׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://uoyS78AzDGqJraMMNh02j5qVMLHiaiVz2vOwEaNj2uo`)׉ 7cassandra://lTH-7UzNoHJwd-fCR9Y8iHsESk65DufFGEBO3Foi_Pw͜`J׉ 7cassandra://J6dWyo0ZTk0mpSKmHyQzoKoIqDX1gPpbzH79uWo8xsg1+`̰׉ 7cassandra://--2Li3YTUssawRsJscY70xsyQdkfZi0Qge59PnDJF-k|^͠dy/r+`נdy/r+`Ł ہf 9ׁHhttp://www.angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנdy/r+`ā%H9ׁHhttp://CarpenitoRealEstate.comׁ ׁ Јנdy/r+`Á 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈Edy/r+`׉E SAUGUS Your Local News in 7 Languages. Subscribe to Advocate Online! Vol. 25, No.22 D CAT CATE -FREE- www.advocatenews.net WELCOME, NEW CENTENARIAN! T Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, June 2, 2023 Leadership in limbo School Superintendent McMahon cites contract violation while seeking a return to work By Mark E. Vogler A fter more than four months of being on paid administrative leave, the lawyer representing School Superintendent Erin McMahon says the School Committee still hasn’t disclosed what the unspecifi ed allegations of misconduct against her involve. Failing to brief McMahon on the specific allegations constitutes a violation of her contract, prompting her to pursue arbitration so she can return to LEADERSHIP | SEE PAGE 4 Saugus High Class of 2023 Saugus High School Class of 2023 student leaders take pride in their scholastic perseverance during four challenging years of transition. Pictured from left to right: Valedictorian Jay Patel, Salutatorian Afnan Tuff aha and Class President Joshua Farmer enjoyed Field Day with their classmates earlier this week. Tonight, they will deliver speeches at graduation ceremonies set for 6 p.m. at Christie Serino, Jr. Memorial Stadium. Please see inside for stories and more photos. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Annette Slocomb took a break from an interview at the Saugus Senior Center earlier this week to show off her 2002 Chevy Prizm, a car she considers her favorite since she began driving 64 years ago. She turned 100 today and remains very active for a person of her age. She credits the Senior Center for helping her to maintain a happy, healthy and independent life. Please see inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS - 1st AD - OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND! Custom, Sprawling Ranch features 8+ rooms, 4+ bedrooms, 4 full baths, granite kitchen w/peninsula seating & ceramic tile flooring, separate dining area leading to entertainment-size dining room open to great room w/fireplace & triple atrium doors to beautiful sunroom w/ceramic tile flooring, master suite offers private bath w/walk-in, oversized shower, convenient 1st floor laundry, finished LL provides great space for the extended family, central air, security system, updated roof, large, level, corner lot w/inground pool surrounded by cement patio, irrigation system, storage shed, 1 car attached garage, circular driveway, located in Forest Highlands. Offered at $1,200,000 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com iht 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 f th y View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. g ANGELO’S A FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! s! Regular Unleaded $3.299 MidUnleaded $3.739 Super $3.899 Diesel Fuel $3.779 Heating Oil at the Pump $4.759 $2.99 9 DEF HEATING OI 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 Hours. 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She was born in Lynn on June 2, 1923, and was the oldest of eight children. She is a member of the Lynn Classical High School Class of 1941. She lived in Lynn all of her life before moving to Saugus about 24 years ago. She has a son, William Chapdelaine, from her fi rst husband, who died suddenly. Her second husband died of cancer 35 years ago. She has two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Highlights of this week’s interview follow. yourself and some of the highlights of your life. A: I was born and raised in Lynn. I worked at GE for 16 years. And I did housework and helped old people, even when I was old. I have one son, William Chapdelaine, who lives in town, but mostly in Florida. My grandson, Marc Chapdelaine, is a lawyer in town. His offi ce is on Central Street. Q: How long have you been driving? A: I was old when I got my license. I have been driving since I was 36. Q: What kind of car do you drive? A: I have a 2002 Chevy Prizm. Q: Please tell me about your hobbies. A: I cook. I make all kinds of cakes and stews. I knit and crochet. And I volunteer all of the time. At age 93, I quit working to help older people, because I’m old myself. Q: And you have family that looks out for you? A: I’ve been a widow for 35 years, but have a great family. My son William and his wife had two boys. One is Marc Chapdelaine, who is the lawyer. He has three kids. The other one is a mailman – Matthew Chapdelaine – who lives in Acton, Maine. I was the oldest in a family of eight and there’s three of us left. My brother, Larry Kent, lives in Danvers. He’s 87. My sister, Frances Pearson, lives in Georgetown, and she is 91. Q: Even though you are about to turn 100, you remain pretty active for somebody of your age. A: Yes. I still drive and I vote in every election. And I’m pretty active at the Senior Center; I’m over here mostly every day, either playing bingo or getting involved in the sing-along. I practically live at the Senior Center – it’s my second home. Almost everyone here knows I call it my second home. I play and organize whist on Thursdays. Q: What do you like most about the Senior Center? 