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SAUGUS Vol. 24, No. 49 -FREETh e Advocate – A household word in Saugus! DOCATE D E C www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday New tax rates up T he owner of an average single-family home in Saugus valued at $509,307 will pay $6,117 in taxes next year – $345 more than this year. Meanwhile, the tax bill for an average commercial property, valued at $1,728,066, will be $42,992 – a decrease of $736 over this year. Those scenarios will take efA Star Wars Tree 781-233-4446 Friday, December 10, 2021 Holding The Holiday Spirit On average, homeowners will pay $345 more, businesses $736 less, under plan approved by selectmen for FY2022 By Mark E. Vogler fect as a result of the new tax rates for the 2022 fiscal year (FY) approved unanimously on Tuesday (Dec. 7) night by the Board of Selectmen, pending approval by the state Department of Revenue (DOR). A tax rate analysis presented by the Saugus Board of Assessors showed a 5.6 percent increase in the average homeowner’s tax bill, while commercial and industrial property owners can expect an average reduction of 1.7 percent. Once again, selectmen followed their past practice of recent years by adopting a plan calculating the lowest possible residential factor – a plan that would tax commercial, industrial and personal (CIP) property at a maximum share of the tax levy for the 2022 FY at 175 percent. But Deputy Assessor Ron Keohan noted that the benefi t of the maximum allowable tax shift may not be as apparent to residential homeowners once they get their tax bills next year. “The commercial [properties] gets a little bit of a break,” he told selectmen. Keohan said residential propSanta Claus just adores this Saugus Lions Club entry at the MEG Foundation’s 11th Annual Christmas Tree Festival. The event continues for a second weekend at the MEG Building, from 3 to 8 p.m. tonight (Friday, Dec. 10) and tomorrow. For story and more beautiful trees, please see inside. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) erty values “continue to go crazy.” “I don’t even want to talk about it … It’s so insane,” he said. “Your average single famiMAKING MERRY WITH MUSHROOM: Christine Moreschi, chief administrative aide for the town manager, and Jeannie Meredith, an administrative assistant at Town Hall, hang out with Mushroom – the Juliana pot belly pig cross at the petting zoo at last Friday (Dec. 3) night’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities. See inside for more photos and story about the return of the town’s biggest and most popular community event of the year. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ly home here in Saugus is like $467,000 right now,” he said. To that state of the local property values report, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano interjected “good luck fi nding one for that money.” But Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree sought to put Saugus in a favorable light when comparing the town’s property tax situation to surrounding communities. “The most important thing for the residents at home to understand – Saugus is a great bargain for the taxes we’re paying for the full-service community we are,” Crabtree said. “We’re a community that doesn’t have a trash fee. We have a full time Fire Department 24 hours a day. There’s a lot of things that are full service here,” he said. Crabtree stressed “you can’t understate” that Saugus’s current average homeowner’s tax bill of $5,772 “is considerably lower” than in any of the surrounding communities. “It’s really extraordinary that we have a low average tax bill,” he said. He noted that Stoneham, with an average residential tax bill of $6,114, is the next lowest among surrounding communities. Crabtree challenged anyone to tell him where they could move in the surrounding area to fi nd an average tax bill lower than what homeowners pay in NEW TAX | SEE PAGE 7 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 Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET

Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Legislature passes ARPA, FY21 Surplus Spending Bill O n Friday, December 3, the Massachusetts Legislature advanced An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs, a $4 billion bill, to the governor’s desk. The bill directs federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) surplus funding to assist the Commonwealth’s ongoing economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on making equitable investments and prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the bill delivers targeted supports to workers and businesses and the critical sectors of housing, health care, mental and behavioral health, climate preparedness, education and workforce development. “This ARPA spending bill puts our community on the path to a successful and equitable recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am honored to have partnered with our entire legislative delegation to make the most of this historic opportunity for our constituents,” said State Senator Brendan Crighton. “These investments will signifi cantly improve quality of life for residents through tarLawrence 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 geted initiatives, which include workforce training programs, mental health supports, climate change mitigation eff orts, and funding to produce accessible and aff ordable housing.” “This ARPA funding has come just at the right time. The Senate and the House have worked very hard to get this federal funding passed as it is much needed by the Commonwealth and our communities to assist with recovery eff orts,” said State Representative Donald Wong. “It is a much welcome gift for the Holiday Season. Wishing everyone health, wealth, and happiness.” “The investments that will be made as a result of this legislation will have signifi cant impacts on the individuals and families within my district,” said State Representative Jessica Giannino. “Additionally, signifi cant funding will be directed to climate resiliency eff orts and behavioral health supports in the Commonwealth. I am deeply grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for addressing these critical needs.” Crighton, Wong and Giannino worked together to secure $100,000 for increased pedestrian lighting on public ways in Saugus and $20,000 for a new commercial stove for the American Legion Post 210 in Saugus. homeownership: • $150M for supportive housing, including $65M for the chronically homeless population and $20M to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for veterans not primarily served by the Soldiers’ Homes in Chelsea or Holyoke • $150M for public housing authorities to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure • $115M for the CommonDonald Wong State Representative The legislation includes the following investments: For economic recovery and workforce development: • $500 million (M) for premium pay bonuses for essential workers, up to $2,000 per worker • $500M for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, providing necessary relief to businesses • $100M for vocational school infrastructure and capacity building needs • $37.5M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to support organizations working with people displaced from jobs during the pandemic, historically underserved populations, and individuals reentering their communities from the corrections system • $50M for equitable and affordable broadband access and infrastructure improvements to close the digital divide • $135M for the Mass CulturA BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES. 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COM Member FDIC Member DIF al Council • $75M for small businesses, including $50M for direct grants to historically underserved populations and minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned small businesses and $25M for nascent businesses • $15M for regional high-demand workforce training at community colleges • $25M for the expansion of Career Technical Institutes • $24.5M for workforce development and capital assistance grants to the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, as well $4.5M for the YWCAs • $20M for the resettlement of Afghan and Haitian evacuees • $15M to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity sector with partnerships between public higher education institutions and private businesses • $14M for agricultural economy supports • $10M for regional tourism RIGHT BY YOU councils For affordable housing and Wealth Builder Program to support housing production and promote homeownership among residents of disproportionately impacted communities • $115M for aff ordable rental housing production and preservation for the workforce and low- and moderate-income individuals • $65M for homeownership assistance tools, including down payment assistance, and mortgage interest subsidy supports Mental and behavioral health, public health and health care: • $400M in mental and behavioral health supports, including $122M for workforce loan repayment programs for behavioral health and substance use professionals • $300M for the Home and Community-Based Services Federal Investment Fund to address workforce needs for those caring for vulnerable populations • $200.1M to support the state’s local and regional public health infrastructure • $260M for acute hospitals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic • $44.8M for food security infrastructure, including $17M for The Greater Boston Food Bank for regional food security network improvements across the Commonwealth, $5M for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, $2M for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to provide loans, grants and technical assistance in a regionally equitable manner to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, $1.92M for Project Bread to better connect eligible unenrolled residents with federal nutrition programs statewide, and $1M for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for the operation of empowerment centers and to support the distribution of food to veterans in need • $30M to support a robust and diverse home health care and human service workforce through recruitment, retention and loan forgiveness programming LEGISLATURE | SEE PAGE 17

