׉?4ׁB!בCטUUru׉׉ 0s3://DhGaEFGCrEn788BhY7zAWTfLk601FtiAOGw3lMKDMs0b`'p׉ 0s3://0vtdW4m_6hGCsV1YG0r2xIMQrf2FoPtbcaiK8ZMN1LQͽF`׉ 0s3://RRRYiF6gaKH-UFy4bABcU83uU9xNJ70IZ8Lji1dT-mQ:D`jk9H(נjk9H( Ёb9ׁHhttp://angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(  ̵ 9ׁHhttp://commonmoves.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈Ejk9H(׉E\SAUGUS Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 28, No.34 A SAUGUS FIRE DEPARTMENT LEGEND: The late Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella presided over a 20th anniversary 9/11 ceremony back in 2021 in the parking lot of the Central Fire Station. Lt. Drella served his hometown with the Saugus Fire Department for nearly four decades. He died last week after battling occupational cancer. Please see inside for more photos and coverage. (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) A -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, August 28, 2026 A TRIBUTE TO LT. DRELLA State Primary Election Two Lynn City Hall Democrats face off Tuesday for the right to challenge State rep. Wong in November By Mark E. Vogler political debate that never materialized has become a late campaign bone of contention between the two Lynn Democratic candidates who are battling for the right to challenge state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) in November. Lynn Inspectional Division Director Zosia VanMeter, 40, had planned to continue with her own public political forum earlier this week after Lynn City Councilor Pete Meaney ignored her invitation for a debate. “He ghosted me on my invitation. He never replied, which I found to be rude and unprofessional,” VanMeter said in an interview with The Saugus Advocate at bits&bites, a bakery and cafe in Cliftondale. Meaney, 41, accused VanHome of the Week 1 OPEN HOUSE - Sat. 8/29 & Sun. 8/30 - 11:00 – 1:00 st Offered at $869,900 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate SAUGUS – This Beautiful and spacious RANCH offers exceptional living. The heart of the home is the updated kitchen with granite countertops and built-in features, Step down to a formal dining room, oversized living room with Palladian windows. beamed ceiling. Large deck off the back overlooking the back yard. Finished lower level offers a fantastic possible 4 room ADU with 2-bedroom, full kitchen and full bath ideal for the extended family or guests. There is also a Dedicated laundry room and family room. Incredible backyard designed for entertaining features include a covered patio, above-ground pool, garden area and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Situated on a corner lot in the desirable Lynnhurst location. This home offers the perfect combination of comfort and versatility and convenience. Dir: Walnut Street to Elm Street to 1 Biscayne Avenue (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Meter of staging the forum late in the campaign because “she just wanted to attack me.” “A forum two weeks before the Primary Election is just a political stunt,” he said. VanMeter said the Demoto School! Back to School! Mid-grade Regular 3.89 4.47 5.29 $4.59 cratic Town Committees in Saugus and Wakefi eld each sought to set up a debate, but Meaney didn’t seem to be interested. Meaney offered a different version. “There was an honest effort in Wakefi eld. We tried to make it work, but the scheduling wasn’t there,” he said. VanMeter and Meaney are on the Democratic ballot for Precincts 1 and 2 and 4 through 9 in next Tuesday’s (Sept. 1) Primary Election. Rep. Wong, 74, who seeks his ninth two-year term representing voters in the Ninth Essex House District, has no Republican opposition. Wong has been reelected in three consecutive elections (2024, 2022 and 2020) without opposition. One of the two Lynn city offi cials who emerges the winner will have a tough task facing Wong, who is popular in Saugus, which accounts for about 60 percent of the district. His family’s business – the Kowloon restaurant – has been a major dining destination on Route 1 for 75 years. ELECTION | SEE PAGE 2 Established 1978 Full Service ULS $4.579 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES! ׉ 0s3://RRRYiF6gaKH-UFy4bABcU83uU9xNJ70IZ8Lji1dT-mQ:D`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://RokV7uJwL63yDR1AZc6yVN8OyLxn1ElmPPllPynMVsYR `'p׉ 0s3://KmgIvmuiOdRLgCvvEZKO8T6XMHvMjHFTymh530HSIyAͻT`׉ 0s3://BONOFA3gcyKgcHDJ-vIZlAzcehVWgfglAz50lTywTBg7`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://R8zyeMnFpa9XvMBuf7oyscF0a6wnYtmWCpCHw_8XEX4z`'p׉ 0s3://nIj5UUT8Rxq5JhQViWBoVXLtJmTngnibulqgUBnp9Pk͹h`׉ 0s3://ePMSNemg3Zn6vYC6twi7jqTbiGFCsWgVJU-Zn5LFO7I8`jk9H(נjk9H(Á'9ׁH mailto:lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 ELECTION | FROM PAGE 1 Both Democratic challengers are relative newcomers to public service. VanMeter has worked for the last five years in Lynn city government – including the last three years as acting and later permanent director of the Inspectional Division. Meaney won his second two-year term last November. This week, The Saugus Advocate asked similar questions of the two candidates. Their Personal Backgrounds Meaney: Born in Lynn. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during Iraqi Freedom. He returned to Lynn to pursue a college education, enrolling in classes at North Shore Community College. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Boston University. Dr. Meaney has been a dentist since 2013, and three years later he became a Lynn small business owner, opening Broadway Family Dental at Wyoma Square. He met his wife, Tara, while studying at UConn. The couple has three“WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated year-old twin girls, Maya and Madeline, and a one-year-old son, Matthew. VanMeter: She was born in the Philippines in 1986. She was adopted and later moved to the U.S. when she was about two years old. “I settled down in Lynn and consider it my hometown,” said VanMeter, a 2004 graduate of Lynn English High School. VanMeter graduated from North Shore Community College in August 2022 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. She has been working on her bachelor’s degree at Salem State University: in Political Science with a concentration in American Government, Law and Policy. Q: What are the key things that distinguish you from your opponent? Meaney: I have a proven track record. And I have specific priority goals that are in our message. We’re not ambiguous. We have three priorities. We want to expand the Pre-K Universal Program to all working families across the state. We want to remove nefarious practices in the housing market. And we want to put a freeze on the construction of AI Data Centers that are driving up your utility costs. Your rates are subsidizing AI. I don’t think the taxpayers of Massachusetts should be subsidizing bilREADY FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION: Lynn Inspectional Division Director Zosia VanMeter displays her campaign sign as she prepares for next Tuesday’s (Sept. 1) Primary Election. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) lion-dollar tech corporations. VanMeter: It comes down to how we show up in the community. I engage. I build relationships. I’m fully present. Something else that sets us apart is not how we show up in the community, but how we respond and how accountable we are. Q: What about the enormous amount of money you have spent on your campaign? You’ve already spent $157,000 and have more than $110,000 in cash on hand? Meaney: We’re in this to win it. Fund-raising is part of politics. I’ve been very successful with it. Our goal was always to spend $200,000. That’s what we anticipate having to spend to beat the incumbent. I think the number of what we have spent is a little misleading because we transferred the money left over from the City Council race. We’ve probably spent $80,000. VanMeter: I was shocked. That was an insane number. The fact that he spent 10 times more than me or Wong. At the end of the day, though, what he spends his money on and how he runs his campaign is just not my business. I’m just going to continue running a grassroots campaign that I can be proud of. Q: What makes you a better ELECTION | SEE PAGE 4 ׉ 0s3://BONOFA3gcyKgcHDJ-vIZlAzcehVWgfglAz50lTywTBg7`jk9H(׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 3 A tribute from the Saugus fi refi ghters Editor’s Note: The following tribute was posted on Aug. 20 on the Saugus Firefi ghters Facebook Page upon learning of the death of Saugus Fire Lt. Damian Drella at age 55 from occupational cancer. I t is with the deepest sadness and regret that the Saugus Firefighters announce the passing of Lieutenant Damian M. Drella (Saugus K-7 & Citywide 251). After 39 years of dedicated service to the Town of Saugus, Lieutenant Drella lost his courageous battle with occupational cancer. An avid fire buff, fire Damien Drella at a 9/11 ceremony fi ve years ago (Saugus Advocate fi le photo by Mark E. Vogler) photographer, and DC Rentals communications expert, Lieutenant Drella was well known and deeply respected throughout the Northeast and beyond. His service to Saugus began in 1987 as a part-time dispatcher. In 1991, he was appointed as a full-time fi refi ghter by Town Manager Ed Collins. Throughout his firefighting career, Lieutenant Drella earned several commendations for lifesaving actions, crisis mitigation, and evidence collection through photography. In 2025, he was awarded the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merit, the highest departmental award a member can receive, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the entire fire community through his photography and his dedication to sharing our stories. Lieutenant Drella taught us all to never be afraid to “take the picture” — to capture the moment, create a lasting memory, and, often, share a much-needed laugh. His dedication to the fire service, his friendship, his photographs, and the countless memories he created within our department, as a loving father and grandfather will live on for years to come. His sacrifi ce and 39 years of service to the Town of Saugus and the fi re service will never be forgotten. God bless you Lieutenant, rest easy. We’ll take it from here. ~ ESTATE SALE ~ EVERYTHING MUST GO! Saturday, September 5 * 10 AM - 5 PM 62 Ballard Street, Saugus Lots of Power Tools, Bedroom Set, Lawnmower, Snowblower & More! Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net ׉ 0s3://ePMSNemg3Zn6vYC6twi7jqTbiGFCsWgVJU-Zn5LFO7I8`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://u-RYkNKbaBX07YJuuJHItpwmrnBvMcmiY1J3BcNzfwk`'p׉ 0s3://zE4zd6kdO_1nMGs_aoLhTnL_qgW65j0lUQ0LynLhfes;K`׉ 0s3://AsYaKrCPAx2Aduk0rZctK8fF5atWZEvJeTEINX6eMZw81`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://4dDrEBsx5BwfP7KOJm5b0B5WdJMjhBjsM35oq4VACnAi`'p׉ 0s3://jmhV0GdxTEa1G2LHRNuFpHu_ji-Rm9VOTPJsO5j_k5Uͭ`׉ 0s3://Fhlifr5QNewyU5kT9XgeZ4XNGeJOpOh6tVAw0vLFR8Q5`jk9H(ēנjk9H(Ё ~̺9ׁHhttp://EverettBank.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(́Ӂs9ׁHhttp://Firehouse.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(ʁUm9ׁHhttp://Firehouse.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 “We are thrilled to expand our Saugus family” Supt. Michael Hashem said 20 new staff members and “two dynamic assistant principals” will help Saugus Public Schools achieve a successful year in many ways (Editor’s Note: We reached out to Saugus Public Schools Supt. Michael Hashem to get his views on the school district’s goals, challenges, concerns and expectations as he prepares for the 2026-27 school year when classes begin next Wednesday, September 2. His response follows.) A s we gear up for a fantastic new school year in Saugus, there is so much energy and anticipation in the air! Our journey begins on Monday, August 31st with an opening professional development day for our staff, followed by our favorite day of the year; welcoming students back to the classroom on Wednesday, September 2nd. Please note that schools will be closed on Friday, September 4th and Monday, September 7th to allow families to enjoy a wonderful Labor Day weekend. We are thrilled to expand our Saugus family this fall. JoinELECTION | FROM PAGE 2 Democratic candidate to face Wong in the Nov. 3 Election? Meaney: My work ethic and my track record. VanMeter: I think I am a new kind of candidate. I am a candidate who has a backing us are around twenty new staff members, along with two dynamic new assistant principals: Frank Kowalski at the high school and Amanda O’Brien at the Belmonte STEAM Academy. Our commitment to student growth is stronger than ever. Our enrichment programs are fully up and running, thoughtfully refined with a sharp focus on academic support and success. We are expanding tutoring services across the Middle High School Complex for all students, including those participating in extracurricular activities. To ensure every child thrives, we are also offering specialized tutoring for our English Learners both during and after the school day. To keep raising the bar, we are launching a new assessment platform for grades 6 through 12 across ELA, math, science, and social studies. At the elementary level we are ground in community organizing and government administration. And those two skills put together will make me a good advocate on the State House floor, and will make me a good colleague and will make me a good repAluminum Aluminum Everett Supplies 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding Decks • • •Carpentry Work •Decks • Replacement Windows Carpentry Work • • • Fully Insured Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roong Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! adding an additional assessment to Grade 3 this year. By establishing clear baseline and benchmark data, our educators will use dedicated new planning blocks to track progress closely and tailor daily instruction to every student’s unique needs. These results will be shared publicly by each building principal to the School Committee at a meeting three times during the school year. Individual student assessment results will also be made available to students and their families following the administration of each assessment. We would like to especially thank the Town Manager, the members of our School Committee, the Finance Committee, and our town meeting members for fully funding our schools; as well as the entire Saugus community for their support. This has enabled us to truly focus on student learning and provide our students the resentative. Q: What are your priorities for Saugus? Meaney: My priorities are still cost of living. We are here to attack the cost of living. Affordability is my Number One concern. Lower your Saugus Public Schools Supt. Michael Hashem at the Saugus High School graduation back in June (Saugus Advocate file photo) best services possible. We cannot wait to open our doors and partner with our families, staff, and community child care costs. Lower your utility bills. Lower your housing costs. I think that can resonate with anybody in the district. I support the closure of the ash landfill [at WIN Waste Innovations]. However, I would members to make this school year extraordinary. Together, let’s continue to make Saugus Someplace Special! caution people that there’s no such thing as a free lunch and the cost of getting rid of your trash will go up significantly. VanMeter: WIN Waste. ELECTION | SEE PAGE 6 Summer is Here! ׉ 0s3://AsYaKrCPAx2Aduk0rZctK8fF5atWZEvJeTEINX6eMZw81`jk9H(׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 5 A Friend’s Tribute: Turning a casket into a fi re engine for fallen Saugus fi refi ghter ricky Sica created a heartfelt casket wrap for Saugus Fire Lt. Damian Drella, who died of cancer last week. The