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SAUGUS Have a Safe & Happy Hanukkah! DO C TCA E D Vol. 24, No. 48 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Saugus Center Lights Up Tonight 781-233-4446 Friday, December 3, 2021 “Protecting Our Bond Rating” An article to restore Saugus’s stabilization fund is the main item on the agenda for Monday night’s Special Town Meeting By Mark E. Vogler T READY FOR SANTA: Red ribbons adorn the new Christmas tree at Saugus Center, and holiday lights are attached to the shrubs in the island near the Civil War monument in Saugus Center, ready to be turned on tonight after Santa Claus arrives as Saugus holds its annual tree lighting ceremony. The festivities are set to begin in front of Town Hall at 5 p.m. and last through 8 p.m. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A Special Tree Lighting Tonight The town dedicates this year’s event to the memory of the late Saugus Youth & Recreation Director Greg Nickolas By Mark E. Vogler I n recent years, the town’s beloved Youth & Recreation Director Gregory Nickolas has been the main man, working behind the scenes on the logistics for the town’s annual tree lighting and festivities event. He would be seen milling around Saugus Center before and after the event, And part of his duties was to escort Santa Claus into Town Hall and up to the second fl oor auditorium, where the white bearded guest of honor would sit in a seat by a Christmas tree to pose for photos with young children. The town’s popular event was cancelled last year because of health concerns over the Coronavirus pandemic. Nickolas would have been coordinating the return of the event tonight, had he not died on Sept. 28 after battling the COVID-19 virus. He was 58 and just a month shy of completing his 17th year as the director of the town’s Youth & Recreation Department. But the town has decided that Nickolas will be part of this year’s event – at least in spirit. The tree lighting ceremony will be dedicated to his memory. The event gets underway at SPECIAL TREE | SEE PAGE 2 This is part of a fl yer the town has published, dedicating this year’s tree lighting ceremony to the memory of Gregory Nickolas, the longtime Saugus Youth & Recreation Department director who passed away in September from complications related to the COVID-19 virus. ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.259 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.399 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS own Manager Scott C. Crabtree told the Finance Committee at the outset of Wednesday night’s (Dec. 1) meeting that he doesn’t want to see the town jeopardize its AA+ bond rating. Crabtree said that was his main mission for introducing Article 2 – a vote to rescind the use of the Stabilization Fund – one of four articles that will be considered at the Special Town Meeting set for 7:30 p.m. Monday (Dec. 6). The 50-member body will conduct their meeting via Zoom RATING | SEE PAGE 13 This One’s For Greg Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Area doctors weigh in on new Omicron variant I By Christopher Roberson t only took five days for the Omicron variant of COVID-19 to spread from South Africa to the United States with the first case being confirmed in California on December 1. The new strain has also spread to several other countries, including Botswana, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, division chief of infectious diseases at Cambridge Health Alliance, said it is only a matter of time before Omicron works its way into Massachusetts. The arrival of Omicron in the Bay State will only compound the current problems created by the already-prevalent Delta variant. “Delta is still the variant contributing to the recent increase in infections and hospitalizations in the region,” said Bruno-Murtha. “The science and implications of the Omicron variant are actively being exLawrence 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 Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net amined, and we will know more very soon. At this time, the best response is to promote COVID vaccination for those not fully vaccinated and encourage everyone who is eligible to seek a booster dose as soon as possible.” Dr. Kimiyoshi Kobayashi, chief quality officer at UMass Memorial Medical Center, said Massachusetts may not necessarily be a target. “It is still unclear whether this will happen,” he said. “It will depend on how it competes with the Delta variant. We will have to watch what the balance between Delta and Omicron will be.” Dr. George Abraham, chief of medicine at Saint Vincent HosSPECIAL TREE | FROM PAGE 1 5 p.m. today in front of Town Hall and will last through 8 p.m. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree estimated that the Christmas tree lighting – one of the town’s most popular events of the year – draws in a crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 people on the first Friday of December. The program begins at 5 p.m., with a full two hours of family-oriented events WAITING TO GET LIT UP: The Christmas tree in the rotary at Saugus Center will be the focus of tonight’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and festivities. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) – especially for kids. But the main event gets underway at 7 p.m., when Santa Claus arrives shortly after the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Then he will spend all of 90 minutes – and maybe a little past the 8:30 p.m. closing time – to accommodate a long line of children and grown-ups who want to share a photo opportunity with him. This year’s program will be similar to in years past, modified by concerns of being safe from possible exposure to COVID-19. The entertainment includes sleigh rides, train rides, inflatables and a petting zoo. Those who go will also get to enjoy apple cider, hot cocoa, cookies and popcorn. WIN Waste Innovations is a sponsor of the tree lighting event. As part of that sponsorship, there will be complimentary pizza from Charlie’s Pizzeria. Also, WIN Waste has arranged for the 98.5 FM Street Team to appear and provide giveaways, etc., according to WIN spokesman Paul Halloran. “That the tree lighting is being dedicated to Greg Nickolas is especially meaningful for WIN, as we worked closely with Greg on the Saugus Speaks Out anti-drug initiative as well as, more recently, the Nesting Box Initiative that we implemented with Saugus Public Schools,” Halloran said. Town officials describe Nickolas as a “proud Saugonian,” a dedicated family man who loved his hometown, a passionate advocate for children, a huge booster of youth sports, a compassionate man who sought to save kids as well as adults from the perils of substance abuse and somebody with a huge heart and a strong faith. “Greg was one of the most selfless people I have ever known,” Former School Committee Chair Jeannie Meredith said in an interview earlier this year, reflecting on the life of “a dear friend” she’s known for more than three decades. “He dedicated his life to helping and saving our youth as well as any adult that needed his help. Greg was the true meaning of a ‘proud sachem’, he loved his town. He had many passions that he worked hard and fought for, including but not limited to, introducing town programs for our youth, Athletics, awareness and education to the major opiSPECIAL TREE | SEE PAGE 13 pital, said he was not surprised by the detection of Omicron and the previous strains. “We have predicted and long suspected that we would see variants,” he said. “The variants pop up in parts of the world where there have been the lowest levels of vaccination.” Abraham also said Omicron may not be that troublesome in the long-term. “Based on preliminary data from our South African colleagues, the number of cases has risen dramatically, about 700-fold, but the number of hospitalizations, serious illnesses and deaths have not increased significantly,” he said. “This suggests that there might be overall mild disease associated with this variant as opposed to severe disease.” In addition, Abraham said he trusts the efficacy of the vaccines. “We know the vaccines work reasonably well, generating what’s called virus-specific antibodies. But they also generate what’s called a polyclonal response,” he said. “That means it may also work against some viruses in the same family. Right now we need to determine how well our vaccines work against this variant.” Dr. Shira Doron, an Infectious Disease physician and epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center, said Delta continues to atOMICRON | SEE PAGE 9

