every day with hunger or food insecurity. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry’s mission is to ensure that no one in and around our community goes hungry: to help supplement low-income and anyone in need with basic nutritional food items; and to serve our clients with compassion and respect. The need is great and we depend on donations from our community! We are reaching out to everyone in our community to see if they can help with any kind of donation. As Thanksgiving approaches, the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is hoping we can provide food for our clients to enjoy a happy Thanksgiving. We are seeking donations of frozen turkeys, pies, rolls, reusable bags, gift cards or financial support so we can put together meals. We will be happy to pick these items up, or you may choose to deliver them. To schedule a pick-up, please email Wendy Reed at WLBRWENDY@gmail.com Deliveries may be brought to the side door of the Cliftondale Congregational Church (the driveway between the church and the MEG building) on any Friday morning through November 20th between 8 to 11 a.m. The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry is an all-volunteer, collaborative, non-profit, religious organization; your donation is tax deductible. We welcome clients to register and pick up food on Friday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Cliftondale Congregational Church, 50 Essex St., Saugus. We understand if you feel that you cannot donate, but at the very least we have made more people aware that the Food Pantry exists, and if you know someone that needs help please pass this information along. Please contact Wendy Reed, Food Pantry Director, at 781640-6131 for more information or to arrange a donation. Sincerely, The United Parish Food Pantry ~WORTH REPEATING~ A COVID-19 contradiction Roller World owner wonders why the state won’t let him reopen when ice skating rinks have the green light Jerry Breen says he can’t understand why the ice skating rinks in town were recently allowed to reopen while his Roller World, Inc. business remains shutdown on account of state health concerns over COVID-19. “Roller skating is not a dangerous thing – certainly no more dangerous than ice hockey, where people are flying around on the ice, hitting each other and not practicing social distancing, the longtime owner of the Route 1 rink said in an interview this week. “With ice skating, I think you have a better chance of spreading something than by roller skating. “It would be a lot safer in my building. If I had 400 people in here, they could be 30 feet apart. You wouldn’t have to worry about six feet. My building is 340 by 120 feet. That’s bigger than a football field,” he said. Breen said he and the other 10 roller skating rink operators in Massachusetts are unfair casualties of the Coronavirus, which he estimates has already cost him up to $600,000 in financial losses since his business was shut down this spring. “I feel so discouraged. I did everything they told me to do to make this place safe, and I have no idea on when they will let me open. It’s just not fair,” he said. “Rhode Island and Connecticut are both open for roller skating. Why the heck not Massachusetts?” he said. Breen said he has spent more than $50,000 on renovating his business so it’s safer. The work has included changing faucets and sinks so they are handsfree and making other adjustments in the building. The COVID-19 has also cost Breen’s workers their jobs. He had to lay off about 50 parttime employees. In addition, he has three daughters working full-time. “Right now, we have a pro shop where we can sell skates. But we can only have one person in there at a time. They have to call us up and make an appointment,” he said. “I had all my ductwork cleaned. I had to get rid of half the tables and chairs in my snack bar area and get the place in shape. But they can’t tell me when I can open,” he said. There are a lot of other things that people can’t put a price on which Breen says his business has contributed to the local economy. Up to 90 schools in the area frequent the rink. Breen says he helps them with fundraisers. On Friday mornings, he helps the special needs kids, who look forward to the free time he gives them weekly. He’s worried about the future, whether he can pay his bills, including $38,000-a-year in taxes. “I’ve got 2,000 pairs of roller skates that I didn’t buy overnight. They cost about $100 bucks a pair. And I’ve got an occupancy permit for 1,000,” Breen said. “Sure, I’m discouraged and worried. But I’m trying to keep the place open. I want to leave the business to my kids. I’ve put 40 years in this place,” he said. “I can’t walk away. I’ve got banks that won’t let me walk away. And I’ve got my three daughters. The ice skating rinks in Saugus are open, why not Roller World? GREATER BOSTON THEATRES PLAY “WICKED HARD” TO SUPPORT ARTISTS AND THEATRE PRACTITIONERS IN CRISIS T imes are hard and when times get hard, Boston Plays Wicked Hard. To raise funds for the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund (TCBF), an organization that helps theatre practitioners in times of need, 54 area theatre companies have collaborated to promote a limited-edition T-shirt which celebrates the diversity and vitality of the Boston theater community. These special T-shirts, which have the Boston Plays Wicked Hard logo on the front and a list of the 54 WHEELABRATOR | FROM PAGE 7 deaf ears,” Heffernan said. But people from Revere and surrounding communities who are concerned about Wheelabrator can’t be on the subcommittee because of the “residency requirement.” What’s next? The Board of Health usually meets on the first Monday of the month. They plan to meet again on Nov. 2, the night before Election Day. They will participating theatre companies on the back, are just $25, with 100% of the proceeds from sales going directly to TCBF. Note that tax and shipping are not included. To purchase one of these limited-issue T-shirts, and to show support for local theatre artists during this challenging time, theatre fans can visit Rowboat Creative and their Creatives Who Care initiative at http:// bostonplays.creativeswhocare.org. “I have seen how furloughs meet at 6:30 p.m. via “Zoom” teleconferencing. Heffernan, who will chair the subcommittee, said he will reach out to the 10 other members to determine when to meet. He said he would figure out a day and time which is best for a majority of the committee. A minimum of six members would constitute a quorum to convene in an official meeting. The Wheelabrator subcommittee could meet as early as Nov. 9, if members find alterare affecting our industry, and know that, sadly, there is very little work in the foreseeable future for Boston’s Theater Community,” said Greater Boston Stage Company Associate Artistic Director llyse Robbins. “In addition, as a board member for Stage Source and the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund, I have seen the incredible need pouring in from our community of artists and practitioners. I have spent many THEATRES | SEE PAGE 20 nate Mondays as good times to meet. Heffernan said he would like to see Health Director John Fralick attending the subcommittee meetings. Board of Selectman Vice Chair Corinne Riley said she requested to be on the new panel and is excited about being named. “Personally, I am looking forward to working with this committee, having open dialogue with Wheelabrator and working toward what is best for our town,” she said.