׉?4ׁB!בCט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://CEKoJH9pXrwDk1gn3rOHKru0UKPUxUpyqxQXAEJW-qw 9x`'p׉	 7cassandra://LTNSZlKe6RpD72M9VRlIh8GrXj5nt7EVf41NqQ-t010ͼ`׉	 7cassandra://SU16kBtbzyLVPmkDQ_DmccPxyO_i3cH6IMbO2DeIvKc:` ii,j_"נii,j_" 	ҁb9ׁHhttp://angelosoil.comׁׁЈנii,j_" &Q9ׁHhttp://CarpenitoRealEstate.comׁׁЈנii,j_" 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁׁЈ׈Eii,j_"׉ESAUGUS Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe!
Vol. 28, No.2
-FREEwww.advocatenews.net
Published
Every Friday
CHAMPIONS OF CHEER
SOARING TO GREAT
HEIGHTS: Three
members of the
Saugus U10 Level
2 Cheerleaders
were airborne as
they per formed
in the American
Youth Cheer Championship
in Florida,
where the team
finished in third
place in the national
competition. The
34-member team
also placed first in
the New England
Regional competition.
Please see inside
for more photos
and this week’s
“The Sounds of Saugus.”
(Courtesy photo
to The Saugus Advocate)
781-233-4446
Friday,
January 16, 2026
Funding Saugus
Public Schools
Supt. Hashem’s proposed spending plan for the 2027
Fiscal Year is $2.7 million more than the current budget
By Mark E. Vogler
T
he 2027 fiscal year spending
plan proposed by
Schools Superintendent
Michael C. Hashem is $2.7 million
more than the $34.8-million
operating budget approved at
last May’s Annual Town Meeting.
“This budget reflects the district’s
ongoing priorities and
the collaborative work of our
staff at both the school and district
levels to ensure equitable
and high-quality outcomes for
all learners,” Hashem said in his
budget message to the School
Committee and the educational
community stakeholders.
“It aligns with our District Improvement
Plan, school improvement
plans, and five-year
Strategic Plan, while meeting
DESE [state Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education]
standards and expectations,”
the superintendent said.
Hashem last week (Jan. 8)
~ Home of the Week ~
REVERE - Wonderful one-floor living in this one-owner
Ranch style home. 6 rooms, 2-3 bedrooms, spacious
living room open to dining room - perfect for entertaining,
hardwood flooring, eat-in kitchen with new laminate
flooring, freshly painted interior, freshly painted deck for
summer enjoyment, easy-to-care-for yard with storage
shed, maintenance-free vinyl siding, one car garage
under, gas line in from street on side of the house (not to
the house) for future use, side street location in desirable
neighborhood! Come make this sought-after Ranch your
very own! “Welcome home to 40 Rand Street.”
Offered at $675,000
335 Central Street,
Saugus, MA 01906
(781) 233-7300
View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com
presented his proposed
$37,485,066 budget for the fiscal
year that begins July 1 to the
School Committee in a briefing,
which included a short PowerPoint
demonstration. Town residents
will have an opportunity
to comment on the superintendent’s
budget proposal during
a public hearing set for 6 p.m.
next Thursday (Jan. 22) in the
School Committee Room at the
Belmonte STEAM Academy at
25 Dow St. The School Committee
will then vote on whether
to recommend approval of the
budget to be presented to the
Annual Town Meeting in May.
The School Committee last
year gave unanimous approval
of Hashem’s proposed
$36.2-million FY 25 budget –
which was nearly $2.5 million
more than the previous year’s
operating budget. The Annual
Town Meeting later approved
a budget that was reduced to
$34,768,535, about a $1.5 million
reduction of what the superintendent
had requested.
In his budget message, the superintendent
stressed that his
latest financial plan is guided by
four key priorities:
• High-Quality, Equitable
Teaching and Learning: Ensuring
all students have access to
rigorous, standards-aligned inPUBLIC
SCHOOLS | SEE PAGE 2
Established 1978
Mid-grade
Regular
2.64
3.24
3.35
$3.37
Full Service
ULS
$2.999
Order online at
angelosoil.com
Kerosene Now Available!
FLEET
CARD
Check Out Our
LOW PRICES!
׉	 7cassandra://SU16kBtbzyLVPmkDQ_DmccPxyO_i3cH6IMbO2DeIvKc:` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://opZht7e4-8D5QVmOFoMeQn6P4Tm0p2IYmdtU5wVwlEM `'p׉	 7cassandra://1sCtaRReXZtreVW4HwCdItv6H6bMgOOgw66imew0Mgcx`׉	 7cassandra://rklj_Nk9lWoyw-pvkBcgRceYDXmc2T4O9HciWX15P906` ii-j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://zc2jWWfHV25zN6JXV2Xdt1r6h11xnE3u7mOZcufPVkY H`'p׉	 7cassandra://Tb5n2INq42_1JrJ3v4WW_37wDgQtv_3byldW9foII2cʹ`׉	 7cassandra://Uch72F8iVSzHMy9tkQpI0hcsDD0E9Oy88-hvSLFQ5BY7` ii-j_"נii-j_" ]9ׁHhttp://WWW.SABATINO-INS.COMׁׁЈנii-j_" 9ׁH  mailto:lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁׁЈ׉EPage 2
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
PUBLIC SCHOOLS | FROM
PAGE 1
struction and timely academic
supports that accelerate learning
and close opportunity gaps.
