׉?4ׁB!בCט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://n07E3DA14e7_wF6oqeeiVWvacQpMZCbt2eYkcxGevdo  `)׉	 7cassandra://asdGpn8fcU5gAqpzXT1DoCfvXaKydsXLGUo7eZol7Woͥ`J׉	 7cassandra://2B1z6w6oFaXvvAUEkVi9GhVd5JzAIla4fTymijA28X01Y`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://q0PIR_S56f2ZuYGs9MpoI6CAPBgSNFytwBl-C6gOo_k  ͠a_>pXJTנa_>pXJTŁ ̱9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁׁЈ׈Ea_=pXJT׉EGSAUGUS
Vol. 24, No. 40
-FREETh
e Advocate–A household word in Saugus!
OC C
www.advocatenews.net
“Inappropriate
conduct” cited
Colleagues blame School Committee
member Grabowski for being forced into
a Zoom videoconferencing meeting
By Mark E. Vogler
A
n alleged incident involving
a colleague’s “inappropriate
conduct” – not
concerns about COVID-19 –
prompted the School Committee
to hold a Zoom videoconferencing
session instead of
meeting in person this week,
according to several members.
“I just want everybody to
know we’re on Zoom – not because
of COVID. It’s because
we had an issue where a committee
member allegedly got
hostile with a school employee,”
School Committee Chair
Thomas Whittredge said at the
outset of Wednesday (Oct. 6)
night’s meeting.
“And until we get it sorted
out, we have to have everybody
safe and comfortable
enough to come to these
meetings, so we decided to go
to Zoom. And hopefully, it’s a
temporary solution. That’s the
reason why we’re on Zoom.
Just wanted to let everybody
know,” he said.
During his remarks ,
Whittredge didn’t name the
school committee member involved
in the alleged incident.
But committee members later
identifi ed their colleague, ArUNDER
FIRE AGAIN: School
C ommittee Memb er
Arthur Grabowski’s alleged
mistreatment of a School
Department employee
recently infl uenced the School
Committee’s decision to switch
from in-person meetings
to remote sessions. (Saugus
Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
thur Grabowski, as the one involved
in “inappropriate conduct”
toward a School Department
employee. Grabowski,
who did not attend Wednesday
night’s meeting, could not
be reached for comment.
GRABOWSKI | SEE PAGE 10
A SITE OF CONTROVERSY: A proposal by Boston offi cials to relocate “the Methadone Mile” to the Quality
Inn at 100 Morris St. in Revere near the Saugus town line has sparked outrage in both communities.
Two Saugus selectmen this week said they consider it “the most urgent challenge facing Saugus town
government” (See this week’s “The Advocate Asks” inside). At an emergency meeting of the Saugus
Board of Selectmen last week, selectmen gave their support to a letter already signed by Revere city
offi cials and area state legislators which opposes plans to turn the closed motel into a homeless transitional
center.
(Please see related story on page 8)
Town Election 2021
Two Saugus town meeting members
will be candidates along with their
sons on the Nov. 2 election ballot
By Mark E. Vogler
T
own Meeting Member Maureen
Whitcomb and her son
Andrew both ran as candidates
two years ago in pursuit of two
of the fi ve Precinct 4 seats. Maureen
got elected while Andrew
lost out by just a vote for the
final seat in the election. But
he later joined his mother on
Town Meeting, fi lling an unexpired
term of a member who left
town. The Whitcombs will again
be a mother-and-son combination
in their campaign for Town
Meeting seats in the Nov. 2 town
election.
This year’s town election also
features a father and his son running
for election to the 50-member
Town Meeting – but as candidates
in two separate precincts.
Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member
Peter Manoogian is running
for reelection to another twoyear
term. He is among eight
candidates vying for fi ve seats in
Saugus’ most competitive Town
Meeting race. Meanwhile, Manoogian’s
son, Alex, is among the
seven candidates competing for
the fi ve Precinct 5 seats.
SAVE “virtual” candidates
forum set for Thursday
The Saugus Action Volunteers
for the Environment (SAVE) will
hold its biennial Environmental
Candidates Night for Board
of Selectmen candidates next
Thursday (Oct. 14) at 7 p.m. This
year’s event will be conducted in
a virtual format instead of in person,
using the Zoom videoconELECTION
| SEE PAGE 8
Published Every Friday
D O TE
CAT
781-233-4446
Friday, October 8, 2021
Not Welcome Here
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
(Editor’s Note: The following
info is from a press release issued
this week by the Saugus
Public Library Foundation.)
Saugus Public Library Foundation elects new officers
T
he Board of Directors of
the Saugus Public Library
Foundation has elected its
slate of officers for the 2021Kristen
Tozza:
elected president.
2022 term. Kristen Tozza has
been elected President while
Joseph Scurio has been elected
Vice President, and Bruce
Torrey has been reelected Treasurer.
Rounding out the Board
of Directors are Past President
Linda Call, Olivia Riley, Corinne
Riley and Peter Cocciardi.
Kristen Tozza, a second-grade
teacher in the Wilmington
school system, joined
the Foundation’s Board of Directors
in 2017. A lifelong resident
of Saugus, she has been
a longtime member of the
Friends of the Saugus Public
Joseph Scurio:
Bruce Torrey:
elected vice president.
Library.
Joseph Scurio of Peabody
has been a member of the
Board of Directors since 2020.
He serves as Vice President,
Commercial Banking at The
Savings Bank.
Bruce Torrey, a member
of the Board of Directors and
Treasurer of the Foundation
since 2020, serves as Branch
Manager at Webster First Federal
Credit Union.
The Foundation Board is welcoming
new members to carry
on its mission. If you are interested
in joining the Foundation,
please email saugusplf@
gmail.com.
About the Saugus Public
Library Foundation
The Saugus Public Library
reelected treasurer.
Foundation was established
in 2004 through significant
gifts from the estates of Douglas
Lockwood, Josephine Kibbey
and Marie Weeks, as well
as funds turned over by the
now-disbanded environmental
nonprofit, Noblast, Inc., and
smaller individual trust funds
and bequests. The Foundation
provides the means for
the library to make long-range
plans and commitments using
the interest earned on the principal
balance of the Foundation,
and to promote and carry
out charitable and fundraising
activities.
To learn more about the Saugus
Public Library Foundation,
or to donate to the Foundation,
please email SaugusPLF@
gmail.com.
When it comes to
home, come to us.
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Page 3
~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~
TOWN ELECTION 2021: Candidates for Board of Selectmen and School Committee each
cite what they consider the most urgent challenge facing Saugus town government and
the School Department and what they would do as elected officials to address it.
Editor’s Note: Twenty-five days
from today, Saugus voters will
go to the polls for the town’s biennial
election. The five seats
on both the Board of Selectmen
and the School Committee will
be the featured town-wide races
on the Nov. 2 ballot, which will
also include a seat on the Housing
Authority and 50 Town Meeting
seats – five members to be selected
in each of the 10 precincts.
Continuing in this week’s issue
and the four remaining editions of
The Saugus Advocate published
before the town election, we will
dedicate this space to questions
to the 10 candidates running for
the Board of Selectmen and the
seven candidates competing for
the five School Committee positions.
With the lack of candidate
forums between now and Town
Election Day, we decided to reach
out to the candidates aspiring to
two-year terms on the town’s two
most prominent elected bodies
and give them an opportunity to
define the essence of their campaigns
and what sets them apart
from their political opponents.
For the Board of Selectmen
Q: In 100 words or less, what
do you consider the most urgent
challenge facing Saugus
town government? And
as an elected selectman, what
would you do to help address
that challenge?
The incumbents:
Selectmen Jeffrey V. Cicolini:
Had you asked me this question
a week ago my answer would
have been different however,
today, the most urgent challenge
facing our town is the
unconscionable proposal from
the outgoing Mayor of Boston
to relocate the folks from the
methadone mile to the Quality
Inn on the Revere/Saugus line.
The Board of Selectmen and
our State Representatives from
Saugus and Revere are staunchly
opposed to this proposal as
evidenced at last week’s emergency
public meeting. My comments
aired on Fox news and
represented me speaking for the
people in our community. This is
not an acceptable solution for
the problem and we will continue
to work with our neighboring
communities and state delegation
to make certain this proposal
DOES NOT become a reality.
Board of Selectmen Chair
Anthony W. Cogliano Sr.: As of
today, the biggest issue facing
the Board of Selectmen is Boston’s
proposal to relocate “methadone
mile” from Melnea Cass
boulevard, to Rt 1 on the Saufor
making informed decisions
which will include goals and policies
for future land use, including
housing, recreation, commercial
development, transportation,
and open space.
As a member of the Master
Plan Advisory Committee, I’m
looking forward to sharing the
results of the public meetings
and surveys with the Saugus residents.
However, we do need additional
public input, especially
on determining the future of the
ASKS | SEE PAGE 13
SAUGUS TOWN HALL: Five challengers will be running against the
five incumbent members of the Board of Selectmen in the Nov. 2
Town Election, making it the most competitive race on the ballot.
(Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler)
SAUGUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: All five
School Committee members are running for another two-year
term in the Nov. 2 Town Election. But two other candidates are
running for a spot on the committee.
(Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler)
gus/Revere line.
A proposal like this would
devastate our Town and our resources.
Police and Fire calls to
this location would all but guarantee
we would no longer have
proper coverage for our residents.
As the Chairman of the
Board, I called Mayor Arrigo of
Revere to let him know that the
Town of Saugus stands with the
City of Revere to insure a proposal
such as this never comes
to fruition. I also reached out to
our State Delegation at an emergency
meeting of the Board of
Selectmen to garner their support.
Representatives Giannino,
and Turco of Revere and Wong
of Saugus put forth some very
powerful language to Mayor
Janey of Boston, letting her
know that this proposal is totally
unacceptable.
Selectman Debra C. Panetta:
The completion of the Townwide
master plan is essential for
the future of Saugus. With all
the new development in Saugus,
especially along Route 1,
it’s imperative that we have a
strategy that deals with the future
growth of our town while
protecting our neighborhoods
and environmental resources.
This plan will be the framework
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Peter A. Rossetti Jr. runs for another term
on Saugus Town Meeting in Precinct 2
D
ear Friends and Neighbors
in Precinct 2,
My name is Peter A Rossetti
Jr. I have had the honor to
serve as one of your five Town
Meeting members in Precinct
2 for more than twenty years.
I am a life-long resident of
Saugus, attending schools in
Saugus at the Cliftondale, Baker
and Junior High and Brown
& Nichols in Cambridge for
High School. I am a graduate
of Northeastern University,
Bentley College, and the
Massachusetts School of Law
in Andover. I am employed at
the Peter Rossetti Insurance
Agency/Law office in Cliftondale
Square and live on Summit
Ave. (on Baker Hill) where
I raised my family of three children.
Over
the years there have
been many important issues
discussed and debated at
Town Meeting that have affected
Saugus Residents, notwithstanding
the current renovation
and resurgence of Cliftondale
Square. In the past, the
man, a member of the Board of
Appeals, a member of the Planning
Board, a member of the
Saugus Cable TV Board, and a
member of the Saugus Business
Education Collaborative.
I am proud to say I have been
A TOWN MEETING VETERAN:
Peter A Rossetti Jr. seeks
another two-year term in the
Precinct 2 Town Meeting seat
he’s held for more than two
decades.
outcome of these debates was
not always successful, but emphasized
to the Town how important
Cliftondale is to Saugus.
I
have also served as a SelectSaugus’
representative to the
Northeast Regional Vocational
School. I am pleased to say that
we are beginning the construction
of a new Vocational School
that will allow more Saugus
students to learn a trade and
get good paying jobs.
I have also been involved
in local groups such as the Lions
Club, the Chambers of
Commerce, the Friends of
Breakheart, Greater Lynn Senior
Services, and Element
Care.
I am proud to be a resident
of Saugus, a business owner
in Saugus, and a community
leader. I would respectfully
ask for one of your five votes
for Town Meeting on Election
Day this year. Thank you.
Peter A. Rossetti Jr.
781-233-1855
Saugus woman
pleads guilty to drug
trafficking charges
By Christopher Roberson
N
icole Benton, 45, of Saugus,
pleaded guilty on
September 30 to being involved
in a large drug trafficking
organization which
produced more than 100,000
counterfeit Percocet pills.
On June 30, Benton was arrested
and charged with the
following: conspiracy to manufacture,
distribute and possess
with intent to distribute 40
grams or more of fentanyl, conspiracy
to manufacture, distribute
and possess with intent to
distribute 400 grams or more of
fentanyl and possession a firearm
in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According
to police, a drug
organization, operated by Crip
gang member Vincent Caruso,
used large pill presses to generate
15,000 fentanyl pills per
hour. Benton then distributed
the pills to gangs throughout
the North Shore. Police
said each counterfeit pill has
an average street value of $15.
Therefore, the sale of 100,000
pills would have yielded approximately
$1.5 million. In addition,
that number of pills is
the equivalent of 10 kilograms
of fentanyl.
In his affidavit, FBI Special
Agent Craig Harvey said Benton
conducted a “large number of
cash transactions” at The Brook
casino in Seabrook, N.H. “Investigators
obtained the records of
this activity from The Brook and
noted that a VIP player card in
Benton’s name was being used
to place a large number of bets
on sporting events and make a
large number of cash transactions,”
he said.
Further review of the casino’s
records showed that between
February and June, Benton’s VIP
card was used to wager more
than $400,000 in cash. Within
that figure, Benton lost $20,000.
“As the payouts are so high,
the favored team parlay scheme
offers the chance for immediate
and lucrative returns in exchange
for a relatively small investment
of drug proceeds,”
said Harvey.
Benton is now facing the possibility
of life in prison and a
fine of up to $15.2 million. Sentencing
is scheduled for January
20, 2022.