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 13 Saugus gardens in the pandemic Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener S augus is quite spectacular these days with fall foliage color! While maples may be most abundant, there are other tree species with brilliantly colored leaves in the woods of Breakheart and the streets and even the parking lots along Route 1! One of the most beautiful is tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), which many people may have heard of from a song called “Tupelo Honey.” It was the title song of Van Morrison’s 1971 album. The honey itself is produced mostly in the South, where these trees are more abundant, but their range does extend up into southern Maine. Breakheart Reservation has quite a few of these trees, especially around the edges of Silver Lake. A large and very colorful one can be seen near the viewing point for Silver Lake just off the paved walkway. Its leaves are very glossy, which enhancIT’S NOT A MAPLE LEAF: This tulip tree leaf looks like a maple without a pointed tip. A flower it produces in late June is shaped like a tulip blossom, with “petals” that are green with orange markings. In fall, the leaves turn bright lemon yellow. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) es the effects of the red, orange and yellow colors that may all be found on the same tree at this time of year. The leaves vary a bit in shape, too, and are generally oval, but some leaves will be pointed at the tip and others more rounded. They do preTHIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, October 25 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, October 26 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, October 27 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from October 20. Wednesday, October 28 at 2 p.m. on Channel 8 – Line Dancing with Chris at the Saugus Senior Center. Thursday, October 29 at Noon on Channel 8 – Weight Lifting with Valerie at the Saugus Senior Center. Friday, October 30 at 9 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Friday Night Frights” (scary movies). Saturday (Halloween), October 31 all day on Channel 8 – scary movies. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may change without notice*** Pedestrian, 70, suffers serious injuries after being struck by pickup truck E mergency crews from the Saugus Police and Fire Departments responded to 69 Sweetwater Rd. Monday night about an elderly woman who was hit and then pinned underneath a Chevy pickup truck. Firefighters used a hydraulic device and other equipment to lift the truck off the woman while paramedics began treating her, according to fire officials. The 70-year-old East Boston woman, who was conscious and alert when first responders arrived, was brought to a local hospital by ambulance to be treated for injuries that were considered serious, but not life-threatening, according to a press release issued by Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli. The driver of the pickup truck – a 59-year-old Saugus man – was not injured. Ricciardelli said the accident remains under investigation. fer spots where their roots will get consistent moisture, so the lake banks are places you would expect to see them. This tree is native to eastern North America, but it is not often planted in gardens. Just outside of town, there is a nice specimen at Rotary Park in Lynnfield, on the edge of Pillings Pond on Salem Street. Another easy to find individual tupelo is at the pointed end of Wakefield Common. This same species is called pepperidge, black gum and sour gum, and on Martha’s Vineyard at least, “beetlebung”! A bung is a seal for an opening in a barrel or bottle, such as a wine cork, which is inserted into the opening. The beetle is a mallet, in this case used for inserting the bung into a tight opening. The interesting grain of this wood which resists splitting made it particularly suited to making mallets. While it is uncertain where the name pepperidge came from, it is a common name for this tree in the Northeast, especially Connecticut. If you have heard of the food brand Pepperidge Farm, the name came from a farm in Fairfield, Conn., which had a pepperidge tree on the grounds – the home of Margaret Rudkin, who originated the company. Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is another North American native tree. It can occasionally be found in the woods, but it is gradually becoming a popular garden specimen. One in the corner of my yard is the offspring of a tree planted over 50 years ago by a neighbor across the street. Later residents removed the original tree, but a few of the seeds had blown across the street and one grew into a rather substantial tree beside my driveway. The shape of the leaves looks quite a bit like a sugar maple with the tip snipped off! Instead of being pointed, tulip tree leaves are straight across or slightly indentVARIETY ON A BRANCH: This arrangement of tupelo leaves, all from one tree, shows the wide range of leaf sizes and colors. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) FINDING A NECTAR SOURCE: This Monarch butterfly on smallhead blazing star is storing up some energy for its long trip to Central Mexico. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ed. A flower produced in late June is shaped like a tulip blossom, with “petals” that are green with orange markings. In fall, the leaves turn bright lemon yellow. There are still many flowers blooming in the gardens, and migrating birds and butterflies still savoring a snack to provide energy for their travels. The butterfly that travels the longest, monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), travels from New England and Canada, where they spend their summers, down to central Mexico where they can be found in winter. The butterflies need to find nectar sources all along their route, so finding fall blooming flowers is essential to their survival. One good example of a nectar source is smallhead blazing star (Liatris microcephala) – also sometimes called dwarf blazing star or Appalachian blazing star. In the wild it grows in southeastern states, but since it is well adapted to higher elevations there, the winter temperatures are comparable to southern New England. One of the latest in this genus to bloom, it flowers in gardens here well into late October. It is an important larval food plant for at least one moth native to Massachusetts, the three-lined flower moth (Schinia trifascia). Smallhead blazing star’s taller and earlier relatives include prairie blazing star or gayfeather (Liatris spicata), a species from the Midwest very popular in bouquets which blooms in July, and northern blazing star (Liatris scariosa), which can be found in August blooming in northern New England, especially the Kennebunk Plains. Heads of pinkish purple flowers bloom on vertical spikes. Despite the fact that these flowers don’t look much like asters to most of us, they are in the same family, the Composite family (Asteraceae), as chrysanthemums, asters and sunflowers. Since we have not yet had a severe frost, there are quite a few perennials, annuals and some shrubs still supplying vivid color along with the falling leaves. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town, since so many people have taken to walking the streets in their neighborhoods as a way to get some exercise and get out of the house!”
Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Baker announces partnerships for recovery, $774M economic recovery plan T he Baker-Polito Administration recently announced a $774 million comprehensive plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns and ensuring housing stability. Partnerships for Recovery begins today by directing $115 million in new funding to small businesses and Main Streets hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and for workforce training efforts. Additionally, the Administration is aligning multiple funding sources, both existing and proposed, to appropriately respond to the crisis. Partnerships for Recovery supports five key recovery efforts: z Getting Massachusetts back to work z Supporting small businesses z Revitalizing downtowns z Supporting housing equity and stability z Fostering innovation Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Labor and Workforce Secretary Rosalin Acosta, and Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan joined Joseph Kriesberg, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations to announce the plan at the Gardner Auditorium. “This plan represents a comprehensive strategy to get people back to work and to support the small businesses hit the hardest by the pandemic, putting the Commonwealth on a path to recovery,” said Baker. “By leveraging existing tools and programs and implementing new ones this plan will allow us to make critical resources and assistance to those who need it most available now.” “While we continue to combat this pandemic, this plan takes an approach that addresses key needs of the businesses in downtowns and main streets, provides housing support for vulnerable families, and opens new doors for people seeking to return to work,” said Polito. “While we acknowledge we still have a ways to go, this plan will help to jumpstart our innovation economy and position Massachusetts to be on a path for success.” z Putting $115 million to work right away for small businesses and workforce training, including more than $25 million to get people back to work; z Directing $323 million in existing capital programs as part of the response to continue doing more of what works; z Filing for $122 million through the Revised H.2 budget to supplement existing funding in support of struggling Main Street businesses and skill building for residents; z Steering $43 million in Federal, trust and other state funding toward our most critical needs; and z Committing $171 million to keep people safely housed during the pandemic. Getting people back to work In order to get people back to work, new investments are being made to build workforce skills, growing training programs and pathways, forging new partnerships between employers and workers, and supporting internet connectivity to facilitate remote work and online career advancement. The more than $25 million available now includes: z $10.4 million to engage Massachusetts employers by expanding workforce partnerships with large employers in target sectors to create aligned statewide training-employment pathways; z $9.2 million to subsidize internet for low-income populations, and to expand hot spots in unserved and underserved communities; z $3.2 million to modernize MassHire virtual pathways to assess and connect UI claimants to appropriate services and supports; z $2 million to bolster manufacturing training by purchasing a standardized virtual training program to increase workforce for the manufacturing sector; and z $300,000 to supplement $8.4 million toward Career Technical Institutes in H.2 to help close the skills gap for skilled technician jobs and align training to industry needs. An additional $54 million is available to support workforce recovery efforts through existing programming such as the Skills Capital Grants program, the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, and the Workforce Training Trust Fund. Revised House 2 also proposes $17.9 million in workforce funding, including $8.4 million in funding to transform vocational high schools into Career Technical Institutes running three shifts per day. This initiative is designed to train 20,000 new workers over four years in skilled trades and technical fields including plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and robotics. This will consist of a combination of enrolling more high school students in high-impact vocational trade programs and expanding capacity for adults to earn industry-based credentials, aligned to apprenticeships and post-secondary degrees. "These funds will provide critical re-employment services to our workforce, helping people make the transition from unemployment benefits to good paying jobs in some of the Commonwealth's key long term job growth sectors," said Acosta. Direct support to small business and Main Street To generate economic growth amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and support Main Streets across Massachusetts, the Administration is investing $322.8 million in direct support of small and diverse businesses and local communities. This funding includes grants (see details below) to the hardest hit small businesses, especially small businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, or members of other underrepresented groups. These grant awards will allow small businesses to cover expenses such as rent, payroll, and utilities as they get back on their feet. Additional funding will support small businesses through hands-on and personalized technical assistance, including targeted support for women- and minority-owned businesses around digital and online technology as their business model pivots away from a brick-and-mortar location. Many communities have seen their Main Streets and downtown districts hit particularly hard by the pandemic, and new funding aims to help cities and towns plan for short-term innovations and long-term recovery. A new $10 million round of the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program will continue to help cities and towns quickly implement or expand improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces and off-street parking lots in support of public health, safe mobility, and renewed commerce in their communities. Separately, local recovery planning grants will soon be available to cities and towns to assist with long-term planning for their business districts. A total of $10 million is available for this program. To support the museums and other cultural facilities that have faced a particularly challenging reality this year, but remain a cornerstone of what Massachusetts offers to visitors, these institutions will be eligible for $10 million in Cultural Facilities Operating Grants. This funding will help these organizations to make safety improvements and other upgrades to allow them to continue to offer their unique attractions and exhibits. As part of this recovery plan, the Governor’s recently filed revised budget proposal recommends over $100 million in additional funding for economic recovery and development efforts, including $35 million for community development financial institutions (CDFI) grants and loans, and $15 million for matching grants for capital investments by businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Additionally, more than $115 million in existing capital through programs such as MassWorks, and those in the MassDevelopment portfolio (Brownfields Redevelopment Fund, Site Readiness Program, Transformative Development Initiative, and Collaborative Workspaces), will be leveraged in support of economic recovery. This recovery plan complements the Administration’s $275 million economic recovery package, which was announced in June. Small Business and Main Street Highlights (new funding): z $50.8 million in Small Business Grants to help the hardest hit businesses; z $10 million to continue funding the Shared Streets and Spaces Program; z $10 million for local recovery planning grants to support cities and towns; z $10 million to support cultural facilities such as museums; z $8.3 million in small business technical assistance to help businesses access grant programs and loans, as well as help build business management skills, resilience, and other support in navigating pandemic impacts; z Including $2.3 million to provide personalized technical assistance to woman- and minority-owned businesses; “Our current circumstances call for a plan with the size and scope to match the urgency we need to address the most pressing challenges we now face,” said Kennealy. “By targeting vital resources toward these key areas, this strategy will allow us to lay a solid foundation for our path to recovery.” “During this unprecedented public health emergency, the Baker-Polito Administration is continuing to invest significant resources to support recovery and growth initiatives for small businesses and Main Streets across Massachusetts,” said Heffernan. “Through close coordination with federal, state, and local partners – including our Legislative colleagues – we are proud to put forth a plan that thoughtfully invests funds from multiple sources to equip employers with the tools, resources, and supports to help navigate the new COVID-19 landscape.” “We