׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://qS-w7TDt-RB8i9lhDQg_9YM0svPBGjCkqhK8eLeyWPsMq`)׉ 7cassandra://VT7f-pabpllmRFR422zLe2Fr3xIVWwz4fviGn-f4gT8͠`J׉ 7cassandra://s5fPby7vVInAlnDK2FLLoemfhKuLViZcM-Y8RCc2Jr42`̰׉ 7cassandra://q2Bc4aoLtsucvWEd58q0DfDb3j-E4ZrhRlli3IeYLOc{\͠aXWo+נaXWo/ ʁf 9ׁHhttp://www.angelosoil.comׁ ׁ ЈנaXWo.̱ 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈EaVWo׉E }SAUGUS Vol. 24, No. 50 -FREETh e Advocate – A household word in Saugus! DOCATE D E A COVID-19 casualty C www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, December 17, 2021 Parents reveal through sheriff that their son – an unvaccinated Sheriff’s Dept. correctional offi cer – died of complications from COVID-19 By Mark E. Vogler orrectional Offi cer Anthony Pasquarello kept himself in good physical shape and led a healthy lifestyle, so the 15-year veteran of the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department really didn’t see the need to get vaccinated to protect himself against the deadly COVID-19 virus, according to Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger. But the sheriff made it public C ONE OF 84 SAUGUS VICTIMS: Essex County Sheriff ’s Department Correctional Offi cer Anthony Pasquarello was among the latest town residents to die from COVID-19. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) to reporters last week – per the request of Pasquarello’s parents – that the killer disease claimed the life of the 37-year-old Saugonian on Dec. 9. “What happened to him, they don’t want to happen to anyone else,” CopMurder at Essex Landing Family members fi nd man dead in his apartment; police chase leads to recovery of car reportedly related to homicide investigation By Mark E. Vogler A 2021 black Dodge Charger involved in a police chase on Monday has been linked to the investigation of a man found murdered in his apartment last Saturday. But the driver who was arrested for multiple crimes related to the police chase was not charged in connection with the killing of Michael Norton, 26, whose body was discovered by family members inside his apartment at Essex Landing at 44 Collins Ave. in Saugus, off of Route 1 South. Police and the Essex County District Attorney’s Offi ce won’t say whether he has anything to do with the crime. As of press time yesterday (Thursday, Dec. 16), nobody had been arrested for Norton’s death, which police determined to be a homicide. There have been several media reports that the Saugus man was tied up, tortured and beaten. Police have not reMURDER | SEE PAGE 14 Santa’s red metal mailbox in the lobby of the Saugus Post Offi ce in Cliftondale is much wider and taller than the one that stood there last year. Please see inside for story and photo. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) 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 pinger told reporters, referring to the wishes of Mario and Norine, who mourn the loss of their son. Coppinger called it “a lineof-duty death,” as Pasquarello’s job as a transportation offi cer at the Middleton Jail put him in contact with the prisoner population on a daily basis. Confi rmed cases of the Coronavirus have run rampant at the jail, with close to 150 inmates testing positive at one point. The sheriff has ordered all employees and people who do business at the jail to be vaccinated by Jan. 4. “Officer Pasquarello was a courageous, dedicated member COVID-19 | SEE PAGE 2 Room For More Letters Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET ׉ 7cassandra://s5fPby7vVInAlnDK2FLLoemfhKuLViZcM-Y8RCc2Jr42`̰aVWoaVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://OieoCSHe8LV16duuDJWY1KFzySPGa59P_w51UwQvHFQh`)׉ 7cassandra://dX4SZgMIOBf6JjOWht5I5AWpBUn0XB06dBLQKbdaNEs͏`J׉ 7cassandra://D-I9nB05GmtgtvOPDDr0cJZpuNZg5XZOVgEA4sQHWIE)`̰׉ 7cassandra://k-JFoooLu6lgftsJvolkMn5aZC3d5DqrEjdddSMT3hw) ͠aXWo0ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://ymRh-CzrJnB-QxuZ1YSdykHAEpHHfqViEVTR2txi5CQ}`)׉ 7cassandra://EQmgN_sXl1QQ8YD1rM-GQQ-Q4IKuNYY_IQ2h9ZObuLY͖`J׉ 7cassandra://0wzKDvlxpo3c9dzRKqfR7pHKcn8xQ2gMt0WJg42kG1E,`̰׉ 7cassandra://afY_PnuM5XLZqRvTKQd4BXPTNaf94Sx2tKhmT4xfEW8qF͠aYWo1נaYWo7x#}9ׁHhttp://WWW.EVERETTBANK.COMׁ ׁ ЈנaYWo6̺m̻9ׁHhttp://www.EverettBank.comׁ ׁ ЈנaYWo5Dہ̩9ׁHmailto:revjbeach@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנaYWo4̸9ׁH mailto:Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁ ׁ Ј׉ErPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 A holiday invitation to Saugus Celebration of Christmas with Children By Th e Rev. John Beach St. John’s Episcopal church E very year we all wrestle with how to best balance the joy of Christmas with the frenetic consumerism this season evokes. There is a great tension between the glimpse of “Peace on Earth” and the exhaustion produced by societal and familial expectations. At St. John’s Episcopal Church, we are mindful of this confl ict for persons of faith as well as for those who do not consider themselves religious. 2021 has been a year of uncertainty, anxiety, and growing hyper-partisanship. Perhaps, this year, we might consider the better angels within us calling us to fi nd courage, compassion, and patience with ourselves and each other. On Christmas Eve St. John’s Episcopal Church will be re-enacting the nativity of Jesus. At Lawrence 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 5 p.m. that afternoon the children of our community will be off ering a dramatic presentation of the Biblical passages describing the fi rst Christmas. We invite any local children to join us in this re-enactment. All are welcome; people who regularly worship as well as the wider community. We also invite adults who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a childlike heart. We shall be gathering at 3 p.m. for the distribution of costumes and a brief rehearsal. We have a very high tolerance for imperfection in our performance and a love of laughter. If you are interested, please contact The Rev. John Beach St. John’s Episcopal Church 8 Prospect Street Saugus, Massachusetts 01906 revjbeach@gmail.com church offi ce phone: 781 233 1242 ‘Wreaths Across America Day’ Please join us tomorrow for the Saugus observance at Riverside Cemetery; 348 veterans will be honored Greetings. The Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution extend an invitation to join us tomorrow (Saturday, December 18, 2021), at 11:45 a.m. for our noontime program in conjunction with the ‘Wreaths Across America’ dedication at the Riverside Cemetery, WWII Veterans Section. A color guard, members of the Saugus Veterans Council, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Saugus Garden Club, and children of the American Revolution will be joining us. A total of 348 wreaths will be placed on the graves of veterans following the ceremony. COVID-19 | FROM PAGE 1 We’ll be closed for the holidays December 24-25th. Wishing you happy holidays and thank you for being both customers and friends. As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime. Enroll at www.EverettBank.com of the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department who served with great distinction, and we are simply devastated by his passing,” the sheriff said in a statement last week. “His service to our Department, as well as the good people of Essex County, will always be honored and remembered. We pray for his family during this very diffi cult time, as well as for his brothers and sisters at the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department who are in great mourning over his passing.” Pasquarello was among the latest of 84 Saugus residents to die of complications from COVID-19 since the outbreak of the global pandemic in March of last year. Besides his parents, he leaves behind his six-year-old son, Vincent, his fi ancée, Rio Joyce Mendoza, his sisters, Maria and LisaMarie, and several aunts and uncles. Last Friday (Dec. 10) morn419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 Member FDIC | Member DIF ing, Sheriff Coppinger and the Essex County Sheriff 's Department joined Massachusetts State Police and local police departments at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington where they escorted the body of Offi cer Pasquarello to the McDonald Funeral Home in Wakefi eld. Pasquarello, a Saugus High School graduate and lifelong town resident, had been We are also looking for volunteers to assist with the placing of wreaths on the veterans’ graves. We hope you will be able to join us on this ‘Wreaths Across America Day’ honoring our veterans. Respectfully, Charlotte Line, DAR Regent hospitalized for about 10 days. His family later joined members of the Essex County Sheriff ’s Department for a candlelight vigil at the jail in Middleton. A funeral Mass for Officer Pasquarello was celebrated on Tuesday (Dec. 14) in St. Joseph Church in Wakefi eld, followed by burial in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefi eld, with McDonald Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Alex Wilson organized a GoFundMe page to raise money to benefi t Pasquarello’s young son, Vincent. As of yesterday (Dec. 16), the fund had raised more than $65,000. “An incredible coworker and even better friend, Anthony will be missed greatly,” Wilson wrote on the fundraiser page. “The void left by Anthony's passing will never be fi lled. He touched so many people's lives, and left an