• Workforce Development
and Leadership: Building a
stable, skilled, and supported
workforce through professional
learning, collaborative leadership,
and competitive compensation
to retain and attract
high-quality educators and staff.
• Safe, Supportive, and Inclusive
School Environments: Maintaining
safe and welcoming
learning environments where
discipline, attendance and behavioral
practices meet DESE requirements
and every student
feels supported and connected.
• Family and Community Engagement,
Operations and Resource
Optimization: Strengthening
partnerships, communication
and operational systems
to support student success while
ensuring fiscal responsibility and
long-term sustainability.
“While maintaining these priorities,
several factors present
ongoing budgetary challenges,”
Hashem noted in his budget
message. The superintendent
cited Collective Bargaining
Agreements with three bargaining
units whose agreements
drive staffing costs, which are
the largest portion of the budget.
He noted that salaries, benefits
and contractual obligations
accounted for the bulk of the increase
in his proposed budget –
$1.9-million more, or a 7.3 percent
increase.
“Competitive compensation
is essential for recruiting and
retaining high-quality educators
and staff in an increasingly
competitive labor market,”
Hashem said
The budget for Special Education,
supplies and services
accounted for an increase of
$757,429, or 15.9 percent, according
to the superintendent.
Regular supplies and services
increase by $60,497, a 5.7 percent
increase. The superintendent
also cited these areas of
concern, which can impact the
budget significantly:
• Out-of-District Placements,
which reflected a budget increase
of $567,890. “When student
needs cannot be met
within district programs, the
district must provide services
through external placements,
which are substantially more
costly,” Hashem said.
“While we continue to expand
in-district programs, these
placements remain a significant
budget factor,” he said.
• Transportation Costs for
Special Education increased by
$189,539, while regular education
transportation increased by
$15,885, according to the superintendent.
“Rising costs for both
regular education transportation
and specialized services for
students with disabilities create
additional pressures on the budBUDGET
BRIEFING: Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Michael C. Hashem unveiled
his proposed spending plan for the 2027 Fiscal Year budget at last week’s School Committee
meeting. A public hearing on the superintendent’s budget is set for 6 p.m. next
Thursday (Jan. 22) in the School Committee Room at Belmonte STEAM Academy at 25
Dow St. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
get,” he said.
• Student Growth and Increasing
Diversity: “Our student population
continues to grow in
both size and diversity. We must
continue to provide additional
support, such as English Learner
programs, special education
services, differentiated instruction,
and culturally responsive
teaching, which are necessary to
ensure equitable access to education
for all students,” Hashem
said. “We are requesting a special
education teacher at the
middle school due to caseload
management and there are escalating
out of district costs.
While the other mandates do
not require additional FY27
budget allocations beyond contractual
staff increases, they represent
ongoing costs that must
be sustained.”
• Programmatic and Regulatory
Requirements: Compliance
with DESE regulations, safety requirements,
and instructional
standards requires ongoing investment
in professional development,
curriculum resources
and student support systems.
“While there are no specific additions
to our current requests,
these mandated costs impact
virtually every aspect of our educational
programs and operations
and must be carefully considered
as we plan for the continued
success and safety of
our students,” the superintendent
said.
“Despite these challenges, the
district continues to identify efficiencies
and strategic investments
to maximize resources,”
he said.
Hashem noted the district has
focused on securing curriculum
resources through external
grants and on expanding in-district
special education programs
to reduce out-of-district placement
costs and has also implemented
curriculum and instructional
supports tailored to students
from diverse cultural and
linguistic backgrounds.
“As we move into FY27, our
focus remains on student-centered
decision-making in collaboration
with the broader Saugus
community,” Hashem said.
“Partners include the School
Committee, Town Manager, Police
and Fire Departments, Town
Meeting members, Selectmen,
Finance Committee, Saugus
Youth and Recreation, Saugus
Historical Commission, Saugus
Alumni Association, SBEC, Facilities
Department, DPW, and
many others. Guided by our
‘One Town – One Team’ philosophy,
we remain committed
to making Saugus ‘Someplace
Special’ for students, families,
and staff,” he said. “While not all
requests could be incorporated
this year, the five-year Strategic
Plan will continue to address
the evolving needs of our
middle and high school students.
Transparency, strategic
focus, and student-centered
decision-making remain at the
heart of this budget.”