׉	 7cassandra://FMW7Gck-FpGVLWKpuIQJk4Xr5opmGb3Ge1BZXEv25yQ1`̰ a_=pXJT׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 5
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Debra Panetta Announces Candidacy for
Re-Election to the Board of Selectmen
tegic planning, and real estate experience.
I’ve
served as your Saugus Selectman
for the past ten years,
serving as Chairman for five.
I’m a member of the Master
Plan Advisory Committee, and I’m
Secretary of the Cliftondale Revitalization
Committee. I also serve
as President of the Saugus River
Watershed Council, member of
SAVE, Historical Society, Garden
Club, and the SBEC.
I’m a member of the Conservation
Law Foundation and have
(again) been endorsed by the Sierra
Club.
I served as the Chairman of
A DECADE OF SERVICE: Veteran
Selectman Debra Panetta has
been on the board 10 years and
seeks another two-year term.
(Courtesy photo to The Saugus
Advocate)
I
live on Bellevue Street with my
husband, Mark, my son, Mark
Jr. and my daughter, Sabrina. I’m
a graduate from Suffolk University
earning a BSBA in Accounting
and earned my Master’s in Business
Administration from Northeastern
University.
I also earned my Lean Six Sigma
and PMP (Project Management
Professional) Certifications. I work
for Victoria Realty as a Site Manager/Finance
Director. I have over 30
years of accounting, finance, strathe
Saugus School Committee, a
five-term Town Meeting Member,
Vice-Chair of the Saugus Charter
Commission, Tree Committee,
past District Governor of Toastmasters,
as well as many other
Town Committees.
Since originally taking office, I
have been involved in many initiatives,
including: increasing our
bond rating to AA+ by S&P, highest
in Saugus history, due to our
strong economy and budget performance,
a
record amount of funds put
into our stabilization fund, approval
by MSBA and award of
up to $65.1 million for new Middle-High
School, rebuilding of
our parks, playgrounds, and recreational
facilities, designated
green community status, infrastructure
improvements, including
roads, bridges, sidewalks,
drainage, and water and sewer
improvement, and investments
in new police cruisers, fire engines,
and DPW trucks/equipment.
My
vision for Saugus over the
next two years includes:
The completion of the Townwide
master plan. This plan will
be the framework for making informed
decisions which will include
goals and policies for future
land use, including housing,
recreation, commercial development,
transportation, and open
space, additional increases in our
reserve funds and continue improvement
of our bond rating,
continued Traffic Study analysis,
additional opportunities to supplement
Town services by supporting
community objectives
relating to safety, infrastructure,
and transportation, focus on the
environment, and having open
public discussions regarding the
closed schools.
I want to work towards continuing
the progress that our town
has made for the betterment of
residents and business owners.
I respectfully ask for one of your
five votes on Tuesday, November
2. I am number 3 on the ballot.”
Contact information: 781-2339720,
debracpanetta@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Special Town Meeting on Oct. 18 will consider an article to
fund construction of a new vocational school in Wakefield
By Mark E. Vogler
Moderator Steve Doherty wrote
in a document attached to the
S
augus will hold a Special
Town Meeting at 7:30 p.m.
on Oct. 18 to consider an article
to fund the town’s share of costs
related to the construction of a
new Northeast Metropolitan Regional
Vocational High School located
in Wakefield. Town Meeting
members will conduct their
meeting via Zoom videoconferencing
rather than meet in person
in the second floor auditorium
at Saugus Town Hall.
“Because I do not foresee any
way to safely assemble our 50
Member Town Meeting, and allow
for public attendance at
the same time while complying
with state directives on public
assemblies during the current
health emergency, I am, hereby,
requesting permission from
the Saugus Board of Selectmen
to hold the 2021 Special Town
Meeting, as last year, in an on-line
format, using the ZOOM meeting
platform, on the evening of
Monday, October 18, 2021,” Town
warrant.
“We have used this format
in the past and know that it allows
for all participants to see
and hear all other participants.
It also allows for the accurate
taking of attendance to determine
if a quorum is present,
the ability to conduct a roll call
vote and the ability for all Town
Meeting members and registered
voters in attendance to
get the Moderators attention
and be recognized to speak,”
he said.
The Northeast Metro Tech Regional
District School Committee
voted last month to appropriate
$317.4 million to pay costs
for the design, engineering and
construction of the new school
and related athletic facilities. Saugus’s
estimated share would be
$23.4 million. The school would
be built to accommodate 1,600
students. The current enrollment
is close to 1,300 students.
A vote against the project by
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
Saugus or any of the dozen communities
in the school district
would force a special popular
election to determine whether
the project gets funded.
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
“Duck Lemonade” enables young students to help Breakheart Reservation
A
small group of students
from the Goddard School
in Saugus learned they could
contribute to the betterment
of Breakheart Reservation by
developing their own brand
of lemonade and serving it at
the popular recreation area on
a hot summer day.
“We didn’t charge a fee for
the lemonade, but we accepted
donations if and only if they
were offered,” said their teacher,
Rachel Haydon. “In fact, the
kids were flabbergasted when
one gentleman donated $20
and wouldn’t accept any lemonade
in return!”
The lemonade the kids made
apparently was a big hit. The
students raised more than
$100 at their lemonade stand.
“The lemonade stand was
just one of several fun and educational
activities that we enjoyed
together as part of the
two-month summer school
age program at our school,”
Haydon said.
“The kids helped develop
the recipe. They were entirely
responsible for calculating ingredient
quantities and gross/
net profits, creating marketing
materials & chants, preparing
ingredients (making simple
syrup, squeezing lemons) and
mixing lemonade, and assigning
day-of job rotations,” she
said. “We went through a testing
phase inside the school
where we asked all staff (and
some kids) to try it and provide
feedback via an online
survey. We adjusted the recipe
accordingly.”
Goddard students involved
in the project were Cassidy
Parent, 6, Melrose; Tina Ha, 11,
Saugus; Dylan Kahn, 7, Belmont;
Jocelyn Kahn, 8, Belmont;
Brynn Ohanesian, 8,
Cambridge; and Mari Ohanesian,
6, Cambridge. Dave Kahn,
owner of The Goddard School
of Saugus, is the father of Jocelyn
and Dylan.
“It is wonderful to see the
young students taking an interest
in Breakheart and the
Department of Conservation
and Recreation,” said Peter
A. Rossetti Jr., a lifelong Saugus
resident and longtime
member of the Friends of
Breakheart.
Denise Bénéteau weighs 12 pounds of tomatoes to deliver to
those in need.
The Duck Lemonade Stand at Breakheart Reservation
“They are planning a park
cleanup later in the year,” he
said.
The lemonade was all homemade
from natural ingredients
(not from concentrate or powdered
mix). This was a big selling
point for many people, according
to Haydon.
“Duck Lemonade” is the title/
brand of the lemonade stand
that the kids voted on, she said.
“We had several ideas, such as
‘Breakheart Lemonade,’ ‘Flounders
Lemonade’ (the name of
our classroom was originally
the Friendly Flounders per
the school’s oceanic naming
theme, but we updated it to
Ferocious Flounders as we felt
it was a better fit for our vibe),
‘Goddard Lemonade,’ etc.,” Haydon
said.
“The kids picked Duck Lemonade
as a reference to the viral
song ‘The Duck Song.’”
The family of Gregory Nickolas thanks the
community for its support and prayers
O
n behalf of
our family, we
would like to thank
the Town of Saugus,
our family, friends
and all the people
who have shared
their kind words with
us. We deeply appreciate
all of your expressions
of sympathy,
your thoughts,
prayers and offers of
support. The love we
have received during
this time of such
heartache and loss
has been immense.
We sincerely thank
each and every one of
you from the bottom
of our hearts.
Debbie, Jackie &
Mason Nickolas
THE LATE GREGORY NICKOLAS: Saugus’s
longtime Youth & Recreation Director
passed away last week at the age of 58. His
family is grateful to the people of Saugus
for their expressions of sympathy and the
outpouring of love from the community.
(Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
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Page 7
Beat ConnXtionz will perform at MS4MS at World Series Park
W
orld Series Park in Saugus
will host a fundraiser
for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
on Saturday, Oct. 30, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All-day entertainment
will be featured,
starting at 10 a.m. Performing
will be Beat ConnXtionz Dance
Company, Patty Vellucci, the
Teddy Larkin Trio, the Memory
Laners, Forever Unknown,
and Uncle Steve Furbish. The
event will have a fall theme
with hayrides, pumpkins, corn
on the cob, cider, cider donuts,
a Halloween costume contest
and pony rides. There will be
a ceremony on the field featuring
the 2003 Saugus Little
League Team that competed
in the Little League World Series
in 2003. Food, booths, an
auction, a raffle, the famous
Carpenito Real Estate Lottery
Ticket House Raffle, a display
of classic cars and some surprises
will round out the day.
The event will culminate with
a softball game between the
2003 Saugus Little League
team and a combined team of
Saugus Police and Firefighters.
The coordinator for the event
is Saugus’s own Dario Pizzano,
a professional baseball player
and a member of the 2003 Saugus
Little League team. Dario
has been actively involved in
fundraising for Mission Stadiums
for Multiple Sclerosis
(MS4MS) for the last two years.
His mother, Traci, has suffered
with MS for several years, and
Dario wanted to be part of
helping raise money for research
and perhaps someday
find a cure.
If you would like to help,
would like to donate to the
raffle or auction or need more
information about the event,
contact Bob Davis at 781-2334555.
UPCOMING
SHOW: Beat ConnXtionz Dance Company will perform at MS4MS at World Series Park
on Oct. 30.
(Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
Local state reps blast Boston’s plans to
relocate “Methadone Mile” to Quality Inn
T
he plans of the Boston Public
Health Commission (BPHC)
to convert the Quality Inn Boston-Revere
at 100 Morris St. into
a transitional homeless shelter
has come under fire from two
local state legislators. State Rep.
Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere)
and State Rep. Donald H. Wong
(R-Saugus) have been circulating
a letter with local officials in Revere
and Saugus and members
of the Massachusetts Legislature
seeking support in opposing
the proposal. “It is with great
urgency that we write to you today
regarding the untenable position
that Boston Public Health
Commission has put vulnerable
residents, the City of Revere and
Town of Saugus in,” the two local
legislators wrote in their letter.
“More specifically, we are appalled
by the lack of transparency,
communication, accountability,
or even basic courtesy that the
Boston Public Health Commission
has displayed in concocting
and attempting to execute a ‘regional’
plan to address the disaster
within its own jurisdiction on
Melnea Cass Boulevard by converting
the Quality Inn Hotel at
100 Morris St., Revere, to a homeless
transitional center,” Giannino
and Wong wrote in their letter.
In a cover letter, the two legislators
reasoned, “If the city of Boston
can put the city of Revere and
Town of Saugus in this situation,
they can do this to any community
… We are asking that you signify
your support by signing on
to the letter attached which expresses
that this plan is an unacceptable
regional approach. We
will submit the letter to Dr. Ojikutu
of the BPHC.”
The issue came to a head last
week when Revere Mayor Brian
Arrigo learned from the BPHC
about the plan to address the
long-standing homelessness
and substance abuse problems
at Massachusetts Avenue and
Melnea Cass Boulevard by shuttling
homeless people to the
closed motel along Route 1.
The Saugus Board of Selectmen
met early yesterday morning
to discuss Boston’s proposal
to relocate the “Methadone
Mile” from Melnea Cass Boulevard
to the Quality Inn, which is
located adjacent to Bennet Highway
close to Saugus. “While the
Board understands the drug addiction/abuse
crisis in this state,
we were never informed about
Boston’s regional partnership
plan for this location,” Board of
Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano
said.
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` )׉	 7cassandra://AW6FACrM4GYKS7PwXbU9H2iX7Z3RKBNcB0HPPxhz39Mͪ`J׉	 7cassandra://Oe7Syz00tZKK5IgJ6lLxfO91aNX3UoyUUtNh_RpFHq40`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://STfWYNC2hu6tidCl2J15qVU9J4qnVPXG31u0JtqFGug .͠a_FpXJTט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://A_zdzOzln3G6Aza0gUzCV-5h16vR4Bk8JLn_PxAc6fA i`)׉	 7cassandra://izJjp6b6TP66ud7ZMocKQepBEVcbOfIFkhB-DwsFKu0Yv`J׉	 7cassandra://uCcCFdxXYA3vQaJSqhaej4o0A744OAz6MTAOCBfEdQo `̰ ׉	 7cassandra://QIxxdA96KEWC3YE903-epWwjlSStNaCQwfd5aR4lWMM & ^p͠a_GpXJTԔנa_GpXJTځ CA9ׁHhttp://SAVE.orgׁׁЈנa_GpXJTف [.̑9ׁHhttp://www.SaׁׁЈנa_GpXJT؁ TV9ׁHmailto:twkennedylaw@gmail.comׁׁЈנa_GpXJTׁ Q.̨9ׁHhttps://vimeo.com/sauׁׁЈ׉E:Page 8
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Harvested community garden vegetables
donated to the community’s less fortunate
By Tara Vocino
A
s fall began, people who
harvested vegetables
grown from the community
garden at St. John’s Episcopal
Church continued their delivery
of food to the local food pantries.
According to St.
John’s
Episcopal Church Rev. John
Beach, a 3,000-square-foot and
600-square-foot garden in his
church rectory’s garden area and
front lawn produced 100 pounds
of tomatoes, or five bushels,
within the last month. Last week,
they grew 45 pounds of tomatoes
and 10 pounds of potatoes.
In September, volunteers harvested
10 pounds of radishes, 23
pounds of potatoes, 10 pounds
of tomatoes and six bags of basil.
In August, they grew 20 pounds
of tomatoes, 10 ounces of onions
and one bag of basil.