everlasting impression. His laugh, humor, kind hearted and friendly personality will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Fly high our angel, you will be remembered, you will be honored, you will be missed. We love you Anthony!” All donations made will be donated to a Trust set up by the family to benefi t young Vincent. Donations can be made to the Vincent J. Pasquarello Trust c/o North Shore Bank, 1 Hamilton St., Saugus, MA 01906. ׉ 7cassandra://D-I9nB05GmtgtvOPDDr0cJZpuNZg5XZOVgEA4sQHWIE)`̰aVWo׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 3 Minding Santa’s Mailbox Retired Saugus postal worker Karen Coburn and her husband keep the spirit of Christmas alive by making sure kids’ letters to the North Pole get answered By Mark E. Vogler t looks like Santa Claus might be expecting more mail from Saugus kids between now and Christmas. The red metal mailbox with the inscription “LETTERS FOR SANTA” set in the lobby of the Saugus Post Office in Cliftondale is much wider and taller than the one that stood there last year – about twice as wide and three times taller. Retired Saugus postal worker Karen (Perullo) Coburn was I hoping for a bigger mailbox – to provide more room to receive the dozens of letters that Saugus children write to Santa Claus. Karen, a lifelong Saugus resident, enjoys being a pen pal to dozens of kids in town and a few others in surrounding communities who want to write letters to Santa. With the support of the Saugus Post Office, she’s been gathering “Letters To Santa” for about two decades. Though Karen retired from the U.S. Postal Service in May of 2019 after three decades – most of it in Saugus – she continued to receive Santa letters because she couldn’t find somebody to take over the project. For several years, she’s gotten help from her husband, John, who sits down at the kitchen counter with her and reads the letters. When they’re done, they write letters back to all of the children who included a return address in their Santa letters. Karen, 58, calls herself “a proud Saugonian” who loves kids. She was born in the old Saugus General Hospital and graduated from Saugus High School in 1981. John, 64, moved with his family from Chelsea to Saugus when he was 15. He is a 1974 Saugus High School graduate. He worked for the Saugus Police Department for 33 years, retiring in 2009 at the rank of sergeant. He was a member of the Army National Guard for 10 years. He later served two two-year terms on Saugus Town Meeting, representing residents of Precinct 10. The Coburns have been married for 14 years and have lived in the house at 208 Lincoln Ave. since 2005. Karen has some advice for GREETINGS FROM SANTA CLAUS: Here’s a copy of the Christmas Eve parade route released this week by the Town of Saugus. parents to help make this homegrown holiday tradition more enjoyable: Be sure to include the child’s address on the envelope so Santa knows where to send his responding letter. Also include a little information about good things SANTA’S MAIL ELVES: Between now and Christmas, Karen and John Coburn will again be reading letters to Santa Claus that have been dropped off in the special mailbox near the entrance inside the Saugus Post Office in Cliftondale. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) the child has done – something positive or something that really stands out, so that Santa can get more personal in his letter. “So, that way, the kids believe that Santa is watching them and they have to be good,” Karen said. ׉ 7cassandra://0wzKDvlxpo3c9dzRKqfR7pHKcn8xQ2gMt0WJg42kG1E,`̰aVWoaVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://DZJ5JFJDuLmlBt4MLI3AuTSFukubC7zNUHFzNsyYhUE`)׉ 7cassandra://tvvqHrOKFidhK_qkxdbCfWhrDZqFAqEA9vD0qJxveiwͬ`J׉ 7cassandra://xsaSJnODWWpi9EwLbJ_KAo-dFFCJBmPnhaDYc78kUdI2`̰׉ 7cassandra://ENzgz_oXryrIq1VtBKNGaIwZ7M91B3TB2lav5UBTmx4ySn͠a[Wo8ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://ak1lEWkTf4Y1KYGQITo6vM9l16kzlh0YFs1IG5z-SP4`)׉ 7cassandra://k6k816PMg_hJmrzN6nbcHmiiKiuxXdP56eYfkX8pTHYͥ`J׉ 7cassandra://orYag9kTPwO_TIjiBxjGmA0WXkBX5P3xfcEOeagMSok0`̰׉ 7cassandra://dPp4KEnekWYb6sS102gtFy2-HDr6qUWWZR-q0ZmAmQE26͠a\Wo9נa\Wo<* 9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׉E[Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Saugus High Varsity Hockey donates to Toys for Tots J eff “Pao” Paolini for the last 11 years has been hosting a Christmas Party fundraiser for “Toys for Tots.” The entrance fee for this gathering is a toy for the unfortunate kids that need help during the holiday time. Jeff has always been a proud Saugus High School (SHS) hockey alumnus who donates his time and continues giving back to the Saugus hockey community by coaching the fall hockey league for many years alongside of Saugus Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony “Cogs” Cogliano, who is also a proud SHS hockey alum. This year’s Saugus hockey captains are Massimino Ventre, Ryan Ragucci, Jason Caron and Chris Regnetta, who have asked their teammates to participate, give back and donate to this worthy cause. They are great leaders and great kids. Pictured from left to right: Christmas party/fundraiser host Jeff Paolini and the Saugus Sachems Varsity Hockey Team Captains: Ryan Ragucci, Jason Caron and Massimino Ventre. (Courtesy photo) The Saugus hockey team had their opening day game this past Saturday at the Essex Sports Center, enjoying a win against the Lynn Jets, 8-2, to start their season. The COVID-19 Update Town reports 182 newly confirmed cases over the past week By Mark E. Vogler S augus continues to see a significant spike in the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases, prompting health officials to call on residents to exercise caution when they are in a crowd – either inside buildings or outside. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree yesterday (Thursday, Dec. 16) reported there were 182 new cases and one additional death over the last seven days. That brings the total of COVID-19 cases and deaths to 5,783 and 85, respectively, since March of last year when the state Department of Public Health began keeping statistics on how the global pandemic is affecting cities and towns across Massachusetts. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families affected by this health pandemic,” Crabtree said. The town has reported 514 new COVID-19 cases since Nov. 22. At last week’s (Dec. 6) Board of Health meeting, which was conducted via Zoom teleconferencing because of COVID-19 concerns, town Public Health Nurse Teresa Riley-Singh noted that there were already 104 COVID-19 cases through the first six days of the month. By comparison, Riley-Singh said there were 248 COVID-19 cases confirmed during the first week of December last year. There were 369 new cases reported last month, compared to 443 cases in November of last year, she said. “We see pretty high numbers around this time,” Riley-Singh said. “People are more out and about, socializing, going out to eat and having functions and shopping. We can attribute the high numbers to that,” she said. With the holidays approaching, Riley-Singh called for Saugus residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves from the killer disease. “I think we’re all frustrated with COVID,” she said. “But right now is not the time to lax our behavior… We’re in the middle of a holiday season. We’re in the middle of a respiratory season … flu season. Let’s all be vigilant … I do encourage people to continue to wear masks when they’re in places where they don’t know peoples’ vaccine status – [and in crowded areas like] stores, restaurants, holiday gatherings, large gatherings,” she said. “I just think the best protection for everyone right now is wearing those masks when you are indoors and in crowded places. We all have COVID fatigue. We need to continue to be vigilant.” Public Health Director John R. Fralick III said he agrees that town residents need to take measures to protect themselves. “It’s still here and it’s something that’s going to be prevalent through the course of the foreseeable future,” Fralick said. COVID-19 | SEE PAGE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://xsaSJnODWWpi9EwLbJ_KAo-dFFCJBmPnhaDYc78kUdI2`̰aVWo׉E HTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 5 Return of the Turkey Trot the state Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), the Friends of Breakheart Reservation, Trader Joe’s, Peter A. Rossetti Insurance, Stop & Shop Saugus, MP Realty Group, Nazzaro Family and Val Kappa Art. Other events are being planned for Breakheart by the Friends of Breakheart and DCR. A New Year’s Day hike is scheduled for New Year’s Day at 10 a.m. There will be a shorter and a longer hike on the roads and trails in Breakheart with DCR guides. It is a great way to start the New Year. We are also planning other activities, including sledding, if we get snow, for the family, maple sugaring and a park cleanup when the weather improves. The Friends group is always looking for volunteers to help with projects. If interested, please call Peter A. Rossetti Jr. at 781-233-1855. We look forward to seeing you at the Park. THIS YEAR’S TURKEY TROT (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) to see the camaraderie among the runners after a long recess due to covid. After the race there was a raffle with an assortment of turkeys, a ham and other prizes for the raffle winners. Sponsors supplied refreshments, including water, bananas and oranges. This year’s sponsors include FRIENDS OF BREAKHEART RESERVATION AT TURKEY TROT: Pictured from left to right, Bob Nazzaro, Joyce Vecchiarelli, Cynthia Regnier and Darlene Minincleri relax after a great race. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release sent by Peter Rossetti of the Friends of Breakheart.) S unday, November 21, 2021, saw the restart of the annual Turkey Trot at Breakheart Reservation at Forest Street in Saugus. No race was held last year due to Covid. Approximately 100 people attended the race. The winner of the race for the men’s division had a time COVID-19 | FROM PAGE 4 “Currently, Saugus is at 16th in Essex County in terms of incidence rate – with a 6.13 positivity rate – pretty much double what the state average is,” he said. “It’s really everybody’s best defense to be vaccinated,” Fralick said. The town scheduled a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic yesterday at the Saugus Senior Center. of 17:40 minutes for the 5k run. That was an excellent time, and, frankly, he wasn’t even breathing hard when he crossed the finish line. The winner of the women’s division had a time of 21:30, an excellent time for her division. The last runner came in at about 46:10. It was a great day for a race. The weather was cool, but not frigid, so even the spectators were comfortable. It was great Meanwhile, after Tuesday’s (Dec. 14) Board of Selectmen meeting, a few members were overheard talking about the return of remote board meetings early next year via Zoom teleconferencing if the confirmed COVID-19 numbers continue their upward trend. “Right now, we’re averaging about 25 new cases a day, which is a concern,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “A lot of the kids are getting it now,” he said. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://orYag9kTPwO_TIjiBxjGmA0WXkBX5P3xfcEOeagMSok0`̰aVWoaVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://hMMJwOTTbYP-gixR4udXyq116jq9dDVwTWGRyl7czyYC`)׉ 7cassandra://vFbmVvKD0QtqjajN1x03cdyaRMEspaSGFPXTLTQN2Zc͞`J׉ 7cassandra://y1gaWavlXvgpgQr5qyc8djtuSeJhadFqDYHrWQ5aG3g/s`̰׉ 7cassandra://_GGD6ZnFas46C6JLU3fmQp-6MtGuLng6NdA80oHz9WMH͠a_Wo=ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://2FKQk_5NAaprF6CS6N1LRNYzWslgwI8uIewY6y1kdHE޶`)׉ 7cassandra://PU4qhWHtzyoOo4rE2SO4ImfZhhwmcvOYZZILMiJTX4Y͒o`J׉ 7cassandra://io8d_C0-m1wV52TJUXjNTXVlBHjoYz5Av0n0mqVbjy0/`̰׉ 7cassandra://696fmceQ9tdZ0yQkuVfAaY0WpbsNSc_nmyKSaU4Ch2cm͠a`Wo>נa`WoAr̫9ׁHhttp://ymcametronorth.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 State Rep. and Altar’d State receives stewardship awards from Saugus River Watershed Council By Tara Vocino T he Saugus River Watershed Council awarded two river stewardship awards during their annual meeting on Wednesday night at the Marina Restaurant. The Saugus River Watershed Council was founded 30 years ago in 1991 to protect and restore the natural resources of the Saugus River watershed. The organization works to improve water quality, restore river habitat and fisheries, educate students about the environment Saugus River Watershed Council Treasurer Jackie Mercurio and Saugus River Watershed Council President Debra Panetta presented a river stewardship award to State Rep. Jessica Giannino at the Marina Restaurant on Wednesday night. and promote public access and enjoyment of the watershed. Pictured from left to right: SRWC President Debra Panetta, guest speaker Ed Reiner, who is a senior wildlife scientist, and award recipient State Rep. Jessica Giannino. State Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), whose district includes Precincts 3 and 10 in Saugus, was honored as a recipient. “I am so thankful for this distinction, and I look forward to working with the watershed in the future to protect this important environmental asset in our community,” Giannino told The Revere Advocate. In addition, Altar’d State, a faith-based store headquartered in Tennessee, was also a recipient. WATERSHED | SEE PAGE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://y1gaWavlXvgpgQr5qyc8djtuSeJhadFqDYHrWQ5aG3g/s`̰aVWo׉E7THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 7 WATERSHED | FROM PAGE 6 Altar’d State Visual Asst. Manager Katie DeMauro, of Saugus, who accepted the award, told the Advocate that it’s defi nitely an unexpected honor. “Our mission is to stand out for good,” DeMauro said. Altar’d State Lead Of Guest Engagement Kimberly Lien said employees have cleaned up the Saugus River behind their MarketStreet Lynnfi eld location. “We’re thrilled to partner with them,” Lien said. Altar’d State employees Katie DeMauro and Kimberly Lien are all smiles after accepting their award. Saugus River Watershed Council (SRWC) President Debra Panetta, SRWC Treasurer Jackie Mercurio and SRWC Program Director Mary Lester (at right) presented a river stewardship award to Altar’d State employees Katie DeMauro and Kimberly Lien at the Marina Restaurant on Wednesday night. DECEMDECEM YMC CEMBER IS FREE M A o CA CEM Saugus River Watershed Council President Debra Panetta thanks award recipients for their river stewardship and commitment to preserving the environment. State Rep. Jessica Giannino accepts her river stewardship award. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) HOLIDAY AT THE Y. Join the Y for free and pay $0 until January Use Code: YHoliday ENJOY YOUR Sign up for your membership online or stop by our locations in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, and Saugus. YMCA of Metro North | ymcametronorth.org | 978-548-5068 *Offer valid for new members only. Cannot be used in conjunction with a current, active membership. Membership fees begin on January 1, 2022. YMCA of Metro North CEMB ׉ 7cassandra://io8d_C0-m1wV52TJUXjNTXVlBHjoYz5Av0n0mqVbjy0/`̰aVWoaVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://P7tEkav7Agch050X1C9DOilW5MXlTpuL2NfSErNPXjw^`)׉ 7cassandra://Zu7TKkR6L8ULCFf0ONqB079Tkh2y3-UiSpNUaXqoCTQ͢`J׉ 7cassandra://EojMu2zKc1rkrmkiqDABJEAtkdxaONqG8qyTHAC4qkc0`̰׉ 7cassandra://02JkQibznTLRyA9dWyok2fY4XTzcJ8AsQAtaTAPrvc4|֌͠aaWoBט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://CNv2N4Vk6vlLPuV9PszSnWkVSG5u79v45K7ewbn4tfsU`)׉ 7cassandra://c2HzPd-4PWsE9NAOudNH0MZjYYjVa5kuFnBU4dT17Sgͨf`J׉ 7cassandra://V-_zAr0NOLrq8V4i-9mnOXSN-GmXsH_ycs17C_7eFUg38`̰׉ 7cassandra://HWBN5g_vhoFTfPDuv25YC8ii_hJYpTggC_uv074WcdQ$͠acWoDנacWoGxV9ׁHmailto:twkennedylaw@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Meet The 2021-2022 SHS Girls’ Varsity Basketball Sachems Bottom row pictured from left to right: #4 Samantha Shea (junior), #15 Peyton Dibiasio (8th grader), #20 Juliana Powers (sophomore), #10 Ella Castle (freshman), #22 Ana Silva (sophomore) and #3 Ashleen Escobar (sophomore). Top row pictured from left to right: Assistant Coach Chris Brablc, #11 Jessica Bremberg (sophomore), #2 April Aldred (senior captain), #5 Devany Millerick (sophomore), #1 Fallon Millerick (senior captain), #33 Cassandra Israelson (senior captain), #14 Ashleigh Moore (sophomore), Assistant Coach Olivia Valente and Head Coach Mark Schruender. 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 Senior captains pictured from left to right: April Aldred, Fallon Millerick and Cassandra Israelson on Monday night at Saugus Middle-High School Complex. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Saugus boys prepare for full season under Joe Bertrand By Greg Phipps F ormer star player Joe Bertrand took over as the new boys’ basketball Head Coach last winter after his father and previous coach, Mark Bertrand, tragically passed away before the season. He was not only faced with having to deal with the personal loss but also having to endure the eff ects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortened season. This year, Joe Bertrand will get an opportunity to lead his team through a full season. He has served on the Saugus coaching staff for over a decade and is better known as a 1,000-point scorer during his playing days for the Sachems. Last year, Saugus finished 4-9 in the abbreviated campaign under Bertrand and his Co-Head Coach Bill Cahill. Bertrand told the press in November that keeping a positive outlook will be one key to any success the team experiences in 2021-22. “We are going to be a team that is really positive. I really believe in the power of positivity,” he said. “We are not going to get down no matter how stressful [things get]; we are going to be positive – on the bench, on the court – and hope that good things happen.” Led by senior players Ryan Mabee, Tyrone Manderson and Ryan Anderson, the Sachems have worked hard to improve their game, according to the coach. “I can see the commitment out of this team and I can’t wait to see them out on the fl oor,” Bertrand said. “They worked hard and they put in the time. I’m ready to see it pay off for them.” Saugus opened its season at Greater Lawrence Tech on Wednesday and hosts Danvers on Friday (scheduled 7 p.m. tip off ). The Sachems then move on to play Winthrop at home on Monday (another 7 p.m. start). 