׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://-Q0OMwFVB55DV0Sbd-gv7URNRsj7f-vwWqv1vP0TZDU`)׉ 7cassandra://g9AF5weVxk3IsenNsSaUsYOQHDDQzz34ObgM_RF8u1cͩ`J׉ 7cassandra://XNk-S-gqy7oLub_GG2utTdaYUzAHDmrnten2WfB5h344`̰׉ 7cassandra://P-J5qYn7ZY6cNcTVZY4ZYQ2DgMJ1PE0CG6LwXsTPTAU5 Gj͠a,wj3G2נa,wj3G6 ʁf 9ׁHhttp://www.angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3G5̱ 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈Ea,wj3G׉EsSAUGUS Have a Safe & Merry Christmas! DV C T 781-233-4446 Vol. 24, No. 51 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net ublished Every Friday Cliftondale Revitalization Committee’s Final Report draft copy concludes it’s possible to spark new life into the town’s dying business and housing district By Mark E. Vogler with incentives. The town chose the “do nothA 1990 study produced by Lozano, White & Associates – one of more than a half dozen studies done over the last four decades on revitalizing Cliftondale Square – off ered two planning alternatives: no change or a plan advocating mixed use ing” path over the mixed use with incentives alternative, according to a draft copy of the latest study that was issued this week. “As the study indicated, the Square would continue to struggle with a passive approach like that one, and it has,” noted the conclusion section of the “Final Report of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee.” But the report also resolves that a major turnaround of Cliftondale is possible, providing the town, the property owners of Cliftondale and other stakeTHE SQUARE | SEE PAGE 2 A Holiday Remembrance SHARING HOLIDAY HOPES: Pictured from left to right, are Selectmen Jeff rey Cicolini, Anthony Cogliano, Debra Panetta, Mike Serino and Corinne Riley admire the Christmas tree on the fi rst fl oor of Saugus Town Hall. Please see this week’s “The Advocate Asks” inside to fi nd out what gift each selectman would like to give Saugus for Christmas. Also, see more holiday coverage, including Santa’s Christmas Eve parade route for tonight and Laura Eisener’s “Saugus Gardens In The Winter,” which features a glimpse of how Saugus homeowners have decorated their yards for the holidays. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Another “suspicious death” in Saugus Police arrest a Lynn man in connection with the death of his girlfriend, whose body was found in a Saugus marsh along Route 107 By Mark E. Vogler Gold Star wife Donna Whittemore-Farris places a fl ag on a ceremonial wreath, honoring POW/MIA veterans. The wreath was one of about 360 that were placed on veterans’ graves in Riverside Cemetery last Saturday (Dec. 18) as Saugus observed National Wreaths Across America Day with a ceremony to honor its veterans for service to their country. Members of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored and organized the event. For story and more photos, please see inside. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) L ess than a week after police arrested a Saugus woman for murdering a man in his Essex Landing apartment on Route 1, police have charged the boyfriend in connection with the death of the Woburn woman whose body was discovered on Tuesday (Dec. 21) in the marsh area along Route 107. On Wednesday (Dec. 22) afternoon, offi cers of the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section arrested Bruce Maiben, 44, of Lynn, on multiple charges that arose out of the death of Sherell Pringle, 40, of Woburn. Pringle was reported missing by her son when she did not return home last SUSPICIOUS | SEE PAGE 18 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.239 MidUnleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.379 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS OCA E Friday, December 24, 2021 Can “The Square” be revived? Making A Christmas List For Saugus Prices subject to change Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! FLEET ׉ 7cassandra://XNk-S-gqy7oLub_GG2utTdaYUzAHDmrnten2WfB5h344`̰a,wj3Ga,wj3G PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://oPYlSPIlXxZyMwe3F_PgPjQRiD-yv2DV5GyU6hgs4yU`)׉ 7cassandra://WQr8WBumdNYh_3nRl4jjpsI2Dp_TXGmYmX011JfzkEI͌`J׉ 7cassandra://mSFtutRr-TLEXESiIqUpqhWY3AYm1GDRw3ghPoH-QC4'`̰׉ 7cassandra://4M1bwWQkhzGGrZuA9iPgw6XeirtYMLCTU81GKWk_4cc ͠a,wj3G7ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://526KRldWCnQW1VxY8U8Ii-3MPbsUmi71nkk7etxplFAI`)׉ 7cassandra://zX8djd2vpaSpGJ_dekUqeCt3sJ4SQzHfHK9ziirNrmY͟r`J׉ 7cassandra://rPPY3coDmK-4sT2CaNUwc0_2VLojG4PjOb5LE-2Aiq80&`̰׉ 7cassandra://2JAXDd7WYbO7iqSY9ibFThU-LgDPCVB9JYR67c0ibb8T͠a,wj3G8נa,wj3G=x#}9ׁHhttp://WWW.EVERETTBANK.COMׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3G<̺m̻9ׁHhttp://www.EverettBank.comׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3G;̷9ׁH mailto:Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EbPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 THE SQUARE | FROM PAGE 1 holders are committed. “There are challenges in perhaps every category there is, from parking, to dimensional restrictions, to absentee ownership, to restrictive zoning, to lack of vision at a municipal level,” the report acknowledges. “To continue the ‘do nothing’ approach would be a disservice to the citizens, the business community, and the Town of Saugus at-large.” There are close to two dozen short-term and long-term recommendations in the heart of the report, including a proposal to create a zoning overlay district “that allows highest and best use” implementing smart growth principles.” “Cliftondale’s zoning is antiquated and as a result, the district has become stagnant, and the current business mix and lack of 24/7 vitality is contributing to its deterioration,” the report said. “A zoning overlay would lay the appropriate framework and be the first step towards revitalization. Section 1.6 includes a comprehensive list of zoning guidelines and an action plan. This process can certainly be completed within the next few years, if not sooner.” The 467-page report and the 11-member town committee which is crafting it are the products of a unanimous Special Town Meeting vote in February. Town Meeting members Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net created the study committee to focus on revitalization of Cliftondale. The group’s responsibility was to investigate potential opportunities, synthesize previous studies, investigate zoning strategies and provide recommendations and initiatives for future Town Meeting consideration. The committee has until Jan. 12 to make any changes in the document that was drafted and released this week by Committee Chair Joe Vecchione, who authored the Town Meeting article earlier this year. The committee will vote at its Jan. 17 meeting on whether to adopt the final report, which will be presented to the next Special Town Meeting or Annual Town Meeting, whichever occurs first. The report’s conclusion stresses that “This committee was formed to contest the notion that nothing can be done by breaking out each issue present in Cliftondale and elaborating on why the issues is present then begin to construct a