casket includes a fi re apparatus design and fi reground photos. (Editor’s Note: The following article fi rst appeared last Friday (Aug. 21) on Firehouse.com, and is reprinted in this week’s Saugus Advocate with the website’s permission as a special tribute to Saugus Fire Lt. Damian Drella, who passed away last week at age 58). By Peter Matthews A s veteran Saugus fi refighter Damian Drella fought occupational cancer in the last few days, his family asked Ricky Sica, a longtime friend, to create a special casket wrap to honor Drella’s life and legacy. Sica wanted to do more than simply say goodbye, he wanted to give his friend a fi nal tribute that refl ected the passion that had connected them for decades. He was a lieutenant with Saugus Fire, where he worked for 35 years after four years as a dispatcher. Drella was a talented fi re photographer and fi re buff who is known around the world. Drella and Sica met while the two were working in the The family of Lt. Damian M. “Jug” Drella made a special request of Ricky Sica, owner of the Medford-based 428 Graphics and a longtime friend of Lt. Drella, shortly before the fi refi ghter’s death: to design and construct a wrap that would transform the fi refi ghter’s casket into a Saugus fi re engine. (Courtesy photo by Ricky Sica to The Saugus Advocate) tow industry and chasing fi res in the Boston area nearly two decades ago. Sica, who owns Medford-based 428 Graphics, said the request from Drella’s family, which came last week, was personal from the beginning. “This is actually my fi rst casket wrap,” told Firehouse.com. “I wish it wasn’t somebody that I was so close with because I don’t think it would be as emotional.” Normally, he provides designed wraps for emergency and commercial vehicles. On Friday, the funeral home delivered the casket to Sica’s shop and he got to work. He spent three hours studying the angles, shapes and spaces around the casket to determine a plan. “I thought, this is almost a good shape to make it into a fi re engine,” he recalled. The wrap features Saugus Engine 3, which was Drella’s engine, on the exterior, plus a collection of photos from Drella’s fi re chasing on the interior. “It was a lot of work to get everything right,” Sica said, noting that the casket’s grooves, curves and multiple angles made applying the graphics considerably more complicated, instead of the straightforGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 MORE SUPP MORE SOLUTIONS. LESS WORR PP OLUTIONS. RR. Clear answers, faster decisions, and a t to get things done. We make it easy for Because here, easy means more. r o ge EverettBank.com ward surfaces he’s accustomed to working with. He’s proud of the details, including the exact layout of Engine 3 and the addition of Drella’s name on the offi cer’s door. He also incorporated other details, including a patch placed on the top of the casket and a dedication. Over the years, Drella had sent Sica photos he had taken at fi res with his cellphone. Sica TRIBUTE | SEE PAGE 7 ׉ 0s3://Fhlifr5QNewyU5kT9XgeZ4XNGeJOpOh6tVAw0vLFR8Q5`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://PyESTYVZMMJ0gsXHCc4gFZ2IkMkw0KNRFKBaseYxbeM8 `'p׉ 0s3://d-icBktccxOaCiZe9QTLu8TynrJYRKCu39Jd9DqLxxc `׉ 0s3://Jy3a58TyEAic2dkRz2hJBTB2sfL8v2s5SFrJUnpZKYA;.`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://mVua1miyepbdPpLf5VYiE8oO3Ne47DiJ2HthRjXvCy8ZH`'p׉ 0s3://JGMWH_mJXW4qpk-tS6rNA2jLiGmoWwjLT5SAUkeAjZQʹD`׉ 0s3://uq7ikBntfXj8LiMW43oShz5mfWfvHWGPEi_uJdP8Smw5`jk9H(ȑנjk9H(ف[9ׁHhttp://WWW.SABATINO-INS.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EgPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Town of Saugus unveils new Golden Hills Playground T own Manager Scott Crabtree joined the Board of Selectmen and town officials this week in unveiling the brand-new Golden Hills Playground. A good-sized crowd showed up for the Aug. 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony to check out and enjoy the enhanced recreational facilities at Golden Hills Playground, which include: • Three age-appropriate play structures with slides, climbers, monkey bars, stepping stumps, and numerous fun interactive elements • Full-court basketball court • Six swings Shaded, paved picnic area and benches • • Rope carousel • Water fountain • A forest theme is incorporated throughout the playground, with carvings of woodland creatures integrated into the play structures to complement the surrounding setting • ing • improved drainage • Energy-efficient LED lightAttractive landscaping and Bike rack Town Manager Crabtree thanked the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting members for approving and supporting the significant $1.4 million Golden Hills Playground improvement project. “A project of this size requires the support and hard work of many people,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “Golden Hills continues a longstanding commitment shared by the Town administration and the Board of Selectmen to improving parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities throughout Saugus. With the consistent support of the Finance Committee and Town Meeting, that commitment has resulted in major improvements at Veterans Memorial Elementary School Playground, Bristow Park, Anna Parker Playground, and other recreational facilities, along with the work now underway at Stackpole Field.” Town Manager Crabtree recognized state Senator Brendan Crighton, state Representative Jessica Giannino and state Representative Donald Wong for their collective efforts to net the Town $75,000 in supplemental state funding over two fiscal years to assist with the Golden Hills Playground project. Town Manager Crabtree thanked Kevin Nigro of PMA Consultants, who worked closely with the Town to plan and build the new playground. He also credited JeanJ& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. A giant ribbon-cutting (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) nie Meredith of the Town Manager’s Office for coordinating the many details involved in the project to keep everything moving forward behind the scenes. Town Manager Crabtree also thanked former Selectman Corinne Riley, the contractors, Town employees and others who contributed their time and expertise to the Golden Hills Playground project. Members of the Golden Hills project team included landscape architect/ engineers IMEG/Warner Larsen; environmental engineers Williams & Sparages and general contractor Heimlich Landscape and Construction. “This playground is an inS LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Lynn City Councilor Pete Meaney has been riding around in his “Meaney Mobile,” a 2008 construction vehicle that was used to plow the roads in Lynn. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ELECTION | FROM PAGE 4 That’s at the top of my list. They need to start formulating a plan for closure of the ash landfill. Then there’s affordability. The cost of rent. The cost of utilities. The cost of food. The main message I have for the Saugus people is this: Saugus is the biggest part of the 9th Essex House District. So, get out and vote. Exercise your right to vote. I hope that vote is for me. Saugus and the entire 9th district deserve a representative who will show up so we can build a better 9th Essex District ELECTION | SEE PAGE 9 vestment that children and families will be able to enjoy for decades,” Town Manager Crabtree said. “It provides a safe, welcoming, and attractive place for people to gather, play, exercise, and spend time together. “We are proud to officially return this beautiful recreational space to the community, and I hope everyone enjoys it for many years to come.” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta welcomed everyone who came out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “A special thank you goes to Town Manager Scott Crabtree, who knew the Board of Selectmen wanted the Golden Hills Playground to be a priority and he worked very hard along with staff members to make it come to fruition,” Chair Panetta said. “I also want to thank my fellow board members, Town Meeting, the Finance Committee and everyone who helped in this effort.” ׉ 0s3://Jy3a58TyEAic2dkRz2hJBTB2sfL8v2s5SFrJUnpZKYA;.`jk9H(׉EdTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 7 The most contested primary race R esidents voting Democratic in the 6th Congressional District will Six Democrats running for Moulton’s seat Nguyen immigrated from have six candidates to choose from in the Sept. 1 State Primary to fi ll the seat vacated by Congressman Seth Moulton, who decided to run against incumbent U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey. The 6th Congressional District covers most of Essex County and parts of Middlesex County and has candidates Beth Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, Mariah Lancaster and Tram Nguyen. • Andres-Beck is from Oregon and moved to Middleton in 2022. They serve on two appointed volunteer boards in Middleton: the Master Plan Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust. They began their career working as a programmer at the Harvard School of Public Health and are now a Software Engineer. • Beccia is from Lynnfi eld and has worked in fi nance, government and fi nancial technology as the cofounder and chair of FS Vector. • Belsito was born in Wakefi eld and raised in Reading. She became the fi rst Arab-American woman elected to the Massachusetts Legislature and currently serves as the Topsfi eld town moderator. • Koh, of Andover, worked as the White House senior aide to President Joseph Biden. He also worked as chief of staff to former U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and as his chief of staff when Walsh served as mayor of Boston. Koh currently serves as an Andover Select Board member. • Lancaster, of Salem and formerly of Lexington, worked as a veterinarian and a director of congressional aff airs for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. She served as a foreign affairs offi cer at the State Department and a science policy advisor and legislative staff er in the Where to vote in Saugus on Election Day Most of Saugus’ registered voters in the town’s 10 precincts who will cast their ballots in the state Primary Election will go to six diff erent polling locations on Tuesday, Sept. U.S. House of Representatives. • Vietnam to the United States and currently resides in Andover. She serves as the representative for the 18th Essex District in the Massachusetts House. Nguyen has also worked as a lawyer at Greater Boston Legal Services. The winner will face Republican candidate Micah Q. Jones in the Nov. 3 General Election. Jones is from California and currently resides in Essex. He is a veteran who was part of the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C. He also worked as a lawyer at Morgan & Bockius’ Boston offi ce. 1. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day. If you are a registered voter and don’t know where you can vote, please call the Town Clerk’s Offi ce or drop by Town Hall if you are near Saugus Center and request to see the Street List, which lists all town residents broken down by precincts and according to the streets where they live. Here are the current polling locations: Precinct/Polling Locations 1 and 9: Saugus Middle/ High School Complex,1 Pearce Memorial Dr. 2 and 6: Veterans Early Learning Center, 39 Hurd Ave. 3 and 5: Saugus Senior Center, 466 Central St. 4 and 8: Belmonte STEAM Academy, 25 Dow St. 7: Knight of Columbus, 57 Appleton St. 10: Italian American Club,1 Beachview Ave. TRIBUTE | FROM PAGE 5 took those images and incorporated them into the interior of the casket, creating a blackand-white collage that would surround Drella. “I did the whole inside of the casket with all black-and-white fi re photos,” Sica said. “I put a lot of attention to detail in there. I really went the extra eff ort for Damian.” When he fi nished the project, he sent a photo to Drella’s family, and he said they were moved by it. Tuesday night (Aug. 18), Sica visited Drella and shared photos of the casket with him. He said Drella was delighted with it. “It made him smile.” Drella passed away Wednesday night (Aug. 19). “This is exactly how he would want it,” Sica said. “This is defi - nitely how I would want to go.” Peter Matthews is the editor-in-chief of Firehouse, where he has worked since 1999, serving in various roles TRIBUTE | SEE PAGE 11 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM ׉ 0s3://uq7ikBntfXj8LiMW43oShz5mfWfvHWGPEi_uJdP8Smw5`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://Tqq_rq7f81ulSNZov-X4j3lzcM1ssESp2w47UrXL_bs c`'p׉ 0s3://CxslP9Gakztj9GRVGY5Tspzh8i4kz1qFmDFXXbdTmgw`׉ 0s3://g0PYE0jnvtOsB15POnO4QIkBaAHWFG9tcHksSAYS-TA4`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://Hy_7oXHshFQ_3Eg0oj87DKVCtq08MyrmwWkJUtaGpj0a`'p׉ 0s3://8yqD-uG7xNwnRFB9G5HWQa9ylFQ4ch2oFsvo13MNU-Y;`׉ 0s3://b7iTxQWm3pKjecMQds_a8tzC0ONoOBNF9ZOoXnQVwJw3`jk9H(͑נjk9H(ځс9ׁHmailto:tarantino24@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E)Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus Saugus residents are gearing up for a busy week. The State Primary Election is Tuesday. Schools starts Wednesday. A new playground just got unveiled. And next month’s calendar is already full of community events and activities. Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, August 28) from 9:30-11 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office (781-233-2663) or go to the website (cliftondalecc. org) for details. This week’s “Shout Outs” From Janis Jarosz: “The Meg Foundation Board of Directors announce the names of five new members to the MEG; Ms. Linda Nicholson, Ms. Eva Spaulding, Mr. Anthony Speziale, Mr. Robert Nazzaro and Ms. Christine Moreschi. “Ms. Spaulding is in the process of creating Saugus MEG, a brand-new Facebook page highlighting photos of the MEG rooms, rental information and continuous news on the upcoming Christmas Tree Festival.” 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. Monthly Historical Society meeting On Wednesday, September 9, Alison C. Simcox and Douglas L. Heath will speak about SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, REMEMBRANCE: It’s been 25 years since the Islamic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City, which has become known all over the world as 9/11. There’s a monument on the Hamilton Street side of Saugus Town Hall that pays tribute to Gertrude “Trudi” Alagero and David DiMeglio, who were among the 2,753 victims who perished that day. The town will host a special ceremony in front of Saugus Town Hall at 6 p.m. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) their latest book “Walls, Rock, and Rum: Colonial History and the Founding of Middlesex Fells.” Middlesex Fells is one of the most storied state parks in the United States. Home to Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years, this land became part of Charlestown, first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Puritans transformed the landscape, marked woodlots with stone walls and gave the largest lots to wealthy men. They harvested timber and quarried stones from the Fells to build homes, ships and walls and to fuel brickmaking and rum distilling. Enslaved labor, acquired through the transatlantic trade, supported these markets. Today the Fells is preserved, but beyond its trails and wooded vistas lie deeper stories of Indigenous communities and colonial transformation. Alison C. Simcox and Douglas L. Heath trace this history with new research published for the first time. The authors have spoken to the Historical Society about their previous books, including two about Breakheart Reservation, and have been very popular with their audiences. They will have books available for purchase at the event, and as always it is open to the public and there will be light refreshments. The event will be held at 30 Main Street at 7 p.m. Saugus Democrats event Sept. 20 The Saugus Democratic Town Committee is holding a “Coffee and Conversation” event on Sunday, September 20, at 10 a.m. at the Saugus Italian American Club, 1 Beachview Ave., Saugus. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Come for coffee and pastries and meet your local and state representatives and candidates. All are welcome to attend! For tickets and information contact saugusdtc@gmail.com. Blood Drive Sept. 14 The VFW will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive on September 14, from noon to 5 p.m. Appointments are recommended and can be made at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-733-2767; Saugus VFW, 190C Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906. Fall Family Festival 2026 Come celebrate the annual festival at Breakheart Reservation on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free events will include lawn games, live animal exhibits, storytelling, music and family-oriented activities. Watch and learn about owls with Mass Audubon or hold a live snake with the Cape Ann Vernal Pond team. This event is cosponsored by the DCR, Friends of Breakheart, Saugus Cultural Council and SAVE. Saugus Youth Cross Country 2026 With kids headed back to school soon, another season of Saugus Youth Cross Country gets underway. The program, aimed for youth in Grades 1 through 5, will begin its new year on Sept. 1. The Cross Country members run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m. at the track behind Belmonte STEAM Academy and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation. “Cross Country is a sport where athletes run on paths, grass, trails, and parks instead of a track,” said Coach Christopher Tarantino, known popularly as “Coach T,” who oversees the program. “It is a test of endurance, determination, and heart! Every practice is an adventure and every athlete improves at their own pace,” he said. “Parents, here’s why your child should get involved! Cross Country is much more than running. It teaches children perseverance, confidence, goal setting, and mental toughness while keeping them active in a fun, encouraging team environment. Through games, age-appropriate training, and positive coaching, children develop lifelong healthy habits, make new friends, build self-confidence, and learn that hard work pays off. Whether your child is already active or just getting started, Cross Country is a welcoming sport where every athlete can succeed,” he said. The training distances are as follows: from 1st-3rd grades, .7 miles; 4th and 5th, 1.2 miles. Here are some program highlights: · Practice races Saturdays TBD at Frey Park in Lynn Mass., at 285 Walnut St. · Varied Saturday practice locations to be determined · Saturday, Oct. 31, there will be a Halloween Fun Run practice at Breakheart Reservation. · Wednesday, Nov. 11, on Veterans Day, Gannon Golf Course at 60 Great Woods Rd. in Lynn will host the 12th AnTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9 ׉ 0s3://g0PYE0jnvtOsB15POnO4QIkBaAHWFG9tcHksSAYS-TA4`jk9H(׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 9 Saugus Gardens in the Summer Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener C ommon lantana (Lantana camara) is a popular tropical annual in our climate, used in gardens and window boxes for its continuous summer flower color until cool weather sets in. Most gardeners would be surprised to know that it can become a 20-foot-tall tree or shrub with thick woody stems in tropical regions or even in a large greenhouse. A member of the Verbena family (Verbenaceae), it produces clusters of four-petaled flowers. Like some other flowers, the blossoms change color once they have been pollinated, giving a signal to insects which blossoms may still contain pollen and nectar. Usually the blossoms start out yellow and change to pink, purple, orange, red or white once pollinated, depending on the variety. While there are 150 species of lantana, the most common by far in nurseries around here is common lantana, along with a few hybrids between that one and other lantana species. If you have been in to Boston to see the art exhibit The Great Elephant Migration this summer, the 100 lifeELECTION | FROM PAGE 6 Q: How many doors do you estimate you and your supporters have knocked on throughout the district? Meaney: We’ve knocked on close to 10,000 doors. We’ve been doing this since SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 8 nual Massachusetts Elementary School Cross Country Championship. Arrival time is set for 8:30 a.m. The race will start at 9:30 a.m. There will be lunch at Prince Pizzeria following the meet. More information TBA. · Ending Thursday, November 12: Wrap-up session at Belmonte. Common lantana blooms in a small container in my driveway. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) sized Indian elephants (Elephas maximus indicus) were created from stems of lantana, which is a serious invasive plant in much of India, crowding out native grasses and other plants in the forests where the elephants live and causing hunger for elephants and other forest inhabitants. The exhibit on Commonwealth Avenue will be on display in Boston until September 13. The exhibit has many goals, including the beginning of April. Six days a week. VanMeter: 4,500. Q: If elected, would you back the state auditor in her efforts for the Legislature to be audited? Meaney: Yes, I absolutely support the audit. Cost: $150 for first year, $100 returning from Cross Country 2025. If any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach T at 781-854-677 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com. Veterans Day Bricks Program is Back The Saugus Veterans Council is pleased to reinstate the increasing awareness of environmental issues, such as the degradation of natural habitat, decrease in elephant populations and importance of community open space (the exhibit has been situated in public parks across the U.S. over the past two years and is free and open to the public). Almost 200 indigenous community members from southern India created the sculptures, which will be sold individually, once the VanMeter: Yes. Q: If your opponent wins the primary, will you endorse and campaign for him or her in the general election against Wong? Meaney: The goal is no matter who wins, I want to have unity among the parBrick Program! After our vendor retired last year (thank you, Del from Pavlok, for working with us over the years), we have found another engraver who will be taking our orders for Veterans Day! Proceeds from the brick sales are devoted to the upkeep of Saugus Veterans Park. If you are interested in purchasing a brick, a 4x8” is $100 (three lines) and tour is completed, to benefit elephant conservation. The elephants were modeled after individuals of all ages from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in India. Hardy only to USDA zone 10, lantana would not become an invasive issue here, but it has become a severe problem in much of the world, as it is fire resistant and has been spread from its native range in central America to Europe, Asia, Africa, Paty. If she wins, I’ll be happy to endorse her and help her out any way I can. VanMeter: My campaign is run on the belief that our elected officials must be prepared to meet this critical moment with the veracity it demands as we navian 8x8” (five lines) is $200. Please contact Corinne Riley (781-231-7995) for an application or more information. All orders must be in no later than Sept. 10. The Veterans Council will have its annual booth at our Town’s Founder’s Day celebration. We will have a scratch ticket raffle, sale of challenge coins and MREs! Stop by our booth and