׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://1mv5aIWg_zBHT4GMuZJ3ieaHQrLruWoI9MMU146q6jYO`)׉ 7cassandra://MrDXJ-OSOROvh-fX9w7uosw9kLVrTU5Oo6qDVr5e5yY͠`J׉ 7cassandra://A1mZh2Ir87IvFSz4gNTSmgUaqknGjTNqAwijcS9AjzY15`̰׉ 7cassandra://vg_2aULdGOqfsiUq4zvrA0gn1x95oDR31mlZMm-NwEoT8͠`[!fxYט(u׈ŭJHנ`[!fxY ́f 9ׁHhttp://www.angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYM9ׁHhttp://CarpenitoRealEstate.comׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxY̱ 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈E`[!fxY׉E7SAUGUS Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Legacy A V CT DV Vol. 24, No. 2 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Back to in-person schooling For the fi rst time in 10 months, Saugus Public School students will return to class next week – at least part of the week By Mark E. Vogler S tudents in grades kindergarten through high school are scheduled to receive orientation next week – Tuesday through Friday – as they get ready to return to the classroom for the fi rst time in 10 months. The School District is preparing to embark on the so-called hybrid learning model – a weekly education plan that off ers two days of in-person classes and the rest of the time at home, working from a computer. That will happen in the week of Jan. 24, according to the school district’s website. Since the beginning of A Feathered Fan SCHOOLING | SEE PAGE 17 the school year last fall, students have engaged in “remote learning” from home as a way to protect them from COVID-19. In a “Superintendent’s Special Report” video attached to the School Department website on Wednesday (Jan. 13), Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. advised parents that “compliance with all the COVID safety policies will be strictly enforced.” “We need to take the neces- UNVEILING HIS PLANS: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr. announced his plans for the hybrid learning model in a video he produced this week. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) “It’s time to get something done” Long urges results in study of West Side Fire Station; town manager promises discussion of consultant’s report within a month By Mark E. Vogler A This goldfi nch perched on a hockey glove must be looking forward to the Boston Bruins season, which got underway this week. This bird and his friends also love to hang out in many yards this time of year. To fi nd out why, read “Saugus gardens in the pandemic” inside. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Laura Eisener) ~ Home of the Week ~ STONEHAM - UPDATED CORNER UNIT Located at BROOKMEADOW CONDOS. Featuring 5 rooms, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, new kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, new ceramic tile floor, new carpeting throughout, freshly painted and new light fixtures. Convenient, in-unit laundry, private balcony over looking quite side street. One deeded parking space (112) and visitor parking. Convenient location minutes from major routes, pet friendly complex. Offered at $365,000 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. fter more than two decades of advocating for a third fi re station in town – which would be located on the west side of Route 1 – Precinct 9 Town Meeting Member Robert Long seems to have lost his patience for what he considers inaction on a public safety priority. “I’ll put the damned articles in myself and go forward with it,” Long vowed at Tuesday night’s (Jan. 12) selectmen’s meeting during an update discussion of the West Side Fire Station project. “It’s time to get something done,” he declared. Long, who is a member of a special committee created by Town Meeting members last year to study the feasibility of a West Side Fire Station, expressed frustration at the committee not being able to review the draft copy of a consultant’s report which Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree received last month. Crabtree and selectmen tried to reassure Long that the project is indeed a priority, even though it will be about a month before he and his committee get to review the 165page report, which the town manager said he hasn’t had a chance to review yet. Long requested that the committee receive a copy of the report in two weeks. But Crabtree called FIRE STATION | SEE PAGE 12 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.179 MidUnleaded $2.459 Super $2.539 Diesel Fuel $2.559 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.35 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $1.999 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 781-233-4446 OCD OCATE Friday, January 15, 2021 Prices subject to change New Year! H Happy Ne FLEET ׉ 7cassandra://A1mZh2Ir87IvFSz4gNTSmgUaqknGjTNqAwijcS9AjzY15`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://lzrOgH-eWqw_QBMyFzSRzTU33W_Un80SkSFgpfoO4U0ZS`)׉ 7cassandra://YvlpNPSlRhkpTzJg2TimXAIsN1rlRpDujZeUVa4xFusͮ`J׉ 7cassandra://xh2Ic-wFZU1V4sQNIzHXJbzzj3Sz4mPBQqrNyyKHgHQ2`̰׉ 7cassandra://eDq_Xx0SZX8EqQxq71osdkuFrc5_bSjJG4CafY-cWC8ͧ.͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://QbLPhgRrAW3TYSVSxLyqd3jzZoVC3HUNCPYmpfZjMgs}`)׉ 7cassandra://yWsQuXWCrde9tgRTnFBC3iBHi_xIptXJOR4fC3AVZTcͣ`J׉ 7cassandra://iLqTEDIPiHL3MCeWDcFdyTTgiihGYJgOw9cMSVhy7Sk.`̰׉ 7cassandra://Q5CvN8ksGu7mnmB0n0QUw9AaGDCNa7JFSx8g__I_50c̃ ͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxYāX;9ׁHhttp://WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COMׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYÁX;9ׁHhttp://WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 ~ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ $2.04 Saugus Fire Dept. thanks community for successful toy drive Dear Editor: Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Saugus Fire Department toy drive a success again. I would like to take this time to thank all of the residents of Saugus and the friends of the Saugus Fire Department who donated toys, gift cards and money this year to our Saugus Fire Dept. ChristSANTA’S HELPERS: Pictured from left to right at Toy Central at the Saugus Fire Dept. are Kelly Donahue and Kristy Baker of K & K Hootenanny presenting their generous donation to Ret. Capt. Bill O’Malley for the Saugus Fire Dept. Toy Drive. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) mas Toy Drive. I was pleasantly surprised. With all that is happening in the world this year – the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment and businesses that always had toy boxes set up in their place of employment being forced to close – we were concerned that the demand would be more than the supply. But as we have learned over the past 30 years with the Saugus Fire Dept. Toy Drive, that the residents and businesses of Saugus in a time of need will always be there for you. This year’s need was greater than usual, but because of all you wonderful people and businesses, our toy drive was very successful. We especially want to thank Tony Speziale, Patty Ferraro and all the members of the Saugus Lions Club for their wonderful idea of having a four-hour drive-by toy donation at the parking lot of the Senior Center for us, Donna Maggiore and her Family, Jack and Mary Hollow, Scott Davis, Terry Leander and the Members of the First Congregational Church of Saugus, Jean Seyboyer and the Members of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Joanne Olsen and the Members of the Senior Center, John and Wendy Carpenito of Carpenito Real Estate, Diane Virgilio, the former owner of Cleaning Town and Christine Moreschi and the Employees of the Saugus Town Hall for all of your continued support throughout the many years. We also would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Silipigni of Central Street and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Silipigni of Hobson Street for their donations “In Memory of Allan Silipigni”, Bruce Torrey, Denise Grassa and the Employees of the Websters First Federal Credit Union, Steve Castreberti, teaming up with us this year by collecting toys at his Prince of Pizza Restaurant, Chris Rizza and the TOY DRIVE | SEE PAGE 12 Saugus Democratic Town Committee honors MLK Day T he Saugus Democratic Town Committee has joined Massachusetts Democrats and the President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris Inaugural Committee for the National Day of Service on January 18 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For its local Service Day recipient, the Committee has selected the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, which is a partnership between the churches in Saugus to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry. The Food Pantry is located at Cliftondale Congregational Church. Saugus churches and members of the community join together to donate their time and resources. The Food Pantry depends on donations to serve Saugus citizens. The requests for help during the pandemic have doubled compared to last year. In order to continue this important town service, donations would be much appreciated and helpful. All Saugus residents are invited to participate and donate to this worthy cause. In order to protect the health of the volunteers and guests at the Food Pantry, grocery store gift cards or checks made out to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry are requested in place of nonperishable food items. Please mail the gift cards or checks directly to the Saugus United Parish Food Pantry, 50 Essex St., Saugus, MA 01906. For additional information on the Food Pantry, please call 617-257-4847. ׉ 7cassandra://xh2Ic-wFZU1V4sQNIzHXJbzzj3Sz4mPBQqrNyyKHgHQ2`̰`[!fxY׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 3 Softening the Sound Ongoing acoustics study and installation of new silencer system should eliminate noise problems at plant, Wheelabrator officials say By Mark E. Vogler t will sound like the difference between a power mower and a vacuum cleaner. That’s what officials at Wheelabrator Technologies, Inc. say the installation of a new, upgraded silencer system will mean for residents from Revere, Saugus and Lynn who have been irked over the past 18 months by the noise emanating from the trash-to-energy plant on Route 107 in Saugus. In technical terms, they say, a new system that is expected to be installed this spring at the cost of about $750,000 will reduce the noise level from 96 decibels to 70 decibels – roughly the equivalent of a household vacuum cleaner. “I think all of the neighbors should be delighted,” Revere City Council President Anthony Zambuto said in an interview this week. “If it lowers the sound level down to the equivI alent of a vacuum cleaner, then the citizens of Revere in the Point of Pines will never hear the noise again. I think this is a win-win-win for everybody, and it shows that Wheelabrator is trying to be a good neighbor,” he said. “So, personally, I’m thrilled and excited about it. And I think all of the neighbors should be, too. I think it’s a positive thing that I think will make all of the neighbors feel a lot better.” Wheelabrator learned of the less noisy alternative as a result of an ongoing consultant’s engineering study being performed as a condition of a state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) consent order in response to numerous citizen noise complaints and enforcement action initiated by the Saugus Board of Health. Representatives of Wood, a Chelmsford-based engineering company, briefed the Board of Health at last week’s meeting on an acoustics study they are conducting for Wheelabrator as part of a solution to the noise problems which have disturbed residents who live within earshot of the plant. The study will help guide the company in determining what is loud, long lasting, unpleasant, distracting and irritating noise. “In response to community concerns and in conjunction with the ongoing work of the Board of Health sub-committee, we have decided to voluntarily move forward with this project, which we anticipate will be completed in the spring,” Wheelabrator’s Vice President of Environmental, Health and Safety, James Connolly, said. “We appreciate the opportunity for a constructive dialogue and are committed to working with the town to strengthen our partnership moving forward,” he said. The noise has become a “This is going to be the most dangerous month…” Crabtree briefs selectmen on COVID-19 as surges continues; confirmed cases increase to 2,847 By Mark E. Vogler S augus has experienced close to 300 newly confirmed COVID-19 cases over the past week. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has notified the Town of Saugus of 2,847 confirmed cases of COVID-19, according to a press release issued yesterday. It also noted one additional death, raising the total to 54 deaths. “This is going to be the most dangerous month, leading into February,” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree told selectmen during a briefing on the Coronavirus at Tuesday night’s (Jan. 12) meeting. “I think this is the time to be as diligent as possible. Unfortunately, not everybody does what they are supposed to do…People without any symptoms are spreading the virus,” he said. On Tuesday night, Crabtree told selectmen the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in town had soared to 2,781. But a press release that his office provided yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 14) morning noted an increase of 66. Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano wanted to know when the public might be able to walk into Town Hall again. “We’re doing everything we can on our part,” Crabtree said. “We’ll look at this in another four weeks and see where we’re at,” he said. Cogliano said he has been “pretty vocal at seeing our kids back to school.” “Maybe now is not the time, given the situation we’re in,” he added. Cogliano said he is worried about the Jan. 19 (Tuesday) date, which is set for Saugus Public School students to return to school for orientation as the district prepares for a transition from remote learning from home to the hybrid learning model, which provides two days a week in school and the rest of the week at home. “Best of luck to the School Committee making this decision,” Cogliano said. Crabtree said the Town of Saugus continues to make modifications to its municipal buildings, including the schools, to provide a safer and healthier environment once the buildings are alDANGEROUS | SEE PAGE 12 problem for several years, overlapping the times that the turbine which generates electricity is taken out of service. If the turbine is unavailable, high-pressure steam is released into the atmosphere. The drag valve, equipment which functions much as a car muffler, is designed to reduce the noise. But the current silencer system in use at the Wheelabrator plant produces a nominal 96-decibel sound level. The system that is scheduled to be installed will produce a nominal 70-decibel sound level, according to company officials. “I think Wheelabrator gets a lot of blame for noise that really isn’t their noise,” Zambuto said. “You get the sound from the GE plant in Lynn, the traffic from the Lynnway and the planes that fly overhead. Let’s face it. The plant is a target because people don’t like it. So, I’d say the silencer that’s going to be installed and the study are real positive things.” SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ׉ 7cassandra://iLqTEDIPiHL3MCeWDcFdyTTgiihGYJgOw9cMSVhy7Sk.`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Y1scgRNlMnins6tQYldF6VAyRJ960mtv8_k56SG1zTI K&`)׉ 7cassandra://5vna-pcDNNcMwZxbEAwBYsPrJd8r54DBco-PVXdLTjoͬ`J׉ 7cassandra://-0U-eUsHqld_BPR_KOskVaiilj55QS6OT6DyVLpmMWM.`̰׉ 7cassandra://3eKkaAXlCNr-OTiRJbKGCttu_LPVGK7ozoVtLFesmKY͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://Z2L8M-i2QirdiIs1nssgY3whRdTlTIsT2Wbqt3gI5WQ 9L`)׉ 7cassandra://j5DRtDuabBqVz_gauHm11HcwU6pDhi9HJ9UQMTD2CBsͧ`J׉ 7cassandra://xEnA_U3xTSyIIbq0qFVfHfAip_KDmlqJA4-vkCWX3gs-]`̰׉ 7cassandra://Qq5BZF_kOo4DG_gDM6KLoxe-jF0ICMLvv5Q_Grc5Cs4P͠`[!fxYƓנ`[!fxÝ̢9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYˁuR9ׁHhttp://gustv.orgׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYʁցJ9ׁHhttp://www.saׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 State Senate passes Saugus Emergency Relief Fund during fi nal hours of Legislative session By Mark E. Vogler A bill that would establish a Saugus Emergency Relief Fund – to help town residents in need of immediate assistance during a state of emergency – is headed to Gov. Charlie Baker’s offi ce to be signed into law. “I was thrilled that the Emergency Fund Bill got out of the Senate [Tuesday, Jan. 5] at literally the 12th hour,” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Corinne Riley told The Saugus Advocate. “I thought it was going to need to be resubmitted when nothing had happened. Yet at 11:30 p.m., Donald texted me early to say it passed,” she said, referring to state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus). Riley authored an article (passed unanimously at a Special Town Meeting last July) which would establish an Emergency Relief Fund that would help Saugus residents during desperate times, like the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief fund, according to the approved article, could be used to cover rent, food, prescriptions, utilities, transportation, heating and oil assistance. But it needed the Board of Selectmen to petition the state Legislature to set up a checkoff spot on municipal tax bills where taxpayers could donate to a Saugus Emergency Relief Fund for town residents in need of immediate assistance during a state of emergency. That happened, but passage of the bill seemed endangered until late on the last night of the 191st legislative session. “I am looking forward to discussing with the board and town manager to reestablish the Welfare Board to get this in place, so if we ever face a crisis of any kind in the future, there will be another resource available to help the people of our town,” Riley wrote in an email to the newspaper Wednesday night (Jan. 6). “Seeing that the article was submitted to Town Meeting by the BoS [Board of Selectmen], then Town Meeting passed it, then having it enacted by the State last evening was educational, and a bit nerve wracking – following the entire process from beginning to the successful end becoming law,” she said. “I can’t thank Representative Wong enough on how hard he worked to get this done, as well Little in name and stature, large in accomplishments F By Th e Old Sachem loyd Douglas Little was seen in this area when he played for Syracuse University, and later for the Denver Broncos. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 4, 1942, and died on January 1, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. As a professional football player in the American Football League and later in the National Football League when the leagues merged, he was a halfback with the nickname of “the Franchise.” He attended Hillhouse High School in New Haven and then the Bordentown Military Institute in Bordentown, New Jersey, before attending Syracuse. He was recruited by General Douglas MacArthur to play football at the United States Military Academy, who told him he would ascend to the rank of General if he enrolled at West Point. Notre Dame also recruited Little, but he was persuaded by Ernie Davis, the first African-American Heisman winner, to attend Syracuse University, and the Davis invite cinched the choice. He was a halfback for AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! 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His totals then for Syracuse were 2,740 yards on 512 rushes with 35 touchdowns and 5 catches for 591 yards and 4 touchdowns, remarkable accomplishments for any running back. Floyd was a three-time selection of All-American at Syracuse, and in 1967 was the sixth selection in the NFL/ AFL draft, which was the fi rst common draft between the rival football leagues. Little became the fi rst fi rst-round draft pick to sign up with the Denver Broncos. He was a charter member of the Broncos “Ring of Fame” along with Rich Jackson, Lionel Taylor and “Goose” Gonsoulin, in 1984, and the fi rst Bronco to win a rushing title in leading the AFL in 1970 with 901 yards. The following year he became the fi rst Bronco to exceed 1,000 yards, rushing for 1,133 yards. In the 1968 season against the Buffalo Bills, Little grabbed four passes out of the backfi eld for 165 yards, which included a 66yard touchdown. That earned him a franchise record of 41.25 yards per reception, which is still a Bronco record. He was selected as a first team All-League running back in 1969 and made the AFL/NFL Pro Bowl in 1970, 1971 and 1973. He was the first back to score punt return touchdowns in consecutive seasons. During his six-year career, he rushed for more yards and more yards from scrimmage, rushing and receiving, than any other NFL player. He retired as the NFL’s seventh-time all-time leading rusher with 6,323 yards rushing and 54 total touchdowns. Little also tossed a touchdown pass to Jerry Simmons to upset the Oakland Raiders in 1972. The Broncos retired Little’s jersey number, 44, in 1975. Among his honors was the College Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Floyd Little was a Pro-Bowler six times and a fi rst-team AllPro in 1969. He was the NFL rushing leader in 1971 and the rushing touchdown leader in 1973. In 1975 Little graduated from the University of Denver Law School, receiving a masters in legal administration degree. Little joined the Syracuse University Athletic Department in 2011 and served to 2016 as the Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. He was portrayed by actor Chadwick Boseman in the 2008 Universal Pictures film “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story.” We saw him play against the Patriots as an outstanding running back and a natural gentleman. Thank you, Floyd Little, for providing great experiences for fans and encouragement for youngsters during your lifetime. We will miss you. as Senator [Brendan] Crighton [D-Lynn] helping in the Senate.” The two area politicians sponsored the legislation. Personal and business donations – not town money – will support the fund, according to Riley, who noted it would be similar to the Veterans Relief Fund. “This pandemic has created both a public health and an economic crisis,” Sen. Crighton said. “Through this home rule petition the Town of Saugus has stepped up to help those in need during these unprecedented and diffi cult times.” St. Mary’s High School Term 1 Honors List of Saugus students S t. Mary’s High School announced its Honor Roll and Principal’s List for the fi rst quarter of the 2020-21 academic year. Honor Roll students must achieve an 85 or above in all their classes. Students earning Principal’s List status must achieve 90 or above in all their classes. The following students from Saugus have achieved these honors: Honor Roll Sophia Cruz ’27 Daniella Leo ’27 David Saxton ’24 Julie Liuzza ’24 Thomas Mandracchia ’24 Rowan Sharwood ’23 Vittoria Moretti ’23 Kevin Huere Prado ’22 Iava Hohmann ’21 Madelyn Rice ’21 Mellanie Lucero ’21 Zachary Cummings ’21 Principal’s List Dominic Coco ’24 Nadia Del Sonno ’24 Adrianna Bowker ’23 Jason Monahan ’22 Kiara LoNigro ’22 Sebastian Prado ’22 Catherine Nguyen ’21 Jared Abkarian ’21 Kellie O’Donnell ’21 Kiara Wynder ’21 Marina DiBiasio ’21 ׉ 7cassandra://-0U-eUsHqld_BPR_KOskVaiilj55QS6OT6DyVLpmMWM.`̰`[!fxY׉E=THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 5 THE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS By Mark E. Vogler H ere are a few tidbits that you might want to know about this week in Saugus. Holiday delays trash and recycling schedule All town municipal buildings – including Saugus Public Schools – will be closed on Monday, as Saugus observes Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Town of Saugus announced this week that the trash and recycling collection will run on a oneday delay from Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Saturday, Jan. 23, due to the holiday. There will be no collection on Monday, Jan. 18, due to the holiday. Services will resume on a one-day delay from Tuesday, Jan. 19, through Saturday, Jan. 23. Residents whose collection day falls on Monday will be collected from on Tuesday. Collection will continue to run on a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. The Town of Saugus would like to thank everyone for their cooperation. Please contact Solid Waste/ Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone at 781-2314036 with any questions. A COVID-19-tempered contract extension When the local historians look back on the history of the town manager years from now, the upcoming contract extension talks between Town Manager Scott Crabtree and the Board of Selectmen should have an asterisk for the year 2021. Selectmen have scheduled an executive session for Jan. 25 to begin talks with Crabtree, whose current contract will run through August of 2020. But to the chagrin of Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano, who preferred to have the contract talks done in-person at Town Hall, the talks will take place via Zoom video conferencing. Selectman Michael Serino emphasized that he doesn’t want to meet until the summer, noting that he’s afraid of possible exposure to the Coronavirus. “This is not going to be a ‘one-and-done’ thing. It’s going to take several sessions,” noted Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini at Tuesday night’s (Jan. 12) meeting. There is some sentiment that it may take several months. This week on Saugus TV Sunday, January 17 from 9 to 11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, January 18 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, January 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from January 12. Wednesday, January 20 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from January 14. Thursday, January 21 at 7 p.m. on Channel 9 – Planning Board Meeting ***LIVE***. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22 (Public, Governmental and Educational). For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may change without notice*** GUESS WHO GOT SKETCHED! In this week’s edition, we continue our weekly feature where a local artist sketches people, places and things in Saugus. Got an idea who’s being sketched this week? If you do, please email me at mvoge@comcast.net or leave a phone message at 978-683-7773. The first reader to respond between now and Tuesday morning and correctly identify the Saugonian who was sketched is the winner of a $10 gift certificate, compliments of Dunkin’ at the 1204 Broadway Saugus location at Route 1 North. But you have to enter to win! Look for the winner and identification in next week’s “The Sounds of Saugus.” Please leave your mailing address in case you are a winner. (Courtesy illustration to The Saugus Advocate by a Saugonian who goes by the name of “The Sketch Artist”) Crabtree, who is expected to receive an extension, will become the first town manager in the history of the community’s town manager/Representative Town Meeting form of government (which dates back to 1948) to have his contract negotiated with selectmen by a method other than in-person. Crabtree, who was originally hired in April 2012, is also on pace to become Saugus’s first town manager to serve the community a decade at the conclusion of his current contract. Former Town Manager Andrew Bisignani (2003-2012) served about nine years. We have a winner! We have a winner in last week’s “Guess Who Got Sketched” contest. Congratulations to Ralph Williams, who contacted us first and offered the correct answer. Thanks to other readers who responded by email or phone message. Try again this week. Here’s last week’s answer, offered by the person who goes by the name of The Sketch Artist: “The sketch is of Warm & welcoming couple Eugene & Arlene Decareau. Talking with this couple was an enjoyable experience, it was enjoyable, laughter came easily with such phone hospitality! (If there is such a word ... if not, one was just created to describe this couple.) Eugene was awarded a “Dedicated Humanitarian Services “award from the Lions Club! “We all know that saying ‘behind every great man, there’s an even greater woman!’ “Faithful Volunteers of the Food pantry, Arlene knits shawls, scarfs, hats, afghans for various causes and Veterans. Eugene has a hobby of baking pies; he said banana cream pie is his specialty. “Eugene and Arlene are frequently in the papers as high achievers and for various volunteer endeavors. They were on the front page with an interview in The Saugus Advocate Feb. 14 2020, if you would like to read more. “They have three sons, Stephen, James and John. “John won first place in the 2019 [Rumney] Marsh Art Exhibit With his wood burning of an Eagle. What a spectacular piece of Art, I too voted for his Eagle at the show! “Eugene, Arlene and John’s first place winning piece is in The Saugus Advocate September 27, 2019 front page news! “Yours Truly, “The Sketch Artist” A “Shout-Out” for Coach Joe Bertrand We didn’t receive any nominations this week from our readers for somebody in the community who is worthy of praise in this column, so we will adopt some remarks made by Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano during this week’s memTHE SOUNDS OF SAUGUS | SEE PAGE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://xEnA_U3xTSyIIbq0qFVfHfAip_KDmlqJA4-vkCWX3gs-]`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://rGirs5E6wjWhDB6uTub30Iph5aUxV_dY7iQ-aqaraE4x`)׉ 7cassandra://2xUDJK4pJ4tuP-p_Luybt8PY98Ssvneuv7N7QaCyUC0ͣ`J׉ 7cassandra://YkyO3PvtkjOUPQmbIsGo2Cxf9a_ydgnDxE4GHWMjl0g.`̰׉ 7cassandra://I1qZA3yUgu57o-S8YLb3f-0QwFgmkxUpX5T4Ic5EbrU h͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://P--JbfPMiHgjuh1x3GQOLRfVbC7HHvNYfAk1yYpC53Yz`)׉ 7cassandra://BstDuD1LQ0W6n9wkushMFjfM7XL8tahIYKpC1LV-as4͗V`J׉ 7cassandra://WIW8RDCWJeZt7bT_KNraL_tJnQh2jYi0gFggrJaAffE(q`̰׉ 7cassandra://O9bRTG3CkoARpbI8GarhVEMYuzQ-YwotvlgSH0vhcoIXz^͠`[!fxYΑנ`[!fxYӁdā̶9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 DeRuosi issues pandemic budget warning “The district will not be able to sustain this growth and progress in FY22 if we are faced with a similar situation” By Mark E. Vogler S chool spending would increase by $498,189 over the current year, according to School Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr’s proposed budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year. The spending plan that DeRuosi presented last night to the School Committee for the fiscal year that begins July 1 amounts to $30,073,439 — a 1.68 percent increase. It is the fifth and final budget crafted by DeRuosi who plans to retire on June 30 — the end of the school year as he completes his fifth year overseeing Saugus Public Schools. “This budget includes targeted critical needs for the district and a number of cost containments,” DeRuosi said in a letter posted on the School Department website which explained how and why he crafted the budget. “During my tenure in Saugus, I have always approached each budget demonstrating a commitment to strong fiscal responsibility,” he noted. “...Now in my tenth year as a superwww.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM intendent, I still resist the easy path of simply asking for more funding. Rather, each year, with the support of my team, I survey the current state of the district and the quality of our education. I also engage in the process of examining spending trends and reWE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma STAY SAFE! source allocation,” he said. “This work allows me to gain an understanding of where the district is right now. I then compare this understanding of our current reality with the long-term vision for the district. This allows me to target areas of need to that the budget can address. It also allows me a means to distinguish between the many “wants” of stakeholders in our school community from the definitive “needs” to meet our vision.” DeRuosi identified “critical needs,” which amounted to $162,397. They included: • Reserve for Non -Unit Salaries $45,750 • Restoration of the Elementary Music Teacher $58,736 • An increase in the Psychologist from .4 FTE (full time equivalent) to 1.0 FTE $57,911 DeRuosi’s proposal also includes cost contaminants totaling close to $1.3-million. Those measures include: • Reducing 1.0 FTE Elementary Principal (goes back to SMS AP position which is this salary) ($87,382) • Reducing 1.0 FTE SMS AP ($90,270) • Reducing 1.0 FTE Elementary Admin ($91,035) • Reducing 2.0 FTE Clerks ($82,402) • Reducing 1.00 FTE Social Studies Teacher–SHS ($56,519) • Reducing 1.0 FTE Elem Health Wellness Teacher ($58,736) • Reducing 3.0 FTE Elementary Digital Literacy Teachers ($171,982) • Reducing 1.0 FTE ELL ($79,526) • Reducing Sick Leave Buyback FY 22–one retiree in FY 22 ($181,000) • Eliminating Early Retirement FY 22–no retirees eligible in FY 22 ($30,716) • Eliminating Floating Nurse Position ($34,734) • Eliminating 6 noon aides ($31,320) • Eliminating Library Media Specialist 1.0 FTE ($75,139) • Eliminating 8.0 FTE Kindergarten paras ($152,346) • Reducing Elementary Itinerant Travel Stipends ($2,500) • Charging Athletic Equipment to Athletic Revolving ($20,000) • Charging balance of Special Ed TRSP back to grant ($11,627 • Reducing Psychological Evaluation line due to increase in Psychologist FTE ($30,000). In his budget message, DeRuosi noted that over the past five years that “each school budget I have presented has included reductions, restructuring, and repurposing of district staff and funds to provide Town Officials with minimal increases to a school budget. “This letter, however, must acknowledge and address the fact that we received a level funded budget in FY21. The district has managed to work within that budget and continue to move the district forward. “This demonstrates the commitment of the Saugus Public Schools to recognize the realities of a situation and continue to strive to improve the quality of education for our students,” he said. “We must also be clear in stating that this is simply not a sustainable model moving forward. The district will not be able to sustain this growth and progress in FY22 if we are faced with a similar situation. “This budget supports the district’s needs moving into a ‘post pandemic’ landscape. We are conscious of the academic deficits our students will face next year, and this budget protects our core areas of education. The reduction of force in this budget has been done in order to support this, and a few other, high priority needs of the district. On a personal level, I believe our greatest challenge lies in our ability to support our students on a social emotional level. We made it a point to keep our support staff intact to ensure we will be ready to meet the social emotional needs of students and families.” School Committee Vice Chair Ryan Fisher expressed cautious concerns about DeRuosi’s proposal and whether it would be enough, given the fallout from COVID-19. “This year’s budget is so critical after what happened last year. Covid hit right in the middle of last year’s budget process, and you’ll remember all the fiscal uncertainty last spring with town revenues,” Fisher said. “Our recommended budget increase of $500,000 was cut down to $0 overnight, and cost increases exceeded $1 million. The district did a great job of staying afloat, but we’re starting next year with a deficit of over $2 million,” he said. “We may have a fully restructured school district come the fall, but buildings are buildings. These kids will absolutely need resources after almost a full year in remote, and we can’t let them down.                                         ׉ 7cassandra://YkyO3PvtkjOUPQmbIsGo2Cxf9a_ydgnDxE4GHWMjl0g.`̰`[!fxY׉EvTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 7 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 5 bers’ comments period at the end of the board’s meeting on Tuesday night (Jan. 12). He offered congratulations to Joe Bertrand, the son of the late Saugus High Basketball Coach Mark Bertrand, who died tragically last month. “I think that’s an honor to fill in and take over for your dad. We’re here to support you, Joe. So best of luck,” Cogliano said of Mark Bertrand, who will co-coach this year’s team with assistant basketball Coach Bill Cahill. 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 the 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 photo. COVID-19 – my scariest story of all As an active 68-year-old newspaper man trying to cover local government, human interest and all sorts of news in the midst of a deadly global pandemic – which is already responsible for 53 deaths in Saugus, close to 13,000 deaths statewide and more than 385,000 deaths nationwide since the outbreak of COVID-19 last March – it’s been a supreme challenge trying to cover this mega news story for our readers. I’d go so far to say that it would probably be the biggest challenge of my journalism career, even if I were a reporter in my 20s or 30s. It goes without saying that it’s a very dangerous story for somebody my age. In addition to working fulltime as a newsman, I also spend a lot of time during the course of the week as an advocate for my 69-year-old brother, who lives in an assisted living facility in Swansea, Mass. I have to commute several times a week from my home in Methuen, up in northern Essex County. And it seems like every place I go, in the process of doing my job as a newsman and as my brother’s advocate, I pass through one “red,” highCOVID-19-risk community after another. When people ask me how I’m doing, I’m honest and tell them that I am constantly looking over my shoulder, worried as to whether COVID-19 is going to catch up with me one of these days. Whether it’s encountering people on the street, in a restaurant, a post office, the gas station or a store, I observe reckless behavior of folks who don’t wear masks and are oblivious to the public health protocols that are in place for everyone’s health and safety. I have been in this business for close to a half century. I’ve seen a lot of bad stuff. And I’ve come into harm’s way quite a few times over the years. Yes, indeed, I’ve had my share of harrowing moments as a newspaper journalist – a few of them down in West Texas, way back in my younger days as a tenacious and fearless investigative reporter. In close to 50 years of reporting, the story that stands out the most is the one that was never written: the one about several suspicious murders, a corrupt sheriff who may have been involved in them, U.S. Border Patrol agents who were also dirty, dangerous drug traffickers who conducted their business with ease and a weekly newspaper editor and publisher who wanted to help get the story out – but not in his newspaper, because he feared for his life. That was a story I was assigned to check out when I worked as a reporter at The San Angelo Standard-Times sometime in 1978. We had a correspondent who also happened to work in that town’s government in a community that seemed at the end of the world. I remember driving alone down to Van Horn, where I was to meet an older couple Saugus residents named to Dean’s List at University of New England T he University of New England recently announced that Saugus residents Amanda Castle, Hailey Moscone and Olivia Rando were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2020 semester. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester. where I would stay for a couple of nights. For anyone who asked about me in the tiny town of 2,000, I would introduce myself as their nephew. It seemed like everywhere I drove around town in my car I was being followed by a local cop or sheriff’s deputy. And I had been forewarned that they were particularly corrupt. I remember my first night as a house guest as particularly alarming. Before my hosts went to bed, they laid a loaded revolver on the table next to the couch where I would sleep, just in case I needed some protection at night. There was always the possibility of a dangerous encounter with an illegal alien or drug trafficker passing through. It was unsettling, so much so that the next time I visited Van Horn I was accompanied by another reporter and a photographer. Based on the account I provided from my first trip, the photographer insisted on packing a shotgun in the trunk of his car, just in case we needed it. I left the paper for a more promising job before I had a chance to file the story. The story never got done, though. More than 40 years later, I would have to rank this as my most dangerous story – until I decided to be a reporter in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. The Kowloon Restaurant is not closing Bobby Wong’s appearance before the Saugus Planning Board last week attracted tremendous publicity from Boston news media over the weekend about a reported future closing of his family’s iconic Route 1 eatery – the Kowloon Restaurant. The spate of radio and TV stories was so great that Kowloon came out with a press release: “The Kowloon Restaurant, owned and operated by the Wong family states: “Dear Friends and Fans, “We are not sold or closing soon. There has been a lot of speculation regarding our planning board appearance tonight. We just want to clarify what is actually happening. We are only planning for the future which will be years not months away. The process to get the local boards to do their due diligence and approve any project is not an overnight process. So our family is just getting some preliminary legwork started. “We have just completed our 70th year in business and realize that though rewarding, it’s such a demanding life. And there will be an end at some point...just not right now. So, thank you very much…we will be around for a while longer. “The Wong Family” H ea l th y S t udents-Healthy Saugus (HS2) continues With the start of 2021, the Grab-N-Go meals program is back for another year at the Saugus Public Schools to keep needy students from going hungry. Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus (HS2), in partnership with Whitsons Food Service, continues with its noble program. Breakfasts and lunches will be available for pick up at the Veterans Memorial School at 39 Hurd Ave. every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. HS2 is a nonprofit group that helps to offset food insecurity in households. HS2 provides a supply of nutritious food for weekends or school holidays during the school year. For more inforTHE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9 “ The time is always right to do the right thing. ” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. WE’LL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 18TH TO HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN ACCESS OUR ONLINE BANKING AND ATMS ANYTIME. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 Right by you. 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC Member DIF ׉ 7cassandra://WIW8RDCWJeZt7bT_KNraL_tJnQh2jYi0gFggrJaAffE(q`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://AZGlrcO9jhjxHhIaoyZB5ndLPj3oYwOzCuoGSZxoJ0o \`)׉ 7cassandra://MVNtKGJ2zgt2hwoLweh9NJf8o9Abpy2iFXPLzRJIDtsͪ`J׉ 7cassandra://woEdfCHUJ_eNN8o_H6LHkhlFqHBxO7VGf24hN6QJX4w.`̰׉ 7cassandra://IveS19jCZLe7sMRjnUq5aw4TLfjt_oOmpZo6tONKqsgt͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://excoME8MenOYH4ptb-kdvdOten28ILG8n1pixXkEI8w `)׉ 7cassandra://TWSAT1eKH3i-HULJdvCyAnNi2ev1z5JX2Wxj8vG3EPAͬ`J׉ 7cassandra://87_kGz2QTJpSBugAWiRW2jn0onadnSHIsrpUEMsbxbA/p`̰׉ 7cassandra://VQLismLn2h-MotBjc0CDvSGcf0V9wvO2eBdmDkQu4lcA͠`[!fxYՕנ`[!fxY߁L4^ 9ׁHhttp://gus-ma.govׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYށL 9ׁHhttp://wakefield.ma.usׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxY݁L̵B 9ׁHhttp://rose.orgׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxY܁Xm̻9ׁHhttps://massvetben.org/ׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYہd̮9ׁHmailto:vices@saugus-ma.govׁ ׁ Ј׉EZPage 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Saugus Gardens in the Pandemic A Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener t some point in the middle of January, I find myself bogged down by the drearGina S Soldano REALTOR® ABR®, AHWD, e-PRO®, GREEN, MRP®, PSA®, SFR®, SRES®, SRS® Broker/Associate Millennium Real Estate 291 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02149 (857) 272-4270 Gina.Soldano@era.com gsoldanorealtor.com 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 iness of the weather. When I look at pictures of local places that were photographed in summer, it takes my breath away. It’s so hard to imagine that the cold gray landscape we experience today could ever be the colorful, fl oriferous scene we see in the picture. And yet I know that it really looked like that about six months ago, and in around six months from now it may not be identical but will be just as colorful, here in this very spot. For the time being we can plan, order seeds and enjoy the subtler colors of the winter landscape. A few things can be planted indoors in January because it takes so long for them to grow, but we are still several months away from the last average frost date. According to the “Farmers’ Almanac,” that date is April 10. Quite often though, a frost may occur as late as the last week of May. If plants are in the ground, it is best not to put them out before Memorial Day. However, if the plant is in a pot and you can trust yourself to remember to bring it inside if a cold night threatens, you could set it out on a porch in April. Luckily, there is a lot we can be doing indoors to brighten the scene before that. When I was in high school, my best friend and I would cheer ourselves up in January by looking through seed catalogs and putting orders together. As we welcome a new year, it is a good moment to think about what we want to see in our gardens for 2021. Seed catalogs are now arriving; seed packages appear in the garden departments of stores. It’s a good time of year to start planning a new cozy corner in the garden to relax outside, whether you have a lot of space or a little. Seeds and fl owering plants sold out early in 2020, so anyone thinking of their 2021 garden should be dreaming and planning now. In 2020, Saugus resident Joanie Allbee made a beautiful garden which bloomed all summer MAKING THE MOST OF TIGHT QUARTERS: Even somebody who rents an apartment can squeeze a spectacular amount of color out of a tiny space. Just look at these annuals planted last summer. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) in a tiny area beside her apartment. This should be a good inspiration for all of us! She says, “My quote I live by from childhood remains the same – And that is: ‘Just because you live in a city doesn’t mean you can’t plant a tree or garden.’” We can fi nd a way to fl ourish whether our garden is large or small. Flowers in her garden included yellow dahlia (Dahlia spp.), nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), fl oss fl ower (Ageratum houstonianum), marigolds (Tagetes spp.), pink and purple petunia (petunia hybrids), red begonias (Begonia semperfl orens), white sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima), fan fl ower (scaevola spp.), clover (trifolium spp.) and, in a chair, ornamental peppers (Capsicum annuum). Planting in containers will require more frequent watering, but it enables you to garden in any spot, including a paved patio or walkway, and if you decide the plants would be better in another location, you can quickly scoop the plants up and move them. Other garden visitors likely thinking about seeds this week are the birds. Many birds rely on the seeds in feeders in our gardens at this time of year. Some of them have a diff erent plumage color than they do in summer. While female goldfi nches are a subtle beige, black and white year round, male goldfinches will change to a brilliant yellow when spring arrives. Even in winter, there are a few feathers that may remain a brighter yellow. Goldfi nches feed during the day and often arrive at my feeder in energetic and vociferous flocks throughout the winter. While they are known for being especially fond of thistle seeds, they will also eat many other kinds of seeds, including garden favorites such as asters, bee balm, cosmos, sunflower and zinnia, weeds such as dandelion and ragweed and small tree seeds like birch and hemlock. During the fall, goldfi nches were perched on the evening primroses in my garden from blooming time until the last seeds on the plants had ripened and been dispersed. Now they are daily visitors to the feeders with a spicy seed mix that includes sunfl ower chips, peanuts and tree nuts. They happily mingle with other bird species in the garden and at the feeder, and are even pretty tolerant of people being nearby 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 off ered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town, since so many people have taken to walking the streets in their neighborhoods as a way to get some exercise and get out of the house” during the global pandemic. THE GIFT OF SMALL GARDENS: This garden of annuals provided a lot of enjoyment in a tiny space last summer – pink and red Busy Lizzie (Impatiens wallerana) and orange marigolds (Tagetes spp.). (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate by Joanie Allbee) ׉ 7cassandra://woEdfCHUJ_eNN8o_H6LHkhlFqHBxO7VGf24hN6QJX4w.`̰`[!fxY׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 9 THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 7 mation or assistance, please email hs2information@gmail. com or visit the Healthy Students-Healthy Saugus Facebook page. Food Pantry still open The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will continue 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 our volunteers & clients, and to limit personal contact and crowding/gathering, the food pantry has been distributing pre-bagged groceries,” said Wendy Reed, Clerk of the Saugus Board of Selectmen, who also oversees the operation of the all-volunteer food pantry. “We understand clients may receive items they don’t want or need, but 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 in the basement of Cliftondale Congregational Church at 50 Essex St. in Saugus. Food help for veterans Saugus offers a Veterans Food Pantry on the third Wednesday of each month. “We have been holding it in Melrose since the Saugus Senior Center has been closed,” Saugus Veteran Service Officer Jay Pinette said. “The pantry provides a mix of fresh produce and non-perishable foods. The pantry is open to Veterans and/or surviving spouses. Registration is required and may be done by contacting the Veterans Services Office. “The food market is generally held at the Saugus Senior Center, but given the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently offering a contact-free, drive-thru food pantry at Memorial Hall on Main Street in Melrose. If you are unable to pick-up, some limited deliveries may be available. This offering is year round. Please call the Saugus Veterans’ Service Office at 781-2314010 or e-mail VeteransServices@saugus-ma.gov in order to register. Proof of Veteran status is required.” Helping the Vets During these challenging times, your local Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) would like to share some information on a benefit program that is available to those who qualify. If you are a Veteran or the surviving spouse of a Veteran, the “Chapter 115 Benefits Program” is a Massachusetts state initiative that provides financial aid for Veterans and/or their surviving spouses who reside in Massachusetts and meet certain income and asset guidelines. Benefits may include monthly ordinary benefits and/or payment/reimbursement for medical expenses. Whether laid off, in transition or living on a fixed income, the program is designed to provide short-term or long-term assistance as needed to provide relief. The program is overseen by the Massachusetts Department Veterans’ Services (DVS), which runs the program in partnership with local VSOs. Every town or district in Massachusetts has a VSO. VSOs assist Veterans and their dependents in learning about, applying for and receiving Chapter 115 benefits. VSOs can also help you in applying for other benefits and connecting with local resources. Your local VSO handles applications, obtains program approval from DVS and provides local benefits. The program is funded by a combination of state and local funds. DVS pays for 75 percent of the approved benefits and your city or town pays for 25 percent. There are income and asset limits for the program. As a general rule, income and asset requirements are: • Family of one – monthly income less than $2,081and an asset limit of $5,000 • Family of two – monthly income less than $2,818 and an asset limit of $9,800 To determine if you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Chapter 115 program, visit the following link and follow the instructions – https://massvetben.org/ – or call your local VSO for more information. The VSOs are also able to help Veterans apply for Federal VA benefits and local benefits and provide food assistance monthly. For example, did you know that if you own a home and have a VA service–connected disability you are eligible for a partial or full exemption of your property taxes? “Please contact your local Veterans’ Service Officer for more information on any of the services mentioned. We are all here to assist. We are regularly checking voicemails and emails as we continue to work remotely and in our offices throughout COVID-19.” Melrose: Karen Burke, 781979-4186, kburke@cityofmelrose.org. Wakefield: David Mangan, 781-246-6377, dmangan@ wakefield.ma.us. Saugus: Jay Pinette, 781231-4010, jpinette@saugus-ma.gov. your vets Buy a brick to honor “Veterans Buy-a-Brick Program. Due to the low number of orders and the uncertainty of how a Veterans Day ceremony will be allowed, the program will be extended until May. The installation of bricks will be during the Memorial Day ceremony. We will be contacting the people who have already purchased a brick. Any questions, please call 781-231-7995.” Side Door Pickup at the Saugus Public Library To help keep the building and staff warmer during the winter, the Saugus Public Library moved its Front Door Pickup service from Central Street to Taylor Street in mid-December. Patrons are required to place items on hold via the library’s online catalog and then, once notified that their item(s) are ready, schedule a pickup date. Pickup times remain the same: Tuesday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Thursday: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. “In addition to the slight change in location, the library has made it easier for its patrons to retrieve their items. Instead of waiting for a librarian to place your item on the table, we’ll place all scheduled holds on a table in the Taylor Street hallway. All you’ll have to do is walk in (one at a time, please, and don’t forget to wear a mask!) and retrieve the bag with your name on it. The library also provides remote printing pickup and take & make crafts from the Taylor Street hallway. “Should you need assistance, a librarian will be standing by near the hallway to THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 17 ׉ 7cassandra://87_kGz2QTJpSBugAWiRW2jn0onadnSHIsrpUEMsbxbA/p`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://FgSRmNwsQdFBTqYYpg44_4MrzNSIVvD_8TnQpVoVh3Y`)׉ 7cassandra://xx4Xyf2sq2VY3H9POQJekCLz0qRHcrSoWYwTqTFGwro͙`J׉ 