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 3 The MEG Toy Drive Kevin Andrews plays Santa Claus with Sachem Friends to help make Christmas brighter for children of needy families By Mark E. Vogler T his is the time of year that Kevin Andrews just can’t help himself. He loves to put on a Santa Claus suit and go out and round up some toys for needy Saugus kids who might not receive Christmas presents. “When I was 18 years old, my aunt, who was a professional seamstress, made me my first Santa suit,” Andrews said in an interview this week as he recalled his Aunt Pauline (Andrews), who passed away in 2009. “I still have the suit, but don’t wear it. But I probably have seven Santa Claus suits now that I can pick from to wear,” he said. Andrews, a 1986 Saugus High School graduate and longtime volunteer for numerous youth sports organizations, has a passion for spreading some holiday cheer to the less fortunate kids of his hometown. So, for a few nights for the next two weeks, he plans on wearing one of his Santa suits as he hangs out at the Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) Building, working on his latest toy drive. This year, Andrews and his elves will be teaming up with Sachem Friends. “I have previously done this for five years with ‘Saugus We Care’ – and this will be my seventh toy drive,” Andrews said. “We did it last year. It was difficult with COVID. It was challenging. We thought of canceling it last year, but with so many people out of work, we felt it was the year that people needed this most. We helped 22 families,” he said. “In the past, we have ranged from 17 to 40 families. What’s good – there are so many organizations doing this in Saugus. I think there are at least three different toy drives that have been going on in town,” he said. So, who are Kevin Andrews and his Sachem Elves? “This organization includes me, Julie Cicolini, Jeannie Meredith, Terry Osoro and Tara Stackhouse,” Andrews said. “They were handpicked by me. I picked them because of their skill set: what they bring to the table. They do Facebook. To me, The toy drive is a big thing. There is always somebody who needs help. And that’s what we’re all about,” he said. Andrews said his toy drive will once again operate in a corner out of the MEG Building. It is home of the Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the historic Cliftondale School. “This is pretty special for me,” Andrews said. “I went to school here, grades 1 through 4. I was with the same kids for four years. And I knew Ms. Graves. I used to mow her lawn and rake her leaves,” he said. Andrews is still looking for help from the community – people who want to donate new unwrapped toys, sponsor a family wish list or provide gift card donations. If you want to help, he asks that you message his group at SaugusFriends@ gmail.com. For logistical reasons, Andrews asks that people not wrap the gifts they are donating. “We used to wrap them, but the families themselves feel more a part of the process if we leave the wrapping to them,” Andrews said. “It’s just a better way to do it. They know what the kids are getting and they’re helping out by doing their MEG TOY | SEE PAGE 8 THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, Dec. 12 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Dec. 13 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from Dec. 6. Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from Dec. 7. Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting ***live***. Friday, Dec. 17 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from Dec. 9. Saturday, Dec. 18 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Special Town Meeting from Dec. 6. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** DOING SANTA’S WORK: Jeannie Meredith and Kevin Andrews, organizers of the Sachem Friends’ toy drive, check out the donations of unwrapped gifts for needy children that have been dropped off at the MEG Building. They will be collecting donations for the next two Tuesdays (Dec. 14 and Dec. 21), from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MEG Building, which is located at 54-58 Essex St. in Saugus. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Saugus welcomes its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting back A year after COVID-19 canceled the town’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities, hundreds gathered on the lawn outside Saugus Town Hall last Friday (Dec. 3) to enjoy a return of the popular event. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) BABY’S FIRST TREE LIGHTING: Eight-month-old Kelsey Vona of Saugus gets to sample a Saugus style Christmas. She is the daughter of Mike and Katie Vona. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL: Santa Claus addresses the people who gathered for his arrival at Saugus Town Hall. A FAMILY EVENT: Dana and Tara Marshall, with their 2½-yearold daughter Dakota. DAD’S NIGHT OUT: Mike Vona holds his three-year-old daughter, Kennedy, while minding his other daughter, 8-month-old Kelsey. Not in the photo is his wife, Katie. A FUN TIME: Isabella Suon, 5, daughter of Bee Suon, of Revere, gets a moment with Santa outside the Saugus Public Library.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 5 Fire officials offer sage advice during holiday season By Christopher Roberson F ire officials are once again reminding residents to be mindful of fire safety during the holidays, particularly with Christmas trees. “Place your tree carefully so it doesn’t block any exits you might need in an emergency,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “Although there are not a lot of Christmas tree fires, they are very serious when they do happen. The best way to prevent a Christmas tree fire is to water it well every day.” It is almost impossible to stop a tree fire as it only takes eight seconds for the flames to reach the ceiling. Less than 20 seconds later, a flashover would occur, igniting everything else in the room. According to John Machnicki, a fire safety professional at Travelers Insurance, the heat from a burning Christmas tree can be the equivalent of “40,000 100watt light bulbs.” “Christmas trees are powerful fuel sources, especially when dry,” he said. “The tree becomes a fuel that burns very rapidly and gives off a lot of heat energy.” In addition, Ostroskey said that when buying a tree, needles should not fall off when pulling your hand along the branches. If that happens, the tree is too dry. Placement is also a key factor. Ostroskey said the tree should not block doors or windows In less than 20 seconds, a dry Christmas tree can become a blazing inferno. (Photo Courtesy of the National Fire Protection Association) that would be used to escape a fire. “Santa may be able to escape up the chimney, but you’ll need two clear pathways out of each room,” said Ostroskey. The tree should also be three feet away from heating vents, fireplaces or other heat sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 25 percent of Christmas tree fires are caused by putting a tree too close to a heat source. A Christmas tree will “act like a blowtorch in your living room” once it catches fire. According to Cavallo & Signoriello Insurance, real Christmas trees are three times more likely to catch fire than an artiSaugus River Watershed Council Annual Meeting & Dinner; keynote presentation: The past and future of Rumney Marsh and the Saugus River Watershed W ed., Dec. 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at The Marina at the Wharf Members 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 SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 8 ficial tree. Therefore, real trees should be kept no longer than four weeks. When decorating the tree, it is recommended to use newer LED lights. The lights should be off when no one is home and before going to bed at night. When decorating outside, consumers should use lights that are specifically for outdoor use. Fire officials also suggest using a ground-fault circuit interrupter, which can be installed by an electrician or purchased for portable use. In addition, consumers should be aware that a 15-ampere circuit can support 1,800 watts and a 24-ampere circuit can support 2,400 watts. “No one thinks they will experience a fire, but sadly so many do over the holidays,” said Ostroskey. “Be sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order and review your home escape plan with family and guests.”

Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 A special dedication Saugus remembers its late Youth & Recreation Dept. Director Gregory Nickolas at tree lighting (Editor’s Note: The following is a statement read by Interim Youth & Recreation Director and Programs Coordinator Crystal Cakounes last Friday (Dec. 3) at the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony – which was dedicated to the late Gregory Nickolas, who died in late September, just a month shy of 17 years as the Saugus Youth & Recreation Department Director.) I had the honor of working with Greg for over 15 years. Over that time, I witnessed him put his heart and soul into his job, working tirelessly to provide for his community. Greg was a kind and selfless man always willing to help anyone in need, while expecting absolutely nothing in return. A true Sachem, Greg had pride in our Town and went above and beyond his duties to serve the youth and families of Saugus. He was an incredible member of our community who helped so many people throughout the years. I know we all have a good Greg story, whether it be a way he helped us, gave us some great advice, or even just a funny anecdote. I know I have millions. He taught me so much about life and how to be a better person. He was a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with and someone I knew I could always go to for advice. He made my life better in so many ways, and I am forever grateful to have had him in my life. And I am sure you all feel the same. Greg was a family man that always spoke highly of his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved them all so much, and was extremely proud of them. Funny, wise, and ever so gracious, Greg had an awesome personality and aura that made all feel welcome. Never judging, always accepting, and forever teaching us lessons we will never forget. Greg will always be remembered for his over-the-top personality, his kind heart, his strong dedication and above all, his true friendship. THE TEAM: Pictured from left to right, Youth & Recreation Department staff Emily Grant, Greg Nickolas, Crystal Cakounes and Emily Kay relaxed at a previous town tree lighting ceremony and festivities event. Nickolas was a key town employee working behind the scenes for many years, planning and coordinating one of the biggest town events of the year. Last Friday, the town honored the late Youth & Recreation Department director by dedicating the tree lighting ceremony to his memory. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) We will miss Greg every minute of every day. We will strive hard to honor him and continue to do the wonderful work he has done for the Town of Saugus. To know him was to love him, may his memory be eternal.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 7 NEW TAX | FROM PAGE 1 Saugus. “It’s not going to happen,” he said. Keohan agreed with Crabtree, adding “Saugus is without question the best bang for the buck around.” Here are some of the highlights of the tax classifi cation hearing: • No residents spoke during two public comment periods at the meeting, either for or against the tax reclassifi cation. • The average valuation of a single-family home in Saugus has increased by $41,554, from $467,753 (FY 2021) to $509,307 (FY 2022). • The average valuation for commercial property has increased by $29,221 from $1,698,845 (FY 2021) to $1,728,066 (FY 2022). • There was a decrease in tax rates. Overall, residential tax rates in Saugus decreased from $12.34 for $1,000 of assessed valuation to $12.01 – a 33cent drop. Meanwhile, CIP tax rates dipped from $25.74 for $1,000 of assessed valuation to $24.87 – an 87-cent decrease. • The projected new growth has slightly decreased over last year for residential, commercial and personal property classes, from $1,146,652 (FY 2021) to $846.72. • Residential properties account for 83 percent of the town’s total valuation of $5.7 billion. • While CIP taxpayers account for about 17 percent of the tax valuation in town, they contribute about 30 percent in tax revenue. If Saugus homeowners want to learn why their taxes increased, they can go online, Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta said. Taxpayers who think they are being over-assessed on their property can fi nd out how their property compares to neighboring properties, and they can seek an abatement, she said. Sizing up Saugus’s tax bill Compared to the FY 2021 residential tax bills of other area towns, Saugus’s will remain considerably lower than most, the Board of Assessor’s report noted: Community Saugus Lynnfi eld Melrose Reading Stoneham Wakefi eld Average home value $467,754 $699,580 $657,097 $657,312 $565,130 $588,200 Average single family tax bill $5,772 $9,283 $7,195 $9,077 $6,114 $7,488 (Editor’s Note: Information compiled by the Saugus Board of Assessors.) Sizing up Saugus’s tax rates Here’s how the residential tax rate in Saugus for FY 2021 compares with residential tax rates of other area towns: • Saugus ......................................... $12.34 • Lynnfi eld ................................................... $13.27 • Melrose ..................................................... $10.95 • Reading ..................................................... $13.81 • Stoneham ..................................................$10.82 • Wakefi eld .................................................. $12.73 The report also noted how the CIP tax rate for Saugus compared to FY 2021 CIP rates of other area towns: • Saugus ......................................... $25.74 • Lynnfi eld ................................................... $19.29 • Melrose ..................................................... $18.69 • Reading ..................................................... $14.06 DECEMDECEM YMC CEMBER IS FREE M A o CA CEM YMCA of Metro North CEMB • Stoneham ...................................................$20.50 • Wakefi eld .................................................. $24.67 Projected Fiscal 2022 Taxes Paid/Percentage Residential – $56.4 million ........... 70 percent Commercial – $16.9 million ......... 21 percent Industrial – $3.9 million .....................5 percent Personal – $3.3 million ......................4 percent Total – $80.5 million ......................100 percent Class Value (Fiscal 2022) Residential .......................................... $4.7 billion Commercial ..................................$679.5 million Industrial .......................................$158.7 million Personal .........................................$131.9 million Total ......................................................$5.7 billion New Growth Comparison in Saugus* Fiscal Year New Growth 2022 .......................................................... $846,712 2021 ...................................................... $1,146,652 2020 ...................................................... $1,439,524 2019 .......................................................... $862,574 2018 .......................................................... $792,016 2017 ..........................................................$744,103 2016 ..........................................................$477,878 2015 ...................................................... $1,585,111 (Editor’s Note: Information compiled by the Saugus Board of Assessors.) *New growth is the increase in the tax base due to new construction, parcel subdivision, condominium conversions and property renovations but not due to revaluation. It is calculated by multiplying the increased assessed valuation by the prior year’s tax rate for the appropriate class of property. HOLIDAY AT THE Y. Join the Y for free and pay $0 until January Use Code: YHoliday ENJOY YOUR Sign up for your membership online or stop by our locations in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, and Saugus. YMCA of Metro North | ymcametronorth.org | 978-548-5068 *Offer valid for new members only. Cannot be used in conjunction with a current, active membership. Membership fees begin on January 1, 2022.

Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Saugus welcomes its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting back A NIGHT FOR CHILDREN: Nicole Finn with her daughter Clementine, 2½. MEG TOY | FROM PAGE 3 own wrapping,” he said. “Saugus youth is involved in the project. They help us separate the gifts into piles for the boys and girls and diff erent ages. Dec. 21 will be the last night of the toy drive. We will start makIS THIS MRS. CLAUS? Saugus Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta is dressed like she’s Santa’s wife. ing deliveries between Dec. 21 and Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve). How you can help: Anyone who wants to donate can drop off unwrapped presents next Tuesday (Dec. 14) and the following Tuesday (Dec. 21) from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. in Saugus. 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 SITTING WITH SANTA: Brynn Cliff ord, 5, daughter of Ryan and Carly Cliff ord of Saugus, outside the Saugus Public Library with Santa Claus. A PETTING ZOO STAR: Joleen Jurczyk, of Animal Craze of Winchendon, Mass., holds Matilda, the three-month-old Silkie bantam chicken. SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 5 Giannino continues to be an environmental champion for Saugus and Revere, and I am 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 LIGHTING UP TOWN HALL: Holiday lights brighten up Saugus’s house of town government. 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 online today and pick them up at the annual meeting. We will also be having silent auctions, raffl es (including a kayak) and a 50/50. All proceeds will benefi t the Council’s environmental education, SRWC scholarship and river restoration programs. The Saugus River Watershed Council is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofi t organization founded in 1991 to protect and restore the natural resources of the Saugus River watershed. Contact: marylester@saugusriver.org, 781233-5048. A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 9 Town schedules COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for next week T own Manager Scott Crabtree and the Saugus Health Department announced yesterday plans for a Saugus COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic next Thursday (Dec. 16) from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St.). “We hope Saugus residents and their families will take advantage of this additional opportunity to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations in a convenient and easy-to-access manner,” Crabtree said in a press release yesterday. “The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and we are proud to help provide protection to our community through this important initiative,” he said. This COVID-19 vaccine clinic will allow more accessibility and convenience for all children, adults and seniors of Saugus, according to the town manager. The clinic will offer Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and the Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccines, if available, for those eligible from five years old and above needing their first, second or booster shots. Those interested in getting vaccinated are asked to book an appointment to allow for faster service at https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/cataldo for Saugus’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic. Appointments will be subject to the availability of vaccine doses, which are provided by the state. The Saugus Health Department can assist and answer any questions that residents may have at (781) 231-4117. “Access and availability to the COVID-19 vaccinations continues to be a priority of this administration,” Crabtree said. “Saugus will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our residents and look for ways to expand access to the vaccinations.” Saugus woman pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy (Editor’s Note: The following press release was issued this week by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston) A Saugus woman pleaded guilty Wednesday (Dec. 8) to her role in a bank fraud scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $300,000 from customer accounts. Emelyn Clough, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud conspiracy. U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis SaySpecial Town Meeting Four financial articles prevail on unanimous voice votes By Mark E. Vogler M onday’s Special Town Meeting turned out to be a night of consensus for the 50-member body. The members set the positive tone early by reelecting Town Moderator Stephen N. Doherty of Precinct 4 on a unanimous voice vote for a fifth two-year term to serve the period of 2021-23. Then, each of the four financial articles passed on unanimous voice votes during a session which lasted close to an hour. Meeting members asked questions about the articles, but there was no contentious debate on any of these measures. • Article 2 — This measure rescinds the use of $1.4 million from the Stabilization Fund during this year’s Annual Town Meeting. Those funds were used to subsidize the operational budget. With the availability of certified free cash in recent weeks, the town followed the advice of its financial advisors to restore the funds taken from the Stabilization Fund and use available free cash to balance the MEETING | SEE PAGE 16 lor IV scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2022. The defendant was charged on March 15, 2021. This case arose out of an investigation into schemes to withdraw funds, in the form of checks and cash, from customer accounts at several financial institutions. Organizers of the scheme paid individuals to request bank withdrawals from bank customers’ accounts using falsified identification documents in the names of the bank customers. Bank tellers were also recruited to accept the falsified identification documents without scrutiny and facilitate the withdrawals. The fraudulently obtained funds were then negotiated through accounts at other financial institutions that had been opened in the names of fictitious business entities. Clough opened a bank account in the name of a fictitious business using a counterfeit driver’s license and helped recruit a TD Bank teller to parGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ticipate in this scheme. Thereafter, between June and November 2017, co-conspirators utilized the bank account Clough opened and the bank teller Clough recruited to fraudulently obtain more than $300,000 from customer accounts. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie A. Wright and Christopher J. Markham of Mendell’s Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.

Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler It was a great night anyway It was a little nippy out there on the front lawn outside Saugus Town Hall last Friday night as a large crowd gathered for the town’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities. And it’s too bad that Town Hall wasn’t open to the public, so that a long line of parents and their kids could warm up in the second floor auditorium while waiting for photo ops with Santa Claus. But recent concerns about a resurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saugus over the past several weeks prompted Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree to play it safe and keep Town Hall closed. If it wasn’t safe for the 50-member Town Meeting body to assemble for its Special Town Meeting this past Monday night (Dec. 6), then there’s no way the town manager was going to allow a crowd in the auditorium for photo ops with Santa Claus. Santa did sit down to have his photo taken with children. But it was outside this year in front of the entrance of the Saugus Public Library. As the old saying goes, “Beggars can’t be choosers.” Certain adjustments had to be made to ensure public health and safety. The event was scaled down a little, but I’m sure all of the folks who turned out were grateful that the town’s beloved community event wasn’t canceled like last year. All in all, the crowd was a little smaller. But the grownups and kids seem to be having fun and getting in the holiday spirit. The petting zoo was a hit. So were the trains and the horse-drawn cart rides up Central Street. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies and popcorn satisfied people’s appetites. And WIN Waste Innovations, a sponsor of the event, sprung for the complimentary pizza from Charlie’s Pizzeria. WIN Waste also arranged for the 98.5 FM Street Team to appear and provide giveaways. It was kind of sad that the late Gregory Nickolas, the town’s longtime Saugus Youth & Recreation Department director, wasn’t there to be a part of the tree lighting ceremony and festivities, as he has in years past. But Greg Nickolas was there in spirit. And it was a nice gesture by the town manager and Interim Youth & Recreation Director and Programs Coordinator Crystal Cakounes to express a few words of appreciation for the town employee who has been the heart and soul of this event for many years. Greg was missed by many folks and he will be missed for years to come. But the show will go on, and future organizers will build on the foundation that Greg established in his efforts to make this a great event for his hometown. Hats off to the folks who stepped up and helped make this year’s Tree Lighting and Festivities a special memory for many Saugonians. Nice gesture on the tree ornaments As they say, it’s the thought that counts. And Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano had his heart in the right place by coordinating the creation of four large tree ornaments that went up on the town Christmas tree in the Saugus Center rotary on Friday. These ornaments, which were fashioned by Sachem Signworks, paid tribute to four popular Saugonians who passed away this year: Theresa Whittredge, Carmela “Cam” Cicolini, Greg Nickolas and Wendy Reed (longtime clerk to the Saugus Board of Selectmen). Not everybody liked the ornaments, apparently. Some folks felt uncomfortable seeing the faces of loved ones up on the tree. Some critics said it struck them as “political” and wasn’t authorized by the town. Some wondered why the faces of other Saugus residents who had passed weren’t up on that tree. Actually, the concept initiated by the Board of Selectmen chair has some promising potential and great merit. In future years, why not let families and friends of loved ones who passed that year hang an