׉?4ׁB!בCטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://hAJeVFNspOh8stUcMNp-ZSVhha79UMhwq8pGHOWOYiEZb`'p׉ 7cassandra://DrRTVEMS2umobIouv3gAgSgh7GUihCt0N_3Qt9dH6Ok.`׉ 7cassandra://ZcYXti5g8Ycxnl2LrFBPq-b1xQZr9-aNA2FzlqwbCjk;`i;&csʒנi;&cs΁ ҁb9ׁHhttp://angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנi;&cś 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈Ei;&csܰ׉E SAUGUS Your Local News, Sports & More Online! Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 27, No.50 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday GETTING INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT 781-233-4446 Friday, December 12, 2025 Yikes! Beware of the E-bikes Saugus town, school and public safety officials launch a community campaign to protect kids and the general public from the dangers of electric bikes and their unsafe use on town streets and the bike trail By Mark E. Vogler D uring the town election this fall, public safety concerns over e-bikes and motorized scooters emerged as one of the main concerns of voters in Precinct 1, Town Meeting Member Mark J. Bell recalled this week as he looked back on his reelection campaign for a second two-year term. “Not only was this a big issue I kept hearing about during the Saugus election, but the 13-year-old child who unfortunately died in an e-bike crash in Stoneham happened in front of my parents’ house,” Bell told The Saugus Advocate this week. “My dad, who was a fireA MERRY MOMENT: Jayce Lutz, 4, of Miss Rina’s Preschool in Saugus, was the first child to share a moment with Santa Claus last Friday night in the second-floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. For many kids attending the town’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities, posing for a photo with Santa was the highlight. Please look inside for more photos and stories on how the town is welcoming in the holiday season. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) fighter for over 40 years, was one of the first on scene so that also hit close to home. He is a retired Cambridge firefighter. And, yes, Stoneham is where I grew up,” he said. What resonated as a top concern among Precinct 1 residents rapidly became a townwide issue of multiple facets that has stirred debate about public safety issues in communities across Massachusetts as well as at the State House in Boston. Feedback from Precinct 1 residents influenced Bell to start researching the existing laws and looking into how other towns are handling the issue. “During my research , I found that most communities are focusing on education and enforcement, with strong coordination between police, schools, parents and local officials rather than banning them completely,” Bell said of the e-bikes. “Here in Saugus, it might be a good idea to take a look at whether there are steps the town can take to make things safer for kids, adult operators and drivers on the roads. And if there are practical solutions to make it safer, then what would those solutions look like,” he said. Five weeks after the election, the issues that Bell is concerned about have gained momentum as other elected town officials and citizens are talking about their concerns publicly. Plans for a community foE-BIKES | SEE PAGE 2 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 Mid-grade Regular 2.73 3.37 3.47 $3.45 Full Service ULS $3.099 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! 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Several selectmen at that meeting said that plans are already underway to hold a public forum early next year with a focus on e-bike safety. “Ideally, I would like a community forum comprised of all stakeholders including public officials, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Town meeting members, state delegation, public safety personnel, parents, students and anyone else who would like to join,” Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini said. “My preference for timing would be January, if not February so we can explore and research options and have any items implemented before spring, when the E bikes will be back in large numbers,” Cicolini said. “There are many town officials who have done a lot of legwork and research on the matter already, Mark Bell is one who deserves recognition. I am very appreciative of the data he has put together and shared to help get the ball rolling,” he said. “I have had numerous conversations with our chief of police. The department has the appetite to implement measures that will result in public safety and discourage the use of E-bikes in an unsafe manner on our streets.” Board of Selectman Chair 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 Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Debra Panetta said this week she has already begun planning for the upcoming forum. No date has been set yet. “I have contacted the School Committee Chairman, Principal Carla Scuzzarella, the Town Manager, the Police Chief, and plan on discussing this with the Saugus Business Education Collaborative,” Panetta told The Saugus Advocate. “This is an issue in all communities, not just Saugus. I would hope students and parents will attend, where it is important that everyone gains a better understanding