7cassandra://1iUP6wDCh3Mw-2OFF46V9slOZlt2LZkTSZ9gDu6pUkU-`̰׉ 7cassandra://A7uWm8uurGO4ugojXnvp19MOO450mkP4tZuaSf7EyQQyJ ͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://Qy8D010HJqptXNL1lvOEdCQK1vmsmid6kuypf9c69h8 %`)׉ 7cassandra://-ReE5ji_95mIHjZwE8LUzNx0Cr3hjRcJIvd7VemXrccͥJ`J׉ 7cassandra://aA4df9V3lPyHM5dVnOnbS4Pmj7w4RBh732H2wTbEO-A+m`̰׉ 7cassandra://5XSCY8GvLuZz78l0ZCL7DIKFYa6LyGPEep6N1ja-WwEHf0͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxY Z̤9ׁHmailto:bob507@comcast.netׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 A wild night indeed: the time BC football beat Alabama at Sullivan Stadium A Forrest Gump-like remembrance of that Flutie Era win on Nov. 25, 1983 By Steve Freker W hen you look at Alabama Crimson Tide football these days, it is not simply a matter of the biblical David and Goliath matchup when an opponent ventures onto its path in most years. Nick Saban has transformed ’Bama back into a college football National Championship factory, with its modest recent title just a few days old after the 2020-21 Tide annihilated an exceptionally good Ohio State team Monday night in New Orleans, a 52-24 wipeout win. No, they don’t win it every year, it just seems that way. We do know they are always the favorite, and they have been for probably every single game they’ve stepped on the field the past 11 or 12 seasons, at least since 2009 when they won their first National Championship since the Bear Bryant days at ’Bama. The latest title Monday night got me to thinking, and a fantastic memory jogged back into the front of my mind. Does anyone recall the first and only time Alabama football came north of the Mason-Dixon Line to play Boston College on Eagle home turf... and LOST?! I do. It was on the evening of November 25, 1983, a Friday night and the night after Thanksgiving... And I Was There! That’s right. In one of my many “Forrest Gump-like” appearDoug Flutie was in the midst of building his legend in his junior year when he led Boston College (BC) football to a comeback 20-13, upset win over visiting #13-ranked Alabama at then-Sullivan Stadium in Foxborough, one of the biggest wins in BC history. (Courtesy Photo) ances, I was in attendance at that windy, rain-swept, dreary weather matchup in good old Sullivan Stadium (where the practice bubble for Gillette Stadium now sits), the original home of the New England Patriots. A very memorable “I Was There” moment I’ve actually had many “I Was When the BC-Alabama game was played on November 25, 1983, the Patriots’ home field in Foxborough had been renamed “Sullivan Stadium” just a few months earlier by its new sponsor, Anheuser Busch, in honor of its longtime owner, Billy Sullivan. When it opened in 1971, it was christened “Schaefer Stadium” by its original naming rights sponsor, Schaefer Beer. (Courtesy Photo) There” moments in Boston (and some national) sports history in terms of attendance. But those are stories for another day. Although, just for context, yes, “I Was There” in December 1982, just under a year earlier (when it was still called “Schaefer Stadium”) for the notorious Patriots-Dolphins 3-0 “snow plow” game, too!) When #13-ranked Alabama came to Foxborough in 1983 to play #15-ranked Boston College, its first-year head coach Ray Perkins, above, had mighty big shoes to fill since he was replacing the most iconic and winningest coach in Crimson Tide history, Bear Bryant. (Courtesy Photo) This one certainly was up there in importance, for sure – with Cowboy Jack Bicknell’s BC Eagles on one side and future Patriots assistant coach Ray Perkins leading Alabama on the other sideline; this was a national level game at the time. CBS televised in nationally, a big deal in college in those days, nothing like it is today. Talk about pressure and a target on his back – Perkins was in his first year as Alabama head coach – succeeding to that point the most legendary college football head coach in history, Bear Bryant, who had won more national titles than any coach ever, six of them. Alabama had come out of the gate on fire in 1983, winning four straight and rising as high as #3 in the national polls before a pair of tough losses to then #3 Penn State and #11 Tennessee knocked them back down them down to #18. But Perkins and the Tide roared back with three straight wins over three more Top 20 opponents to climb back to #13. Alabama that year was like many in the oldschool collegiate days, playing at monster strength of schedule. How many teams these days play an entire season of ranked, Top 20 opponents as the Tide did in 1983? At 7-2 coming into the BC game, Alabama was a big favorite on the road “up North” over the Eagles. It was the best start in years for BC football BC came in at 8-2, its best start in years as Bicknell and the Eagles were experiencing the first wave of “Flutie Fever.” BC had played only one ranked opponent that season and lost, 27-17, to #12 West Virginia. But this was Alabama. A perennial national title contender under Coach Bryant and Coach Perkins was expected to stay that course. Future Heisman Trophy winner and quarterback Doug Flutie, leading BC in his junior year season, was quickly building a following for the surprisingly #15-ranked BC Eagles and for football fans like me, it was like this: To go watch the University of Alabama Crimson Tide come to town and play a local team like Boston College was like getting a chance to witness a piece of history. When I found out I was getting a free ticket, courtesy of Coach Bicknell himself and the BC football program, it was like getting a chance to go see that history live. We got to see Flutie... and Godzilla, too Forget about David and Goliath, this was about seeing Doug Flutie in the flesh. And Godzilla, too. How did these tickets materialize? Well, right place, right time always wins. Throw in a 1972 Chevy Impala, mint condition, with those big, roomy seats, and we were good to go. On November 25, 1983, a kid named Steve Monaco had one day earlier just completed an exSPORTS | SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://1iUP6wDCh3Mw-2OFF46V9slOZlt2LZkTSZ9gDu6pUkU-`̰`[!fxY׉E#THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 11 SPORTS | FROM PAGE 10 cellent varsity football season as the starting varsity quarterback for Head Coach Paul Finn’s Malden High School (MHS) Golden Tornadoes football team. Monaco was a steady-under-pressure field general with a rocket arm who had already begun to attract the attention of college scouts, despite it just being his sophomore season. Just 36 hours earlier, Monaco had directed a brilliant comeback attempt in the 96th Annual Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Game, only to see the Tornadoes fall, 25-14. Despite the loss, the 15-year-old Monaco was sensational, staring down a 25-0 halftime deficit at windy, frigid Hormel Stadium and completing 18 of 21 passes for 177 yards and two TDs. I was an assistant coach, just my second season of many on Coach Finn’s football staff; we all had visions of what lay ahead for this kid, who would go on to set records and be one of the best Tornadoes signal-callers of all time. A high school sophomore already on the map Games like that had already put Monaco on the map, and about a week earlier Cowboy Jack and the Eagles had invited a passel of local high school prospects, including Monaco, to come see what was arguably the most anticipated BC home football game in its history at the time. Since Monaco wanted to take two of his MHS football buddies to the game, Moose Gennette and Jake McGrath, who had been on the receiving end of many of Monaco’s passes the day before, there left one more ticket to be had. “Thank you very much,” I said, “I’ll drive,” as we loaded up the Impala and headed down 95-South to go see Godzilla and try and see what Flutie Fever felt like in person! Despite the horrendous weather, with wind and rain drizzling at the beginning and then whipping up stronger and stronger like an orchestral storm, the game lived up to its billing...if you were a BC fan. An Alabama fan? An utter disaster. The Crimson Tide was supposed to mop up the floor with the lowly Eagles, who had somehow surreptitiously snuck into the Top 20. First half all tied at 6-6, a disaster for Alabama The first half was a deadlock, tied at 6-6. The rain, wind and snow had been a steady three-course, sloppy serving of weather that football fans and players all swear they love, but ond half began. The Sullivan Stadium lights went out just before the second half was to begin. It was later reported that the nationally televised CBS picture transmission went out, too, although the commentators, Lindsey Nelson and Jack Snow, continued the play-byplay audio. But they kept playing the Here is Malden High School Hall of Famer quarterback Steve Monaco (12), the Golden Tornadoes’ all-time leading passer, making a handoff in the 1983 Thanksgiving Day Game, which was the 96th game in the Malden-Medford series. Just over 24 hours later, he was at Sullivan Stadium, taking in the BC-Alabama showdown. (Courtesy/Maldonian) most of them are flat-out liars on that one. Obviously, being from Malden, we had brought neither umbrellas, proper rain gear nor decent footwear, except Monaco, who swore by work boots even at that young age. For all of us, it was plastic trash bags all around, belay the ponchos, with holes ripped open to poke our heads through, of course. For the Eagles, it was not “Flutie Magic” that ruled the night – it was the BC defense. Leading the way for BC was middle linebacker Steve DeOssie, a senior captain who simply ate the Crimson Tide for dinner, one of the best games of his senior year. Alabama was stopped at the BC two-yardline on one first-half drive, then at the BC one-yard line in another deep drive. It had to settle for field goals of 20 and 28 yards for a 6-0 lead. (An aside: I actually knew DeOssie at the time, having met him when he played in the Shriner’s High School Football All-Star Game in 1980 with my younger brother, Gary. The two became good friends, having both been born in Charlestown, and they stayed in touch. They both went on to be college football captains, DeOssie at BC, after a great high school career at now gone Don Bosco, and Gary a three-year starting tight end at UMass Amherst. DeOssie went on to a 12-year NFL career and is now an analyst of the present-day Patriots. My brother got some professional football offers from the then fledgling USFL, but he opted to go start earning a paycheck and became a career corrections officer.) Back to the game: Flutie took his team 66 yards in the closing minutes of the half to a fourthdown, one-yard touchdown dive by Steve Strachan to make it 6-6. But kicker Kevin Snow missed two chances at the extra point – on the first miss Alabama was penalized – and the score was tied at intermission. The weather continued to be incredibly bad. Let the record show that over 58,000 tickets were sold for this game, a near sellout. But the place was, maybe, just over half full at kickoff. Thousands more fled the wicked weather at halftime. When asked about the game at the time, Flutie said in one published report, “It was so bad that when you came out of the game after not moving the ball you were almost glad because you had a chance to get warm. That sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.” A weird night got weirder: “The Big Blackout” A weird and crazy night then got a little weirder, and a little crazier. Then came “The Big Blackout” just before the secgame! The game had started at 1:30 p.m., but now it was well after 3:00 and heading to 4:00 as the second half started. Daylight wasn’t burning, to quote John Wayne from “The Cowboys,” it was running away and hiding, it being late November. With about 4:30 left in the third quarter, no times were exact because of the absence of a scoreboard; a punt by Boston College’s John Mihalik from midfield was blocked by Paul Tripoli. Anthony Smiley got the ball at the Alabama 42, picked up several blockers and went all the way to give the Crimson Tide a 13-6 lead. That must have been what jumpstarted the “Fever.” Flutie had been not much of a factor up until the fourth quarter. That changed in the fourth quarter as Flutie took over and along with two fourth-quarter touchdowns by fullback Bob Biestek, one on a five-yard pass from Flutie, the other on a three-yard dive with 5:06 to go, the Eagles soared to 9-2, as great a comefrom-behind victory as the school has ever experienced. Flutie Magic pulled it out for BC in the end Flutie finished 14-of-29 for 198 yards, over half of that total yardage in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Dave Thomas recovered two deadly (for Alabama) Tide fumbles in the fourth quarter to set up both BC TDs. Alabama never gave in, and with under three minutes left got the ball back twice, but BC’s defense hung on with stops at the Eagles’ 28-yard line, and finally, on the last play of the game, at its own 11-yard line. Of course, the Malden guys stayed all the way to the end. Wet and cold, but happy to see a part of history. Flutie would go on to be one of the most celebrated collegiate players in modern times, winning the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s best player the next year, his senior season in 1984. He also led BC to back-to-back wins over Alabama, a 37-31 victory in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the next season. (Alabama never scheduled BC again!) Flutie – 5-10, 175 lbs. – was not projected as a professional QB, but went on to have a 20-year pro career in the USFL (1985), NFL (1986-89 and 19982005) and Canadian Football League (CFL, 1990-1997), including two stints with the Patriots (1987-89, 2005). Monaco did not end up wearing the Gold and Maroon of BC. After he finished a Hall of Fame career at Malden High, he became the Golden Tornadoes’ first Division 1 scholarship quarterback since the 1940s, heading to South Kingston to play four years for the University of Rhode Island Rams. It was great to see history in the making...and we will all never forget the day we saw BC beat Alabama in our own backyard. Good times, indeed – a real memory-maker. Saugus Babe Ruth gets ready to start 2021 season (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a World Series Park press release issued this week.) fter not being able to have a 2020 season, Saugus Babe Ruth is gearing up for the 2021 season. All games will be played at World Series Park starting in early April. Saugus Babe Ruth offers Saugus 13 to 15 year olds the opportunity to play competitive baseball for a reasonable A sign-up fee. “We’re anxious to start regrouping for the 2021 season,” Saugus Babe Ruth President Bob Gratiano said. He continued, “We’re in need of coaches and hope to sign up a lot of players. The more players we get, the more teams we’ll have and the more LET’S PLAY BALL! Pictured is a Saugus Babe Ruth game at World Series Park from an earlier season. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) games we’ll be able to play. We’ll get the word out soon about where and when we’ll have sign-ups.” Saugus Babe Ruth has a long history, having been in existence for over 60 years. For more information about Saugus Babe Ruth and how someone can sign up, contact Gratiano at 781-520-0536 or email bob507@comcast.net. ׉ 7cassandra://aA4df9V3lPyHM5dVnOnbS4Pmj7w4RBh732H2wTbEO-A+m`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://T6BpxL8cur47f1RFJ5VckrQKKLEdm-XJqH8i1rIxB2U 6J`)׉ 7cassandra://YyIGTylmgk2hsaP_18hZJ9InJxq7rzJ0bYvetXiOlVw͠`J׉ 7cassandra://0D6GCMxEYPUbbCWSK7qM0OJQ8V4WZ-ezLNCpOu7Bdjo);`̰׉ 7cassandra://vMXGIZBB3kEzBwzwh8tB7zaLIwZZ8hfOigySmfXJGzg~0͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://c98oGwcSUfUPmZFVXetoSCXh39PTRob7JMTXuFfsDso `)׉ 7cassandra://gyNwDdRQf0YjPVM0Zejca1Dd5BTQ5AuFSeYAdtuyjjM͊{`J׉ 7cassandra://nkTAjpCv3nHZgjJ_iajxerAEOEdBbZ9V7raoKsoiOiM)!`̰׉ 7cassandra://bQJ5FuSUIFwExvRvN5X8x_cT4CMLnik7aTGx0eZU0QUU$͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxYXq9ׁH%http://massgeneral.org/cancer/donate.ׁ ׁ Ј׉E%|Page 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 FIRE STATION | FROM PAGE 1 Long’s request “unrealistic,” saying he could make it available within a month. Dealing with current issues related to COVID-19 has prevented him from reviewing the document, he said. “I think this is a priority for myself, the fire chief, the board [of selectmen] and the community,” Crabtree said. He expressed a willingness to meet with the special committee to discuss the contents of the report. “It’s an outline. It’s a draft. … It’s not for public consumption yet,” he said. “There’s a lot of good things that will come out of this… Give it a month or so,” he said. “Too early” to identify location Board of Selectmen Chair Anthony Cogliano said he thought the town manager’s response was reasonable. Crabtree told selectmen that “it’s too early” to identify the best site for a West Side Fire Station. “There’s a bunch of locations [under consideration],” he added. The consultant’s report includes analysis of the current organization of the Saugus Fire Department, the use of manpower and resources and potential response times, according to Crabtree. He noted that several Fire Department officials and staff, Town Meeting members and residents who live on the west side of town were interviewed by the consultant. “Anywhere is open. They talked about all sorts of TOY DRIVE | FROM PAGE 2 Members of the Crossfit Rte. 1 Fitness Gym, Rich and Jennifer Ragucci and the Members of the ATCK Fitness Gym, Kelly Donahue and Kristy Baker of K and K Hootenanny, Denise Giglio, Angel and Marla Martinez, Mrs. Edward Fallon, Mary Bates, Theresa Shaheen, Sgt. Murphy and Dominic Montano for putting out the toy collection box at the Public Safety Building, and all the many people who wish to remain anonymous (you know who you are) DANGEROUS | FROM PAGE 3 lowed to open to the public. Currently, town employees are the only ones allowed in the buildings. A reduced number of staff work in the offices and answer the phones. “We have multiple contracts and multiple projects going on – putting us in a locations,” Crabtree said of the potential site. “The whole idea is to try to get a response under a certain time to meet certain standards,” he said. Long expressed disappointment that he wasn’t interviewed by the consultant. But Crabtree reminded him that he was invited, but was not available on a particular day. Long suggested that the town manager was being fiscally conservative. Crabtree, a former Saugus police officer, told Long, “I am 100 percent public safety all the way.” “But you got to be able to pay for it,” he added. Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini told Long, “It really has nothing to do with the manager’s budget.” “This vote is going to happen on an override for manpower and a debt exclusion for construction,” he said. He added that there seems to be “an appetite” for a third fire station. Cicolini also stressed that officials shouldn’t automatically assume that a fire station would be built on Town of Saugus–owned land. The best location available may be property that the Town has to acquire. “If it’s going to result in better response times, we make the investment,” Cicolini said. Station idea dates back to the 70s In an interview later, Long said he is prepared to submit an article for this year’s Annual Town Meeting for a specific site for the West Side Fire Station. Long and Precinct 8 who came to the Fire Station with their donations. Also, I would like to give a special thanks to my wife Carole, Michele Wendell, from the Chief’s Office, Chief Michael Newbury, retired Firefighter Don Babin and his wife Judy, Susan O’Malley, Patty Babin, Bill and Robin O’Malley and all the members of the Fire Dept. who collected, sorted and packaged the toys. Also last but not least, the Fire Dept. Elves, who helped deliver the toys, Don Babin, Ray Calder, Jeff Moses, Dan McNeil, Don Shea and Kellyann McNeil. position to address the pandemic now,” Crabtree told the board. “We’re focused on the schools now….We’re focusing on the town buildings,” he said. Crabtree suggested there is reason to be optimistic, as the state will be pushing the vaccines out within two to three weeks. “I think withTown Meeting Member William E. Cross III – who is also a fire lieutenant – collaborated on Article 10, which formed a committee to study the feasibility of a new fire station on the west side of Route 1. The study will review potential sites and determine the necessary personnel and equipment requirements and estimated costs. The committee would submit reports to each Special Town Meeting, with a final report to the May 2021 Annual Town Meeting. The committee includes the town manager or his designate, the Saugus Fire Chief or his designate, the two article co-authors and members of Precincts 7, 8 and 9. Besides Long and Cross, the committee currently includes Precinct 7 Town Meeting Member Robert Palleschi and Precinct 1 Town Meeting Member Anthony Arone, who is also a firefighter. The fire chief’s designate is Lt. Cory Rutledge. “We’ve been talking about this since I was at the Evans School in Kindergarten,” Lt. Cross, a 26-year veteran of the Fire Department, said last spring. “Your town has outgrown this Fire Department…It’s not a two-horse town anymore. It’s congested,” Cross said. Long recalled that the concept of a West Side Fire Station has been under discussion since his involvement with town government back in the 1970s and early 1980s. Article 10 passed last year’s Town Meeting without opposition. Thanks again to all the people who have donated to the Saugus Fire Dept. toy drive over the past 30 years. We have received many many thank you letters from families saying, “it wouldn’t have been a merry Christmas without the Fire Dept Toy Drive.” We couldn’t have done it without all of you wonderful people. It has been a labor of love and that made it all worthwhile, putting smiles on children’s faces each year. Thanks again, Ret. Capt. Bill O’Malley Saugus Fire Dept. in the next couple of weeks, CVS and Walgreens will be offering the vaccine,” Crabtree said. “I think this is the time to be as vigilant as possible,” he said. Meanwhile, police, firefighters and other first responders could receive their vaccines by week’s end, according to the town manager. “YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS” JOSEPH D. CATALDO IRS DEBT By Joseph D. Cataldo RS offers in compromise aren’t always the best way to eliminate IRS debt. The IRS does not have an unlimited amount of time to collect unpaid taxes owed by taxpayers. Oftentimes, taxpayers unknowingly and needlessly give the IRS more time to collect the tax. Pursuant to Internal I Revenue Code Section 6502, the IRS only has 10 years from the date of assessment to collect the unpaid tax. This is called the Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED). It is important to keep in mind prior to filing for bankruptcy, filing an offer in compromise, filing for innocent spouse relief or delaying the collection process by filing a collection due process appeal thar you should keep the following in mind: a. Be confident in the probability of success b. That success will result in less debt than waiting for the CSED Once you file for an Offer in Compromise, that will extend the CSED for the time the Offer in Compromise is open plus an additional 30 days. Offers in Compromise can be open for anywhere between six months and one year. With Covid-19, the time period is almost certain to be longer. Most Offers in Compromise fail anyway. The CSED is tolled while the Offer is pending. The tolling ends once the Offer is accepted. Furthermore, the taxpayer must remain current for a period of five years on all tax filings and payments. Making a payment plan in order to get the IRS off your back does not extend the CSED. Filing for bankruptcy extends the CSED plus an additional six months after the bankruptcy is finalized. If the bankruptcy fails due to the tax returns not being timely filed, then you have simply given the IRS more time within with to collect the tax. You can file for bankruptcy for a federal income tax for any tax return that was due to be filed more than three years prior to the bankruptcy filing. Keep in mind that the original tax returns themselves must have been filed on a timely basis. The CSED is not extended if you enter into an installment agreement with the IRS. It is not extended while it is requested and while it is in place. Also be careful when applying for innocent spouse relief. If both husband and wife sign off on a tax return, they are both liable for the taxes owed. To be eligible for innocent spouse relief, the following conditions apply: 1. There was a joint income tax return filed for the year that resulted in the disputed debt 2. There was a substantial understatement of tax that was caused by an erroneous item on the return or the negligence of one spouse 3 . The “ i nnocen t ” spouse didn’t know or didn’t have reason to know there was a substantial underpayment of the tax liability 4. It would be inequitable or unreasonable to hold the spouse liable for the tax liability The problem is that filing for innocent spouse relief extends the CSED. If the CSED isn’t far off, you might be better off not filing for such relief. Remember: know the date of assessment and realize the IRS has only 10 years to collect that debt before you take any one of these courses of action. ׉ 7cassandra://0D6GCMxEYPUbbCWSK7qM0OJQ8V4WZ-ezLNCpOu7Bdjo);`̰`[!fxY׉E LTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 13 OBITUARIES Andrea J. Donovan ovan. She will fondly be remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Andrea will be greatly missed by her cats (children) Tommie and Austin. In lieu of flowers donations in Andrea’s memory may be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital Oncology Dept., https://giving. massgeneral.org/cancer/donate. An hour of visitation will be held at the Austin Square Baptist Church, 10 Keslar Ave., Lynn, on Saturday, January 16 from 10 – 11 a.m. A funeral service will be held in the church at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Age 77, died on Friday, January 8 at Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Lynn and a lifelong resident of Saugus, she was the daughter of the late Andrew J. and Esther (Amero) Donovan. A reservation specialist with Delta Airline, Andrea retired after 37 years of service. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Saugus Elks. Andrea enjoyed beading, mineral hunting and loved jewelry making. She is survived by her sister Holly Strychalski of Maine and brother Scott A. Donovan of Saugus. Andrea was the sister of the late Diane Leppek and James W. DonDarlene M. Demirdjian Of Everett, age 61, died peacefully on Saturday, January 9 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington. She was surrounded by love from her beloved husband Peter Demirdjian with whom she shared 33 years of marriage and her children when she passed. Born in Somerville, Mrs. Demirdjian was the daughter of Arthur J. and Ann (Tiernan) Dionne, Sr. of Saugus. She had worked as an office manager for Dunkin Donuts Enterprises. Darlene was the most caring and loving person anyone could ever hope to know. In addition to her husband and parents, Darlene is survived by her two children, Kathryn Vecchione and her husband Joseph, IV of Saugus and Peter V. Demirdjian and his fiancée Jackie Kelley of N. Andover; one granddaughter, Amelia; her brothers and sisters, Arthur J. Dionne, Jr. and his Mary of Salem, her twin Debra Dionne of Saugus, Denise Citro of Peabody and Mark Dionne and his wife Laurie of Danbury, CT; her sister-in-law, Patricia Demirdjian of Lynn. She is also survived by many cousins, nephews, nieces, and grandnephews. In lieu of flowers, donations in Darlene’s memory may be made to St. Anthony’s School, 54 Oakes St., Everett, MA 02149. ׉ 7cassandra://nkTAjpCv3nHZgjJ_iajxerAEOEdBbZ9V7raoKsoiOiM)!