supcific Islands and pretty much everywhere outside its native range where temperatures allow it to survive. It has become an issue for farmers, since lantana is poisonous to livestock as well as to many wild animals. Lantana is also allelopathic, which means that its roots secrete chemicals that inhibit growth of some other plants, reducing competition. Birds can eat the small black fruits and disperse the undigested seeds. Bees, hummingbirds and some other insects consume the nectar. It has been used medicinally for a number of illnesses and conditions, although like many medicinal plants it may be toxic to people if used in the wrong dosage. Today is the full moon. Those who looked for it just past midnight may have seen a lunar eclipse. The August full moon is usually known as the sturgeon moon, though it is also known as the corn moon, barley moon, herb moon and dog moon — the last name referring to the dog days of summer. Many of its names refer to the ripening of grains, but the sturgeon is a fish abundant in Lake Champlain and the Great Lakes. gate an ever changing federal landscape. While I recognize the need to forge party unity in pursuit of a strong Democratic base, and applaud my opponent’s strides towards leadership, I would not endorse and campaign for him. port the council and say hello to our retired Veterans who served to protect our great nation. On Friday, September 18, we will hold the POW/MIA Missing Man Table Ceremony at 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, corner of Central and Winter Sts. This recognition of Prisoners of War and Missing In Action is to honor and know “You are not forgotten.” ׉ 0s3://b7iTxQWm3pKjecMQds_a8tzC0ONoOBNF9ZOoXnQVwJw3`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://SdmfGwHclBQoSCv2oS13o4Jg90dZODLAdz9Fd8fWG483`'p׉ 0s3://5lc3I4VBpNNfj6x42LJ8KkqLD0aEuek3R6_oqA29Z7gͮ.`׉ 0s3://HM8DhokGlneLrxJBsqJBDDykcN1gGzxn55vgR5C4-3k1`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://0318kcGNCkiiWZWn4DRHc9U1DAqt7jyJKnEJ1CCnkH0p`'p׉ 0s3://VoF5sLASaUlUdD8CYULzcO3KMa0HZxH-T3jAnEmbn_kNJ`׉ 0s3://6kZicHo1pPE2N-C_KYvvOYUyqngYVc-OTXLlUf_weVk6`jk9H(֓נjk9H(Ӂy9ׁHhttp://Firehouse.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(̂ 9ׁHhttp://Firehouse.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H( ,̎9ׁHhttp://www.thewarrengroup.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EyPage 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Sa Sa a A transition year for hockey at Saugus High First season for Coach Natalucci will be a co-op year By Mark E. Vogler N ewly appointed Saugus High School Hockey Coach Jeff Natalucci will be coaching players from Saugus High and three other area schools, at least for the first season of a revived hockey program. “We will be doing a co-op again,” Saugus Middle High School Director of Wellness & Athletics Matt Serino said this week. “We are the host school and Everett, Revere and Malden will be joining us,” he said. Coach Natalucci’s team will be playing an independent schedule this year “with the goal of rejoining the NEC next Winter,” Serino said. “We have a full 20 game schedule and will be playing most of the NEC teams to help continue the traditional schedule. We will play our home games at Kasabus# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Date scrimmage 12/9 12/12 12/16 12/19 12/23 12/30/2026 1/6 1/9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 1/13 1/16 1/20 1/23 1/27 1/30 2/3 2/6 2/11 HE’S BACK: Jeff Natalucci. ki,” he said. Serino announced last week that Natalucci, a standout hockey player from the Saugus High Class of 1995, will be returning. “This will be Jeff’s second tenure at the helm of the Sachems. He previously served as head coach from 2010–2022, leading Saugus to four state tournament appearances, including one North Final and two North Semifinal appearances,” Serino said. “Jeff’s connection to Saugus and to this hockey program runs deep. As a Saugus High School alumni, town employee, lifelong resident, and parent, Jeff has remained deeply invested in our community. All of his children have either gone through (Bella 2024) or are currently going through the Saugus Public Schools (Sophia 2027), with his youngest son, Gio, entering 8th grade and joining the hockey program this season,” he said. “Saugus hockey has a proud tradition that has been carried on by many great alumni who have returned to give back to the program, and Jeff will continue that tradition in his second tenure as head coach,” he said. 2026-2027 Hockey Schedule Opponent Triton Medford NE Voke Danvers Masco 12/26 Lynn Holiday Tournament 12/27 Lynn Holiday Tournament Rockport Marblehead Rockport Winthrop NE Voke Swampscott Bishop Fenwick Somverville Swampscott Cambridge R&L Watertown Lynn Feb Break GBL Tournament Feb Break GBL Tournament Location Grad Rink, Newburyport Kasabuski Allied Veterans Rink, Everett Kasabuski Valley Forum, Haverhill Connery Rink, Lynn Connery Rink, Lynn Kasabuski Kasabuski Talbot Rink, Gloucester Larsen Rink, Winthrop Allied Veterans Rink, Everett Salem State University McVann Rink, Peabody Kasabuski Kasabuski Simoni Rink, Cambridge Kasabuski Allied Veterans Rink, Everett TBD TBD Sa y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller With Social Security Uncertainty, Should You Claim Benefi ts Early? Dear Savvy Senior, I turn 62 early next year and plan to retire soon after. Most advice says I should wait to claim Social Security because my monthly benefi t will be higher. But with all the recent news about Social Security’s fi nancial problems, I’m wondering if taking benefi ts early might be the safer choice. Is there ever a good reason to claim at 62? --Ready to Retire Dear Ready, You’re definitely not alone in asking this. The latest Social Security Trustees Report projects the retirement trust fund could be depleted around 2032 if Congress doesn’t act. If that happens, Social Security would still collect payroll taxes and pay benefi ts, but retirees could face an across-the-board cut of about 22 percent. Before you rush to file, keep things in perspective. Most experts still expect Congress to step in, as it has before, to strengthen Social Security. And even if lawmakers don’t act, waiting would still produce a higher monthly benefi t because any across-theboard benefit cut would apply to everyone. While claiming at 62 means collecting benefi ts sooner, it also permanently locks in a smaller check. That said, there are several situations where claiming Social Security at 62 can make good fi nancial sense. How claiming age aff ect your benefi ts You can start Social Security at 62, but doing so permanently reduces your monthly benefi t by about 30 percent compared with waiting until full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later). Delaying until 70 increases your benefi t by about 24 percent. For example, a $2,000 monthly benefi t at full retirement age would drop to about $1,400 at 62, or rise to roughly $2,480 if you wait until 70. When claiming early makes sense For some retirees, claiming at 62 is a practical move. If you’ve stopped working and need income for basic expenses, Social Security can provide a steady check right away. It can also serve as a bridge if you retire early or lose a job in your early 60s while delaying withdrawals from retirement accounts or a pension. Some retirees also claim Social Security early to reduce withdrawals from their IRA or 401(k) during market downturns. The tradeoff is a permanently reduced lifetime benefi t. For married couples, timing can be coordinated as part of a broader strategy. One spouse may claim early to bring in income while the other delays to boost their future or survivor benefi t. Health is another big factor. Delaying only pays off if you live long enough to collect those higher monthly checks. The break-even point between claiming at 62 and full retirement age is