ornament in memory of a loved one? Include that courtesy for every Saugus resident who passes. And instead of the loved one’s face on the ornament, “This reporter was trying to figure out whether a sports car had crashed up against the side of the building. Once he got his bearings straight, he was staring down at the nose of a hefty, terrorized animal,” the story continued. It’s been 46 years since that harrowing experience. But I can still remember my first reaction was to rush into the restroom; then I ran out, my heart pounding wildly as I tried to make sense of things. “The front door wouldn’t quite open for the reporter’s escape. But doe’s destination was the front window…” I wrote. After smashing that window, the doe sprung across GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon correctly identifies the Saugonian who was 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”) have their name inscribed with a date of their passing. Make them smaller. Get the leaders of the Saugus Faith Community to coordinate the event. Minimize the politics. But for what it’s worth, I think this was a nice gesture by Board of Selectmen Chair Cogliano. It’s an idea that’s worth developing for future years. A pair of “Shout-Outs” for good deeds This week, we received two shout-outs from our readers who wanted to recognize some good deeds in the community: Susan McBride: “I would like to give a shoutout to Kathy Krasowski for always picking up trash on her daily dog walks. She never fails to have a shopping bag with her to pick up other people’s trash that has been left behind.” Margie Berkowitch: “Hammersmith Quilt Guild collected food for the food bank on Wednesday, December 1st. Shout out to Michael Boudreau who volunteered to deliver the food. He was completely surprised to find the food had completely filled his SUV. Thank you Mike.” 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. The day I became a front page deer story Back in December of 1975, when I was the Williamstown bureau chief for The North Adams Transcript, I had a notorious encounter with Mother Nature. I was picking up some laundry at Drummond’s Cleaners when I got knocked down while leaning over the counter. A scared 150-pound doe came crashing through the side window, cutting itself and scaring witnesses inside the store. “Deer season opened today, but merchants on Spring Street are probably wondering who is hunting whom,” I wrote in my lead paragraph for that afternoon’s front-page story. “Three large plate glass windows were shattered within a few minutes. There were no injuries, but the doe did brush up against the back of this reporter after breaking the first window at Drummond’s.” Spring Street, right into the front window of a sporting goods store. The doe shattered the front window of Goff’s Sports Inc., but did not penetrate inside the building because of a backboard for a parka display. Witnesses said they saw a hoof kicking around. The doe was temporarily stunned and lying down in the street. A passing mailman thought the deer was dead. But, when he went to touch it, she sprang up quickly and took off down the street and into the woods. When I got back to the office, my editor told me I was all over the local radio station in North Adams – so he wanted me to write a first-person story for the front page about the opening day of deer hunting season in Massachusetts. I remember I was still shaking an hour after the incident as I began writing my story, which was headlined “Doe invades Spring Street. Deer season opens with a crash of glass.” Since that incident, I’ve had many close encounters in my car with deers, one time having to jam on my breaks on Nantucket Island to let a family of six cross the road. But, fortunately, I never hit a deer. Knock on wood. We have a winner! Congratulations to Marty Graney for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched!” contest and then being the one selected from among several readers whose names were entered into the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The answer to last week’s sketch is the multitalented Janice K. Jarosz! “Where does one begin with such a woman of substance and depth?… How do you spell Saugus? My answer would be Janice Jarosz that’s how! “Janice has such a beautiful spirit and as a published author it flows out to the pages of her writings. She is deeply saturated with the love of bringing alive and enriching Saugus History so that you can almost taste it! “Janice is blessed with many gifts and talents which she spreads throughout Saugus! This Proud native Saugonian’s roots fostered and enriched our Town. Janice graduated Saugus High school class of ‘61’ “Here’s a list of some of the Titles and Positions Janice holds/held in Saugus: Janice is a Saugus Business owner/Manager of Nevron Plastics. “Woman of the Year 2008, Town Meeting Member. Clerk to the Board of Selectmen. First Chair of the Recycling Committee. Weekly Columnist for The Saugus Advertiser while contributing Articles to The Saugus Advocate “Saugus Historical Society Member and Author of several books (My Home Town) with History of her family. “Janice is a Historian who oversees the M.E.G Center daily, from Arts to Annual Christmas Tree Festivals, and festivities. “Mr. Charles Bond, with his generous nature, loved and sponsored the Arts and would most likely be well pleased with her honoring his traditions of his nature. Janice is a ‘YES we can Woman’ who took an abandoned rundown building (Bond School AKA Cliftondale School) which became Maleah Graves MEG Center in 1994; and with her ‘YES we can attitude’ formed a Committee in 2007 and with her team, turned the building into what it is today.

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 11 “Janice is the Author of the 200-Page novel ‘The Golden Leaf Love affair Saugus Massachusetts’ the History of Charles Henry Bond of Bond Cigar (The Cliftondale Legend.) Published Nov. 25, 2020 Outskirts Press. “You can purchase on Amazon for 19.95, Barnes and Noble several bookstores have it on their shelf too! “I’m sure Mr. Charles Bond is proud to have such a woman as Janice K. Jarosz grace the halls of his old Bond School AKA MEG Center where his stately Portrait hangs regally showcased. The connection to these two souls is born out of depth and love. “Thank you Janice for breathing your light of love into our hometown! Maybe when I see you out and about you can autograph my copy of your Excellent visual History book ‘The Golden Leaf Love Affair.’ “Your Truly, The Sketch Artist” Breakheart’s “First Day Hike” So, have you resolved to lose some weight for the new year and engage in a healthier life? If so, start off the New Year with an invigorating “First Day Hike” and make a resolution to burn off those extra holiday calories. The state Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Friends of Breakheart Reservation are cosponsoring “Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike” again. A flier issued recently by both groups notes “We will have two guided hikes through the paved loops of Breakheart. “Be prepared for cold weather – dress in layers and wear winter boots. Bring your friends and family and afterwards warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire pit outside.” Jot this down on your calendar, folks: Jan. 1, 2022. Hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Visitor’s Center of Breakheart Reservation (177 Forest St. in Saugus). The center will remain open until noon. For more information, call 781-233-0834. 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 located at 44 Taylor St. Last 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. Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site closing The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off Site will close for the winter season tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 11) 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, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (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, Mass. For further information contact Regent Charlotte Line at linejj@ comcast.net. 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 Party’” The Kowloon Restaurant is set to host “A Very Merry Christmas Party” today (Friday, 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.; the 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,” stated 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 powerful rhythm section. The band is fronted by Samantha Rae. Critics call her “a beautiful and energetic small town country spitfire who packs both a punch and sultry country tone.” The band was nominated and won the prestigious fan-voted New England Country Music Group of the Year. For tickets, call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781233-0077. Saugus River Watershed Council annual meeting Members of the public are invited to join the Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) on Wednesday, Dec.15 at The Marina at the Wharf at 543 North Shore Rd. in Revere from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for their annual meeting and dinner featuring a keynote presentation on Rumney Marsh. The Saugus River Watershed 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 is requested. This year’s Steward Awards will be presented to state Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) and Altar’d State. SRWC President Debra Panetta stated that “Representative Giannino continues to be an environmental champion for Saugus and Revere, and I am 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 online today and pick one up at the annual meeting. SRWC will also be having silent auctions, raffles (including a kayak) and a 50/50. All proceeds will benefit the Saugus River Watershed Council’s environmental education, SRWC scholarship and river restoration programs. Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62 selling Christmas Trees Paul, Sharon Cacciola, and family has 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. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus program (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 the program.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers that are helping to offset 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, goldfish, 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, PTOs, 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, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been over five and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.

Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Festival of Trees gets town festive; lucky winners keep tree and gifts underneath S By Tara Vocino augonians got into the Christmas spirit during the Marleah Elizabeth Graves Foundation (MEG) Festival of Trees during its opening night last Friday. Trees were themed and decorated. Compass realtor Gayle Winters with her dog, Winnie, donated this black and white tree, complete with a dog treat stocking. Santa waves to drivers along Essex Street entering the festival. Shown from left to right are Partners in Rehabilitation employee Kristin Parsons and her daughters, Isabella, 12, and Abigail, 7, who donated the “Fancy Like” country music tree, inspired by the Applebee’s jingle during last Friday’s MEG Foundation Festival of Trees opening night. Hoping to win the Crayola tree are Caitlin Devine and her daughters, Emma DeCristoforo, 9, and Daniela DeCristoforo, 6. Revere residents Gloria Trentini and Clare Prizio said they won a white tree during a previous Festival of Trees. MEG Foundation board member Patricia Staples donated this grill master signature prize. Shown from left to right are Abigail Parsons, 7, Cameron Prescott, 7, Madison Prescott, 12, and Isabella Parsons, 12. They were hoping to bring home the Daughters of the American Revolution tree. Saugus resident/MEG board trustee Kathy Giannetti, dressed as an elf, donated this buffalo check ribbon tree. According to MEG Foundation board member Lynda Torregrossa, of Revere, there are 33 large theme trees and five small trees this year, along with a dozen gift baskets. The tree festival runs through this weekend, and winners will be called Sunday morning. The foundation supports local activities, especially for youths. MEG Foundation board member Patricia Staples said guests often see people they haven’t seen. “We have a lot of repeat offenders,” Staples said. “It takes approximately 50 businesses or residents to put this together.” Although the festival doesn’t The sunflower tree up for grabs brightened up the cold weather. have as many trees as last year (reaching into the 50s), donors and guests still were feeling festive. Compass Real Estate tree donor Gayle Winters said she doSaugus-based Partners in Rehab made this “Fancy Like” country music tree. nated to give back to the town that she lives in. “I feel grateful,” Winters said. “If it brings someone pleasure to receive my tree and gifts, it’s worth it.” Her tree had a black and white theme to it, complete with a dog treat stocking. She FESTIVAL | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 13 FESTIVAL | FROM PAGE 12 brought her dog, Winnie, to see the trees. In the main room, Gloria Trentini, of Revere, said the Festival of Trees uplifts her and gets her in the Christmas spirit. Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) used butterflies in place of traditional ornaments. Her friend, Clare Prizio, said she likes to take chances at the variety of trees. She won a white tree during a previous festival. In the next room over, sisMEG Foundation board member Lynda Torregrossa donated the boy-girl children’s trees – collectively valued at $300. ters Daniela and Emma DeCristoforo were eyeing a Crayola tree for its Pop It toys, coloring books and rainbow effect under the tree’s base. Tree donor Kristin Parsons doTHE HOLIDAY SPIRIT: Nicholas Roberson, 4, of Methuen, enjoys himself during the MEG Foundation’s 11th Annual Christmas Tree Festival last Saturday, Dec. 4 at the MEG Building in Cliftondale Square. The festival will continue today (Friday, Dec. 10) and tomorrow, from 3-8 p.m. in the MEG Building at 54-58 Essex St. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) A Saugus Iron Works pamphlet caught the eye. nated a “Fancy Like” tree, on behalf of her Partners in Rehabilitation employer in Saugus, to the tune of country music artist Walker Hayes’ Applebee’s jingle. “We look forward to coming every year,” Parsons said. “It’s a lot of fun.” Joyce and Peter Rossetti donated this COVID-19 Relief Over 21 tree, using nips as ornaments. MEG Foundation trustee Kathy Giannetti, who dressed as an elf, donated a buffalo check ribbon tree with a Santa face, topped off with a Frosty the Snowman hat. “People are looking for fun things to do,” Giannetti said. “This Christmas event is one of them.” Cost: $1 per ticket or 25 tickets for $20. For information, visit 58 Essex St. this weekend. Tree Committee Chairwoman Nancy Prag (far right) Tree Committee member Margery Hunter and her friend Sue Molina donated this birdfeeder tree. GARDENS | FROM PAGE 14 ziesii) is very popular in the west, and while it somewhat resembles true firs in appearance, it lacks the “Christmas tree smell.” The balsam fir fragrance is considered so iconic that candles and room sprays that give off a balsam fir scent are very popular at this time of year and extensively used in homes where the trees are artificial or other tree species are used as the Christmas tree. Even dried needles, such as those used in what are often called “pine pillows,” can emit the fragrance for years – pine pillows are not usually made from pine but contain crushed balsam fir needles. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) 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.

Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE FALL Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable A By Laura Eisener midst the fluctuations of the weather, certain parts of our gardens tend to retain more warmth than others. South facing walls, especially if protected from northerly winds, are sun pockets where snow melts more quickly and flowers bloom earlier in spring and continue longer in fall. Next to a brick or stone foundation that retains heat, you may find flowers even now that are still blooming or which hold onto vestiges of fall foliage. Brick walls, stone and pavement collect heat from the sun during the day. Birds and other wildlife seek out these areas to keep warm and to look for seeds and fruits through the winter. Wreaths on the doors and decorated trees seen through the windows say “’Tis the season to be jolly!” A large group of Saugonians gathered on Dec. 1 to make wreaths at the workshop sponsored by the Saugus Garden Club, and many of these can now be seen on doors of homes around town. As mentioned last year, most wreaths are made of balsam fir (Abies balsamea) or Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) branches, but many other evergreen species also can work well if you have trees and shrubs in your yard that would benefit from some pruning! Using a mix of greens provides attractive textures, and in looking around your garden you is native to the colder parts of North America, and while its balsam fir rather than Fraser fir. The arrangement of needles on STILL BLOOMING: chrysanthemums against the sun-warmed brick foundation of St. John’s Church on Central Street. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ON DISPLAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS: One of the four wreaths decorated for the library by the Saugus Garden Club can be seen over a window in the Community Room. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) MADE IN SAUGUS: A wreath made at the Saugus Garden Club’s workshop is hung up on the door and lit up at night. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) may see other materials to add as embellishments – for example, rose hips (Rosa spp.), lavender (Lavandula spp.) sprigs, fuzzy gray foliage of dusty miller (Jacobaea maritima, formerly called Senecio cineraria) or red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) branches. Bells, Santa faces, sparkling balls and other ornaments as well as bows can also add a distinctive personality to a wreath or swag. While plain wreaths are available at the garden centers, and wreaths are not difficult to make if you have a wreath frame or even a wire coat hanger, a swag is even simpler. Just fasten some branches together, add a bow or other decoration and hang it on the door. Kelly’s Roast Beef has two NATURAL EMBELLISHMENTS including pine cones, dusty miller’s grayish, fuzzy leaves, holly branches with berries and rose hips gathered from the garden can be seen on this fir wreath. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) enormous wreaths, almost certainly the largest in Saugus, with bright red velvet bows and white lights. These wreaths are over 6' across. Kelly’s in Saugus is part of the small chain which started in 1951 at Revere Beach, and the Saugus location has many nostalgic photographs of Revere Beach from that time period inside its restaurant. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) “FOR THE BIRDS”: The tree at the Marleah Elizabeth Graves (MEG) building decorated by the Saugus Tree Committee; in addition to bird-shaped decorations it features actual birdseed cakes that can be hung outdoors to feed wild birds. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) range does extend into Massachusetts it is usually found primarily in higher elevations here. It is far more common as you travel northward, and most balsam fir trees grown as Christmas trees are in northern New England and Canada, while here and farther south the trees are often Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). The two are so similar that botanists continue to argue over whether they should be separate species or whether they are regional variants of the same species. They both have a similar scent, although it is generally agreed to be stronger in the the branches is fuller and thicker looking on Fraser fir, which often leads to this species being preferred when judged by appearance alone. In New England, these two trees are the most popular as Christmas trees, while others may be more popular in other parts of the country. Pines (Pinus spp.) keep their needles longer indoors in dry conditions, but they lack the intense fragrance, and their longer needles may make hanging ornaments more of a challenge. Douglas fir (Psedotsuga menGARDENS | SEE PAGE 13