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 ׉ 7cassandra://EojMu2zKc1rkrmkiqDABJEAtkdxaONqG8qyTHAC4qkc0`̰aVWo׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 9 Gerry Sachem girls look to make playoff run this winter By Greg Phipps A fter going through a pandemic-shortened season in 2020-21, Saugus girls’ basketball Head Coach Mark Schruender is looking for this year’s team to make another playoff run. The coach is banking on team depth to help steer the Sachems to a tournament bid this time around. Schruender recently told the press that there are a number of players that are capable of leading on the score sheet on a given night. In addition, different players can perform roles such as ball handling, running the offense and manning the boards. 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 Saugus senior co-captain Fallon Millerick is shown in action during last year’s COVID-impacted 2020-21 season. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) leading scorer with 12 points. Senior captain Fallon Millerick and Ashleen Escobar each contributed six points in the loss. Along with Millerick, senior players April Aldred and Cassandra Israelson serve as captains for this year’s squad. This trio included sophomores on the 2019-20 squad that finished with a 16-5 overall mark and earned a playoff berth. The 0-1 Sachems travel for a game at Danvers on Friday and are on the road against Winthrop on Monday. The home opener is set for Wednesday, Dec. 22 (7 p.m. tap) against the Peabody Tanners. Sachems co-captain April Aldred competes during last season’s shortened campaign. Playing in a league (Northeastern Conference) that engineers mostly an up-tempo style, Schruender added that his team will need to substitute a lot in order to stay fresh during games. “I don’t know if it’s going to be one player that necessarily leads us in scoring from game to game. I think there’s a variety of kids that can put the ball in the basket,” he said. “Likewise, when you talk about roles, we have multiple kids that can bring the ball up the court and facilitate the offense. We also have multiple kids that can rebound the basketball.” Saugus opened its season at Triton on Wednesday and lost a tight 45-39 affair. Peyton DiBiasio ended up as the team’s ׉ 7cassandra://V-_zAr0NOLrq8V4i-9mnOXSN-GmXsH_ycs17C_7eFUg38`̰aVWoaVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://eq2XPPUUaFUIe121PcBwr2pVwA6vH6H0ThYzh7L48Gw n`)׉ 7cassandra://3_0HqyLf92t7Drz6jUPmnEoYc3TwyzeUgmmwKuVM8TE͡`J׉ 7cassandra://uxU0mKH2Wr1Q4q8OVTUnrA8LyodSmryFqOeVYPiFB9s'W`̰׉ 7cassandra://xAbBik5GTtRszie2l_zhoXR7xBcFlpGnA7r156lkr0A$͠acWoHט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://qR6l_6AFxXxAWURPfnCr0KLYnHHWJRR4UrSFXjihOTY `)׉ 7cassandra://M5HyHibBVothO4Q7n78-3Z1SunllePORw1Bkf8kVjnU͞k`J׉ 7cassandra://SeR8XjcwQUCZopUkJchV8wCDG2cWt9znwsrTW4wxTM8%a`̰׉ 7cassandra://eXW3m4tqjRngrRFuspUOrSEaoZCIP_RyUe5KPUnCBHoʹ͠acWoIנadWoU }X̑9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ ЈנadWoT9ׁH%https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus.ׁ ׁ ЈנadWoS qẒ9ׁHmailto:HS2Saugus@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנadWoR p̏9ׁHhttps://forms.glׁ ׁ ЈנadWoQ ̱̂9ׁHmailto:linejj@comcast.netׁ ׁ ЈנadWoPq@9ׁH+http://www.wearthsacrossameria.org/MA0136P.ׁ ׁ Ј׉E* Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler A true Christmas “Shout-Out” Avid Saugus Advocate reader Sue Fleming embodied the holiday spirit in her nomination for this week’s “Shout-Out”: “I would like to give a Shout Out to everyone who worked so hard organizing the Tree Lighting at Town Hall. It was so good to see so many families gathered. Also a Shout Out to Town Manager Scott Crabtree for playing it safe and having everything outside. You can never be too careful! “The center of Saugus and Cliftondale look beautiful for the Christmas season. Thank you to everyone involved!” 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. A few more days for toy drive Kevin Andrews has a couple of more days to play Santa Claus. Andrews and his elves will be teaming up with Sachem Friends for one more collection night – next Tuesday (Dec. 21), from 6 to 8 p.m. at the MEG Building, 5458 Essex St., Saugus. 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. This organization includes me, Julie Cicolini, Jeannie Meredith, Terry O’soro and Tara Stackhouse. For logistical reasons, Andrews asks that people not wrap the gifts they are donating. The 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. A chance for children participation The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church has offered a wonderful invitation to the children of Saugus: Come participate in the Christmas Eve pageant the church has planned. (Please see story in this week’s edition: “A holiday invitation to Saugus: Celebration of Christmas with Children.”) Rev. Beach is encouraging the town’s children to come and participate in the reenacting of the Nativity of Jesus. In the spirit of Christmas, he has also invited all adults in the community “who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a childlike heart” to come and watch this Christmas Eve pageant at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. For those kids who want to perform, the young actors will be gathering at the church at 3 p.m. for the distribution of costumes and a brief rehearsal. If you are interested, please contact The Rev. John Beach at St. John’s Episcopal Church (8 Prospect Street, Saugus). You can email him at revjbeach@gmail.com. Or call him at the church office phone: 781 233 1242. We have a winner! Congratulations to Emily Grant 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 Crystal Cakounes. She is the Program Coordinator and Interim Director of the Youth & Recreation Department for our Town of Saugus. “Crystal has high energy and serves the Youth in a very warm and enthusiastic manner. “Crystal is an encouraging Leader with a good positive attitude. Crystal said of the tree lighting ceremony we were able to do this year after absence due to such hardships and trials of the pandemic ...‘We picked up where we left off’ Crystal added the positive statement of ‘Everything turned out really well.’ 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 being sketched qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway, Saugus, location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) “Crystal has been coordinating and arranging all kinds of fun events for our Saugus Youth as Program Coordinator. There are many fun surprises along the way! In the past they even had helped set up with Adam Sandler – the popular actor, comedian and filmmaker – as he was getting ready to shoot Grown Ups 2 at Stackpole Field (back in 2012). “As Coordinator and Interim Director Crystal puts together and organizes Children’s events from Sports track, field, gym, rainy day arts and crafts, to movies! The creativeness in projects and adventures for the youth keeps growing Crystal strives to keep the Youth involved and interested in growing and learning new things. “Crystal is a third generation Saugonian, who continues to live in her hometown. And she has quite an impressive resume. She is a 2000 graduate of Saugus High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Science and Psychology from Bridgewater State College (2004) and her Masters of Education degree in Middle School Education from Salem State College (2006). “She started out her career as an educator in 2001 as a substitute teacher. After graduating from Bridgewater State College, she became a 7th grade teacher in 2005, working as a Science teacher at the Belmonte Middle School. She later taught nearly three years in the Stoneham Public Schools as the Earth Science and Meteorology Teacher. “Crystal switched professional careers in August of 2010 when she applied for an opening in the town’s Youth & Recreation Department for programs coordinator, a position she’s held since then. In her position, she develops and runs numerous children’s and teen programs. She supervises and directs the part time summer employees. She performs all of the secretarial and clerical work that goes with running the office, including maintaining the website and keeping the community informed of recreational activity for Saugus youth. She organizes and runs the annual Founders Day celebration. “You will have to tune in to the ‘Saugus Youth and Recreation Newsletter’ to keep informed of what’s next! Crystal is known for doing many behind the scenes organizing of special compassionate acts such as starting a ‘Go Fund Me’ page in Memory of Greg Nickolas – Youth and Recreation Program Director for his family. Her heart is as big as her beautiful smile that greets everyone and anyone so freely! “Thankyou Crystal , you sure do shine with that megawatt smile and all you do – keep smiling! “Yours 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 more healthy 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. No 2022 Historical Society calendars It’s been a couple of years since Saugus native George Brown organized the production of those nice, large calendars for the Saugus Historical Society. George had been in charge of the calendar project for close two decades. There was no calendar last year. And George and his wife have recently moved to Danvers. Not sure why the calendar project stopped, as it was a great project. And I enjoyed the large size and the fascinating old photos and postcards that were showcased. I love those calendars – and I can’t wait ’til the society starts producing them again. “I have been getting questions about whether they will be available this year, and unfortunately the answer is no, not this