of the dangers of riding e-bikes and scooters,” she said. “We will need to review the laws and safety concerns with the residents. Many students are not wearing helmets, which is problematic. In fact, many students just have their helmets hanging off their safety bars. I hope that with this education and additional enforcement that we can avoid accidents.” Panetta said she’s troubled by some of the things she’s personally observed. “What I noticed was the number of students not wearing helmets, which is very concerning. Sometimes there are two students on the same motorized bicycle where neither one of them is wearing a helmet, and they’re going very fast,” she said. The Saugus Public School strategy Several School Committee members interviewed by The Saugus Advocate said school officials have begun discussion on steps the schools and the school district can take for public safety’s sake. “The School Department has been proactive in addressing this situation since the beginning of the school year,” School Committee Chair Thomas Whittredge said. “The Middle/High School has sent multiple emails to parents and students outlining expectations, rules, and safety guidelines for e-bikes. We also have schoolwide assemblies planned, hosted by the ‘Safe Routes to School’ group,” Whittredge said. “The overall message is clear: be smart, be safe, and be responsible — or e-bikes will no longer be permitted on school property. While forums and assemblies are important, the reality is that without active parent involvement, our message will not reach the students who need to hear it most,” he said. Meanwhile, Saugus Middle High School Principal Carla Scuzzarella said school officials have seen an uptick in the use of e-bikes, e-scooters and mopeds, along with regular bikes and scooters. “Our bike racks were overflowing all fall. Now that the weather has turned colder we are seeing less of these vehicles. With that said, the motorized vehicles are a safety concern for us as the students are not as careful as we want them to be, especially with the heavy traffic around the building in the morning and afternoon,” Scuzzarella said. “We added a section to this year’s Student Handbook about students riding bikes, scooters, etc. to school. This paragraph reminds students to wear a helmet, follow the rules of the road, etc. I sent a detailed email home in late September urging parents/ guardians to remind students to use caution when riding motorized vehicles to school,” Scuzzarella said. “We specifically reminded students and families about walking the scooters and bikes when on school property, and not weaving in and out of the traffic. We told families that students who do not operate their vehicles safely may lose the privilege of bringing the bike/scooter to school. When I send messages home to families, I usually put a reminder about bike/scooter safety at the end of the message.” The Saugus Middle High School will be hosting asE-BIKES | SEE PAGE 4 PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE: * VICTIM ADVOCATE * ATTORNEY Portal To Hope (“PTH”) serves people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and related assault crimes. If you would like to join PTH’s award-winning team and share your leadership in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678 for more information; or, email portaltohope@aol.com. ׉ 7cassandra://waJoiFYWWP6-9-E3j3Qq8hwG0MKQU_ARuiPU8M1axTg6`i;&csܲ׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 12, 2025 Page 3 The Night the Town Lit Up for the Holidays Saugus celebrated its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities as spirits glowed warmly on a cold night Saugonians braving the cold caught a rare glimpse of the man himself as he arrived to light the trees. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) A pair of horses pulled the sleigh carrying Santa and his entourage through the crowd. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) By Laura Eisener D espite the biting cold last Friday evening, the weather did not dampen the spirits of the crowd that gathered to see Santa flip the switch to turn on the Saugus Center lights. The event ran for several hours, during which time visitors could admire the many decorations, including teddy bears, penguins, a fire engine and much more, around the Town Hall lawn and the library grounds. The ever-popular petting zoo – this year’s edition from Enchanted Animal Parties of Groton, Mass. – entertained children of all ages, with sheep, chickens, goats, a llama and other animals under a small tent beside Hamilton Street. People could warm up and browse the fair at the Congregational Church during the evening. At 7 p.m., the guest of honor, Santa Claus of course, was escorted to Town Hall by a police car, and he himself rode in style in a sleigh-style carriage pulled by a pair of horses. 