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 3 Theresa Whittredge, 47, dies of metastatic breast cancer tives say she was a great inspiration to others as she fought the disease. She was the mother of two children, Brody and Finley Whittredge. Theresa and Tom, married for 17 years, were known as the first couple of the Saugus National Little League when Tom served as president. She was known as the First Lady WHITTREDGE | SEE PAGE 8 Theresa Whittredge (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) B ack in the early fall, even as she battled metastatic breast cancer for the second time, Theresa Whittredge pushed her husband Tom to run for a second two-year term on the Saugus School Committee. Tom waited until the end to pull nomination pa“THE FIRST LADY OF SAUGUS LITTLE LEAGUE”: Theresa Whittredge threw out the first pitch during the 2018 opening day ceremony of the Saugus National Little League after recovering from her first bout with metastatic breast cancer. She passed away on Thanksgiving Day at age 47. (Saugus Advocate file photo) pers, and with Theresa’s blessing, he went on to top the field of seven candidates and continue as chair of the five-member panel. On Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25), Theresa Whittredge died at Tufts Medical Center in Boston after a gallant fight with breast cancer. Friends and relaSaugus River Watershed Council Annual Meeting & Dinner; keynote presentation: The past and future of Rumney Marsh and the Saugus River Watershed Wed., Dec. 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Marina at the Wharf M embers of the public are invited to join the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) on Wednesday, December 15, at The Marina at the Wharf from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the Council’s annual meeting and dinner featuring a keynote presentation on Rumney Marsh. The Council will also present River Stewardship Awards, highlight 2021 accomplishments and elect 2022 board members. Admission to the annual meeting of $30 per person includes the keynote presentation plus a delicious dinner buffet. The menu will include rigatoni served in a pomodoro sauce or a white wine sauce, chicken parmigiana or chicken piccata, baked haddock, seasonal vegetable medley, roasted potatoes, dinner rolls, salad and homemade pastries. A cash bar will be available. This event is handicap accessible and open to the public. Online registration and payment information is available under the events section at https://www.saugusriver.org/ event-details-registration/annual-meeting-and-fundraiser – preregistration requested. This year’s Steward Awards will be presented to Jessica Giannino and Altar’d State. SRWC President Debra Panetta stated, “Representative Giannino continues to be an environmental champion for Saugus and Revere, and I am WATERSHED | SEE PAGE 9

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Christmas Tree Festival opens two-weekend event tonight at MEG Building (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by the Marleah Elizabeth Graves [MEG] Foundation.) T he MEG Foundation welcomes you to our annual Christmas Tree Festival beginning on December 3, 4 and 5 from 3–8 p.m.; and again on December 9, 10 and 11 from 3–8 p.m. There are many beautiful trees, all decorated and ready for the Christmas holiday! During many of the hours, the Saugus Sachimes will provide entertainment – singing Christmas carols – and visitors are urged to “chime in”! For more information contact Kathy Giannetta at 781-2312842. We hope to see you there! GETTING READY: MEG Foundation volunteers set up for the 11th Annual Christmas Tree Festival, which opens today (Friday, Dec. 3) at the MEG Building. (Courtesy photo by Janice Jarosz to The Saugus Advocate) ONE OF MANY TREES that will be on display this weekend and next weekend as the MEG Foundation holds its 11th Annual Christmas Tree Festival at the MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. in Saugus. (Courtesy photo by Janice Jarosz to The Saugus Advocate) The COVID-19 Update Town reports 121 newly confirmed cases over the past eight days By Mark E. Vogler C OVID-19 cases continue to surge in Saugus as the holidays near, raising health concerns for town officials. The number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases reported yesterday (Thursday, Dec. 2) by the town over the most recent eight-day period was 121, according to Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree. The recently confirmed COVID cases raised the number of total cases to 5,425 since March of last year, Crabtree said in a press release. Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to the killer virus increased by 2 to 83. Confirmed COVID-19 cases have increased by 156 since the town issued its last report on Nov. 22. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 5 Essex County Sheriff issues COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all workers, vendors, volunteers E ssex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger has issued an order that all sheriff employees, vendors, and volunteers provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination by January 4, 2022. The mandate will follow a similar executive order issued earlier this year by Governor Charlie Baker that requires proof of vaccination for all state employees. As local communities are currently seeing an increase in COVID-19-positive cases due to the Delta variant, the Sheriff’s Department is also experiencing a spike in additional cases. “The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective tool we have to ensure the health and safety of all within our facilities, which is why this Department will be moving ahead with a vaccination mandate,” Coppinger said. “We are a congregate care setting, and as such, we must make sure everyone has the vaccination to protect not only themselves and fellow staff, but to also protect every person that we provide care and custody for.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “the Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than early forms of SAR-CoV-1, the virus that causes COVID-19. The greatest risk of transmission is among unvaccinated people who are much more likely to get infected, and therefore transmit the virus.” Each employee will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to January 4, 2022; however, religious and medical exemptions will be considered. Of the Department’s 568 employees, 72 percent have already proSaugus man charged with breaking and entering in Methuen By Christopher Roberson J uan Rivera, 42, of Saugus, was taken into custody by Methuen Police after he allegedly broke into a business on November 24. Police responded to a security alarm at 1:48 a.m.; however, officers did not see any signs of forced entry. A manager of the business later arrived and conducted a walk-through with the officers. At that time, they reportedly found two televisions missing as well as drawers and cabinets that “appeared to be pried open.” Officers were able to recover the missing televisions as well as other items. Soon thereafter, Methuen Police Officer Christine Nicolosi and her K-9 partner Kilo arrived and began searching for the suspect. Kilo then led officers to an unfinished room on Santa’s Helpers METHUEN | SEE PAGE 16 vided proof of vaccination. The Essex County Sheriff’s Department maintains custody of one of the largest incarcerated populations of any Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts with an average of about 1,100 incarcerated persons per day. “The employees of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department have demonstrated great courage and commitment throughout this pandemic and worked tirelessly to keep our facilities operating each and every day,” Coppinger said. “I thank them for their support as we continue to navigate this pandemic.” THE TOY DRIVE TEAM: Santa’s helpers are very busy of late gathering up the special gifts and toys for all the young children waiting for his visit at Christmas. Joining in that effort are Saugus Firefighters, the Saugus Lions Club and the Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) Foundation. Left to right: Firefighters Hunt, O’Malley, Babine; Lion Tony Speziale, MEG board members Kathy Giannetta and Linda Ross. (Courtesy photo by Janice Jarosz to The Saugus Advocate)

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Sachems fall to Tanners on Thanksgiving W By Greg Phipps ith one more shot for that elusive victory in fall 2021, the Saugus Sachems came up considerably short in their annual Thanksgiving Day game against the Peabody Tanners at Peabody’s Coley Lee Field. Peabody pounced on the Sachems early and often on its way to a 41-6 win. The result marked the seventh consecutive Turkey Day victory for the 7-4 Tanners, who now lead the overall Thanksgiving Day series 47-28. The last time Saugus, which finished 0-11, tasted a triumph was in 2013. In order to pull off an upset coming in, Saugus needed to put forth its best effort of the season and also needed to avoid mistakes. But the host Tanners took advantage of Saugus’s inability to engineer much offensively, as they forced the Head Coach Steve Cummings addresses his players. Sachems to punt on their first two possessions of the contest. Meanwhile Peabody scored touchdowns on its first two possessions and collected a third score off an interception return for a touchdown. It was a 20-0 game after one quarter. The Tanners added 14 more points in the second quarter to basically forge an insurmountable 34-0 advantage at the half. For Saugus, the loss concludFans in the stands, pictured from left to right: Sheyli Maldonado, Brianna Giardullo and Rayaan Jubeili; in back: Ali Laws and Diane Jubeili. In the bleachers: Robert Munafo cheers on his son, Cody, a right back, while Anthony and Ed Sanderson cheer on their nephew, Capt./OLB Mark MacEachern. ed a rough campaign in which it was outscored 304-51 and managed to reach double figures in points just once. Despite that, the Sachems were in a position to win on two occasions, but their struggle to put up points had a hand in leading to heartbreaking late-game losses at Salem and Greater Lawrence Tech. Those two defeats came by a combined seven points. Saugus held the lead in the final minutes of both games but couldn’t cash in. Head Coach Steve Cummings talked about a promising road ahead for his young team despite this year’s difficulties. Cheering on Ryan Mabee during the Thanksgiving football game at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School: in front are brothers Michael Jr. and Richard Mabee (both Class of 2018); in back are Bruce Wallace and Michelle and Michael Mabee, Sr. (Class of 1996), in center, and Karina Martinez. “We had freshmen and sophomores all over the field today. A lot of these kids [were] playing their first Thanksgiving Day game, and we’ve got a couple of more [seasons] with those guys,” he told the press after the loss to Peabody. “The future is very bright for this program, but right now our focus is on our seniors, making sure that we are able to appreciate those guys and everything they did.” The Sachems will miss some of their top senior players – a group that includes running back and defender Mark SPORTS | SEE PAGE 7

