SAUGUS Your Local News, Sports & More! Scan & Subscribe to Advocate News Online! E Vol. 28, No. 42 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday PET DRESSED FOR HALLOWEEN 781-233-4446 Friday, October 23, 2026 Town Meeting at Work Four new committees bring renewed focus to various Saugus priorities By Alex Burns F our Town Meeting Committees formed in the spring are working to answer questions Saugus residents have asked for years, about the vacant schools, outdated rules, and a charter last reviewed over a decade ago. While the committees — the Zoning By-Law Review Committee, Vacant Schools Assessment Committee, Charter Review Committee, and the Town By-Law Review Committee — are taking proactive steps to be ready for the next Town Meeting come May 2027, their progress is varied. One committee has been waiting months for the town to answer basic records requests, while others have met multiple times and built out schedules to complete their work. The Vacant Schools AssessLIVING A FAIRY TALE: Jenny Scacca, 31, of Melrose, was dressed as Cinderella and held her 14-year-old Chihuahua, Gilbert, who was costumed as Prince Charming, at the Fourth Annual Halloween Pet Parade held at Breakheart Reservation last Sunday, Oct. 18. Please see inside for more photos and the story. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns) Home of the Week Offered at $529,900 SAUGUS OPEN HOUSE: Sat., Oct., 23 & Sun., Oct. 24 - 12:00 – 2:00 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate SAUGUS – Welcome to 40 Stone Street. This beautiful Cape features 5 rooms 2+ bedrooms and 1 full Bath, located in the heart of Saugus on a corner lot. This home shows very well with its newer vinyl flooring and fresh paint. Large open living room, formal dining room with a beautiful chandelier and chair rail. Quaint eat in kitchen with walk out to the back yard. Primary bedroom has a sitting room for added space. Bathroom offers a new toilet and fixtures. No worries with the bones of this home with a newer furnace, hot water holding tank and roof. This home is in move-in condition and perfect for the first time homebuyer. This property has a large driveway with access from Stone st and Catalpa St. Great yard for outdoor fun. One street over from the early learning Veterans Memorial School and park. Seller has a new door for the basement outside egress. A must see! (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. ment Committee is charged with determining whether the former Ballard, Evans, Oaklandvale, Lynnhurst, and Waybright schools have ever been professionally assessed. Some of these buildings have been closed for several years. “Right now we are here to assess: Can these buildings be saved? Can they be fixed? Can they be rehabilitated?” Precinct 10 Town Meeting member Jenna Nuzzo, who chairs the committee, said. “I would love to get in all of the buildings to physically see where they stand.” Nuzzo emphasized that the committee’s purpose is not to decide the fate of these vacant buildings, but to gather enough information to initiate the conversation, allowing the town to make that decision. The committee had its first meeting at the end of last month, where the focus was the two public records requests Nuzzo filed in April and June seeking expense information on the six vacant schools. Both remain unanswered. “The residents of this town have been asking for years what’s going on with these buildings, and nobody has a single answer,” Nuzzo said. “We’re losing money just sitting on them, letting them rot away.” Nuzzo said she has researched state grants other communities have used to reTOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 2 Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 3.99 4.60 6.04 $4.91 Full Service ULS $5.559 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 1 purpose vacant buildings, potentially into youth and recreation centers, or demolished to become open spaces, and wants to pursue the same funding for Saugus. Similarly, the Charter Review Committee, which is reviewing the Town Charter for any updates or amendments, has had two meetings. According to Precinct 10 Town Meeting member Peter Manoogian, the group used those meetings to elect a chair and build out a schedule to evaluate possible changes or additional amendments to the charter before next year’s Town Meeting. Manoogian said the committee is now reviewing the first of the two articles within the Charter, covering the town’s legislative branch. The Zoning By-Law Review Committee is determining whether the town’s zoning bylaws, which were last updated in January 2025, need an overhaul. That group has also met twice, according to Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Peter Rossetti Jr. He said the committee’s work is shaped by state-level changes, including Governor Maura Healey’s push to add 200,000 housing units statewide. The town’s zoning bylaws say the moratorium on constructing mul“WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated Chairwoman Jenna Nuzzo speaking at the first Town Meeting Vacant Schools Assessment Committee meeting on Sept. 30th. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns) tifamily dwellings of three or more units was adopted after an unexpected rise in construction, giving officials time to study the issue. He pointed to Lynn’s success in getting roughly $100,000 from the state legislature to hire support for reassessing bylaws as a potential plan Saugus could pursue. “We’re hoping we can get to the point where we can go to Town Meeting and say, ‘We need to bring in a professional to evaluate and look at these bylaws,’” Rossetti said. The committee is currently drafting a survey to gauge what residents want to see in town, such as new development and open spaces. The Town By-Law Review Committee is focused on identifying outdated or unnecessary rules rather than broad reform for its own sake, according to Precinct 2 Town Meeting member Matthew Parlante. “What I want to accomplish is simple: it’s taking a good, hard look at our bylaws and making sure it still makes sense for Saugus and its residents,” said Parlante, a Lieutenant in the Revere Fire Department. “There’s outdated language, fees, procedures, things we no longer use that just need to be cleaned up.” For Parlante, the work extends beyond cleaning up outdated bylaws, however. It’s about whether Saugus residents feel represented at all. He said a representative government is supposed to reflect the community, and with just 50 town meeting members speaking for 27,000 residents, Parlante feels Saugus falls short of that. At the end of the day, however, “People want to see things done, and they will keep talking until things get done,” Nuzzo said. These are the upcoming meetings of the committees: Town By-Law Review Committee: November 3rd at 6 p.m. Charter Review Committee: October 28th at 6 p.m. Vacant Schools Assessment Committee: October 29th at 6 p.m. Zoning By-Law Review Committee: October 27th at 7 p.m. This story is part of a partnership between The Saugus Advocate and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program. For Advertising with RESULTS, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or info@advocatenews.net
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 3 Saugus native on a yearslong quest to restore a plaque honoring her father might finally get her wish By Siena Gleason P atricia Cadoret is on a mission. The 75-year-old Saugus native is trying to preserve a piece of the town’s history, one that is also interwoven with her own family’s history. The focus of her endeavors is a plaque that was on display at what was then called Belmonte Junior High School — now Belmonte STEAM Academy — in Saugus, where Cadoret’s father, Donald Tibbetts, taught business from 1979 to 1981. That plaque may have been lost during the 2013 renovation of the school, Cadoret suspects. “I feel all consumed in this,” Cadoret said. “I feel as I’m getting older, I just felt the need to push forward and let someone that could help hear my voice.” Now, Cadoret may finally get what she has been looking for. At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting earlier this month, Cadoret addressed the gathered group about her father’s story and the need for the plaque. “For over seven years, I have faced numerous roadblocks and delays just trying to get this plaque reproduced and replaced back to where it belonged,” Cadoret told the Board. Selectman Michael Serino, who had Tibbetts as a teacher, said the Board raised the issue with Town Manager Scott Crabtree after Cadoret spoke at the meeting. Crabtree will need to contact the