vision for the area through a thorough zoning guideline and implementable action plan along with recommendations for short term and long-term projects and initiatives.” “This committee believes we accomplished that in this report, and while much of this will fall beyond the scope of this committee, we hope that this report in conjunction with the data and analysis collected over the past 39 years will yield the physical and meaningful results that the town has long been striving for,” the report continued. “However, in order to achieve true and sustainable revitalization in Cliftondale, commitment, continuity, trust, and patience needs to be acquired both in the public and private sectors.” In concluding its work with a presentation to Town Meeting members, the committee also recommends that Town Administration, Town Meeting, and other relevant bodies endorse the initiatives that may be brought forth for consideration from this report. The report recommends: • Reforming the merchants’ association or establishing a “Friends of Cliftondale” committee • Developing a Parking Management Plan • Creating a Signage Plan • Bringing back “Appreciation Day” • Relocating the Farmer’s Market back into Cliftondale • Getting Cliftondale Online. It’s important to develop an online presence so people know what services or products are sold, what their hours of operation are, how to get in contact, and potentially even provide e-commerce. • Branding Cliftondale Square as its own “place” • Developing a Façade / Storefront Improvement Program that would provide financial assistance to property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore commercial building exterior facades. The program seeks to increase accessibility into storefronts and improve the physical appearance of independent businesses. THE SQUARE | SEE PAGE 21 Planning Director offers recommendations on how to revitalize Cliftondale Square By Mark E. Vogler S augus Director of Planning and Economic Development Christopher Reilly says the town needs to do a better job in promoting We’ll be closed for the holidays December 24-25th. Wishing you happy holidays and thank you for being both customers and friends. As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime. Enroll at www.EverettBank.com Cliftondale Square. “Cliftondale has not been adequately defined in order to brand and market a distinct area,” Reilly wrote in his recommendations to the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee. Reilly submitted recommendations in late September, at the request of the committee. His list of comments were incorporated in a draft copy of the “Final Report of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee,” which was issued this week. Reilly’s recommendations for revitalizing Cliftondale also included the following: –There are a number of small public and private parcels in Cliftondale that could accommodate accessible public parking. Until some adequate long-term parking capacity is achieved, I recommend approaching private property owners about lot split opportunities and investigating improvements on public land to incrementally increase existing supply. –Discussion with the 419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 Member FDIC | Member DIF Health Director has placed the installation of full grease COMMITTEE SOUGHT HIS OPINION: Members of the Cliftondale Revitalization Committee asked Christopher Reilly, the town’s Director of Planning and Economic Development, for his views on how to make “The Square” more economically viable. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) trap systems as required for restaurants at about $10,000. The Town should develop an informational permitting guidance template and consider tax increment financing (TIF) for such desirable uses so they can be appropriately marketed and recruiting. –The Town is investing grant money in Cliftondale, such as the Microenterprise Program. The Town has found PLANNING | SEE PAGE 21 ׉ 7cassandra://mSFtutRr-TLEXESiIqUpqhWY3AYm1GDRw3ghPoH-QC4'`̰a,wj3G׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ Here’s what selectmen say they would give as Christmas gifts to Saugus – if they could Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta We need to complete our SEASONS GREETINGS FROM SAUGUS: Members of the town’s Board of Selectmen stand in front of the Christmas tree set up on the first floor of Saugus Town Hall. Sharing their holiday hopes and best wishes to town residents, are, left to right, Selectman Corinne Riley, Board of Selectmen Vice-Chair Debra Panetta, Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano and Selectmen Jeffrey Cicolini and Mike Serino. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) For this week’s column, we reached out to each of the members of the Board of Selectmen and asked them if they would like to send a holiday message to our readers. All five selectmen responded. Their individual holiday wishes to the residents of Saugus follow. Q: Please share your thoughts on your Christmas gift for the town this year – something you hope to work for. One gift you want to give the town if it’s in your power as a public official. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano I would love to give the Town a much needed West Side Fire Station and cleaner air for all to breathe....something I’ve been working on for the past two years. There are those that continue to attack and bash Wheelabrator every step of the way. Not me. Increasing the height of the monofill is the least of my concerns. Lowering the emissions, updating the exterior, controlling the noise and finalizing a host community agreement that will bring millions in much needed revenue to Town are the most important issues. Let me present the plan to the Town before condemning it. If the residents don’t think it’s in our best interest, and the Board of Health doesn’t endorse it, we move on. It’s time we move away from the obstructionists and develop a better path to our future. Aside from that, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy, safe and healthy New Year. God bless. Town’s Master Plan. This process started in 2020 where our Town Manager hired a project consultant, the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC), to coordinate this project. The MAPC conducted a kick-off vision forum in September 2020 and asked Saugus residents to fill out an online survey. They received approximately 700 responses over the several weeks the survey was open to the public. This survey was consolidated and presented to the Town as a base to move forward. The Master Plan coordinates the community’s goals & vision by incorporating strategies and actions to move our Town into 2035 (and longer). It will be used as a guide for managing future growth and change in Saugus and create a framework for future policy decisions. Land use and zoning, housing, economic development, transportation, open space and recreation, arts/historic/cultural services, climate resiliency, community facilities and services, and clean energy and