around age 78 or 79. If you’re still working, be careful here too. Before full retirement age, earnings above Social Security’s annual limit can temporarily reduce your benefi t, and claiming early locks in that lower amount for life. Why delaying helps For many retirees, waiting means a larger guaranteed monthly benefi t for life and often a higher lifetime payout if you live into your late 70s or beyond. It can also provide stronger protection against outliving savings. For couples, delaying the higher earner’s benefi t can increase the survivor benefi t, which may help provide more fi nancial security for a surviving spouse. Before deciding, it’s smart to review your numbers. You can create a free account at SSA.gov/ myaccount to check your earnings record and estimate benefi ts at diff erent ages. Tools like OpenSocialSecurity.com or MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com (a paid tool with a $49 fee) can also help you compare claiming strategies. There’s no one-size-fi ts-all answer. For most people, waiting still makes the most sense. But if you need income, have health concerns or are coordinating benefi ts with a spouse, claiming at 62 may be the better choice. The key is to base your decision on your own circumstances – not fear about Social Security’s future. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior,P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nr ior ׉ 0s3://HM8DhokGlneLrxJBsqJBDDykcN1gGzxn55vgR5C4-3k1`jk9H(׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 11 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 Ciulla, Douglas Michael Crerar, Justin Deleon-Diaz, Marco V Digirolamo Sr, Michael R Frongillo, Mark S Salim, Ammar BUYER2 Guardia, Lucia Reyes, Emily Bruno-Rosario, Leidy Digirolamo, Tanya Frongillo, Laura SELLER1 Harris Sr, Jason L Faria, Aldina M Bingham, Victoria Vitale Colby, Sandra J SELLER2 401 Lynnfells Parkway Rt Conlon, Michael Shum, Kung Tsoi, Lei Wan Harris, Channa Yem Faria, Maria D ADDRESS 401 Lynn Fells Pkwy 216 Lynn Fells Pkwy 8 Ballard St 19 Pinehurst Ave 1601 Lewis O Gray Dr #1601 12 Longwood Ave CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 08.06.26 08.03.26 08.06.26 08.07.26 08.05.26 08.07.26 PRICE 1000000 905000 1060000 740000 590000 525000 PCSS II ranked #12 in Mass. Public High Schools by U.S. News & World Report The charter public school also ranked #9 in Boston Metro Area High Schools P ioneer Charter School of Science II (PCSS II) was proud to announce its ranking as the #12 public high school in Massachusetts by U.S. News & World Report in its recently released 20262027 Best Massachusetts High School rankings. This places PCSS II among the top performing high schools in the state, #9 in Boston Metro Area High Schools and #65 among charter schools nationally. The U.S. News & World Report rankings are a highly respected measure of schools’ performance, taking into account college readiness, state assessment proficiency and performance, college curriculum, TRIBUTE | FROM PAGE 7 on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs. He completed an internship with the Rochester, New York, Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush, New underserved student performance, and graduation rates. PCSS II, which is located in Saugus, was one of eight charter public schools that ranked among the top 30 high schools in Massachusetts, including its sister school in Everett: PCSS I. This year, 108 seniors from both PCSS campuses were accepted to 140 distinct colleges, including Yale, Northeastern, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University. In addition, the seniors received more than $20 million in scholarships. “Our team of students, teachers and families work extremely hard all year round, and it’s rewarding to see their comYork, and Laurel, Maryland, and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood Landing, New York. Matthews served as photographer for the St. Paul, Minnesota, Fire Department and currently is a photographer for the mitment recognized in such a way,” said PCSS II Principal Dr. Mahmut Bekin. “At Pioneer, it will always be our mission to prepare our students for the highest education and career success.” PCSS II enrollment information can be found online at Enroll At PCSS - Enroll - Pioneer Charter School Of Science 2. About Pioneer Charter School of Science: PCSS is a rigorous college preparatory charter school that aims to prepare educationally under-resourced students for today’s competitive world. PCSS I, which is located in Everett, serves students in Grades K Fort Worth, Texas, Fire Department. Firehouse.com is the fire service’s first website dedicated to covering the U.S. fire service, and is part of Firehouse magazine, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Firehouse covers headlines from across the country, training, commentary and the tools firefighters need to protect their citizens. The entire staff is remote and is based in New York, New Jersey, Minnesota, Maryland and Texas. through 12 from several communities north of Boston, including Everett, Chelsea and Revere. PCSS II, which is located in Saugus, serves students in Grades K through 12 from Saugus, Salem, Peabody, Lynn and Danvers. - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Division Docket No. ES26P2497EA Estate of: CAROLYN FRANCES HASHEM Also Known As: CAROLYN F. HASHEM Date of Death: JULY 12, 2026 INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Pamela L. LeBlanc of Saugus, MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Pamela L. LeBlanc of Saugus, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. August 28, 2026 In creating the special casket wrap, Ricky Sica made it his mission to honor Lt. Drella’s life and legacy. He wanted to give his friend a final tribute that reflected the passion that had connected them for decades. (Courtesy photo by Ricky Sica to The Saugus Advocate) ׉ 0s3://6kZicHo1pPE2N-C_KYvvOYUyqngYVc-OTXLlUf_weVk6`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://ifcEm4A0JWq3mom1iikfIQaCjospkxLcro3p1rn6XjI`'p׉ 0s3://IoFLCcQFgnVbvusUZk-l6mbkLh1o9G03obke5zCXIKUͼ `׉ 0s3://_F7I9u40GKYUyjaVFGWq5lxolibnkHwpq7cXcJNU9Sc9Q`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://wjP6DnM3rpnyAtYGmJGzPIFNyz4aAAaKcQtun0ZzgNg`'p׉ 0s3://DhZOBMtCXt6RCLWy1pKvY4f8DUBN5d5Ih1X2IiDbXlY`׉ 0s3://hor3JpzBQWaH-IVBKVY0pmni39Pth-8f61-XuwwV2Oo<`jk9H(נjk9H(̋x9ׁHhttp://www.mastrocola.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(9ׁH!http://Carrijohomeimprovement.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(A+9ׁHmailto:toughbuildjohn@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(A 9ׁH*http://toughbuildmasonryandconstuction.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(q9ׁH!http://www.americanexteriorma.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 OBITUARY Angelina (Feudo) Florentino A ge 95. Died on Wednesday, August 19th under hospice at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was the husband of the late Walter R. Florentino. Born in Boston, Mrs. Florentino was the daughter of the late Samuel and Julia (Chapprone) Feudo. Her first job of which she was so proud was working at The Twinkle Shop no owned and operated Angie’s Beauty Corner in Everett, later she worked with her daughter at Julie’s Beauty Salon in Saugus. Angie made the best anise cookies in the world and loved to feed them to family and friends. She is survived by her daugha local soda shop in East Boston. For 35 years, Mrs. FlorentiFURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT ter; Julie Mitchell and her husband Jeff of Saugus, nine grandchildren; Kurt and his wife Sue, Angela and her husband Kenji, Kristina and her husband Mike, Ashley, Britt, Victoria and her husband Jesse, Janine, Ashley, Haley and many great grandchildren. Mrs. Florentino was sister of the late Domenic, James, Richard, Tony, Honey, Sandra, Robert and Dolly. She was predeceased by her son Walter R. Florentino, Jr. and her daughter Linda Florentino. Relatives and friends were invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, on Thursday August 27. Since Mrs. Florentino was so fond of children, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @www.stjude.org. 