School Committee to rededicate the plaque because the School Committee handles dedications on school buildings; the selectmen do not have that jurisdiction. A new plaque could be in place as early as spring 2027, he said. “It should be a quick fix,” Serino said. The plaque was originally created in Tibbetts’ honor by former Belmonte Principal Anthony Struzziero. Cadoret has letters from Struzziero addressed to her late mother, confirming the creation of a living memorial honoring Tibbetts’ dedication to the school. “In these letters, he explicitly confirms the official dedication of the grass and rock garden area at the school to my father. Forty-four-plus years ago, Saugus made a promise to my family to honor my father’s legacy,” Cadoret said. Cadoret said she can recall attending the original dedication ceremony with her mother and brother. The plaque was placed in a rock garden at the entrance of the school, an area that TibThe Donald Tibbetts plaque (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) PLAQUE | SEE PAGE 4 ONE SCARY GOOD RATE, JUST FOR MEDFORD Earn 4.75% APY* with our exclusive 7-month Medford CD, only available at our new Medford location. Stop by our 501 High Street branch to open yours and make some easy money. No tricks, just more. Because here, easy means more. Donald Tibbetts teaching in his classroom in 1978 (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Patricia Cadoret makes her case to selectmen at the board’s Oct. 7 meeting. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Saugus welcomes the opening of new Stackpole Field Playground project T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree and the Saugus Board of Selectmen joined children, families other town residents and businesspeople on Monday in celebrating the completion of the new Stackpole Field Playground and facilities improvement project. “This amazing transformation at Stackpole Field gives our families, athletes, and residents a state-of-the-art place to gather, play, and compete for years to come,” Crabtree said in a statement as the community gathered for a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I want to sincerely thank the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, and Town Meeting members for making this important investment in our community possible,” he said. The estimated $1.8 million modernized Stackpole Field Playground and upgraded recPLAQUE | FROM PAGE 3 betts had worked to restore. “He was so excited about teaching,” Cadoret said. “I remember a conversation that I had with him, telling me how enthusiastic and how great the kids are, and so eager to learn and listen.” Cadoret, who grew up in Saugus, said she discovered the plaque and garden were removed when she returned to Saugus from New Hampshire with her mother in 2013. Her reational facilities project features brand-new play structures, outdoor community fitness equipment stations and a paved walking track around the perimeter of the field. Additional amenities include new bleachers for spectators, picnic tables and benches, water fountains, lighting enhancements, upgrades to electrical and communications systems, perimeter fencing, and extensive improvements to drainage and landscaping. The playground, exercise equipment area and bleachers all incorporate a vibrant Sachem red color scheme. The playground boasts several play structures that include slides, ramps, cargo nets and various climbing elements, in addition to swings. Outdoor exercise equipment for community use at Stackpole Field includes the following: parallel bars, assisted row and push-up structure, quintuple steps, A-frame Stackpole Field Playground: Monday’s “grand opening” of this $1.8 million facility marks the latest in a series of projects completed by the town in recent years to improve parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities throughout Saugus. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) cargo net, angled overhead ladder, ledge hanger and rope climb. The playground and exercise equipment area feature shock-absorbing soft-fall surfaces designed to help reduce the risk of injuries from falls. As part of the project, team room facilities were upgraded with new siding and trim, new plumbing fixtures and improved handicapped-accessigus for 22 years and served as pastor of the First Congregational Church in Saugus for 11 of them, died from a sudden heart attack in 1980 at age 56, when he was still working at A yearbook photo of Donald Tibbetts (left) standing with the class officers of the ninth grade class in 1979. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) mother had early-onset Alzheimer’s and wanted to visit the school where Tibbetts taught. Tibbetts, who had lived in SauBelmonte. “We went up to the front door, and there was no plaque,” Cadoret said. “It was gone.” Cadoret then began asking friends and family for help restoring the symbol of her father’s legacy. In 2019, a friend connected her with Saugus Selectman Anthony Cogliano, who ble bathroom access ramps. Town Manager Crabtree thanked the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting members for supporting the Town’s continued investment in recreational facilities, as well as PMA, the Town’s project manager, the Saugus Building Maintenance Department, the DPW and project contractors for their hard work and collaboration. Completion of the Stackpole Field Playground project comes just weeks after the opening of the $1.4 million Golden Hills Playground improvement project and is the latest in the town’s commitment in recent years to improving parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities throughout Saugus. Other projects include major improvements at Veterans Memorial Elementary School Playground, Bristow Park and Anna Parker Playground. went to Belmonte and recalled seeing Tibbetts at the school. Tibbetts, Cogliano said, was “always smiling.” Cogliano kept in touch with Cadoret over Facebook. Progress on restoring the plaque was stalled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, when shuttered schools and reshuffled priorities pushed Cadoret’s to the bottom of those people she sought out for help. In 2021, Cogliano spoke with the Saugus facilities departPLAQUE | SEE PAGE 6 Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured Everett Aluminum Supplies Celebrating 67 Years in Business Since 1958! ws
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 5 Saugus hosts its Third Annual Town Hall Trick or Treat event next Thursday T own Hall is getting to look kind of scary lately. Several tall, frightening-looking creatures have come out of storage and are now guarding the inside entrance. It’s all part of the preparation for the Third Annual Saugus Town Hall Trick or Treat Event, which takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. next Thursday (Oct. 29) at Saugus Town Hall. Saugus kids and their families are invited to explore Town Hall as it transforms into a fun, family-friendly Halloween adventure. Town of Saugus employees dressed in Halloween costumes will hand out assorted treats to children as they make their way through Town Hall. “Families can expect a few spooky surprises along the way!” Saugus Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree’s Office warned in a press release issued this week. “Town Hall ONE OF THE HAUNTED HOSTS: This scary skeleton lurks in the hallways at Saugus Town Hall and would be glad to get its photo taken with a few terrified grownups and kids when Saugus hosts is Third Annual Trick or Treat event next Thursday, Oct. 29, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) Trick or Treat is a fun, safe and completely free event for Saugus families. Town Hall staff are excited to see all the creative kids’ costumes on display and can’t wait to see you there!” Parents will be able to take photos of their children alongGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available side Halloween characters throughout the building. Kids, families and community members of all ages are invited. Saugus Town Hall is located at 298 Central St., Saugus, across the street from the Saugus Public Library. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Costumes and tricks on display at Breakheart Reservation’s Annual Pet Parade By Alex Burns H ot dogs, a mailman, and a family sandwich shop — these were some of the costumes that dogs of all kinds donned at the Friends of Breakheart’s Fourth Annual Halloween Pet Parade last Sunday. The fundraiser, sponsored by the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation, asked attendees for a $10 donation per pet, with proceeds going to park activities and future events, such as a new educational center at Breakheart Reservation. Peter Rossetti, a longtime Friends of Breakheart member, said the event is an update of the group’s former “Blessing of the Pets.” Organizers added costumes to make it more fun. The goal, he said, is to show more people what the 600-acre reservation offers. “There are people in Saugus who don’t even know this exists,” Rossetti said. The event drew more than two dozen pet owners and their beloved dogs in fun costumes in the lead-up to Halloween. Attendees started the day by mingling, taking photos, and browsing tables from a range of vendors and rescue groups. Bria Tiro, a pet trainer and owner of “Training with Bri,” was at the event and offered a demonstration of pet tricks in front of the gazebo, followed by a trick contest. The Saugus Police Department K-9 unit gave a demonstration with one of its own German Shepherds, “Blue.” The demonstration included simple commands and calls, showing how working K-9 unit dogs respond to their handler’s instructions. The parade was up next. The roughly quarter-mile route wound through the parking lot, past the vendors’ stands, through the foliage trail, and back to the start. Organizers also held a raffle, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to local adoption and rescue foundations. PLAQUE | FROM PAGE 4 ment, which searched through remnants from the original Belmonte saved back in storage units. The plaque was nowhere to be found. Cogliano A Saugus police officer works with K-9 Blue during a demonstration at the parade as owners and their costumed dogs watch from the lawn. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns) The event also included friendly competition, and winners were announced in three categories: Best Pet Trick, Best Pet Costume, and Best Family Costume. The winner of Best Trick went to Charlotte, a mixedbreed pup, and her owner, Elena Grafton, 46, of Saugus. Charlotte, dressed as a mail carrier, showed off her trick: opening a toy mailbox — part of her costume — with her mouth and pulling out real mail. Carly Beckwith, 26, of Chelsea, won Best Pet Costume with her two dogs, who appeared as “Fenway Franks.” Josie, a seven-month-old dachshund, was the hot dog. Dexter, a five-yearold Rottweiler-Husky-Akita mix, was dressed as a Red Sox player. Beckwith, who works in Everett, played the hot dog vendor. “Eventually the wiener dog has to be the classic hot dog,” she said. “But that felt a little basic, so we wanted to make it a little creative.” It was the second parade for Beckwith and Dexter. Last year, Dexter dressed as the cartoon character “Dexter” from “Dexter’s Laboratory,” and Beckwith dressed as his sister, “Dee Dee.” Beckwith said she hikes at the reservation often, knows many of the vendors, and wanted to support a friend on the Friends of Breakheart committee. David and Jessica Lyon of Saugus, who won Best Family Cossaid he contacted the School Committee and Crabtree about the plaque when he first heard about the issue, but no action followed. The Saugus School Committee and Scott Crabtree’s office David and Jessica Lyon, of Saugus, dressed as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, posed with their 12-yearold Schnauzer-Yorkie mix, Peaches, which was costumed as a sandwich chef, at the Halloween Pet Parade. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns) tume, came as “Peaches Family Sandwich Company” with their 12-year-old dog Peaches. The Schnauzer-Yorkie mix was dressed as a chef, while David and Jessica together dressed as a sandwich. The getup also included a sandwich stand, which David built, and it was attached to the stroller Peaches sat in. Many of the dogs at the parade were rescues or adoptees. Supporting such dogs is the mission of one of the vendors at the event, the nonprofit Eddie’s Ranch, which takes in senior dogs with disabilities, mostly did not respond to requests for comment. At that time, Cogliano and Cadoret also discussed putting a new plaque up in the courtyard at the Belmonte STEAM Academy. However, the courtyard was Costumed dogs and their owners walk the parade route through the fall foliage. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns) those with back problems who use wheels. “Just because a dog is a senior on wheels doesn’t make them any less of a wonderful pet,” said Saugus’ Lisa Mattuchio, who founded Eddie’s Ranch in memory of her Yorkie, Eddie. He used wheels to get around and taught her how to care for dogs with a disability, Mattuchio said, adding that such dogs are adoptable and “will bring you so much love.” Proceeds from Sunday’s event will help turn the former sugar shack on the Reservation, which was used to host maple sugaring demonstrations, into an education center that can be used year-round, Rossetti said. About 600 schoolchildren visit each year for the maple sugarunder construction from 2021 to 2023, further halting the process, Cogliano said. In 2024, Cadoret turned to the broader Saugus community for help, posting on Facebook and soliciting comments from those ing program, learning how sap is collected and then gathering around a firepit to eat popcorn with maple syrup. “We are trying to emphasize to people that this is a great place to come and walk your dog,” Rossetti said. “It is a fun time and a fun place.” Coming up at the Reservation are the Turkey Trot road race on Thanksgiving Day and a yet-tobe-scheduled visit with Santa. Details on the events are on the Friends of Breakheart website and Facebook page. This story is part of a partnership between The Saugus Advocate and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program. who may have known her father. Dozens of comments poured in, some with suggestions on how she could get the town’s attention and others with rememPLAQUE | SEE PAGE 12 Carly Beckwith, of Chelsea, dressed as a ballpark hot dog vendor, carries her seven-month-old dachshund, Josie, in a “Kayem Fenway Franks” crate while her five-year-old mixedbreed dog, Dexter, wears a Red Sox cap and jersey. The trio won Best Pet Costume. (Photo to The Saugus Advocate by Alex Burns)
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 7 ~ SHS Sachems Sports roundup: Golf returns to states after decade-long drought; field hockey earns win as fall teams battle on ~ By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School fall sports season is entering its final stretch, with the Sachems golf team celebrating its first state tournament appearance since 2016, field hockey picking up a victory over Wakefield and both soccer teams delivering determined efforts against Beverly. Meanwhile, the football team continues to battle through injuries and a difficult schedule, volleyball is working to build a foundation for the future, and the revived cross-country program is showing promise in its second season back. FOOTBALL BATTLES THROUGH INJURIES IN LOSS TO SALEM Saugus fell to 0-6 with a 35-6 loss to Salem on Friday, Oct. 16, but first-year head coach Greg Bluestein continues to see plenty of reasons for optimism in a young, injury-depleted squad. Senior captain Paxton Ferraro accounted for the Sachems’ lone touchdown on a toss play, capping another game in which he carried much of the offensive workload. Bluestein said the team’s effort has not wavered despite the mounting losses and injuries that have forced several younger players into varsity action. “We have a group of warriors that are giving it their all,” Bluestein said. “These kids are the ones that make coaching fun; the ones that make all the effort and hours worth it.” Among the players stepping up was Gavin Hurley, who competed with one hand in a cast. Gabriel De Souza moved into the quarterback role, while Pablo Dejesus made important defensive plays setting the edge and contributed on the offensive line. The Sachems also welcomed back Laith Haddad, who played on both sides of the ball. “Our numbers are down due to injuries, and we had a lot of kids get their first varsity reps last week. I’m proud of them for their effort and tenacity,” Bluestein said. With the season winding down, Bluestein said the focus remains on improving fundamentals, gaining experience and building consistency. He also credited his coaching staff for keeping the players motivated. Pictured left to right, the Saugus team and coaches who participated in the state tourney: Coach Joe Bertrand, Artie O’Leary, John Morello, Trey Riley, Grant Leonard, Nick Rinaldi, Jennifer Li, and Head Coach Dan Bertrand. GOLF REACHES STATE TOURNAMENT FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2016 The Saugus golf team accomplished something the program had