׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://a9d9KbWKJofr0-Tp4sZSB5N03HXD4P1UeinxEFer49w)}`)׉ 7cassandra://UMNR8YOVSGEFD1ZbL6lhIffFMeOl92b6cQT5QVXvrkMͧ`J׉ 7cassandra://QduhWIK1dd0FEKt6yylPRsrpZf3_QTK3c-LYbweheJE5`̰׉ 7cassandra://BdX_fVtisOEJTw4ceGD7s3S551WoWjzOwilJ0hRftJYB͠bEO#q$ɒנbEO#q$́ ʁf 9ׁHhttp://www.angelosoil.comׁ ׁ ЈנbEO#q$̱́ 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈EbCO#q$׉E nSAUGUS Vol. 25, No. 6 -FREEHappy Valentine’s Day to all our Readers! ADDOCCO TEAT www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, February 11, 2022 Off with the Masks! A Love For Helping People A dramatic drop in COVID-19 cases and a 76% vaccination rate among town residents prompts Board of Health to downgrade the indoor mask mandate to an advisory By Mark E. Vogler W hat a diff erence a month can make when it comes to COVID-19. At the Board of Health’s January meeting, a visibly frustrated Board Chair William Heffernan asked the town’s public health nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh “Are we ever going to start to turn a corner here?” Riley-Singh urged patience while acknowledging the early year spike in cases following a December she had declared “the month of COVID.” “But let’s get through the winter and then reevaluate, come the warmer months.” But Heffernan, the rest of the Board of Health and the rest of Saugus residents and business owners won’t have to wait that long to reevaluate the indoor mask mandate. A dramatic drop in COVID-19 cases and a 76 percent vacciMASKS | SEE PAGE 14 A Hockey Player’s Love HUGE HEARTS: Saugus residents Cathy and Ken Strum say their love has grown stronger after being married for more than 48 years. They also share a deep passion for volunteer missions that improve the lives of less fortunate people. See inside for more photos and this week’s “The Advocate Asks.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Top 10 Taxpayers WIN Waste Innovations and Square One Mall rank one and two in what they’ll pay Town of Saugus in 2022 property taxes By Mark E. Vogler Sachems Captain Christopher Regnetta presented a bouquet of red roses to his mother, Anna, on Wednesday night (Feb. 9) during the Saugus High School Hockey Senior Night. Joining them are Christopher’s father, Christopher, Sr., and his sister, Ariana, with her boyfriend, Justin Sensale. See inside for more photos. (Saugus Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) S o, who is the biggest taxpayer in Saugus this year? WIN Waste Innovations, formerly known as Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. – owners of the trash-to-energy plant on Route 107, will wind up paying about $3.1 million in taxes this year. That is nearly $900,000 more than any other property owner. It was just three years ago that owners of the Square One Mall on Route 1 nosed out Wheelabrator for that distinction by close to $2,000, as both property owners paid more than $3 million. But in the years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the valuation of the mall properties has plummeted by close to $29.5 million, resulting in a tax bill of $839,404 less than what TOP 10 | SEE PAGE 14 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.359 Mid Unleaded $3.419 Super $3.519 Diesel Fuel $3.979 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.99 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.499 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Ask about our Conditioner! FLEET ׉ 7cassandra://QduhWIK1dd0FEKt6yylPRsrpZf3_QTK3c-LYbweheJE5`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://9V-gUQcj4e8KM0YEISxAINb0xXaYrzHDAedJzD2wLQIj`)׉ 7cassandra://BTlLpAf_AVFFra9HdHIIGSTimLYjUT3xW6qGOOzOpAA͙`J׉ 7cassandra://ILz8_IHW_RvWXV8g4Pvr-yoZPJUZMm4JwsXRq0103HE,`̰׉ 7cassandra://OKWPMIJFG6sltGLN11miqT9MwTWr1b3LOvUl4IwriKYh͠bEO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://DEVdqtgVETIzvKhNL2GJNikCSvrAnIRXAp_1J1TQsr4$>`)׉ 7cassandra://futVbTUy-cCHlRndJGERUU1clD1vsO716xZ0LDYQXr0͜q`J׉ 7cassandra://EHzofaKzwiKBRgA7CiK-dEyl7MvlaJGYr26acC8tebc.E`̰׉ 7cassandra://SGWnqwM4fMWKeTy3Kx-FmfrmyKiOZRxpKCutnYg-DIYn͠bFO#q$ϔנbFO#q$Ձ(O9ׁHhttp://gustv.orgׁ ׁ ЈנbFO#q$ԁO9ׁHhttp://www.saׁ ׁ ЈנbFO#q$Ӂ 9ׁHhttp://mass.gov/infoׁ ׁ ЈנbFO#q$ҁ̷9ׁH mailto:Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EUPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Highlights of the mask advisory Why the Board of Health lifted the mask mandate and what it means for Saugus (Editor’s Note: The Saugus Board of Health this week sent out the following notice to food establishments regarding the board’s downgrading the mask mandate to an advisory.) O n Monday, February 7th, at their regular monthly meeting, the Saugus Board of Health unanimously voted 3-0 to rescind the indoor public mask mandate that went into eff ect on 1/6/22. This decision was made as fewer and fewer cases of Covid19 are being reported to the Board of Health offi ce via the MAVEN communicable disease reporting database. From its 7-day peak of 768 cases on 1/10/22, the 7-day case count as of 2/7/22 was 71, a 7-day case count that has not been seen since August 2021. In January of 2022, there were 1753 cases reported to the Board of Health, more than double that of January 2021. The death count for January in both 2021 and 2022 was 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 12, indicating that while the Omicron Variant continues to prove to be far more transmissible, the mortality rate for the disease has signifi cantly Saugonians named to Endicott College Dean’s List B EVERLY – The following Saugus residents were named to the Dean’s List at Endicott College for the 2021 fall semester: Taylor Bogdanski, Devon Burke, Cameron Catinazzo, Sammy Hamza, Michelle Palomba, Katerina Pintone, Derek Quatieri, Thea Raftelis and Megan Schena. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.50. decreased. The ongoing data collection suggests a continuance of this steep drop-off , and as such, the Board of Health feels that, at this time, there is no basis to continue on with a mandate regarding masks. While the mandate will no longer be in eff ect, the Saugus Board of Health still highly recommends the use of masks indoors when necessary, especially among high-risk and/or immunocompromised populations. This mandate does not lift the current restrictions that are in place for the Town of Saugus school system, as they are governed by DESE and the DPH. These State entities will be re-evaluating their mandates on 2/28/22. The Town’s mandate applied to all public indoor spaces, businesses, retail establishments, gyms, restaurants and public buildings. Private businesses still reserve the right to employ whatever protocols they may see fit regarding Covid19. Masks are still required in certain places per DPH regulation. Please visit https://www. mass.gov/info-details/covid19-mask-requirements for a comprehensive list. The Saugus Board of Health thanks the Town of Saugus for their unwavering cooperation and support as we continue to navigate through what has proven to be a diffi cult time. An argument over a name change Board of Health chair takes umbrage to Town Meeting member’s request to clarify whether the name and mission of Wheelabrator Subcommittee have changed By Mark E. Vogler R Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 781-7 76- 4444 WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM epresentatives of WIN Waste Innovations are scheduled to present a proposed new host agreement to a Board of Health subcommittee next week related to the future operation of its trash-to-energy plant and the adjacent landfi ll on Route 107. The WIN (Wheelabrator) Subcommittee, which has recently been referred to as “The Landfi ll Committee” in public meetings postings and other documents, is set for Wednesday (Feb. 16) at 7 p.m. in the second fl oor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall, because of an anticipated town-wide interest. Board of Health Chair William Heff ernan and Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, Jr., – who co-chair the subcommittee – have characterized the group’s meetings with WIN offi cials over the past year as very productive and have credited them with improving oncestrained relations between the company and the town. NAME CHANGE | SEE PAGE 9 THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF Sunday, Feb. 13 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, Feb. 14 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting ***live***. Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from Feb. 10. Thursday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting ***live***. Friday, Feb. 18 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 22 – Wrestling vs. Bishop Fenwick from Feb. 5. Saturday, Feb. 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Health Meeting from Feb. 7. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** ׉ 7cassandra://ILz8_IHW_RvWXV8g4Pvr-yoZPJUZMm4JwsXRq0103HE,`̰bCO#q$׉ErTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 3 ~ THE ADVOCATE ASKS ~ After 48 years of marriage, Cathy and Ken Strum like to spread the love, sharing a passion for missions that help people Editor’s Note: For this week’s interview, we sat down with Cathy and Ken Strum, Malden natives and high school sweethearts who have been married for close to half a century. With Valentine’s Day being observed on Monday, we asked them about the essence of love, what makes their marriage work and how they “spread the love” to society’s less fortunate people through volunteer service in various missions connected with their church, including Bread of Life in Malden, Give Kids The World and Habitat for Humanity. Cathy is a Christian educator at the Green Street Baptist Church in Melrose, where Ken is on the church’s Board of Missions. Cathy is a 1970 graduate of Malden High School. After high school, she began working for the City of Malden Public Schools in the cafeteria as an administrative assistant. She retired after 27 years. Ken was a route salesman for Wise Potato Chips for 25 years. The couple got married in July 1973 and will be observing their 49th anniversary this summer. They have two children: a son who lives in Peabody and a daughter who lives in Sandown, N.H., and who gave birth to twin sons. Cathy and Ken bought a 1950 one-level ranch home on Endicott Street in Saugus in 1996. Since becoming residents in town, they have been in many volunteer activities while continuing their church missions. They are both members on the town’s Council on Aging. They have worked for several years as poll workers; Cathy works as a clerk while Ken works as a warden. The couple credits a hard life growing up poor with alcoholic parents in a city project with their wavers from helping me when I need help. I get more in love with her every year. I love our life now. We’re not the richest; we’re not the poorest; but our lives are great. Q: So your missions are an extension of your love? Cathy: Absolutely. Ken: Our missions are an exBEFRIENDING A CELEBRITY: Several years ago, during her volunteer work for “Give Kids The World” of Kissimmee, Fla., Cathy Strum got to scoop out some ice cream for actor John Stamos and his family. Stamos, who is a big supporter of the charity, posed for this photo with Cathy. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) passion for helping people – all times of the year, not just during the holidays. Thanksgivings are pretty special at the Strum house: They invite 14 people for dinner, but before they eat, they must do volunteer work for Bread of Life, helping to make Thanksgiving Day a better day for less fortunate people. Highlights of this week’s interview follow: Q: Tell me an interesting story, Cathy, about how you met and how you knew that Ken was the right guy. Cathy: Well, he was quite comical. We grew up together, and he was a funny guy, and we used to have a lot of fun together with all of our friends. I can’t actually tell you when we started dating because we were with each other a lot and enjoying each other’s company. And all of a sudden – I can’t say the actual date – we just fell in love with each other. It hasn’t stopped til this day, 48 years later, so it’s kind of cool. So, we like to give back a lot to different people. We do a lot of mission work and spreading the love there and hoping that they appreciate it. And they absolutely do, because you can tell by their faces. And it’s been fun. Ken is on board. We think alike; we act alike; so we’re, like, made for each other. We’ve been told that by pastors. Q: Ken, what drew you to Kathy? Ken: I thought she was a cutie! We came from the same lifestyle growing up: poor neighborhood, alcoholic parents and stuff. She was just a down-to-earth person. And still to this day, we don’t say we love each other all of the time. But I know that we do. I’ve had the crises with my heart and my polio – which I’ve had since three months old. She never tension of our love and giving people what we didn’t have. Back in the days, they didn’t have food pantries. And that’s how we feed people. At the Bread of Life, we not only feed people at Thanksgiving, but every month. Q: How did you get involved with the Bread of Life? Cathy: I heard about it and I checked it out. It’s always been my passion to spread the love and the kindness. Ken: That’s with the church. That’s why I’m on the mission committee. We do things to help people. And one of our favorite missions that we love – we use our vacation time to go to Kissimmee, Florida, to “Give Kids The World” – where the “Make A Wish Kids” make a wish to go to Disney – stay at this village – they have 350 villas that the “wish” child stays in. Everything in the village is free. They can have ice cream at 8 o’clock in the morning. They can have frappes at 8 o’clock in the mornASKS | SEE PAGE 4 ׉ 7cassandra://EHzofaKzwiKBRgA7CiK-dEyl7MvlaJGYr26acC8tebc.E`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://FtUkWX3gmDTIMnWMX3LsA-dWoZtBPQIJhJCpN889KpQ `)׉ 7cassandra://rcQbUgPVZmmx78C-vWqkrSwtD9IeOtoUpKPxeXRYNaMͥ`J׉ 7cassandra://naIgqSe_Nn8P1ymanW1ps16pTB6IftwfhNiCsf6_RHA/b`̰׉ 7cassandra://VM8ubQmJC7l8BtHhX6d556PPp6r51WhRo1Y3jt3ZE20l͠bHO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://RqmEhIrVbcaRxRpy8k8x1gFuqhr79a8yAvjaC5B8M0I z`)׉ 7cassandra://09-BgDHp6ZLkEn5BqL63hVAxN-G55E_ndv2JAFLEPKYͯ\`J׉ 7cassandra://W7hX8ssdQP1JfpBatM2uN-4z1A0YPffVQxvguSrJBdw0`̰׉ 7cassandra://qE0ewPPjCqtr4wL2HEHyfn6Dq9L8YMyP0xsV5V4CKE4ی͠bJO#q$׉E Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 ASKS | FROM PAGE 3 ing. They have golf carts, which we volunteer to take them around at night before we go to bed. They have milk and cookies. They have pizza deliveries. This is all for naught. They have handicapped vehicles that pick up the children. I drove a train that we could pick up the children with to bring them to dinner or lunch. You cry because you are so happy. These are kids with life-threatening illnesses. Cathy: They have a Halloween and Christmas party every week because some of those children aren’t going to make it to the holidays. Ken: Yes, it’s for some of those kids who aren’t going to survive. Q: So, how did you get involved with “Give Kids The World”? Cathy: Through our church. Ken: We’ve gone three times. We’ve gone in October with the church – the 16 of us. Then we go by ourselves because we enjoy it so much. It’s so giving for these kids who have never been on a ride. These kids are all handicapped. There’s horseback riding; these kids have never been horseback riding. And they are so grateful, they want you to come to their house. The parents cry because these kids aren’t second-class citizens now. They’re Number One. They get the biggest room in the villas. They get special animal characters that put them to bed at night. The love we feel for that – getting a child to be able to get something they never got before is huge. Q: Is that your favorite mission? Ken: That’s our favorite. Cathy: Absolutely. Ken: It’s by far the best, because of some of the feedback you get from the parents. I got a child to see Santa Claus because he came late – their flight was late, so they got there late. The dad was a Marine. When I got his child to see Santa, he cried. Q: Wow. Ken: You cry with happiness, but it’s so touching to see these kids and their parents who are so thankful for what they got. There were 16 of us who went, so we’re all doing this – making waffles with a face on it for them and cooking those. It’s endless what you can do for these kids. We give up our vacations so we can do this. Q: This is one of the missions you have been involved with since coming to Saugus? THEY SHARE A BIRTHDAY: Ken Strum (right) with a 16-yearold boy he met several years ago while doing volunteer work for “Give Kids The World” in Kissimmee, Fla. The organization provides cost-free trips to kids with life-threatening illnesses. Ken and the boy were both born on Feb. 15 – the day after Valentine’s Day. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Ken: Yes. Q: What’s your favorite story from your volunteer service with “Give Kids The World”? Cathy: The day I met John Stamos [the actor]. He’s a big contributor and always drops by to see the kids. One day I was dishing out ice cream for him, his bodyguards and his wife, who was pregnant. My friends from church were ogling him and taking pictures while I was working. Later that day, Ken told me he had seen John Stamos. I told him I got my picture with him. Q: What about you, Ken? Ken: I’m Facebook buddies with a “Make A Wish” child I met in Kissimmee, Fla. He was 16 when I met him back in 2019, and we share a birthday – the day after Valentine’s Day. I was born Feb. 15th, 1950. He’s had multiple heart attacks and multiple surgeries on his heart. He was hoping to live long enough to work at “Give Kids The World” because they’ve done so much for him.” Q: So, please tell me, what do you love most about Saugus? Cathy: I like that there’s not a lot of triple-deckers and stuff that makes it congested. I just like the quietness of my street. It’s almost like being out in the country; moving from where we were to here is almost like moving to the country, and I just love that. And nice people here. Q: What brought you here was … Ken: That reason. We wanted to get out of the city and get some place nice. We bought this little ranch [on Endicott Street]. Q: It’s small and looks like a toy house. Ken: Yeah! Somebody said today that they had a garden that was 40 by 20 – that’s the size of my house. That was also because of my legs. As far as Saugus, we googled and did searches of crime. I went to the police station before we bought the house to find out what it’s like in this area that we’re coming to. It had good reports. And thankfully, we’ve met so many great people and got involved in the town in many different ways, where we never did in Malden. Saugus is a smaller community, but we really enjoy this. We’ve loved the Senior Center. That’s huge for us. And we have somewhere to go. It’s so great. Cathy: We needed to have a ranch house because of Ken’s polio. We moved from the projects of Malden, where there was a lot of drug stuff going on, to a nice, quiet neighborhood. We weren’t at our new home for a month when the car got broken into and a CB radio was taken, but we’ve been fine ever since. We moved here for the quality of life, and it’s been very good for us. Q: How are you going to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Ken: The funny thing is, we really don’t. I don’t like chaotic. Valentine’s Day is chaotic, so we celebrate after Valentine’s Day: We go out to a Valentine’s dinner maybe a week after Valentine’s Day when things settle down. For one thing, the food is not as good because there are so many people going out, but afterwards we can sit by ourselves, enjoy the meal and have a good meal and just enjoy ourselves. Q: What will you usually get Cathy for Valentine’s Day? Ken: Well, that’s an awful question to ask. I give her my love. Cathy: We’re not so big on that. Q: Chocolates or roses? Cathy: He’s never bought me flowers. Ken: I don’t buy her flowers, but I bought her chocolates and stuff. But then, we try to watch our weight, and that ends. We ASKS | SEE PAGE 5 ׉ 7cassandra://naIgqSe_Nn8P1ymanW1ps16pTB6IftwfhNiCsf6_RHA/b`̰bCO#q$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 5 ASKS | FROM PAGE 4 have everything we need. It sounds like I’m being a tightwad or a cheapy, but I’m not. We have everything and everything we volunteer for, we both do it. Q: Do you write poetry for her? Ken: I’m terrible on that kind of stuff. I do not. What she stills talks about till this day – when we were younger – she said whenever we go somewhere, I always have to plan everything. So, I planned a two-week vacation for her and me. I found babysitters for the kids. I had everything done: tickets and places where we were staying. And I sent her a card to her work – I had our daughter give it to her – that invited her to go to dinner with me at the Olive Garden in Orlando, Florida, and then on a date at one of the clubs that were out there. We traveled to Key West, and all of that. Because I did all that for her without asking or telling – I set everything up – she remembers that to this day, which is awesome. You loved that. Cathy: That was the best trip I ever had. Ken: But we don’t have that soft, cushy “give you chocolates, give you valentines…” Cathy: We’re just so good to each other, just every day. Ken: The way I feel … when I had the open heart surgery, she took care of me. She did it without question. And when I go out on my scooter walking – we went to Breakheart, and I lost the power in the battery. She ended up pushing my scooter up the hill. When somebody is down, we take care of each other. I help her without question. That’s what love is. Cathy: To me, gifts aren’t always meaningful. I’d rather have him be nice to me: do something nice to me like that instead of handing me a gift. I’m more sentimental about that part of life. Show me your love. Don’t give me a gift. Just show me your love. And that works for me. Ken: And we never feel like throwing the other out. I thought about getting a divorce so I could marry her again. Cathy: (laughs) Oh, he’s a character. Ken: We just get along so well. We stayed in the house through the COVID and never had a fight. Cathy: We did Quarantine Karaoke. Q: I understand you went down together a couple of times – down to the southern part of the country – to help flooding victims. Cathy: New Orleans – to help [Hurricane] Katrina victims. We Q: Do you have a Valentine’s Day message to the people of Saugus? Cathy: Just love one another. Just love one another and live every day, because you never know when the last day is going to be. Ken: When I had the heart attack at 43, we started living life like there’s no tomorrow. We’re enjoying every day, because you never know when something like that [a heart attack] is going to happen. We enjoy our life now. If we run out of money, it is what it is. We’re going to enjoy every day until we don’t have any more days. When you have open heart surgery, you gotta live every day like there’s SPREADING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Cathy and Ken Strum were all decked out in their holiday wardrobes at the Saugus Senior Center last December as they got involved in several holiday goodwill projects. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) went down with the church. Ken: I did construction because of the many stories of contractors coming in and taking advantage of the people. We got to this house where the contractors got paid to put the porch back on the lady’s house and do some work on the inside where the gas and water meter were. The gas water heater was hanging. We had to repair everything in the back of her house and build another room because they took her money and left. She had no money left. Her neighbor next door was 90. When she left her house, she asked the neighbor if she wanted to go and she said, “No, my son is coming.” But the storm got worse, and they found her floating up on the ceiling. People found their parents on the sidewalk where they just pushed all the trash from the houses. There were so many sad stories. Cathy: But they still had a lot of love in their hearts. It was amazing. They sent me to the Senior Center to get some stories. And I was amazed. I told them, “You guys are great. You still have a lot of love for each other and a lot of good things happening there.” Q: How many times have you been on trips like that? Ken: We went down to help the Katrina victims in New Orleans twice. Cathy: We went twice with the church and once on our own: three trips to New Orleans. Ken: And we learned about Katrina and the Lower Ninth [Ward], where most of the destruction was. The people were so grateful that somebody came in to help out after the contractors took their money. To be without a home is so tough. They can’t come back. So, this just helped them. We had many volunteers who went down there, but our part of it was, we worked hard, we did construction. And we would be debriefed at night as to what we got out of it: These people have a home again; this lady is not in danger because her gas water heater is hanging six inches above the floor by pipes. I also worked in the kitchen, feeding mentally challenged people. I cooked for people in a shelter where they needed a lot of help. Cathy: We also did Habitat for Humanity. We built three houses: one in Lowell, one in Lynn and one in Malden. Ken: The person who is getting that house has to work with you, which makes them appreciate that house even more. And they can’t stop thanking you enough for helping them to build their home. no tomorrow. It just has to be that way because you don’t know what’s coming. Q: Anything else that you would like to share? Cathy: No, I think we would just like to make everybody happy. Ken: We grew up poor. Mine were abusive alcoholic parents. Cathy: Mine left when we were young. Ken: We’re trying to give the people stuff that we never got. The littlest things we can do for people, I enjoy. Cathy: We just want them to share the positivity that runs through us. Our hearts are bigger than any Valentine’s gift you can get. ׉ 7cassandra://W7hX8ssdQP1JfpBatM2uN-4z1A0YPffVQxvguSrJBdw0`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://121aXeIDmPHMnDY3lCiWgDj1pUuEcS4QNNkPdykn9DQa`)׉ 7cassandra://MNRthXmrb1I3GwmxDZhZ8WJKu9XmSjuKjiFtn9wAIJs͢`J׉ 7cassandra://GuqHZMpHdSAUnhbAQlE9qmqGFc2aqCnl3nLkSvWo8AU-`̰׉ 7cassandra://H3zl-HtqOfNalkB8dUnjWcXKb7Z5v6oFUysbMBQq4hE&|͠bLO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://2Mum45Irh6SG22xWMudh2Ka370CYx3Jdre_5zFu-xWc`)׉ 7cassandra://1SwKrf7czeosWeKPV3gms4xA4yqDput8OGELyzKr43w͡`J׉ 7cassandra://hgc9tVT97thCKIvmuGKnegOoWIkFV-f48kiZ2znbahA2~`̰׉ 7cassandra://ayTUySAwqTujTXCI5ZqNowYAyqtFrspDwUBcjG7ebPU@ͺ͠bMO#q$׉E5Page 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 SAUGUS GARDENS IN THE WINTER Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener I n a few more months we will be able to dig in the garden again, but for now the only shovel we have been employing is a snow shovel! Almost springlike temperatures later this week have reduced some of the snow piles, and the longer hours of sunlight are becoming very noticeable. Those following the Winter Olympics this week may have noticed the unusual bouquets given to the medalists. They are created with a traditional Chinese knitting technique and are made with a very thin wool yarn to enable a great deal of realistic detail. The flower makers were mostly grandmothers from across China who typically spend time knitting blankets, hats and mittens for charitable organizations. The choice of flowers and greenery was selected to send a message in "the language of flowers.” Pale pink rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa), red hybrid tea rose (Rosa sp.), lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), laurel (Laurus nobilis), sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) and olive branches (Olea europaea), which represent friendship, perseverance, happiness, unity, victory, abun- dance and peace, make up the bouquets. Given the difficulty of translation and the use of common names, determining exactly which flowers are intended was somewhat challenging. Many sources say “Lily” is includVALENTINE’S DAY GREETINGS: Tonya Chadwick’s front yard near Saugus Center radiates cheer despite the severe storms earlier this month. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ed, but photos show the small white bell-shaped flowers of lily of the valley. It is easy to see that the meanings are appropriate for the Olympics’ goals of international cooperation and peace, and the dedication of the athletes to their sports. The woolen flowers will certainly be long-lasting, but they lack the intense fragrance that many of the original choices would have given off. Handmade wool flowers also appear in an exhibit in the Olympic Village, with blossoms hanging down like a curtain – these include chrysanthemums, peony, roses and a total of 28 different flower varieties. A floral language, or floriography, has been observed in many cultures around the world. The same flower will not always mean the same thing everywhere, and even in the same country meanings may differ over time. The medal winners aren’t the only ones trying to read the symbolism in bouquets this week – it is a recurrent theme for Valentine’s Day arrangements as well. Books of flower symbolism were especially popular in the early Victorian era in the United States and Great Britain, but some meanings have stuck over the years while others have become obscure. Roses are, of course, the most popular Valentine flower since they are usually said to stand for love, although there are nuances depending on the flower variety and color. Red roses often are taken to mean the most ardent love, and in China red is an especially auspicious color used for celebrations and happy occasions. It seems to me that a gift of flowers should be ones that you know the recipient likes, or you could be guided by their favorite color, unless you are prepared to explain obscure meanings to your bouquet choices. I once sent a Valentine’s bouquet of red tulips to my husband at work, and half of his coworkers commented on the “nice roses”! I chose them because I knew he liked red tulips, but it turns out red tulips have the meaning of “endless love.” We have been hearing a lot about flower shortages in the news this past week and have been warned not to leave our Valentine bouquet orders until the last minute! I have not been seeing much of a shortage so far, but anyone looking for a specific favorite flower has been duly warned. Flowering houseplants make a good choice for Valentines’ Day, too, either as a gift or decoration. Cyclamen, with its heart-shaped foliage, is a popular choice. The most common houseplant species of cyclamen is Cyclamen persicum. This species is not winter hardy here, but it does well in temperatures slightly cooler than most of us prefer our housSTRAIGHT FROM THE HEART: Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) is an appropriate indoor plant for Valentine’s Day because of its heart-shaped leaf and pink color. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) WELCOME VISITORS: A blue walkway for the postman – pet-friendly ice melt and an effort to clear the paths have been much appreciated. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) es. Night temperatures in the mid-50’s are what they like best, so these might be good choices for a slightly drafty window or a breezeway area that never gets as warm as the main living areas. Flowers are many shades of pink or white with upswept or reflexed petals, making them resemble a bird in flight. Varied meanings in the language of flowers for cyclamen are generally good: sincere love, genuine tenderness, but also shyness and diffidence, according to some. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered A ROMANTIC FAVORITE: Roses are the classic flower for Valentine’s Day. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. ׉ 7cassandra://GuqHZMpHdSAUnhbAQlE9qmqGFc2aqCnl3nLkSvWo8AU-`̰bCO#q$׉E hTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 7 Saugus falls to Panthers in close battle B By Greg Phipps y midweek, the Saugus High School girls’ basketball team had garnered nine wins overall and had gone 8-3 since returning from the nearly three-weeklong COVID-19 layoff back in January. The Sachems appear to have earned a spot in the postseason tournament with their efforts. After handily defeating Senior co-captain Fallon Millerick drove past a Beverly defender in Tuesday night’s contest at Beverly. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Gloucester on Monday, the Sachems got right back at it Tuesday evening at Beverly, where they engaged in a low-scoring, defensive battle – something they’ve done often this season. Saugus came out of the first half with a one-point lead, but in a contest that didn’t see a margin of more than four points for either side throughout, the host Panthers ended up prevailing by a 41-38 score. The contest was tied at 32 entering the final quarter. Beverly would win the fourth quarter by a narrow three-point cushion to come away with the victory. Fallon Millerick was the Senior co-captain April Aldred goes in for a layup against Beverly. lone Saugus player in double figures with 10 points. Ella Castle added eight points and Peyton DiBiasio collected six for the Sachems. S augus c ould ha v e stretched their narrow 2322 lead at the half had it not struggled from the foul stripe over the first two periods. As it is, the Sachems got last-second baskets by Castle – a lay-up to end the first quarter and a three-pointer to close out the second – to emerge with the advantage after the first two periods. Saugus led 12-11 after the first eight minutes. The loss dropped the Sachems to 9-6 overall with another road game at Salem on tap for Friday. They will hope to get back in the victory column and reach double digits in victories. In Monday ’s 51-33 win at Gloucester, DiBiasio exploded for 20 points. Millerick also netted a double-figure evening by canning 14 points of her own, and Castle got into the act as well with 10. Saugus is back home for a Saugus’s Ashleen Escobar sped upcourt in first half action of Tuesday’s game against Beverly. back-to-back next Monday and Tuesday when it faces Masconomet and Triton at the Middle-High School gym. Saugus’s Samantha Shea maintains possession of the ball from a Beverly opponent. ׉ 7cassandra://hgc9tVT97thCKIvmuGKnegOoWIkFV-f48kiZ2znbahA2~`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://wk-37rHu5DVghIMjuvXrXN9efMRzdCZ-e9mlUHyc694;`)׉ 7cassandra://xGt1cDJ0rcSv8MPm45B5m1f4_FB1IRLDzZYa1LWwmIE͞ `J׉ 7cassandra://aOGyHQkMtLkB7oxzu1fyN-zIWA-c_5MErOVUdmn14VU0`̰׉ 7cassandra://7Ny0I5-LkbLoFFr2vS6S8EV4Uj-0jttIg2C9HkQN8vcOB͠bNO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://a0yeR5_3EeVl9IpI-f30qp6HTAdT4_B9601CoInrbk4V`)׉ 7cassandra://t3FIwfGiskIh-MYsPcwVgtAOzPUdeffjbDMGtg7Qd2E͝-`J׉ 7cassandra://wozKKcs9r-lKi8kQeVWb9eKQTCeacXHz29aO6IaVVtU.