5.0 %APY* INSURED 9 Month CD Your nest egg just got an upgrade. A GREAT RATE AND INSURANCE? NO WAY. YES WAY! Here’s your chance to reach your savings goal faster than ever. Everett Bank’s 9 Month CD with an amazing 5.0% APY* gets you closer to those financial goals much faster. Easily calculate better earnings with Everett Bank’s 9 Month CD. Go to everettbank.com to easily open your account on-line in just minutes. Annette Slocomb stands in front of “The Tree of Life” wall at the Saugus Senior Center. She turns 100 today – Friday, June 2. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A: There are so many activQ: Do you have any advice ities to do and people to see. You meet new people every day here. Q: Please tell me the most interesting thing about your life. A: I have too many stories to tell. Some are good. Some are bad. You know, you just have to keep going. Q: Do you have a favorite one? A: I went out and did house work before I went to work at GE. I cleaned people’s houses and took them to the doctors and the dentist and other places they needed to go. Q: What are you most proud of in your life? A: I can’t believe I’m going to be 100. I think they made a mistake! Q: What’s your favorite car? A: The one that I have, the Chevy Prizm. It’s an ’02, but I love this car. I’d say I’m a Chevy person. I’ve had an Impala and other Chevy cars, but I like this one the best. It’s small. It’s nice. Q: What is your favorite food? A: Shrimp. I love to eat shrimp. Q: What do you like to cook? A: I love to cook banana *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes that interest remains on deposit until maturity. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. Member FDIC | Member DIF All Deposits Are Insured In Full. bread. If you came to my house, I would have given you a loaf from the freezer. I go shopping at the Market Basket in Lynn and get all of my groceries. for people who would like to live as long as you? A: Keep going. Just keep going. People get lazy as they grow old and they shouldn’t. Keep going and keep busy. The Senior Center keeps me busy. I love the girls here. They are all good to me. Q: Do you have a special diet? A: I’m a diabetic, so I have to stay on a diet. Diabetes and heart disease runs in my family. Q: What do you remember most about your work at GE? A: I was 19 when I went to work at GE. I remember soldering the thin wires in the helicopters. Every time I hear a helicopter, I hope it’s not one that I soldered. Q: Do you have any regrets or things on your “bucket list” that you would still like to do? A: The only thing is that when you get old, all your friends are gone. So, enjoy them while you are living. Time goes by fast and you don’t realize it. Thank God for the Senior Center, because we can call them for a ride if we want to go out of town to see a doctor. The medical van will take us. Q: Do you have any opinion on whether the Town of Saugus should turn into a city? That’s a local issue for some people. ASKS | SEE PAGE 3 ׉ 7cassandra://Yok7KQ9yR27mqUmeEIh9Nov5MLEG0GjEGgCqt7yi_LU(`̰dy/r+`׉EHTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 2, 2023 Page 3 ASKS | FROM PAGE 2 A: Don’t turn it into a city. It’s a nice little town right now and I enjoy being here. Q: Is there anyone you look up to as an inspiration? A: All of the people here are lovely. We all get along here, and the people in the office are especially nice. Q: Who is your hero? A: My grandson – Marc Chapdelaine – the lawyer. He’s there for me all of the time. His office is on Central Street. Q: Anything you miss? A: I used to like seeing plays. As you get old, you don’t want to travel anymore. I used to love to dance and I loved the old-fashioned songs. I still get to sing them and we dance here once in a while. Q: Anything else that you would like to say as you are about to turn 100 years old? A: When you are old, you take one day at a time and make the most of every day. I Hanging out at the Saugus Senior Center has practically become a daily delight for Annette Slocomb, who credits the center for improving her quality of life. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Saugus High Class of 2023 More than 70 percent of the seniors are headed for two- and four-year schools after tonight’s graduation By Mark E. Vogler More than 70 percent of the Saugus High School students who will be graduating tonight plan on attending four- and two-year colleges and universities next fall. Of the 171 students who will be receiving their diplomas at the school’s 152 Commencement Exercises, 98 (57.3 percent) are headed to four-year institutions and 24 (14 percent) will further their education at twoyear schools, according to statistical information released by Saugus Public Schools. Of these students, 67 of them (55 percent) are First Generation College Students, based on data compiled by the School Department. Here’s the future destination for other students from the Class of 2023: Another 16 students (9.4 percent) are set to attend vocational, job corps, career institutes and prep schools. Twenty-three students (13.4 percent) plan to go to work. Five students (three percent) are enlisting in the military. Five students (three percent) plan to take the year off or are undecided about the future after Saugus High School. In addition to the 171 students receiving graduation diplomas, six students will be getting their Earning Certificates of Attainment. Overall, 177 students will be walking to the stage during the graduation ceremony at Christie Serino Jr. Memorial Stadium. There are five sets of twins graduating tonight: Tanisha and Janisha Berry, Julia and Italia DeNardo, Derek and Chris Flynn, Evelyn and Andrew Paci and Rachel and Nicole Soares. 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com enjoy seeing my grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. I just enjoy life as much as I can. I like to be with people. I go to church every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. Q: How are you going to celebrate your 100th birthday? A: On Sunday, I’m having a big party at the Prince, from 2 to 5. We’re going to have music. I’m hoping to see my friends. They’re all invited. Anybody can come. I’d like to see Mr. Crabtree [Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree], too. I don’t know if he’s coming. But it would be nice. Q: Well, happy birthday to you, Annette. We’re going to put your photo on the front page for your birthday. Anybody who gets to be 100 deserves that. 9 ׉ 7cassandra://MXvDx1-19laSvegpr0Dtu-fWRIT4B_RX8b_tawGFeLA,`̰dy/r+`dy/r+` PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ozPGHSKblsdHBvwjt6Q9tyzxECrCzzTkdg1nwHoihmMj`)׉ 7cassandra://iRWWySBEUyhdOyedY7qo783ivOsGJn6jaHo5GogDyOM͞`J׉ 7cassandra://Xm8ktgHfHwZ5Td82czd-uxKJXnqtHG6-XqkPK1kOp1c-8`̰׉ 7cassandra://Hn-9ql-Wus0u1uUetg6zSqF6yds4x46SSaSRq2VWtAMV͠dy/r+`ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://CEMVOseUHtu-zooj4gFOwwvhaQ3EkP1AZgP5aar4RMQv`)׉ 7cassandra://boI8u_7dzPqp7ysyIUpU7nnzjT-QRMKZQSnjRK6m8jA͇`J׉ 7cassandra://b_IkF7aBdUyddIR3TwSwcaPEU8IF7qpcTKmqqgZxhxY+`̰׉ 7cassandra://JmawnsHlluRHDU2ZEV6NeEe0DnsfNoWpMV3cZCeFdJc!͠dy/r+`׉EPage 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 2, 2023 LEADERSHIP | FROM PAGE 1 work, according to Hingham attorney Michael J. Long. “The contract between the Committee and the Superintendent requires the Committee to provide any complaints or concerns about Superintendent McMahon’s work to her, in writing,” Long wrote in a recent email to The Saugus Advocate. “The purpose of the contract language is to allow honest, prompt, direct communication and swift resolution of issues, Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 but the Committee has produced no written complaint, so Superintendent McMahon had to initiate arbitration as permitted by her contract,” Long said. “Not only that, the Committee has not investigated her. The Town Manager hired private lawyers to conduct an investigation in which we fully cooperated, and after months and months, we have been presented with no findings,” he said. Meanwhile, the School Committee met in Executive Session on Wednesday (May 31) to discuss “potential litigation and arbitration strategy” related to the superintendent, according to an agenda posted on the Town of Saugus website. McMahon, who has been on paid leave since Jan. 17, voluntarily stepped back from her duties as superintendent pending the completion of the investigation. McMahon would have been just under a month away from completing the second year of a five-year plan to move the school district from the bottom 10 percent of academic performing schools to the top 10 percent, based on the district’s ranking against the state in performance on Math and Reading scores in the MCAS Exam. In June of 2021, the School Committee unanimously approved a five-year contract for McMahon with a starting salary of $196,000. The superintendent stands to earn close to a million dollars over the life of the contract. It marked the first time in the history of Saugus Public Schools that the School Committee had approved a five-year contract for the leadOur 50th Anniversary Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Chris 2023 * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! SPECIAL SALE! TRAVEL HUMIDORS & ALL BONGS! ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes CIGAR SMOKER’S DELIGHT! 15 Handmade Cigars - (incl. a Cohiba) $43.95 NEW STORE HOURS: Mon. - Sat.: 9AM - 7PM Sunday & Holidays: 9AM - 6PM A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 --------HUMIDORS ON SALE! STARTING AT $99. COMPLETE! --------intendent’s situation to Chair Vincent Serino, who has released no details and said very little about the case. “This is a personal matter, and as such will be handled with appropriate due diligence, confidentiality and professionalism,” Serino said in a brief statement in January. “Actions taken today are not to Saugus Superintendent of Schools Erin McMahon and her attorney say the School Committee still hasn’t briefed her on the nature of the allegations against her and thus violated her contract. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) er of the town’s public education system. It was also the first time that the School Committee had hired a woman superintendent. “Superintendent McMahon remains stalwart in her commitment to Saugus students, parents and educators,” Long told The Saugus Advocate. “She looks forward to returning from leave,” he said. Section 8.8 of the superintendent’s contract requires the School Committee to provide the superintendent with “prompt notice of complaints or concerns.” “Any criticisms, complaints, and suggestions called to the attention of the Committee shall be promptly and discretely referred to the Superintendent in writing for study, disposition, or recommendation as appropriate to facilitate the orderly administration of the District and to ensure responsiveness to the public and fairness to the Superintendent. “Any such matter not promptly raised may not be considered in the summative evaluation as the Superintendent may not be aware of same or may not have sufficient time to take remedial action.” For months, School Committee members have referred all comments about the superbe considered disciplinary. The committee will have no further comment until the results of the investigation are done,” he said. In the written statement she provided to The Saugus Advocate back in January, McMahon alluded to potential concerns about the School District’s fiscal management. At the time, there were unconfirmed reports from several town officials that the investigation focused on alleged misappropriation of funds. Some officials questioned the superintendent’s alleged decision to create several School Department positions without proper authority or funding. But the School Committee has never specified the nature of the allegations that prompted its investigation. “The district’s financial records are audited every year by independent CPAs who have never reported to me that the school department should change or adjust any practices,” McMahon said in her statement at the time she stepped down. “While I have not yet been provided with any specific allegations made against me, any allegations of wrongdoing on my part are false. With the assistance of my attorneys, Michael Long and Sheilah McCarthy, I will zealously and transparently defend my unblemished professional reputation,” the superintendent said. In February, former Saugus High School Principal Michael Hashem agreed to lead the school district in a temporary capacity, pending the outcome of the investigation into McMahon’s alleged misconduct. ~ Legal Notice ~ Board of Selectmen Public Notice Notice is hereby given that the Saugus Board of Selectmen will conduct a Public Hearing on the request of Saugus Liquor, Inc, d/b/a Guy’s Liquor, 7 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906, for a Change of Business Entity Information and a Change of Ownership Interest Application. Also, A Corporate Resolution naming and authorizing the LLC Manager, Hardik Patel, to apply for the transfer of the above-referenced liquor license amendments. This Public Hearing will be held on June 13, 2023, at the Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central Street, second floor auditorium, Saugus, MA 01906, at 7:40 PM. Anthony Cogliano, Chairman Janice K. Jarosz, Temp Clerk June 02, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://Xm8ktgHfHwZ5Td82czd-uxKJXnqtHG6-XqkPK1kOp1c-8`̰dy/r+`׉E+THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 2, 2023 Page 5 AN ADVOCATE PLAY REVIEW: Saugus 10-year-old gives impressive debut while “Peter and the Starcatcher” performs to sold-out theater crowd By Joanie Allbee D odging the rain, looking forward to a play, a friend and I ar r ived at the Saugus American Legion Post #210 at 44 Taylor St. to see “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a play by Rick Elise based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The American Legion is also the home of our Saugus theater company. Our plan had been reMels Phelon (left), a 10-year-old Saugus boy who debuted as “Young Boy” in fl ashback scenes, stands alongside actor Michael Mazzone during “Peter and the Starcatcher.” (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Sabrina Ornae) duced to being mere “walk ins” to a sold- out play. We soon found the Theatre Company of Saugus staff to be welcoming, so we stuck around chatting in-between reserved guests shaking off drops. After everyone was seated, and just as we were stepping towards the exit door, there were two cancellations... moments later our hands held the programs... Showtime! I began observing scenery: Although sparse it was creative; later in the play would show just how creative... There were scenes in which the “boy” was tossed over sea to audio effects and two REVIEW | SEE PAGE 6 STORE HOURS: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM Come to Robinson News Convenience 1556 Eastern Ave, Malden • (781) 324-0492 Come Play lottery here! 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