Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 12, 2025 The Spirit of a Tree By Janice K. Jarosz W IN Waste Innovations employees submitted a Christmas Tree to the MEG for the 15th Annual Festival of Trees and it came with a remarkable history. It was named the Spirit Tree and several employees shared with us the history. According to Native American tribes, especially from the south, it is believed that the tree represents a sacred bridge between the earthly and spiritual worlds symbolizing strength, wisdom and interconnectedness. The spirit tree serves as a reminder of the deep bond between humans, animals and the natural world, emphasizing the importance of maintaining equilibrium and harmony within one’s self. When the spirit tree is decorated with empty bottles, the wind blowing through them creates beautiful sounds of peace. Realizing the obstacles in decorating a tree with filled bottles, longtime employee Teddy knew just what to do. He engaged the services of another longtime employee named Lazio, who came from Tennessee and who knew firsthand all about spirit trees. Once they got the okay from A SAUGUS CHRISTMAS STORY REVEALED: This “Spirit Tree,” decorated with wine bottles, was built by WIN Waste Innovations employees and later entered in the 15th Annual Festival of Trees held at the MEG Building last month. A longtime employee who helped craft the special tree at a time when he was mourning the tragic death of his son found joy in creating the tree. When it came time for the MEG raffle, the grieving dad learned his name was on the winning ticket. (Courtesy photo of Janice K. Jarosz) the plant manager, every free moment was spent welding together and decorating the tree. It was during those brief happy moments that the tree somehow seemed to lift the spirits of many among them, especially Lazio, who had recently lost his son in a tragic accident. Several employees carried the finished tree to the MEG, and as they were setting it up, many were actually smiling at their “work of art,” especially Lazio. It was the first time they had seen him smile in a long time. Once the festival was over, several board members sat down to draw the names of the winners, and eventually it was time to draw the raffle ticket for #5, the Spirit Tree. The name on the winning ticket was Lazio – the Spirit Tree spoke. The Spirit Tree connected with us the true meaning of Christmas, Amen. E-BIKES | FROM PAGE 7 voices, new perspectives, and motivated individuals entering Town Meeting this year. With that kind of energy and collaboration, I am confident we can work together to develop a solid and effective plan for Saugus, one that protects our kids, our pedestrians, and our motorists, and sets an example for other communities to follow. “I believe the most effective approach is one that combines education with clear consequences and consistent enforcement. If we educate riders and establish responsible, enforceable guidelines, the vast majority will use their e-bikes and scooters safely. We’re in a transitional period right now. This is new technology, and we’re in that window where there’s little regulation or statewide enforcement. That’s exactly why starting now matters. “My main concern, now and always, is public safety. These newly popular forms of transportation pose risks not only to the riders themselves but also to pedestrians and motorists. As their use grows, so does the potential for serious accidents, especially when there are no clear guidelines or consistent enforcement in place. “We’re seeing kids and teenagers riding at high speeds, often without helmets, and sometimes in areas where drivers aren’t expecting them. At the same time, motorists and pedestrians are suddenly sharing space with fast, quiet vehicles they may not see coming. That combination creates situations where one mistake can lead to a preventable tragedy. “That’s why it’s so important that we take a proactive approach, educating riders, setting reasonable rules, and ensuring safety is at the center of every decision we make. If we take action now, we can reduce risks, protect our community, and make sure these new technologies are integrated safely into our town.” School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould “I go to Saugus MSHS every weekday to bring my granddaughter to school E-BIKES | SEE PAGE 9
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