-`̰׉ 7cassandra://9OdeMXVYoZAaParVj2sUSSRdeg2gsIsdNOb8o9Y6pWwFu&Z͠bNO#q$ߑנbNO#q$w(Y9ׁHmailto:twkennedylaw@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E |Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Sachems edged by Winthrop, 2-1 A By Greg Phipps fter a week between games, the Saugus High School hockey team returned to action on Wednesday night at Kasabuski Arena. It was a hard-fought, entertaining contest, but the Sachems didn’t get the result they were hoping for in an eventual 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Winthrop Vikings. The Sachems had a scheduled road game against the Lynn Jets postponed last Saturday due to the ice storm the day before. So with a week layoff , Saugus came out of the gate ready to go on Wednesday in a game that featured some hard hitting and some chippiness between the two squads. Goalie Matt Smith, just an Saugus forward Dante Mauro bodied up against a Winthrop player on Wednesday. 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 eighth-grader, once again performed well in net for the Sachems. In particular, his stellar play in the third period when Winthrop began to ramp up its off ense kept Saugus in the game. The Vikings fi nally did beat Smith after he had made two excellent saves on a Winthrop rush. But the rebound of the second shot came to a Vikings forward, who drilled it home with just over 10 minutes remaining to give the visitors a 2-1 lead they would hold on to. Both teams had good scoring chances in the fi rst period but neither squad hit paydirt. Saugus’s Chris Regnetta drew fi rst blood by whipping one home off a faceoff just over a minute into the second period. It didn’t take long for the visitors to respond, as the Vikings tied it up on a closeSaugus defenseman Ryan Ragucci came away with the puck after a battle on the boards in Wednesday’s game against Winthrop. Saugus’s Jason Caron tried to pull free from a Winthrop player early in Wednesday’s game at Kasabuski Arena. (Advocate photos by Greg Phipps) Saugus goalie Matt Smith tries to look past the screen of a Winthrop forward. in goal two minutes later. It stayed a 1-1 contest through two periods before Winthrop broke the tie and was able to protect the one-goal lead the rest of the way. The loss dropped the Sachems to 5-8-1 overall. Saugus will play Swampscott at Salem State University on Friday night and will travel to Haverhill Valley Forum to take on Masconomet on Sunday. 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://aOGyHQkMtLkB7oxzu1fyN-zIWA-c_5MErOVUdmn14VU0`̰bCO#q$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 9 Sachems look to halt losing skid H By Greg Phipps aving lost six straight games after winning six of their first eight, the Saugus High School boys’ basketball team will look to end the recent skid when it takes on Salem on Friday night at the Middle-High School gym. But it will be another tough challenge, as the Witches post a 12-3 overall mark entering Friday’s contest. The Sachems came out on the short end in backto-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday. They first faced the undefeated BeverNAME CHANGE | FROM PAGE 2 But Precinct 10 Town Meeting Member Peter Manoogian, who has been an outspoken critic of the incinerator plant for decades, has expressed concerns about the name change and sought a clarification from Heffernan at this week’s (Monday, Feb. 7) Board of Health meeting. Manoogian is concerned that changing the name to “landfill committee” can be construed as the committee only being interested in discussion of the ash landfill’s future, including potential expansion. “Is it condoned by the Board of Health that this is the landfill committee or is it a WIN Waste Innovations Subcommittee?” Manoogian asked Board members. “I’m asking the board members present to clarify their intent and ask the subcommittee to refer to it as it was created.” Manoogian requested that the board make sure that the subcommittee refer to itself as the WIN Waste Innovations Subcommittee and not the landfill committee, because the role of the subcommittee includes many issues – not just the future of the landfill. “Mr. Manoogian, I granted your request to appear on the agenda because of your long-standing service to the town,” Heffernan said. “But as far as I’m concerned, this question was asked and answered last month. To be honest with you, I’m not going to answer it again. Pick another hill to die on, Peter. This is crazy,” he said. “It was formed and voted on as the Wheelabrator Subcommittee. That’s what it is. I’ve had people refer to it as the Resco subcommittee, the landfill subcommittee, the WIN WASTE Subcommittee. And I’m not correcting anyone. And I think they are all valid.” ly Panthers in a home tilt. The Sachems suffered a rough 46-point loss at Beverly last month in their return to action after the three-week COVID layoff. The second meeting on Tuesday turned out comfortably in Beverly’s favor as well, as the visiting Panthers earned an 87-51 victory. Two Sachem players did make double figures in scoring. Tyrone Manderson poured in 18 points and Ben Tapia-Gately added 14. The Panthers are looking like a state championship contender. They came out of Tuesday’s affair sporting a 16-0 record. The result was a lot closer on Wednesday when the Sachems traveled to face Triton in the makeup of an earlier postponed game. But despite a strong 17-point effort from Tapia-Gately and 11 points from Ryan Mabee, Saugus suffered a 66-53 setback to fall to 6-8 overall on the season. After last Friday’s home game against Salem, the Sachems, who are still in the running for a postseason bid, are back on the road all of next week. They travel to Essex Tech next Monday and then play at Peabody next Thursday and Masconomet next Friday. Tyrone Manderson scored a team-high 18 points in a loss to Beverly last Tuesday night. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps) with us, which is all I ever asked for. It’s all that Co-Chair Cogliano ever asked for. And that’s how we will work forward.” Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law UPCOMING PRESENTATION: Owners of the WIN Waste Innovations trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 plan to present a proposed new host agreement to a Board of Health subcommittee at a meeting set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. The public is invited. (Saugus Advocate file photo by Mark E. Vogler) “The charge of this subcommittee is to work with…WIN Waste Innovations to determine what’s best for the myriad of issues at the facility. The subcommittee has been extremely positive from both sides. Nobody on the subcommittee can deny that,” he said. “They’ve come to the table and been open and honest 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 Heffernan referred to next week’s meeting, saying WIN ofNAME CHANGE | SEE PAGE 14 ׉ 7cassandra://wozKKcs9r-lKi8kQeVWb9eKQTCeacXHz29aO6IaVVtU.-`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://f8ObvKOps9569dQXZHZ2B3fy-sFWw38xQx6f8_wscRQ]`)׉ 7cassandra://7EFTGERboTmxAXoB0n7JvbN_ZbcuE6kCpZ6Do0a2iyk͢L`J׉ 7cassandra://goHg3JruXsRuZ8nQZmJ2N_KsA0kCGOk_dTl3H-30-rI5`̰׉ 7cassandra://pu5jLm3rdYdPzAQ6ug_6CIN8stxmJUrPaxdWw43scQs< b͠bNO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://3lDzBJWL6G-Z6MzK2MbNH-6nOdg_Qb900CsvkffZ-yIt`)׉ 7cassandra://6LNzrGE46kHTpiKilQ4Zvaj-fvGGIevQvCLD_05SmlQf`J׉ 7cassandra://2rzrfKSPMahlOvtiDowk04f4rlqt6gNCBLfrkbzhR6I!A`̰׉ 7cassandra://nSGPKDzm7stATjtcrS3g7h3t-AuNy_6B4q_zyWEI1NMl͠bPO#q$׉EPage 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 SHS Ice Hockey Sachems Seniors Honor Families on Senior Night By Tara Vocino Saugus Sachems Varsity Boys’ Ice Hockey seniors presented to their families during Wednesday’s Senior Night at Kasabuski Rink. Massimino Ventre #18 presented to his family. Shown from left to right: grandfather, Ray Oulette, grandmother, Patricia Oulette, aunt, Cindy McElwain, mother Tracey Ragucci, aunt Heidi Joseph, uncle Robert Joseph, aunt Jennifer Ragucci, cousin Madeline Ragucci, grandmother Jill Ragucci and grandfather Richard Ragucci. Second row, pictured from left to right: best friend Austin Flickinger, cousin Jason Jameson, defenseman Ryan Ragucci #4, father Scott Ragucci, uncle Richard Ragucci and uncle Robert Raggucci. Sachem defenseman Jon Freehling #8 presented to his parents, Jason and Gina. Kevin McMaster presented to his parents, Kevin and Jessica. Jason Monahan #23 presented to his family. Jason Caron #18 presented to his nephew, Knox, sister, Kailee, brother-in-law, Thomas, mother, Michelle, father, Jason, grandfather Ed, grandmother, Nancy, sister, Emma, sister, Lily, nephew, Liam, sister, Kenzie and sister, Madeline. On the ice are: Defense Matthew Robbins #7, in center, presented to his brother, Daniel Robbins, father, Bruce Robbins, grandfather, David LeBlanc, aunt, Joanne Grant, grandmother, Mary LeBlanc and mother, Joanne Robbins. The lone hockey senior cheerleader, Maxxine Stephens, presented to her coaches, Courtney Whittaker and Hannah Phelan. School Committee member Dennis Gould with seniors, Jason Caron, Jason Monahan, Christopher Regnetta, Ryan Ragucci, Massimino Ventre, Jason Freehling and Matthew Robbins. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) ׉ 7cassandra://goHg3JruXsRuZ8nQZmJ2N_KsA0kCGOk_dTl3H-30-rI5`̰bCO#q$׉E:THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 11 ׉ 7cassandra://2rzrfKSPMahlOvtiDowk04f4rlqt6gNCBLfrkbzhR6I!A`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://sxjgSYgNgnewSpchCPkqVQsAd_ymL6ncihQ3ce2BaD4 `)׉ 7cassandra://QK05_PHqQy8rpaS9p8NXNHDmUH_P1Ga5rfOeJSHmeMAͣ`J׉ 7cassandra://HH3xFSicTqqzePl3fHpXrkyoeSycA06nHUie3dQd5a0)`̰׉ 7cassandra://KrXRUKmtoCkL1o9xPbRGtGeIdaVomfq-PwMAN3r1OfkB%(͠bQO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://CQgHbz3mAdK6Vh7cHsZ3SLYY2T4LdFb10yiGI8m9naY`)׉ 7cassandra://JGBKVoYyqJBokEJmFVbL5DrPqFH5UK6eoK_dqqEiFLk͟`J׉ 7cassandra://J5fZ3tiMMAK21pollE4fqmjQz6qM7sd7QgzDB5qK1UU%`̰׉ 7cassandra://fbpe4qYHRQKJNRfC1TxPrI72YzTdu1Uq315cxvOPZBQͤ͠bQO#q$נbQO#q$E%9ׁH$https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugusׁ ׁ ЈנbQO#q$̳9ׁHmailto:HS2Saugus@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנbQO#q$'9ׁHhttps://forms.glׁ ׁ ЈנbQO#q$d̖9ׁHmailto:adevlin@aisle10.netׁ ׁ ЈנbQO#q$dx9ׁHhttp://saugusSAVE.