sustainability are all part of the Master Plan. Several public meetings were held, and everyone’s concerns and ideas were incorporated into the plan. The Advisory Committee, where I am a member, met this month to review the draft plan. This plan is to be rolled out during a public meeting in early 2022. I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the survey and in the public meetings that were held. I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, CHRISTMAS | SEE PAGE 18 ׉ 7cassandra://rPPY3coDmK-4sT2CaNUwc0_2VLojG4PjOb5LE-2Aiq80&`̰a,wj3Ga,wj3G PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://9Z3cPJy4rEXC2PPNt6lt5NNGrwFxOKcAAOmSxdzQidMkm`)׉ 7cassandra://XG-bHSH5GggWeVhiSiJ-zbuHbJ4F9VhCiJZcSEupVToͧ`J׉ 7cassandra://MKIxO3HoDO4XdEbY8x9phe9dVf4l6ywRathnSuJUL4g1n`̰׉ 7cassandra://0iiVlm2_xRonKQp5DieMa07j6K3gC-PFrJuEyEwxOa4USv͠a,wj3G>ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://zJ31NG93JP5j5wWwtDvOM9iPYxigq97Y281bMRzvup0nV`)׉ 7cassandra://cAs8Sh3J2U5-T08BRGvPqXLJRsin6vVDGHbtt-6deAY͟`J׉ 7cassandra://6TZs_Tb4xWx4FFaCyKO3xzDxphSe9-uLKHaCPosWwtc30`̰׉ 7cassandra://87cWvucN0sTRA2a3J8dNZ68C19Rp-_07Ehmfl2zBHB0NF͠a,wj3G?׉E Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Last, But Certainly Not Least F By Gini Pariseau inally, here it was…Christmas Eve. It was the night Allison had been waiting for. The family would gather around the tree as Allison and her two older brothers gave their parents their gifts. It was the first year Allison had been old enough to be part of giving her very own present to her parents. Allison was excited about her gift because she had made it herself. As her parents sat in the two big chairs beside the fireplace, her brother Jamie pulled a red box with a green bow stuck to the top out from under the tree and handed it to his mom. She read the little tag aloud and opened the box. Inside was a beautiful red candle, and as his dad put a match to its wick, Jamie told them that it would smell like cinnamon in a minute. Everyone waited and commented on the wonderful cinnamon scent. Next came Peter, who proudly presented a gold box LAST | SEE PAGE 18 GREETINGS FROM SANTA CLAUS: Here’s a copy of the Christmas Eve parade route released for tonight (Friday, Dec. 24) by the Town of Saugus. The gift of nighttime baseball for Saugus Teams can now play under the lights at World Series Park UNDER THE LIGHTS: With this year’s completion of the lighting project at World Series Park, teams and spectators will get to enjoy some nighttime baseball next year. (Courtesy aerial photo to The Saugus Advocate by Jim Harrington) (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued this week by World Series Park.) T he installation of lights at World Series Park was completed the first week of October. No night games were played this season because the teams that play there had concluded their seasons. “The lights came out great,” World Series Park Superintendent Bob Davis said. “It’s beautiful to see the field lit up at night. We’re looking forward to the 2022 season with the addition of a lot of night games. Several teams and leagues have expressed an interest in playing night games,” Davis said. “We very much appreciate those people who donated to our Lighting Fund. It’s not too late to donate.” Anyone who donates $100 or more can get their name or the name of a departed loved one on the permanent lighting fund plaque. It’s located on the third base dugout and is lit up at night. Donations can be made by sending a check payable to World Series Park, 8 Holden Ave., Saugus, MA 01906. ׉ 7cassandra://MKIxO3HoDO4XdEbY8x9phe9dVf4l6ywRathnSuJUL4g1n`̰a,wj3G׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 5 Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angel's Christmas Party Fundraiser At Fuddrucker’s in Saugus (Courtesy photos, Guy Moley) MERRY CHRISTMAS: A Saugus Advocate holiday illustration by “The Sketch Artist” ׉ 7cassandra://6TZs_Tb4xWx4FFaCyKO3xzDxphSe9-uLKHaCPosWwtc30`̰a,wj3Ga,wj3G PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://vhuO9FS5u9pxMHBy8VUzB3zNMYg9B7a3GHBf_RTLstIT`)׉ 7cassandra://Svwx3eJYyYOc1AW01WzytuJHSreWEJf6ybQLe1xDCfQ͢'`J׉ 7cassandra://sJFhslM0o9gqh3OpReeBfkAU2oZ9qgnciW8m2rzl8jQ/`̰׉ 7cassandra://CQ88RB2LuP-8exWch4czkh7wld0XWFaSFcbosgKqgDov͠a,wj3GBט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://BRn7vwG5V8uD_RU04leXEzEYXdJ7Wzgb5p7AaD0TOSs`)׉ 7cassandra://2JTqo8buFhPmePfaxr16uqYIMImV6gNC6AuFHLC5UFQ͢.`J׉ 7cassandra://RSv5zN9k2SLyXvsqtgFFDwF_lRSx7jIvTQaQGuruv_Y2`̰׉ 7cassandra://qNXu48cUYdZbMgOHbCrq36xklZrR7M8iSGrD_vitUfc,ne͠a,wj3GC׉EPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Attendees wish veterans a Merry Christmas by placing ceremonial wreaths on their graves By Tara Vocino A pproximately 360 wreaths were placed on veterans’ graves to wish them a Merry Christmas and to thank them for their service during Saturday’s National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. Members of the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), who sponsored the event, asked attendees when placing wreaths on veterans’ graves to say their names aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to the United States. “It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” Parson Roby Chapter Regent Charlotte Line said. Veterans, representing all wars, placed flags on ceremonial wreaths. Shown from left to right: State Rep. Donald Wong, DAR Vice Regent Gail Cassarino, DAR Chaplain Jaclyn Cassarino Smith and Children of the American Revolution member Tony Smith placed a wreath on Malden Police Officer Anthony Perna’s grave. To signify Christmas and to honor veterans’ service, DAR Parson Roby Chapter Regent Charlotte Line (left) with DAR Vice Regent Gail Cassarino placed wreaths on their graves at Riverside Cemetery on Saturday. Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Chaplain Jaclyn Cassarino Smith delivered an invocation. Shown from left to right are Beverly High School JROTC Cadet Private First Class Ellie Corbett, Cadet Private Jayla Utne, Cadet Corporal Gabby Lane, Cadet Sgt. Anthony Rust and Cadet Corporal Gabriel Mora placing wreaths on veterans’ graves. Veterans placed flags on ceremonial wreaths for each war; pictured from left to right: David Dexter, John Macauda, Jack Klecker, John Line, Lloyd Sayles, Robert O’Toole, Randy Briand and Gold Star wife Donna Whittemore-Farris. Veteran David Dexter placed a flag on a ceremonial wreath honoring U.S. Army veterans. Saugus Board of Selectmen, pictured from left to right: Vice-Chair Debra Panetta, Michael Serino, Chair Anthony Cogliano and Corinne Riley with State Rep. Donald Wong. (Not in photo: Selectman Jeff Cicolini) ׉ 7cassandra://sJFhslM0o9gqh3OpReeBfkAU2oZ9qgnciW8m2rzl8jQ/`̰a,wj3G׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 7 Veteran John Line placed a flag on a ceremonial wreath, honoring U.S. Air Force veterans. Gold Star wife Donna Whittemore-Farris placed a flag on a ceremonial wreath honoring POW/MIA veterans. Parson Roby Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution Vice Regent Gail Cassarino read The American’s Creed. Saugus Veteran’s Council Commander Captain Steven Castinetti thanked veterans for their sacrifice. State Rep. Donald Wong thanked veterans for their service. Judge Samuel Holten Society Children of the American Revolution President Sylvia Renda played taps. Judge Samuel Holten Society Child of the American Revolution Corresponding Secretary Sara Renda read the Children of the American Revolution Creed during Saturday’s National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony. Veterans (left) and JROTC members (right) stand at attention.(Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) ׉ 7cassandra://RSv5zN9k2SLyXvsqtgFFDwF_lRSx7jIvTQaQGuruv_Y2`̰a,wj3Ga,wj3G PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://WsdY-2jTrDClABcIiKk37Y6xpQ59CAnrZvrbAkn-nkI `)׉ 7cassandra://-Bt2lx47yrH9Nrwzz9XUk8JuSqZg3fVN2gPbYmuIrB0ͩ`J׉ 7cassandra://dzyqST6V9UX1_ijzJSgmCRa9ZdEMTINjY74JcCjxk-k.<`̰׉ 7cassandra://A5J5prsayNXfkWc0nrAbtW3VoblVadvqwXqF4sRMzis@>͠a,wj3GFט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://FUzLgRmTWMTfzIRlYx9Uc0VB_mHsQ-eNFfyQBPR_cHk?`)׉ 7cassandra://MjPYKKYQyp6neD0y0uMySKp0X3VTIrlmQZ7s3Ky0Gigͫ`J׉ 7cassandra://9kaOUvn633k_ZOEBk7i9-alhD_sISr3qM3Xs2osmQEU2u`̰׉ 7cassandra://m6qm4W1ubOASE7NX60hsxxH7FQjDagcAImZYUXh0qsg ͠a,wj3GGנa,wj3GLxV9ׁHmailto:twkennedylaw@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3GK 0̍9ׁHhttp://mbta.com/careersׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3GJoV9ׁHhttp://mbta.com/ׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 MBTA actively seeking to hire new employees and expand its workforce Hundreds of well-paying positions are now open at the 'T' he MBTA is aggressively hiring new employees to join its dynamic workforce. It takes many people to move over a million trips a day, and the 6,500-person MBTA is redoubling eff orts to hire hundreds of open positions – from train and trolley operators, to administrative and technical positions, and especially bus drivers who are in high demand to transport Massachusetts residents to work, play, and everywhere in between. Prospective candidates looking for a rewarding career where they can have a positive impact on the entire region should visit mbta.com/ T careers for more information on open positions and to learn about the MBTA’s many benefi ts and incentives. “The MBTA plays an integral and essential role in keeping Massachusetts moving. The T is a diverse and exciting place to work, and we’re actively hiring and training new employees, especially bus drivers, right now to join our ranks and play a signifi cant part in revitalizing the region post pandemic,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The MBTA is being proactive in recruiting new individuals to join our team and fast-tracking the hiring process, and will continue to work closely with local and state career centers and our community partners to recruit new individuals to join our team. We off er a variety of growth opportunities to employees and encourage members of the public to visit our website to learn more about our many open positions and beginning their career at the T.” The MBTA has gone to over 20 online and in-person career fairs across the region this fall and is updating the way it hires to make it easier and faster to start a T career, including Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) permit “events” at Registry of Motor Vehicle locations (CDL permits are encouraged in applying for bus operator positions), a revamp of the interview process, streamlining the application process, and more. The T has also launched an aggressive recruitment campaign, more than doubling the size of its Human Resources recruiting department since Labor Day 2021 with more anticipated to join soon. A Human Resources team was also recently created that is dedicated to vehicle operator hiring, especially MBTA bus operators. The MBTA offers competitive salaries, extensive healthcare benefi ts, free public transit, training programs, tuition assistance, employee assistance programs, and an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. MBTA employees also receive attractive retirement plans, paid vacation, holidays, and sick time, and fl exible spending accounts. Members of the public can view open positions online and visit the MBTA website for more information on insurance and other benefi ts. For full information visit mbta.com/careers, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram. Pilot human study shows novel treatment suppresses mutant ALS gene The Angel Fund for ALS Research provides major funding Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com (Wakefield, MA) – A clinical trial funded by The Angel Fund for ALS Re- search has shown signifi cant progress in suppressing expression of the most commonly mutated ALS gene, C9ORF72 (C9). The C9 gene mutation, a lengthy expansion of a repeated segment of six molecules of DNA, causes both familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The results of the human trial, initiated and led by Drs. Robert H. Brown and Jonathan Watts at UMass Chan Medical School, were published in Nature Medicine. T his is a major milestone and an exciting breakthrough in the efforts to fi nd a treatment for this neurodegenerative disease, according to Dr. Brown. The study was conducted on one patient after being sanctioned by the FDA. Dr. Brown and the study team hope to expand the study to as many as 10 patients in the coming months with further FDA approval. To silence the C9 gene, the research team developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target the two RNA transcripts of the gene that contain the toxic, expanded segment of nucleic acids. When the ASO was delivered into the spinal fl uid, the activity of the gene was substantially suppressed in the participant. The suppression was maintained by repeated doses of the ASO, which were well tolerated without safety concerns in this pilot study. According to Dr. Brown, while ASOs against this target region have previously been shown by investigators to attenuate expression of the C9 gene in neurons in cell culture and mouse models, the UMass-led trial was the fi rst to demonstrate this in a human. A trial of a comparable ASO is now also being conducted by Biogen, Inc, in Cambridge; results from that study have not yet been reported. “The Angel Fund for ALS Research has been committed to fi nding a treatment and a cure for ALS for nearly three decades,” The Angel Fund said. “This is a giant leap forward on the road to such a discovery. We are proud to fund this research and are excited with the promising results of this clinical trial.” Dr. Jonathan Watts commented, “The research team is excited and encouraged by these results and we look forward to expanding our trial to include more individuals with C9 ALS and frontotemporal dementia. We are grateful to The Angel Fund for ALS Research for their funding.” In addition to the lead role taken by Drs. Brown and Watts, key participants included Drs. Helene Tran and Michael Moazami, as well as an extensive clinical trials team. Beyond the major funding from the Angel Fund, support was also provided by the National Institutes of Health and other ALS organizations. A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured ׉ 7cassandra://dzyqST6V9UX1_ijzJSgmCRa9ZdEMTINjY74JcCjxk-k.