not done in a decade, clinching a berth in the MIAA Division 3 North Tournament with a convincing 48-24 victory over Peabody on Oct. 15. The victory gave the Sachems a 9-9 regular-season record and their first state tournament appearance since the fall of 2016. Six golfers earned individual match victories against Peabody. Artie O’Leary led the way with an 8.5-0.5 win, followed by John Morello at 7.5-1.5. Caiden Arsenault and Jason Cuddy each posted 7-2 victories, while Trey Riley won 6.5-3.5 and Grant Leonard prevailed 5-4. At the Oct. 20 state tournament, Saugus finished 11th among 11 teams in Division 3 North, gaining valuable postseason experience against the region’s best competition. Individually, Jennifer Li led the Sachems with a round of 86, tying for 39th among 76 competitors. Riley shot an 87 to tie for 45th, while Morello finished tied for 49th with an 88. The state tournament contingent included O’Leary, Morello, Riley, Leonard, Nick Rinaldi and Li, along with head coach Dan Bertrand and coach Joe Bertrand. The Sachems were also scheduled to compete in the Northeastern Conference Open on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Tedesco. FIELD HOCKEY TOPS WAKEFIELD, PUTS UP DEFENSIVE FIGHT AGAINST BEVERLY Saugus field hockey earned a 2-1 victory over Wakefield on Oct. 14, highlighted by a pair of goals involving junior Teaghan Arsenault. Meri Mogauro opened the scoring with an assist from Arsenault before Arsenault delivered the eventual game-winner off a feed from Sydney Ferreira. Goalkeeper Jordyn Ripley Deminski made four saves. Coach Julie Champigny called the second goal one of the team’s finest of the season, particularly praising Ferreira’s decision to advance from her defensive position and create the scoring opportunity. “Teaghan’s ability to finish is unmatched,” Champigny said. The Sachems followed with a 3-0 loss to Beverly, but the final score did not fully reflect their defensive effort against one of the stronger opponents on their schedule. Saugus trailed just 1-0 at halftime, thanks in part to strong defensive performances from Ferreira, Adila Dzindo and Viona Chantha. Champigny said the trio consistently disrupted Beverly’s attacks and forced numerous shots wide. Ripley Deminski finished with 12 saves, earning praise for her communication and ability to recover for second-chance stops. GIRLS SOCCER PUSHES BEVERLY BEHIND MUDAFORT’S 34 SAVES The Saugus girls soccer team delivered one of its strongest defensive performances of the season in a 2-1 loss to Beverly, with goalkeeper Lauren Mudafort recording a career-high 34 saves. Coming off a 5-3 defeat against Winthrop, coach April Martinez adjusted the Sachems’ formation and emphasized defensive organization against a Beverly team she described as one of the state’s best. The adjustments paid off as Saugus entered halftime trailing only 2-0. Senior captain Sydney Deleidi scored early in the second half to pull the Sachems within a goal, and Saugus held Beverly scoreless after halftime. Senior Maria Garcia drew the difficult assignment of marking Beverly’s top ofROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 8
Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Fall Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener M idfall is a season when many ornamental grasses are at their best. Most popular grasses bloom between August and October, and some are starting to go to seed, showing silvery seed heads. One of the most colorful ornamental grasses is little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), a native grass that will have stems varying from bluish to reddish through the summer and fall, with shining small seeds in mid-October. It is a very versatile grass, thriving in many natural locations in town. It is equally at home on the ledges of Vinegar Hill, in small pockets of soil on an otherwise hard and dry site, as it is along the riverbank beside the bike trail near the red bridge. Other places it can be found are along the roadside and in seldom mowed meadows. The seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife. One species of ornamental grass that has been very popular in recent decades has been placed on the list of invasive species in Massachusetts. This is maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), which includes the popular horizontally banded or “striped grasses” known as zebra grass or porcupine grass and other green varieties. Its tassel shaped seed heads are very decorative, but they have been determined to crowd out native grass species in some ROUNDUP | FROM PAGE 7 fensive player and, according to Martinez, effectively neutralized her. Senior captain Amanda Rezendes, sophomore Georgia Condakakes, junior Alannah Duong and freshman Mikayla Le also contributed strong defensive performances. Martinez praised the leadership of her three senior captains — Deleidi, Garcia and Rezendes — for maintaining a positive attitude and keeping their teammates focused throughout a challenging seaLittle bluestem, a colorful native grass, grows in the ledges atop Vinegar Hill in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) places within this state after expanding beyond gardens. There is a definitely spooky look to some of the gardens around town this month. With skeletons scrambling out of lawns, ghosts hovering around porch roofs and some jack-o’-lanterns, real and artificial, looking like they have malicious intentions, Saugus certainly appears to have a Halloween spirit. Even some of the wildlife may be joining in: Double crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) on the docks and boats in East Saugus seem to be trying son. She called the Beverly performance a complete team effort, emphasizing the players’ willingness to adjust, trust the game plan and compete until the final whistle. BOYS SOCCER SHOWS RESILIENCE WHILE SHORTHANDED The Saugus boys soccer team also gave Beverly a difficult challenge despite suffering a 2-0 defeat. Coach Josh Crespo’s squad played nearly the entire secCormorants dry their wings along the Saugus River in East Saugus. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) to resemble bats, with their wings outspread. Ornithologists will tell you they are drying the salt water out of their wings, since they often swim slightly submerged as they search for fish in the tidal sections of the river. The scientific names of several cormorant species have been reassigned in recent years, and scientists do not all agree on the distinctions between species in the cormorant family (Phalacrocoracidae). Most parts of the world have some types of cormorants, but most of those we are likely to see in New England are double-crested cormorants. ond half with 10 players following a red card but managed to keep the game scoreless until the final 12 minutes. The Sachems spent much of the second half defending under pressure, and Crespo said fatigue eventually caught up with his players. Still, he was pleased with the determination they showed while playing at a numerical disadvantage. The loss followed another 2-0 defeat against Swampscott, but the performance against Beverly offered encouragement as Saugus con“Cinnamon Stick” little bluestem grass grows in a garden around red chrysanthemums. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) tinues through the closing weeks of its season. VOLLEYBALL CONTINUES REBUILDING DESPITE WINLESS RECORD The Saugus volleyball team remains in search of its first victory after falling to Salem, 3-0, on Oct. 19, dropping to 0-16. But coach Mikayla Niles believes the team’s record does not reflect the competitiveness she has seen throughout the season. Saugus pushed Wilmington to five sets in a 3-2 loss Oct. 12 and has taken sets from several opponents, including Swampscott and Masconomet. Niles said the biggest challenge has been closing out competitive sets, particularly with a roster featuring only two returning varsity players from last season. A bright spot has been Danielle Braga, who recently moved into the libero position. Niles praised Braga’s performance against Salem, calling ROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 11