Year,” says Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener. “People have been asking about the Saugus Calendars usually produced by the Saugus Historical Society. While we do enjoy putting them together and are considering resuming them in 2023, they do take many months to put together and we were not able to determine earlier in the season whether we would have sufficient sponsors, time to prepare them, and places (like the library, senior center, and town hall offices) to distribute them,” Laura said. “We are also still unpacking and getting organized from the major construction that took place in 2019 and 2020. While we have filled one of the vacant board positions, we still have an opening if anyone has an interest in local history and a desire to contribute to the community,” she said. The Society’s phone is still not functioning, so if you are interested in serving on the board or have other questions about the Historical Society, please call Laura Eisener on her home phone at 781-231-5988. Snow couldn’t stop this story Most young and budding newspaper reporters that I’ve run into during career travels, for some reason, always longed to cover the big front-page murder story. Young men and women that I met would jump for the chance of byline on a grizzly, gory story that would be the mostread article in any given day’s edition. Frankly, the murder story was never my cup of tea. I had a knack for always breaking a decent story when assigned to cover the cop beat at the various papers I’ve worked. But, frankly, I would yield if somebody else wanted to do the story. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://uxU0mKH2Wr1Q4q8OVTUnrA8LyodSmryFqOeVYPiFB9s'W`̰aVWo׉E-THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 11 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 10 As a reporter working part-time for The Springfield Union out of the Northampton news bureau while a fulltime journalism student at UMass-Amherst, I did get a kick out of writing front-page stories one weekend on the murder of a female student at Smith College – probably just because of the novelty of getting a couple of front-page bylines in a large Massachusetts daily newspaper. But my next murder story, a couple of years later, wasn’t much fun. For starters, I got a call at about 4 a.m. from my managing editor, Al Edmonds, that there was a murder overnight in Williamstown, and I had to drive the 11 miles from Adams to Williamstown to cover it – including a court arraignment of the man charged in the murder that morning. Okay, who likes getting called into work at 4 a.m.? Nobody. But if you’re a reporter, it’s no big deal and goes with the territory. So, I get myself dressed and get ready to hop in my car – except I’m snowed in from the blizzard that hit overnight. My long dirt driveway would have to wait for later in the day to shovel out. I went back inside my trailer house to get my snow boots on, and I trudged through the snow to Route 8 and hailed a taxi to The North Adams Transcript newspaper office. Once there, I was able to connect with the photographer who was headed out to Williamstown that morning to take scene photos and later shoot photos of the suspect at his arraignment. As murder stories go, this one was memorable in that I was able to get to my destination in the middle of a snowstorm despite not having my car available. I still got the job done and filed a story that pleased my editors. North Adams was always a place of enchantment during the winter months when I was there. It was postcard picturesque in the snow – just beautiful scenery – but it was also treacherous and terrifying for those who didn’t respect the territory and its dangers, like the infamous hairpin turn that greeted motorists as they traveled down the steepest part of Route 2 and the Mohawk Trail into downtown North Adams. One wintry Monday, I remember locking my brother and his friend in my trailer house in Adams so they wouldn’t venture out early onto the slippery roads, particularly the hairpin turn. They were mad at me that I was prolonging their weekend visit when they wanted to get home to Southeastern Massachusetts. But I was actually looking out for them. Traveling on the hairpin turn can be a scary thing, even in the best of weather. In wintertime with a coating of ice on the road, it’s downright dangerous. Flashbacks of hazardous duty It was indeed sad and depressing watching the TV news film footage of the devastating tornadoes that leveled entire towns in Kentucky and Indiana over the weekend while killing dozens of people. It was too tragic and terrifying for the average New Englander who never experienced a tornado to relate to. For me, it revived my greatest fears of getting the cops and weather assignment during the tornado season when I was a reporter at The San Angelo Standard Times in West Texas back in the late 1970s. If you were unlucky enough to draw the cops and weather assignment, you hoped and prayed that you wouldn’t get to see any funnel-shaped clouds on your shift. Fortunately, I never did get to experience that during my days in West Texas. But the possibility of actually covering a tornado could strike fear in any reporter’s heart. Some of the grizzled newspaper veterans that I ran into during my time in Texas would often talk about the 1970 Lubbock, Texas, tornado that killed 26 people, injured more than 1,500 and caused more than $1.6 billion worth of damage. The closest I ever came to experiencing a tornado was during the few months I worked as a reporter at The Odessa American. A tornado had been spotted headed toward Odessa – in the western part of the state, 350 miles west of the Dallas/Fort Worth area and 350 east of El Paso. Olin Ashley, the paper’s editor, asked for my camera to get up on the roof of the newspaper’s air-conditioning unit and see if I could snap some photos of the funnel-shaped clouds if the tornado stayed on course. Luckily for me, it didn’t. It went off course and wound up leaving a path of knocked down telephone poles in an area of the county near the outskirts of the city. I did an interview that afternoon with a tornado spotter who worked for the city. He drove me around so I could take photos of the damage. He said the people of Odessa were fortunate that the tornado veered about a half mile off course. That was good news. 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 closed for the winter season on Dec. 11. However, 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, MA. 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. 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 of Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, providing information about the program.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who 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, go here to complete an 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. Ex-Saugus postal worker gets probation for stealing mail containing gift cards and cash A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier who worked in Saugus for nearly two decades has received a year of probation after admitting to stealing mail from town residents containing gift cards and cash. U.S. District Court Judge Mark L. Wolf also ordered Brian Thibodeau, 49, of Danvers, to pay a fine of $7,500 and restitution in the amount of $175. Back in August, Thibodeau pleaded guilty to one count of theft of mail by an employee of the U.S. Postal Service. Beginning in 2001, Thibodeau worked as a letter carrier in the Saugus Post Office. In 2020, Thibodeau stole customers’ gift cards sent in the mail and spent them for his personal use. Thibodeau admitted to stealing about $2,000 worth of gift cards from postal customers on his route last year. Thibodeau could have received a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater; and restitution. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Office, Matthew Modafferi, made the announcement last week. The Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia M. Carris, prosecuted the case. ׉ 7cassandra://SeR8XjcwQUCZopUkJchV8wCDG2cWt9znwsrTW4wxTM8%a`̰aVWo aVWo PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://M5Bf4jPGMgzdexGEUB3hN17MH4FNzcX85G64fZ6CgLwD`)׉ 7cassandra://Ps1X0Of51zAQqyxiSN_DeHhlUVN1rmHs3tgP9yKFmCs͖`J׉ 7cassandra://jfNSOQeUgmhhX1dP1rKjnWIKvFQJcJyuLl384XuCNf4/`̰׉ 7cassandra://RirDio86n5s1iK4_f2FDoOK6n63wuiOeiwmmO6_NVGwp̈͠adWoOט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://fNpakPN1n2JFDpzXzShEoWPvKg4UFYYIGiBEc-nxTd8 .