<`̰a,wj3G ׉E vTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 9 Saugus Garden Club News 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 HONORING TOWN VETERANS: Members of the Saugus Garden Club at National Wreaths Across America Day last Saturday (Dec. 18) at Riverside Cemetery. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Pilot human study shows novel treatment suppresses mutant ALS gene The Angel Fund for ALS Research provides major funding (Wakefield, MA) – A clinical trial funded by The Angel Fund for ALS Research has shown significant progress in suppressing expression of the most commonly mutated ALS gene, C9ORF72 (C9). The C9 gene mutation, a lengthy expansion of a repeated segment of six molecules of DNA, causes both familial ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The results of the human trial, initiated and led by Drs. Robert H. Brown and Jonathan Watts at UMass Chan Medical School, were published in Nature Medicine. T his is a major milestone and an exciting breakthrough in the efforts to find a treatment for this neurodegenerative disease, according to Dr. Brown. The study was conducted on one patient after being sanctioned by the FDA. Dr. Brown and the study team hope to expand the study to as many as 10 patients in the coming months with further FDA approval. To silence the C9 gene, the research team developed antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) that target the two RNA transcripts of the gene that contain the toxic, expanded segment of nucleic acids. When the ASO was delivered into the spinal fluid, the activity of the gene was substantially suppressed in the participant. The suppression was maintained by repeated doses of the ASO, which were well tolerated without safety concerns in this pilot study. According to Dr. Brown, while ASOs against this target region have previously been shown by investigators to attenuate expression of the C9 gene in neurons in cell culture and mouse models, the UMass-led trial was the first to demonstrate this in a human. A trial of a comparable ASO is now also being conducted by Biogen, Inc, in Cambridge; results from that study have not yet been reported. “The Angel Fund for ALS Research has been committed to finding a treatment and a cure for ALS for nearly three decades,” The Angel Fund said. “This is a giant leap forward on the road to such a discovery. We are proud to fund this research and are excited with the promising results of this clinical trial.” Dr. Jonathan Watts commented, “The research team is excited and encouraged by these results and we look forward to expanding our trial to include more individuals with C9 ALS and frontotemporal dementia. We are grateful to The Angel Fund for ALS Research for their funding.” In addition to the lead role taken by Drs. Brown and Watts, key participants included Drs. Helene Tran and Michael Moazami, as well as an extensive clinical trials team. Beyond the major funding from the Angel Fund, support was also provided by the National Institutes of Health and other ALS organizations. ׉ 7cassandra://9kaOUvn633k_ZOEBk7i9-alhD_sISr3qM3Xs2osmQEU2u`̰a,wj3G!a,wj3G  PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://0pVztbWqsoL0N_cKKomeOmbwHoX2wAGbqaSav0SemcoQ`)׉ 7cassandra://fre7aFH9D9gptcNNMGQ2sVc5Pkb-oA8qJnI4fN3LN7w͘`J׉ 7cassandra://vVCheQrFVBVLNq9N90VW1Pk7ceUWtOUQS4BSG95SYtM.`̰׉ 7cassandra://0HAFBiB5rf1BaGi_m-xctATm5eMSuNG-1kFCGnidPNEx`͠a,wj3GMט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://br0DJYhSpDLmPdTKw0Y_DGCUqPWZVj-rnXUHc-wzm8gU`)׉ 7cassandra://KbkdxHouGh5CxImNeKvgg9V1Ae6lWgZvmdwWkJxjfZI͆?`J׉ 7cassandra://u5g7q-jBRmRX0zKDS7YViDu2F6uJXZ7F4BMbeXoJy5M+`̰׉ 7cassandra://i_v5lbSNVkW0TJ97sfwlXjwXmTgPZ-aadE4TdbQwEeYUcG͠a,wj3GOנa,wj3GR 9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׉E{Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Sachems drop home opener to Peabody T By Greg Phipps he Saugus High School girls’ basketball team isn’t off to the start it was hoping for in 2021-22. The Sachems dropped their third game of the early season when they fell to Peabody in their home opener Wednesday night. It was the first regular-season game for the Saugus girls at the new school gymnasium. But the Sachems were up against a very good Peabody team and couldn’t come away with a win, as the visiting Tanners prevailed by a convincing 61-39 count. Ella Castle ended up as Saugus’s leading points-getter with 12 in the defeat. She was followed by Ashleen Escobar with eight points. The Sachems were hoping Saugus’ Fallon Millerick produced a career-high 14 points at Danvers last week and contributed 11 in Monday’s win at Winthrop. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps) they could carry the momentum of Monday’s road victory at Winthrop into Wednesday’s home opener. But it wasn’t enough against the unbeaten Tanners, who improved to 4-0. The Sachems fell to 1-3. SACHEMS | SEE PAGE 15 A Letter to Saugus Thank you for making this year’s Toy Drive a success HELPING TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER: The Saugus Lions Club toy drive helpers. T he Saugus Lions hosted the Second Annual Roaring Toy Drive on Saturday, November 27th, from 10:00 am– 2:00 pm at the Saugus Senior Center at 466 Central St. Retired Capt. Bill O’Malley and members of the Saugus Fire Department collected the toys and delivered them to those families in need. We of the Saugus Lions Club and the Saugus Fire Department thank all of you that made a toy donation. We also (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) want to thank the MEG Foundation for their donation helping the cause. Thanks to you, Christmas of 2021 is made better for struggling families. Together we made a difference and helped put some smiles on many faces. The Saugus Lions Club and the Saugus Fire Department (Editor’s Note: This letter and the courtesy photo were submitted by Anthony Speziale of the Saugus Lions Club.) LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA ׉ 7cassandra://vVCheQrFVBVLNq9N90VW1Pk7ceUWtOUQS4BSG95SYtM.`̰a,wj3G"׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 11 Sachems off to promising 3-0 start B By Greg Phipps efore the season began, Saugus’s second-year Saugus JV player Travis Goyetche drives to the basket in Wednesday’s 53-47 JV loss at Peabody. The varsity contest was postponed. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps) boys’ basketball Head Coach Joe Bertrand talked about maintaining a positive attitude both on and off the court. That outlook has been on display thus far this season. With a home win over Winthrop on Monday, the Sachems improved to 3-0 on the young campaign. The three straight Ws to open the season represents one of the better and more promising starts for the Sachems in recent years. However, the momentum of that solid breakout suffered a bit of a detour when Wednesday’s scheduled game at Peabody was postponed, reportedly due to a COVID-19 protocol issue. The junior varsity (JV) squad did make the trip to Peabody and played its game. The Sachem JVs came up just short in a close 53-47 battle. In the case of the varsity, as of press time, Saugus was still set for a contest at Triton next Tuesday night. After opening the season with a win at Greater Lawrence Tech, the Sachems christened their new gymnasium last Friday night with an impressive 71-55 triumph over Danvers. Four players accounted for the majority of the offensive output, and the individual point totals were amazingly balanced among the foursome. Ryan Mabee was the top scorer with 18 points, followed by Jeury Barbosa with 15. Tyrone Manderson and Ben Tapia-Gately contributed 14 each. The quartet was responsible for 60 of the team’s 71 points. The Sachems kept it going by handing Winthrop a 60-55 setback on Monday at home. The scoring sheet was similar to the Danvers game. This time, three players – Manderson, Mabee and Barbosa – carried the offense, at least in terms of scoring. Manderson poured in 20 points and was aided by Barbosa’s 14 and Mabee’s 13. Just 13 Saugus points were produced by other players. In the wins over Danvers and Winthrop, Mabee, Manderson and Barbosa were responsible for 94 points combined. With Wednesday’s game being abruptly called off, Saugus hopes to be able to resume action as scheduled next Tuesday in order to preserve the positivity and energy created by the three-game win streak to kick off 2021-22. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://u5g7q-jBRmRX0zKDS7YViDu2F6uJXZ7F4BMbeXoJy5M+`̰a,wj3G#a,wj3G" PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://jhv7I9bbOV60BHHxrlTIp-I3dP_Mz9Bjj39r-socPYA G`)׉ 7cassandra://5Undc9alSMGVQgbZMSURWHydEIci3PsC5oRerXKNtXUͣL`J׉ 7cassandra://FNQwRFZwYDx7orTEpK2hyoadJxV-eMSfX9du1qHdZ7I(!`̰׉ 7cassandra://qySq6pePaEbBPhcRvcyG-9kZj72rh0RwY5juDn02OGk]$͠a,wj3GSט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://PtiDtAcuD7cF0ehymWFHjs3HwpJUuHwvHMos9ZUe_nU ק`)׉ 7cassandra://G8vn-jRljKMjVo_dlICpQFJcZUhc2zEN_EP8Zk6m7cw͟4`J׉ 7cassandra://h_hhGVZpudN2M_4CD8vqHMAJT8FlqdkHrBVBO-HaAtI&`̰׉ 7cassandra://MZ-6uFLQw1Zqbqg2uOaBrjSpu7p92fFP0kIexty2FIg͸=͠a,wj3GTנa,wj3G] B̝9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3G\9ׁH%https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus.ׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3G[.̳9ׁHmailto:HS2Saugus@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3GZ.'9ׁHhttps://forms.glׁ ׁ Јנa,wj3GY Of 9ׁHhttp://Amazon.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E'\Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler Happy holidays, Saugus residents Best wishes to people of all faiths in town who are observing their religious holidays. For the folks who celebrate Christmas, enjoy your time with family and friends. And there’s plenty of opportunity to celebrate with your kids tonight if you have children. The town’s annual Santa Claus Christmas Eve Parade runs from 6 to 9 tonight. Check Santa’s parade posted in today’s paper. Also check out the children’s Christmas pageant that will start at 5 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. People from all faiths and congregations are welcome. All community children are welcome to participate in the pageant. And if you’re bored, dress up in some warm clothes and walk through the neighborhoods of Saugus, checking out those Christmas light displays. Whatever you do, be smart. Be safe. Wear your mask or face-covering if you are in a crowd or inside. If you are enjoying some beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages, be smart and get a designated driver. If you are by yourself and going to a party (which should be a concern with COVID-19), stick to two drinks and eat some food. It’s the third drink that usually gets you in trouble. And that can turn out to be costly, and even dangerous, to you and others. Best wishes for the holidays, Saugus. Stay safe. A Christmas story “Shout-Out” Prolific “Shout-Out” contributor Jeanie Bartolo sent us an email this week, offering to share “A heartwarming ‘Shout Out’ Christmas Story” “Every day, little Liam Walton walks to and from Kindergarten via Stone Street with his mother Wilma and me and we stop in front of a house so Liam can say hello to three inflatable Christmas statues that are on the front lawn,” Jeanie says. “Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco! We also did this when the same homeowner had an inflatable turkey who Liam named Tom during Thanksgiving. Well, today as Liam and his mother were walking home from school there was a gift waiting for Liam from Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco!!! He came straight to my house so I could see his gift,” she says. “His face was lit up like a Christmas Tree, he was so excited to receive a gift from his friends Sky, Grinch and Sofie Coco! I want to thank the homeowner for her kindness and let her know she not only brightened little Liam’s days but his mom’s and mine too! Such a wonderful thing to do for a little boy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and may you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!!” 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 chance for children participation The Rev. John Beach of St. John’s Episcopal Church has offered a wonderful invitation to the children of Saugus: Come participate in the Christmas Eve pageant the church has planned for later today. Rev. Beach is encouraging the town’s children to come and participate in the reenacting of the Nativity of Jesus. In the spirit of Christmas, he has also invited all adults in the community “who enjoy (or would like to enjoy) a childlike heart” to come and watch this Christmas Eve pageant at 5 p.m. today (Friday, Dec. 24). For those kids who want to perform, the young actors will be gathering at the church at 3 p.m. for the distribution of costumes and a brief rehearsal. If you are interested, please contact The Rev. John Beach at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 8 Prospect St., Saugus. You can email him at revjbeach@gmail.com. ic class of breed themselves but nevertheless they have their height/weight standards. A Juliana pig is colorful & spotted no more than 65 pounds usually being 20-40 lbs. “Mushroom was a wonderful choice for the Saugus Christmas Tree Lights petting zoo! “Jeannie Meredith, an Administrative assistant of the Saugus Town Hall oversaw and encouraged others to participate at the petting zoo and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies. She was seen holding the animals and helping the Children to feel more secure in doing the same! “Jeannie graduated from Saugus High School and holds her parents as her Inspiration. “Jeannie has been an active volunteer in the community, and especially at her church, where she has been a Education Coordinator at St. Margaret’s/Blessed Sacrament Church. She has also served as Eucharistic Minister