Approximately 40 volunteers
in total came out, averaging 8
to 10 people weekly. The garden
has been successful, and
Rev. Beach intends to continue
the program into next spring/
summer. “It’s been great working
with these volunteers,” Rev.
Beach said. “My first time garNot
welcome here
Saugus selectmen join Revere officials and local
legislators in opposing Boston’s proposal to relocate
“Methadone Mile” to Quality Inn in Revere
By Mark E. Vogler
T
he Board of Selectmen
held an emergency
meeting on Sept. 30 to
discuss and brief the public
on a Boston official’s proposal
to relocate the “Methadone
Mile” to the Quality
Inn in Revere near the Saugus
town line.
“There is no way this board
is going to support something
like this,” Board of Selectmen
Chair Anthony Cogliano
declared during the session
that lasted more than
an hour.
“We’re going to do everything
we can to make sure
it never happens,” Cogliano
said.
Selectmen agreed to support
a letter already signed
by two state legislators who
represent the town and Revere
city officials who have
opposed the City of Boston’s
proposal to turn the
closed motel into a transitional
homeless center that
would serve that city’s residents.
State Rep. Jessica Ann
Giannino (D-Revere) and
state Rep. Donald H. Wong
(R-Saugus) have been circulating
a letter with local officials
in Revere and Saugus
and members of the state
legislature seeking support in
opposing the proposal.
“It is with great urgency
that we write to you today
regarding the untenable
position that Boston
Public Health Commission
[BPHC] has put vulnerable
residents, the City of Revere
and Town of Saugus in,” the
two local legislators wrote in
their letter.
“More specifically, we are
appalled by the lack of transparency,
communication,
accountability, or even basic
courtesy that the Boston
Public Health Commission
has displayed in concocting
and attempting to execute
a ‘regional’ plan to address
the disaster within its own
jurisdiction on Melnea Cass
Boulevard by converting the
Quality Inn Hotel at 100 Morris
Street, Revere, to a homeless
transitional center,” Giannino
and Wong wrote in
their letter.
In a cover letter, the two
legislators reasoned, “If the
City of Boston can put the
City of Revere and Town of
Saugus in this situation, they
can do this to any community.
“We
are asking that you
signify your support by signing
on to the letter attached
which expresses that this
plan is an unacceptable regional
approach. We will submit
the letter to Dr. Ojikutu of
the BPHC.”
The issue came to a head
last week when Revere Mayor
Brian Arrigo learned from
the BPHC about the plan to
address the long-standing
homelessness and substance
abuse problems at Massachusetts
Avenue and Melnea
Cass Boulevard by shuttling
homeless people to the
closed motel along Route 1.
In addressing selectmen at
last week’s meeting, Rep. Wong
said he doesn’t believe that
Boston had a viable plan for
dealing with a homeless population
plagued by drugs. “This is
NOT WELCOME | SEE PAGE 19
Volunteers Bruce and Judy Maxwell, at left, deliver the vegetables
to local food pantries Friday mornings. At right are St. John’s
Episcopal Church Rev. John Beach and his wife, Denise Bénéteau.
(Saugus Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Denise Bénéteau weighs 12
pounds of tomatoes to deliver
to those in need.
dening, I wouldn’t be able to do
it without them.”
Volunteer Laura Eisener, who is
also a Saugus Garden Club member,
said the project turned out
well, adding that it was a nice
range of crops. The club donated
blueberry plants in July. “I think
people enjoyed being in the garden
and learned a lot,” said Eisener,
whose favorite vegetable is
ELECTION | FROM PAGE 1
ferencing platform for participating
candidates. The event will be
broadcast live on Channel 8 by
Saugus Community TV (SCTV)
at 7 p.m. for public viewing, and
the recording will be made available
on https://vimeo.com/saugustelevision
within a few business
days.
“As we have in the past, SAVE
provides this public service forum
so that each candidate for
the Board of Selectmen has the
opportunity to share their views
on the critical environmental issues
facing our Town,” SAVE said
in a recent press release.
“While this year’s virtual format
is a departure from our usual
in-person event, we feel that givFinal
Day to register to vote
Any Saugus resident who is
not a registered voter has until
Wednesday (Oct. 13) to register
to vote in the town’s Nov. 2 election.
The Town Clerk’s Office will
be open that day from 8:15 a.m.
to 8 p.m.
ELECTION | SEE PAGE 21
Law Offices of
Terrence W.
Kennedy
512 Broadway, Everett
• Criminal Defense
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Tel: (617) 387-9809
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sweet, purple tomatoes to place
inside a salad.
Five weeks into the delivery,
volunteer Judy Maxwell, who
picked up vegetables with her
husband, Bruce, to deliver, said
she’s thrilled with the outcome,
adding that there’s a lot more
to go.
ing the candidates an opportunity
to share their environmental
goals and concerns, in any
format, is so important for informed
voting,” the SAVE statement
continued.
For more information about
SAVE, please visit the group’s
website at http://www.SaugusSAVE.org
and follow the link to
its Facebook group.
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Page 9
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Michael J. Serino announces his bid for
reelection to the Board of Selectmen
M
ichael J. Serino, a life-long
Saugus resident, has formally
announced his candidacy
for one of the fi ve seats available
on the Board of Selectmen in the
upcoming November 2nd election.
Serino is a graduate of Saugus
High School and the University
of Massachusetts.
Serino has served the residents
RUNNING FOR REELECTION:
Michael J. Serino seeks another
two-year term on the Saugus
Board of Selectmen. (Courtesy
photo to The Saugus Advocate)
GRABOWSKI | FROM PAGE 1
“Making sure everyone is
safe”
In response to Whittredge’s
comments, School Committee
Vice-Chair Ryan Fisher also expressed
dismay at the alleged
of Saugus with professionalism
and integrity for many years. His
extensive public service record includes
serving as Chairman of several
boards including the Board of
Selectmen, Board of Assessors and
the Conservation Commission.
He also spent some time as a
member of our Planning Board.
Serino’s fi rst involvement in public
service evolved at the age of 21
when he was elected as a Town
incident that prompted members
to meet remotely instead
of in person. It’s unfortunate
we have a beautiful new School
Committee room and we can’t
use it,” Fisher told his colleagues.
“In life, you have to take responsibility
for your actions. In
OVER-DEVELOPMENT: After the
Meeting Member from Precinct
Ten. In 2010, Serino served as the
vice-chairman of the Town Meeting
Charter Commission where
he co-authored meaningful charter
changes that were approved by
a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Town
Meeting members.
I believe that my proven experience
and ability to work with people
has resulted in many accomplishments
that has benefi ted our
community, including:
FINANCIAL: The development
of fi nancial management policies
which has resulted in approximately
9.5 million dollars in our stabilization
fund along with 4 million
dollars in our free cash account.
Consequently, Saugus currently
has a bond rating of AA+, the highest
bond rating in Saugus’s history.
this case, the rest of us are the
ones taking responsibility, making
sure everyone is safe,” he said.
In an interview later, Fisher
elaborated on his concerns.
“I don’t think anyone is gobsmacked
we’re talking about
yet another incident with this
member. It’s a pattern of behavior
that he’s been unwilling to
control for years for which he refuses
to take responsibility,” Fisher
said of Grabowski, while not
naming him.
“When he made racist statements
that insulted our English
language learners and their families
earlier this year, he didn’t
apologize, blamed the rest of
the committee for his words
and only seemed alarmed when
members of the community
were permitted to voice their
displeasure over his objections
during public comment,” he said.
“No company would allow
development of the former Hilltop
property on Route One, I was the
fi rst public offi cial to state my concern
regarding the amount of residential
development allowed on
that site. Ninety two percent (92%)
of the project represented residential,
whereas only eight percent
(8%) represented commercial development.
The impact to our public
safety, our school system and
the loss of our commercial tax base
were concerns of mine.
Consequently, I was the main
author of recent zoning changes
which will mandate more commercial
and less residential development
along Route One.
Also included in my proposals
were stronger setback requirements
in order to protect
the surrounding abutting neighborhoods.
With the overwhelming
support of our Town Meeting
Members we were able to make
these changes.
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTthis
liability under its roof, and I
support the decision to remain
in Zoom as a committee so everyone’s
safety and comfort is
assured. We won’t allow another
incident of any kind,” he said.
Committee members sought
Grabowski’s resignation
All four of Grabowski’s colleagues
called for him to resign
following an incident earlier this
year which involved interaction
he had with School Department
staff . In late January, Grabowski
barged into then-Superintendent
Dr. David DeRuosi Jr.’s offi
ce, interrupted a meeting and
made a comment about the
school district needing people
who can speak English to operate
snowblowers, according
to the minutes of an Executive
Session meeting about the incident.
Committee members
voted 4-0 during that March 11
meeting to sanction him for reMENTS:
Considerable investments
have been made to benefit the
Youth of our community such as
a new Middle/High school, several
renovations of the Belmonte upper-elementary
school and our new
sports complex at the Middle/High
school. Furthermore, we continue
to invest in our sidewalks, roadways,
water and sewer systems.
Moreover, we continue to invest
in environmental initiatives such
as our tree planting program, our
solar farm and our CHARM center.
In closing, I have always strived
to serve our community with professionalism
and integrity. Working
together as a community, we
can accomplish great things. You
can always count on me to continue
to be your voice in protecting
the quality of life in your neighborhood.
I am proud to be raised
in a family with a rich tradition of
public service and I would truly
appreciate one of your fi ve votes
on Tuesday, November 2nd.Thank
you for your consideration, Mike
marks they perceived as “racist”
and to take a sensitivity training
class. They also wanted their colleague
to apologize to anyone
he off ended.
Grabowski’s refusal to accept
responsibility for his off ensive
comments, apologize publicly
and seek sensitivity training
motivated committee members
to call for his resignation
during their March 31 meeting.
One committee member
condemned the remarks as
“damaging” and “harmful” in a
school district where a signifi -
cant number of students are English
Language Learners (ELL).
The four other School Committee
members later voted to
strip Grabowski of his subcommittee
assignments as a form of
censure.
“Arthur Grabowski, once again,
GRABOWSKI | SEE PAGE 19
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•Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
׉	 7cassandra://PpoIzdyvUVbk0gdYMn1uHU0Lfhk7ViiozC64Sa_n_YA.,`̰ a_=pXJT׉E)THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 11
THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS
By Mark E. Vogler
H
ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know
about this week in Saugus.
World Series Park to dedicate lights tonight
This just in at the deadline yesterday – World Series
Park will be holding a dedication of the lighting project
tonight (Friday, Oct. 8). There will be a food buffet and
entertainment from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., immediately followed
by the dedication ceremony. All donors have been
invited to the reception and ceremony. The culmination
will be the lighting up of the park.
Mobile vaccination bus tomorrow
The Saugus Public Schools, in collaboration with the
Saugus Board of Health, have made it more convenient
for town residents to get vaccinated for COVID-19 if they
haven’t already. There will be a mobile vaccination bus
in the parking lot of the Saugus Middle-High School tomorrow
(Saturday, Oct. 9) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Erin McMahon
told the School Committee at Wednesday (Oct. 6) night’s
meeting that she and Health Director John R. Fralick III
have been working on the logistics for the mobile vaccination
bus since July.
Town residents will be able to receive the Pfizer and
Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The vaccination rate for
students from 12 to 15 is fewer than 60 percent, according
to McMahon.
Trash/recycling running on one-day holiday delay
The Town of Saugus announced that trash and recycling
collection will run on a one-day delay from Tuesday,
Oct.12, through Saturday, Oct.16, due to the observance
of Columbus Day. There will be no collection on
Monday, October 11, 2021, due to the holiday. Services
will resume on a one-day delay from Tuesday through
Saturday. Residents whose collection day falls on Monday
will be collected on Tuesday. Collection will continue
to run on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week.
The compost site will be open normal hours, from 8
a.m. to 2 p.m., on the following days: tomorrow (Saturday,
Oct. 9) and Wednesday, Oct. 13.
The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone
for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling
Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with
any questions.
We have a winner!
Congratulations to Donna Lawrence for getting her
name drawn from the green Boston Red Sox hat as the
winner of last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest.
She was one of several people who answered correctly.
But we only have one winner each week. Guessing the
right answer before noon on Tuesday has a chance to
go into the hat. Here’s the answer, offered by the person
who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist:
“The answer to last week’s sketch is the life-saving Saugus
Fire Department Lieutenant Damian Drella, who is
also an E. M. T.
“The Lieutenant has been with the Saugus Fire Dept.
For 30 + years…Lt . Drella assists with time is of the essence
life or death emergencies, gas leaks, someone
trapped in a car or elevator, vehicle, car crashes, and
drug overdoses.
“Emergency and Public Safety Officers never know
what will unfold during the day. So, they have to be
prepared and up for anything – highly skilled and calm
under pressure. Lieutenant Damian Drella is seasoned
with these skills and highly qualified with team efforts
and experience.
“Most often when Public Service Emergency Teams
approach a scene, they never know what’s waiting for
them at the other end. They answer the calls with bravery,
knowing this could be their last mission, but still forging
ahead – often laying their life on the line to be accessible
to help another to survive, often protecting the innocent
from perpetrators. They may rescue a family from
a burning house, a couple from a locked car and flooded
streets with wires down or trapped in cars during severe
storms. The list is endless of what these firefighters
do for us in our Saugus town.
“Lieutenant Damian Drella is an accomplished, pubGUESS
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 correctly
identifies the Saugonian being sketched between
now and Tuesday at noon 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”)
vice – family of Emergency Services ready to serve. Such
a great example to follow.
“Thank you for ALL you do for ALL of us Saugonians
making us feel safe, protecting our environment and
our homes!
“Yours Truly, The Sketch Artist”
Legion Hall Fridays for breakfast!