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 9 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus It looks like some of those gigantic and scary-looking dust collectors that have been hiding out amid the clutter in the balcony of the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall are now lurking in the first floor hallway, especially near the entrance. Visitors can’t help but feel their hearts beat a little faster if they happen to walk through the entranceway and notice these frightening creatures for the first time. It’s clear that Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and his staff have taken special steps to decorate the Hall for Halloween. But the creatures will really earn their keep next Thursday (Oct. 29) when they greet the guests – parents, kids and Saugus residents of all ages – who will pass through the front doors for the Third Annual Saugus Town Hall Trick or Treat Event, which takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. If you have school-age kids and want to experience something different for Halloween, this might be worth your while. Here’s some safe trick or treating where you don’t have to worry about bad weather or traffic. Town Hall employees dressed in Halloween costumes will be giving kids candy and assorted treats. Grownups might be curious to see how the town manager and his staff dress up for the occasion. Check it out! Fall Fun Fest today from 4 to 6 p.m. Today (Friday, Oct. 23), WIN Waste Innovations is sponsoring a Fall Fun Fest from 4–6 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church (14 Summer St.). The event will include a live DJ, pumpkin decorating, a Bounce House, pizza and more. The entry fee is a donation of any amount to the Boys & Girls Club. Every contribution makes a difference, because WIN Waste will match all community donations made during the event. Support an incredible nonprofit while having fun with your friends, family and neighbors! Saugus United Parish Food Pantry This week’s “Shout Outs” From Doris Napier: I would like to give a “shout out” to Jean Bloom at our Saugus Senior Center in helping me get a medical piece of equipment. Jean stops whatever she is doing to assist you and goes out of her way. She has a nice demeanor and always shows kindness and patience. Plenty of pumpkins left The Pumpkin Patch on the Hamilton Street side lawn of First Congregational Church in Saugus Center is winding down its 24th year. There are eight days until Halloween (Oct. 31). If you haven’t gothas been closed for painting this week. COVID-19/flu vaccine clinic There is one more COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic, which is free to Saugus residents and town employees: Friday, Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). At the clinic, Walgreens healthcare professionals will administer the latest Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine as well the seasonal flu vaccine – all at no cost. The COVID-19 booster will be available for all residents age 65 and older and for ages 12-64 with underlying health issues. High-dose flu vaccines will also be available at the clinic for individuals age 65 and older. Walk-ins are welcome for the A SPOOKY WELCOMING COMMITTEE: These creepy creatures will be standing guard inside the entrance of Saugus Town Hall next Thursday (Oct. 29) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. when the town hosts its Third Annual Saugus Town Hall Trick or Treat Event. The front row characters have spaces for kids to stick their faces while posing for photos with the dragon and giant scarecrow. (Courtesy photo to the Saugus Advocate by Michael Gaffney) The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Oct. 23) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781-233-2663 or go to the website cliftondalecc.org for details. ten your pumpkin yet, there are still plenty to choose from. Pumpkins of all sizes will be displayed on the church lawn and will be available for purchase every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. The church and the Navajo Reservation in Farmington, N.M., both benefit from the sale of these pumpkins. But the agreement the church has with Pumpkin Patch USA won’t allow the sale of any pumpkins after Halloween. Any leftover pumpkins on Nov. 1 will be available for free. Early Voting continues The Nov. 3 State Election is only one week away from next Tuesday (Oct. 27). But there will be plenty of opportunity for registered voters to vote earlier if they want. If you are a registered voter in town, you should have received an 87-page voter information pamphlet in the mail from Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin detailing the nine questions that will be on this year’s ballot. With so many questions to consider along with a vote on the gubernatorial race, other state offices, the U.S. Senate and Congressional races, local and regional offices, this might be a convenient option for voters. Counting today, there are seven remaining dates for In-Person Early Voting in the Community Room of the Saugus Public Library at 295 Central St. in Saugus. Voters should use the Taylor Street Entrance: ● Friday, October 23, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ● Saturday, October 24, 2026 – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (also, last day to register to vote for Election) ● No Sunday ● Monday, October 26, 2026 – 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ● Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Thursday, October 29, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ● Friday, October 30, 2026 – 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Library undergoes painting Except for Early Voting in the Community Room, the library clinic. No preregistration is required. The town asks clinic attendees to bring proof of insurance if they have it, but no one will be turned away. No Endorsement Letters As has been the custom during local and state elections in recent years, The Saugus Advocate is not running any candidate endorsements. In the past, some candidates got supporters to bombard us with the letters, which are essentially free political ads. We get inundated with these letters during local and state elections. If we were to run every one, there would be no room for news. However, we will post these letters on The Advocate Newspapers Facebook page. Annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags Here’s your last chance to sponsor a Flag for a veteran for the Veteran’s Day Field of Flags. Sponsored flags will be placed on the lawn of Veterans Park at the corner of Winter and Central Streets (not the Saugus Town Hall) to honor and remember all veterans on Nov. 11. The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring this event to honor all veterans, living or deceased, including those currently serving. American flags may be sponSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 10
Page 10 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ I was informed that Massachusetts Town Clerks are permitted to have opinions on State Questions on the Election Ballot. I would like to state that as the Town Clerk and Election Official for the Town of Saugus as well as my Assistant Town Clerk, Stephanie Hardy , are against Question 4 which would establish Election Day Registration and allow eligible individuals to register to vote or change their voter registration address on Election Day, here are my reasons: While fully supporting every eligible citizen’s right to vote, we believe that protecting the integrity, accuracy, and security of our elections must remain equally important. Question 4 would place significant additional responsibilities on local election officials and election workers at the busiest and most demanding time of the election process. Under the proposed law, election officials would be required to evaluate voter registrations and address changes at the polling locations (Saugus has 6 different locations) while simultaneously managing voting, checking voter eligibility, maintaining accurate records, assisting voters, and addressing the many other responsibilities that occur on Election Day. This moves important verification work that can currently be completed in advance into an environment where election officials are working under considerable time pressure. As municipal election officials, we are particularly concerned about our ability to adequately verify information presented by individuals who have not previously registered or who are attempting to establish a new voting address on Election Day. Although the proposal includes proof-of-residency requirements and a sworn oath, those safeguards do not eliminate the possibility of errors, conflicting information, duplicate registrations, or false information being presented when there is little opportunity for meaningful advance review. Our election offices already THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 9 Town Clerk expresses opposition to Massachusetts Ballot Question 4 – Election Day Registration face very real staffing and technology limitations. Municipalities should not