greatly appreciate Governor Baker’s sense of urgency to move these grant dollars now, while also working with the Legislature to secure additional funds in the state budget and the economic development bill,” said Kriesberg. “Small business owners have sacrificed to help keep all of us safe and healthy. This initiative is our opportunity to have their back.” Additional investments In order to keep people safely in their homes during the pandemic and support small landlords with expenses, the Administration recently announced $171 million in support of the Eviction Diversion Initiative. This comprehensive strategy includes funding to help to cover housing costs such as rent and mortgage payments, invest in new programs around mediation and legal representation, and provide repaid rehousing when a tenant is evicted. Additionally, the Administration continues to invest in the Commonwealth’s stock of affordable rental housing with $121 million in direct subsidies. Massachusetts has long been a hotbed of innovation and creativity in science and technology, and sectors such as the life sciences and advanced manufacturing are not only critical to the innovation economy, but also continue to contribute to the response to the coronavirus. To ensure we continue to lead in this space, $62 million in existing capital funding through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and MassVentures is available to support recovery and growth. Small Business Grant Program Details Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation is administering the Small Business Grants proBAKER | SEE PAGE 15
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 15 Mr. Tiger By The Old Sachem, Bill Stewart efore I get into this week’s sports column, I want to honor one of the best policemen I have ever known. I’m a pretty good judge of policemen because of my son Mike, a policeman for Saugus, and Michael, a grandson in Watertown. John Naglieri was a superstar in the town of Saugus, an impeccable officer in service to Saugus. I knew John from his days in Little League, through high school, into the police force and had the dubious honor of creating a record with him. I was umpiring for a Policemen’s League and John was at bat. John had two strikes on him at this point. A slow pitch was delivered that was dropping as it reached the plate. I called “strike three.” John turned to me, said the pitch was too low and said that this was the first time he had ever B been called out on strikes in his long time as a batter. I have a record. We will miss you, John. Now we get to Mister Tiger, Albert William Kaline. Al was born two months after me, December 19, 1934, in Baltimore, Maryland, and died April 6, 2020, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He had several relatives who played semiprofessional baseball in the Baltimore area, and no one in his family had graduated from high school. At two years old, Kaline developed osteomyelitis which required that two inches of bone be removed from his left foot. By nine years old, he had learned to throw a fastball, curveball and changeup. When he attended Southern High School in Baltimore, he played basketball, football and baseball. When he tried out for the baseball team as a pitcher, they had an abundance of pitchers, so he moved to the outfield. He was an All-State baseball player for all four years of his high school days. Kaline was signed by the Detroit Tigers directly from high school as an 18-year-old “bonus baby,” a term used at the time to define those who went directly to the major league team without any minor league experience. His first appearance for the Tigers was June 25, 1953, against the Philadelphia Athletics. He batted .340 as a 20-yearold in 1955 and became one of the youngest players to win the American League batting crown. Ty Cobb originally completed the fete in 1907. During the 1955 season he became the thirteenth major league player to hit two home runs in the same inning and became the youngest to hit three in a game. He finished the year as second to Yogi Berra as the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP), finishing the year with 200 hits, 27 home runs and 102 runs batted in (RBIs). He was selected to the league All-Star team and continued on that level with a string of consecutive All-Star selections through 1967, 13 seasons. During the 1961 season, Kaline was second in the league batting, hitting .324, trailing teammate Norm Cash. The team won 101 games that year, but finished second to the Yankees by eight games. Throughout his playing he experienced pain in his foot from his bout with osteomyelitis, and after the 1963 season, an orthopedic surgeon prescribed corrective shoes to ease the pain. He had many times out of the play, suffering a broken bone in his hand when he struck a bat against a bat rack in 1967. In the 1968 season he broke his arm, but was able to play late in the season. In 1968 the St. Louis Cardinals took three of the first four games of the World Series and were leading 3-2 in the seventh inning of the fourth game. But the Tigers came back when Kaline hit a bases loaded single to drive in two runs, and the victory. The Tigers went on to win the series for their first world championship since 1945. Kaline hit .379 with two home runs in the seven games. At Milwaukee in 1970 against the Brewers, he collided with the center fielder, Jim Northrup, as they raced for a flyball and fell to the ground. Willie Horton rushed to the injured Kaline and saw that Al had trouble breathing. Horton was able to clear Kaline’s airway and saved his life. On September 24, 1974, Kaline became the twelfth player to achieve 3,000 hits in MLB history. Kaline finished his career with the Tigers with 3,007 base hits, 498 doubles, 75 triples, 399 home runs and 1,582 RBIs. Kaline was a league All-Star 18 times, a World Series star, 10 times a Gold Glove Award winner, won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1973, and was the league batting champion in 1955. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980 with a vote of 88.3% on the first ballot. A brilliant ballplayer – I was lucky to see him perform at Fenway Park many times in his career. Teamsters Local 25 endorses Caggiano for Northeast Metro Tech School Committee T eamsters Local 25 is honored to endorse Anthony Caggiano for election to represent Revere on the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School (Northeast Metro Tech) School Committee. Caggiano is a 35-year member of Teamsters Local 25 and father of triplets who attended and graduated from Northeast Metro Tech. Teamsters Local 25 supports Caggiano as the best candidate who understands and appreciates the outstanding education provided by Northeast Metro Tech and the profound positive impact the school has on Revere and 11 other cities and towns. “As a longtime member of Teamsters Local 25, Anthony Caggiano understands the importance of worker rights, fair wages, and the benefits of union membership,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien. “Anthony will undoubtedly bring his experience and dedication to the laBAKER | FROM PAGE 14 gram, with $50.8 million available beginning today. Grant awards range between $25,000 and $75,000. Anthony Caggiano (left) and Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O’Brien. bor movement to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Committee. As a father of three graduates, Anthony has a unique underAs part of this grant program, preference is given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, or fostanding of the Northeast Metro Tech curriculum that prepares graduates to enter both college and the workforce.” Caggiano is a graduate of Recused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts, who have been unable to open and those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference is also given to appli(Courtesy Photo) vere High School and Suffolk University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration. He also holds an Associate’s degree in cants that have not been able to receive aid from other federal programs, including PPP and other relief related to COVID-19. The program has two distinct funding “doors” based on busiComputer Science from North Shore Community College. Caggiano has a deep family connection to Northeast Metro Tech. His three sons are all graduates who now attend Salem State University, and his mother and stepfather were members of the faculty at the school before their retirements. The Northeast Metro Tech School Committee is comprised of members from a dozen communities. Students who attend Northeast Metro Tech live in Chelsea, Malden, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, Winthrop and Woburn. Caggiano is a shop steward at DHL Express. Teamsters Local 25 Officers, Agents and the entire membership are proud to endorse his candidacy to represent Revere on the Northeast Metro Tech School Committee. Teamsters Local 25 is the largest Teamsters’ union in New England, with 12,000 members. ness size, with different eligibility criteria, which is available online. Applicants must review the information to determine which program to proceed with applying.
