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For his project, Lynch is organizing a donation drive to benefit the MSPCA Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. As part of his project to help cats and dogs at the shelter, he plans to conduct a neighborhood drive on the weekends of May 9 and 16 while placing drop boxes at several locations in town. Please see this week’s “The Sounds of Saugus” for more details. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Home of the Week Offered at $799,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate SAUGUS - Spacious family Colonial offering 11 rooms, including 4+ bedrooms and 3 full baths, located in desirable Lynnhurst area. The formal dining room features plenty of natural sunlight and opens to a nicely updated kitchen featuring plenty of cabinet space and island seating perfect for entertaining. There is also a bright and sunny living room,1st floor office/den and a full bath. 2nd level offers 4 generously sized bedrooms with hardwood flooring excellent closet space, a sitting area and an additional full bathroom. The lower level features a comfortable family room with a pellet stove, and additional room which is a 5th bedroom plus a 3rd full bath-ideal for extended living space. Additional highlights include central air, a rear deck, three season room off the back of the home and an above ground pool. 1 car garage with a loft for extra storage. This beautiful home is located at the end of a dead-end street. (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. T own Manager Scott C. Crabtree has increased his initial budget recommendation for Saugus Public Saugus Public Schools by $1.8 million for the 2027 Fiscal Year beginning July 1 – supporting the request of Schools Superintendent Michael Hashem to increase current school spending by $2.8 million. “As we work through the budget process, I’m updating my recommendation to reflect the School Department’s request while also making sure Town Meeting has clear information about the longterm impact of recurring costs,” Crabtree said in a press release this week posted on the Town of Saugus website. Earlier this year, Crabtree had recommended a million-dollar increase in the appropriation approved by Town Meeting last year, about a third of what Hashem was seeking. But just a week before the opening session of this year’s Annual Town Meeting (7:30 p.m. in the second fl oor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall), Crabtree announced his “recommended budget is changing to reflect the School Department’s full operating request – an additional $1,837,839 beyond the initial estimate, for a total recommended increase of $2,837,839 over the current year.” With 15 new members taking offi ce in the 50-member chamber – many of them strong advocates for public education – the School Department budget is expected to draw considerable discussion this year when Town Meeting considers the full town budget. The Finance Committee was expected to review the School Department budget for 2027 Fiscal Year during a hearing scheduled in the second fl oor auditorium on Wednesday night and make a recommendation to Town Meeting members. Over the past decade, the School Committee and supporters of Saugus Public Schools have sparred at Town Meeting over the issue of whether the town was spending enough on public education. The town manager has usually recommended hundreds of thousands of dollars less than what the superintendent requested. The School Committee last year gave unanimous approval TOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 2 Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 4.12 4.34 5.24 $4.47 Full Service ULS $4.57 9 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES! ׉ 7cassandra://cTukPHiGrkDE-YJb2meD-bNaeiM2t0AHQk-JWudQnmA9`i;=$i;=$ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://XPPBpCQGVykgt-lDqzhZRwqC0owXhhqiYqkyAkUfuh0m`'p׉ 7cassandra://Z_uP1Kkz_NFOnJYMOPkhNh5PDV1Bro-w8A7UEXh2UPM`׉ 7cassandra://BPXtS1-Oi0ED5Gh1ikF6grFezCo6S0WCQ_qALhLavZY7`i;=$טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://24sc9LpZ3MHoWU-t1sMfN3rLQy6j6GweLreqeNrQ9KME`'p׉ 7cassandra://UzG9dhL5uhgZf5RrJ_lR2EPgsCb9oC_KFJmSZFBRjI8͵`׉ 7cassandra://cccQ5guKxrWmLsRd6iq_r3-T6uxy54gnqsVgeuiNtXU6 `i;=$נi;=$]9ׁHhttp://WWW.SABATINO-INS.COMׁ ׁ Јנi;=$9ׁH mailto:lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Countdown Till Saugus Town Meeting Editor’s Note: The 2026 Annual Town Meeting convenes on Monday, May 4. As a special service to our readers and the registered voters of Saugus, we reached out to all 50 Town Meeting members, focusing on one precinct each week over the past 10 weeks leading up to the start of Town Meeting. We have TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 1 of Hashem’s proposed $36.2 million FY 25 budget – which was nearly $2.5 million more than the previous year’s operating budget. The Annual Town Meeting later approved a budget that was reduced to $34,768,535, about a $1.5 million reduction in what the superintendent had requested. This year, Crabtree and other town officials took a different approach. Crabtree has been meeting regularly in recent months with Schools Superintendent Hashem, School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge, Finance Committee Chair Kenneth DePatto and School Finance Subcommittee Chair Brian Doherty along with town finance staff in an effort asked all members about their expectations for the upcoming Town Meeting. This week, we received responses from the five Town Meeting Members in Precinct 10. Overall, we have received responses from 34 Town Meeting members. This concludes our series. Question One: What do “to understand the School Department’s budget request and key drivers – including contractual obligations, program needs, and other funding considerations,” according to Crabtree’s press release. “As part of these ongoing discussions, the superintendent and school district have agreed to meet regularly and to provide information on a recurring basis, including one-year, three-year, and five-year financial projections and periodic updates on how resources are being aligned with school and district improvement planning, strategic initiatives, and measurable steps intended to strengthen student achievement,” the press release noted. “As part of these discussions, the superintendent has agreed to bring in a consultant to help with the district’s strategic improvement you consider the top priority for the town as you prepare for the opening of the 2026 Town Meeting session? Martin Costello: My primary concern as to the best interests for the Town of Saugus, as a whole, is the maintaining of the town’s excellent Bond Rating. Going back to just 8 years plan and the implementation of actionable measures to improve the school system.” The superintendent expressed support for the new approach. “I appreciate the collaborative approach of the group and the additional allocations to the School Department,” Hashem said in a statement. “I’m committed to improving the financial transparency of the school budget and improving student learning and achievement.” In his press release, Crabtree stressed that school budgets include significant costs that must be evaluated with a multiyear lens. “Recurring expenses don’t just affect one year, they carry forward and compound,” Crabtree said. “Town Meeting should have a clear understanding of the long-term impacts, and the Town should continue planning ago, this newspaper heralded a column by you Mr. Vogler, titled “Another historic financial moment,” wherein 9 lending agencies competed in a bidding process to loan money to the Town of Saugus! All of those agencies offering very favorable interest rates on the 65.7 million dollars that the for how these costs will be supported and sustained in future years in a responsible way. Communities across Massachusetts are facing difficult decisions as rising costs put pressure on local budgets, and it is important that Saugus continues to approach these decisions thoughtfully and with a long-term view,” he said. Crabtree emphasized the importance of connecting resources to outcomes and long-term improvement. He said the entire community should want to see continued progress for Saugus students as the School Department aligns resources with a clear plan and measurable steps that strengthen educational outcomes. Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, a former School Committee member, said he was surprised by Town of Saugus was seeking back then, of which the bulk of it (63.2 million dollars) was going to provide funding for the construction of the then new High School/Middle School. We cannot afford and by this I mean we literally cannot afCOUNTDOWN TILL | SEE PAGE 3 Crabtree’s press release. But he added that he understands why the town manager had decided to recommend the full budget request of the School Department. “He’s issuing a challenge. He’s challenging not only the School Committee, but he’s also challenging Town Meeting,” Manoogian said in an interview this week. “The town manager is saying ‘Show us what you’re going to do with the money. Prove that you can raise student achievement.’ The School Committee needs to focus on student achievement. We’re in the bottom third of the state,” Manoogian said. “We’re talking $2 million more and that’s huge,” Manoogian said of Crabtree’s recommendation for additional school funding. “This is also a challenge to the parents. I hope the parents demand better of our schools,” he said. Precinct 8 Town Meeting Member Arthur Grabowski, another former School Committee Member, said he was preparing for “a huge fight at Town Meeting” over the school budget before Crabtree’s press release. “You got some Town Meeting members who are schoolteachers, and some of the discussion has turned vicious.” Grabowski characterized Crabtree’s press release as a strategic move. “Reading his press release, it seems to me that he got the School Department to admit that they need to be more careful about how they’re spending their money. And I think that’s a step in the right direction that we didn’t have before,” Grabowski said. “By Scott [Crabtree] doing it this way, he got some concesTOWN MEETING | SEE PAGE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://BPXtS1-Oi0ED5Gh1ikF6grFezCo6S0WCQ_qALhLavZY7`i;=$׉EnTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 3 COUNTDOWN TILL | FROM PAGE 2 ford to go back to the “bad old days” in the Town of Saugus, where it was too often, a state of robbing Peter to pay Paul, in order to meet our fi nancial obligations here! Peter Delios: I believe the most important thing this year is that Town Meeting continues to work together in helping to make Saugus a great place to live for all our residents. Peter Manoogian: My top priority would be to prevent Saugus from going backwards fi nancially, or, at the very least, for Town Meeting to be made aware of the consequences if they choose to do so. Saugus, unlike so many communities, both affl uent and fi scally challenged, has had solid fi nances due to policies adopted by the administration and embraced by Town Meeting. Saugus residents have not been asked to fund increased taxes through operational overrides as has occurred in 143 other Massachusetts communities over the past three years. Wealthy communities such as Winchester, Lexington, Brookline, and Marblehead are all facing fi scal challenges. Saugus is one of a few communities that does not require residents to pay a trash fee. We have maintained full services with no cuts to public safety, the library, or other vital town services. Saugus is an island among a sea of communities facing fi scal challenges. The Town Manager, along with all fi ve Selectmen, originally put forward a proposal to increase the school budget by $1 million. Meanwhile, the School Committee requested a more substantial $2.9 million boost, largely to fund a 5% pay raise for teachers — a decision made by the previous committee just before their term concluded. In addition to these requests, the School Department is seeking another $1.3 million from allocated reserves to cover core programs and staff typically part of the regular school budget. As of this week the Manager is recommending to Town Meeting will project into future years and what the unintended consequences could be. These financial strains are further complicated by a previous School Committee’s choice to grant a fi ve-year contract to a new Superintendent, something unheard of in any Massachusetts school system, only to terminate it early. This move saddled the town with nearly $500,000 in legal obligations. On top of that, Saugus faces a signifi cant uptick, close to 14%, in employee THE SEAT OF SAUGUS TOWN GOVERNMENT: The 50-member Town Meeting is the legislative branch of Saugus Town Government and convenes on the fi rst Monday in May each year for a series of meetings to approve zoning articles and resolutions and to pass the town’s municipal budget. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) that the school department receive their total request of 2.9 million. As a Town Meeting Member I want to see how this health insurance costs. Hence, increases for school spending will exceed $5 million just for FY2027. Looking ahead to FY2028, an additional 5% increase in teacher salaries is scheduled to take eff ect, intensifying the town’s fiscal challenges. I do not want to see Saugus head towards the fi scal chaos that we experienced 25 years ago. It will only be a matter of time when our bond rating will COUNTDOWN TILL | SEE PAGE 7 Lawrence A. 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Vogler Good morning, Saugus It’s that time of year again, folks. Time for the Annual Town Meeting – the most important of the many local government meetings that will take place this year in Saugus. The 2026 session gets underway this coming Monday – May 4 at 7:30 pm – in the second floor auditorium of Saugus Town Hall. The town’s 50-member legislative body will consider 46 warrant articles this year – the most important ones relating to the town budget for the 2027 Fiscal Year that begins July 1. This year’s School Department budget is expected to get the most attention. There’s also a controversial non-binding resolution – Article 34 – to seek approval from the state Department of Environmental Protection for expansion or continued use of the ash landfill near WIN Waste Innovation’s trash-to-energy plant on Route 107. This article essentially resurrects discussion of an unofficial 3-2 vote by the Board of Selectmen three years ago that involves a host community agreement in which Saugus would receive $20 million over the next 20 years while WIN Waste could continue use of the ash landfill. Town Meeting has routinely passed resolutions over the years opposing any expansion of the ash landfill. Stay tuned. Help an Eagle Scout project Like in most communities, Saugus people love animals and support projects to help needy cats and dogs. Saugus also loves its Eagle Scouts, and town residents usually embrace the young men who earn Boy Scouting’s highest honor. Here’s a chance for town residents to help some needy anVolunteers at the Tree Farm for Arbor Day Cleanup, pictured from left to right: Back row: Josie Stoner, Ryan Duggan and Nancy Prag; middle row: Karen Rakinic, Mary Kinsell, Stephanie Shalkoski, Mary Roblee, Margery Hunter; front row: Sharon Genovese, Kris Swible, Audrey Swible. Not pictured: Donna Manoogian, Helen Fahey, Joanne Ely and Laura Eisener. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) 50 imals and also help an aspiring Eagle Scout complete his journey. Sean Lynch, 17, a longtime member of Saugus Boy Scout Troop 62, is organizing a donation drive to help the cats and dogs at the MSPCA Angell Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem. He already has 25 merit badges, and only needs to complete his public service project. The 17-year-old senior at Saugus Middle High School is appealing to the public for these supplies: wet and dry cat and dog food, dog/cat treats, cat litter and scoops, dog/cat toys, leashes, paper towels, spray cheese, bully sticks or pigs’ ears, canned chicken, wash cloths and THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 5 Spring is Here! 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 67 Years in Business! n Roofing fng ׉ 7cassandra://Vg3ajZ7shb2yPy5pxFJ8_M-wV1l7asvAuVZpqoI4Huw<`i;=$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 5 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 4 small rags, towels and sheets, dog waste bags, cat scratching posts, disinfectant wipes, Dixie cups, peanut butter, unsalted chicken or beef broth and extendable back scratchers. Drop boxes will be available in the lobby of the Public Safety Building on Hamilton Street, at the Saugus Middle High School and in the Saugus Public Library. Sean will also be doing a neighborhood drive on portions of the weekends of May 9 and May 16 in the area bordered by Winter Street and Lincoln Avenue. For more details, Sean can be reached at seanmlynch026@gmail.com or 781-558-8524. He’s dedicating the next two weeks to helping as many needy animals as possible while fi nishing the requirements for his Eagle Scout badge. Saugus Bike Trail Cleanup tomorrow The Saugus VFW Post 2346 is organizing a cleanup of the Saugus bike trail tomorrow (Saturday, May 2) as part of the Fifth Annual Veterans of Foreign Wars National Day of Service. VFW Post 2346 and Auxiliary Saugus will clean the section of the rail trail running through Saugus, Massachusetts, which has a section honoring Purple Heart recipients, as the Post’s participation in the annual VFW National Day of Service, according to Jay Pinette of the local VFW. Volunteers should report at 9 a.m. to 120 Essex St. The Veterans of Foreign Wars fi fth annual VFW Day of Service is a dedicated day of service led by veterans throughout the country and the world. Events kick off the fi rst Saturday in May (May 2) and take place throughout the month. For more information, contact Jay Pinette at 339-600-7325. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, May 1) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Offi ce at 781-233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc. org) for details. Legion Breakfast on Fridays There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. The American Legion Post 210 at 44 Taylor St. in Saugus off ers Friday morning breakfasts for the 2026 season. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., with breakfast served from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation. Veterans who cannot afford the donation may be served free. The Friday breakfasts will last until May 29. Cleaning up the town – Precinct 5 tomorrow There’s a lot of raking and sweeping going on in Saugus lately, as a number of residents, led by Town Meeting members, are initiating various cleanups in their respective neighborhoods. There’s another neighborhood cleanup tomorrow (Saturday, May 2). Residents of Precinct 5 are organizing a cleanup at the Lynnhurst School, beginning at 8 a.m. and lasting through noon. Trash bags and water will be provided. This week’s “Shout Outs” From Al and Joyce Rodenhiser: “We would like to off er a ‘Shout Out’ for Laura Eisner for all the wonderful articles for the Advocate she wrote about her walks to see the gardens of Saugus. They were always timely, educational and pretty! Laura also works tirelessly for the Historical Society, the Garden Club, SAVE, and beautifying the outdoors.” From John Macauda, commander of Saugus American Legion Post 2010, off ered high praise “in honor of our Ladies Auxiliary at the Post.” “They will be receiving the Al White award for the volunteer work they performed at the Chelsea Soldiers Home. I certainly would appreciate an honorable mention in The Advocate for these great ladies that do so much for our Veterans.” The Ladies Auxiliary will be honored next Tuesday night during a special dinner at Legion Hall. 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. Student Government Day today Many town government leaders will assemble today (Friday, May 1) at 8:30 a.m. in the second fl oor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Here’s your chance to see future Saugus leaders of tomorrow – the kids who are currently students in the Saugus Middle and High School grades – perform in mock sessions of the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the Annual Town Meeting. All members of Saugus local government are invited to come and observe, and even share some pointers with the students. The Saugus Business Education Collaborative will be coordinating the lunch. 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The Sachems received dominant pitching, explosive off ensive innings and several standout individual performances as the teams neared the May stretch of the season. BASEBALL GOES 2-1, POWERS PAST NORTHEAST TWICE Saugus baseball turned in another productive week, going 2-1 to move to 5-5 on the season with a pair of wins over Northeast Metro Tech before closing the week against Swampscott. The biggest statement came when the Sachems, listed as the visiting team at World Series Park, rolled to a 15-0 win in five innings behind a combined no-hitter. Jordan Rodriguez was electric once again, striking out 10 over 5 1/3 innings while controlling the game from the outset. Garret Peavey recorded the fi nal two outs to complete the no-hit eff ort. At the plate, Tyler Schaefer had a breakout day, collecting four hits as the Saugus off ense piled up runs early and never let Northeast settle in. Two days later, the Sachems completed the sweep with an 11-1 home victory over Northeast. Freshman Schaefer continued his strong week by earning his fi rst varsity win on the mound, another encouraging sign for a Saugus staff that has shown depth all spring. Off ensively, the Sachems were again relentless. Brayden Crawford and Eli Fialho each collected three hits, helping pace a balanced lineup. Crawford continued his allaround strong season by reaching base repeatedly, while Chris Mazin added two hits in another productive performance. The week ended with a 7-0 loss to Swampscott, but even in defeat Saugus continued to compete against a quality