be expected to implement a significant new Election Day process without the personnel, equipment, technology, training, and funding necessary to administer it properly. Adding these responsibilities to already-overextended election workers could increase the potential for mistakes and delays and place additional strain on local election administrations. The current system provides voters with a 10-day registration deadline, giving election officials an opportunity to process registrations and address changes before Election Day. The prior last day registration was 20 days beforehand, this was changed during The Votes Act of 2022. According to “What’s on my ballot,” most States close registration 15-30 days before Election Day. Massachusetts also provides multiple opportunities for residents to register or update their information before an election, including online, by mail and in-person registration. Voters need to take some responsibility. Election security depends not only on laws and procedures, but also on giving the people responsible for administering elections the time and resources necessary to properly perform their duties. Moving critical registration and verification functions to Election Day, when election offices are already operating at maximum capacity, creates unnecessary administrative challenges and potential vulnerabilities. For these reasons, we respectfully urge Massachusetts voters to vote NO on Ballot Question 4. Our elections deserve to be accessible, accurate, secure, and properly administered. Local election officials need the resources and time necessary to accomplish all four. Please support the integrity of our elections. Vote NO on Question 4. Sincerely, Ellen Joyce Schena Saugus Town Clerk sored through the Parson Roby Chapter DAR at a cost of $5 each. The flags will be placed at Veterans Park prior to Nov. 11 and will wave throughout the week until Nov. 12 with your veteran’s name on the flag. Flags may be sponsored to honor a family member, friend, neighbor or employee who has served or is currently serving our country. The deadline to sponsor flags is Oct. 30. You may send a check ($5 per flag) made payable to Parson Roby Chapter along with the information of the veteran (Name/ Rank/Branch of Service/Years or War if known) and mail it to Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. After 12 noon on Nov. 11, you can pick up your sponsored flag to either keep or put on a grave. “2021 was our first year sponsoring the Field of Flags and it has been a huge success. So many members of the community stopped by to thank us in remembering our veterans this way. There were over 140 flags sponsored with veteran’s names waving in the wind and we hope for many more veterans to be sponsored this year. All proceeds from the Veteran’s Field of Flags will support the Daughters of the American Revolution’s mission to preserve American history and secure Americans’ future through education and promoting patriotism. For more information on how to sponsor a flag or in joining the Parson Roby Chapter DAR, please email parsonroby.saugusdar@gmail.com.” Patriotic Scholarships for High School students The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you. High school students may apply for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship, and middle school students may apply for the Patriot’s Pen Scholarship. The 202627 theme is “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Voice of Democracy: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the premier scholarship program of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National levels. Any student in grades 9-12 can enter, whether they attend a U.S. public, private, parochial or home study program. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. Students submit their essays through a local VFW Post. Patriot’s Pen: Each year, more than 800,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1 million in local and national awards. Each firstplace VFW Department (state) winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first-place winner wins $5,000! The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300to 400-word essay expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Additional information and applications may be obtained on the VFW National website at vfw.org or through the S/ Sgt Arthur F. DeFranzo VFW Post 2346 at post2346@vfwma.org. Essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Household Hazardous Waste Day Oct. 31 The town will host a Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Belmonte STEAM Academy (25 Dow St.). There is no cost to Saugus residents to discard allowed items at the Household Hazardous Waste Day. No appointment or preregistration is required. The following items can be disposed of at this event: Household materials: acids (corrosives), aerosol cans, art supplies, batteries, chemistry set and photography chemicals, fiberglass resins, furniture, floor, metal polishers and strippers, mercury containing devices, moth balls/crystals, oil paint, paint thinners, varnish, stain/shellac (no latex), rug and upholstery cleaners, solvent adhesives, turpentine and paint solvents, wood preservatives, hair dye, nail polish remover, toilet cleaners, brighteners, chlorine bleach, spot removers, spray starch, whiteners, drain and oven cleaners, lawn and garden materials, cesspool cleaners (corrosives), flammable liquids/gasoline, flea and tick powders, fire starters, herbicides and pesticides, no-pest strips, poisons, pool chemicals, propane tanks (empty or up to 20 lbs.); automotive products: antifreeze, batteries, brake fluid, carburetor cleaner, oil (used), radiator flush, solvents and degreasers, tire cleaners, transmission fluid. Latex paint can be dried out and disposed of with your curbside trash. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Saugus Lions Food Drive Nov. 7 The Saugus Lions will hold a “Drive up and drop off” food drive on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). We will donate all proceeds to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which will be getting Thanksgiving dinners together for families in need. Some items they are requesting: cranberry sauce, boxed mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, canned corn or green beans, cream of mushroom soup. If you aren’t available to drop off, we are accepting donations through the Lions venmo account, where even a $15 donation may get 15 cans of vegetables or several boxes of stuffing or toward much-needed grocery gift cards. You make the donation and we will do the shopping! Venmo to: Saugus-Lions MA. Please put “Food drive” in the memo. Elks plan Alcohol/Drug Recovery Presentation Nov. 9 The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee is sponsoring an Alcohol and Drug Recovery presentation from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus). This hour-long presentation is free and it will be presented by SoSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 11 Saugus football forfeits Gloucester game amid safety and roster concerns By Dom Nicastro T he Saugus High School football team will forfeit its scheduled Friday night, Oct. 23, game against Gloucester, citing “safety concerns and current roster availability,” according to an Oct. 21 report in the Gloucester Daily Times. The report stated that Saugus High School administrators informed Gloucester officials Monday evening, Oct. 21, that the Sachems would be unable to compete in the scheduled contest. The Advocate reached out to Saugus Athletics Director ROUNDUP | FROM PAGE 8 it possibly the best all-around game of her high school career. Braga contributed in serving, serve receive, kills, passing and assists. Captain Aiyana Cruz and sophomore captain Ava Foley have provided consistency, while Hailey Henderson has made an impact since being promoted from junior varsity. Niles also sees encouraging signs in the program’s younger teams. At the time of her recent interview, the junior varsity squad had a winning record and the freshman team was undefeated. SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 10 ber Shuttle Inc., explaining the benefits offered to recovering individuals. If you or someone you know would like to know more about these services, you should not miss this informative event. Services provided are cost-free transportation into treatment, recovery coach Matthew Serino and head football coach Greg Bluestein but did not receive an official statement as of early in the evening of Oct. 21. While Saugus officials have not independently confirmed the specific circumstances behind the decision