Great news for people who enjoy the Friday morning
breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott
J. Procopio Post 210. Legion Hall, which is located at 44
Taylor St., has resumed its Friday breakfasts and will continue
through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet
breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7.
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.
“Shout-Outs” to the marathoners from Saugus
Monday (Oct. 11) marks the 125th Boston Marathon –
an internationally famous running event that was cancelled
last year because of COVID-19. Normally held on
lished photographer. He takes action photography,
which is published in many newspapers, including The
Saugus Advocate. His photographs cover a large scope
of subjects. Some of his topics include chronicling the
damages of storms such as Hurricane Florence, and also
Fire Investigations. Such an array of depth and lively action
scenes in his photography. His photos are crisp and
clear and seem to tell a story with no words.
“Lieutenant Damian Drella is a Saugus High Graduate
class of 1985. His wife was an E. M. T. and their children
have served or are currently serving in some Emergency
Capacity such as EMTs Paramedic and Firefighters. Both
of their sons are E.M.T.’s and headed in the direction of
following their Dad’s footsteps as life-long Firefighters.
The Lieutenant is surrounded by his family of Public SerPatriots
Day, the organizers decided to delay the race this
year until the fall because of lingering concerns about
the pandemic.
This week’s “Shout-Outs” are dedicated to the 14 runners
from Saugus who are registered in the race. Giant
cheers go out to David Alvarez, Kevin Belyea, Christopher
Chapruet, Heather Delaney, Robert Favuzza, Brenda
Iafrate, Matthew Imbergamo, Kristina Italiano, Dave
Jefska, Michael Mclaughlin, Shelagh O’Connell, Gina Spaziani,
Katherine Swierk and Don Zollo. While most of us
will be relaxing with family and friends over the holiday,
these 14 athletes will compete in the world’s oldest annual
marathon – a grueling 26.2 mile race that will test
their physical endurance and mental toughness.
Hats off to those runners! Make Saugus proud. And
they will, just by completing the long race that they
trained hard for.
A posthumous “Shout-Out” for Greg Nickolas
School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould
submitted this “shout-out” posthumously in honor of
Gregory Nickolas, the town’s late Youth & Recreation director,
who passed away last week at age 58:
“Greg was an asset to Saugus Youth and was not afraid
to utilize his life experiences to guide the youth in a positive
manner.
“He never wanted to be in the spotlight but rather
help our youth.”
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 “Shout At” for stupid student vandals
School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge was visibly
angry at the Wednesday (Oct. 6) School Committee
meeting when he essentially read the riot act to the so
far unknown students vandalizing the bathrooms in the
new Saugus Middle-High School.
“It’s not a joke,” Whittredge said, referring to a recent incident
where bathroom fixtures were ripped off or damaged.
“I just want to let the parents know that anybody
caught doing this … it’s not going to be ‘Hey, it’s a joke,
let ’em go.’ You are going to be prosecuted.”
“It’s expensive to fix all this stuff that kids are ripping
out. There’s no need for it,” he said.
Hopefully, school officials and police will find out who
is responsible for the vandalism. The kids should be expelled
or suspended and prosecuted for their crimes and
ordered to pay restitution. There’s no need for this type
of conduct in Saugus Public Schools.
Laugh with the Lions
Back from the pandemic restrictions, the Saugus Lions
are out roaring again. And they should be in rare
form on Thursday, Oct. 21, when they hold their annual
comedy night fundraiser at Prince Pizzeria. There will
be great food, awesome prizes and uproarious (no pun
intended) comedians, including Johnny Pizzi.
Come join the fun while helping a great cause – 100%
of all fundraising proceeds go back to the community
and eye research. Many strides have happened toward
the end of blindness. With your help, blindness will be
no more!
Tickets are $30. That includes pizza and the show –
a good deal! Doors open at 6:30 p.m. We want to see
you there!
Pumpkin Patch in full swing
The First Congregational Annual Pumpkin Patch is upand-running
and will be open through Halloween, Oct.
31. Pumpkins of all sizes are displayed on the church
lawn and are available for purchase every day from 10
a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Come and visit our Pumpkin Patch. It will put you in
the fall spirit,” Pumpkin Patch Coordinator Carl Spencer
said. “The pumpkins are going fast, so come and choose
yours. We appreciate all the people who helped unload
THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 12
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 11
the truck. The church truly enjoys hosting this great fall
event.”
DAR Honoring Veterans
The Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution (DAR) is taking orders for American
flags to be displayed at the Saugus Town Hall lawn
on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, from 8 am. to noon. Each flag
purchased will list the full name and rank of service,
branch of service and years served, if known. Otherwise,
whatever knowledge you have will be included on the
tag. Each flag will be tagged with the information you
provide, either In Memory of, if deceased, or In Honor
of, if still living. An example: ‘In Memory of Ensign Paul
Jones, US Navy 1980-1995.
Several members of the DAR will place them on the
lawn. At noon you may pick up your flag and place it on
the grave of the veteran or give it to the veteran you are
honoring, if living, to thank them for their service.
The DAR is a women’s group service organization honoring
the American Flag and our Veterans and promoting
History, Education and Patriotism.
Please send your requested information, along with a
check for $5.00 made out to the DAR Parson Roby Chapter,
and mail it to Ms. Linda Ross, DAR, 88 Main St., Saugus,
MA 01906.
If you require further information, please call Regent
Charlotte Line, Saugus Parson Roby Chapter, at 781820-7815.
“Murder
at Breakheart Hill Farm” authors talk
On Wednesday (Oct. 13) at 7 p.m., Doug Heath and
Alison Simcox will present a talk about their local history
research at the Saugus Historical Society meeting (30
Main St., Saugus).
Doug and Alison have collaborated on six books about
Saugus and surrounding towns. In the midst of the pandemic,
their book “Murder at Breakheart Hill Farm” was
published – with the true story of a shocking murder at
Breakheart at the beginning of the 20th century.
Their latest publication is a trail guide for Virginia
Wood, the historic section of Middlesex Fells Reservation
named after “ice king” Frederic Tudor’s niece. Signed
copies will be available. Their other books are “Breakheart
Reservation,” “Lake Quannapowitt,” “Middlesex Fells”
and “The Lost Mill Villages of Middlesex Fells.” Alison
and Doug are environmental scientists whose local history
research has spanned many years, and the historical
society is delighted to have them back in person at
the October meeting.
The Saugus Historical Society meeting is free and open
to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more
details, please contact Laura Eisener at LDELD@shore.net
or 781-231-5988.
8th Gold Star Run for Honor next weekend
The 8th Gold Star Run for Honor is set for next Saturday,
Oct. 16, here in Saugus, in memory of the late Scott
Procopio, who was killed in action 14 years ago in Ramadi,
Iraq. Contestants have several different race options
– a 5K, a 10K, a mile walk and a kids fun run – with
100 percent of the proceeds going to the Scott Procopio
Scholarship Fund. Runners will be able to pick up their
packets on race day at Saugus Center in front of the
Town Hall from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
The course covers a mixture of terrains with one goodsized
climb. All distances start at the same time and all
fuel stops will have water and electrolytes. Strollers and
dogs are welcome.
For those who are concerned about COVID-19, there
will be a virtual option for the Gold Star Run. You’ll have
all weekend to complete your preferred distance while
receiving all the glory, including all the swag, and even
an opportunity to submit your race results. Unfortunately,
you won’t be eligible for awards, but you will
have the opportunity to download a finishers certificate
upon completion.
Awards will be presented to the individuals scoring
for the top three teams in each classification. The winning
teams also receive the coveted Corporate Challenge
Cup for display at their organizations.
There will be a variety of community sponsors and
vendors set up in front of the Saugus Town Hall. Essex
Landing will be onsite providing hot dogs for all participants,
and other food/drink will be available.
Scott Procopio is a Saugus war hero. He was on his
second deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom,
having previously served in Fallujah in 2005. He
was killed in action as a result of a roadside bomb on
the morning of April 2, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq.
This race raises money for the CPL Scott J. Procopio
Memorial Scholarship program to provide high school
seniors with academic scholarships. For more information,
contact High5EM | 978-594-7050 | info@high5em.com
Want
to serve Saugus?
Feel like getting involved in meaningful public service
for your hometown? Go to Saugus Town Hall. You
will find plenty of opportunities there.
The Saugus Town Manager is accepting resumes/applications
from Saugus residents for several volunteer
positions on the following Boards or Commissions:
Board of Assessors: The responsibility of this board
is to annually determine the full and fair market value of
all real estate in the town. Guidelines are set by the Dept.
of Revenue, Bureau of Local Assessment.
Board of Health: This board is responsible for protecting
and serving the citizens in health areas, such as food
sanitation, restaurants, markets, compliance with the
state sanitary and other health codes, and emergency
preparedness. Medical degree or physicians preferred.
Boats and Waterways Commission: The responsibilities
of these positions are to provide a clear, effective
and professional policy that will ensure the interest of
commercial, fishing and recreational boating and that
the waterways will be accessible to all citizens.
Commission on Disabilities: The responsibilities of
these positions are to answer questions and provide referral
guidance regarding disability-related issues in accordance
with the Mass. General Laws.
Conservation Commission: The Commission’s responsibility
is to preserve the natural resources of Saugus
and to protect the remaining open spaces, wild life,
salt marshes, and ponds and to restore streams and the
Saugus River to their natural state.
Historical Commission: The Commission’s responsibility
is to preserve and register all historical sites in
Saugus.
Planning Board: The Board’s responsibilities are to
hear, review and vote on the applications proposed to
the Town of Saugus regarding subdivision plans, zoning
special permits, rezoning issues and site plan review
permits.
Youth and Recreation: The Commission was established
for the purpose of carrying out programs including
but not limited to those designed to meet the opportunities,
challenges and problems of the youths of
the town.
If you are interested in volunteering and are a resident
of Saugus, please submit a letter of interest and resume
by Friday, Oct. 15 to: Saugus Town Manager, 298
Central St., Suite 1, Saugus, MA 01906, or email Cmoreschi@saugus-ma.gov.
Healthy
Students-Healthy Saugus Program Resumes
for the 21-22 School Year
(Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement
submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board
of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, providing
information about the return of the program for the
new school year.)
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
who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious
food for when school lunches and breakfasts are
unavailable to them on weekends.
How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at
school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items
as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/
soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal,
oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign
up, complete 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.
HS2 is accepting nonperishables to support the program.
Items can be dropped off in a designated donation
bin at the Saugus Town Hall lobby. Items have been
carefully chosen and we ask that donations are not expired
and come only from this list:
–Macaroni & cheese, 7.5 oz.
–Peanut butter, 15 oz.
–Jelly (squeeze plastic bottles)
–Canned vegetables (i.e., sliced carrots, green beans,
peas, corn), 15 oz.
–Canned tuna, 5 oz.
–Canned chicken, 10 oz.
–Canned beans
–Canned meals (i.e., soups, chili, SpaghettiOs, raviolis)
–Fruit cups
–Oatmeal packets
–Cold cereal
–Granola bars
–Pasta
–Pasta sauce (no glass)
Saugus Cultural Council seeks grant proposals
The Saugus Cultural Council has set an Oct. 15 deadline
for organizations, schools and individuals to apply
for grants that support cultural activities in the community.
Supported programs will take place in 2022.
These grants can support a variety of artistic projects
and activities in Saugus – including exhibits, festivals,
field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances
in schools, workshops and lectures, according to Saugus
Cultural Council Chair Mike Sullivan. This year the
Saugus Cultural Council will distribute about $16,000
in grants, Sullivan said.
Previously funded organizations include the Saugus
Public Schools, the Friends of Breakheart Reservation,
the Senior Center and the Saugus Public Library.
The Saugus Cultural Council is part of a network of 329
Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns
in the Commonwealth. The LCC Program is the largest
grassroots cultural funding network in the nation, supporting
thousands of community-based projects in the
arts, sciences and humanities every year. The state legislature
provides an annual appropriation to the Mass
Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates
funds to each community.
For local guidelines and complete information on
the Saugus Cultural Council, you can contact Sullivan
at michaelsullivan027@gmail.com or 617-968-6261. Application
forms and more information about the Local
Cultural Council Program are available online at www.
mass-culture.org.
Let’s hear it!
Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like
to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested
in your feedback. It’s been over five and a half years
since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always
interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible
stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview
of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@
comcast.net.
Do you have some interesting views on an issue that
you want to express to the community? Submit your
idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview
over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy
the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing
social distancing and be interviewed from the safety
of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide
that option to you as the nation recovers from the
Coronavirus crisis.
If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview
would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works.
׉	 7cassandra://ekU-oGS8Pm4kxU_wkyg2X1D17_tYnAoARNod7st70KQ$`̰ a_=pXJT׉E)THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 13
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne Riley seeks a second two-year term
M
y name is Corinne Riley,
and I would like to take
AN AD V OC ATE FOR
TRANSPARENCY: Board of
Selectmen Vice-Chair Corinne
Riley seeks more openness in town
government as she campaigns for a
second term. (Courtesy photo to The
Saugus Advocate)
ASKS | FROM PAGE 3
closed schools.
Board of Selectmen ViceChair
Corinne Riley: There
are several important issues in
town, including finalizing our
Master Plan, economic development
including Cliftondale
Square, improving communication
with residents, and improving
the day-to-day customer
service provided to our residents
on tree, road, and drainage
issues.
But the most urgent challenge
is public safety. That includes
prioritizing a West-side Fire Station.
It includes working proactively
with Revere and State colleagues
to prevent the Methadone
Mile relocation to the Saugus
town line. It includes addressing
COVID issues like PPE,
supporting the free testing station,
and making the latest guidance
and resources available. It
includes finding a way to limit
NOx output at Wheelabrator
to 150 ppm.