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E'pPage 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler Hold onto your masks Saugus, like the rest of Massachusetts, seems to be trending in the right direction, as far as COVID-19 is concerned. It’s great news that the town this week joined dozens of other Massachusetts communities in lifting their facemask mandates for indoors. And the same thing will happen in the Schools, with the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education set to roll back its masked mandate on Feb. 28. But let’s be prudent and remain patient as life seems to be getting back to normal. Don’t throw away your masks and PPE just yet. Let’s see a continued drop in the positive COVID-19 cases to the point where things are really back to normal and nobody is dying. I know that at least through the transition weeks, I’m going to be still packing face masks whenever I head into buildings where I suspect there might be a crowd. I’m 69 and I don’t need to be getting COVID-19 at my age. And I know a lot of seniors feel the same way. And I will continue to post the COVID-19 Update in the paper until the town manager stops reporting confirmed cases and the numbers cease to exist. Town residents should be patient with those business and restaurant owners who still insist on people wearing masks when they enter their establishments. It is still their right to turn away customers who don’t respect their rules. It appears the worst is over and we’re headed in the right direction. But we should remain cautiously optimistic until we’re really back to near-normalcy, though it’s doubtful we’ll ever be fully back to the way things were before March of 2020. Good luck and stay safe, Saugus. We have a winner! Congratulations to Linda Pogson for making the right identification in last week’s “Guess Who got CONTEST SKETCH OF THE WEEK Sketched!” Contest. Pogson was one of several readers answering correctly, and the one who had their name selected from the green Boston Red Sox cap. Here’s the correct answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “Last week’s paper was full of our Firefighter heroes, and the timing of a firefighter’s sketch who was featured was fun to see! Last week’s 2014 Medal of Valor sketch answer was a breeze, like a test with an open book. “But it’s the ones who enter who win! (it’s a joy to have winners for the Red Sox green hat drawing to give our Sponsor’s prizes to!) It was interesting reading about this Hero, see the Feb. 4th Cover story of Saugus Advocate paper/online continued on page 4 (his picture on pg. 3) & Oct. 4th 2018 Issue; I would encourage you to read more: “Our Captain was front and center at the Fire Station putting on various Fire safety & Awareness Programs for Adults and children. He made the programs fun to attend so families would walk away benefitting from all they learned. “In December 2011 he dove into the Saugus River’s icy waters to rescue a woman from her trapped submerged car. “The featured sketch is of our 30 years on duty for Saugus Firefighter Captain James Hughes. “Captain James Hughes retired last month after serving a total of 35 years in Firefighter Services. “Our hats off to you Captain James Hughes! Fire Chief Michael C. Newbury stated in Saugus Advocate paper Feb.4th Cover story: ‘You don’t just end up being a Lieutenant and Captain’ “Wishing you a retirement surrounded by loving family & attaining dreams of fruition! “*You may pass the torch forward but you still carry a megawatt brilliance! “Thank you for your service. “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” Multiple “Shout-Outs” again! We received two nominations from readers this week for people deserving of “Shout-Outs.” Three from Jeannie Meredith: “I have three Shout Outs: “The first ‘Shout Out’ is for Captain James Hughes. We thank you for your 35 years as a firefighter. Saugus is sorry to see you go. Have fun and enjoy your retirement, it is well deserved! “The second ‘Shout Out’ is for firefighter Billy Cross on his promotion to Captain within the Saugus Fire Department. Billy is probably one of the most popular and well known firefighters in Saugus and respected by all. Congratulations and best of luck Billy you earned it!! “The third ‘Shout Out’ goes to firefighter Donald ‘DJ’ Blandini on his promotion to Lieutenant within the Saugus Fire Department. He’s a great guy and has worked hard and has earned this promotion. Congratulations and the best of luck DJ!!” A special “shout out” from the Sketch Artist: “BIG thankyou & Shout Out to J & M Italian American Cuisine for their Sponsorship of the past 4-weeks of $10.00 gift certificates to the winners of the ‘Guess GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! If you know the right answer, you might win the contest. 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 978683-7773. Anyone who between now and Tuesday at noon identifies the loving Saugonian couple sketched in this week’s paper 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’ in the Food Court at Saugus’s Square One Mall. 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”) Who got sketched Contest’ “Thank you! Our contest winners will sure be in for a BIG treat; your food is delicious!) Love your chicken parm sub!) Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” 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. Town Republicans hold Convention Caucus next week This just in from James J. Harrington, Chairman, Saugus Republican Town Committee: The Saugus Republican Town Committee will hold a meeting and a caucus to elect delegates to the Republican State Convention. This will be held on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the M.E.G. Building, 58 Essex Street, Saugus at 7 p.m. Committee offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary will be voted upon during the meeting. Republicans, who are registered Republicans as of December 31, 2021, and reside in Saugus, are eligible to join the Committee, be eligible to serve as Committee officers and vote for Committee officers. This caucus will elect 28 delegates from Saugus to the Republican State Convention, which will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Worcester, MA. Republicans who are registered Republicans as of December 31, 2021, and reside in Saugus are eligible to be elected as delegates. Attendance at this caucus meeting is not required; however, persons wishing to be elected as delegates must be nominated before or during this caucus. In the event of bad weather, this meeting and caucus will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19 – location and time to be determined. For any further information or to have any questions you may have answered, please email me at: SunocoJim@gmail.com or you may message me on Facebook, either on the Saugus Republican Town Committee page or my private Facebook page: Jim Harrington. Tonal Chaos competes on Sunday Last Friday’s winter weather, which created treacherous road conditions, led to a cancellation of a preview performance by Tonal Chaos at the MEG Building that night. But the Saugus High School a cappella group (formerly known as “The Sachimes”) plans to reschedule in what would amount to an encore presentation. Stay tuned for details. Meanwhile, if you have some time on Sunday (Feb. 13) and want to see and hear something special, plan on watching Tonal Chaos compete in the International Championship of High School A Cappella (ICHSA). Tickets to the ICHSA performance – set for 3 p.m. – can be purchased: Venue: Galvin Middle School, 525 Main St., Wakefield; phone: 781-246-6410; website: http://wakefieldpublicschools.org/WPS/galvin/. Goodbye, Tom, finally! As a longtime New England Patriots season ticket holder (since 1993), I, for one, am happy to finally see the retirement of the GOAT – quarterback great Tom Brady from the NFL. If another comeback is planned, hope it’s just for one day so Brady can come back to Foxboro and retire as a Patriot. It still hurts that he left the Pats to play his last two seasons in Tampa Bay, where he led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title last season. I have mixed emotions about that. But I took some joy in seeing him add his seventh championship ring to his collection of awards and honors. Hopefully, the Patriots front office lines up a special day for next season to bring Brady back for a one-day contract at Gillette Stadium. Hey, Bob Kraft, why not treat New England fans to a special day? And don’t charge admission. As a long-time season ticket holder, I have a personal investment here. I had the pleasure of watching every regular season and playoff home game Brady got to play in his illustrious Patriots career under the legendary Pats Coach Bill Belichick. He didn’t play much in his rookie season. But in his second season, he became the starter after star quarterback Drew Bledsoe suffered a life-threatening injury that knocked him out of the lineup for most of that season. Brady did such a great job of managing the game in helping to lead the Pats into the playoffs that Bledsoe never got his starting job back. THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 13 ׉ 7cassandra://HH3xFSicTqqzePl3fHpXrkyoeSycA06nHUie3dQd5a0)`̰bCO#q$׉E,WTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 13 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | FROM PAGE 12 The rest is some pretty rich sports history that few football fans around the country have ever experienced. Brady went on to help lead the Patriots to a Super Bowl title after taking over Bledsoe’s job. And during his 19 years as a starter, the team went 141-25 in Foxboro and posted a 20-4 home playoff record. For 17 seasons, the Patriots won their division in the AFC East, which meant that they hosted at least one playoff game for their fans. Seven times they hosted the AFC Championship Game, winning six of them for a trip to the Super Bowl. To put things into context, Pats fans got to see 24 home playoff games during Brady’s 29 years as a starter. During that time, the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins each hosted a playoff game. And the Buffalo Bills fans never got to see one. During those glorious years when Brady was the starting quarterback, New England won 85 percent of its home games – playoffs and regular season. And the two seasons that the Patriots didn’t go to the playoffs, they tied for the division title, but lost on the tie-breakers. One of those seasons, the Patriots went 11-5 after Brady suffered a season-ending injury in the home opener. My favorite Brady moment has got to be the Pats pulling out a stunning come-from-behind victory over Oakland in the infamous “Tuck” Game, where Brady appeared to fumble the ball late in the game. But the referees ruled it an incomplete pass after citing an obscure rule. So the Patriots drive survived with Adam Vinatieri kicking the game-tying field goal through a blinding snowstorm. From where my brother Wayne and I sat on our aluminum bench, it didn’t look like the kick had the altitude to reach the goal post. But it did. And the Patriots won the coin toss to begin overtime and went down the field with Adam Vinatieri kicking the game-winning field goal. And then a Patriot did snow angels on the cold Foxboro Stadium turf. It was 20 years ago last month that Brady and the Pats won the game which built the foundation of great things to come for New England sports fans throughout the region. Brady didn’t do it all by himself, of course. Football is a team sport. There were a few famous and not so famous Pats who contributed to the so-called Patriots Dynasty. But he was the greatest Patriot who ever played and the only involved in those 19 straight winning football seasons that ended in 17 trips to the playoffs, nine trips to the Super Bowl and six Super Bowl Titles. So, eat your