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Saugus seniors knit for troops, homeless, and premature babies By Tara Vocino S eniors are putting their free time to good use by knitting items to send to troops, the homeless and premature babies in the neonatal intensive care units. Senior citizens are meeting outside of the Saugus Senior Center, socially distant, from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays (weather-permitting) to knit hundreds of hats, gaiters, booties and Afghans. Knitting Club leader retired Registered Nurse Ruth Cameron, of Wakefield, said there have been 25 regulars who organized the effort after the terrorist attack on 9/11 to go toward veterans at local hospitals, the homeless and troops overseas to Iraq, according to Wilmington Veterans’ Services Director Michael Frotten. “We sent 18 boxes last week to deployed soldiers,” Frotten said Wednesday. The purpose is twofold – the numbers of volunteer hours affects federal money that the senior center receives, and it gives the seniors a higher purpose in life. Knitter Debra Dion Faust, of Saugus, who knits afghans for the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home, said it gives her something to do while sitting at home. “It’s On Tuesday, Debra Dion Faust, Eleanor Bourque, Janet Pothier, Lorraine Martel, Ruth Cameron, Arlene Decareau, and Judith Maxwell knitted their way through the COVID-19 pandemic. been a blessing,” Faust said. “I like to give back without being conspicuous. —Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@ gmail.com. OBITUARIES John D. O’Brien, Jr. John's idea of a fun night Lorraine Martel, of Saugus, knitted a man’s hat at the Saugus Senior Center on Tuesday afternoon. Arlene Decareau, of Saugus, winds up a ball of yarn to make a red hat with white stripes for the military. Age 59, passed away at home with his loving family by his side on Sunday, October 18, 2020, after a 7-month courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. John was the beloved husband of Jeanmarie (Sweeney) O'Brien, with whom he shared 26 years of marriage and 34 years of friendship. Born July 20, 1961, in EvEleanor Bourque, of Saugus, knits a beige and brown slipper for servicemen and women. Knitting Club leader Ruth Cameron knits an ombre gaiter. Judith Maxwell knits a multicolor prayer shawl for the warmth tree at John’s Episcopal Church, which helps the homeless living at Town Line Inn Motel in Malden. Janet Pothier knits a two-tone blue hat for the homeless in Malden. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) erett and a lifelong resident of Saugus, John was the loyal and cherished son of John D. and Anna (O'Leary) O'Brien of Saugus. He attended Saugus High and played on the Saugus High Varsity Basketball team. John continued his love for basketball by coaching all three of his children on the Our Lady of the Assumption, Varsity teams. John's mild manner coaching style reached so many athletes to work to their full potential, especially his children. There was never a day you didn't see John participating in some way at all his children's sporting activities or his own Sunday morning basketball pick-up games. was playing scrabble, cooking for friends and family with a sporting game, Bruce Springsteen or Southside Johnny as background noise. His family, friends, faith, and business were most important for John. He was a devoted catholic and a proud, successful business owner of O'Brien & McKenney Contracting LLC, with his longtime friend and business partner Scott McKenny. He was the devoted father of Joseph, John "Jack", and Hannah O'Brien all of Saugus; dear brother of Denise O'Brien, Daniel O'Brien and his wife Pamela Casey O’Brien all of Saugus, Kevin O'Brien and his wife Lauren of North Reading. John was also an extraordinary son in law to Jean and the late Joseph Sweeney of South Boston and brother-in-law of Susan Lee and her husband Tony of Ontario, CA, Joseph Sweeney of South Boston, Kelley Hannon and her husband Michael of Hingham. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including; Dan, Owen, Miles, Mathew, Alexandra, Youssef, Philip, James, Michael and Daniel, many aunts, uncles, and many, many most genuine and loyal friends. All will sorely miss him. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation at glioblastomafoundation.org.
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 17 Chilli Willie offers wicked solutions for wicked problems C hilli Willie is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Saugus. Chilli Willie came to fruition in 2019. One day Stephen Franklin and Jared Fraser were working together for another plumbing company and had a very important conversation over lunch. They asked each other, “Why are we not doing this for ourselves?” and “Why can’t we do things the proper way we know is best for the customer?” Stephen and Jared decided that quality service is what the people of the Greater Boston area deserve and that’s what they’ll get. Wicked Problem?! Wicked Solution!! We serve both residential and commercial clients and off er a variety of money-saving solutions. Combining our use of the highest efficiency parts and equipment with our dedication to delivering exceptional work, we strive for nothing less than satisfactory service. We understand in-home system problems can be a wicked nightmare. Our company motSa to is “Wicked Problem!? Wicked Solution!!” because we expect challenges every day we visit our customers. At the same time, we expect to fi nd you a wicked good solution, at a wicked good price! Being a small company allows us to extend unique pricing to our customers. Not only are our customers saving money, but something money can’t buy: time and health! We pride our business on making sure our customers are satisfied and safe! Sa BY JIM MILLER How to Find an Online Therapist Dear Savvy Senior, What is the best way to fi nd online therapy services for my anxiety and depression? I just turned 63 and have become increasingly hopeless since the COVID pandemic hit and cost me my job. I need to get some professional help, but I’m also high risk for illness and very concerned about leaving the house. Need Help Dear Need, I’m sorry to hear about your job loss and the diffi culties you’re going through right now, but you’re not alone. Because of the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic downturn, fear, anxiety and depression is being reported by 45 percent of Americans, according a Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll. To help you through this CLEANING | FROM PAGE 8 sity tested and proven eff ective on bacteria, viruses, mold and fungi in the air and on surfaces. These units feature proprietary Active Pure Technology, which is based on technology originally developed by NASA researchers to use on the International Space Station and is recognized exclusively, worldwide, as Certifi ed Space Technology. The Beyond Guardian Air system captures 99.7 percent of particles as small as 0.1 micron, purifies up to 2,000 square feet and destroys volatile organic compounds – such as chemicals – smoke and RENOVATIONS | SEE PAGE 17 dle-High School complex totals 270,000 square feet, including a 12,000-square-foot gymnasium and capacity for 1,360 students in grades 6-12. It houses state-of-the-art science labs and technology classrooms, fi ne and performing arts classrooms, and a 750-seat auditorium. In addition, it includes a new sports complex and outdoor track, walking paths, outdoor classrooms and student gardens. The third and final phase of the District-Wide Master Plan Solution will include upgrades to the Veterans Memorial School to convert the school odors without ozone. • The Guardian Angel – this air purifi cation system is a HEPA air purifi er that covers up to 1,000 square feet and removes 99.7% of airborne contaminants as small as .3 micron. Like the Beyond Guardian Air, this model uses UV light combined with titanium dioxide to remove contaminants through photocatalytic oxidation (a process used to destroy organic compounds by turning them into CO2 and water) and removes odors without ozone. Both models have been strategically placed throughout the Town’s schools and municipal buildings as part of a