`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ejstX4b1CD8s-Kb_58l4l-Rf-f5T6i3UkSJd8-SrrWo A`)׉ 7cassandra://0HCDyNER907myt6fxmFO13zBBzZBB_-wiKoYxJZDj_g͙X`J׉ 7cassandra://l_-6m7bJopua5C2wPW3UQ9O30J3SMhkF45w5IjpSGYg(`̰׉ 7cassandra://uC81QFMfKGcbp5ps36LQQdUIda41oiLEd646AZXqneoG/͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://dbr9dU2CTx5YmvGk3cnlIl7rE0lQPnJhl930APjUan4[`)׉ 7cassandra://i1vwQmZSkmMHat_59n8RCHk1pPPN4_OVNA1DS1c5wB0͡`J׉ 7cassandra://EbLk6UaQ15VR7UBfmMKGftP__lKDgHhaV1fS6aasxe8,o`̰׉ 7cassandra://LRkvg4PwynAllaVvJv46n1yXN3sT2mdEfKHTBDGk4PQL͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxY Fځ̺ 9ׁH!mailto:bob@beaconhillrollcall.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E-*Page 14 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Rep. Donald Wong Yes Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $626.5 MILLION ECONOMIC DEBeacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen A message from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Join me Sunday nights between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. as we jump in my time capsule and go back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Fun and Nostalgia Show.” My special guests on Sunday, January 17 at 7 p.m. will be Alan Tolz and Steve Elman, co-authors of “Burning Up the Air,” the defi nitive biography of Jerry Williams—one of the world’s most famous radio talk show hosts of all time. There will be a special live appearance by the original, the one and only “Grace, Queen of the Cockamamies.” Steve Elman tracked her down for us. Grace is an icon who was a regularly featured caller on Jerry’s show and is known for her hysterical malapropisms. She has not been heard on the radio for 22 years. Visit us at www.bobkatzenshow. com There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on RADIO.COM” Download the free RADIO.COM app on your phone or tablet Listen online at: www.radio. com/1510wmex/listen Tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senator’s votes on roll calls from the week of January 4-8. The 2019-2020 legislative session has ended and the 2021-2022 session is now underway. CLIMATE CHANGE (S 2296) House 145-9, Senate 38-2, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a 57-page climate change bill. A key section makes the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal net zero by 2050. “I owe a special debt of gratitude to Speaker Mariano for his invaluable mentorship over my six years as House energy chair,” said Rep. Tom Golden (D-Lowell), House Chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “It is his long-standing recognition of Massachusetts’ opportunity to play a leadership role in off shore wind and his fearless commitment to push forward when others hang back that have led us to advance legislation as ambitious as the Next Generation Roadmap bill.” “While I believe protecting the environment is of the utmost importance, this bill guarantees the construction of nuclear power plants in Massachusetts communities, of which I am deeply concerned about their placement and eventual consequences in Worcester County and Massachusetts in general,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) who voted against the measure. “The bill gives unregulated power to unelected bureaucrats with severe consequences on homeowners, communities and the energy sector. Everyday homeowners will be forced to change to a new home heating system, most likely with little to no fi nancial assistance from the government that is forcing these changes upon them.” “The climate change bill takes a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including recognizing how forests and other natural and working lands can be used to promote carbon sequestration and help Massachusetts reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050,” said House Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading). “It also incorporates municipal lighting plants as partners in these eff orts by setting greenhouse gas emissions standards and establishing an equal playing fi eld for these facilities. I’m proud to have served on the conference committee that produced this historic bill which reaffi rms Massachusetts’ role as a national leader on clean energy issues.” “This bill steps up the pace of our collective drive to contain climate change,” said Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “It’s the strongest eff ort of its kind in the country. With the tools the Legislature assembles here, we’re constructing the response we need and providing a blueprint to other states.” “I support green energy research and usage,” said opponent Rep. Paul Frost (R-Auburn). “My concern is this bill would be forcing and mandating higher prices at the gas pumps and on home heating oil, and higher electricity costs on homeowners, renters and small businesses. Green energy is costly to produce with today’s technology and not always reliable, therefore I look forward to a time when it will be cost-eff ective and far more dependable than now.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. RoseLee Vincent Yes VELOPMENT (H 5250) House 143-4, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a $626.5 million economic development package which did not include a House-backed plan to have Massachusetts join other New England states in legalizing sports betting. Provisions include $50 million in funding for transit-oriented housing; $30 million for a program similar to the federal Paycheck Protection Program that loans money to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to pay employee payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations; $35 million for loans for community development lending institutions to extend capital to small businesses, with a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses; $50 million for neighborhood stabilization to help return blighted or vacant housing back to productive use; $6 million for a competitive grant program administered by the Massachusetts Cultural Council to promote artists in creating new mediums to showcase their art, and to promote local museums to showcase their exhibits remotely; $102.3 million for local economic development projects across the state; $20 million for a competitive grant program fund dedicated to supporting community development, infrastructure projects and climate resilience initiatives in rural communities and small towns; and the creation of the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights that would require student loan borrowers to be licensed at the state level, prohibit servicers from engaging in predatory, unfair and unlawful practices, and establish a Student Loan Ombudsman in the Attorney General’s offi ce to resolve complaints and help borrowers navigate their repayment options. “The economic development agreement reached is a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package that will provide desperately needed support to our restaurant sector, our small businesses, and especially those most disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow), Senate chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “While no single piece of legislation on its own can repair the damage to our communities and our economy caused by COVID-19, the set of measures included in this report sends an unambiguous signal to the people of our commonwealth that help is on the way. In our time of greatest need, we must be there to support our families, our communities, and our small businesses, and this bill will bring important relief across a variety of sectors and communities.” Opponents did not off er any arguments on the House or Senate fl oor during debate. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” BHRC | SEE PAGE 15 S y Senior How Seniors Can Make Their Sa e a H BY JIM MILLER Senio S i C M k nior nir hi ior Bathrooms Safer and Easier to Use Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for making a bathroom senior-friendly? My 78-year-old mother has mobility problems and fell getting out of the bathtub last month. I’d like to modify her bathroom with some safety features that can help keep her safe. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Great question! Because more accidents and injuries happen in the bathroom than any other room in the house, this is a very important room to modify, especially for seniors with mobility or balance problems. Depending on your mom’s needs and budget, here are some simple tips and product recommendations that can make her bathroom safer and easier to use. Floor: To avoid slipping, a simple fi x is to get non-skid bath rugs for the fl oors. Or if you want to put in a new fl oor get slip-resistant tiles, rubber or vinyl fl ooring, or install wallto-wall carpeting. Lights: Good lighting is also very important, so install the highest wattage bulbs allowed for your mom’s bathroom fi xtures and get a plug-in nightlight that automatically turns on when the room gets dark. Bathtub/shower: To make bathing safer, purchase a rubber suction-grip mat, or put down adhesive nonskid tape on the tub/shower fl oor. And have a carpenter install grab bars in and around the tub/ shower for support. If your mom uses a shower curtain, install a screw or bolt-mounted curtain rod, versus a tension-mounted rod, so that if she loses her balance and grabs the shower curtain the rod won’t spring loose. For easier access and safer bathing, consider getting your mom a shower or bathtub chair so she can bathe from a seated position. In addition, you should also have a handheld, adjustable-height showerhead installed that makes chair bathing easier. If your mom has the budget for it, another good option is to install a curb-less shower or a walk-in-bathtub. Curbless showers have no threshold to step over, and come with a built-in seat, grab bars, slip resistant fl oors and an adjustable handheld showerhead. While walk-in tubs have a door in front that provides a much lower threshold to step over than a standard tub. They also have a built-in seat, handrails and a slip resistant bottom, and some have therapeutic features like whirlpool water jets and/or bubble massage air jets. Curb-less showers and walkin-tubs run anywhere between $2,500 and $10,000 installed. Toilet: Most standard toilets are around 15 inches high and can be an issue for taller seniors with arthritis, back, hip or knee problems. If your mom has trouble getting on or off the toilet, a simple solution is to purchase a raised toilet seat that clamps to the toilet bowl, and/or purchase toilet safety rails that sit on each side of the seat for support. Or, you can install a new ADA compliant “comfort height” toilet that is 16-to-19 inches high. Faucets: If your mom has twist handles on the sink, bathtub or shower faucets, consider replacing them with lever handle faucets, or with a touch, motion or digital smart faucet. They’re easier to operate, especially if she has hand arthritis or gripping problems. Also note that it only takes 130-degree water to scald someone, so turn her hot water heater down to 120 degrees. Doorway: If your mom needs a wider bathroom entrance to accommodate a walker or wheelchair, an inexpensive solution is to install some swing clear off set hinges on the door which will expand the doorway an additional two inches. Emergency assistance: As a safety precaution, you should also consider purchasing a voice-enabled medical alert system like Get Safe (GetSafe.com) for her bathroom. This device would let her call for help by simple voice command, or by pushing a button or pulling a cord. You can find all of these suggested products at either medical supply stores, pharmacies, big-box stores, home improvement stores, hardware and plumbing supply stores, as well as online. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. ׉ 7cassandra://l_-6m7bJopua5C2wPW3UQ9O30J3SMhkF45w5IjpSGYg(`̰`[!fxY׉E3THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 15 BHRC | FROM PAGE 14 vote is against it.) Rep. RoseLee Vincent Didn’t Vote Rep. Donald Wong Yes Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $52.9 MILLION FOR SCHOOLS DURING COVID (H 5164) House 157-0, Senate 39-0, over1. On Jan. 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 safely made an emergency landing in what U.S. river? 2. How are Chaga, Enoki and Button similar? 3. Who was nominated for Best Movie Director at the Academy Awards five times between 19401960 but never won? 4. On Jan. 16, 1980, Boston scientists announced the production of interferon, which fights what? 5. How are Hearst, Hammond and Cinderella similar? 6. What website main page of a popular volunteer organization has a logo showing a globe made of jigsaw pieces? 7. What Middle Eastern city has an indoor mall ski area with lifts and “magic carpets”? 8. What continent is the snow leopard native to? 9. How are Canadiens, Senators and Jets similar? 10. On Jan. 17, 1706, who was born who later helped found the first American all-volunteer fire company, Philadelphia’s Union Fire Company (“Bucket Brigade”)? 11. What football star nicknamed “Broadway Joe” said, “You learn how to be a gracious winner and an outstanding loser”? 12. On Jan. 18, 1967, “Goose” Tatum died, who was the “Clown Prince” of what sport? 13. In January 1786 the Virginia General Assembly enacted what president’s “Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom” (forerunner of 1st Amendment)? 14. January 19 is National Popcorn Day; the first popcorn machine – a street vending machine – was invented in Chicago in what year: 1885, 1929 or 1943? 15. In “Moby Dick” what character said, “As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote”? 