hearts out, NFL fans outside of New England. It was a great run, with Tom Brady leading the way. SAVE announces 2022 Environmental Scholarship Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE) is very pleased to announce that it is offering a $1,000 Environmental Scholarship to Saugus Residents of the Graduating Class of 2022. This is a scholarship for students who will be attending a two/fouryear college or other educational institution and pursuing a degree in an area that would positively impact the environment. Applicants can download the SAVE 2022 Environmental Scholarship Application Form found at www. saugusSAVE.org. Together with the completed application form, please include a separate sheet (identified with your initials only) that provides a summary of any of your activities relating to the environment and describe how you feel your career choice will positively impact the environment. Please mail your application (postmarked by April 22, 2022) to: SAVE, P.O. Box 908, Saugus, MA 01906 or email your application (no later than midnight on April 22, 2022) to: SAVE Co-President Ann Devlin at adevlin@aisle10.net. Again, the deadline to submit your application is April 22, 2022. A Rabies Vaccination Clinic in May Town Clerk Ellen Schena wants cat and dog owners to know about an upcoming rabies vaccination clinic that is set for Wednesday, May 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. This is for cats and dogs only. This will take place at the Animal Shelter at the rear of the DPW Building (515 Rear Main St. in Saugus). The vaccination costs $10 and can be paid by cash or check only. State Law requires all dog owners to license their dogs. Food pantry seeking driver volunteers The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry seeks volunteers to make food and bread pickups on Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Anyone who has the time and interest to help out should contact Jeff Hirtle at 781-922-0661. The food pantry operates out of the basement at Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Friday morning Legion Hall breakfasts are back! Here’s some great news for people who enjoy their Friday morning breakfasts at the Saugus American Legion Cpl Scott J. Procopio Post 210. Legion Hall, which is located at 44 Taylor St., this week planned to resume its Friday breakfasts starting today (Feb. 11) and will continue through the last Friday in May of 2022. The buffet breakfast is served at 8:00 a.m. for a donation of $7. Concerns about COVID-19 had led to a temporary shutdown of the popular Friday morning breakfasts. But Debra Dion Faust, Building Manager of American Legion Post 210, wants all veterans, regulars and newcomers to know that the breakfasts are finally back. Bon appétit! And good luck to the Kitchen Crew. Looking for book donations The New Friends of the Saugus Public Library are asking for donations of gently used adult hardcover and softcover fiction for the ongoing book sale in the Community Room. They would also appreciate donations of gently used children’s books. Please limit donations at this time to only fiction and children’s books; they do not have storage space for other genres or media. Please...clean and newer books only. No tattered pages, bad odors, stains, or dirty covers! Books may be dropped off at the Main Circulation Desk during business hours. Please do not place donations in the outdoor book drops. Live Bingo at the Kowloon The Kowloon Restaurant will continue with Bingo every Wednesday through March 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Hong Kong Lounge. Prizes will be given away each week with a grand prize set at the finale. A full Chinese gourmet spread is available during bingo – featuring pu pu platters, egg rolls, crab Rangoons, Saugus Wings, General Gau’s chicken, lobster sauce, fried scallops, lo mein, moo shu pork, salt and pepper calamari and sushi – along with a full bar menu, including the signature mai tais. Call the Kowloon Restaurant at 781-233-0077 to reserve your table. Town posts Compost Site Winter Schedule The Town of Saugus has announced that the community’s compost site and recycling center will be open to residents the third Saturday of the month during the winter months. The site will be open on Feb. 19 and March 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The site is located behind the Department of Public Works at 515 Main St. Yard waste must be disposed of in brown compost bags or open containers. The Town will accept grass clippings, leaves, and brush. As in years past, no branches or limbs larger than three inches in diameter are permitted. At this time residents will not need a compost site sticker to access the site. The Town asks all residents to please wear a mask and maintain and respect social distancing from others while visiting the site. Residents may call Lorna Cerbone at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department at 781-231-4036 with questions or for more information. Want to be a Knight? The Knights of Columbus is looking for new members to join. If you are interested in becoming a member of this local organization, please call 781233-9858. 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.) Who we are: Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2) is a nonprofit group of volunteers who are helping to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides students/families who enroll in the program a supply of nutritious food for when school lunches and breakfasts are unavailable to them on weekends. How HS2 can help you: HS2 bags are distributed at school on Fridays to take home. Bags include such items as peanut butter, jelly, a loaf of bread, canned meals/soups/tuna/vegetables, pasta/sauce, fruit cups, cereal, oatmeal, goldfish, pretzels and granola bars. To sign up go here to complete online form: https://forms.gle/gmMGguycSHBdziuE9. Want to partner with us: HS2 relies on donations to create take-home bags for a weekend full of meals. All food is provided to children free of charge. It is our hope these resources will support the health, behavior and achievement of every student who participates. We would love to partner with organizations, youth groups, PTOs, businesses and individuals to assist in feeding students of Saugus. To learn more about how you can partner with us, visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page or email us at HS2Saugus@gmail.com. Checks can also be sent directly to: Salem Five c/o Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus, 855-5 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906. Online donations can also be made at: https://givebutter.com/HealthySaugus Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry continues to remain open on Fridays between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. despite concerns over the Coronavirus. They have made adjustments to protect their core of volunteers and the needy people who receive the food. For the protection of volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing prebagged groceries. Even though clients may receive items they don’t want or need, food pantry organizers feel this is the best course of action to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19. Those in need, even for short-term or one-time assistance, are encouraged to come. The food pantry is located in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Clarifying some veterans issues Jay Pinette, the Veterans Services Officer for the Town of Saugus, wanted to pass along a few words to promote a better understanding of how his office works: “Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) are not VA employees and do not have direct access to VA systems or information,” Jay wrote in an email to us. “Local VSOs are employees of their respective cities and towns. VSOs are generally able to assist veterans and eligible dependents with VA-related claims and benefits activities. “One of the primary duties of the VSOs is to administer a program for veterans and eligible dependents that is referred to as ‘Chapter 115’. Under Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L. CH. 115), the Commonwealth provides a uniform program of financial assistance for low income veterans and their dependents. Qualified veterans and their dependents who meet the income and asset eligibility criteria may receive monthly financial benefits that are intended to assist the veteran with housing and living expenses. “If local Veterans wish to enroll in VA healthcare and/or obtain a VA ID card, representatives from the VA Bedford will be on-site at the Lynn VA Clinic twice a month. The on-site enrollment will be held on the 1 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 15 ׉ 7cassandra://J5fZ3tiMMAK21pollE4fqmjQz6qM7sd7QgzDB5qK1UU%`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://_1EytU3UkuUAfV1iAq2J4Qe_VKN7SEdz0oSgU2v9reY `)׉ 7cassandra://l6tNKbn40gz78go5QquvigbItmGnti0tOEI4HPK3Rf8͚x`J׉ 7cassandra://gXKadoPgpjWMjyhvrrZljTtogcYzX9OhsrBdUFjF9nQ(`̰׉ 7cassandra://un5OPLp-qjDp0XNjjg_87bys7R3Sh_7r1OjJN79iFvg= 9~͠bQO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://UAFrshL2TEEy66S445R3B7M-6WY0Z04Gvp9wv_aLSWY `)׉ 7cassandra://5foamWZTi-b9TN1v3as0bM_pn7EnpnVNjk1GDe4fktwͧ6`J׉ 7cassandra://3ma7V9t9BKyGSF9xBngwFmDQqgk9I1TWivlLLIM7pUQ,`̰׉ 7cassandra://do13ZCmIGiur_qgIH5s9jKXnZg-M631m5Mlrc0tD0lMVe͠bRO#q$נbRO#q$#9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ ЈנbRO#q$ R̜9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ ЈנbRO#q$̾9ׁHmailto:jpinette@saugus-ma.govׁ ׁ ЈנbRO#q$dJ5 9ׁHhttp://va.govׁ ׁ Ј׉EKPage 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 MASKS | FROM PAGE 1 nation rate among town residents prompted the board’s unanimous 3-0 vote to make the mandate an advisory. “I, for one, am against any future mandates,” Heffernan declared after the board’s vote on Monday (Feb. 7), which was held remotely via Zoom videoconferencing. “I think we are light years away from instituting another mask mandate,” Heffernan said. He was emphatic in stressing that there would be no effort on his part to support a future indoor mask mandate “without concrete proof from multiple sources that the masks will help.” If there were “a minor uptick” in the coming weeks, Heffernan said, it wouldn’t be enough to reinstate the mandate which the board approved last month. “Overall, the numbers are trending in a great direction,” he said. School Committee Member Joseph “Dennis” Gould asked Heffernan for a clarification of the advisory approved TOP 10 | FROM PAGE 1 the owners paid back in 2019. Here are this year’s top 10 taxpayers in Saugus based on assessed valuation: 1) Refuse Energy Systems Co.: Now known as WIN Waste Innovations (formerly Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc.), the operator of the incinerator at 100 Salem Turnpike (Route 107) – with its nine land parcels – has an assessed value of $123,964,998. The company will pay $3,083,009.50 in taxes this year. 2) Mayflower Square One: on Monday. “You really don’t say what the guidelines are,” Gould told Heffernan. “It’s not mandated,” Heffernan answered, noting that they are recommendations. “We’re not going to hold businesses accountable for not allowing people into their businesses if they don’t wear a mask,” he said. And there will also be a transition phase. The Board of Health sent out a letter to food establishments regarding the board’s downgrading the mask mandate to an advisory (see related story). Mask mandate for schools ends Feb. 28 Public School Buildings are not affected by the Board’s vote, because they come under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley announced this week that public schools in Massachusetts will no longer be required to wear face coverings while indoors starting Feb. 28. The owner of the town’s shopping mall at 1201 Broadway (Route 1) is second on the 2022 list of assessed value at $87,992,400. Their taxes total $2,188,370.99. 