opponent. Mazin doubled, while Crawford, Rodriguez and Fialho combined on the mound. Now sitting at .500 after 10 games, THE PAESANI CLUB ANTHONY’S OF MALDEN 105 CANAL STREET MALDEN, MA. 02148 ANNUAL POLENTA PARTY THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026 6:00PM COCKTAIL HOUR SAVE THE DATE! LA MORA CONTEST FEATURING SAL “THE GOLDFISH SWALLOWER” BARRESI the Sachems appear to be trending upward with improved pitching depth and multiple hitters producing throughout the order. Saugus was set to return to action Wednesday, Apr il 29, at home against Beverly in another important NEC matchup. SOFTBALL SPLITS WEEK, MCCARRIER SHINES, CAPTAINS LEAD WAY Saugus softball also continued its steady climb, splitting the week to move to 5-5 overall while showing toughness despite a short-handed roster. The Sachems opened the week against Marblehead and fell 11-2, but Head Coach Steve Almquist still saw positives against one of the area’s top programs and standout pitcher Tessa Francis. “Facing one of the top programs and pitchers in the area, we knew coming in that it was going to be a very tall task for us,” Almquist said. “Despite the loss, I saw a lot of positives. The kids continue to play hard and are giving their very best eff ort.” Captain Sydney Deleidi sparked the off ense with a triple and later scored, while eighth grader Jenna O’Donnell added a triple of her own and also scored. Captain Ari Chianca and eighth grader Aubrey Demonte each added hits. Freshman Sofi a McCarrier battled through another demanding start in the circle, going seven innings with six strikeouts against a veteran Marblehead lineup. The week ended on a much stronger note, as Saugus defeated Melrose, 6-2, in a sharply diff erent rematch after the teams had combined for 39 runs in their previous meeting. “This was a good old-fashioned pitchers’ duel with sound defense on both sides and some timely hitting on our end,” Almquist said. “That’s what makes this game so great—you never know what to expect.” The turning point came in the third inning. Eighth grader Jenna O’Donnell drew a leadoff walk before captain SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 5 Awareness committee and Eagle Bank will be holding an hour-long free presentation on Scams, Cyberfraud and Exploitation at the Saugus Senior Center (466 Central St. in Saugus) on Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Attorney Stephen Miliotis and Gisella DiPaola will be conducting this event. Become educated in the latest scams that intrude into all of our lives. All Ari Chianca launched an inside-thepark two-run home run. After Aubrey Demonte reached base again and Deleidi singled, McCarrier ripped a tworun double to left-center to give Saugus a 4-1 lead. Layla Demonte later added a triple and RBI, while Deleidi drove in another run. McCarrier did the rest in the circle, earning her fi fth win of the season with a complete-game eff ort. The freshman allowed two runs, one earned, while striking out fi ve. “Only a freshman, Sofi a continues to impress with her gamer mentality and her willingness to do whatever is necessary to help the team win,” Almquist said. Almquist also praised the team’s defensive fl exibility during a stretch where injuries, illness and school trips have limited available numbers. “I can’t stress enough how impressed I am with the kids,” he said. “Some of them are playing positions they aren’t necessarily very comfortable with yet, but they’ve been getting the job done.” He added that captains Silva, Chianca and Deleidi “have done a fantastic job setting the tone and keeping everyone together and focused.” Saugus now prepares for another diffi cult week with games against Beverly and Lynn Tech. GIRLS LACROSSE MILESTONE WATCH Saugus girls lacrosse enters a big week with senior scorer Aly Mabee sitting on the doorstep of history. Mabee now has 99 career goals, leaving her just one away from the 100-goal milestone with two games on the schedule this week. ages are welcome. Call 781233-4178 to reserve your seat. Walkins are also welcome. Congrats, Alyssa Sena! Alyssa Sena was the runner-up woman runner in the recent “Not a Walk in the Park” 5K race sponsored by the Saugus Family YMCA on April 25. Alyssa fi nished with a time of 24:44 as she joined other runners through the beautiful scenery of Breakheart Reservation. Arbor Day Cleanup at the tree farm Laura Eisener submitted this report on last weekend’s Arbor Day Cleanup at the town’s tree farm: An enthusiastic group of volunteers spent part of Saturday morning working at the tree farm cleaning up winter debris, broken pots from the winter and spreading some soil and THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 12 ׉ 7cassandra://wEfMAsVuMMoxJuRZf7y3YRML3OKq2j6-6TdmQ2t4mJg3V`i;=$׉E[THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 7 Birthdays are special at the Senior Center (Editor’s Note: Saugus Senior Center Director Laurie Davis submitted the following article.) T he Saugus Senior Center celebrated its monthly birthday celebration on Friday, April 24, with 21 celebrants! This special event was generously sponsored by Pauline and Jay Agnew, in honor of Pauline’s sister, Doris Napier’s birthday. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Pauline and Jay for their kindness and generosity. It made the day extra special for everyone to enjoy. The Senior Center likes to recognize a Senior’s birthday on the last Friday of the month with a collective celebration. Each birthday recipient receives a free pizza lunch, cake, ice cream and a souvenir group photo. If anyone would like to sponsor a birthday in honor of someone special, please stop by the office and let us know. COUNTDOWN TILL | FROM PAGE 3 drop thus costing taxpayers more when Saugus borrows both in the short and long term to complete capital projects, should capital projects even continue. All of this will take place as our Saugus Public Schools continue to lag in student achievement, consistently placing in the bottom third of the state. Homebuyers frequently ask why our schools show such poor performance. Nowhere is there a plan to turn that around and only excuses as to why 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. APRIL BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized 21 Saugus residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively at the Senior Center last month. Pictured from left to right: Front row: Shirley Bogdan, Sylvia Montgomery, Carolina Cataldo, Mary Ann Picardi, Chris Blanchard, Doris Napier, Roseanne Testa, Lorraine Lewis and Tony Sarno; back row: Patti Milley, Jean Bloom, Steven Riley, Eileen Papagni, Rosita Giliberto, Sam Toste, Luigi Barsotti, John Baginsky, Carol Gilmore, Rosalie Procopio, Carol Levine and Arlene Decareau. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) TOWN MEETING | FROM PAGE 2 sions from the School Department. And he gets to have input on how they spend their money,” he said. Grabowski and Manoogian each expressed concerns about how the big increase in this year’s school budget could affect the town’s fiscal situation in future years. “I don’t think we will have a problem this year. But, I don’t think it bodes well for the future,” Grabowski said. “The teachers are getting a 5 percent pay raise this year and 5 percent next year. The School Committee has got to realize they can’t give away pay raises without knowing where the money is coming from,” he said. Manoogian noted that taxpayers will have to pay the price for spending more money on public education. “This issue has sucked all the oxygen and the dollars out of the room,” Manoogian said. “How we sustain this is not conceivable. I don’t want to see Saugus go through what we went through 25 years ago,” he said, referring to fiscal problems that led to a reduction in municipal services. Manoogian said Saugus could easily wind up like several neighboring communities that have endured fiscal problems. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping it can’t turn around. Carla Scuzzarella: I think the top priority for our town is maintaining fiscal stability while continuing to fund essential services, especially public education, public safety, and infrastructure. Jenna Nuzzo: As we prepare for the 2026 Town Meeting session, the top priority for the Town of Saugus must be establishing a clear, longterm plan for the town’s financial stability and growth. This past year highlighted how obsolete our budget process has become. We need to shift toward a more proactive approach that priCOUNTDOWN TILL | SEE PAGE 8 ׉ 7cassandra://ETZw4jl2RYmhrTSmg64oJ-j5SrXdmHwgV9224pq4Vf09`i;=$i;=$ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://8aXSWMr3sF1jmET5gwV39mr1crC9eG44IzNjkmIeDD0 6`'p׉ 7cassandra://CXiZjasVTv_yyOo2ycfjq8pkDBizoa3jJ4leKwuOjWs`׉ 7cassandra://h_ENBbc4OuhQWjwYCOkbrioXyewzfXopGAHwuD3GEgE5`i;=$ טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://9hCzrPbnwXBouJskPCg__P5aC-QEbgaqnn0dK-Rh5ok`'p׉ 7cassandra://AH3LlQgpVb_SRf8sTIp9cXenZZ-Dd7oOiA4-S7dE6A4ͧ`׉ 7cassandra://vecnZDm9dKNAzuVRNqMP6BLnFKe5zXeGZbR2dvNnpPc9J`i;=$!נi;=$(0k 9ׁH!http://eriehome.com/erielicenses/ׁ ׁ Јנi;=$'0w 9ׁH!http://homeservicescompliance.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EIPage 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 COUNTDOWN TILL | FROM PAGE 7 oritizes transparency, collaboration, responsible spending, and strategic investment across all areas of town government, including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and municipal services. Equally important is identifying new and sustainable revenue opportunities. That means taking a serious look at economic development, better utilizing town-owned properties, and ensuring that Saugus is positioned to grow without placing an unfair burden on taxpayers. Residents deserve more than year-to-year uncertainty. They deserve a plan that reflects the needs of the entire community and puts Saugus on a stronger, more stable path forward. Question Two: What do you consider the top priority for residents in your precinct as you prepare for the opening of the 2025 Town Meeting session? Martin Costello: The top priority for the residents of Precinct 10 is and has been for far too long now, is the isANYONE CAN SAY THEY CAN FIX IT, ONLY WE GUARANTEE IT...FOR LIFE! • Basement Waterproofi ng • Foundation Repair • Crawl Space Repair sue of the Win/Waste incinerator here, which, as everyone knows, including the folks @ Win/Waste is located well within an area of environmental concern, Rumney Marsh! To see this facility still operating there today is an affront to every resident here in Precinct 10, as well as to our neighbors in Revere and Lynn. Win/Waste (then known as RESCO) began their operations there in 1975, that’s 51 years ago now! By all realistic and legitimate standards, the life span of an incinerator is approximately 23 years! From the years 20002020 over 44 such incinerators around this country have been taken off line and closed, so Win/Waste is long overdue to bring their operations here in Saugus to a close as well. In fact, even if Win/Waste had embarked upon some major refurbishments to their facility some years ago, they would still be realistically looking at an impending closure date now and not just for the continued use of their toxic unlined ash pile there! Peter Delios: I believe that Precinct 10 residents & all of Saugus definitely need more safety, better air quality, and the Ash landfill closure is imperative to the health of Saugus residents. Peter Manoogian: There are SCHEDULE YOUR FREE INSPECTION: (866) 235-9404 * Certain terms and conditions apply. Ask your Foundation Specialist for details. LIC. NO. 202410 several top priorities for Precinct 10. One important priority is the increased frequency of flooding that affects the majority of homes in Precinct 10 and many homes throughout Saugus. In spite of a plan LIMITED TIME OFFER Erie Roofing Since 1976 50%OFF Installation FREE ESTIMATE SCHEDULE TODAY! Call 1.844.829.0047 Trust the Nation’s #1 Roofi ng Contractor Award-Winning Roofing and Customer Service $0 Down Today | Same Day Financing Available Premium Warranty Protection Join over 400,000 satisfi ed homeowners with an ultra-durable roof from Erie Home. CALL TODAY! 1.844.829.0047 New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placedon behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not be available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriehome.com/erielicenses/ put forth and adopted by the Town to participate in a restart of the 1993 Saugus River Floodgate project, our legislative delegation has not yet followed through by filing legislation and coordinating a regional approach with other affected communities. Our voice continues to be muted on Beacon Hill. The second priority is to see the closure of the Win Waste Ash Landfill on November 1, 2027, the date set by DEP. WIN Waste will be stepping up marketing and political activity to gain support for their stated desire to increase the ash landfill height from 50’ to 100’ and for another 20 years of operation. A third Priority would be to see the lower end of Ballard Street and the Belden Bly Bridge project completed. The Golden Gate Bridge was built in less time than this state project. Carla Scuzzarella: Residents of Precinct 10 consistently raise three major concerns. First and foremost is the ongoing impact of the WIN Waste Innovations facility and landfill. This remains, by far, the most significant issue for many in our neighborhood, with residents continuing to voice concerns about environmental impacts, odors, traffic, and overall quality of life. Flooding is also a constant concern, particularly for those living near the river and marsh. Residents want meaningful improvements to drainage infrastructure and remain hopeful that state or federal funding can help offset the substantial cost of long-term flood mitigation projects. Addressing these challenges is essential to protecting homes, businesses, and public safety. Finally, like residents across all of Saugus, Precinct 10 families want to ensure that our schools receive the resources they need to provide a strong education while remaining mindful of the financial burden on taxpayers. Supporting educational excellence while maintaining fiscal responsibility is a priority shared throughout the community. Jenna Nuzzo: For Precinct 10, the top priority is finally addressing long-standing issues that have been talked about for years but never meaningfully resolved. That starts with taking a new, more honest approach to the WIN Waste Innovations issue. The same conversations have been happening for decades without real progress, and residents deserve a willingness to look at it differently and focus on what actually moves the town forward. Residents are also focused on concerns like traffic around Ballard and Lincoln Avenue, as well as the lack