and as a Member of Society of St. Vincent DePaul. “Jeannie helps make Families with children exGUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who was sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon correctly identifies the Saugonian being sketched qualifies to have their name put in a green Boston Red Sox hat with a chance to be selected as the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway, Saugus, location on Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) Or call him at the church office phone: 781-233-1242. We have a winner! Congratulations to Andrew Whitcomb for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got Sketched!” contest and then being the one selected from among several readers whose names were entered into the green Boston Red Sox cap. Andrew was actually the first of many people to contact The Saugus Advocate with the right answer. And attached to the email he sent with that answer was also a photo of him with Jeannie Meredith, who was holding Mushroom, the Juliana potbellied pig, at the petting zoo of the town’s (Dec. 3) Christmas Tree Lighting and Festivities event. There was no doubt about it, as Andrew wrote in his email: “That is Jeannie Meredith holding the pig in this week’s issue. She is one of the greatest people Saugus has ever seen and she has done more for the kids than most people will ever realize. I have seen it first hand, though she doesn’t like credit. Hope all is well. Merry Christmas.” These dynamics were actually a first in our weekly “Guess Who Got Sketched Contest.” It marked the first time that a winner sent in a photo that matched up with the person being sketched. Andrew also contributed a persuasive “Shout-Out” along with guessing the right answer. In any event, here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “Last Week’s Sketch is of Jeannie Meredith holding a blanket wrapped Mushroom! Mushroom is a Juliana pot bellied pig. Pigs are very sociable, affectionate and love being held and petted. They are known for being more intelligent and trainable than many breeds of dogs. Juliana pigs are not really a scientifperience a fuller Merrier Christmas time volunteering with toy collections. She’s a member of Sachem Friends and one of the Specially ‘hand picked’ elves who assisted Kevin Andrews in his toy drive at the MEG Building. “Decked out in elves’ hats Jeannie & Kevin Andrews were on page 3 of ‘Saugus Advocate’ Friday Dec. 10th . They spent their Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 till Dec. 21, at the M.E.G. receiving toy donations for families. Jeannie’s usually found in the center of Saugus Town Events giving her all with enthusiasm! “With a true Mother’s heart, Jeannie loves children and it shows with all the concern about their safety and well-being. “She truly ensures that all the layers of Maslow’s chart of human basic needs are met with children. Jeannie holds a Leadership Position for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2). This is a Non-Profit school Children’s meal program providing snacks & nutrition for weekends & school vacations. “As a former Chair of the Saugus School Committee, she strived to enrich Children’s lives and protect their welfare. She also served on the Saugus Public School’s Anti-Vaping Committee and anti-drug. “She has introduced ideas as therapy dogs in Saugus Schools, and is fighting for better tech & tools to assist Children in receiving greater Education. She Supports the G.O.A.L.S. Program. The Goals program designed by 2014 Saugus Graduate Jonathan McTague’s is abbreviated for Gaining Opportunity, Access, Leadership, Success. “She has been quoted in various media with such positive statements as “if you can save one child you have done your job.’ “She has been on committees such as Saugus High School Building Committee, and many various volunteer projects. Jeannie Meredith and Julie Cicolini were voted 2 of Essex Media Group Person’s of the Year 2020! “Thank you For all you do for Saugus! You shine so brightly for our children! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” Breakheart’s “First Day Hike” So, have you resolved to lose some weight for the new year and engage in a more healthy life? If so, start off the New Year with an invigorating “First Day Hike” and make a resolution to burn off those extra holiday calories. The state Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Friends of Breakheart Reservation are cosponsoring “Breakheart Reservation First Day Hike” again. A flier issued recently by both groups notes “We will have two guided hikes through the paved loops of Breakheart. “Be prepared for cold weather – dress in layers and wear winter boots. Bring your friends and family and THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 13 ׉ 7cassandra://FNQwRFZwYDx7orTEpK2hyoadJxV-eMSfX9du1qHdZ7I(!`̰a,wj3G$׉E(THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Page 13 A letter to the DEP commissioner Precinct 10 Town Meeting Members call on DEP to require “open and transparent” closure of ash landfill (Editor’s Note: The five Saugus Town Meeting members for Precinct 10 recently wrote the following letter to state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg and requested that it be published as a letter-to-the-editor, as it reflects their opinion on a matter of public policy that will be decided by MassDEP and the Saugus Board of Health.) Dear Commissioner Suuberg, We, the five representative Town Meeting Members for Precinct 10 In Saugus, wish to go on record against permitting any vertical or lateral expansion of the ash landfill operated by WIN (formerly Wheelabrator) of Saugus. We would further urge the DEP to immediately require WIN/Wheelabrator to commence an open and transparent closure process for this landfill which will reportedly reach capacity in 2024. As you indicated in your November 16th correspondence to Representative Turco, MassDEP is barred from issuing a favorable Determination of Site Suitability for any expansion of the Landfill and therefore any expansion cannot go before the Town of Saugus Board of Health for a site assignment. Local Boards of Health are only required to hold a Site Assignment hearing or issue a Site Assignment to applicants if they first receive a favorable Determination of Site Suitability. Alongside the legal issues of expansion, there are numerous environmental and health issues as well. WIN/ Wheelabrator’s ash landfill is located within a one-mile radius of Environmental Justice communities in Saugus, and THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 12 afterwards warm up with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire pit outside.” Jot this down on your calendar folks: Jan. 1, 2022. Hike starts at 10 a.m. Meet outside the Visitors’ Center of Breakheart Reservation (177 Forest St. in Saugus). The center will remain open until noon. For more information, call 781-233-0834. No 2022 Historical Society calendars It’s been a couple of years since Saugus native George Brown organized the production of those nice, large calendars