Selectman Michael J. Serino:
I believe the most urgent
challenge facing Saugus is the
over-development of residential
apartments on Route One.
In 2015 Town Meeting rezoned
Route One from commercial
to mixed use zoning.
After development of the (11
acre) Hilltop property, I was concerned
that (92%) represented
residential and only (8%) represented
commercial development.
Moreover, I was concerned
with the impact to our
public safety, schools and the
loss of our commercial tax base.
Therefore, I authored zoning
changes mandating a minimum
percentage of commercial use.
The Town Meeting overwhelmingly
approved the changes. An
this opportunity to announce
my candidacy for re-election
to the Saugus Board of
Selectmen (BOS). I run independently,
and I am not part
of any ‘pack’ of candidates. I
do not hold or seek employment
with the Town in any capacity.
This way, I am not beholden
to anyone except you,
the taxpayers, students, and
seniors of Saugus.
My priorities on the BOS include
increased transparency,
accountability, cooperation,
and my most important priority
is ensuring that all voices
are heard in Saugus. Specific
goals include finalizing our
Master Plan, increased public
outreach and input, a West(11
acre) lot would now require
a minimum of (30%) commercial
use, thereby reducing residential
apartments.
Currently, a few projects were
approved under the old zoning
bylaws. To date no new projects
have been proposed under the
new zoning bylaws. I will continue
to monitor this challenge.
The challengers
Leo M. Fonseca, Jr.: The revitalization
of Cliftondale Square
– Having a “downtown area” is
vital, and I believe not having
one is a real weakness in Saugus.
In order to continue the
Town’s growth and prosperity,
I will work hard with Town
leaders and residents to shape
what this should look like. I believe
my expertise in restaurants
and hospitality and my work on
several urban boards and development
projects in Boston and
beyond will be invaluable in this
process. I will listen to the wants
and needs of neighbors and
hear their concerns. I will work
with landlords, builders, retailers
and restaurants and other
businesses on planning, design
and scope. Most importantly, I
will collaborate with fellow Selectmen
and Town leadership
to get this done and continue
to move Saugus forward.
Elizabeth Marchese, a former
School Committee member:
The largest challenge facing
Saugus town government
is how to reduce or control the
ever increasing tax burden upon
our residents. Property tax and
water bill rates have greatly risen
this year. I fear we are slowly
taxing our residents out of their
homes, especially those on fixed
incomes. Now add the building
of the new Northeast Vocational
School along with the need for a
West Side Fire Station and staffside
Fire Station, Economic
Development including Cliftondale
Square revitalization,
NOx compliance at Wheelabrator,
improved communication
and customer service for
residents.
I have served as Vice-Chair
of the BOS since 2019. During
this term, I proposed our first
Citizens Input Forum, held in
February 2020. This forum included
inputs from the public
that were later included
in the BOS Goals and Objectives,
including the West-side
Fire Station and Cliftondale
Square revitalization. I have
long thought that better cooperation
with the State would
benefit Saugus. Accordingly,
I have worked successfully
with State Representative
ing, this burden will ultimately
be passed on again to our resident
homeowners. It’s time to
think outside of the box and
find ways of bringing more revenue
into Saugus to alleviate the
burden on our residents. One
way is to utilize our Wheelabrator
Committee and to sit down
to negotiate a host community
agreement and/or a landfill operations
contract containing tipping
fees such as is in existence
with the town of Shrewsbury.
Another way is to attract more
businesses such as Town Meeting
Member Joseph Vecchione
is attempting to do with the Cliftondale
Revitalization Committee.
It is imperative that no matter
what the results on November
2nd our government leaders
work together for solutions.
Darren R. McCullough: I feel
as though the biggest challenge
facing town government is the
COVID-19 pandemic we continue
to face. The Covid virus has
changed the way we communicate
with one another, and
has created many obstacles and
challenges while continuing to
facilitate meetings within our
town government and remain
a full service community. The
Covid 19 virus has impacted the
way we converse, govern, educate
our children, and live our
lives as a whole.
If I was fortunate enough to be
elected as a Saugus Selectmen, I
would work collaboratively with
the towns Public Health Director,
Towns Administration and
School Administration to continue
making the health and
safety a priority for our residents.
Domenic Montano, a former
Board of Selectmen candidate:
Opioid Epidemic and
Public Safety Staffing. The town
needs to get ahead of the opiWong
to bring funding for our
first flashing crosswalk signs
to Saugus. After seeing significant
unemployment and
food insecurity due to COVID,
I worked with the BOS, Town
Meeting, and Representative
Wong again to pass a law establishing
the Saugus Emergency
Relief Fund, which is
funded by voluntary donations
on tax bills and will provide
direct relief to our residents
in times of emergency. I ran
in 2019 to promote accountability,
so during recent BOS
meetings regarding the Town
Manager contract extension,
I was adamant that language
was added specifying a public
evaluation, which was agreed
upon, and is a significant improvement
over the previous
oid epidemic by having services
in town for these individuals so
that together, we can assist families
in need. Public safety staffing
needs to be considered with
first responders, (Fire, Police,
EMS) responding to these calls.
I would like the town to consider
the DPW and its workers. I believe
that they are severely understaffed,
making emergencies
in town, where they respond to,
increasingly difficult (i.e. fallen
trees, plowing, sanding). Drawing
attention to these issues is
something that I would address
as an elected Selectman.
Harry Young: An urgent challenge
that needs addressing
is route 1. We need to look at
the zoning allowing all the new
housing developments. Collaboration
with all the departments
in town is needed to determine
how to best address the strain
on our resources. Currently we
have a shortage of manpower
in all our public safety departments
including ambulances.
We shouldn’t be putting residents
at risk because the town
does not have the resources
needed to cover the influx of
new residents. We must make
sure the town’s resources grow
along with housing. We need to
keep the safety and services in
town a priority.
For the School Committee
Q: In 100 words or less, what
do you consider the most urgent
challenge facing Saugus
Public Schools? And as
an elected School Committee
member, what would you
do to help address that challenge?
The
incumbents:
School Committee ViceChair
Ryan P. Fisher: Easy question.
We need to significantly
raise student achievement.
contract. I also suggested and
organized the recent COVID
candlelight vigil held on Town
Hall lawn in September to remember
those we’ve lost, to
support their families, and recognize
those front-line workers
that did so much to support
us through COVID.
Aside from the BOS, I have
served on the School Committee,
secured AEDs for all public
schools, secured funding for
the FIRST Robotics Program,
taught religious education,
coached Little League, belong
to the Saugus Lions Club
and Saugus Veterans Council,
and fought privatization of the
Saugus school custodians.
I respectfully request your
vote on November 2. Thank
you!
Every major accomplishment,
from building the complex to
consolidating grades within
buildings to all new technology
everywhere to bringing on
Erin McMahon as superintendent
has been in service of this
one singular objective. The goal
to put Saugus at the top of the
state rankings over five years will
fix or alleviate every other problem,
but will require the full concentration
and effort of every
staff member, and the support
of every resident of the district.
Distractions can lead to failure.
We’ve been distracted repeatedly
by a committee member who
can’t exercise control and won’t
put the district before himself.
My twofold responsibility is to
support and monitor our efforts
at raising achievement, and to
help clear the path for success.
Big problems start as small concerns,
and I’ll continue to communicate
with parents and help
resolve their issues before our
momentum and progress are
jeopardized.
School Committee Member
Joseph “Dennis” Gould: One of
the most urgent challenges is
addressing the DESE report and
implementing improvements.
Since I started on the Committee
and five years as a volunteer
at Vets library, I have been an
advocate of hiring media specialists
for 2-5 and stocking the
new library area at Belmonte
and Vets with up to date books.
I am currently leading volunteers
setting up both libraries
and was successful getting and
keeping funding for media specialists
at Belmonte.
I also have been a proponent
for proper funding in drama,
chorus, arts, clubs and
ASKS | SEE PAGE 17
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Meet the 2021-2022 SHS Varsity Girls’ Field Hockey Sachems
T
By Tara Vocino
he Saugus High School
Varsity Girls’ Field Hockey
Sachems will hold their
Senior Night at Saugus Middle-High
School on Oct. 25
at 6 p.m.
SENIORS: Bottom row, pictured from left to right: Kristiana
Ormond, Gianna Costa, Lindsey McGovern, Sophia Scalisi, Emily
Orent and Andrea Marquez. Top row, pictured from left to right:
Krista Castle, Kali Penachio, Tayla Walsh, Georgia Fiore, Crystal
Kembo and Elise Rego.
SHS Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey: Front row, pictured from left to right: Emily Orent, Krista Castle,
Kali Penachio, Gianna Costa, Kristiana Ormond, Crystal Kembo, Elise Kego, Sophia Scalisi, Andrea
Marquez and Tayla Walsh. Second row, pictured from left to right: Lindsey Tammaro, Karina Martinez,
Natalie Comeau, Co-Capt. Georgia Fiore, Co-Capt. Lindsey McGovern, Anna Enwright, Dellana Wall,
Isabella Natalucci and Grace Fiore. Third row, pictured from left to right: Asst. Coach Amanda Naso,
Samantha Sarnacchiaro, Marissa Patterson, Abigail Enwright, Peyton DiBiasio, Jessica Bremberg,
Natalie Justice, Morgan Belyea, Maria Silva, Avianna Saint Hilaire, Audrey Comeau and Head Coach
Barbara Guarente.
Eighth-graders: Bottom row, pictured from left to right: Karina
Martinez, Natalie Comeau, Dellana Wall and Anna Enwright. Top
row, pictured from left to right: Audrey Comeau, Peyton DiBiasio,
Natalie Justice, Maria Silva and Avianna Saint Hilaire.
CAPTAINS: From left
to right: Assistant
Coach Amanda
Naso, Co-Capt .
Georgia Fiore,
Co-Capt. Lindsey
McGovern and
Head Coach Barbara
Guarente.
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Domenic Montano
announces his
candidacy for Board
of Selectmen
M
y name is Domenic Montano and
I am proud to announce my candidacy
for the Board of Selectmen in
Saugus.
My current profession is law enforcement
within the Town of Saugus. I have
been in this position for approximately
8 years and it has taught me invaluable
lessons not only as a public servant but
as a human being. I have seen individuals
at their worst and I am always committed
to them to do everything in my
power to give them the best possible
chance at success. We all thrive off of
help from another, from communication,
from teamwork. Some things cannot
be done by oneself and I want everyone
to know who I come in contact
with that, you are not alone.
My goal in my current role is to protect
and serve but I always try to do more. I
am a huge advocate of community policing
and intervention. I believe that it is
crucial to reach the community on a huof
Saugus staple event. I do fundraising
and volunteer work in partnership
with the Massachusetts Pink Patch Project,
a program centered around raising
awareness for Breast Cancer.
I am a Saugus High School as well
as Salem State University graduate. I
take education very seriously. I am very
pleased to see the new Saugus Middle-High
School up and running and
I am proud to see the Saugus Sachem
sign on the building from either side of
Route One. I am proud of this town and
what it stands for.
I am the fourth child of five in my famiRUNNING
AGAIN: Domenic Montano, a
candidate for selectman two years ago,
hopes to win a seat on the board in the
Nov. 2 town election. (Courtesy photo to
The Saugus Advocate)
man level and bridge the gap between
law enforcement. I am responsible, in
partnership with my coworker, Matthew
Donahue, for the Cars and Cops
Car Show, which has become a Town
ly. My parents, Domenica and Fred Montano
are my heroes. They taught me
that anything is possible if you are determined
and mentally strong. My father
was an immigrant from Sicily and
fought hard for his family to be successful.
My father’s famous line is, “You can
do anything you want to do, remember,
you’re a Montano!” It seems silly,
but it really does bring a sense of value,
love, and honor. My parents have
successfully shown me what it’s like to
operate small businesses, most recently
owning Montano’s Pasta and Pastry
Shop in Saugus, formerly located
at Cogliano’s Plaza. Folks, I’d be lying if
I said, I don’t miss that fresh Scali or Sicilian
Pizza! My brothers, sister, and sisters-in-law
are everything to me. Every
day my family seems to grow and all of
our hearts grow, just a little bigger. Just
recently we welcomed my brother and
sister-in-law’s new baby, Layla Montano
to the family. She has the sweetest laugh
and the best big sister, Olivia!
I would like to thank my girlfriend,
Deanna, who has been my biggest supporter
throughout all of my endeavors,
whether it is volunteer work, community
events, my hobbies (yes, I am the
guy with the Jurassic Jeep!), or my newest
venture, Selectman for Saugus, she
is always there, rooting me on!
I feel extremely honored to have
grown up in Saugus from the age of
14. Complied with the great honor to
serve the town and residents by keeping
them safe is something I will always
keep close to my heart. I feel that it is my
continued duty to take on the task of Selectman
to further continue giving back
to the community of Saugus, which has
given my family and me, so much.
I am asking for your vote and I promise
to be committed to you and our town. It
would be an honor to become a Selectman
for the Town to further ensure the
progress of Saugus, as well as to bring
new ideas to our great town!
׉	 7cassandra://YQbscdQWlGruFAs0Rq_HPk2rZan9V8-WgPRn2oJ0Wgk/+`̰ a_=pXJT׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 15
Sachems turned back at Beverly
T
By Greg Phipps
he Saugus High School girls’ soccer team had
a chance to claim an important victory on
Tuesday afternoon at Beverly but came out on the
wrong side of a 3-0 final. It was the fourth shutout
defeat for the Sachems this season. Saugus
was coming off a 2-1 triumph at Winthrop last Friday
and was looking to extend that trend with a
win on Tuesday over the Panthers. The
game got off to an inauspicious start;
however, when the hosts tallied early in
the game to quickly put the Sachems
behind 1-0.