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 7 SPORTS | FROM PAGE 6 MacEachern, receiver and defender Drew Gardiner, quarterback Sean O’Rourke, receiver and defender Ryan Mabee and linemen Mekhi Coburn, Jake Camuso, Rick Noel and Alejandro Ortiz. MacEachern’s three-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped the Sachems avoid the shutout on Thanksgiving. He also exploded for a 48-yard gain earlier in the contest. The touchdown was set up by a fumble recovery deep inside Tanners’ territory. Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. The Peabody Tanners fight for the ball. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 The Sachems get in position. The trophy awaits a winner. Sachems Cheerleaders, pictured from left to right: Front row: Captains Noelle LoConte, Maria Ferraro, Maryemma LeBlanc and Maia Castle; second row: Chloe Ayers, Mckenna Zell, the lone senior, Maxxine Stephens, Keira O’Keefe and Ella LeBlanc; third row: Rhianna Rodriguez, Savannah Carreiro, Katie Barletta, Savanna Ceruolo and Ava Partain; fourth row: Brooke Diaz, Sophia Manuppelli, Aly Mabee, Cassidy Cheney and Layla Rodriguez. But, in the end, Saugus committed too many errors to emerge triumphant against Peabody, as two interceptions and a botched snap on a punt all led to Tanner points. Peabody came into the game on a five-game win streak and played like a team high on confidence. SEE PAGE 11

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Saugus veterans group leader David Nelson passes at 71; funeral services set for today By Mark E. Vogler A rea veterans were among the friends who went to the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home yesterday to pay their respects to the late David John Aloysius Nelson. Nelson, 71, a Saugus resident and a Vietnam War Era veteran who served as American Legion Post 210’s fi - nancial offi cer, died Monday (Nov. 29). “Dave was an integral part of the veterans community here in Saugus and beyond,” Saugus Veterans Council Commander Stephen L. Castinetti said. “He was a State Offi cer for the Massachusetts American Legion, he managed the fi nances of the Cpl. Scott J. Procopio Saugus American Legion, he was a valued and contributing member of the Saugus Veterans Council and he was also a volunteer for the USO at Logan Airport,” said Castinetti, a retired U.S. Navy captain. “You never saw Dave without a smile on his face and his levity was a unique asset that he used to lighten the moods of all with whom he interacted. His passing was a blow to all who knew him. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP, Dave. Your memory will not fade in the minds of our Saugus Veterans.” Saugus Veterans’ Service Offi - cer Jay Pinette called Nelson “a true gentleman” who “was very generous with his time and energy in a number of areas.” “Whether it was umpiring Little League games, serving with local and regional Veterans organizations, ministering at his church(es) or speaking glowingly about his loving family, you always knew that you could count on David’s big heart and generous nature,” Pinette said. “Most recently, I was serving with David on the committee that is coordinating the 2022 ‘Vietnam Era Veterans Roll to DC’. As always, David’s enthusiasm and dedication to our Veterans was on full display. He will be deeply missed.” School Committee Member 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 Joseph “Dennis” Gould remembered Nelson as a friend and fellow veteran who collaborated with him on several projects. “David has been a dear friend for many years. “His family, wife Janice, Daughter Colleen and Son Michael plus his six grandkids were everything to him. “I loved him like a Brother and we worked many things together including the 2015 Veterans Appreciation Parade, Roll to DC twice and many K of C events.” Nelson leaves his wife, Janice (Rossetti) Nelson. They had been married for 49 years. Born in Everett, Nelson moved to Saugus in 1974. Besides being a longtime member of the American Legion, he belonged to the USO and was a past Grand Knight of the Saugus Knights of Columbus. He also was an umpire/coach for many years for the Saugus Little League as well as serving as a youth minister at both Blessed Sacrament Church in Saugus and Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Lynnfi eld. He was a proud veteran with the 182nd Infantry division of the National Guard. In addition to his wife, David Nelson leaves two children: MiWHITTREDGE | FROM PAGE 3 of Saugus Little League. After recovering from her fi rst bout with cancer, Theresa threw out the fi rst pitch of the Little League season in 2018, and league players wore the pink ribbon on the side of their hats, with money raised going to cancer research. Theresa was also active with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, raising money for breast cancer research. She ran the 2018 BAA half marathon with the A PROUD VETERAN: Vietnam War Era veteran David John Aloysius Nelson served as the guest speaker at the Saugus Memorial Day ceremony in Riverside Cemetery last year. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) chael J. Nelson and his wife, Stacey, of Tewksbury, and Colleen M. Sullivan and her husband, Brian, of Walpole; six grandchildren, fi ve sisters and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of fl owers, donations in David’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at dana-farber.org or the Ropes & Gray team to support The Jimmy Fund. She was selected as the symbolic race starter because she had beaten breast cancer in her first battle in 2017. She was also active in fundraising efforts for research for both autism awareness and Smith-Magenis syndrome, two conditions that aff ect her daughter Finley. Born in Everett and a lifelong resident of Saugus, Theresa Whittredge was the daughter of Paul Leuci and his wife Cheryl of Saugus and Bonnie Joe Andruzzi Foundation at joeandruzzifoundation.org. A funeral was set for today from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home in Saugus, followed by a funeral mass in Blessed Sacrament Church (14 Summer St., Saugus) at 10 a.m. Burial was to be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Leuci of Revere. She had been an executive legal assistant at Ropes & Gray for 22 years. In addition to her husband, children and parents, Theresa leaves her two sisters, Linda Simpson of VA and Patricia Rodrigues of Mendon. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held on Wednesday (Dec. 1) in Riverside Cemetery. The Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home of Saugus was in charge of arrangements. Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 63 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, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 9 Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 holds annual Christmas Tree fundraiser P aul and Sharon Cacciola and family have joined with Saugus Boy Scouts Troop 62 in selling fresh Christmas trees at the Soc’s Ice Cream location on the Lynn Fells Parkway. More than 1,100 fresh trees are available in all sizes, shapes and prices. Your choice of tree will be cut to order, wrapped and secured on your vehicle. The troop will also be selling wreaths, kissing balls and log baskets to add to your Christmas celebration. The Christmas tree lot will be open Tuesday–Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be closed on Mondays. This project is the annual fundraiser for the Boy Scouts. Up until last year, the Scouts’ tree lot was located at the end of Ballard Street. But since that property was sold, the troop needed a new location and eventually got together with the Soc’s owners in a partnership. OMICRON | FROM PAGE 2 tract a great deal of attention. “Delta is a major threat in Massachusetts and for the time being, a far greater one. We do not yet know if Omicron is more deadly, more transmissible or more easily evades immunity than Delta,” she said. “If it does any of those things and if it manages to outcompete Delta and become predominant, then it could mean a worse winter than what we are already facing. What everyone should do now is get vaccinated if they have not received the WATERSHED | FROM PAGE 3 delighted that Jessica will be receiving this award.” SRWC Executive Director Mary Lester is very excited for this award to be presented to Altar’d State – they have been such an environmentally minded and local supporting retailer. This year’s event will also feature sale of holiday wreaths for $40 each. These handmade wreaths feature fresh woodland evergreens, pinecones and other decorative elements. Order XMAS TREES FOR SALE: The Cacciola family and Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 are teaming up to sell Christmas trees this year. Shown from left to right are Paul Cacciola, Scouts Sean Lynch and William Dupee and Scoutmaster John Kane. (Courtesy photo by Janice Jarosz to The Saugus Advocate) vaccine. If eligible for a booster, now is the time to get one.” Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shared a different opinion, saying it is likely that Omicron is already in Massachusetts. “I’m sure it’s here,” he said. Kuritzkes said he was very surprised to learn that the new variant had been detected in Australia, which has extremely tight COVID-19 restrictions. “It’s highly mutated,” he said of Omicron. “This is why people need to get vaccinated.” online today and pick them up at the annual meeting. We will also be having silent auctions, raffles (including a kayak) and a 50/50. All proceeds will benefit the Council’s environmental education, SRWC scholarship and river restoration programs. The Saugus River Watershed Council is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1991 to protect and restore the natural resources of the Saugus River watershed. Contact: marylester@saugusriver.org, 781233-5048. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler Best night of the year in Saugus After its cancellation last year because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, the town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities event returns to Saugus Town Center tonight. And it’s one of the community events that I can’t wait for! For one thing, it’s the signature nighttime event of the year for the town – an event that draws families from nearby communities and former residents who live elsewhere. The arrival of Santa Claus, of course, is a major draw. And from having attended several of these events, I can tell you that grown-ups – not just kids – enjoy this special night. I missed it last year, And this year I will miss seeing Gregory Nickolas, the late Saugus youth and recreation director. But he will be there in spirit, as the town is dedicating tonight’s tree lighting ceremony to his memory. It should be a great evening for town residents – young and old – to come together as a community. We still have to be mindful of the COVID-19 virus which has caused considerable heartache and sorrow in town, as it has in every community in the nation. Greg was one of the 83 Saugus residents who have died a COVID-19-related death so far, since March of last year. But as long as we can practice social distancing and take proper precautions inside Town Hall and outside tonight (and wear your masks inside), it should be a fun night for all the folks who partake in the festivities. And the night provides plenty of photo opportunities for the family album. This weekend also features the opening of the MEG Foundation’s 11th Annual Tree Festival at the MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. in Saugus. The Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the old historic Cliftondale School. And every year, the festival provides something fun for people who are looking for an indoor experience. The MEG Foundation welcomes you to its annual Christmas Tree Festival beginning today (Friday, Dec. 3), tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 4) and Sunday, from 3 to 8 p.m. and again, next weekend on Dec. 9, 10, and 11 from 3 to 8 p.m. There are many beautiful trees to be viewed, all decorated and ready for the Christmas holiday!! The Saugus Sachimes will provide entertainment – singing Christmas carols – and visitors are urged to chime in. For more information, contact Kathy Giannetta at 781-231-2842. St. Margaret’s Christmas Stroll tomorrow The Christmas Stroll is back! Join the folks at St. Margaret’s Church 4(31 Lincoln Ave., Saugus) tomorrow (Saturday, Dec 4), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for another popular event. They will be serving a meatball sub lunch, and then on Sunday (Dec. 5) from 9 a.m. to noon they will be serving breakfast. There will also be 40+ raffles, baked goods and Christmas gifts for you to purchase. If you have any questions, please call Carol at 781-233-1040. Or email her at cnadeau@sauguscatholics.org. The assignment no reporter wants The worst part of being a newspaper reporter is having to sit down with family members who just lost a loved one – most times after a tragic accident or murder. In my days of covering the police beat for The Eagle-Tribune of North Andover (once known as The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune), I was called upon on numerous occasions to go interview the next-of-kin soon after a tragic death that usually wound up on the front page. It was usually a breaking, spot news story that everybody was talking about or interested in reading about: a bad car accident, a drowning, an electrocution or industrial accident. And a murder story. Out of the dozens of times that I set out to personalize these heart-wrenching stories, the families usually invited me into their homes – probably because I seemed like I was lending a sensitive ear. And I would usually tell the loved one up front that the main reaGUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon correctly identifies the Saugonian being sketched qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway Saugus location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) son I was there was to get a photo of their loved one and learn something interesting and/or positive about their family member. I would tell them I was there to listen to them telling the public what they wanted to share about the person who just died. The more times I did it, the better I got at it. But I disliked doing those stories more than anything I was ever assigned. To be honest, I was motivated to do them so I didn’t have an angry editor swearing at me because a television reporter got to the story first. And during my time at The Eagle-Tribune, the television reporters were usually following up on my sad stories of families recalling their loved ones. If you approach somebody soon after a tragedy, they usually want to talk to a reporter who comes across as a caring person. Talking about the loved one – looking at the positive side of the person – can be comforting. Fortunately, as a weekly reporter, there is not as much urgency to go after the surviving family members for an interview. And usually the funeral home can help facilitate an interview. I might still be good at it, but it’s still my least favorite job as a reporter. Thanksgiving sadness As many of our readers know by now, Thanksgiving was a very sad day for School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge and his family. Theresa Whittredge – his loving wife of 17 years – lost her courageous battle to metastatic breast cancer. She was 47 – too young to go. After her first bout with cancer in 2017, she got involved in fundraisers for breast cancer research. And she became an inspiration for others while raising awareness about cancer. May the life she lived continue to radiate goodness in the community and be a source of strength and comfort to others who are facing this dreaded disease. And our condolences to the Whittredge family – particularly Tom and his two children – for this devastating loss. May happy memories bring them comfort. COVID-19 halts Friday breakfasts Concerns about COVID-19 have led to a temporary shutdown of the Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210 Legion Hall, which is located at 44 Taylor St. This week, we received the following email from Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210: “Be aware that, due to a loss of one of our members to Covid (He caught it at a family wedding, not at the Legion itself.) we shut down the breakfast the Friday before Thanksgiving, intending to re-open tomorrow, December 3. “However, concerns about the new Omicron variant, the fact that the rather unseasonably warm weather actually works against us, and the fact that the success of the breakfast means that the numbers who come make it difficult to ‘socially distance,’ we took a poll of those breakfast-goers who have given us their email addresses to make notifications possible, and have made the decision to shut down the breakfast for the month of December. “We plan to re-open on Friday, January 7. (We hope by that time to have had a truly hard freeze to help short-circuit transmission fears.) Thanks for your support. Have a good holiday season and a Happy New Year.” We will keep you posted on any developments affecting the Friday breakfasts at Legion Hall. We have a winner! Congratulations to Sue Fleming for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched” Contest. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “Last week’s sketch was of Our Saugus Library staff Head of Children’s Services, The Children’s Librarian – Amy Melton! “Amy has a Master’s degree from Syracuse University and speaks and practices two other languages besides English. She oversees Children’s Programs, making them fun, interesting and attainable for the children. She Coordinates various educational events. “Amy brought the “1000 books before kindergarten” partnership program to Saugus. Parents can sign up and log on the books their child has read. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 11