`)׉ 7cassandra://L1cdEWfp9DkKegnYcs39Vq6V7oJyJuUkxU6usRfzS7w͢`J׉ 7cassandra://nyWCg6W84XsBvc2KrTGrFc_chNa_zjyOvC-IMGzg1uI,`̰׉ 7cassandra://f6hSo5-5r4rueWOUQkncMUMfA7LHem2lgtoV4xUG5fwv :͠adWoV׉E;Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 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 earlier this month (Dec. 3) to enjoy a return of the popular event. Here are some photos. (Saugus Advocate photos by Mark E. Vogler) MY NEW FRIEND: Matilda, the Silkie bantam chicken, took a liking to Layla DeVincent, 7, of Saugus, at the Petting Zoo outside of Town Hall. Layla is the daughter of Steven and Erika DeVincent. GETTING A FACE PAINTING: Makeisha Jane, an 8th grader at the Saugus Middle-High School, lets fellow freshman Christopher Perla paint her face. RED-NOSED LIKE RUDOLPH THE REINDEER: Dakota Marshall, 2 ½, of Saugus, got her face painted in the holiday spirit. WHAT A NIGHT: Steven and Erika DeVincent with their children, Layla and Steven, and Mushroom, the pig outside the Petting Zoo. BAA, MERRY CHRISTMAS: town official Jeannie Meredith gave Jelly, the dwarf Nigerian goat, a hug while volunteering to help out last Friday night at the Petting Zoo. KEY PLANNERS: Pictured from left to right, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree and Saugus Youth & Recreation Department Interim Director Crystal Cakounes relax during the town’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities, which they helped to organize this year. MOM AND DAUGHTER NIGHT OUT: Saugus Selectman Debra Panetta enjoys the tree lighting and festivities with daughter Sabrina. HE’S HERE! A crowd surrounds Santa Claus as he is escorted up the sidewalk to the steps of Saugus Town Hall. BACK AGAIN: Enjoying a pleasant night for the tree lighting after COVID-19 canceled it last year, pictured from left to right, are State Representative Donald Wong (R-Saugus), Selectman Corinne Riley and her husband, Town Meeting Member Christopher Riley. POLITICIANS WELCOME: State Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus), State Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere) and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano wait outside Saugus Town Hall for the start of the town’s annual tree lighting. ׉ 7cassandra://jfNSOQeUgmhhX1dP1rKjnWIKvFQJcJyuLl384XuCNf4/`̰aVWo!׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 13 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE FALL Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable S By Laura Eisener omehow Christmas seems to come earlier every year. The warm weather may have us feeling like it can’t possibly be winter yet, and indeed I took advantage of the not-yetfrozen soil to plant half a dozen shrubs that I’d been too busy to attend to before. To anyone else in the same boat, it’s not too late, but it’s certainly time to put this near the top of the to-do list. Many people started early to decorate, with warnings on the news of shortages on trees and decorations as we have gotten used to on such a wide range of commodities. The early planning seems to have paid off, since there seems to be no shortage of sparkle to bring cheer to the shortest days of the year. The biggest wreaths in town are at Kelly’s Roast Beef, and there are two, THE BIG WREATH on Kelly’s is bright green in the daytime with an impressive red bow. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) SEASON’S GREETINGS: Town Hall has a wreath on each of its front doors – donated by the Saugus Garden Club – with natural fir greens, shiny ornaments and real pine cones. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) HOLIDAY SIGHT ON ROUTE 1: The big wreath on Kelly’s has a bright nighttime look with its many white lights. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) one for each of the big windows. I mentioned them briefly last week, but they are worth another look. For the past 25 years, the wreaths have been made by Northeast Nursery in Peabody, and it is no small undertaking. At 12 feet across, they become more impressive the closer you get to them. It takes two days to wire in the lights. The result is a beautiful and sturdy wreath that shines very brightly at night and which is large enough to frame the carousel horse in the front window. The natural fir used through the whole wreath is the reason for the wonderful aroma, which can compete even with the mouthwatering seafood when you pull into the parking lot! At Little Brook Florist & Garden Center on Lincoln Avenue, trees sold fast! Trees at many garden centers and tree farms have sold out earlier than in other years, and this was certainly the case here. While there are no more trees, there are still wreaths and log baskets and other holiday greenery. Andrea Hanafin, who works at Little Brook, says people often mention how A FUN DECISION: Paul Kenworthy and niece Monique Todd picked out the family Christmas tree at Huberman’s on Vine Street. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) much they like the personal touches – arrangements can have additions like a special ornament or a particular type of ribbon for the bow. One regular customer recently asked for a cardinal ornament to be added to an arrangement, as this bird has special meaning for their family, and the result was unique and stunning. When I went in on Tuesday, Andrea was busy making bows, and inside the shop there were plenty of seasonal flower arrangements ready for spontaneous shoppers as well as a wide array of pots, and many small gifts, charms and home decorations. Among the more unique garden items are the natural log reindeer and snowmen. When we bought a wreath for our car last week, I also couldn’t resist a deer, who now guards my porch – one of the workers picked out some balsam branches for the antlers and tail and placed them in the appropriate holes before we left the store so no assembly was required! There are still several sizes of deer and snowmen, and as I walked out today, I’m sure the eyes of at least one of the snowmen followed me. John Kane, the Boy Scouts of Troop 62 and many volunteers sold trees this season at Soc’s Ice Cream on Lynn Fells Parkway. The Boy Scouts have been selling Christmas trees as a fundraiser for about eight years, but in previous years they had a site on Route 107, the Salem Turnpike, where it meets Ballard Street. This is the first year they have been at Soc’s, and they sold 1,100 trees in two and a half weeks, so John says things went very well this year. In addition to trees, they had kissing balls, wreaths, log baskets and natural garlands. The Scouts appreciate everyone who came down and supported them this year. John mentioned that preparing for the tree sales is a year-long effort, as they have to place orders in the spring and do a lot of planning to make sure the trees arrive as planned. Allen Huberman, owner of Huberman’s Greenhouses on Vine Street, still has a good selection of trees for sale this week. Most trees have color-coded price tags to indicate whethCHRISTMAS CHARM: This log deer from Little Brook Florist & Garden Center has a lot of personality with its fresh balsam branch antlers. It is now in its new home on Laura Eisener’s front porch. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) er they are balsam fir (Abies balsamea) or Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri). There are also wreaths and log arrangements, including some unusual white birch log baskets. They are the freshest possible trees, and indeed the needles all seemed to be in great condition on all the trees I looked at. Every week in December it seems the lights grow brighter and more numerous, and the fragrance of fir grows stronger! It’s worth seeking out the farthest corners of town, both in daylight and at night, to see how many people in town are using their talents to bring cheer to all their neighbors. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. Hockey: Sachems open with 8-2 win over Lynn By Greg Phipps oming off a pandemic-impacted hockey season last year when they finished with four wins in 13 games, the Saugus Sachems started on the right foot for 2021-22 by romping to an 8-2 victory on Monday over the Lynn Jets. The contest was played at the Essex Sports Center in Middleton, and the Sachems exploded for five goals in the first period and two more in the second frame to forge a C hefty 7-0 lead entering the final stanza. The Jets managed to score twice in the final period to avoid the shutout. Saugus tacked on one last tally to account for the final score. Chris Regnetta was the offensive leader with three goals, followed by Jason Monahan with two tallies, and Jason Caron, Massey Ventre and Mike Capone with a goal each. Goalie Matt Smith, an eighth grader, got the win. SPORTS | SEE PAGE 14 ׉ 7cassandra://nyWCg6W84XsBvc2KrTGrFc_chNa_zjyOvC-IMGzg1uI,`̰aVWo"aVWo! PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://nq_7wViCP9fOKPAcrYpQsejBx3rrC7DSQvwSxiAGbi8 `)׉ 7cassandra://n8Yx84SD1K0ml9vv3c1tutxrsYtCRnIiMYYIIrmzRFA͞`J׉ 7cassandra://Qp6nELcC0fdyFk2kRfg85WLaPtuimW2cbL9F5KM77fU*`̰׉ 7cassandra://nkIpjPNDNTvQHBxqfBYvXnq1IJLomtWOKMC2mHfRLVIaS|T͠agWoZט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://UHdYzkz0FNDPOxdeESlCYGYSWMKWj34eQauVTHjYLRY `)׉ 7cassandra://etzxQSkKVurWH_QWhVaXw_rl9Z68cuJ1gpHY7XyxXOkͩ@`J׉ 7cassandra://-Rs18H_Kzqtb--biYAUUEk_ibX5Cr8ZaMFAhVrXFXZA-`̰׉ 7cassandra://rlzd81i4CxRq5rPXd3XZPE5eVDGMxkg6gBw0ILC01Swp͠agWo[נagWo` 3A 9ׁHhttp://call.comׁ ׁ ЈנagWo_Ẋ9ׁH http://massterlist.com/subscribeׁ ׁ Ј׉E%Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 MURDER | FROM PAGE 1 leased any details about how Norton died. Meanwhile, Jorge Delgado Medina, 25, was arraigned in Lynn District Court on Tuesday for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation and failure to stop for police – charges related to the car chase in Saugus on Tuesday. “The police report – which was read in court at arraignment – states that the car was of interest, which is why SPD [Saugus Police Department] attempted to stop it,” Essex County District Attorney spokeswoman Carrie Kimball told The Saugus Advocate this week. “We never said one way or another if he was a person of interest,” Kimball said. She declined to say whether Medina is a person of interest or suspect in the