of follow-through on town properties. The vacant Ballard School and the never been used amenities at Bristow Park like the bathrooms and snack stand are things people notice and expect action on. My priority is making sure these issues don’t continue to sit year after year, and that Precinct 10 sees real progress, not just discussion. Question Three: Are you working independently or in collaboration with other members on articles to be introduced for this year’s Town Meeting? Could you please elaborate? Summarize your article and what you hope to accomplish. Martin Costello: My colleagues and I have been working together with some traffic issues that we have to face here and we have submitted an Article to Town Meeting to hopefully begin the process of seeing those proposals coming to fruition. I can honestly say too, that the Town Meeting members from Precinct 10 are cognizant of a number of other issues facing the Town of Saugus, as some of them are a town wide issues, such as the current situations with E-bikes and other unlicensed motor vehicles and the public safety issues they present and present even to the young operators of those vehicles as well. Peter Delios: Yes I have been in full collaboration with my fellow colleagues of Precinct 10 and do hope to work together with the rest of Saugus Town Meeting in the upcoming year. We have a lot of articles to vote on and we hopefully will do the right thing for the town and its residents. Peter Manoogian: The PreCOUNTDOWN TILL | SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://h_ENBbc4OuhQWjwYCOkbrioXyewzfXopGAHwuD3GEgE5`i;=$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 9 SHS Sachems Cheerleading Team Annual Team Banquet The Saugus High School Girls’ Varsity Sachems Cheerleading Team gave awards to their top players during their banquet at the Grill House recently. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Bottom row, shown from left to right, are: Ana Gutierrez, Ava Pina, Stephanie Perez, and Kieiry Camilo Grullon. Top row, shown from left to right, are: Lucia Giron, Izzy Dedo, Selena Garcia, Danielle Braga, Sarah Mudafort, Alyssa Mikalixen, and Camila DiFraia. The team placed first in the Division 3 Milford Invitational Tournament. The team placed first in the NEC Division 3 Winter Wonderland Invitational in West Springfield. Incoming/Current Captain Stephanie Perez with Head Coach Hannah Phelan. Next year’s captain will also be Savanna Dalton, who wasn’t present. Izzy Dedo, at left, and Kieiry Camilo Grullon display their team gifts. Coaches, shown from left to right, are: Noelle Loconte, Head Coach Hannah Phelan, Amanda Pires and Grace Golberg during their Saugus High School Girls’ Varsity Cheerleading banquet on Sunday night. Shown from left to right, are: Assistant Coach Noelle Loconte, Head Coach Hannah Phelan, Most Valuable Player winner Izzy Dedo, Assistant Coach Amanda Pires and Assistant Coach Grace Golberg. Shown from left to right, are: Assistant Coach Noelle Loconte, Head Coach Hannah Phelan, Underdog Award winner Ana Gutierrez, Assistant Coach Amanda Pires and Assistant Coach Grace Golberg. Shown from left to right, are: Assistant Coach Noelle Loconte, Head Coach Hannah Phelan, Coaches’ Award winner Lucia Giron and Assistant Coach Amanda Pires and Assistant Coach Grace Golberg. ׉ 7cassandra://vecnZDm9dKNAzuVRNqMP6BLnFKe5zXeGZbR2dvNnpPc9J`i;=$i;=$ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://lVzL5u8D8vxFxhulE9m9S_-Cko_luuwkTeGkNlGOj-IZ`'p׉ 7cassandra://rxccseBsN6bVugZ_C4cKuF_Se1OvcuyTMBYOAWLN6QU;`׉ 7cassandra://HT4NDCK1d1nyzVHnqsRENMYmNL2ZHHBYdMr845QhGs86`i;=$$טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://-XJYLvDUmVwzAO1ZvvWV8NWYn3n-sEn_y7A5ilXoNCg>`'p׉ 7cassandra://8TS6kdKKKMuEJOzU0En2k0ZI4SI7ago98sPCZWfog8g<`׉ 7cassandra://n3zzIuNWIj7gtp6MrzaKZJFo6dDd23DE3IaIecd2kIg6q`i;=$%נi;=$*̧̲9ׁHhttp://thewarrengroup.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Saugus Gardens in the Spring Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener A month like this only comes along once in a blue moon! Literally. Today, May Day, is the first full moon of this month, known as the Flower Moon. We have another full moon on the 31st, however, and the second of two full moons in any month is known as the blue moon. May Day, known as Beltane in parts of the UK, has been celebrated for thousands of years as the start of summer and a celebration of fertility and fire. People would decorate their homes with flowers and green boughs. It is the point midway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Dancing around a maypole was a longtime tradition, although Puritans in New England disapproved highly of it, and people who participated in this ritual were often punished in the 17th century. If you wondered where the “Saugus Gardens” column was last week on Arbor Day, it appeared on The Advocate facebook page. Another garden-related article you will find there is an account of this year’s “Books In Bloom,” which was held at the library April 10 and 11, written by Gabriella Galbadis. There is just too much going on in town now that spring has sprung! Anyone driving down Walnut Street this week would be rewarded if they glanced away This beautiful border of daffodils, tulips and hyacinths cheers drivers on Walnut Street. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) A FEW WORDS ON THE TAXATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS f your only source of income is social security benefits, none of your social security benefits will be taxable. However, if you have other sources of income, the amount of your social security benefits that will be taxable will depend upon your provisional income (PI). PI equals the total of (1) tax-exempt interest, (2) 50% of your social security benefits and (3) other income items that comprise your adjusted gross income, less certain deductions and exclusions. For a single taxpayer, if PI I is less than $25,000, then the social security benefits are fully tax-free; if PI is between $25,000 and $34,000, then up to 50% of the benefits are taxable. If PI is over $34,000, then up to 85% of the benefits are subject to tax. For a married couple filing a joint tax return, if PI is less than $32,000, then the social security benefits are fully tax free; if PI is between $32,000 and $44,000, then up to 50% of the benefits are taxable; if PI is over $44,000, then up to 85% of the benefits are subject to tax. of age or older. A married couple filing a joint return where each taxpayer is at least age 65 will be entitled to a $12,000 deduction. This is the so-called “no tax on social security” deduction. The deduction begins Your PI will include taxable interest, dividends, capital gain income, W-2 income, net rental real estate income, unemployment income, IRA distributions, pension income, gambling income, etc. Therefore, for many taxpayers, much of their social security income then becomes taxable. The question then becomes how much is taxable? As part of the tax return preparation process, a tax software program will automatically perform the calculation to arrive at the answer. The Big Beautiful Bill provides for a $6,000 deduction for a single person 65 years to be phased out for a single taxpayer and a taxpayer filing as head of household once modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) reaches $75,000 and is completely phased out once MAGI reaches $175,000. For a joint tax return, the deduction begins to be phased out once MAGI reaches $150,000 and is completely phased out once MAGI reaches $250,000. This deduction is available whether you take the standard deduction or you itemize your deductions. Eliminating income taxes on social security would simply have been too costly for our federal government. Such a bill was never going to pass. The $6,000 deduction has helped reduce income taxes for many Americans for the 2025 tax year. The deduction is good until 2028. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. A relaxing spot at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site under the magnolia is just waiting for you to sit and enjoy the flowers! (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) from the blue waters of Birch Pond to admire the beautiful array of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths along the front of a yellow house across the street. This beautiful garden is radiant with a rainbow of colors at the foundation and colorful pansies lining the narrow strip between the parking area and street. Nap Aut and his wife Amab Van just moved in about a year ago and wanted to make the gardens around their home facing the reservoir look beautiful for passersby. They certainly succeeded, since both my niece and I were both struck by the new gardens as we drove through GARDEN | SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://HT4NDCK1d1nyzVHnqsRENMYmNL2ZHHBYdMr845QhGs86`i;=$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 11 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www. thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 Sebbah, Brahim GARDENS | FROM PAGE 10 traffic earlier this week on our way toward Route 1. The grounds of Saugus Iron Works have been attracting visitors all winter, but especially now that the weather is more pleasant and the lawns greening up. Puppies frolic on the paths (dogs can earn a “bark ranger” badge), families bring their lunch to the picnic tables, and people can be seen reading or resting in the Adirondack chairs in various parts of the site. Cherry trees are blooming on the slope, and the saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) is in flower in the midst of the upper lawn. Park tours COUNTDOWN TILL | FROM PAGE 8 cinct 10 Town Meeting Members met recently to discuss issues facing the Precinct. We discussed the concerns of Bristow Street residents regarding speeding traffic. Four of us prepared and gathered signatures for an article to request the Selectmen as traffic commissioners to develop a policy on the site selection and installation of speed tables and other such traffic calming devices at locations such as the park on Bristow Street. I am bringing forth a request to petition the legislature to amend our Special Act BUYER2 Bigatello, Antonio Lorenzo Ledesma, Jennifer R Diaz Colantuoni, Tyler SELLER1 Bruke Work Corp Mcdonough, Matthew Klepikova, Sergiy P SELLER2 ADDRESS 6 Saugus Ave #B 31 Mountain Ave Klepikova, Lyudmyla 921 Sherwood Forest Ln #921 CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Blossoms of the P.J.M. rhododendron bloom near the Visitors’ Center at Breakheart Reservation. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) will soon begin, and the gardens and nature trail already have emerging leaves and blossoms. Charter to require that a new Town Manager must have a Master’s Degree and 3 years experience. Over the next two years Saugus will see increasing pressure to replace the current Town Manager. My intuition, usually spot on, informs me that the 2027 election will bring forth candidates with that as an unstated goal. This position has high expectations and therefore there should be high standards set for hiring. Conversely, to working for a proposal, four of us again met and are working against a proposal by two Precinct 6 Town Meeting Members, a Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member, and sadly, a Precinct One of the broadleaf evergreen shrubs that stands out in every neighborhood this week is the P.J.M. rhodo10 Town Meeting Member, to endorse a vague “host community agreement” adopted by 3 Selectmen that would ask the Town Manager to sign that agreement, ignore the authority of the Board of Health, and essentially allow WIN to deliver such to the State to either change policy or create a law to allow the expansion of the ash landfill. The long-standing Saugus Town Meeting norm of “not placing something in your Precinct that I wouldn’t want in mine” could be shattered if this resolution is adopted by Town Meeting. I will conclude with the words of George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are dendron, with bright pinkish purple flower clusters and small dark green leaves. This very popular plant was bred right here in Massachusetts by Weston Nurseries located in Hopkinton. The initials in the name of this shrub stand for the founder of the nursery, Peter J. Mezitt. This hybrid and several related ones were created to be very cold hardy and adaptable, and they are. The shrubs at Breakheart do show evidence of having been nibbled by deer, but there are several branches that escaped being eaten during this past snowy winter. At the entrance to Saugus Commons on Main Street, there condemned to repeat it.” Carla Scuzzarella: I collaborated with my fellow Precinct 10 Town Meeting members on an article requesting a town policy on speed tables and traffic calming devices. Jenna Nuzzo: I’m working with a great group of Town Meeting Members on a variety of issues this year. At the same time, I’m perDATE 04.06.26 04.10.26 04.10.26 PRICE 559900 600000 655000 is a showy display of these shrubs just starting to drop some petals at this point. Because the leaves are much smaller than the six inch leathery leaves of the more familiar rosebay rhododendrons (Rhododendron maximum) and Catawba hybrids (Rhododendron catawbiense), many people think these are azaleas, which are in fact closely related, but flower details indicate the P.J.M. hybrid rightfully belong among the rhododendrons. For many situations, this may be the ideal plant with its purplish green foliage all winter, glowing flowers in spring and a mature height of about 4-6 feet. sonally bringing forward articles focused on addressing the town’s vacant school buildings to hopefully create a clearer plan for their future use. My goal is to move beyond ongoing discussion and push for action ensuring these properties are thoughtfully evaluated and put to better use for the benefit of the community. FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT ׉ 7cassandra://n3zzIuNWIj7gtp6MrzaKZJFo6dDd23DE3IaIecd2kIg6q`i;=$i;=$ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://LK_FHztn_z9HzAq5XsiFVQHoalBeHpfi79nkBVTEe8s `'p׉ 7cassandra://c8o9j3Omox7-4JoXfN1TaDXADVtOCgCc518zPOQBgOwͫ`׉ 7cassandra://vKULRkAQZIiYifWGByOTaqmVinc4xqJ9JS6TsBxIQnI8`i;=$+טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://tbGZ5r5CtMBAOgQRC7uS4xCO1yMtgxQbx5LkU4JEqCcq`'p׉ 7cassandra://B9x7z7v602IDD6__23_nhtpuFdjE_lQad4VeUNk0z2st`׉ 7cassandra://PC6OIh8uriei54fWBUEoSJJwqgsZDNEEk3-3z_VCsbo;`i;=$,נi;=$7x9ׁHhttp://www.mastrocola.comׁ ׁ Јנi;=$6̽9ׁH"mailto:jmagee@actionjacksonusa.comׁ ׁ Јנi;=$5 h$̐9ׁHmailto:info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Јנi;=$4C+9ׁHmailto:toughbuildjohn@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנi;=$3C9ׁH*http://toughbuildmasonryandconstuction.comׁ ׁ Јנi;=$2r9ׁH!http://www.americanexteriorma.