3) Gerondelis Foundation Inc.: The owners of the shopping mall and commercial land at 400 Lynn Fells Parkway and several restaurant buildings – including Kelly’s at 595 Broadway, has a 2022 assessed value of $48,736,680 – more than double of what it was three years ago ($19,167,220). It will pay $1,212,081.23 in property taxes this year – But students and staff may still be required to wear face coverings in certain situations, according to Riley. Meanwhile, local businesses will have the prerogative to require masks in their establishments if they wish. Ken Strum wanted to know whether lifting the mask mandate means that residents could resume their board games at the Saugus Senior Center. “I’d say go for it. Why not?” Heffernan told Strum. “I can wholeheartedly say that’s fine,” Public Health Director John R. Fralick III told Strum. What about the parties held at the Saugus Senior Center which often involve up to 60 people? Strum asked. Fralick said he didn’t think there would be a problem with that, but that he would be in touch with Senior Center Director Joanne Olsen soon to discuss the COVID-19 protocols. Strum said he’s glad to be able to forgo facemasks in the future. But he also stressed the benefits he has received from wearing masks over the more than double ($494.130) of what it paid in 2019. 4) AvalonBay Communities, Inc.: This apartment complex consisting of more than 500 units at 1 Founders Way is assessed at $90,816,400. Its 2022 taxes are $1,090,704.96. 5) New England Power Co.: Adding up its electric transmission rows, buildings and personal property, the utility has a 2022 assessed value of $35,541,850. It will pay $883,925.81 in property taxes this year. 6) Lowes Home Center, Inc. at 1500 Broadway has last two years. “I haven’t had as much as a cold. I believe in them,” he said. COVID hit a record high in January In her briefing, the town’s Public Health Nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh, noted that in January Saugus experienced its greatest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases – 1,753 – which was more than double the 830 cases reported in January of last year. “The good news is the death rate is about the same for each month. It tells us that the vaccine does work,” Riley-Singh said. “In the coming months, we’ll see the cases coming down. Most of the people are testing at home,” she said. When it came time for his report, Fralick agreed there has been “a precipitous dropoff” in COVID cases since the town experienced “768 cases in a single week.” “The important thing to realize is that we’ve experienced a seven-day period that we haven’t seen in months and months – and 76 percent fula 2022 assessed value of $20,533,380 with a total tax bill of $510,665.16 for this year. 7) Shops at Saugus, LLC: The strip mall at 352, 356, 358 and 366 Broadway has a 2022 assessed value of $19,991,400. It will pay $497,186.12 in taxes this year. 8) HD Development of Maryland: The retail business at 564 R Broadway has a 2022 assessed value of $18,434,420 and the owners will pay $458,464.03 in property taxes for 2022. 9) Saugus Commons Assoly vaccinated in town,” Fralick said. “I recommend that we roll back the mandate from fullblown to advisory status. … I don’t see any basis for continuing the indoor mandate to March 7 [when the board was scheduled to reevaluate whether to continue or lift the mandate],” he said. Heffernan called adopting Fralick’s recommendation “the right thing to do,” also noting it was “the right thing to do” in implementing the mandate back in January after the record-setting escalation of confirmed COVID-19 cases in town. “I’m shocked,” Heffernan said. “We used to see 200 to 250 cases a day. Today, it was seven. I am 100 percent behind John’s recommendation to take off the mask mandate,” he said. Board of Health Members Geraldine Gatchell and Maria Tamagna agreed. “I think it’s time to let people decide whether or not they want to wear masks in public,” Tamagna said. ciates: The apartment buildings at 48 and 77 Newhall Ave. have a total assessed value of $36,371,300. With a residential tax rate, the owners will pay $436,819.31 in property taxes this year. 10) Federal Realty (Kmart): This strip mall at 156 Main St. has a 2022 assessed valuation of $16,927,600. The owners will pay $420,989.41 in taxes this year. (Editor’s Note: This information was provided by Acting Deputy Assessor Ron Keohane of the Town of Saugus Assessors Office.) NAME CHANGE | FROM PAGE 9 ficials would attend and “make a pitch to us.” “This is not a landfill committee. It never was. This thing started because of noise violations. That’s why I started this thing. That’s why I wanted this thing to move forward,” Heffernan said. “Even the people who are against Wheelabrator on the subcommittee have stated it’s positive…Nothing is off the table. Am I saying to the DEP that we are going to raise the height of the landfill? Absolutely not. That has never once been discussed. Not once. But nothing is off the table. Nothing.” At that point, Manoogian told Heffernan, “You’re not going to bully your way into a landfill expansion. You want to bully your NAME CHANGE | SEE PAGE 18 ׉ 7cassandra://gXKadoPgpjWMjyhvrrZljTtogcYzX9OhsrBdUFjF9nQ(`̰bCO#q$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 15 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 13 st and 3 rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Appointments are advised and the dates and times are subject to change. The Lynn VA Clinic is located at 225 Boston Street, Suite 107. For more information or to schedule an appointment for enrollment, call 781687-3348 or e-mail vabedoutreach@ va.gov. “The Veterans Services Offi ces of Saugus and other surrounding communities have partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank to hold monthly mobile food markets for veterans. With the closure of the Saugus Senior Center during the pandemic, the food market was moved to Melrose. We have now moved the food market back to the Saugus Senior Center. The veterans mobile food market is held on the third Wednesday of each month. Veterans and eligible dependents must sign up with the Saugus Veterans Service Offi ce to determine eligibility. VSO Jay Pinette can be reached at 781-2314010 or at jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. Or on the fi rst fl oor of Saugus Town Hall at 298 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906.” A smoke alarm alert for seniors The state Fire Marshal’s Office has launched a new public service announcement campaign that is geared toward encouraging smoke alarm awareness among senior citizens – the people who are at greater risk of dying in a fi re. And this should be of particular interest to Saugus residents who may recall the house fi re that killed two elderly people on Richard Street last July. Fire investigators found no evidence of smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms in the home. The “Dear Grandma / Querida Abuela” campaign began this month on television and radio stations in the Boston, Worcester and Springfield media markets. Recorded in both English and Spanish, it features a granddaughter writing a letter to her grandmother about all the things she looks forward to doing together, interspersed with messages about the importance of having working smoke alarms and replacing alarms after 10 years. “In Massachusetts and nationwide, people over 65 have a disproportionately high risk of dying in a fi re,” state Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a press release. “Everyone should have working smoke alarms in their homes, but we developed this PSA to reach older adults in particular because of the higher statistical risk they face. Installing smoke alarms on every fl oor of the home, checking them regularly, and replacing them after 10 years can dramatically reduce that risk.” Nationwide, about 60 percent of fatal fi res occur in homes without working smoke alarms. And in Massachusetts, people 65 and older comprise about 17 percent of the population but about 50 percent of last year’s fatal fi re victims. “Working smoke alarms are often the fi rst line of defense against injury and tragedy in a fi re,” Ostroskey said. “We invite our partners in the fi re ser9. On Feb. 14, 2005, YouTube was launched by three former employees of what e-commerce company? 10. In 1400 on St. Valen1. On Feb. 11, 1969, what U.S. senator gave a speech at the dedication of Boston City Hall? 2. How are Seville, Valencia and Mandarin similar? 3. Are hares native to both the Artic and Antarctic continents? 4. On Feb. 12, 1809, what biologist, geologist and naturalist was born who introduced the theory of natural selection? 5. What anatomical part is a scruff ? 6. What dog breed is Snoopy? 7. Sunday, Feb. 13 is Super Bowl LVI; what does LVI mean? 8. The Shetland Islands originated what that is called Fair Isle? tine’s Day, France’s Charles VI created a High Court of Love that was to be run by what demographic group? 11. What second-driest U.S. state’s offi cial cooking pot is the Dutch oven? 12. In “Casablanca,” what character sang “As Time Goes By”? 13. On Feb. 15, 1876, the Great Elm in what Boston park was felled by a storm? 14. In 1957 what famous singer recorded a song with “teddy bear” in the title? 15. What is measured in watts? 16. The fi rst-ever mechanivice, family members, caregivers, and social service providers to share these PSAs and emphasize the importance of working smoke alarms, especially among seniors.” Last year when Louis Gallo, 78, and his sister Rosemarie Naples, 80, died in the three-alarm house fi re on Richard Street, fi re offi cials stressed that working smoke alarms in your home can double your chances of survival if a fi re occurs. Home fi re deaths have been cut in half since the early 1970s, when smoke alarms were fi rst marketed, and about 40 percent of fi re deaths in the United States take place in the four percent of homes without smoke alarms. People should install smoke alarms throughout their home, test them monthly and replace the batteries when they change their clocks. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced, according to fi re offi cials. The PSAs are available for distribution through the Department of Fire Services (DFS). They can be downloaded at the Department of Fire Services web page and can be linked or shared from the DFS YouTube channel. They complement the DFS Senior SAFE program, which provides grant funding for local fi re departments to provide fi re and life safety education for older adults. 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 close to six 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 coff ee shop. And I’ll buy the coff ee 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 and the temperature is 50 degrees or better, my preferred site for a coff ee and interview would be the picnic area of the Saugus Iron Works. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-233-4446 or Info@advocatenews.net cally frozen artifi cial ice rink, the Glaciarium (1844) in London, used what animal product to create ice? 17. On Feb. 16, 1968, in Alabama, what emergency telephone number system devised by the National Fire Chiefs Association was inaugurated? 18. Terrible’s Road House, the world’s largest Chevron station, is in Jean, Nevada; Jean has what population record? 19. At the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, what sweet treat was called “Hit Food of the Century of Progress”? 20. On Feb. 17, 1953, Ian Fleming began writing the first James Bond novel, which is called what? ANSWERS 1. Ted Kennedy 2. They are types of oranges. 3. Just the Artic 4. Charles Darwin (International Darwin Day’s mission is to inspire people “to refl ect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, scientifi c thinking, and hunger for truth”) 5. The back of the neck 6. Beagle 7. Fifty-six in Roman numerals 8. Knitting 9. PayPal 10. Women 11. Utah 12. Sam 13. Boston Common 14. Elvis Presley – “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear/Don’t Be Cruel” 15. Power 16. Lard 17. 911 18. No residents – least populous town in the United States 19. Donuts 20. “Casino Royale” ׉ 7cassandra://3ma7V9t9BKyGSF9xBngwFmDQqgk9I1TWivlLLIM7pUQ,`̰bCO#q$bCO#q$ PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://qCJJq_VkGw7fzovaw6TdxkME-qFmouRLtPLdEWzB5Eo$`)׉ 7cassandra://_8rposLsfpBVjKqgcWi2hRD_0Hvbhun3VUJCdQvDRHw͑`J׉ 7cassandra://w2ykqHUPrtediVUsmlrd2ra1XRNgqYG3LgkE9xbOtQk(`̰׉ 7cassandra://h00JcdMr2jQm4OXLMo9il1xgn09ei29Aes5BV1or6UQAT͠bRO#q$ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://H0VVCjREQmAcn9ufDoejlcpd5tx4iyf7qeixWIAoSpY z `)׉ 7cassandra://DLFK89UkxyyOY4jY4y6uCSyrMeXCW7QxS3xsZNkiuO4͛s`J׉ 7cassandra://LC62j2JAKetFzhI7MiZjggzG-zmoB4zq4NRgwmAUoWA+`̰׉ 7cassandra://ilwQUGV86nBa_W-n_SvW08gsGZGk_2My5njGWNzJ1YI'h͠bSO#q$נbSO#q$ 4E 9ׁHhttp://call.comׁ ׁ ЈנbSO#q$ 39ׁHhttp://www.thewarrengroup.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E!Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription go to: www.massterlist.com/ subscribe There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on recent roll calls from January 27. All the roll calls are on proposed amendments to the bill making changes in the state’s election laws including making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020. The House and Senate have approved different versions of the legislation and a conference committee has been appointed to hammer out a compromise version that would then be sent to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature. RAISE PENALTIES FOR VOTER FRAUD (H 4359) House 32-126, rejected an amendment to a current law that imposes up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to a 5-year prison sentence on anyone who knowingly engages in any type of voting fraud including illegally registering to vote; illegally voting or attempting to vote; voting more than once; and aiding and abetting a person who is illegally voting. The amendment would raise the fine to up to $20,000. “Maintaining the integrity of our elections is of paramount importance and is not a partisan issue,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading), the sponsor of the amendment. “Expanding the existing financial penalties for those individuals who knowingly attempt to engage in voting fraud will provide a strong deterrent to help prevent this type of illegal activity.” “We’re in agreement,” said Rep. Dan Ryan (D-Charlestown), the House chair of the Elections Laws Committee. “Of course we all want safe and secure elections. That’s why we are here … there are safeguards already in place, in Massachusetts General Law, to prevent such fraud and abuse of our electoral system. And study after study has also shown that election fraud is not as prevalent as some might think it is, or as folks purport it to be. So therefore $10,000 seems like an appropriate deterrent to election fraud. So I ask for a ‘No’ vote on the amendment, as what is in place is currently working.” (A “Yes” vote is for raising the fine to up to $20,000. A “No” vote is against raising it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes MUST PROVIDE PROOF OF RESIDENCY (H 4359) House 28-130, rejected an amendment that would require that any polling place that requires a voter to prove he or she is vaccinated, by presenting his or her vaccination card, to also show suitable identification to demonstrate proof of residence to the local election officer. “The amendment would require that if vaccination status was required to enter a polling location, then the poll officials would be required to verify the identity of the card holder,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Peter Durant (R-Spencer). “The reasoning behind the amendment was to ensure that if the local officials required a vaccine, then they should verify that the person was indeed the one named on the card.” “Thank you for the spirited debate,” said Election Laws Committee House chair Dan Ryan. As I mentioned in a previous response to [this] amendment, mandates requiring proof of vaccination have not been extended to voting sites. Therefore, I would ask for a ‘No’ vote on this amendment.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring a voter to show suitable identification. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes SECURE VOTING MACHINES (H 4359) House 29-128, rejected an amendment that would require that any voting software or voting machine that is used to process early, absentee or mail-in voting prior to Election Day must be secured at all times once the processing has begun. At the end of each processing period, the machine, software and ballots must be secured by a police officer and an election official either in a secured vault at the city or town hall or at the police station in a private cell—and must remain under video surveillance. Amendment sponsor Rep. Shawn Dooley (R-Norfolk) said that voters should feel confident in knowing that their ballots are always safe and secure. “As early voting continues to expand, we need to make sure that these ballots have the same security and chain of custody as do the ballots on Election Day,” said Dooley. Once the early ballots are processed—currently there is no 24/7chain of custody protection—opening up the possibility for tampering or questioning the process.” “As we’ve discussed earlier, the security of our ballot boxes and our ballots once they arrive are not an issue,” said Elections Laws House Chair Rep. Dan Ryan. “We currently have a Massachusetts General Law as we continue to exBHRC | SEE PAGE 17 ׉ 7cassandra://w2ykqHUPrtediVUsmlrd2ra1XRNgqYG3LgkE9xbOtQk(`̰bCO#q$׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Page 17 REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 BUYER2 Milian-Alvarez, Carmen Scaduto, Jason Scaduto, Jason Scaduto, Jason S BHRC | FROM PAGE 16 amine election integrity and security. We have laws that require the clerk of each city and town to provide a place for the safekeeping of the Millian, Hector SELLER1 Scaduto, Jason Pegnato, Donna Pegnato, Donna Wishneusky FT ballot boxes and voting machines used throughout the commonwealth. The care and custody of voting machines, ballots, boxes and apparatus are kept in good order and repair subject to the superSELLER2 ADDRESS 35 Serino Way 35 Serino Way 35 Serino Way Flaherty, Ellen vision and control of the secretary of state. So, therefore I request a ‘No’ vote on this amendment.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible latenight sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of January 31-February 4, the House met for a total of three hours and 51 minutes and the Senate met for a total of three hours and 24 minutes. Mon. Jan. 31 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:19 a.m. Senate 11:14 a.m. to 11:23 a.m. Tues. Feb. 1 No House session No Senate session 32 Herbert Ave CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Wed. Feb. 2 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Feb. 3 House 11:02 a.m. to 2:34 p.m. Senate 11:18 a.m. to 2:33 p.m. Fri. Feb. 4 No House session DATE 20.01.2022 20.01.2022 20.01.2022 18.01.2022 PRICE $655 000,00 $5 000,00 $505 000,00 $625 000,00 No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019. OBITUARIES Winifred M. (Forster) McDonald Age 95, of Saugus, formerly of East Boston died February 5 at the Nevins Nursing Center in Methuen. Born and raised in East Boston she was born June 18, 1926 to the late Charles D. Winifred L. (Doherty) Forster. Mrs. McDonald raised her family in Saugus and most recently had lived in Lynnfield and Dracut. She had a 40-year working career in various administrative positions at the Suffolk County Private Court, the Saugus General Hospital, Fisher Scientific and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. She had also been a soloist at St. Joseph Church in East Boston and St. Margaret’s in Saugus. Mrs. McDonald enjoyed lifetime pleasures of arts and crafts, especially ceramics, attending theater, traveling and most of all, spending time with family and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. McDonald, Sr. She was the loving mother of Barbara A. Green and her husband Michael of Barrington, RI, Mary C. Berninger and her husband Thomas of East Boston, MA, Ellen L. Faiella and her husband William of Dunstable and Robert J. McDonald, Jr. and his wife Mary Ellen of Lynnfield. She was the sister of the late Charles D. Forster, Jr. and Charles J. Reagan. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to National MS Society, PO Box #91891, Washington, D.C. 20090 or to PKU Awareness National PKU Alliance, Inc., 2809 E. Hamilton Ave., #311, Eau Claire, WI 54701. ׉ 7cassandra://LC62j2JAKetFzhI7MiZjggzG-zmoB4zq4NRgwmAUoWA+`̰bCO#q$ābCO#q$Á PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://lXo6t7uncabp8cxyIkP5bbgTj6DWm9StG3v0piHG4QcA,`)׉ 7cassandra://eLQ6FuzuZ3uPIpF96FsiGAxsHl7RlgMi9hp9NK0Nhpoʹ`J׉ 7cassandra://7dZRDD2Ubw0K0HpT-rRTeVCebcYHLKqS5tOU9_2b_Vk6`̰׉ 7cassandra://DG6uT3nSpG6Kscb4ZEduBehx_JYdAan_0fU3UDSdkaAvkY͠bUO#q%ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://w-uFiGRX1VKGoAvdEWdMyj32VVx5Ni0sMZrkpYwa5ZA..`)׉ 7cassandra://Bvuu9yDzVS4ShbxIHzqVqr7kL9vl7iZAP6Lgm0ZG74Y͓`J׉ 7cassandra://F2jsNWp40z07xJU55xhfIs-Dg9f_2Q512S-L6r0WuPk._`̰׉ 7cassandra://_vzB0B3LYppfj-xDxKTJJJ_3HHEBuZ_IvLqaBztjDBsn$͠bVO#q%נbVO#q%(9ׁHhttp://www.jrs-properties.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022 Cash Pay Guaranteed! "If it snows, you'll be working!" NAME CHANGE | FROM PAGE 14 board members. You’re not going to bully me.” Heff ernan told Manoogian to “go on mute and be quiet.” Manoogian again asked why it was being referred to in town public records as the landfi ll committee. “It’s not just about the landfi ll. I don’t care what people call it. It’s about bringing people to the table and having productive discussion,” Heff ernan said. “What you care about is throwing a grenade into the foxhole,” he said. Manoogian responded, “That’s not true.” Heff ernan replied, “It is. I just stated it.” At that point, Heff ernan told Manoogian “to go on mute” and then asked whether there were any comments from the board “on this ridiculous topic.” Board Members Maria Tamagna and Geraldine Gatchell both said they oppose any future expansion of the landfi ll. The subcommittee’s role is purely advisory and has no vote on the matter. 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