coninto an Early Elementary School for pre-K to grade one. Construction on this phase of the project is slated to begin in the spring of 2021. Overall, the new, 21st-century education plan, Middle-High School and District-Wide Master Plan Solution will: • Facilitate the school district’s goal of improving the school district’s educational achievements gaps • Allow the school district to provide fair and equal access to all students, enabling them to reach their highest potential and to continue to prioritize education • Maintain accreditation with New England Association of tinued effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to prioritize the health and safety of Saugus’s students, teachers and residents, and employees of the Town of Saugus. As part of this Town-wide eff ort, layouts in buildings have also been adjusted and a maximum number of occupants in buildings are being established. “We are doing all that we can to keep everyone of Saugus as safe as possible,” said Crabtree. “We ask that everyone please continue to do their part by wearing masks, washing hands, avoiding gatherings and continuing to follow the CDC and MDPH guidelines.” Schools and Colleges (NEASC) • Address health and safety issues, including identifi ed defi ciencies in fi re protection, sprinkler systems and ADA accessibility, ensuring that children are in the safest and most secure schools “These necessary improvements to our School District will provide equal, equitable opportunities for students to access educational resources and reach their highest potential,” said Town Manager Crabtree. “These positive changes are a tremendous credit to Town offi cials and the residents of Saugus in supporting and investing in our children and educational system.” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net diffi cult time there are a variety of therapists, psychologists, and other mental health providers you can turn to. And because of the pandemic, most of them are now offering counsel to their clients online through teletherapy services. This will allow you to interact virtually with a therapist from the comfort of your home using only a smartphone, tablet or computer. How to Find a Therapist A good fi rst step to locating a therapist is to ask your primary care provider or family and friends for a referral. You can also look on your insurer’s website for a list of therapists covered under your plan. But be aware that some insurers have limited, or even no coverage for mental health and many mental healthcare providers don’t participate in insurance plans. (Medicare does cover mental health services.) Other resources to help you fi nd a good therapist include online fi nder tools at the American Psychological Association (locator.apa.org) and the American Psychiatric Association (fi nder.psychiatry.org). If you want some help, there are also online platforms that can help match you with a licensed mental health provider. For example, Talkspace (talkspace. com) and BetterHelp (betterhelp.com), are virtual services you can access through your phone or computer, that contracts with thousands of licensed and credentialed therapists. The process starts with a few questions to assess your goals, your condition, and your preferences, and then matches you with some top therapists in your state. If you don’t have insurance coverage or can’t aff ord therapy, you can call or text 211 (or go to 211.org) anytime for a referral to a provider who off ers support at no cost or on a sliding scale, based on your budget. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 and ask for a referral to a local resource or provider or ask to be transferred to their “warm line” for nonemergency calls, where you can talk anonymously to a trained professional at no cost. Another possible option is Federally Qualifi ed Health Centers, which are community-based health centers, some of which may off er teletherapy services at no-cost. To search for centers in your area visit FindAHealthCenter. hrsa.gov. There’s also this website called Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org), where therapists off er lowcost online sessions for between $30 and $60. Interview Your Therapist Before you start sessions with a therapist, it’s important to make sure he or she meets your needs. If you’re not comfortable with the person, you’re unlikely to benefi t from the therapy. So, schedule a call or a video chat to get a feel for each other, and to ask about the therapist’s training, years in practice, specialties, therapy techniques and fee. Ideally the therapist you choose will be a good personality fi t for you and will be within your budget and/or covered by your insurance. 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. y Senin y Senior nioreniior Sen or
Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen LISTEN TO THE BOB KATZEN BABY BOOMER AND GEN X RADIO AND ONLINE SHOW: Are you, like me, tired of being subjected to puzzled looks, blank stares and comments from younger people who look at you like you are Mel Brooks’ “2,000 Year Old Man” when you mention something from the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s or even the 1980s? I invite you, your family and your friends to jump in my Delorean time machine and join me every Sunday night between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a trip back to a time we all fondly call “The Good Old Days.” The show is pure fun! Designed exclusively for YOU— Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on RADIO.COM”’ Download the free RADIO.COM app on your phone or tablet Listen online at: www.radio. com/1510wmex/listen Tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio THE HOUSE AND SENATE. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call looks at Question 2, one of the two questions on the ballot that will be decided directly by the voters in November. Secretary of State Bill Galvin has mailed the “Information for Voters on the 2020 Ballot Questions,” nicknamed the “Red Book,” to voters across the state. If you didn’t receive a copy, you can see one online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/ elepdf/IFV_2020.pdf or call the secretary’s office at 1-800-462-VOTE to have one mailed to you. Question 2 asks voters if they approve of a proposed law that would implement a voting system known as “ranked-choice voting” (RCV) in which voters rank one or more candidates in order of preference. If one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the first-place votes, that candidate would be declared the winner and no other rounds would be necessary. If no candidate receives a majority of first-place votes, the candidate that received the least number of first-choice votes is eliminated. The second choice of the voters who supported the eliminated candidate now becomes their first choice and is added to the totals of the remaining candidates. The same process is repeated, if necessary, until a candidate is the first choice of a majority of voters. Under current law, cities and towns can adopt RCV for local elections for offices including city councils and town select boards by charter commission or by home rule petition. Cambridge is currently the only city or town that uses RCV for its city elections. Both Amhrest and Easthampton recently approved RCV and will implement it for their local elections beginning in 2021. According to Question 2’s sponsors, there are local efforts to approve RCV being pursued in Arlington, Brookline and Northampton. The system, if approved in November, would be used statewide in every city and town beginning in 2022 in primary and general elections for all Massachusetts statewide offices, seats in the Massachusetts State Senate and House, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives and most county offices except county commissioner. The system would also not be used in any U.S. presidential race. The initial vote count to see if any candidate reaches 50 percent on the first round would be conducted by individual cities and towns. Any contest which goes to a second round or beyond will be calculated at a central tabulation facility where voters’ rankings would be entered into a computer, which would then calculate the results of each round of the counting process. The measure would give candidates at least three days to request a recount and require the secretary of state to conduct a voter education campaign about the ranked-choice voting process. Gov. Charlie Baker’s Office of Administration and Finance is required by law to analyze the fiscal consequences if the proposed law is approved. “This measure will likely require implementation costs for state and municipal elections officials, but because the proposed law would only apply to elections and primaries that are held on or after January 1, 2022, the fiscal consequences of this proposed measure for state and municipal government finances are otherwise unknown,” said the analysis. “Voters are tired of feeling like they have to hold their noses and vote for the lesser of two evils,” Evan Falchuk, Board Chair of Yes on 2 told Beacon Hill Roll Call. “We should have more than two choices when it comes to elections. We should be able to vote for who we truly like, instead of worrying that the candidate we like might be a ‘spoiler.’ The people we elect should have to build consensus—not division—in order to win. And they must be accountable to the broadest spectrum of voters, not just their ‘base.’” “At a time when anxiety of the integrity of our election system is at an alltime high, let’s not add complicated layers of bureaucracy that increases opportunities for corruption and let’s not discourage voter participation with confusing ballots and layers of complication that leaves to unforeseen and hard-to-explain results,” Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance told Beacon Hill Roll Call. “Ranked choice voting does have some limited advantages but overall, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages and we should not mess with our current system at this time.” “Voting Yes on 2 is about building a stronger democracy that puts power in the hands of the people,” said Rep. Andy Vargas (D-Haverhill). “This question can be boiled down to a very simple principle—that candidates that win elections should win with more than 50 percent of voters supporting them. In the absence of RCV, we sideline majority rule and enable minority and special interest rule. A simple change to the way we vote can bring so many benefits to Massachusetts voters. RCV would increase diversity in government, decrease polarization in campaigns and help restore faith in our democracy in a time when we need it most.” “In 2019, RCV was voted down in the city of Lowell,” said Kamara Kay, Chairman, Lowell Republican City Committee. “The RCV option is for the winner to become a loser and a loser to become the winner.» “I cannot understate the value that ranked choice voting would bestow upon voters,” said Michael Porter, Director of Harvard’s Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness. “We are so fortunate to have the chance in Massachusetts to be among the pioneers in adopting a simple, and straightforward way to make sure our elected leaders have the support of the broadest majority when they take office and begin to govern. Our current system does not elect leaders that fully reflect the will of the voting public, and too often it shuts out outside candidates from the process, assigning them the role of spoiler instead of contender. We can do so much better by voting yes on 2.” BEACON | SEE PAGE 19
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 19 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 “RCV is on the ballot this year because the effort is being funded by out-ofstate billionaires and their special interests,” said Craney. “Some of the biggest funders include a former executive from the Enron Corporation, family members of Rupert Murdoch of Fox News, and the family members of the George Soros family. The irony should not be lost, that they want to influence our state’s democratic process that has worked for centuries.” Here are the official arguments, gathered by the secretary of state, by each side of the question. A maximum of 150 words is allowed. IN FAVOR OF QUESTION #2: Written by Shauna Hamilton, Voter Choice for Massachusetts. 617-906-8166 www. voterchoice2020.org “A yes vote adopts ranked choice voting, a common-sense reform that puts more power in the hands of voters. Ranked choice voting addresses three problems: 1. Big money and corrupt special interests have too much control over our democracy. 2. Politicians can win with less than a majority, and independents are shut out. 3. Politics are tearing us apart, preventing solutions to major challenges. It works by giving voters the option to rank candidates in order of preference. You can vote for just one candidate like you always have, or you can rank your first, second and third choice. If your favorite candidate doesn’t win, your vote is instantly counted for your second choice so candidates must compete for every vote. Ranked choice voting ensures the winner has majority support and reflects the true will of the people. A ‘yes’ vote gives voters more voice and will help make our democracy stronger.” AGAINST QUESTION #2: Written by Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. 617553-4115 https://www.massfiscal.org. “Two Democratic governors rejected ranked choice voting because it was confusing and denied voters informed choice. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown witnessed a mayoral election in Oakland where the winner won with voters’ seventh and eighth place rankings. Gov. Brown said, ‘Rankedchoice voting is overly complicated and confusing. I believe it deprives voters of genuinely informed choice.’ Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said BEACON | SEE PAGE 22 1. October 23 is Mole Day, which was created to foster interest in what scientific field? 2. In Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth,” what group recites “Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble”? 3. What religious group that started in Switzerland holds services in homes instead of churches? 4. On Oct. 24, 1939, nylon stockings were first sold in the United States; what were women’s stockings previously made of? 5. The 1993 film “Hocus Pocus” is set in what Massachusetts city? 6. How is bamboo used to construct skyscrapers in Hong Kong? 7. Which U.S. president was unanimously elected by the Electoral College? 8. Oct. 25, 1960, is the date when the Accutron 214 went on sale, which was what? 9. What author known as the first American Man of Letters is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery? 10. According to the U.S. Navigation Center, what are categorized as “Growler” and” Bergy Bit”? 11. October 26 is National Pumpkin Day; what kind of pumpkin dish did the pilgrims serve in 1621? 12. What palace has 2,300 rooms, including the Hall of Mirrors? 13. “Ghostbusters” is a film about ghost-catching in what city? 14. Leominster, Mass., native John Chapman is well-known for planting what? 15. Two repeated vowels are in the names of what ancient city and what type of mushroom? 16. What former Massachusetts governor ran the Boston Marathon in 1951? 17. On Oct. 28, 1914, Jonas Salk was born, who developed a vaccine for what virus? 18. What was the first chocolate treat? 19. What Square was demolished to make way for Boston’s Government Center? 20. On Oct. 29, 1940, who was born who had a 1975 album called “Peach Melba” and the 1986 hit “A Little Bit More”? ANSWERS 1. Chemistry (A mole is the name of a measuring unit.) 2. The Three Witches 3. The Amish 4. Silk 5. Salem 6. As scaffolding 7. George Washington 8. The first electronic wristwatch 9. Washington Irving 10. The smallest icebergs 11. Stewed pumpkin 12. Versailles 13. NYC 14. Apples (aka Johnny Appleseed) 15. Pompeii, shiitake 16. Michael Dukakis 17. Poliomyelitis 18. Hot chocolate 19. Scollay Square 20. Melba Moore
Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 THEATRES | FROM PAGE 12 wonderful evenings in the theater with and thanks to these talented and dedicated artists. I wanted a fun and easy way to allow audiences to show their support during these unprecedented times.” Robbins said she was inspired by the Chicago Acts Together campaign, a similar project spearheaded by Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support these theater companies have shown our community,” said TCBF President Amy Spalletta. “By putting their names to this initiative and taking to their social media and mailing lists to promote, they have shown how much they care about the individual artists and practitioners who call the Boston Theater Community their home. On behalf of the entire TCBF volunteer board, we are extremely grateful.” For more information, please contact Robbins at ilyse@greaterbostonstage.org. 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 Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134 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 CLASSIFIEDS
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 21 DEVELOPER | FROM PAGE 2 and Debra Panetta said they have major concerns about the size of the project that has been proposed for 206 Lincoln Ave. “Twenty-four units is much too large on one house lot,” Panetta said. “I have serious concerns about the water runoff,” she added. She also questioned whether 10 parking spaces for 24 units would be adequate. Serino said he would be glad to file an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals challenging the Dover Amendment status if necessary. Salvo noted that a small portion of the property lies within R-1 (Residential A – Single Family) zoning district. The three-story building complies with B-1 (Business-Neighborhood) zoning district, but it is five feet higher than what is allowed in R-1 district. The Dover Amendment – if it applies in the developer’s case – would allow the project to proceed as planned. Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 * Crack Repairing * Pot Hole Filling * Striping Handicapped Spaces * Free Estimates Tom’s Seal Coating Call Gary: 978-210-4012
Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 BEACON | FROM PAGE 19 Ranked Choice Voting ‘has often led to voter confusion and the promise that ranked choice voting leads to greater democracy is not necessarily fulfi lled.’ Ranked Choice Voting ballots force voters to guess the candidates who will remain standing in multiple voting rounds and cast their votes in the dark. If they guess wrong and vote for eliminated candidates, their ballots are not counted in the fi nal vote. Winners win a false ‘majority’ of remaining ballots, not a true majority of all the voters voting in the election.” 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 filed. 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 October 12-16, the House met for a total of one hour and 17 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 23 minutes. Mon. Oct. 12 No House session No Senate session Tues. Oct. 13 House 10:59 a.m. to 11:09 a.m. Senate 11:08 a.m. to 11:24 a.m. Wed. Oct. 14 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Oct. 15 House 10:58 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Senate 11:08 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Fri. Oct. 16 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 Decarlo, Danielle L Bartolo-Bruno, Lisa A Alexandre, Kendra Giuliette, Rosana M Coco, Toniann Lee, Wade Silva, Mario Sanderson, Kevin M Vigliotta, Elaine Vieira, Christina Bertoli, Bernadette Orellana, Ever S Estepan, Ian Gomes, Thiago Adelson, Cassandre Saulnier, Elaine Hernandez-Flores, Louis Oke, David Meronnis, Julie J Hernandez-Ortega, Arturo Bertoli, Mark A Lima-Figueroa, Rose L BUYER2 Wilkins, Jesse T Nwozor, Tochukwu J Stitt, William T Li, Kevin Moreschi, Christina M SELLER1 Camarot Evelyn M Est Heidebrecht, Dennis P Jannuzzi, Michael DaSilva, Itamar A Celentano, James W Stevens, Kathy L Gmitter, Michele Santiago, Marvin Babineau, Nicole J Property Acquisition Grp DJB T Stanley, John M Davis Dennis Lee Est Americo LT StPierre, Patricia A Mclaughlin, Danae M Dimauro, Donna Property Acquisition Grp Mclaughlin, John R Dimauro, John J Mckay, Kathleen Stanley, Richard C Purdy, Patrick Carmosino, Mary DosReis, Carla A SELLER2 Camarot, Evelyn M Jannuzzi, Tracy A Fernandes, Iizaete ADDRESS 57 Richard St 20 Beech St 14 Marden St 9 Howard St 18 Old County Rd 311 Walnut St 62 Hobson St 12 Castle St 9 Broadway #119 37 Western Ave #B 11 Parker St 4 Fabens St 3 Homeland Cir 21 Venice Ave 30 Talbot St 1201 Sheffi eld Way #1201 40 Hobson St 37 Western Ave #A CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 02.10.2020 01.10.2020 01.10.2020 01.10.2020 30.09.2020 30.09.2020 30.09.2020 29.09.2020 29.09.2020 29.09.2020 29.09.2020 29.09.2020 PRICE $425 000,00 $510 000,00 $465 000,00 $500 000,00 $250 000,00 $360 000,00 $350 000,00 $530 000,00 $261 000,00 $568 000,00 $540 000,00 $460 000,00 $905 000,00 $730 000,00 $528 000,00 $410 000,00 $540 000,00 $596 500,00
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 23 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President A chill is in the air but Everett house prices are still Hot. Call today to learn the value of your home! NEW LISTING BY SANDY WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING BY NORMA NEW LISTING BY SANDY UNDER AGREEMENT! 67 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT 6 ROOM SINGLE WITH FINISHED BASEMENT NEW PRICE! $549,900 LISTED BY SANDY UNDER AGREEMENT! SINGLE FAMILY 39 LEXINGTON ST., EVERETT $725,000 NEW LISTING BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT! TWO FAMILY 45-47 SYCAMORE ST., EVERETT $724,900 NEW LISTING BY MARIA OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY UNDER AGREEMENT! 834 BROADWAY, EVERETT $550,000 RENTALS REVERE 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE NOW $2,000/MONTH WITH HEAT EVERETT 3-4 BEDROOM APARTMENT AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST $2,500/MONTH NO UTILITIES TO SEE EITHER OF THESE UNITS PLEASE TEXT/CALL MARIA AT 781-808-6877 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY OCT. 25, 2020 12:00-1:30 17 EVELYN RD., EVERETT $519,900 UNDER AGREEMENT! Mixed use building, Malden 3 commercial and one residential unit $1,200,000 OCT. 24, 2020 12:00-1:30 32 WESTOVER ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $465,900 LISTED BY NORMA 25 HAWKES ST., SAUGUS SINGLE FAMILY $449,900 LISTED BY NORMA 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
Page 24 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! LITTLEFIELD REAL ESTATE SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial. New windows, siding, new kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances, new cabinets. New hardwood flooring throughout house. New heat. Central AC. New maintenance free deck..........$570,000 WAKEFIELD CONDO ~ 3 rooms, 1 bed, 1 bath, newly renovated, SS appliances, granite, high ceilings, deeds parking, pets allowed ....... $269,900 SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial, 4-5 bedroom, 2 full baths, gas heat, central AC, new siding, new roof, hardwood flooring, fresh paint, new kitchen with SS appliances quartz counters ...............$559,900 38 Main Street, Saugus MA WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM 781-233-1401 WAKEFIELD ~ New construction duplex. 3 bed, 2.5 baths, 2400 sq feet, garage under, central AC, Gas heat, fireplace living room............. Call Keith Littlefield for pricing REVERE BEACH ~ Condo, 2 beds, 2 baths, quartz counters, SS appliances, central AC, beautiful ocean views, indoor pool, gym, sauna...... $394,900 SAUGUS ~ Birch Pond Estates. 3 bed, 3 bath split, Vaulted ceilings, finished walkout lower level, gas heat, central AC, gas fireplace, 2 car garage, sprinkler system, manicured grounds.................... $729,000 SAUGUS ~ 3 bed, 1.5 bath colonial. Open concept 1st floor, 2 car garage, newer gas heat, roof and HW heater, prof landscaping....$439,900 SAUGUS ~ Oversized split entry, stainless appliances, granite counters, great location, large 3 season sun room. in-law apartment... $644,900 Call Rhonda Combe For all your real estate needs!! 781-706-0842 MELROSE ~ Single family, 4 bed, 2 full bath, SS appliances, new gas heat, quartz counters, Central AC, Garage under...................$650,000 LAND FOR SALE SAUGUS Call Rhonda Combe at 781-706-0842 for details!! Call Eric Rosen for all your real estate needs. 781-223-0289 SOLD SOLD UNDER CONTRACT
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