The territorial advantage went to BevSaugus’s
Maddie Femino looks to drive past a Beverly
defender in Tuesday’s away loss. (Advocate photos by Greg
Phipps)
erly over the first 40 minutes. Saugus
managed very few thrusts inside the
Panthers’ zone while Sachems’ goalie
Tori Carter was pressured more often
by a forceful Beverly offensive attack. Carter
helped keep the Sachems close, as they
trailed 1-0 at the break.
Forward Maddie Femino had the lone deSaugus
defender Layla Manderson challenges a
Beverly player for the ball.
cent shot-on-net in the first half for Saugus
when her hard grounder from about 25 feet
away was cradled by Beverly goalie Kayla Cimon,
who would be called upon to make a
few big stops in the second period. Saugus
came out with more aggression in the second
half and began to take control of the territorial
play. That resulted in two great chances
from close in that were thwarted by Cimon,
who came far out of her net to challenge
the shots.
Perhaps the better of those two stops was
when she stuffed Saugus forward Veronica
Ortega, who came charging in on a loose ball.
Ortega’s bid was deflected away by a falling
Cimon. Soon after that, the Panthers notched
two goals in a span of less than two minutes
to suddenly increase their lead to 3-0 with
about 25 minutes remaining in the contest.
Saugus still had a few good chances to get
on the board. Forward Jenna Tennant came
very close to beating Cimon to another ball
and retrieving it with an open net. But the
P
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Peter Manoogian Announces
Candidacy for Re-Election to
Town Meeting for Precinct 10
eter Manoogian, of 50
Ballard Street Saugus,
has announced that he will
seek re-election to the Saugus
Town Meeting representing
Precinct 10.
First elected in 1985, Peter
has served East Saugus
and all of Saugus in a variety
of roles including three
terms as a Selectman, past
member and Chairman of
the Saugus Finance Committee,
Saugus School Committee,
and many appointed
sub-committees of Town
Meeting, most recently being
the Ballard School study
committee.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree
in History, and two
Master’s Degrees in Educational
Leadership and Public
Administration. As a lifelong
Saugonian, he attended
Saugus Public Schools as
did his three children.
His service and advocacy
for his community and his
precinct resulted in his being
named Saugus Person
of the Year in 2018.
During this past term Peter
attended every Town
Meeting and has a 100%
voting record. His knowledge
of the Town Government
and Town Meeting
process has proven beneficial
to his colleagues as well
as his constituents.
During the past term he
Sachems’ midfielder Allison
Justice collides with a Beverly
player while trying to settle
the ball.
Saugus senior forward Jordan Morris blasts past a Beverly
defender.
formed, with the support of
Town Meeting, the Ballard
School Study Committee.
This committee studied the
re-use possibilities for the
vacant Ballard School. With
a detailed survey and sustained
neighborhood outreach
a plan is now moving
forward to create a beautiful
passive park on the site
Panther goalie won the race and secured the ball to keep
the shutout intact.
The loss dropped the Sachems to 7-5 overall (4-2 in
Northeastern Conference play). Since beginning the season
5-1, Saugus has lost four of its last six games. The Sachems
looked to get back on the winning track when
they hosted Gloucester on Thursday (after press deadline).
They are then off until Wednesday (Oct. 13), when
they play on the road at Salem.
SEEKING ANOTHER TERM:
Peter Manoogian, a longtime
veteran of town government,
wants to represent Precinct
10 for another two years
on Saugus Town Meeting.
(Saugus Advocate file photo by
Mark E. Vogler)
that will be called “Ballard
Gardens.”
He also helped organize
the neighbors who contacted
him in opposition
to a 28 unit housing facility
at the former liquor store
on Lincoln Avenue which
was claimed to be an educational
facility. Peter took
the time to research recent
court rulings on such facilities
and helped convince
town officials that such a
proposal lacked the necessary
criteria to qualify for
a density exemption. The
project was ultimately withdrawn.
Peter
always responds to
constituent issues and will
continue to do so if re-elected
in November. His phone
number is listed and he is
very accessible. He would
greatly appreciate one of
you five votes. Thank you for
your consideration.
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Sachems can’t keep pace with Big Blue
By Greg Phipps
T
he young Saugus High
School football team has
certainly come out of the gate
facing some major challenges
in fall 2021. Last Friday night’s
second-ever home game at the
new Christie Serino, Jr. Athletic
Sports Complex was another
example of early season growing
pains for the Sachems. A visit
from a powerful Swampscott
squad turned out to be a convincing
win for the undefeated
Big Blue.
~ POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Alex Manoogian announces
candidacy for election to
Town Meeting for Precinct 5
M
y name is Alex Manoogian
and I am seeking
election to Saugus Town
meeting for Precinct 5. I was
born and raised in Saugus
and in 2015, I purchased my
first home at 38 Blueridge
Ave. where I live with my wife,
Katherine, and my dog, Daisy.
We are proud to be Saugus
residents and taxpayers.
As an Eagle Scout of Saugus
Troop 62, I saw how community
service can impact neighborhoods
and strengthen
the town, and I am excited to
have an opportunity to further
serve a community that
has done so much for me
throughout my life.
I graduated with honors
from Saugus High School in
2004 and earned my Bachelor
of Science in Economics in
Finance from Bentley University
in 2008. I have spent the last
13 years working for defense
contractors such as Lockheed
Martin and L3Harris where I
learned how to manage cost
and schedule performance
on complex government contracts.
I now work full time as
a Finance Manager for L3Harris
in Wilmington, MA leading
a team of analysts overseeing
the financial performance of
a 275-person business which
delivers $115M in annual revenues.
I take pride in my proven
track record of improving financial
performance through
refinements to the bid and
proposal process, contract negotiations,
and risk and opportunity
management. In this
role, I have also developed
and administered a $30M
overhead budget across 20
different functional departments,
which yielded cost savings
to government customers
of roughly $2M annually
over the past two years. I have
Saugus did score a fourth-quarter
touchdown to avoid being
shut out but, for the most
part, the contest was pretty
much controlled by Swampscott,
which won going away, 416.
The Big Blue jumped out to a
13-0 lead in the first quarter and
increased the margin to 27-0 by
halftime. Another touchdown
and extra point made it a 34-0
game entering the fourth period.
Saugus finally got on the
scoreboard courtesy of a 16-yard
pass play from quarterback Sean
O’Rourke to Drew Gardiner. It
was O’Rourke’s first touchdown
pass of the season and just Saugus’s
second score of the year.
The visitors would add one
more touchdown on a 42-yard
run by Xaviah Bascon to help
account for the final margin.
Swampscott improved to 4-0
and has tallied over 40 points in
its last three games.
Meanwhile, the Sachems, who
remained winless at 0-4, were
hoping for a more positive outcome
when they traveled to face
Salem on Thursday (after press
deadline). The Sachems won
both times against the Witches
in last spring’s abbreviated seaSON
OF A TOWN MEETING
MEMBER: Alex Manoogian
wants to join his dad Peter
on the Saugus Town Meeting.
Both are running in the Nov. 2
Town Election. (Courtesy photo
to The Saugus Advocate)
found that strong results such
as these are not manifested
through financial competency
alone, but rather through
leadership, communication,
and collaboration.
After being a part of Saugus
for 35 years, I would be honored
to serve as a Town Meeting
member so that the voices
of precinct 5 constituents are
heard loud and clear regarding
the future of the Lynnhurst
School. I believe that my capabilities
as a leader, my passion
for community service, and
my deep roots in the Town of
Saugus position me to be a
transformative voice for Precinct
5. For these reasons, I am
requesting that you cast one
of your five votes on Tuesday,
November 2nd for me, Alex
Manoogian.
Please feel free to call me if
you have any questions (781820-6157)
or email me at alex.r.manoogian@gmail.com.
Thank
you for your consideration.
Saugus
quarterback Sean O’Rourke and receiver Drew Gardiner
hooked up for a touchdown in last Friday’s home loss to
Swampscott.
(Advocate photo by Greg Phipps)
son. But Salem has shown signs
of marked improvement so far
this fall.
The Witches were 3-1 overall
heading into Thursday’s tilt
and were coming off a big 15-6
home win over Gloucester last
Friday. It was the first time Salem
had beaten the Fishermen
in nearly two decades, so the Sachems
were set to face a team
that had to be feeling very good
about itself.
Nevertheless, Saugus is no
doubt determined to put forth
a good performance and come
away with its first win of fall 2021.
The Sachems also have a good
shot at another victory next Friday,
Oct. 15, when they travel to
battle Gloucester, which had yet
to win a game after last week.
Eight Boston Marathoners run for
The Angel Fund for ALS research
E
ight runners will participate
in this year’s 125th Boston
Marathon in support of The Angel
Fund for ALS Research, a 501
(c)(3) independent charity that
benefits amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) research at the
Cecil B. Day Laboratory for Neuromuscular
Research at UMass
Medical School. The eight runners
are Russell Becker, running
his 10 consecutive Boston Marathon;
Matt Bergin, running his
31st consecutive Boston Marathon;
Sarkis Chekijian, running
his 11th consecutive Boston
Marathon; Matt Merz and Zita
Merz, both running their seventh
marathon, Meghan Osterlind,
running her 19th consecutive
Boston Marathon; Chris
Remer, running his fifth Boston
Marathon; and Amin Saab,
a 33-year marathoner. The Angel
Fund team has been raising
funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
research at the Cecil B. Day
Lab under the direction of Dr.
Robert H. Brown, Jr., a world-renowned
researcher in the field
of ALS.
“We are proud that we have
eight supporters who are running
for Team ALS in this year’s
Boston Marathon,” said The Angel
Fund for ALS Research President
Rich Kennedy, who is a
former longtime Boston Marathon
runner. “It is an inspiration
to watch our team train and run
the 26.2 miles in honor of The
Angel Fund and those who are
and have been affected by ALS.
They all have inspirational stories
as to why they run.”
The team members have
created a fundraising page at
Classy.org which enables supporters
to donate and to learn
more about a runner and the
inspiration behind a runner’s
fundraising efforts. To donate
to the runners and to read their
stories, visit the fundraising
page: www.classy.org/campaign/boston-marathon-2021/
c351920.
To follow the runners’
progress during and after the
Boston Marathon on October
11, visit the Boston Athletic Association’s
webpage at www.
baa.org.
In addition to the Boston Marathon
team, The Angel Fund
conducts fundraising events
throughout the year which,
along with other individual and
corporate donations, have been
beneficial in helping make significant
strides in ALS research.
For a list of upcoming events,
visit The Angel Fund website,
www.theangelfund.org. Donations
to the Angel Fund can also
be made online at www.theangelfund.org
or can be sent to
The Angel Fund, 649 Main St.,
Wakefield, MA 01880.
For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers
at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net
׉	 7cassandra://rq7UDcYv7Sf46aJvuiQeQIEcdPGRMztSP6V9haim38A-`̰ a_=pXJT׉E%!THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 17
OBITUARIES
John Robert Mitchell
Loving and Devoted Father,
Supporter of Many Charities
Age 71, of Lynnfield, formerly of Chelsea, died Saturday,
October 2 at his residence.
Born in Chelsea on July 6, 1950 he was the son of
the late James Donald and Marion Viola (Spracklin)
Mitchell.
John was raised in Chelsea and was a graduate
of Chelsea High School. He went on to graduate
from the former Grahm Junior College of Boston
ASKS | FROM PAGE 13
sports. These activities are well
documented to help student
achievement.
These actions will assist addressing
the reading negative
ratings and increase overall student
achievement that were
identified in the DESE report.
School Committee Member
Arthur Grabowski: While
the new Superintendent works
to implement new standards,
teaching techniques and evaluation
methods it becomes imperative
to have the bodies necessary
to implement them.
Currently there are many
teaching positions open. Recently
I received a note from an
8th grade parent who related
that their student recently had
5 classes and four were being
taught by a substitute and when
substitutes were not available a
para was called upon to sit in.
This student will soon be leaving
the district because of not having
a highly qualified teacher
for every class. Our clerical staff
at the schools are wholly inadequate
to meet the needs of students
and staff.
We need to make sure that we
have enough staff to meet the
needs of the students....all the
great planning in the world is
no good without the staff necessary
to make it happen.
School Committee Member
John S. Hatch: There are several
challenges facing the Saugus
Public Schools, I feel the
most urgent is student achieveand
to attend Boston University. John had worked
in media, first with NBC in New York City, then he
spent time with WEEI and WXKS-AM of Boston until
1994 when he went out on his own and build
the now CAM Media, which continues to this day.
In his younger years, John was an avid skier and
played softball and hockey – most recently he
had gotten into cycling. John was a very philanthropic
man and was dedicated to several causes,
most importantly, the Pan-Mass Challenge,
Bike MS (National MS Society,) Best Buddies, Salvation
Army, ALS ONE and Communitas of Wakefield
(formerly EMARC).
He was the beloved husband of Lauren (Cantalupa)
Mitchell. He was the loving father of Cara A.
Mitchell of Merrimac and Megan E. Mitchell and
her partner Chris Eriksen of Eagle Bridge, NY. He
was the brother of James D. Mitchell and his wife
Ethelyn, Nancy Belanger and her husband Daniel
of Charlton and the late Jean V. Montesano and
her surviving husband Vincent of Revere and the
late Joan Mitchell. He is also survived by many
nieces and nephews as well as his beloved dogs
Gavin and Maggie.
His Funeral Service will be held in the Centre Congregational
Church, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield on
Saturday, Oct. 9 at 10am. Visitation for relatives
and friends at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19
Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, Oct. 8 from 4-7pm.