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT Saugus Fire Lieutenant Damian M. “Jug” Drella Saugus K-7 & Citywide 251 O ANYONE CAN SAY THEY CAN FIX IT, ONLY WE GUARANTEE IT...FOR LIFE! • Basement Waterproofi ng • Foundation Repair • Crawl Space Repair f Saugus. Died on Wednesday, August 19th at the age of 58 SCHEDULE YOUR FREE INSPECTION: (866) 235-9404 * Certain terms and conditions apply. Ask your Foundation Specialist for details. LIC. NO. 202410 after a courageous battle with occupational cancer. He was the husband of Andrea (Cohen) Drella. A lifelong resident of Saugus, Lieutenant Drella was the son of the late Stanley M. and Laura C. (Galinski) Drella. A graduate of Saugus High School, he served the Town of Saugus for 39 years. An avid fire buff, fire photographer, and DC Rentals communications expert, Lieutenant Drella was well known and deeply respected throughout the Northeast and beyond. His service to Saugus began in 1987 as a part-time dispatcher. In 1991, he was appointed as a full-time firefighter by Town Manager Ed Collins. Throughout his firefighting career, Lieutenant Drella earned several commendations for lifesaving actions, crisis mitigation, and evidence collection through photography. In 2025, he was ment, create a lasting memory, and, often, share a much-needed laugh. In addition to his wife, Lieutenant Drella is survived by his two sons, FF Alexander Drella, Mendon FD and his wife Caroline of Uxbridge and FF Christian Drella, Melrose FD and his fiancée Jennifer Duby, paramedic Billerica EMS and his beloved grandson Cooper. Relatives and friends were awarded the Thomas R. Linskey Award of Merit, the highest departmental award a member can receive, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the entire fire community through his photography and his dedication to sharing our stories. Lieutenant Drella taught us all to never be afraid to “take the picture” — to capture the moinvited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus on Tuesday, August 25th. A funeral mass was held on Wednesday at Blessed Sacrament Church in Saugus followed by interment in Riverside in Saugus. Donations in Lieutenant Drella’s memory to the Saugus Firefighters Relief Association, 27 Hamilton St., Saugus, MA 01906 (In Memory of Lt. Damian Drella). APARTMENTS FOR RENT EVERETT - Two 1-bedroom apartments located on Broadway in Glendale Square available Sept. 1st. Each apartment has recently renovated living room, bedroom and bathroom, and features new hardwood flooring. Great central location with quick access to transit, schools, shopping and everything nearby. Rent for one apt. is $1800/month; second apt. is $1600/month. No pets. First/Last required. Interested parties please call: (978) 210-2990 The World’s First Hearing Aids With Touchscreen Controls. No tiny buttons. No apps. No prescriptions. Call 844-497-3476 to get your 45-day risk free trial. Revolutionary technology with touchscreen control. Hearing modes for any environment. Multiple models to choose from. Portable charging case. 48-hour battery life. UV cleaning. Background noise cancellation. 45-day risk free trial. Atom X ׉ 0s3://_F7I9u40GKYUyjaVFGWq5lxolibnkHwpq7cXcJNU9Sc9Q`jk9H(׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Page 13 1. On Aug. 28, 1922, in NYC, was the first broadcast radio commercial — for apartments in what borough named for a royal? 2. What English cheese is named after a village in a county not licensed to make it? 3. What sport has a technique called herringbone? 4. How are bodhran, bongos and snare similar? 5. August 29 is National Chop Suey Day; where was the dish invented? 6. Where would you have found Barbary, Gold and Ivory? 7. Historically, what kind of dog has been a firehouse dog? 8. What Essex County elector/poet wrote “The Poor Voter on Election Day” (1852)? 9. August 30 is National Beach Day; what is the largest pleasure beach: Atlantic City, Coney Island or Virginia Beach? 10. What kind of footwear has been made with rope made of esparto grass? 11. What sport has a shelter that is also the name of a boat? 12. On Aug. 31, 1837, who (buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery) gave his “The American Scholar” speech at Harvard College? 13. How are underwater swimming, swimming obstacle race and plain high diving similar? 14. What was the recent “Squidpocalypse of ’26” (posted by police!) in Narragansett, R.I.? 15. On Sept. 1, 1897, in what city was North America’s oldest subway tunnel opened? 16. What state is the Beehive State? 17. On Sept. 2, 1870, in Texas, Samuel Augustus Maverick died — the namesake of what? 18. In what 1952 children’s novel are the characters Charlotte, Fern and Wilbur? 19. Recently, Richard Thoday, 62, achieved a record for riding 236 miles on what 19th-century bicycle without dismounting? 20. On Sept. 3, 1881, Lorenzo Delmonico died; when did Delmonico’s become the first restaurant to let women dine without men: 1868, 1899 or 1921? ANSWERS American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! 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We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 Carrijo Home Improvement, Inc. General Contractor * Interior & Exterior Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting * Decks * Siding * Licensed & Insured * Free Estimates Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount 1. Queens (namesake Portuguese Catarina de Bragança, who became Queen of England) 2. Stilton (Three counties can make the cheese; in the 1700s a Stilton innkeeper visited a county that made it and started importing it.) 3. Cross-country skiing (creating a “V” shape to go uphill) 4. Types of drums (originally Irish, Afro-Cuban and European, respectively) 5. There are different myths about its origin involving places in China and the USA. 6. Africa (former names of African coasts) 7. Dalmatian 8. John Greenleaf Whittier 9. Virginia Beach, according to Guinness World Records 10. Espadrilles, which originated in the Pyrenees 11. Baseball (dugout — dugout canoe) 12. Ralph Waldo Emerson of Concord, Mass. 13. Discontinued Olympics swimming competitions 14. A tractor-trailer with tons of squid rolled over, creating a hot mess/stench on a roadway 15. Boston (Tremont Street Subway, including Park Street, Scollay Square and Haymarket) 16. Utah (The beehive symbol comes from the Book of Mormon.) 17. The term “maverick” meaning unbranded cattle 18. “Charlotte’s Web” 19. Penny-farthing (at England’s Reading Velodrome) 20. 1868 (Immigrants nephew Lorenzo and his two uncles ran the restaurant.) ׉ 0s3://hor3JpzBQWaH-IVBKVY0pmni39Pth-8f61-XuwwV2Oo<`jk9H(jk9H( rבCטUru׉׉ 0s3://ESUlW7HS69AgeJUI92jS1goILP5Y-1j-kg933KlNgtU `'p׉ 0s3://jeLXdCkK3HgUMdkkNt4ieJk9XnmHrdifNrJaS7E5oBI͠U`׉ 0s3://mivJw60CFLuiDe9P9Zvdrpxdxv3oODKhAlU9C-8KHlo2`jk9H(טUUru׉׉ 0s3://y9oxJS0tj7xjo1N5rkFu824sYKnaKLFIlOZB1VLOdtQ^`'p׉ 0s3://uaVuYKGZyAPlFiM7iq3Ok_ncO7t_SkMWjY5NyXG7NPs͵#`׉ 0s3://2r2vqiB1NB-86tq0LVk2mIKgAllblxv5vYAqwG6KiAU7O`jk9H(נjk9H(9ׁHhttp://TrinityHomesRE.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(9ׁHhttp://TrinityHomesRE.comׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(^09ׁHhttp://www.BEYONDFINANCING.COMׁ ׁ Јנjk9H(̨99ׁHhttp://www.beyondfinancing.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E BPage 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 28, 2026 Get your Mortgage with Beyond Financing, Inc. Lower rates @ www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge Beyond Financing, Inc. 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