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The club supplied fresh balsam fir wreaths to each participant, and they could select a bow from several choices of colors and patterned ribbons made by club volunteers. Many members brought decorations, such as ornaments or pinecones, as additional decorations for their own wreaths and to share with others. Experienced members assisted those who were new to this activity, and everyone admired each other’s interIf We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available Saugus Garden Club members and guests spent a creative afternoon creating wreaths at St. John’s Episcopal Church last week. (Photos courtesy of Laura Eisener) esting individual creations, which will be enjoyed on front doors all over town for weeks to come. Sharon Genovese, a member of the Saugus Garden Club, contemplates the embellishments on her wreath. E-BIKES | FROM PAGE 2 semblies after the new year begins for all grade levels regarding bike/scooter safety. Safe Routes to School will be speaking to the students, according to Scuzzarella. “We are trying to educate our students regarding safe use of the vehicles, but the school can only do so much. Once the students leave our property I don’t really have any jurisdiction,” she said. “As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village.’ Clearly this is a community concern so maybe getting the community involved and all on the same page can make a difference in keeping our kids safe.” Here’s what five other town A finished wreath was hung on a Saugus Garden Club member’s front door at the end of the day. and school officials shared about their safety concerns: Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Anthony Cogliano “As someone who uses the rail trail on a daily basis, I’m amazed no one has been killed flying through the intersections without even thinking about stopping. Half the kids don’t even bother to wear helmets. “I get a good look at it as I walk four to six miles a day, everyday, all around our town. We all need to work together on this one: Police, School Committee and the Board of E-BIKES | SEE PAGE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://jPAUxfAyku2ulKcsBeWKwZ-6X8z1eT2sQbnZMmBriUs6`i;&csܴ׉E@THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 12, 2025 Page 5 St. John’s Christmas Fair put visitors in the holiday spirit S By Joanie Allbee t. John’s Episcopal Church held its annual Christmas Fair last Saturday (Dec. 6). The fair’s host, Bill Pothier, gave a warm greeting to visitors and handed out passports to be signed, stamped by vendors and then entered in a raffle to win a huge gift basket filled with gifts from each vendor. Vendors happily attended customers. They were divided into three areas: Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Lane and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. The vendor booths from Santa’s Workshop area included David St. Clair’s Handmade Jewelry, Devine Cards/Julia Aston, Face Painting with Emma Meireles and St. John’s Homemade Baked Goods. A few vendors from Candy Cane Lane were Sharon Genoveses’s Christmas Ornaments and Candleholders, Barbara Trainor’s Sewn Holiday and Ramona of Ramona’s Hand Built Pottery, and there was a taE-BIKES | FROM PAGE 4 Selectmen to figure this dangerous situation out. Sooner than later too.” Selectman Michael Serino “I have received many comments from residents regarding E-bikes on our streets and associated safety concerns such as people not even using the flashing light when crossPARTNERS IN POTTERY: Ramona and Richard Kowalsky displayed the work of Ramona’s hand-shaped pottery. (Photo Courtesy of Joanie Allbee) ble of Silent Auctions. In Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, volunteers proved themselves to be of chef quality. Busily, they cooked a creamy chowder and hamburgers to suit anyone’s tastebuds. Meals were presented and plated with care. Delicious hamburgers arrived with sides of complimentary coleslaw, and full to the brim chowder with crackers. Table gatherings exchanged pleasant greetings. Many compliments ing our roads while walking the rail-trail. I have reviewed the video that the North Andover Police Department has released as a public service announcement which I thought was helpful and is worth discussing. “Regarding any E-bike road violations in Andover, the department has set up an inhouse data bank. The first offense they take the operator’s about lunch were exclaimed from feasting crowds with clean plates. A few got up in line to order seconds. “The corn chowder was full of corn and potatoes and was delicious,” Karen Rakinic said. “There was a nice variety of vendors with edible goodies, handmade crafts and wearable items,” she said. Karen’s comments represented the heartbeat heard throughout Santa’s Workshop, name, date of birth and contact their parents. A second offense results in a $ 150.00 fine and impounding the bike for 15 days. “However, a lot of kids are under 16 and probably do not fully understand the rules of the road. Therefore, I believe education should first be the E-BIKES | SEE PAGE 7 Candy Cane Lane and Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen. 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 TREATS TO EAT: Mary Robblee chose baked goods to purchase from St. John’s home-baked vendor bakers Debbie Cox and Debbie LeBlanc. (Photo Courtesy of Joanie Allbee) CRAFTS ON DISPLAY: Karen Rakinic admired placemats from Sharon’s Christmas ornaments and candle holders table while Sharon Genovese sat behind her handiwork that was on display. 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