In keeping with John’s philanthropic spirt, the
family asks for contributions to be made to the
charity of one’s choice.
ment, and where our district sits
statewide among our peers. Just
as important going hand and
hand, and one of the biggest
reasons that got me to run last
term was for a district wide culture
change. This change must
start from within the classroom
moving out. Our educators must
feel supported, encouraged,
and given the tools they need
to achieve the district wide goals
set before them. We took a major
step by bringing on our new
superintendent, with a 5-year
contract giving her the time to
make change, and develop our
educators, with coaching, and
listening to their ideas of change
and improvement for a positive
outcome district wide. At the
same time not be beholden to
a new school committee for a
contract renewal in the middle
of an election year.
School Committee Chair
Thomas R. Whittredge: The
obvious answer is student
achievement. The underlying
issue is culture change. We have
educators and staff throughout
the district that have not
felt heard or supported for their
entire careers. We now have the
physical tools in place to support
21st century learning. We
went all in with Ms. McMahon to
lead the district. One of the first
things she has done is connect
with each and every staff member
and educator in the district
to listen to their thoughts and
observe their role in the district.
This is a great way to begin
the culture change process.
Communication and collaboration
will go a long way in our
efforts to raise student achievement.
As I said, we are committed
to the process and need to
be sure that the next committee
is as well.
The challengers
Leigh Gerow: The current
ranking on the MCAS scores
is our most urgent challenge,
though it’s important to keep in
mind that this is not a satisfactory
measurement tool for all students,
especially those from diverse
backgrounds. I would address
it by supporting the Superintendent’s
plan to have
kids reading by age 8 and to
see one year of growth in math
and reading for every student
by 2022. I would also continue
to support her in her 5 year
plan to get us to the top 10% of
the state high schools, as measured
by improved math and
reading scores for students in
the 10th grade.
Former School Committee
Member Vincent Serino: I think
one of the challenges facing our
schools is student achievement.
The district’s test scores have
been down and we need to address
this head-on. With covid
and students not in the classroom,
a lot of them have fallen
behind. The parents and teachers
will need more help from us
to get them caught up.
We need to be funding after-school
learning activities
that will help students who
want and need the extra time.
We need to look at more teach~
POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~
Harold Young announces
candidacy for Board of Selectmen
A
fter much thought and
discussion with my family,
I have decided to run for
office in town.
Although I grew up in Everett
where my father was
the Captain in the Everett
Fire Department and acting
Fire Chief serving the city of
Everett. I have made Saugus
my home for the past 42
years. My wife Lana and I have
been married for 43 years and
have raised our daughters
Ashley and Gabrielle in Saugus
where they both attended
the Saugus Public School
system.
After my graduation from
Everett High School in 1971
I entered into the work force
immediately working in the
airlines industry. I spent 22
years working my way up
from ground services to leading
the crews. I was also a supervisor
and shop steward,
which gives me some unique
insight into the workings
and issues in town with our
union employees and what
they sometimes go through
in trying to resolve employment
issues.
After my service with the
airlines ended, I moved into
the position of Saugus Canine
Officer and Animal Inspector
for which I am certified by
the state. I held this position
with the town for almost 27
years prior to my retirement
in 2019. My time serving the
town allowed me to not only
get to know the citizens but
also know the inner workings
because as the canine
control officer I was responsible
for budgets, purchasing,
scheduling and all other
aspects of running the department.
During a portion
ers and paraprofessionals for
smaller classroom sizes. This will
allow teachers more time with
advanced students as well as
students falling behind. “A rising
tide lifts all ships”.
A late response
Editor’s Note: Board of Selectmen
candidate Domenic Montano
submitted an answer to last
week’s question after the deadline
for The Saugus Advocate. As
a courtesy to our readers, here is
the question and Montano’s response.
Q:
In 100 words or less, how
would you grade the way the
Town of Saugus is being managed?
Please pick one of the
following: Excellent. Good.
Fair. Poor. As an elected ofRETIRED
SAUGONIAN:
Harold Young spent 27 years
as Saugus Canine Officer
and Animal Inspector before
retiring in 2019. (Courtesy
photo to The Saugus Advocate)
of this time I also served as a
parking control officer. This
again gave me some insight
into other town laws and bylaws
beyond animal laws.
I feel that my knowledge of
the town and the inner workings
of the town with budgets,
deadlines and employee
issues, along with my law and
union experience put me into
a position where I can readily
understand many of the issues
the town faces. Although
these things are not necessarily
under the board’s jurisdiction,
it does put me into a
position where I can help citizens
and employees by directing
them to the proper
places for help they may
need. I am also excited to possibly
be given the opportunity
to work with the Board
of Selectmen to move Saugus
forward in new and exciting
directions. I would be
honored if you would consider
me for one of your 5 votes.
ficial, what would you do to
help improve the level of service
to town residents?
A: Good. As an elected official,
I would ensure better communication
happens amongst all entities
and departments in town.
It is crucial to have open lines of
communication to help “get the
job done” as they say. I think it
is also very important that we
adhere to the Capital Improvement
Plan and stick with it.
I think that with our new
beautiful school, sidewalks
and crosswalks should be
paramount to keep our children
safe while walking to and
from school. I would lastly like
to see vacant jobs in town be
filled.
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Page 18
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Beacon Hill
Roll Call
By Bob Katzen
A NOTE FROM BOB KATZEN,
PUBLISHER OF BEACON
HILL ROLL CALL: Join
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Beacon Hill, Massachusetts politics,
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in Massachusetts. The stories are
drawn from major news organizations
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MASSterlist will be e-mailed to
you free every Monday through
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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:
Beacon Hill Roll Call records local
senators' votes on roll calls from
the week of September 27-October
1. There were no roll calls
in the House last week.
INCREASE HOURS THAT RETIRED
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES
CAN WORK (H 4007)
Senate 38-0, overrode Gov.
Charlie Baker’s veto of a bill that
would increase from 960 hours
per year (18 hours per week)
to 1,200 hours per year (23
hours per week) the maximum
amount of time a public retiree
collecting a pension is allowed
work for the state or local government.
“I
support providing municipalities
and state agencies with
increased flexibility to make
appropriate staffing decisions,”
said Gov. Baker in his veto message.
“However, an increase of
240 more hours per year is a
significant policy change and
moves the commonwealth
and its municipalities closer to
a place where employees continue
to work near full-time
while collecting a pension, without
any corresponding changes
to improve the current practice.
I therefore proposed an
amendment that would have
increased the number of hours
to 975, which more accurately
reflects half-time, thereby allowing
some flexibility to retired
employees who are bumping
against the current 960-hour
limit. In addition, I proposed a
waiver to the hour caps for personnel
in positions where a critical
shortage of qualified personnel
has been determined.”
Supporters of the increase to
1,200 hours said that allowing
retirees to work 23 hours per
week is reasonable and will help
many retirees who are struggling
to make ends meet. They
said it is unfair to punish retirees
who would like to work more
hours and provide their services
to the state or local government.
“This increase affords retired
employees who are faced with
rapidly increasing costs of living
the ability to work more
hours for the commonwealth
and earn enough to meet their
needs,” said Senate Ways and
Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues
(D-Westport) who was
leading the charge on the Senate
floor to override the veto.
(A “Yes” vote is for the increase
to 1,200 hours. A “No” vote is
against it.)
Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes
REPEAL THE HARBOR TAX
CREDIT AND MEDICAL DEVICE
TAX CREDIT (H 4008)
Senate 33-5, overrode Gov.
Baker’s veto of a bill that would
repeal the current medical device
tax credit and the harbor
maintenance tax credit. Baker
supported retaining both tax
credits and said they encourage
innovation and economic activity
in the Bay State.
“I see no reason to repeal the
medical device user fee tax credit,
as it is claimed annually by its
intended beneficiaries and supports
medical device companies
operating in the commonwealth,”
said Baker in his veto
message.
“Similarly, I do not support
the repeal of the harbor maintenance
tax credit. It serves as
a benefit to shippers, importers
and exporters who generate
critical commercial activity
in and around Massachusetts
ports.”
“The Tax Expenditure Review
Commission’s recent report
made clear that these credits do
not provide meaningful benefits
to the commonwealth,” said
Senate Ways and Means chair
Sen. Mike Rodrigues. He noted
that Massachusetts is the only
state that offers these outdated
tax breaks which benefit only a
small number of big companies.
“We believe that it is important
to ensure that our tax dollars are
spent in a way that provides tangible
benefits to the commonwealth
as a whole. Given the failure
of these credits to provide
a measurable return on investment,
they should be repealed.”
(A “Yes” vote is for abolishing
the tax credits. A “No” vote is for
retaining them.)
Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes
REPEAL $5,000 ASSET LIMIT
(H 4012)
Senate 37-1, overrode Gov.
Baker’s veto of a bill that would
repeal a current law that prohibits
anyone with assets of more
than $5,000 from being eligible
for Transitional Assistance to
Families with Dependent Children
(TAFDC)—a program that
provides cash assistance and
employment support to families
with children and pregnant
women with little or no income
or assets. Assets include things
like bank accounts, retirement
accounts and cash. Some things
do not count as an asset including
the person’s house and one
car.
“TAFDC extends a vital lifeline
to certain Massachusetts residents,
but I disagree with eliminating
the current asset test
completely,” said Gov. Baker in
his veto message. “I do support
reforming the TAFDC asset rule
to allow recipients who meet
the asset test at the time of application
to continue to accrue
assets in excess of the current
limit without risk of losing eligibility
for TAFDC. I would welcome
the opportunity to further
develop this policy in partnership
with the Legislature to ensure
these benefits are available
for the commonwealth’s families
in highest need.”
Supporters of repealing the
$5,000 asset limit said it is unfair
to deny families with children
and pregnant women who
may have as little as $6,000 to
$10,000 in assets from benefitting
from the TAFDC program.
Some said the asset limit encourages
people to spend down
their assets at a time when they
should be preserving or increasing
savings.
“Removing the asset limit
from the eligibility requirements
for TAFDC allows program recipients
to maintain their limited
savings while still receiving immediate
assistance,” said Senate
Ways and Means chair Sen.
Mike Rodrigues. “Asset limits on
these programs have proven to
be counterproductive. They require
families in need of assistance
to spend down savings
that otherwise could be used for
education, job training, reliable
transportation, home expenses
and other emergency needs.”
(A “Yes” vote is for repealing
the $5,000 asset limit. A “No”
vote is against repealing it.)
Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes
REPEAL $250 ASSET LIMIT
(H 4011)
Senate 36-2, overrode Gov.
Baker’s veto of a bill that would
repeal a current law that prohibits
anyone with assets of more
than $250 from being eligible
for Emergency Aid to the Elderly,
Disabled and Children (EAEDC)—a
program that provides
cash and medical assistance to
certain categories of needy individuals
in Massachusetts including
the physically or mentally
disabled, aged 65 or older
or caring for a disabled individual
who would otherwise be institutionalized.
In
his veto message, Baker said
that he supports aligning the
asset limit for the program with
the federal Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) Program asset
limit which is currently $2,000.
“I prefer this alternative to eliminating
the asset test completely,
as EAEDC is generally designed
to provide a bridge to individuals
waiting for an eligibility determination
from the SSI program.
I look forward to the opportunity
to work collaboratively
with the Legislature to develop
a policy that is in alignment
with relevant federal policies
and ensures that these benefits
are available for individuals and
families in highest need.”
Senate Ways and Means chair
Sen. Mike Rodrigues said that
removing the asset limit allows
recipients to receive assistance
while keeping their small savings.
He noted it is counterproductive
to require recipients to
spend down savings that could
be used for education, home
expenses and other important
needs. “Forcing those who are
already facing economic hardship
to spend down savings
only makes them more financially
vulnerable. In addition to
helping individuals and families
in need of assistance, removing
the asset cap would improve administrative
efficiency by simplifying
the review process.”
(A “Yes” vote is for repealing
the $250 asset limit. A “No” vote
is against repealing it.)
Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes
STUDY POVERTY IN THE BAY
STATE (H 4016)
Senate 36-2, overrode Baker’s
veto of a bill that establishes a
29-member special commission
to investigate and recommend
methods for reducing poverty in
Massachusetts over the next 10
years and expanding opportunity
for people with low incomes.
The commission would include
ten members of the governor’s
cabinet and other executive
branch commissioners.
The governor supported reducing
the commission from
29 members to 20 members. “I
strongly support the aim of this
commission,” said the governor
in his veto message. “However,
in my view, to streamline the efforts
of the commission and permit
the meaningful participation
of all members, it is necessary
to modify its composition,
retaining the position reserved
for the Secretary of Health and
Human Services and otherwise
removing additional representation
from the Executive
Branch. Without these amendments,
I do not support the proposal.”
Senate
Ways and Means chair
Sen. Mike Rodrigues said that
Massachusetts is one of the
wealthiest states in the country
but is ranked 47th in income inequality,
with almost 10 percent
of people living in poverty. “This
commission would bring together
advocates and experts
with experience in a wide array
of areas to recommend a holistic
approach to addressing poverty
in the commonwealth,” said
Rodrigues. “Through exploring
demographic disparities, analyzing
historical rates of poverty,
identifying the underlying causes
of poverty in the commonwealth
and surveying existing
programs that most effectively
reduce poverty, the commission
would make policy recommendations
to significantly reduce
poverty in the commonwealth
over the next ten years.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A
“No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes
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 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 September
27-October 1, the House
met for a total of two hours and
ten minutes while the Senate
met for a total of four hours and
six minutes.
Mon. Sept. 27 House 11:03
a.m. to 1:06 p.m.
Senate 11:13 a.m. to 1:13
p.m.
Tues. Sept. 28 No House session
No
Senate session
Wed. Sept. 29 No House session
No
Senate session
Thurs. Sept. 30 House 11:02
a.m. to 11:09 a.m.
Senate 11:23 a.m. to 1:29
p.m.