to The Advocate, declining roster numbers have been an ongoing challenge for the Sachems throughout the winless 2026 season. Saugus began the fall with approximately 35 players, according to its coach. A roster provided to the Advocate late summer included 38 players. The Sachems have five matches remaining, beginning with road contests against Peabody on Oct. 21 and Everett on Oct. 22. Niles hopes her players can turn their competitive performances into victories before the season ends. CROSS COUNTRY BUILDING FOUNDATION IN SECOND SEASON BACK The Saugus cross-country program continues to develop under coach Joe Alba, with a young roster showing promise in just its second services, placement assistance, food assistance, clothing assistance, community engagement and much more. Light refreshments will be served. Call the Saugus Senior Center at 781-231-4178 to attend; walk-ins are also welcome. Veterans Day Ceremonies Nov. 11 In an Aug. 31 int er - view ahead of the season, Bluestein said the numbers were “solid,” adding, “we’re a little over 30 kids; 35 kids in that range.” However, recent game-day rosters have featured roughly 20 players, according to Bluestein. The decline has raised concerns about the team’s ability to maintain sufficient depth, particularly in a physically demanding sport in which many players are required to compete on both offense and defense. In an Oct. 12 interview with the Advocate, Bluestein, a former assistant in his first seaseason since returning from a 10-year hiatus. The combined Saugus-Winthrop team features 13 runners, including seven middle school athletes and two Winthrop competitors. Winthrop runners Owen Harty and Matteo Agri have emerged as the team’s leading combination, with Saugus athletes Noah Gosselin and Ryan Haynes making steady improvements behind them. On the girls side, Joana Bocaj and seventh-grader Chloe Orcione have led the way. Alba has been particularly impressed with Orcione, The Saugus Veterans Council will hold the Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, which will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Please come and show our Veterans that we appreciate their service, and this is the day to say thank you. It will be held at Saugus Veterans Park at the corner of Central and Winter Streets. son as head coach, said, “We’ve got a lot of injuries going on. Some shoulder injuries. Some concussions. It’s getting tough right now. Just trying to keep their morale up.” It remains unclear if injuries are the lone cause for the roughly 43% loss of players. Saugus had one game since that Oct. 12 interview – a 35-6 loss to Salem Oct. 16 that dropped the Sachems to 0-6, with potentially more losses to injury, though that’s not confirmed. The forfeit will count as a 14-0 victory for Gloucester for Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association powwho has shown considerable natural ability in her first cross-country season. Gosselin and Bocaj are also developing into potential future captains. The cooperative arrangement came about after Winthrop found itself without a cross-country coach, allowing Harty and Agri to join the Saugus program. With more er-ranking purposes, according to the Gloucester Daily Times. The Fishermen improve to 6-1 and officially clinch the Northeastern Conference Lynch Division championship with a 4-0 league record. Saugus has two official games left on its schedule: at Swampscott Friday, Oct. 30, and home against Peabody on Thanksgiving Day. It’s unclear at this time if they’ll participate in the consolation playoff round for teams that don’t qualify for the postseason. That’s usually a two-game stretch between the end of the regular season and Thanksgiving Day. than half the roster consisting of middle schoolers, Alba sees substantial room for growth. The Sachems were preparing to face Peabody in their final dual meet of the season Wednesday, Oct. 21, closing another chapter in the rebuilding of a program that had been absent from Saugus athletics for a decade. - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Division Docket No. ES26P2379EA Estate of: Patricia Ann Seymour Also Known As: Patricia Seymour, Patricia A. Seymour Date of Death: 06/12/2026 INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner John R. Seymour of South Dartmouth, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. John R. Seymour of South Dartmouth, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under formal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. October 23, 2026
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One such comment was from Sandy Pierce-Connington, a Saugus native who now lives in Florida. “Your father was an amazing teacher. He was my favorite ever. He was so kind and patient.” When Cadoret also approached SCHEDULE YOUR FREE QUOTE TODAY! 855-993-3769 Offer Valid on certain models. 4 Window Minimum. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Excludes Labor. Financing offers a no payment - no interest feature (during the “promotional period”) on your purchase at an APR of 17.99%. No fi nance charges will accrue on your account during the promotional period, as set forth in your Truth in Lending Disclosures, and you will not have to pay a monthly payment until the promotional period has ended. If you repay your purchase in full before the end of the promotional period, you will not have to pay any fi nance charges. You may also prepay your account at any time without penalty. Financing is subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of fi nance documents. Any fi nance terms advertised are estimates only. Normal late charges apply once the promotional period has ended. MD MHIC #124358, VA #2705-109436A, DC #420212000037, DELAWARE #2013601804, PA #104611, MA HIC #197968, NJ #13VH07997100, RI RIGL #44067, KS #9641242, WA UBI No. 605 341 461, POR #249065, WA WINDONL771PW, OR #249065 Selectman Serino for help in October this year, he was eager to do his part as a former student of her father’s. “To me, he seemed more like a student, a friend, than he did a teacher,” Serino said. Even with the progress from this month’s meeting, Cogliano said he plans to discuss the rededication of the plaque at the Nov. 4 Board of Selectmen meeting. He said it should not be hard to replace this plaque for her. “It’s long overdue, and the town should act and get this done for the Tibbetts family,” Cogliano said. Cadoret said restoring the plaque means the world to her. “I would love to see … his legacy continued somewhere in solid letters, where other people could say, ‘Oh yeah, you know, he was great. We loved him,’” Cadoret said. This story is part of a partnership between The Saugus Advocate and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program. DATE 10.01.26 09.29.26 09.30.26 10.01.26 09.28.26 10.02.26 10.02.26 09.30.26 10.01.26 09.30.26 09.30.26 09.30.26 PRICE 379000 635000 950000 560000 665000 525000 630000 660000 655000 445000 630000 630000 Littlefield Real Estate Welcomes Sabrina Jaegar S C H E D T U C L Y S E O N U I R O I N
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 13 1. Oct. 23 is National Boston Cream Pie Day; Massachusetts’ Boston cream donut and what other donut are the only official state donuts in the USA? 2. What kids are in the films “Spooky Hooky,” “Bouncing Babies” and “Spook Spoofing”? 3. In what Shakespeare play (a salad’s name) are the quotes “…graves have yawn’d and yielded up their dead…. And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets”? 4. In 1906 why did a Paris department store commission “The Witch” children’s film? 5. In 2007, Oklahoma declared that what fruit is its official state vegetable? 6. What country originated the tarantella dance? 7. On Oct. 24, 2003, was the last commercial flight of what: Concorde, Dreamliner or Sopwith Wallaby? 8. What is another word for Japanese pumpkin? 9. What is a puff pastry palmier also called? 10. On Oct. 25, 1964, The Rolling Stones first appeared on what TV show? 11. What second wife of Henry VIII is said to be the resident ghost of the Tower of London? 12. On Oct. 26, 1825, what canal between the Great Lakes and Albany opened? 13. What word means both a phantom and a golf term? 14. On Oct. 27, 1872, what etiquette expert was born who said that “bad motoring manners can be murder”? 15. In “Dracula” by Bram Stoker what plant is used to make a protective wreath? 16. What term with a sport’s team member’s name means a person who second-guesses? 17. On Oct. 28, 1927, the world’s first scheduled international flight was between Havana and what Key? 18. What are to be banned from NYC’s Central Park? 19. Who lived in Concord’s Old Manse and authored the short story collection “Mosses from an Old Manse”? 