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Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020 Saugus Writer Wins Writing Contest W ith his short story, “The Tale of Trot and Dim Johnny,” Saugus writer Tom Sheehan, in his 93rd year, took fi rst prize in the 2020 Ageless Authors competition, Coping ELECTION | FROM PAGE 1 say controversy stemming from the Coronavirus outbreak which has prompted Gov. Charlie Baker and governors in other states to issue a wide range of shutdown orders for local businesses and municipal government offices and schools since March has created potential voter issues for President Donald Trump and other Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and House. Trump captured 51 percent of the town vote in the general election on his way to being elected President four years ago. Democratic challenger Hilary Clinton drew 44 percent of the town’s vote in her unsuccessful bid for the White House. So, the presidency, a U.S. Senate race and a Congressional race are the main contests on this year’s ballot. Sen. Edward J. Markey, the incumbent Democrat, faces off against Republican challenger Kevin J. O’Connor, a Dover attorney. Markey beat U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III by a 55 percent margin in the primary. In the Sixth Congressional District seat race, incumbent Rep. Seth Moulton of Salem faces Billerica Republican John Paul Moran. Moulton defeated GOALS | FROM PAGE 2 life, and I remember when it was thriving, and I am very excited to explore the fi rst concrete steps toward it being revitalized,” she said. Veteran Selectman Debra Panetta refl ected on the sadness of “all these businesses closing one after another.” “Over the years, it hasn’t been a priority and it should,” Panetta said. She added that “there are a lot of ideas out there to revitalize Cliftondale” and she thought it would be fruitful for the town to look upon some of the past studies. Crabtree noted that Cliftondale “is uniquely situated and diff erent from other communities.” The town would “have to attract a restaurant or two” as a key part of the revitalization, he added. “A real restaurant” that draws diners during the daytime and nighttime would attract ancillary businesses, according to the town With Crisis – Fiction, receiving a $500 award and a certifi cate of achievement from the large international writers’ group. More than 40 writers, editors, teachers and other prohis two challengers from Topsfi eld handily, 3,526 to 647 (Jamie M. Belsito) to 323 (Angus G. McQuilken). He won by 78 percent throughout his district. Meanwhile, Moran in November won his party’s spot on the ballot without opposition. In an unusual situation, especially for a presidential election year, all three statehouse races being considered by voters in Saugus’s 10 precincts are uncontested. State Rep. Donald Wong, R-Saugus, will win his sixth two-year term without opposition for his Ninth Essex House District seat. He represents voters of Precincts 1 and 2 and 4 and 9. Voters in Precincts 3 and 10 won’t have a choice either in the race to replace State Rep. RoseLee Vincent, D-Revere. Revere Councillor-at-Large Jessica Ann Giannino won her Democratic Primary and will succeed Vincent as she’s the only one on the ballot. State Sen. Brendan P. Crighton, D-Lynn, also faces no competition as he seeks another two-year term. Terrence W. Kennedy, of Lynnfield, the incumbent Democrat who seeks reelection in the Sixth District Governor’s Council race, faces no Republican opposition in Tuesday’s election. manager. “Nobody is going to open a sweater shop or clothing store in Cliftondale,” he said, especially not when people can order clothing and other products through Amazon.com. Revitalizing Cliftondale Square is just one of a number of major goals which selectmen have discussed over two brain-storming sessions in recent weeks. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano listed among his top goals the following: opening up the Town Hall, “getting our Planning Board meeting again,” cooperation with Wheelabrator Technology in making the trash-to-energy plant safer while bringing in more money to the town, putting a focus on improving Cliftondale Square, putting in a dog park and following through with plans for a third fi re station – this one on the west side of town. “Scott and I have a good fessionals evaluated hundreds of submissions for this contest, with Saugus’s Sheehan coming out on top. He is already loaded up for future contests. Saugus voters at a glance Democrat – 5,348 Republican – 2,169 Unenrolled or Independent – 12,474 Libertarian – 70 Green Party – 9 All other political designations – 221 Total – 20291 Voted so far Absentee Ballots – 302 mailed out, 228 returned (as of Oct. 27) Early voting in person – 2,793 (as of Oct. 27) Returned by mail – 5,790 (as of Oct. 26) Total voted – 8,811 Where you can vote Precincts 1, 3, 4 and 8 – the new Saugus Middle High School, 1 Pearce Memorial Dr. Precincts 2 and 6 – Veterans Memorial Elementary School, 39 Hurd