Fri. Oct. 1 No House session
No Senate session
Bob Katzen welcomes feedback
at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com
׉	 7cassandra://AS_LHukINhiH11Q9lB-NUpSpxK2PxstGaUI2hY6h3kg(+`̰ a_=pXJT׉E'THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
Page 19
The COVID-19 Update
Town reports 60 newly confi rmed cases over
the past week, according to town manager
By Mark E. Vogler
T
he number of newly confirmed
COVID-19 cases reported
yesterday by the town
over the last seven days was
60 – a 13 percent increase over
the previous week, according to
Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree.
The recently confi rmed COVID
cases raised the number of total
cases to 4,871 since March of last
year, Crabtree said in a press release
yesterday. There have been
423 new cases over the past six
weeks – an average of 70.5 per
week.
Meanwhile, there were no
COVID-related deaths in Saugus
over the past seven days, leaving
the death toll linked to the killer
virus at 79.
“Our hearts and prayers go out
to those families aff ected by this
health pandemic.,” Crabtree said.
“YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS”
JOSEPH D. CATALDO
PARTNERSHIP AND S CORPORATION
COST BASIS RULES
upon sale of a partnership interest
or stock in an S Corporation.
Generally speaking, contribuC
ost
basis aff ects the tax consequences
of many transactions
to partners and S Corporation
shareholders. Many businesses
are conducted as partnerships
or S Corporations.
The function of a partner’s or
shareholder’s cost basis in the entity
and the importance of keeping
track of it is as follows:
1. Determining how much a partner
or shareholder may withdraw
from the entity without recognizing
any gain
2. Determining the allowable loss
of the entity in any given taxable
year the partner or shareholder is
entitled to claim on his or her tax
return. (Remember, these entities
are fl ow-through entities. The profi t
or loss is passed through to the individual
partner or shareholder to
be reported on Form 1040).
3. Determining the gain or loss
GRABOWSKI | FROM PAGE 10
was acting inappropriately toward
a staff member of the
School District,” School Committee
Member John Hatch said of
the alleged incident that happened
before the Sept. 23 School
Committee meeting. Hatch said
he observed Grabowski request
to meet with a school district offi
cial in the hallway before the
NOT WELCOME | FROM PAGE 8
a problem, and every community
has this problem,” Wong said.
“We have to fi nd a solution –
not pass it on to another community
like Boston is trying to
do,” he said.
“They should be taking care
of their own problem like we do
ours,” he said.
tions to capital in increase cost basis,
withdrawals decrease cost basis,
profi ts increase cost basis and
losses decrease cost basis. Each
year, a partner’s or shareholder’s
cost basis needs to be updated
taking these factors into consideration.
When a partner or shareholder
withdraws more than his or
her investment in the entity, there
will be tax consequences. If, for example,
a partnership has a $50,000
profi t for the year and each of the
two partners withdraw $25,000,
each partner will report $25,000
of income on his or her tax return.
If each partner also withdraws
$25,000, there would be no tax to
be paid on the distribution itself.
Each partner would report $25,000
of his or her share of profi t of the
entity. This serves to increase the
partner’s cost basis. The withdrawal
decreases the partner’s cost basis
by the same amount. Therefore,
the net eff ect on the partner’s cost
basis for the taxable year is zero.
The partner does not pay taxes on
both the $25,000 share of partnership
income as well as the withdrawal
of $25,000.
If a 50% partner or shareholdmeeting.
Shortly after, Hatch
said, he noticed that Whittredge
“was very upset” with the way
that Grabowski dealt with the
school offi cial.
Whittredge consulted with
the School Committee’s attorney
before deciding that this
week’s meeting should be held
via Zoom instead of in person.
“It’s very upsetting that we
have to have this type of disSaugus
Police Chief Michael
Ricciardelli complained that
there hadn’t been an impact
study conducted before the
plan was initiated and those
who initiated never contacted
Saugus police. “This isn’t just a
Revere problem. It’s definitely
going to be a Saugus problem,”
Chief Ricciardelli said, noting
that part of the Quality Inn
er contributes $10,000 in capital
upon the formation of the entity,
and his or her share of the entity’s
loss during the year is $15,000,
his or her allowable loss would be
limited to $10,000. The remaining
unallowed loss of $5,000 would be
carried over to the following year.
If the entity generates a profi t of
$10,000 during the following year,
the partner or shareholder will be
able to off set his or her $5,000 share
of the profi t with the unused carryforward
loss of $5,000.
One key diff erence with S Corporations
and partnerships is that
a partner’s cost basis will be increased
by his or her share of partnership
debt. A Shareholder in an
S Corporation will increase his or
her basis only by actually lending
money to the corporation. Even
recourse debt does not increase a
shareholder’s cost basis in the corporation.
If a partnership has significant
losses during a particular year,
third party loans taking out by the
partnership will provide additional
cost basis to the partners thereby
allowing them to deduct losses
in excess of their actual contributions
to capital. In these situations,
this can be a big advantage of a
partnership over an S Corporation.
traction when there are so many
good things going on in the
schools,” Hatch said.
“But we have to make sure
that everybody who comes to
a School Committee meeting is
comfortable and safe. We have
to make sure we do the right
thing for the school district. So,
we felt it was the right thing to
do – to go back to Zoom,” he
said.
property lies within the Town
of Saugus.
“A lot of people bought some
pricey houses in that area, and
they didn’t sign on for this,” the
chief said.
Ricciardelli said the proposal
would drain the limited resources
of Revere and Saugus, increasing
crime problems in the two
communities.
Sa Sen i r
H D Sil S it Wk
ior
Sa
a
y Senior
Senio
BY JIM MILLER
How Does Social Security Work
When a Spouse or Ex-Spouse Dies?
Dear Savvy Senior,
Who qualifies for Social Security survivor benefits? My
ex-husband died last year, so I would like to fi nd out if me or
my 17-year-old daughter are eligible for anything?
Divorced Survivor
Dear Divorced,
If your ex-husband worked
and paid Social Security taxes
and you and/or your daughter
meet the eligibility requirements,
you may very well
be eligible for survivor benefi
ts, but you should act quickly
because benefi ts are generally
retroactive only up to
six months. Here’s what you
should know.
Under Social Security law,
when a person who has
worked and paid Social Security
taxes dies, certain members
of that person’s family
may be eligible for survivor
benefits including spouses,
former spouses and dependents.
Here’s a breakdown of
who qualifi es.
Widow(er)’s and divorced
widow(er)’s: Surviving spouses
that were married at least
nine months are eligible to collect
a monthly survivor benefi
t as early as age 60 (50 if
disabled). Divorced surviving
spouses are also eligible
at this same age, if you were
married at least 10 years and
did not remarry before age
60 (50 if disabled), unless the
marriage ends.
How much you’ll receive will
depend on how much money
(earnings that were subject
to Social Security taxes) your
spouse or ex-spouse made
over their lifetime, and the age
in which you apply for survivor
benefi ts.
If you wait until your full retirement
age (which is 66 for
people born in 1945-1954 and
will gradually increase to age
67 for people born in 1960 or
later), you’ll receive 100 of
your deceased spouses or
ex-spouses benefi t amount.
But if you apply between age
60 and your full retirement
age, your benefi t will be somewhere
between 71.5 – 99 percent
of their benefi t.
There is, however, one exception.
Surviving spouses
and ex-spouses that are caring
for a child (or children) of
the deceased worker, and they
are under age 16 or disabled,
are eligible to receive 75 percent
of the worker’s benefi t
amount at any age.
Unmarried children: Surviving
unmarried children under
age 18, or up to age 19
if they’re still attending high
school, are eligible for survivor
benefi ts too. Benefi ts can also
be paid to children at any age
if they were disabled before
age 22 and remain disabled.
Both biological and adoptive
children are eligible, as well
as kids born out of wedlock.
Dependent stepchildren and
grandchildren may also qualify.
Children’s benefi ts are 75
percent of the worker’s benefi t.
You should also know that in
addition to survivor benefi ts, a
surviving spouse or child may
also be eligible to receive a
special lump-sum death payment
of $255.
Dependent parents: Benefi
ts can also be paid to dependent
parents who are age
62 and older. For parents to
qualify as dependents, the
deceased worker would have
had to provide at least onehalf
of the parent’s fi nancial
support.
But be aware that Social Security
has limits on how much
a family can receive in monthly
survivors’ benefi ts – usually
150 to 180 percent of the worker’s
benefi t.
Switching Strategies
Social Security also provides
surviving spouses and
ex-spouses some nice strategies
that can help boost
your benefi ts. For example, if
you’ve worked you could take
a reduced survivor benefit
at age 60 and switch to your
own retirement benefi t based
on your earnings history – between
62 and 70 – if it off ers a
higher payment.
Or, if you’re already receiving
retirement benefi ts on your
work record, you could switch
to survivors benefi ts if it off ers
a higher payment. You cannot,
however, receive both
benefi ts.
You also need to know that
if you collect a survivor benefi t
while working, and are under
full retirement age, your benefi
ts may be reduced depending
on your earnings – see SSA.
gov/pubs/EN-05-10069.pdf.
For more information on survivor
benefi ts, visit SSA.gov/
benefi ts/survivors.
Send your senior questions
to: Savvy Senior, P.O.
Box 5443, Norman, OK
73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor
to the NBC Today show
and author of “The Savvy
Senior” book.
nior
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
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Page 21
REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS
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.
Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade
BUYER1
Vasi, Elena
Scaduto, Jason
Brasil, Joao-Pedro H
Thomas, Kaitlyn M
BUYER2
Vasi, Razvan
SELLER1
Ciampa, Christina S
Pegnato, Donna
Brown, Izabelle
D & D ConstruCtion Co.
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Toll Free 1-877-758-9675
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ADDRESS
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CITY
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DATE
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16.09.2021
15.09.2021
PRICE
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ELECTION | FROM PAGE 8
In-person early voting set for
Town Elections
Residents will be able to cast
their votes 10 days before the
Nov. 2 Town Election. Selectmen
recently approved the in-person
early voting option which will allow
voting in the Saugus Public
Library’s conference room from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 23 and
24. The library was used last year
for early voting in the presidential
election.
Meanwhile, Saugus politicians
and campaign organizers are
gearing up for the town’s biennial
election, which features three
contested town-wide races:
• Ten candidates are vying for
two-year terms on the Board of
Selectmen. The fi ve incumbent
board members are all running
for reelection.
• The fi ve School Committee
members who were swept into
offi ce during a purge of incumbents
back in 2019 are also seeking
two more years in offi ce. They
face two challengers. (Please see
this week’s “The Advocate Asks”
for the third in a series of preelection
interviews of the candidates
for Board of Selectmen and
School Committee.)
• There are three candidates
competing for the one seat up
for grabs on the Saugus Housing
Authority.
Student election help
needed
In addition to student election
workers, the Town Clerk’s
Offi ce is looking for regular election
workers. “We are looking for
student election workers,” Town
Election Coordinator Andrew
DePatto said.
“It is a great way for them to
learn how their government
functions and how important it
is to vote. 16-year-old students
are eligible to work ½ day (6-8
hours). 17-18 year old students
may work a full day (8-12 hours).
All students can receive community
service which is imperative
to them in order to satisfy their
High School requirement mandated
for graduation,” DePatto
said. “Or, they can be paid for
their hours worked. In addition,
we are able to write letters of recommendation
for National Honors
Society, Colleges, etc.”
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׉EPage 22
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
what?
9. What do American Philatelic
Society members collect?
10.
What famous woman
1. On Oct. 8, 1871, a devastating
barn fire broke out in
what Midwestern city?
2. Starbuck is first mate of
the Pequod in what novel?
3. What is a kiva?
4. October 9 is Leif Eriksson
Day; in 1000 he discovered
Vinland, which is what?
5. What State House is adjacent
to the Kennebec River?
6. What 1888 poem about
sports includes “there is no
joy in Mudville”?
7. What is Experimental
Prototype Community of
Tomorrow” more commonly
known as?
8. On Oct. 10, 1913, President
Woodrow Wi lson
pushed a button to set off
a dike explosion, creating
began to paint in her 70s because
her fingers got too stiff
for embroidering?
11. In what 1960s TV show
would you find Maxwell
Smart (Agent 86)?
12. On Oct. 11, 1906, San
Francisco’s Board of Education
created an order to segregate
Oriental students;
what U.S. president pressured
the city to rescind the
order?
13. What word beginning
with a “d” is the only English
word ending in “mt”?
14. Ganymede, the largest
moon of any Solar System
planet, circles which planet?
15. October 12 is National
Farmer’s Day; what fictional
farmer appeared on
a long-running children’s TV
series?
16. How are “Wings,” “Comets”
and “Pips” similar?
17. On Oct. 13, 1903, what
team beat Pittsburgh, 5-3,
to end the first World Series?
18. In 1984 and 1985, what
auto executive had an autobiographical
best seller?
19. What area is thought
to be where pumpkins originated?
20.
On Oct. 14, 1964, who
won the Nobel Peace Prize?
ANSWERS
1. Chicago
2. “Moby Dick”
3. An American Indian underground
ceremonial chamber
4. It is thought to be an area of wild
grapes around the Gulf of Saint
Lawrence.
5. Maine’s (in Augusta)
6. “Casey at the Bat”
7. EPCOT
8. The Panama Canal waterway
9. Stamps
10. Grandma Moses
11. “Get Smart”
12. Theodore Roosevelt
13. Dreamt
14. Jupiter
15. Mr. Green Jeans (on “Captain
Kangaroo”)
16. They are parts of band names
(of Paul McCartney, Bill Haley and
Gladys Knight, respectively)
17. The Boston Americans
18. Lee Iacocca
19. Central America
20. Dr. Martin Luther King
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Page 23
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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
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