for the Saugus Historical Society. George had been in charge of the calendar project for close to two decades. There was no calendar last year. And George and his wife have recently moved to Danvers. Not sure why the calendar project stopped, as it was a great project. And I enjoyed the large size and the fascinating old photos and postcards that were showcased. I love those calendars – and I can’t wait til the society starts producing them again. “I have been getting questions about whether they will be available this year, and unfortunately the answer is no, not this Year,” says Saugus Historical Society President Laura Eisener. “People have been asking about the Saugus Calendars usually produced by the Saugus Historical Society. While we do enjoy putting them together and are considering resuming them in 2023, they do take many months to put together and we were not able to determine earlier in the season whether we would have sufficient sponsors, time to prepare them, and places (like the library, senior center, and town hall offices) to distribute them,” Laura said. “We are also still unpacking and getting organized from the major construction that took place in 2019 and 2020. While we have filled one of the vacant board positions, we still have an opening if anyone has an interest in local history and a desire to contribute to the community,” she said. The society’s phone is still not functioning so if you are interested in serving on the board or have other questions about the historical society, please call Laura Eisener on her home phone at 781-231-5988. COVID-19 halts Friday breakfasts its impacts extend well beyond Saugus to neighboring Environmental Justice communities in Revere and Lynn. For decades, these communities, and in particular East Saugus, have been burdened by pollution and nitrogen oxides being emitted by WIN/Wheelabrator. As we are sure you are aware Saugus has hosted this facility since 1974. Saugus, and in particular East Saugus, has done more than its share for the region’s solid waste. For these reasons, we stand in support against permitting a vertical expansion at WIN/ Wheelabrator. You should also know that the location of this ash landfill has a zoning overlay that allows for construction of a solar farm. This use would be far more beneficial to the Commonwealth and its citizens. Sincerely, Martin Costello, Peter Delios, Peter Manoogian, Darren Ring and Carla Scuzzarella Saugus Public Library to host Dr. Rachel May J oin us on Zoom on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at 7 p.m. when the Saugus Public Library, in collaboration with several other area libraries, welcomes Dr. Rachel May for a presentation of her book “An American Quilt: Unfolding a Story of Family and Slavery.” After the author discovered an unfinished 1830s quilt, she investigated the history of the women who created it and the overlooked history of Northern slavery. May’s book explores the far reach of slavery, from New England to the Caribbean, the role it played in the growth of mercantile America and the bonds between the agrarian South and the industrial North in the antebellum era. This is a free Zoom program but registration is required. Once you register, you will receive a link to the Zoom presentation. May is also the author of “Quilting with a Modern Concerns about COVID-19 have led to a temporary shutdown of the Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210 Legion Hall, which is located at 44 Taylor St. Last week, we received the following email from Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210: “Be aware that, due to a loss of one of our members to Covid (He caught it at a family wedding, not at the Legion itself.) we shut down the breakfast the Friday before Thanksgiving…concerns about the new Omicron variant, the fact that the rather unseasonably warm weather actually works against us, and the fact that the success of the breakfast means that the numbers who come make it difficult to ‘socially distance,’ we took a poll of those breakfast-goers who have given us their email addresses to make notifications possible, and have made the decision to shut down the breakfast for the month of December. “We plan to re-open on Friday, January 7. (We hope by that time to have had a truly hard freeze to help short-circuit transmission fears.) Thanks for your support. Have a good holiday season and a Happy New Year.” We will keep you posted on any developments affecting the Friday breakfasts at Legion Hall. Compost/Recycling Drop-Off site closing The Town of Saugus Compost/Recycling Drop-Off site closed for the winter season on Dec. 11. However, the site will reopen from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month in January, February, and March, weather permitting. Please contact Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781-233-9858. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus program (Editor’s Note: The following info is from an announcement submitted by Julie Cicolini, a member of the Board of Directors for Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, providing information about the program.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers that are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 proSlant,” a 2014 Library Journal and Amazon.com Best Book of the Year. She is an assistant professor at Northern Michigan University. This program is made possible by the collaboration of the public libraries in Newburyport, Billerica, Portsmouth, Boxford, Chelmsford and Saugus and the Langley-Adams Library in Groveland, Peabody Institute Library in Danvers and Bigelow Free Public Library in Clinton. vides students/families that enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete an online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus. Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advocate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been over five and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15- to 20-minute interview over a hot drink at a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee or tea. Or, if you prefer to continue practicing social distancing and be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation recovers from the Coronavirus crisis. If it’s a nice day, my preferred site for a coffee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works. ׉ 7cassandra://h_hhGVZpudN2M_4CD8vqHMAJT8FlqdkHrBVBO-HaAtI&`̰a,wj3G%a,wj3G$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://lx5P1LnRwjHZywfrcvaIT8ciFqeMDBcQ61X6MZYMTbc`)׉ 7cassandra://5ZpiXQrhy37LQLqDOefMURopTsUH05y8MoRp05uxeuQͤ`J׉ 7cassandra://3iI2_dPXShB7gw4SDtBGKksXoHYDS2R31iXiOQdPo1g,`̰׉ 7cassandra://ZeP39sbSyyJZELPuM6n2rkziHLVGbCmhAWNFq6f0EqIͮ0͠a,wj3G^ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://0aptpS8gTDBEX9JvkgczsKz0GlieqUmDojjp5JI2UTA _`)׉ 7cassandra://vMiBvx_UUeLrwE7mEcyiT5Gev7LnYNOt55IboFFyCtYͣ`J׉ 7cassandra://z7Clhb9m4QeLbBkQv3_XI3r3zeofdLv7mar2odFk8KA+`̰׉ 7cassandra://2OV2MoonT_vM6hz0_ZIBZ9pnuowi49tAZDX0T3cBWAAf2X͠a,wj3G`נa,wj3Ge -t9ׁHhttp://www.saׁ ׁ Ј׉E