Ave. Precinct 5 – Lynnhurst Elementary School, 120 Elm St. Precinct 7 – Knights of Columbus, 59 Appleton St. Precinct 9 – Oaklandvale Elementary School, 266 Main St. Precinct 10 – Italian American Club, 1 Beachview Ave. When you can vote: Tuesday (Nov. 3), 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. working relationship,” Cogliano stressed. Riley – who pushed for the goals and objectives session early in the year – cited getting an annual update of the town’s capital improvement plan, evaluation of the town manager and quarterly meetings with the manager “to discuss citizen input, complaints and concerns that each of us receive” as some her top priorities. Selectman Michael Serino said he wants to do a review of town playgrounds, finish improvements of Lincoln Avenue sidewalks, install more speed limit signs, provide an emergency generator for the Saugus Senior Center (“especially important for the winter months”) and begin neighborhood meetings to help determine the future use of school buildings that the School Department turns back to the GOALS | SEE PAGE 22 Sa Sa a Sa BY JIM MILLER How to Recognize and Stop Elder Abuse in the COVID Era Dear Savvy Senior, Can you write a column on how to recognize elder abuse and what to do if you suspect it? Concerned Relative Dear Concerned, Elder abuse is a big problem in the United States that has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Council on Aging, as many as 5 million seniors are victims of abuse each year, but studies suggest this crime is signifi cantly under-reported. Only 1-in-14 cases of elder abuse ever get reported to the authorities because victims are usually too afraid, too embarrassed, too helpless or too trusting to call for help. The term “elder abuse” is defi ned as intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes or can cause harm to a vulnerable senior. Elder abuse also comes in many diff erent forms: emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect and self-neglect and fi - nancial exploitation. Those most vulnerable are seniors that are ill, frail, disabled, socially isolated or mentally impaired due to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also important to know that while elder abuse does happen in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, the vast majority of incidents take place at home where the senior lives. And tragically, the abusers are most often their own family members (usually the victim’s adult child or spouse) or caregiver. How to Recognize Abuse So, how can you tell if an elderly relative or friend is being abused, and what can you do to help? A change in general behavior is a universal warning sign that a problem exists. If you notice that your relative or friend has become very depressed, withdrawn or gets upset or agitated easily, you need to start asking questions. Here are some additional warning signs on the diff erent types of elder abuse that can help you spot a possible problem. Physical or sexual abuse: Suspicious bruises or other injuries that can’t be explained. Sudden changes in behavior (upset, withdrawn, fearful). Broken eyeglasses. Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone. Neglect or self-neglect: Weight loss, poor hygiene, unattended medical needs, and unsanitary, unsafe living conditions. Emotional or psychological abuse: The senior is extremely upset, agitated, withdrawn, unresponsive, fearful or depressed, or demonstrates some other unusual behavior. Financial exploitation: Missing money or valuables. Unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, or transfers between accounts. Unauthorized use of credit, debit or ATM card. Unpaid bills despite available funds. Checks written as a loan or gift. Abrupt changes in a will or other documents. For more tips on how to recognize the warning signs of abuse during the pandemic, see the National Center on Elder Abuse website at NCEA.acl.gov/Resources/COVID-19.aspx. What to Do The best ways to help stop elder abuse is to be in touch and keep the lines of communication open. If you suspect any type of abuse or neglect in your relative’s or friend’s home, report it to your local protective services agency. Adult Protective Services is the government agency responsible for investigating elder abuse cases and providing help and guidance. Call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 to get the agency contact number in your area or visit NCEA.acl. gov/Resources/State.aspx. The agency will ask what you observed, who was involved, and who they can contact to learn more. You don’t need to prove that abuse is occurring; it is up to the professional. Or, to report suspected abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility, call the local Long-Term Care Ombudsman – see LTCombudsman.org for contact information. If, however, you feel the person is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police for immediate help. 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

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