16. In what film did Katharine Hepburn win Best Actress for playing Eleanor of Aquitaine? 17. On Jan. 20, 1937, who became the first U.S. president to be inaugurated on January 20? 18. What is another word for rutabaga? 19. How are femur, fibula and tibia similar? 20. On Jan. 21, 1948, the Flag of Quebec, or Fleurdelisé, was adopted; what stylized flower does it have? ANSWERS rode Gov. Baker’s veto of the entire $52.9 million in funding for onetime grants to school districts, charter schools and educational collaboratives to help in novel coronavirus prevention and to maintain and increase educational quality during the pandemic. Supporters of the $52.9 million said schools desperately need this funding to continue to operate in various modes during the pandemic. In his veto message, Gov. Baker said, “I am filing a supplemental budget request today for $53 million to prioritize more targeted measures to address COVID-related learning gaps.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $52.9 million.) Rep. RoseLee Vincent Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $300,000 FOR PACE (H 5164) House 126-27, Senate 37-2, overrode the governor’s veto of the entire $300,000 for the Partnership to Advance Collaboration and Efficiencies (PACE) initiative. According to its website, PACE is a collaborative initiative of Massachusetts’ nine state universities and 15 community colleges to create a “systematic effort for campus collaborations which will benefit each institution, their geographic region and the state. It is designed to promote cost savings and operational efficiencies, increase productivity and improve service delivery.” Supporters of the $300,000 said PACE has been successful in cost savings in the long run and short run and generates savings for all 24 campuses. In his veto message, Baker said his reason for vetoing the $300,000 was because it was not in his original version of the budget that he filed. (A “Yes” vote is for the $300,000. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. RoseLee Vincent Yes Rep. Donald Wong No Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes $150,000 FOR AFL-CIO (H 5164) House 131-26, Senate 38-1, overrode the governor’s veto of the entire $150,000 for the operation of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Workforce Development Programs to provide dislocated worker assistance, layoff aversion and job training with a focus on pathways to quality careers through traditional and non-traditional apprentice and pre-apprenticeship training. “At the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, we provide job-skill-based education and training because we understand that a highly skilled workforce is essential to keeping Massachusetts competitive,” reads the AFLCIO’s website. “We believe that unions must work with employers to continuously upgrade the skills of workers and that effective partnerships are essential to that goal.” In his veto message, Baker said his reason for vetoing the $150,000 was because it was not in his original version of the budget that he filed. (A “Yes” vote is for the $150,000. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. RoseLee Vincent Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes Sen. Brendan Crighton 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 late-night 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 4-8, the House met for a total of 27 hours and five minutes while the Senate met for a total of 27 hours and 26 minutes. Mon. January 4 House 11:03 a.m. to 6:37 p.m. Senate 12:15 p.m. to 7:33 p.m. Tues. January 5 House 12:03 p.m. to 4:34 a.m.* Senate 12:18 a.m. to 4:41 a.m.* Wed. January 6 House 11:47 a.m. to 2:06 p.m. Senate 11:06 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. Thurs. January 7 House 11:47 a.m. to 12:28 p.m. Senate 11:54 a.m. to 11:58 a.m. Fri. January 8 No House session No Senate session *Tuesday’s sessions did not end until after 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com 1. Hudson 2. They are all fungi (mushrooms). 3. Alfred Hitchcock 4. Viruses 5. They are names of U.S. castles (in San Simeon, Calif.; Gloucester, Mass.; and Orlando, Fla., respectively). 6. Wikipedia 7. Dubai 8. Central Asia 9. They are parts of Canadian NHL team names (in Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg, respectively). 10. Benjamin Franklin 11. Joe Namath 12. Basketball (for the Harlem Globetrotters) 13. Thomas Jefferson’s 14. 1885 15. Ishmael 16. “The Lion in Winter” 17. Franklin D. Roosevelt 18. Turnip 19. They are leg bones. 20. Iris ׉ 7cassandra://EbLk6UaQ15VR7UBfmMKGftP__lKDgHhaV1fS6aasxe8,o`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://nKi9uItVY_RT09TQ9J3fVA2eRLuw3l7njarq5TQLYwwo|`)׉ 7cassandra://iA2XvxT48PkL48OEmTfJnlEpbWxkEJLSdk3o-AkTzO4ͬP`J׉ 7cassandra://2kbxIQdGXMgYtABqdgwfJNReuJI1_uPoHmb-tJWb--I6`̰׉ 7cassandra://J3KLBlSDJh9SoZJ9J6_dy6dgi40TvPNfugzdvcWYiLc=P͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://YTCTG2AIRiffLkym4B6uElmwuiO2Xa48anwhk3Cpl_w`)׉ 7cassandra://2WHeINxIylnXCa6d5h-QYt3WVGow9xHSQLAHLCOs1cA͝``J׉ 7cassandra://RUWh_De-Y2pJBrphD-ZBRMouKuxCAO9tTMi7ghJMej0,`̰׉ 7cassandra://2xMHybZsWRLiFKtjZSf8tIcrS6uFbES-vZrkXgsq_kYp*͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxYo̥9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYKفL9ׁHhttp://brary.orgׁ ׁ Јנ`[!fxYKā9ׁHhttp://www.saׁ ׁ Ј׉ExPage 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Office: (781) 233-2244 Mold & Waterproofing EXPERTS • Sump Pumps • Walls & Floor Cracks • ALL WORK GUARANTEED - Licensed Contractor - JPG CONSTRUCTION Cell phone 781-632-7503 508-292-9134 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 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! ADVOCATE Call now! 781 233 4446 ׉ 7cassandra://2kbxIQdGXMgYtABqdgwfJNReuJI1_uPoHmb-tJWb--I6`̰`[!fxY׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 17 SCHOOLING | FROM PAGE 1 sary precautions to ensure we are doing our part to contain the virus,” DeRuosi said. “With that all said, it is not an easy choice you as a parent must face at this time – whether it’s to return to a hybrid or stay remote. All I can assure you is we will do our best to support you in either decision,” he said. All students will be required to wear face coverings or masks. However, bandanas and gaiters will not be allowed as face coverings in schools, DeRuosi said in a video which lasted about 11 and a third minutes. Should the masks get damaged, the school will have replacements in every classroom, he added. “Compliance with all the COVID safety policies will be strictly enforced. We have to,” DeRuosi noted, “to provide a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff.” “We will do our due diligence and enforce these rules,” the superintendent vowed. Students still have learning options The superintendent stressed that parents will still have the option to keep their children in the “remote” learning setting should they not feel comfortable with a return to school under the hybrid learning model. There is a process for parents who wish to transfer their students from remote learning to hybrid learning. In order to make that change, they must notify the superintendent’s office during the week of March 8 so that it may take effect THE SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 9 help. “Fast, simple, and easy! “For more information on this and other services, visit http://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org” Let’s hear it! Got an idea, passing thought or gripe you would like to share with The Saugus Advoduring the week of March 15. There is also a process for parents who wish to transfer their children from hybrid learning back to remote. The superintendent’s office must be notified during the week of March 8 so the transfer can take place during the week of March 15. School Committee Vice Chair Ryan Fisher appeared cautiously optimistic as he looked ahead to efforts by the School District to transition to a more normal educational setting in the midst of a significant spike in confirmed COVID-19 cases. “There used to be discussions about how disruptive snow days were to learning, and here we are 10 months in a remote environment,” Fisher said. “I’m hopeful we’ll be able to get these kids back into a routine, a groove, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous watching the COVID numbers. We’ve gotten some bad hands this year,” he said. A majority of the School Committee has been reluctant for cate? I’m always interested in your feedback. It’s been more than four and a half years since I began work at The Saugus Advocate. I’m always interested in hearing readers’ suggestions for possible stories or good candidates for “The Advocate Asks” interview of the week. Feel free to email me at mvoge@comcast.net. Do you have some interesting views on an issue that you several months to have students return to classes via the hybrid model, out of concern for their health. Meanwhile, Special Education students have been receiving in-person education twice-a-week since the last week of September. DeRuosi announced recently that in-person classroom education will increase to fourdays-a-week for Special Education students. The primary purpose of next week’s orientation (beginning Tuesday, Jan. 19 – the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is a holiday) is to acclimate students with teachers, classroom setting, classroom materials and procedures governed by COVID-19. It also is intended as an introductory guide to health and safety procedure and building reopening and guidance plans. The orientation for all grades has been posted on the School Department website. Parents are urged to contact school building administration if they have any questions. want to express to the community? Submit your idea. If I like it, we can meet for a 15to 20-minute interview while practicing social distancing outside a local coffee shop. And I’ll buy the coffee. Or, if you prefer to be interviewed from the safety of your home on the phone or via email, I will provide that option to you as the nation copes with the Coronavirus crisis. Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 ׉ 7cassandra://RUWh_De-Y2pJBrphD-ZBRMouKuxCAO9tTMi7ghJMej0,`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://NAOCctUJz9caAaScyRIjgby1FTT9clCqhiDiAz5QX10)`)׉ 7cassandra://hZUrScw2kI7zAKX-4Hpxkod3VuEMh0piGF0OYUK0SNg͢\`J׉ 7cassandra://gxa-uQMgdro6M2hxd_Q07c9K5Sn2hi5Oap4XO4tn4C4/`̰׉ 7cassandra://_Ik2frKW0AxjCWY9boGJTwK01q2VRs8egj8KNOdQBnEW͠`[!fxYט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://pnGDl6IkQudQZuFCiFpAeWwfArBcPnRJ7ClXU9rPB_Ec`)׉ 7cassandra://1ivLhgM4HMEaGrjwwMlWyScXUH146CKHck29j8dJKXA͋6`J׉ 7cassandra://hXXAPqgK3qG6efZcU2yuGHIMVc5yAoL9Bc92BkwEQVc,]`̰׉ 7cassandra://qZQxnSaeRe6x6wg7c3Lspc8uDGwv1--4CTftcIEXFgk~͠`[!fxYנ`[!fxY(9ׁHhttp://www.jrs-properties.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 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 Zappulla, Nicole M Dossantos, Mirelle N Maldonado, Francisco Vieira, Brian L Murphy, John J Rodriguez, Henry Barroso, Elizabeth S Blaeser, Luke L Wojnarowicz, Mark W David, Nigel Bensalah, Fatima Z Abrare, Laila BUYER2 SELLER1 Abisso, Robert Mills, Robert A Vieira, Brian L Murphy, Dennis M Pepin, Magnolia Mchatton, Catherine E Barroso, Magno J Folino, Lauren J Murphy, John J SELLER2 ADDRESS 5 Becket St 40 Walden Ter 34 Beech St 38 Orcutt Ave CITY DATE PRICE 301 Lincoln Ave #8 Saugus 23.12.2020 $277 000,00 Saugus 23.12.2020 $660 000,00 Saugus 23.12.2020 $131 250,00 Saugus 22.12.2020 $200 000,00 Saugus 21.12.2020 $510 000,00 Reppucci Angelo Est Repucci, Janice 9 Broadway #107 Saugus 21.12.2020 $242 000,00 3 Oceanview Avenue RT Folino, Mabel J 3 Oceanview Ave Saugus 18.12.2020 $500 000,00 Diprima, Philip J Catino, Gloria C US Bank NA Tr Abourjaili, Jennifer N Diprima, Gina A 2103 Lewis O Gray Dr #2103 9 Midland Ave Saugus 18.12.2020 $450 000,00 Catino, William J 9 Broadway #306 Saugus 18.12.2020 $385 000,00 Saugus 17.12.2020 $500 000,00 7 Pirates Glen Rd Saugus 17.12.2020 $355 000,00 ׉ 7cassandra://gxa-uQMgdro6M2hxd_Q07c9K5Sn2hi5Oap4XO4tn4C4/`̰`[!fxY׉E5THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President A chill is in the air but Everett house prices are still Hot. Call today to learn the value of your home! WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING BY SANDY NEW LISTING BY NORMA COMING SOON SINGLE FAMILY, REVERE CALL MARIA AT 781-808-6877 TO LEARN MORE! NEW COMMERCIAL LISTING SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,300,000 LISTED BY SANDY NEW LISTING BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT! TWO FAMILY 45-47 SYCAMORE ST., EVERETT $724,900 NEW LISTING BY MARIA SOLD! SOLD! 834 BROADWAY, EVERETT $550,000 LISTED BY ROSEMARIE 32 WESTOVER ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $449,900 LISTED BY NORMA SOLD! 25 HAWKES ST., SAUGUS NEW PRICE! $434,900 LISTED BY NORMA SOLD! COMMERCIAL BUILDING 14,000 SQ FT LOT SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,700,000 SOLD! 17 EVELYN RD., EVERETT $519,900 Mixed use building, Malden 3 commercial and one residential unit $1,200,000 Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 Open Daily From 10:0 Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate :0 00 AM 5:00 PM www.jrs-properties.com Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent ׉ 7cassandra://hXXAPqgK3qG6efZcU2yuGHIMVc5yAoL9Bc92BkwEQVc,]`̰`[!fxY`[!fxY PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://UWAZA3GLtlyoSZd7NlYljYL0XzTOX3wQ3lgWXdGPqIsu`)׉ 7cassandra://P8p2mAL4Vgqweaz9kpIUQT6f6D8GN-LAMOnE8LjnfTE͐$`J׉ 7cassandra://4lAExakqTXi5F8WidZUgbt6oCd5759SJRkDNGn5cW7Y-`̰׉ 7cassandra://Y6Z0_iEdFf8UsWvhdr4-xA5C47IIm_vJUnWFqb_waA4^/ P͠`[!fxY׉EPage 20 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021        Kasey Khloe Littlefield Real Estate ׉ 7cassandra://4lAExakqTXi5F8WidZUgbt6oCd5759SJRkDNGn5cW7Y-`̰`[!fxY׈E`[!fxY`[!fxY P,Saugus Advocate 01/15/21Saugus Advocate 01/15/21`ŭJHj