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 11 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 10 “She has a vast array of visitors visiting, educating on animals, guest occupations and shows and talents. “Some of Amy’s guests have been Farmer Minor and his petable pig from CT., a traveling education petting zoo of animals, Mother Goose, Jungle Jim and outdoor plays. “You never know what adventures and entertainment Amy Melton is going to bring for the Children and parents of Saugus Public Library! (It’s best to keep updated on her Library blog of activities for the kids!) “Amy thinks up all kinds of creative artistic ideas for the Children’s Library. She makes the Children’s Library visits a surprising experience. Children may on occasion meet her friend Sophie too (she's her hand puppet.) “Children come with parents to get a book to read “But they often leave with so many unexpected treasures. Amy has various art classes, craft classes, children’s hands on gardening classes, Holiday craft classes – some classes are pre scheduled sign ups) 781231-4168 “Amy coordinates summer programs to help keep children’s interest during summer school vacation. “Through the pandemic Amy has still been available, reaching out to the children with virtual programs and take and make crafts. (for take and make bags All the items to make the craft are put in a bag and you just pick it up at the front door when ready. She has a virtual story hour for the kids to listen to in the evening to make the bedtime transitioning easier on parents as their children get ready for their sleep times. “Amy, you really excel at what you do! And the people of Saugus love and appreciate ALL you do! Thank You Yours Truly The Sketch Artist” A bunch of “Shout-Outs” from Jeanie Jeanie Bartolo, Saugus’s most prolific “Shout-Outs” writer (She actually created this feature in “Sounds of Saugus”), offered three this week: “A special delivery arrived on Jackson Street, Antonio Sullivan Velez; ‘Sully’ was born on November 23rd, weighing 8 lbs. 14 oz. and as cute as a button! Congratulations to the proud parents Alyissa and Pedro. I am officially ‘Auntie Jeanie’ and plan on spoiling him rotten!” “A new Tree was planted at the rotary at Cliftondale Square, it will look beautiful decorated in Christmas lights! This ‘Shout Out’ and many thanks to Joe Vecchione, Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member, who advocated for the tree and to the DPW workers for planting and decorating it.” “I have a sad “Shout Out” for Cam Cicolini who recently passed away. She is the mother of Joia and Selectmen Jeff and his wife Julie Cicolini. Cam has done so much for Saugus; past President of the Kiwanis, Saugus PTO, Town Meeting Member, founding member of MEG as well as a member of the Charter Commission. She accomplished so much for the town she loved. She was a brilliant woman that I was honored to call my friend. I met Cam when I was Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Saugus Public Library. We were fighting to keep the Library open and Cam came to every single fundraiser we had. She was always so beautifully dressed. When we were introduced we just clicked and became friends. She had the greatest laugh and could light up any room she walked into. I will always be grateful for her laughter, kindness and friendship. I will never forget you Cam, Rest In Peace my dear friend.” Want to “Shout-Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our paper’s readers to single out – in a brief mention – remarkable acts or achievements by Saugus residents or an act of kindness or a nice gesture. Just send an email (mvoge@comcast.net) with a mention in the subject line of “An Extra Shout-Out.” No more than a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo Compost/Recycling DropOff Site closing The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site will close for the winter season on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at 2 p.m. This site will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on that day prior to closing. The site will reopen from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month in January, February and March, weather permitting. Please contact Solid Waste/ Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Please remember Saugus’s fallen heroes Honor those who serve and teach our children the value of freedom. On Dec. 18 at noon, the Parson Roby Chapter, NSDAR (MA0136P), will be sponsoring their first ‘Wreaths Across America Project’: helping Riverside Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans by laying Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes. Please help us honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible in several ways: sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day or inviting your family and friends to attend with you. All are welcome! Please forward this article to friends that may be willing to also join us in honoring our servicemen and women. To learn more about the ‘Wreaths Across America Project,’ go to http:// www.wearthsacrossameria.org/ MA0136P Thank you for supporting our newly formed Parson Roby Chapter, NSDAR, Saugus, MA. For further information contact Regent Charlotte Line at linejj@ comcast.net. Best-selling author plans virtual library visit Author David Baldacci is coming to the library, virtually that is! Please join the Saugus Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. as bestselling author David Baldacci discusses his recent book, “Mercy,” the latest in Baldacci’s Atlee Pine series. For her entire life, FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine has been searching for her twin sister, Mercy, who was abducted at the age of six and never seen again. Now, after a perilous investigation that nearly proved fatal, Atlee has finally discovered proof that Mercy survived her abduction and escaped her captors many years ago. David Baldacci received his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and while practicing law, he turned to novel writing, taking three years to write his first novel, “Absolute Power.” Published in 1996, it was an international bestseller. Since then, Baldacci has published 40 best-selling novels for adults as well as seven novels for younger readers. This is a free program but registration is required. Please see our website, sauguspubliclibrary.org, for the registration link. After you register, you’ll receive a link to the Zoom program. The event is hosted by the Tewksbury Public Library in collaboration with Wellesley Books, the Saugus Public Library and many other Massachusetts Public Libraries. Participants will be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of “Mercy.” For more information please contact the library. Phone: 781231-4168, ext. 3107 Email: sau@ noblenet.org. Website: www. sauguspubliclibrary.org. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858. “A Very Merry Christmas Sachems salute the flag during the National Anthem. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Party” The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host “A Very Merry Christmas Party” on Dec. 10, featuring Samantha Rae Whiskey – 6 in concert. The holiday party includes a Kowloon Chinese buffet and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m.; a buffet will be served from 6 to 8 p.m.; and the concert is from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 per person. Every guest is invited to bring a wrapped toy or gift for Toys for Tots. The Wong family devised the idea of the Christmas party as a community event for everyone during the holidays, and for a good cause. “It is a great way to have your Christmas party with your co-workers, friends or family. Let us take care of the details, so you can have a wonderful time,” states Bobby Wong, owner. A Note on Samantha Rae Whiskey – 6: Samantha Rae Whiskey – 6 is a country-rock act that delivers a mix of country rock originals and pop country radio favorites driven by a SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 15 Sachems fall to Tanners on Thanksgiving At right, Captain/OLB Mark MacEachern wishes the Tanners good luck before the game. Although it was an away game, Sachems in the bleachers cheered on their team.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE FALL Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener A mong the last deciduous trees to let go of their leaves are the beeches. We have some majestic examples of both European beech (Fagus sylvatica) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia) in Saugus. American beech trees grow wild in the woods at Breakheart Reservation, while the European species is usually planted as a solitary specimen in gardens. Fairly slow to grow, neither beech is an “instant gratification” plant, but they are both quite rewarding and elegant when mature. The large beech at the Saugus Iron Works was once an ornamental tree in the yard of a house on Central Street – then, when the road was changed because of the archeological discoveries in the early 1950’s, the tree remained on what is now the upper lawn area of the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site. This tree is a purple foliaged variety of European beech (Fagus sylvatica). During most of the growing season, the leaves are a dark reddish purple, but as November arrives the leaves become lighter greenish for a brief period and then somewhat yellow before they join the maple foliage on the lawn. Anna Spencer, who oversees the grounds maintenance, says this is her favorite plant on the Saugus Iron Works property, A CLOSEUP VIEW: This fall a young European beech at the Saugus Middle-High School shows its wavy edged, leaf shape, an open beechnut husk and the long narrow bud for next year’s leaves. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) THE YOUNG EUROPEAN BEECH at the Saugus Middle-High School has a long future ahead of it, and we can hope that it will be a memorable tree to future students. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) A POPULAR TREE: The old European beech at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site has been mentioned by several people as their favorite tree in Saugus. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) and many visitors would certainly agree. The Adirondack chairs under the spreading branches get a lot of use, especially in the summer, when the dark foliage makes the space beneath the tree significantly cooler than sunny portions of the lawn. There is also a picnic table in the tree’s shade where I frequently see people sitting at various times of the year. Even in winter, this tree is outstanding for its shape and its AMERICAN BEECH (Fagus grandifolia), which is common in Breakheart Reservation, has pointed teeth on the leaf edges, unlike the wavy edges on European beech. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) gray bark, which reminds many people of an elephant. In fall you may be finding beechnuts, or their spiny husks, around the base of the tree, where the small nuts provide food to help sustain wildlife through the winter. European beech trees became WREATHS ON THE DOORS of Cliftondale Congregational Church herald the Christmas season. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) THE LEAVES HANG ON: The large, old European beech at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site still retains some foliage even after Thanksgiving, when most deciduous trees are bare. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) very popular in American gardens in the 19th century. Currently they are not easy to find in nurseries, but Saugus can brag of a new young purple European beech at the new middle-high school – it is near the amphitheater on the high school side of the new middle-high school building. Being young, it doesn’t have the dramatic size and shape of the older trees, but it is mature enough to have produced a few nuts this fall, and it is inspiring to see this young tree at the school when you are familiar with older specimens around town. Elsewhere in Saugus European beeches are more likely to be found near Victorian houses than in more recently built neighborGARDENS | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 13 RATING | FROM PAGE 1 teleconferencing at the request of Town Moderator Steve Doherty, amid health concerns about COVID-19. Another article would authorize the payment of unpaid bills from previous years. There are also articles to appropriate matching funds on a grant and to make a supplementary appropriation to be used on a Saugus Cable TV audit. “As the Fiscal Year 2021 general fund budget was prepared for Town Meeting’s approval, the pandemic had been ongoing for three months, and steps were taken to minimize the impact on the ensuing Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget,” Crabtree wrote in a report he prepared for the Finance Committee. “What remained uncertain at that time was what the revenue estimates were going to look like for state aid, local receipts and new growth due to the pandemic,” Crabtree said. In order to continue town services to residents and stabilize current staffing levels, Crabtree said, the town used $1.4 million from the Stabilization Fund back in May to balance the budget for the 2022 fiscal year that began July 1. This year’s Annual Town Meeting approved that transfer with the understanding that it was a priority to reSPECIAL TREE | FROM PAGE 2 oid crisis we all face,” said Meredith, who plans to spend tonight at the petting zoo that will be set up for children to get close to animals. “Greg Nickolas had a huge heart with a strong faith foundation. He was a huge asset to our town and Saugus suffers a terrible loss with his passing,” she said. Nickolas was a lifelong town GARDENS | FROM PAGE 12 hoods. One extends its branches over the little free library on Lincoln Avenue in East Saugus, and both green leafed and purple leafed varieties can also be seen here and there in other parts of town. The most famous European beech in Massachusetts was probably the Prince of Wales beech at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, which lived over 140 years but was removed in 2011 due to disease. It was ceremonially planted during a visit to North America in 1860 by Queen Victoria’s eldest son, who later became King Edward VII. American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is fairly common in Breakheart Reservation. The foplenish these funds later “in order not to jeopardize our current AA+ bond rating,” Crabtree said in his presentation. “We did this rather than using free cash at the time, minimizing impact to the year-end financial statements,” he said. Crabtree noted that the town used the same fiscal strategy in crafting the 2021 fiscal year budget a year earlier: Town Meeting in June 2020 approved use of money from the Stabilization Fund as an alternative funding source and came back last December to rescind that vote and use free cash once it had been certified by the state Department of Revenue. As the town prepares to set a tax rate for the current fiscal year, Crabtree said, the use of $1.4 million in free cash “is a more prudent financing source for balancing the Fiscal Year 2022 budget and allows us to leave the Stabilization Fund intact.” Finance Committee Chair Kenneth DePatto said he agrees that restoring the Stabilization Fund money was the correct move. “We’re happy to see us put it back in there and keep our bond rating where it belongs,” said DePatto. He added that this strategy may lead to the town being rewarded with a AAA bond rating someday. DePatto said the town’s fiscal stability has imresident and a 1981 Saugus High School graduate. Prior to his appointment to the youth director’s job, he worked six years as a case worker for Saugus Public Schools. In recent years, he joined the list of past and current town employees who served on the 50-member Town Meeting. In March of 2019, four Town Meeting members in Precinct 3 elected him to fill out the final nine months of Steven W. Murphy’s two-year term. Murphy’s liage during the summer on this species is green, but in November the leaves turn a golden color, sometimes changing to caramel, before falling for winter. Both beech species can be easily identified in winter by their long, narrow buds, although our native tree has more elongated buds than the European species. The gray bark also helps to identify a beech. Beech bark remains relatively smooth even in old age and does not develop deep furrows as many other tree species do. As cold weather draws the growing season to a close, there is still plenty to celebrate in the landscape. Hannukah this week has been greeted with lights in many homes, and tonight will see the lighting of many trees in Sauproved significantly since the days when “no one wanted to loan us money.” Crabtree said the strategy has paid off for Saugus, enabling the town to borrow money at a better rate, saving millions of dollars in interest costs. Article 3 on Monday night’s Special Town Meeting agenda requests the appropriation of $200,000 from certified free cash as matching funds to a grant the town received from the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for repair of the Spring Pond Dam. Engineers at Weston & Sampson have identified numerous deficiencies, including insufficient spillway design flood capacity, possible seepage at the foot of the dam, cracking and settling of the road on the dam crest, and a deteriorated headwall and splash pad. “The goal of this dam rehab project is to improve the condition from Poor Condition to Good Condition,” Crabtree wrote in his report. “By doing this project we will reduce the potential negative environmental impacts to the surrounding area due to a dam breach. The Town has committed $114,000 in funding toward the design and permitting of the rehabilitation of this dam and would like to complete the project,” he said. The grant awarded the town seat became vacant when he decided to move away. In the town’s biennial election, two years ago, Nickolas ran and got elected to his Precinct 3 seat and was going to be on the ballot in this year’s election to seek another two-year term. Besides his wife, Deborah Mae Nickolas, who works as a senior clerk at Town Hall, Nickolas leaves a son, Mason, and a daughter, Jackie, and her fiancé, Corey Nugent. gus Center and Christmas decorations popping up at homes and businesses in town. There are still flowers blooming in some gardens, and when I stopped at the Iron Works this afternoon a robin perched in a leafless tree was singing. 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” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. $261,950, which is 75 percent of the original construction cost estimate of $349,278, according to Crabtree. As a condition of the grant, the town is required to appropriate a grant match of at least 25 percent. But due to the cost escalation from March to November, the town will need to provide more money, bringing the total of the town’s share to $200,000. Finance Committee Member Theresa Katsos said the project was supposed to take place when Andrew Bisignani was town manager about a decade ago. Article 4 seeks $10,815.58 for payment of unpaid bills from previous years. Article 5 seeks an additional appropriation of the Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access Enterprise Fund to cover the contract price for completion of an audit of the construction of the new PEG Access Studio of Saugus Cable TV. At the June 2020 Annual Town Meeting, members voted to approve $25,000 for funding the audit. Since then, the town has contracted with an accounting firm whose contract price for completion of the report is $39,872. Finance Committee members wanted to know the reason for the huge cost increase for the audit. “I don’t think it’s any surprise,” Crabtree said, explaining that the funds were requested “as a placeholder” in the budget before one of the selectmen prepared specifications for the contract. He also noted that it's not costing the town any money, but comes out of the PEG Access Enterprise Fund, which is funded by Comcast. Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels to host third annual holiday fundraiser on Dec. 4 O n Saturday, December 4, at 5 p.m., the Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels Relay for Life team will be hosting its third annual Christmas fundraiser at Fuddruckers on Route 1 in Saugus. The event will feature country radio station 102.5 WKLB, raffles, trivia and more. This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on board one of the North Pole Fire Department trucks. In addition, the Saugus High School acapella group will be singing Christmas carols. The team is honored to be working with the Massachusetts Pink Patch Project as well. This year they are asking everyone to please bring a new, unwrapped gift for a child with cancer. Fuddruckers will be generously donating 20 percent of all sales to the American Cancer Society. Anyone with questions should contact Guy Moley at 781-640-1310. OBITUARIES Theresa L. (Leuci) Whittredge Age 47, died at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston on Thursday, November 25. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Whittredge with whom she shared 17 years of marriage. Born in Everett and a lifelong resident of Saugus, Mrs. Whittredge was the daughter of Paul Leuci and his wife Cheryl of Saugus and Bonnie (Young) Leuci of Revere. She had been a legal assistant at Ropes and Grey for 22 years and was known as the First Lady of the Saugus Little League. In addition to her husband and parents, Theresa is survived by her two children, Brody and Finley Whittredge; two sisters, Patricia "Patty" Rodrigues of Mendon and Linda Simpson of VA. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations in Theresa's memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Center at danafarber.jimmyfund.org.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST–Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription go to: www. massterlist.com/subscribe. THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ roll call attendance records for the 2021 session. No more roll calls are planned in the House until January 2022. The House held 121 roll calls in 2021. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each representative was present and voting, and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record. The vast majority of the 159 representatives are not in the House chamber during a session because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources tell Beacon Hill Roll Call that they have seen as few as 12 members in the chamber and as many as 40. The remainder are watching the session from their home or business and voting remotely. Here’s how the remote voting system works: Eight appointed monitors are required to be present in the House chamber and are each given the task of recording the votes of approximately 20 members who are watching the session remotely from their homes or business offices. Each monitor has their 20 members on a conference call and fills out a form indicating how each member voted. The sheets are given to the court officers who then give them to the House Clerk who verifies that the correct totals have been recorded on the sheet and that the sheet is signed by the monitor. The assistant clerk records the yeas and nays in the roll call computer, which activates the green (voted YES) or red (voted NO) lights on the electronic roll call board. Members participating remotely then have the opportunity to see on the broadcast how they are recorded so that they can verify that their vote is recorded accurately. The tally is then displayed on the roll call board and the presiding officer announces the totals and the result of the vote. If a member wants to speak on an issue under consideration, they leave the conference call temporarily. Using a different telephone, they call into a line that patches them into the debate. Their voice is then heard in the House chamber and by those watching the broadcast online. In the House, 86.7 percent (138 representatives out of 159) did not miss any roll calls and have 100 percent roll call attendance records while 13.3 percent (21 representatives out of 159) have missed one or more roll calls. The representative who missed the most roll calls is Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne (D-Northborough) who missed 15, resulting in an 87.6 percent attendance record. Rounding out the top six representatives who have missed the Grimm fairytale, who was Ashputtel? 8. How are Tom Brady and Peyton Manning similar? 9. Manitoulin Island is the 1. The world’s tallest thermometer (134 feet) is in the town of Baker in what U.S. state? 2. On Dec. 3, 1895, what female Austrian psychoanalyst was born who wrote “The Ego and Mechanisms of Defense”? 3. What is a Joe Frogger? 4. December 4 is National Cookie Day; what was the first U.S. mass-produced cookie? 5. The Gießkannenmuseum in Gießen, Germany, celebrates what kind of “can”? 6. On Dec. 5, 1901, what entertainment company was founded that is headquartered in Burbank, Calif.? 7. In the original Brothers world’s largest lake island and has over 100 inland lakes; what lake is it in? 10. December 6 is St. Nicholas Day; he was the Bishop of Myra, which is now called Demre and is in what country? 11. Why are helium balloons able to float? 12. What European city is considered the world’s most bicycle-friendly city? 13. How are Canada, snow and cackling similar? 14. On Dec. 7, 1932, what Swiss physicist received an most roll calls are Reps. Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate) who missed eight roll calls (93.3 percent attendance record); David LeBoeuf (D-Worcester) who missed six roll calls (95.0 percent attendance record); Chynah Tyler (D-Roxbury) who missed four roll calls (96.6 percent roll call attendance record); and Reps. Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) and Tami Gouveia (D-Acton) who both missed three roll calls (97.5 percent roll call attendance record) Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted these six legislators and asked each one for a comment on his or her attendance record. Only four responded: Reps. Kilcoyne, Kearney, Ferrante and Gouveia. Reps. Tyler and LeBoeuf did not respond to repeated requests for a comment. “I was forced to miss one full formal session because I sat for the Massachusetts Bar Exam at the end of July,” said Kilcoyne. “My absence is recorded in the House Journal along with the explanation for the missed votes on that one day. The journal also reflects how I would have voted had I been present on that day. Other than the one day I was forced to miss, I have a perfect voting record.” “As a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve, I report for active duty at least for two weeks a year, sometimes longer depending on the nation’s needs,” said Kearney. “I have been undergoing treatAmerican visa? 15. The watchword of the Camp Fire Girls of America (rebranded as Camp Fire) is “Wohelo,” an anagram standing for what? 16. On Dec. 8, 1993, the U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that there were 24 GPS satellites available for civilian navigation use; what does GPS stand for? 17. In what N.E. state is Funspot, the world’s largest video game arcade? 18. Which insect is thought to have the largest brain? 19. Where will the FIFA World Cup be in 2022? 20. On Dec. 9, 1902, what method of transport was first shown on a U.S. stamp? ment at Dana Farber,” said Ferrante. “I take my role as a state representative very seriously, so when I experienced technical difficulties in dialing in during one of our formal sessions, I quickly alerted the clerk,” said Gouveia. “While my roll call vote for quorum was unable to be recorded, I did record two votes in favor of the two bills before the House that day.” REPRESENTATIVES’ 2021 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS The percentage listed next to the representative’s name is the percentage of roll call votes on which the representative voted. The number in parentheses represents the number of roll calls that he or she missed. Rep. Jessica Giannino 100 percent (0) Rep. Donald Wong 100 percent (0) 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 BHRC | SEE PAGE 17 ANSWERS 1. California 2. Anna Freud 3. A spicy molasses cookie thought to have originated in Marblehead, Mass. 4. Animal Crackers 5. Watering can (The museum has over 1,000.) 6. The Walt Disney Company 7. Cinderella 8. They are the only starting quarterbacks to win at the Super Bowl with two different teams. 9. Lake Huron 10. Turkey 11. Because helium is lighter than air. Air is mostly oxygen and nitrogen. 12. Copenhagen, Denmark 13. They are varieties of geese found in North America. 14. Albert Einstein 15. Work, Health, Love 16. Global Positioning System 17. New Hampshire (Weirs Beach) 18. Ants 19. Qatar 20. Bicycle (This “Messenger on Bicycle” stamp replaced earlier stamp designs with a “running” messenger.)