murder investigation. Medina, a former Everett resident, is serving a federal sentence for drug dealing while living in a sober house in Boston. Judge Sally Ann Janulevicus set his bail at $10,000. If he is able to make bail, the judge ordered that he be home confined with a GPS monitoring device. A pretrial hearing is set for Jan. 19, 2022. Defense Attorney Jeff Sweeney is representing Medina. Assistant District Attorney Jen Capone is prosecuting the case. In 2017, a federal judge sentenced Medina to six years in prison and three years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base. On July 20, 2016, federal agents found Medina in possession of about 270 grams of crack cocaine in a Lynn apartment. He was arrested after law enforcement officers captured a federal fugitive at the apartment where they also recovered crack cocaine, marijuana and three handguns. Medina’s latest police encounter began Monday morning after police spotted the black Dodge Charger with a Vermont company-registered license plate – which had been the subject of a Be On the Look Out bulletin which reported it may be connected to the murder case at Essex Landing. The car had been spotted on Boston Street in Lynn and headed to Saugus. An officer tried to stop the car, which pulled over before leading police on a chase. After turning onto Gilway Street and attempting a sharp turn at a high speed, the car hit a wall and then a tree in front of a home – which was nearly struck, according to police. Medina got out of the car and surrendered to police after the crash. State Police detectives assigned to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Saugus Police continue to investigate the murder, according to Kimball. Erica Ramos, who identified herself as a cousin of Norton, organized a GoFundMe page to help raise money to cover the victim’s funeral expenses. By yesterday, the page had raised about $25,000. “We want to give Michael ‘Mikey’ Norton the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes,” Ramos said in a post. “Mikey was brutally murdered in Saugus, MA in his own home this past weekend, at only 26 years young. One person of interest has been found today (12/13/21) after leading the police on a chase. Let’s all pray for Justice! [thank you] Amen,” she said. SPORTS | FROM PAGE 13 Smith was called upon to make just five saves, as the Sachems carried the territorial edge. Anthony Poccio eventually replaced Smith in net and played out the later portion of the game, making three stops during his stint. Head Coach Jeff Natalucci saw his squad go 4-8-1 in last year’s abbreviated campaign. He told the press this week that he is looking for steady improvement from his team this season and the goal is to contend for a playoff berth. Some key players the Sachems will count on in 2021-22 are captains Ventre, Caron, Ryan Ragucci and Regnetta, along with Matthew Robbins, Dante Mauro and Mike Capone. The Sachems initially had a Wednesday contest scheduled SPORTS | SEE PAGE 17 Legislative redistricting modification About 200 voters in Precincts 3 and 10 could get a new legislative district By Mark E. Vogler S tate Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), whose district includes Precincts 3 and 10 in Saugus, could be losing about 200 of her constituents soon. Those voters, who are currently in the 16th Suffolk House District, could wind up in Precinct 8, which is part of the Ninth Essex House District that state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) represents. Town Clerk Ellen Schena told selectmen at last week’s (Dec. 6) meeting that those 200 voters from Precincts 3 and 10 “are going to be dissolved into Precinct 8” – one of the eight Saugus precincts that are part of Wong’s district. This is all part of a pending legislative redistricting modification plan that is expected to become official later this month. Selectman Debra Panetta wanted to know whether the voters would be notified. “After the state updates this and they give me the list, I have to send postcards out to the heads of households,” Schena said. She noted that there are changes in other precincts as well. Rachel Nazarro admitted to Nursing Honor Society at Saint Anselm College M ANCHESTER, N.H.–Rachel Nazarro of Saugus was recently inducted into the Epsilon Tau-at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing. To be considered for induction into Sigma Theta Tau, students must have completed at least half of the nursing curriculum in baccalaureate programs at an accredited institution of higher education, rank in the upper 35 percent of their graduating class and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, Dec. 19 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Dec. 20 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Dec. 21 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting from Dec. 16. Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from Dec. 14. Thursday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m. on Channel 22 – Boys Basketball vs. Danvers from Dec. 17. Friday, Dec. 24 at 10 a.m. on Channel 8 – What’s Cookin’? with Dr. Theresa M.C. Saturday, Dec. 25 all day on Channel 8 – Christmas movies. 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*** For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://Qp6nELcC0fdyFk2kRfg85WLaPtuimW2cbL9F5KM77fU*`̰aVWo#׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 15 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST–Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList— the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription go to: www. massterlist.com/subscribe THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local representatives voted with their party’s leadership in the 2021 session. No more roll calls are planned in the House until January 2022. The votes of the 2021 membership of 28 Republicans were compared with those of GOP House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). The votes of the 2021 membership of 128 Democrats were compared to House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 90 votes from the 2021 House session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls that were not quorum calls or votes on local issues. THE DEMOCRATS: A total of 100 (78.1 percent) of the 128 Democrats voted with Mariano 100 percent of the time. That means that nearly fourfifths of the Democrats always voted with Mariano. Another 14 Democrats (10.9 percent) voted against Mariano only once. Only four Democrats (3.1 percent) voted with Mariano less than 90 percent of the time. The Democratic representative who voted the lowest percentage of times with Mariano is Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville) who voted with Mariano only 84.2 percent of the time. She is followed by Reps. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) 85.5 percent; Rep. Colleen Garry (D-Dracut) 87.6 percent; Tami Gouveia (D-Acton) 89.7 percent; and Nika Elugardo (D-Jamaica Plain) 92.2 percent THE REPUBLICANS: None of the 28 GOP members voted with Jones 100 percent of the time. Twenty Republicans (71.4 percent) voted with Jones at least 90 percent of the time. Eight Republicans (28.5 percent) voted with Jones less than 90 percent of the time. The Republican representative who voted the lowest percentage of times with Jones was Rep. Joseph McKenna (R-Webster) who voted with Jones only 85.5 percent of the time. He is followed by Reps. Peter Durant (R-Spencer) 86.6 percent; Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) 87.6 percent; Alyson Sullivan (R-Abington) 87.6 percent; and Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) 87.7 percent. REPRESENTATIVES’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S ing, made the first-known radio broadcast from outer 1. The first commercial Christmas card was made in England in December 1843, the same month as the publishing of what Charles Dickens book? 2. New Mexico’s official state question – “Red or Green?” – refers to what? 3. December 17 is National Maple Syrup Day; what is another word for a forest with lots of sugar maples? 4. Ads for the Mae West films “She Done Him Wrong” and “I’m No Angel” used the line “Come up and see me sometime”; what actor did she say it to? 5. On Dec. 18, 1888, the Cliff Palace was discovered at Mesa Verde in what state? 6. What song about snow had versions recorded by Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart? 7. On Dec. 19, 1958, what U.S. president, by recordspace via a satellite, including “Through this unique means I convey to you and all mankind America’s wish for peace on earth and good will to men everywhere”? 8. Angels appear in what three religious traditions? 9. What grape is named after a Massachusetts town? 10. The first three films about Christmas – “Santa Claus,” “The Christmas Dream” and “Scrooge, or Marley’s Ghost” – were released in what years: 18981901, 1913-19 or 1925-32? 11. On Dec. 20, 1868, Harvey Firestone was born, who pioneered manufacture of pneumatic tires for what car? 12. What Greek god is the namesake of a flute? 13. What TV cartoon bird was in episodes titled “Niagara Fools,” “Yule Get Yours” LEADERSHIP IN 2021 The percentage next to the representative’s name represents the percentage of times the representative supported his or her party’s leadership in 2021. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the representative opposed his or her party’s leadership. Some representatives voted on all 90 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each representative is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted and does not count the roll calls for which he or she was absent. Rep. Jessica Giannino 100 percent (0) Rep. Donald Wong 96.6 percent (3) HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say and “The Redwood Sap”? 14. December 21 is the official start of winter – also known as what? 15. What Russian composed a Symphony No. 1 that is nicknamed Winter Daydreams? 16. In what part of the world is glögg a traditional Christmas drink? 17. On Dec. 22, 1965, what movie premiered that was adapted from a novel by Boris Pasternak? 18. In sports, what does a clean sheet mean? 19. On the TV series “Gunsmoke,” what business did Miss Kitty own? 20. On Dec. 23, 1993, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that the stockpile of what virus would not be destroyed (so scientists could continue research)? 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 filed. 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 December 6-10, the House met for a total of nine minutes while the Senate met for a total of 26 minutes. Mon. Dec. 6 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Senate 11:34 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Tues. Dec. 7 No House session No Senate session Wed. Dec. 8 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Dec. 9 House 11:08 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Senate 11:06 a.m. to 11:26 a.m. Fri. Dec. 10 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com ANSWERS 1. “A Christmas Carol” 2. Type of chili when ordering the state’s cuisine 3. Sugar bush 4. Cary Grant 5. Colorado 6. “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” 7. Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower 8. Christian, Islamic and Judaic 9. Concord grapes 10. 1898-1901 11. Model T Ford 12. Pan (panpipe) 13. Woody Woodpecker 14. The winter solstice (the year’s shortest day and longest night) 15. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 16. Scandinavia 17. “Dr. Zhivago” 18. A shutout 19. A saloon 20. Smallpox ׉ 7cassandra://-Rs18H_Kzqtb--biYAUUEk_ibX5Cr8ZaMFAhVrXFXZA-`̰aVWo$aVWo# PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://IG7ICXPqTOjL6aK9EbE-Ktxz45BIIRVjMK-VtOv4wLQ`)׉ 7cassandra://SQNVODjl1mjjbdrJ0mFzNCafRRWO6LD8TnUyzOFLVvgͭ`J׉ 7cassandra://Vz1TbLgZXp5C04tRCGdgnTvKwABC2yq980eX6Yxj8qk5`̰׉ 7cassandra://K_1sIlR9paYSDTCVsVPYlK8GS_7u9y2h6zhoRa2HpysF͠ajWobט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://kYyQpfyXDtKrP3nb-Hbg6JgCLjOQVSOHxH6qcPFYxLs­`)׉ 7cassandra://d3Bgs5SSauRMf3ofz9L9uFvPSCcw40ML3RDW5FoSVikͤf`J׉ 7cassandra://ZIK5wp_0llgPWIltgqWvUN6Xd4sTuaIdtizyOQlOYck.`̰׉ 7cassandra://Vze5MTYGLPgOmVvqFndT82nJ_egnL1fJo_wBu1rAo0sf5~͠alWocנalWof Q ̷9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ ЈנalWoe 49ׁHhttp://www.thewarrengroup.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 OBITUARIES Shirley M. (Nardella) Ferrelli 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 At 86 years, in Saugus, formerly of Revere on December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, following a brief but devastating illness. Beloved wife of the late John Ferrelli, Sr. Cherished mother of Debra M. Mitrano & her husband Theodore “Teddy” of Saugus & John Ferrelli, Jr. of Everett. Proud grandmother to Alexandria A. Mitrano of Saugus & the late Anthony J. Mitrano & John Paul Ferrelli. Dear sister of Geraldine Crisafulli of New York & her late husband Charles, Amato “Marty” Nardella & his wife Peng of New York, Annmarie Nardella of Saugus & the late Carol Ann Nardella. Also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces & grandnephews. Shirley was a Eucharistic Minister for St. Mary’s Parish of Revere & Blessed Sacrament Parish of Saugus. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446 ׉ 7cassandra://Vz1TbLgZXp5C04tRCGdgnTvKwABC2yq980eX6Yxj8qk5`̰aVWo%׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 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 Duarte, Wellington Souza, Gutemberg M Duclos, Gary P SELLER1 Sanders, Carl H Liptay, Friedel SELLER2 ADDRESS 1 Rebels Way 72 Chestnut St CITY DATE PRICE Saugus 24.11.2021 $285 000,00 Saugus 18.11.2021 $410 000,00 “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” JOSEPH D. CATALDO PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE PROBATE, MASSHEALTH AND CAPITAL GAINS TAX CONSIDERATIONS I f you transfer your home to an irrevocable trust in order to protect the home from the possibility of going into a nursing home, there are several benefi ts of doing so. First and foremost, once your home is transferred to an irrevocable trust, the fi ve-year look back period commences in order to protect the home in the event of one or both of the Donor’s of the trust enters a nursing home and needs to apply for MassHealth benefi ts. Another benefi t of an irrevocable trust is the avoidance of probate upon the death of the Donor(s) of the trust. Certainly, if a husband and wife own the home as tenants by the entirety, probate would be avoided upon the fi rst spouse to die. If the surviving spouse does not take action to place the home either into a revocable trust or irrevocable trust, upon the death of the surviving spouse, the children would have to initiate probate proceedings in order to obtain title to the home. A simultaneous death, although very unlikely, would also result in the children having to probate the estates of both spouses. Having a funded irrevocable trust would obviously avoid the negative ramifi cations of that unlikely event. When you place your home into an irrevocable trust, you also obtain the benefi t of being able to sell your home and take advantage of the Internal Revenue Code Section 121 capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of your principal residence. The trust will be drafted as a grantor-type trust for not only income tax purposes but for capital gains tax purposes. For a husband and wife, this means the fi rst $500,000 of capital gain is exempt from taxation. For a single person, the fi rst $250,000 of capital gain is exempt from taxation. The home must be your principal residence for at least two of the fi ve-year period immediately preceding the date of sale. What is becoming more of a concern with deeding the home outright to the children reserving a life estate in the home by the parents is the greater likelihood of a child dying prior to the parents. With life expectancy so long with medical technology, it is not uncommon for one of the parents to reach the age of 90, 95 or even 100. Consequently, may have a situation where a child dies of some cause age 65 or 70. These situations unfortunately do occur. In the deed with a life estate plan, since the home was deeded directly to the children, the child who has now died has an estate that needs to be probated. If, however, the home was placed into an irrevocable trust, the predeceased child’s trust share would be held in further trust for his or her children. If that child had no children, his or her share would be distributed to the surviving siblings. This dispositive scheme would be pursuant to the terms of the trust, not the Last Will and Testament. There would be no involvement by the probate court. This would result in signifi cantly less legal fees, time and complexity when compared to the probate process. SPORTS | FROM PAGE 14 against Peabody at the McVann/O’Keefe Rink but it was canceled. Saugus is not set to see action again until next Wednesday, Dec. 22, when they travel to the Malden Valley Forum to take on Pentucket. The first home game at Kasabuski Arena isn’t scheduled till after the New Year (Jan. 12 against Swampscott). In the meantime, Saugus travels back to the Essex Sports Center to tangle with Essex Tech on Dec. 27, and then has a game at Winthrop on Dec. 29. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://ZIK5wp_0llgPWIltgqWvUN6Xd4sTuaIdtizyOQlOYck.`̰aVWo&aVWo% PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://cLFVGEaYZ4-9ys9N4ZxIkpWuWJ7WbHXW_PejwaTvR40!`)׉ 7cassandra://dxgRcyn4eK-GzD3CiudVMXbxQ6s4d5GD4wBJY83uuxQ͖`J׉ 7cassandra://wI9G-0EltsT-4ZETyJUgwiYRsT0T9tXhF5kAAGQcO8s.`̰׉ 7cassandra://r0GIZsiaOQ7ffChoCcTw_ucDhZV7NonHN7yzSh98ZnYZ͠aoWohט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://ekMa8hDNhVmkoZbfEP4eKdloAsltmjD7BQO5_mLJ30E(`)׉ 7cassandra://OdsBBAERRvmPZazNevS_OgxwprGKCPfSnWTAQavi2vQ͒`J׉ 7cassandra://VT6N_s1UVnXQTTLkP-h0soKbhHOdOP7Z2IWJQ6GMAuQ.`̰׉ 7cassandra://IAKsbHdBl7-fzrMej_cjHnVcsyDBLm1c_JfglDgB5fwy͠apWol׉E:Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 ׉ 7cassandra://wI9G-0EltsT-4ZETyJUgwiYRsT0T9tXhF5kAAGQcO8s.`̰aVWo'׉E:THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Page 19 ׉ 7cassandra://VT6N_s1UVnXQTTLkP-h0soKbhHOdOP7Z2IWJQ6GMAuQ.`̰aVWo(aVWo' PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://YmODy7xmBv8uCgnzGRloVz5afvn269qF7LfZT2X_BQUU`)׉ 7cassandra://rKKzzt7B8k3l-Egl_fvLHJ4wRoC62PJQNoFUnZiyGbU͍`J׉ 7cassandra://F20T4MW55FFNepv91H2fwAytjZMqUrTfkTHF3W4I2z4-`̰׉ 7cassandra://QZ7XrVMjqoQKggnY-hEShlLRejCET2RFb5-xn7n5XHk]͠arWop׉E:Page 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 ׉ 7cassandra://F20T4MW55FFNepv91H2fwAytjZMqUrTfkTHF3W4I2z4-`̰aVWo)׈EaVWo*aVWo) P,Saugus Advocate 12/17/21Saugus Advocate 12/17/21aSfrJ²L