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E[Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 6 mulch for the benefit of sapling trees being raised to beautify public lands in Saugus. Volunteers included members of Saugus Garden Club, Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment, Saugus Tree Committee, and others. The trees currently at the farm are quite small and will need a few years before they will be large enough to stand up to urban conditions with a lot of human activity around them, so they are being maintained in a protected area near the rail trail adjacent to Shute Brook. Several new sapling trees had been set out last fall, enclosed in a group with rabbit fencing to prevent them from being devoured during the winter. The system worked, and it was heartwarming to see the new buds peeking out of many trees on this spring occasion. Rocky Hill Transport donated loam and mulch. Home Depot donated a new wheelbarrow and landscape cloth. Tree Committee chair Nancy Prag was very pleased with the turnout and thanks all the volunteers. Remember The Fallen on Memorial Day Members of the Saugus Veterans Council who are hard at Upcoming events at the Saugus Public Library Here are a few interesting programs worth checking out at the Saugus Public Library: · Please join us on Monday, Humane Removal Service COMMONWEALTH WILDLIFE CONTROL ANIMAL & BIRD REMOVAL INCLUDING RODENTS CALL 617-285-0023 Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 * Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting * Decks * Siding * Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE Carrijo Home Improvement, Inc. General Contractor May 4, at 4 p.m. in the Brooks Room to make Pokémon designs with the Pop-Up Art School. Registration required; suitable for fifth grade and up. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. · Come and have your tarot cards read by a professional! Please join us at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18, in the Brooks Room. Suitable for fifth grade and up; no registration required. · See Jonah Knight perform a magic show and facilitate a Dungeons and Dragons game! Please join us on Monday, June 22, at 4 p.m. in the Brooks Room. Suitable for fifth grade and up; registration required. Curbside leaf collection May 4 The Town of Saugus announces that spring curbside leaf collection will take place during the week of May 4, 2026. Residents may dispose of leaves curbside on their regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection day between Monday, May 4, 2026, and Friday, May 8, 2026. work planning and organizing the Memorial Day Parade, which is set for Saturday, May 23. Council members are committed to making this year’s parade and ceremony one of the best-attended in years. That’s a noble goal and an appropriate way to honor all of the Saugus residents who have sacrificed their lives while serving their country in the armed forces over the years. Honor the town’s fallen. Show your support. If you want to volunteer to help or participate in the parade, contact Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti at 781-389-3678. Leaves should be left outside at the curb by 7 a.m. on the appropriate days. Please ensure that leaf containers are physically separated from trash and recycling. Paper leaf bags are the preferred method of leaf disposal. If using barrels, however, they must be clearly marked with yard waste stickers. Stickers, which are free, may be obtained at Inspectional Services in the lower level of Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus. Barrel covers must remain removed so that the leaves are visible. Plastic bags, cardboard boxes, branches and brush will not be accepted. Please note that separate trucks collect the rubbish, recycling and leaves, so the leaves may be collected at a different time of day. Missed pickups will not be conducted. Please contact Scott Brazis at 781-231-4036 with any questions. Coach T.’s spring track program Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information: Who: Grades K-6th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19-June 11. This program is geared toward new track and field athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp. Cost: $150 first year, $75 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com Saugus Youth Football & Cheer Golf Tournament July 13 Saugus Youth Football & Cheer (SYFC) will host its 3rd Annual Sachem Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, July 13, at Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead, continuing a growing tradition that brings together local businesses, families and community supporters for a day of golf and giving back. The Sachem Classic has quickly become one of SYFC’s premier fundraising events, helping to support equipment purchases, uniforms and program enhancements for young athletes across Saugus. Proceeds from the event also fund SYFC’s annual high school scholarships and provide financial assistance to ensure that all athletes — regardless of financial circumstances — have the opportunity to participate in the program. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for local businesses and community partners interested in supporting the program while gaining valuable exposure. Several sponsorship levels are offered, including Sachem, Platinum, Gold, Dinner and Tee Box sponsors. Benefits include recognition on marketing materials and social media, signage throughout the tournament and visibility during the event. For those interested in participating on the course, golfer registration will open on May 1. Spots are expected to fill quickly based on strong interest in previous years. “This tournament is a cornerstone event for our organization,” said David Silipigni, SYFC Board Member. “The support we receive from local businesses and families directly impacts our ability to provide a positive, structured environment for our athletes. It also allows us to give back through scholarships and ensure that every child who wants to play has that opportunity.” All sponsorships are tax-deductible, with proceeds directly benefiting SYFC’s mission of promoting teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among Saugus youth. Those interested in sponsoring or learning more about the event may contact SachemClassic@ saugusyfc.com. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://vKULRkAQZIiYifWGByOTaqmVinc4xqJ9JS6TsBxIQnI8`i;=$׉EJTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MAy 1, 2026 Page 13 • HELP WANTED • HELP WANTED • HELP WANTED Route Driver/Technician 1. In Hawaii, May 1 is Lei Day; each island has an official lei material, including pupu, which is what beach item? 2. What Founding Father wrote letters to The New-England Courant as Mrs. Silence Dogood? 3. The first rocket launch countdown was in 1929 in the silent film “Frau im Mond,” which means what? 4. 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On May 6, 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first MLB homer while playing for what team? 17. What condiment’s name is also part of a holiday’s name? 18. Can different animal species interbreed? 19. How are baseball, coonskin and newsboy similar? 20. On May 7, 1966, The Mamas & The Papas had a No. 1 hit with what song about a day? ANSWERS American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. 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