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 15 S y Senior Senior Alert: Your old cell Sa en o a i Al t Seni BY JIM MILLER nior ld ll ior i r phone may not work in 2022 Dear Savvy Senior, My 80-year-old father has an old flip phone he carries around with him for emergency purposes, but I’ve heard that these devices will soon be phased out. Is this true? If so, how can we know if his phone will be aff ected, and where can I find him a simple new one that he can operate. Searching Daughter Dear Searching, Yes, it’s true! If your dad’s mobile phone is more than a few years old, he will probably need to upgrade it in the very near future. Why? Because all of the major cell phone carriers – AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile – are shutting down their older 3G networks in 2022 to free up airwaves for 5G and other advanced services. So, if your dad is using an old 3G phone, like millions of other older Americans, he’ll need to get a new device if he wants to make calls, text or reach 911. But you should also know that it’s not just older cellphones that will be obsolete. Older home security systems, medical devices and personal emergency response systems that still harness 3G will also be affected. Adding to the confusion, older 4G phones that don’t support modern cellular voice technologies, such as Voice Over LTE or HD Voice, are impacted, too. Those customers may need a software upgrade or a new phone. Here are the timelines for the 3G shutdowns: AT&T– Feb. 2022; T-Mobile–July 1, 2022; Verizon–Dec. 31, 2022; Sprint (which is owned by T-Mobile)–March 31, 2022; and Sprint LTE– June 30, 2022. Other smaller carriers like Tracfone, Cricket, Boost and Straight Talk, will also be aff ected, because they rely on airwaves from the big three. Is Your Phone Affected? Cell phone carriers say they have been alerting customers who use older phones that services are ending, sending a combination of texts, letters, phone calls and emails. If you’re not sure about your dad’s phone, contact his carrier or check their website for a list of aff ected devices. Another way to see if your dad’s phone is 3G is to look up his international mobile equipment identity number which can be found by pressing *#06# on his keypad. Once you have it, go to www.imei.info and type it in the search bar to get the phone’s details. If his phone has a frequency of 900 megahertz (MHz) or 2100 MHz, it’s 3G. You can also look for a “3G” icon at the top corner of his phone, but not all 3G phones have that icon. How to Upgrade If you find that you do need to upgrade your dad’s cellphone, carriers are offering discounts and special promotions on replacement devices. If you’re worried about your dad having to learn your way around a new device, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of modern new fl ip phones available that work on the next-generation networks. Or, if your dad decides that he would rather forge ahead without a phone than upgrade, then he will need to cancel the service. Most carriers will let you cancel your plan without any penalty. However, if he forgets to cancel his phone plan and doesn’t upgrade to a working device, the company won’t automatically stop charging him just because he isn’t able to access their network. How to Recycle If your dad does have to replace his old cellphone, the best way to dispose of it is to recycle it. Large retailers, such as Best Buy, offer recycling programs for old electronics. Or you can search for local recycling programs on websites like Call2Recycle. org and Earth911.com. 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. SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 11 powerful rhythm section. The band is fronted by Samantha Rae. Critics call her “a beautiful and energetic small town country spitfi re who packs both a punch and sultry country tone.” The band was nominated and won the prestigious fan-voted New England Country Music Group of the Year. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Program during the 21-22 School Year (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, providing information about program.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofi t group of volunteers that are helping to off set food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families that enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfi sh, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up, complete the online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTO’s, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 8555 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/ HealthySaugus. HS2 is accepting nonperishables to support the program. Items can be dropped off in a designated donation bin at the Saugus Town Hall lobby. Items have been carefully chosen and we ask that donations are not expired and come only from this list: – Macaroni & cheese, 7.5 oz. – Peanut butter, 15 oz. – Jelly (squeeze plastic bottles) – Canned vegetables (i.e., sliced carrots, green beans, peas, corn), 15 oz. – Canned tuna, 5 oz. – Canned chicken, 10 oz. – Canned beans – Canned meals (i.e., soups, chili, SpaghettiOs, raviolis) – Fruit cups – Oatmeal packets – Cold cereal – Granola bars – Pasta – Pasta sauce (no glass) Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been over fi ve 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 15to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coff ee shop. And I’ll buy the coff ee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coff ee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 METHUEN | FROM PAGE 5 the building’s third fl oor. Realizing he had been caught, Rivera, who was reportedly hiding in a large cabinet, surrendered to police and was placed under arrest. Offi cers also found that Rivera was carrying two screwdrivers, a set of keys and a fl ashlight. Rivera was subsequently charged with Breaking and Entering Nighttime for Felony, METHUEN | SEE PAGE 17 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2021 Page 17 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 Mendez, Julio C BHRC | FROM PAGE 14 say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on BUYER2 SELLER1 Pelletier, Laurie dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of November 22-26, the House met for a total of 26 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 57 minutes. Mon. Nov. 22 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:41 a.m. Tues. Nov. 23 No House session SELLER2 Pelletier, Raymond No Senate session Wed. Nov. 24 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:23 a.m. Senate 11:06 a.m. to 11:37 a.m. Thurs. Nov. 25 No House session No Senate session Fri. Nov. 26 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com METHUEN | FROM PAGE 16 Possession of Burglarious Instruments and Malicious Destruction of Property under $1,200. “This suspect was well-hidden, deep inside a large commercial building and far from the most visible evidence of the crimes of which he is accused. The assistance K-9 Kilo and his unique skills provided to this investigation were absolutely critical,” said Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara. “This arrest highlights the incredible contribution that our K-9 partners make to law enforcement and I commend, Kilo, Officer Nicolosi and all of the offi cers and detectives who worked together to locate a suspect.” Rivera was scheduled to be arraigned in Lawrence District Court on November 24. Under state law, if convicted, Rivera could face up to 40 years in prison and fi nes of up to $4,000. The incident remains under investigation. ADDRESS 34 Hawkes St CITY DATE PRICE Saugus 10.11.2021 $640 000,00 “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” JOSEPH D. CATALDO MAKING YOUR ESTATE THE BENEFICIARY OF YOUR IRA principal in order to benefit your surviving spouse. One of the downsides to In most situations you would name your spouse as your primary beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k) account. If you were to die, your spouse would be able to establish his or her own spousal IRA account and would be able to defer withdrawals until age 72, at which time your spouse would then be required to take out required minimum distributions (RMD’s) over his or her life expectancy. One reason why you might wish to make your estate the primary beneficiary would be to actually protect the remaining IRA or 401(k) monies in the event your surviving spouse were to go into a nursing home. If the estate were to be named the beneficiary of your IRA or 401(k) account, you would include a testamentary trust provision in your Last Will and Testament which would take effect once your Will is allowed. The testamentary trust would provide for discretionary distributions of income and this, of course, is the cost and time associated with the probate process. Another downside to this is the remaining monies in the IRA or 401(k) account would have to be distributed over a five-year period with the passage of the SECURE act. Income taxes will have to be paid each year which will have a negative impact on the ability of the account to grow over time. The upside of this strategy is that MassHealth does not treat testamentary trusts the same as irrevocable trusts and the transfer penalty provisions do not apply to these trusts as well. There is no fiveyear look back period to be concerned with. With irrevocable trusts, there can only be income distributed to the Settlor, not principal. With a testamentary trust, principal distributions are allowed to be distributed to the surviving spouse without any negative impact on MassHealth eligibility. If the testamentary trust is structured with a remainder share and a marital share, this strategy may also provide for Massachusetts estate tax savings so that when you die, you will have taken advantage of your $1million Massachusetts estate tax exemption by making sure the remainder share in your testamentary trust is funded with enough of the IRA or 401(k) account monies to bring the total of all assets being distributed to your children to at least equal the $1million. If your spouse is aging and you are concerned about a future nursing home admission, and are also concerned about providing for all of your spouse’s health care needs, daily living expenses, housing needs, etc., then this is one strategy to at least consider.

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