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 Page 15 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen 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 GOV. CHARLIE BAKER ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION – Gov. Baker announced that he will not seek a third term as governor of Massachusetts in 2022 while Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito also said she will not seek the governorship. This leaves the race wide open. “This was an extremely difficult decision for us,” said the pair in a joint statement. “We love the work and we especially respect and admire the people of this wonderful commonwealth. Serving as governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts has been the most challenging and fulfilling jobs we’ve ever had.” “We have a great deal of work to do to put the pandemic behind us, keep our kids in school and keep our communities and economy moving forward. That work cannot and should not be about politics and the next election. If we were to run, it would be a distraction that would potentially get in the way of many of the things we should be working on for everyone in Massachusetts. We want to focus on recovery, not on the grudge matches political campaigns can devolve into.” “Today is about the future. This next year needs to be about recovery, not about politics. We are grateful for the chance we have been given to serve the people of this great state and will give it our all between now and the end of 2022,” concluded the statement. Four candidates had already entered the race before Baker’s announcement. Democratic candidates include Incumbent State Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz (D-Boston), former State Sen. Ben Downing and Harvard professor Danielle Allen. The only GOP candidate currently in the race is former State Rep. Geoff Diehl. The two biggest names being tossed around as possibilities in political circles on the Democratic side include Attorney General Maura Healey and U.S. Secretary of Labor and former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. 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 senators’ roll call attendance records for the 2021 session. No more roll calls are planned in the Senate until January 2022. The Senate held 115 roll calls in the 2021 session. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each senator votes 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. More senators have 100 percent roll call attendance records this year than at any time in recent memory. Thirty-seven of the 39 members did not miss any roll calls wayward boys; in what year did it start accepting girls: 1918, 1960 or 1978? 8. Do both male and female mosquitoes bite? 9. Omicron is the 15th let1. On Dec. 10, 1830, poet Emily Dickinson was born in Amherst, Mass.; where did she attend college? 2. The first-known written mention of “pigs in blankets” was in a Betty Crocker children’s cookbook in what year: 1921, 1945 or 1957? 3. How many ghosts are in “A Christmas Carol”? 4. In “computerese” what does SMTP stand for? 5. On Dec. 11, 1769, Venetian blinds were patented in what country: England, Italy or the United States? 6. In what United Kingdom language with many words describing snow would you find “skelf” (a large snowflake) and “spitters” (small drops of driving snow)? 7. On Dec. 12, 1917, in Nebraska, Father Edward Flanagan founded Boys Town for ter of what alphabet? 10. How are ostriches, emus and kiwis similar? 11. December 13 is National Cocoa Day; in 1765 chocolate manufacturing – using West Indian cocoa beans – in the American Colonies began in what Massachusetts city? 12. How are “Death Valley Days,” “General Electric Theater” and the 1959 Tournament of Roses parade similar? 13. What Christmas movie/ song character “stink, stank, stunk”? 14. On Dec. 14, 1542, afand have 100 percent roll call attendance records. This can be attributed to the fact that under emergency rules adopted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of the 39 senators are not in the Senate chamber during a session. Most are watching and listening to the session from their home or business and voting remotely. Senators’ votes are communicated to Senate officials during the session or prior to the session if senators are informed in advance that there will be a roll call vote. If a member wants to speak on an issue under consideration, they do so on a separate “debate phone line” and their voice is then heard in the Senate chamber and by anyone watching the broadcast online. The number of senators who had 100 percent roll call attendance records in the prior four years was 33 in 2020; 28 in 2019; 20 in 2018; 24 in 2017; and 17 in 2016. Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) and Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) were the only two senators who missed any roll calls this year. Barrett missed 13 roll calls (11.4 percent) out of 115 for a roll call attendance record of 88.6 percent. “In my capacity as State Senate chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee of the Legislature, I attended the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Glasgow for its climactic second week,” Barrett told Beacon Hill Roll ter her father died, Princess Mary Stuart became Queen of Scots at what age: one week, four years or 16 years? 15. How are “Becoming,” “Where the Light Enters” and “Spoken from the Heart” similar? 16. December 15 is Bill of Rights Day; how many constitutional amendments are in the Bill of Rights: five, 10 or 27? 17. What two animals are used to hunt truffles? 18. What color is in an Elvis Christmas song title? 19. What is the name of the mountain range that goes through Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia? 20. On Dec. 17, 1917, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke was born, who cowrote the screenplay for what 1968 sci-fi film? Call. “In doing so, I missed several roll calls back in the Senate, all taken on a single day. I regret this, but feel my responsibilities to my constituents were best satisfied during that particular time by my working at the U.N. event. Achieving emissions reductions relies heavily on ‘subnational’ governments like state legislatures, where so many of the actual programs are designed and funded.” “Over 400 private jets crammed Scotland’s airports and Massachusetts sent several of our state’s leading green elites to virtue signal and share their moral authority with other self-absorbed bureaucrats and politicians,” said Paul Craney, spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “While his legislative colleagues were trying to determine how to best help their constituents with COVID relief money, the Lexington state senator was boasting about serving on a climate panel in which he spoke to ‘legislators’ from other countries including from China and Russia. Can Massachusetts’ most narcissistic green elite be this tone deaf or is he there for the self-celebration and pageantry?” It’s a Senate tradition that the Senate president only votes occasionally. Current Senate President Karen Spilka follows that tradition and only voted on 45 (39.1 percent) of the 115 roll calls while not voting BHRC | SEE PAGE 17 ANSWERS 1. Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, which became Mount Holyoke College 2. 1957 3. Four: Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. 4. Simple Mail Transport Protocol 5. England 6. Scottish 7. 1978 8. Only the females do. 9. Greek 10. They are flightless birds. 11. Dorchester 12. Ronald Reagan acted as host for all of them. 13. Mr. Grinch 14. One week 15. They are books by First Ladies: Michelle Obama, Jill Biden and Laura Bush. 16. 10 17. Dogs and pigs 18. Blue – “Blue Christmas” 19. The Atlas mountains 20. “2001: A Space Odyssey”

Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021 MEETING | FROM PAGE 9 budget. • Article 3 – This provides 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. • Article 4 – This provides $10,815.58 for payment of unpaid bills from previous years. • Article 5 – This authorizes 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. Crabtree stressed it was important to return the money to the Stabilization Fund so the town would not jeopardize its current AA+ bond rating. “We need to make sure we maintain a healthy Stabilization Fund,” Crabtree told Town Meeting members. But he added that using free cash – one-time money – to balance the budget still wasn’t a good practice, but a preferred option over the use of the Stabilization Fund. With a remaining balance of $3.2 million in free cash, the town will be able to cover snow and ice removal and related expenses this winter and “it will give us a buffer for the unpredictable.” The town has about $200,000 budgeted for snow and ice removal this winter. Should that not be enough, the town can use its free cash for additional expenses through the end of the 2022 fiscal year that ends next June 30. Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Long said he would like for members to receive a breakdown of where the free cash money originates from. Crabtree said $2.6 million of the free cash is a carryover of free cash that was brought forward from last year. Several Town Meeting members expressed concerns about what appeared to be a cost overrun in the town’s share of a matching grant from the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for repair of the Spring Pond Dam. The grant awarded the town $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. “I’m not sure I understand the math,” Precinct 6 Town Meeting Member William Brown remarked, questioning why the article seeks an appropriation of $200,000 when the original town share was set at $87,000. “Now we’re going to appropriate $200,000 for an $87,000 difference,” Brown said. Crabtree said the Department of Public Works director recommended the additional $122,000 to cover potential cost overruns in the project. “If we don’t need that, then it won’t be used,” Brown said. Town Meeting members had MEETING | 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!

THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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 BUYER2 Alves, Mario R Desalvo, Donna Desalvo, Donna BHRC | FROM PAGE 15 on 70 (60.9 percent) of them. Sen. Spilka’s office did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on her voting record. We specifically asked if Spilka was in the Statehouse building for all the formal and informal sessions; how the tradition developed that the president rarely votes; has she ever thought of breaking that tradition and being recorded on all roll calls; and how does she choose on which roll calls she will vote? “Sen. Spilka follows the tradition that many before her followed,” said LEGISLATURE | FROM PAGE 2 Desalvo, Robert Desalvo, Robert SELLER1 Jevic Franchise Dev LLC Nguyen, Kim-Sinh Nguyen, Kim-Sinh Paul Craney. “In this particular case, it’s not necessarily a bad tradition but unfortunately a much worse trend in the state senate is quickly emerging, and that is its opaqueness. The Statehouse has been closed for over 600 days, and now major budget decisions are being done behind closed doors and when lawmakers are on recess. The Massachusetts Legislature, including the State Senate, is the most opaque legislative body in the United States. There is no other state legislature this secretive.” SENATORS’ 2021 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS The percentage listed next to the • $50M for nursing facilities, including $25M for capital support senator’s name is the percentage of roll call votes on which the senator voted. The number in parentheses represents the number of roll calls that he or she missed. Sen. Brendan Crighton 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 committo increase the quality of patient care and $25M for workforce initiatives • $25M for youth-at-risk supports and grant programs for community violence prevention and reentry organizations, focused on communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic • $25M for youth summer and school-year jobs • $5M for Health Care For All to conduct a community-based MassHealth redetermination and vaccination outreach, education and access campaign targeted in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic • $5M for the Disabled Persons Protection Commission to study and review the interrelationship between service-providing agencies for individuals with disabilities within the Commonwealth and to design and implement a system for an interconnected network that will provide a continuum of care for those individuals • $2M for unreimbursed COVID-19 costs for Early Intervention providers • $500,000 to establish transMEETING | FROM PAGE 16 some concerns about why close to $15,000 more is needed to complete an audit of the new PEG Access Studio of Saugus Cable TV. “This has nothing to do with the town or this administration,” Crabtree reassured Town Meeting. The money comes from an Enterprise Fund that includes ratepayers’ money from Comcast. Initially, the $25,000 approved by Town Meeting last year was a “placeholder,” not based on any auSELLER2 ADDRESS 48 Wonderland Ter 46 Wonderland Ter CITY DATE PRICE 87 Hammersmith Dr Saugus 16.11.2021 $980 000,00 Saugus 16.11.2021 $115 000,00 Saugus 16.11.2021 $115 000,00 tee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of November 29-December 3, the House met for a total of one hour and 30 minutes portation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Treatment Courts Climate preparedness: • $100M for water and sewer infrastructure investments through the Clean Water Trust • $100M for environmental infrastructure grants, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program • $90M for marine port infrastructure investments focused on the promotion of off shore wind development • $25M for the Greening the Gateway Cities program to support tree planting • $15M for parks and recreational assets • $7.5M for community colleges to help train underserved populations for green jobs • $6.5M for clean energy retrofi tting in aff ordable housing units • $5M for the advancement of geothermal technologies Education: • $100M to improve indoor air quality in schools and support healthy learning environments for grants to public school districts with high concentrations of low-income students, English dit quote or estimate of the actual cost, he said. “This money is coming from a fund that is charged from the Comcast bills in Saugus,” he said. And selectmen are responsible for overseeing how a nonprofit board operates the fund. Selectmen must approve all the expenses. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian noted that he did some preliminary work with Selectman Jeff Cicolini, who is a partner in a respected auditing fi rm, in research that led to last year’s Town while the Senate met for a total of one hour and 22 minutes. Mon. Nov. 29 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:12 a.m. Senate 11:14 a.m. to 11:18 a.m. Tues. Nov. 30 No House session No Senate session Wed. Dec. 1 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Dec. 2 House 11:11 a.m. to 11:21 a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. Fri. Dec 3 House 11:03 a.m. to 12:11 p.m. Senate 11:03 a.m. to 12:14 p.m. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com language learners, and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 • $75M for capital and maintenance projects for higher education • $25M for the Endowment Incentive Program at the University of Massachusetts, state universities and community colleges • $20M for special education, including $10M for workforce development • $10M for programs focused on recruiting and retaining educators of color Accountability and oversight: To support communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and prioritize historically underserved populations, the bill establishes an equity and accountability review panel for federal funds to track in near real time the amount and percentage of ARPA funds spent in these communities and awarded to minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. The bill also takes steps to ensure minority-owned and women-owned business have fair participation on procurements issued under the act. Meeting article for the $25,000 audit. “The cost of this project went up by a third,” Manoogian acknowledged. He also said he has no problems with the cost overrun. “Auditing is the best money we can spend as a community to instill confi dence in how money is spent and that we’re getting the biggest bang for our buck,” he said. “This isn’t taxpayers’ money. It’s ratepayers’ money. We have a fi duciary responsibility to those ratepayers,” he said.

Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

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