20. On Oct. 29, 1967, was the closure of Expo 67, which is also called what? ANSWERS American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 WE REMOVE EVERYTHING! * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 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! Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 Carrijo Home Improvement, Inc. General Contractor * Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting * Decks * Siding * Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA Kmaras Services Home Maintenance & Repairs Services include: * Carpentry * Interior & Exterior Painting * Yard Work * Tree Pruning 1-252-646-3431 * Fully Insured/Veteran Owned Small Projects • Repairs • Home Improvements JN CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATION PROFESSIONAL HANDYMAN SERVICES * Carpentry Services * Interior & Exterior Painting * Flooring Installation & Repairs * General Home Repairs Fully Insured * Quality Work • Reliable Service • Free Estimates Call 857-264-8556 * Jncostruction088@gmai.com 1. also Massachusetts’ official state dessert.) 2. salad) 4. Louisiana’s beignet (Boston cream pie is The Little Rascals aka Our Gang (“Bouncing Babies” [1929] is set on Halloween.) 3. “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” (Caesar So parents could shop while the kids watched. (It is the first witch film.) 5. Watermelon (It is a member of the squash plant family, but is also said to be botanically a fruit.) 6. Kabocha squash Elephant ear Italy; the dance was inspired by a frenzied Concorde dance believed to ward off a fatal tarantula bite 7. 8. 9. 10. “The Ed Sullivan Show” 11. Anne Boleyn 12. Erie Canal 13. Bogey (one stroke over par) 14. Emily Post, who authored “Motor Manners” 15. Garlic — believed in repelling vampires 16. Monday morning quarterback 17. Key West (It was scheduled to deliver mail.) 18. Horse-drawn carriages 19. Nathaniel Hawthorne, who opined that “the Manse was haunted” 20. Montreal’s World’s Fair
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TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 781.231.9800 ~Let our team of experienced REALTORS® assist in all your real estate needs~ 51 Library Street, Revere MA 02151 List Price: $599,000 SINGLE FAMILY HOME Listed by: Ronnie Puzon Cell: 917.992.3689 Welcome home to this single family centrally located near downtown and the beach. The first floor affords newly redone hardwood floors in the foyer, dining room, and living room. Full bathroom on the first floor. The second floor features 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom and a den connecting to the walkup spacious attic. The whole interior has been repainting and are just waiting for your personal touches. Close to highway, beach and shopping. 0 Library Street, Revere MA 02151 List Price: $275,000 LAND Listed by: Ronnie Puzon Cell: 917.992.3689 4,300 square foot lot on Library Street. This lot has forty-five feet of frontage and is ninety-five feet deep. Centrally located near highway, beach and shopping. Home adjacent to this lot is for sale as well. 51 Library Street. 34 Newman Rd, Unit 34, Malden, MA 02148 List Price: $379,000 Townhouse Listed by: Diane Horrigan Cell: 781.526.6357 Don’t miss this bright and inviting two-level corner townhouse in desirable Village Green! Set back in a peaceful location, this beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath home was renovated in 2021 and offers a spacious living room, dining area, and modern kitchen with quartz countertops and island.. Upstairs are two generously sized bedrooms and updated bath. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer/dryer combo unit. Back stairs lead directly to the common outdoor area. The in-ground pool is just steps away—perfect for easy summer enjoyment! Basement storage #84 is conveniently located near the rear entrance. Additional recent improvements include first-floor vinyl plank flooring, new front & rear screen doors and rear entry door, bedroom shelving, new blinds, storage organizers, bike rack, and replacement of all radiator valves. Pet-friendly community with tennis courts and beautifully maintained grounds. Walk to shops, restaurants, and public transportation, with easy access to major highways, Encore Boston Harbor, and Boston. Make this your new home! 29 Walden Pond Ave, Saugus, MA 01906 List Price: $669K SINGLE FAMILY HOME Listed by: Michael Foulds Cell: 617.461.1952 This complete renovation is refreshed, move-in ready, and waiting for its new owner! Truly not a drive-by property, this home is set on an oversized, wooded lot with two driveways and convenient access from both Walden Pond Ave and Dewey Street; offering welcoming and easy access home. Thoughtfully renovated with attention to detail, updates include 200-amp electrical, central A/C, new windows, updated plumbing and much more. A cozy entry welcomes you into an openconcept main living area featuring new wood flooring throughout. The stylishly renovated kitchen offers great cabinet and counter space, herringbone backsplash, gas cooking, all brand-new stainless-steel appliances, refrigerator with water/ice dispenser, dishwasher and disposal for ease of chores. Three generously sized bedrooms with good closet space and a tiled full bath with tub complete the main level. Downstairs, enjoy even more living space with a comfortable family room ready for movie and game nights, a dedicated laundry area, a second renovated full bathroom with tiled walk-in shower, plus additional storage and utility space. All of this in a fantastic location just seconds from Route 1, offering easy access to Boston and all points north or south in just minutes. Updated, spacious, private and commuter friendly. This one is well worth a closer look! 41 Elm Street, Saugus, MA 01906 List Price: $599,900 Single Family Home Listed by: Lori Johnson Cell: 781.718.7409 Welcome home to this warm, sun-filled Colonial, professionally renovated and proudly owned by the same family for over 40 years. Charming farmer’s porch welcomes you into the open-concept main level featuring a spacious living room with bay window, dining area, and stylish bar—perfect for entertaining. Beautifully updated kitchen offers gas cooktop, double wall ovens, granite countertops, breakfast bar, abundant maple cabinetry, and built-in desk with custom shelving. A convenient half bath with laundry completes the first floor. The second floor opens to a landing featuring a built-in window seat and picture window overlooking the yard, leading to three well-sized bedrooms and a full bath with double vanity. The primary bedroom boasts a bay window and under-molding accent lighting. Updates include crown molding, hardwood flooring, Andersen windows, custom builtins, and quality accent details throughout. Enjoy the expansive yard with deck, fire pit, BBQ area, and storage shed. Move-in ready home in the desirable Lynnhurst area with easy access to Route 1 and approximately 20 minutes to Boston. “Treating your home as our own and each client like family” Providing Real Estate services for Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, North Shore, Boston & Beyond. FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 Page 15
Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 23, 2026 # 1 “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” SAUGUS - $1,595,000 12 room Contemporary 5 bdrms, 3 ½ baths, 4 fireplaces, 2 car gar, heated IG pool, so many amenities! Located in Indian Rock Farms. MELROSE - LIKE NEW! - $699,900 3 bedroom colonial offers NEW kit w/quartz counters & island, great open floor plan, NEW bath, NEW heat & air, dead-end. AFFORDABLE Melrose home-ownership. SAUGUS - 1st AD - $519,900 5 room Bungalow offers 2+ bedrooms, 1 full bath, updated heat, corner lot, located between Saugus Center & Cliftondale Square. SAUGUS - $535,000 EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY to own a corner unit at Pleasant Hill Condos! 5 rms 2 bdrms, 2 baths, gas fireplace, garage parking & more! SAUGUS - $529,900 6 room, 4-bedroom Cape offers 1 ½ baths, eat-in kitchen, NEW gas heat, finished Lower Level. COMMONMOVES.COM 335 CENTRAL STREET, SAUGUS, MA / (781) 233-7300 SAUGUS - 1st AD - $599,000 Spacious 7 room Colonial offers 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, eat-in kitchen with slider to deck, walk-up attic, 2 car garage. SAUGUS - TWO FAMILY - $749,000 4/4 rooms, 1-2 bedrooms, hardwood flooring, freshly painted in and out, NEW driveway, updated gas heat. ONLY 2 FAMILY available in town!
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