FY 27 Budget Requests
The superintendent’s proposal
includes $195,790 in additional
requests:
• An additional special education
teacher at the Middle
School to address caseload
management ($68,057)
• A STEAM elective teacher at
the Belmonte STEAM Academy
($68,057)
• An additional paraprofessional
at the Belmonte STEAM
Academy ($30,327) to meet student
service requirements
• Two Noon Aides at the Veterans
Early Learning Center
($12,960)
• An increase in supply needs
at the Saugus Middle School
($3,776) and Saugus High
School ($12,613)
׉	 7cassandra://rklj_Nk9lWoyw-pvkBcgRceYDXmc2T4O9HciWX15P906` ii,j_"׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 3
Representative Donald Wong maintains impressive
voting record in first half of 2025-2026 session
Casts votes on 112 of 116 roll calls taken up by the House in 2025
B
OSTON – State Representative
Donald H. Wong
(R-Saugus) maintained
a near-perfect voting record in
2025, participating in all but four
of the 116 roll call votes recorded
in the House of Representatives
between February 6, 2025, and
November 19, 2025.
Representative Wong compiled
a 97% attendance record
last year by casting votes on
several major policy initiatives
during the first half of the 20252026
legislative session, including
legislation that would require
human trafficking awareness
training for hospitality workers,
provide $234 million in onetime
financial support for fiscally
strained hospitals and community
health centers, and implement
a formal licensing process
for home care agencies operating
in Massachusetts to help
protect vulnerable clients receiving
services.
Representative Wong also supported
a proposal filed during
the Fiscal Year 2026 House budget
debate to repeal the 2023 no
cost calls law, which provides unlimited
phone calls for inmates
at county and state correctional
facilities, and redirect the $10
million in funding set aside for
this program in the House budget
to support unrestricted local
aid for cities and towns. The
amendment, which was rejected
on a roll call vote of 26-128, also
would have established a commission
to study the fiscal challenges
posed by this program
and its impact on prisoner participation
in state funded re-entry
programs.
One of the first votes taken by
Representative Wong this session
was in support of a supplemental
budget amendment requiring
all funding expended for
ed to the emergency shelter system,
following reports of a nobid
contract that cost the state
close to $10 million. The new requirement
will extend competitive
bidding protections to all aspects
of the emergency shelter
system receiving state funding to
help eliminate wasteful spending
of taxpayer dollars.
Representative Wong also
supported an amendment filed
during the Fiscal Year 2026 House
budget debate that would have
WONG | SEE PAGE 6
Lawrence A. Simeone Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
~ Since 1989 ~
Donald Wong
State Representative
providing services through the
state’s emergency housing assistance
program to be subject to a
competitive bidding process. The
House Republican Caucus previously
secured language in a 2024
supplemental budget imposing
a competitive bidding requirement
for all food contracts relat*
Corporate Litigation
* Criminal/Civil
* MCAD
* Zoning/Land Court
* Wetlands Litigation
* Workmen’s Compensation
* Landlord/Tenant Litigation
* Real Estate Law
* Construction Litigation
* Tax Lien
* Personal Injury
* Bankruptcy
* Wrongful Death
* Zoning/Permitting Litigation
300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560
lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
SABATINO/MASTROCOLA
INSURANCE AGENCY
519 BROADWAY
EVERETT, MA 02149
Auto * Home * Boat *
Renter * Condo * Life
* Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts
* Registry Service Also Available
PHONE: (617) 387-7466
FAX: (617) 381-9186
Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
׉	 7cassandra://Uch72F8iVSzHMy9tkQpI0hcsDD0E9Oy88-hvSLFQ5BY7` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://i8543Imh3jz_mcoTyJkiJaFLPam9ssxRnTmfdnq6lNc Z`'p׉	 7cassandra://oEaodd2TlwwWWLbGEVT7rswM6CD7xw3lX9s7oVxxjbcͱ`׉	 7cassandra://mzuoPYenMeAgcMNu58YY0NIfGQZyJNdbUCGavyJ5hcw4` ii-j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://sOmspoLhgoe4-HQgJe_rAOHCM2T1JxWDS8UrHrAarbg kf`'p׉	 7cassandra://ijShGMpdalCyn4xx3r_7hrJCfYQHGuFu5bhkkiHaqjE`׉	 7cassandra://_D_0UZFP2sB5H2sYKkh8rkPeVXOQE9KOPznJmCRyOfE7` ii-j_"נii-j_" ̳("9ׁHhttp://TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COMׁׁЈ׉EPage 4
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
State Police Lt. Bossi and family members join governor’s bill-signing ceremony for law
that expands violent line-of-duty protections to Massachusetts state troopers
(Editor’s Note: The following
story is based in part on a
press release issued recently
by state Rep. Jessica Giannino’s
office.)
At The State House
S
tate Police Lt. Donald
Bossi of Saugus, who
six months ago suffered
life-threatening injuries
after being struck by a
teenager driving a stolen
motorcycle, joined a small
gathering in Governor Maura
Healey’s office last month
where the governor signed a
new law to make sure state
troopers and their families
If We Happen To
Meet By Accident ...
You’ll Be Glad You Found Us!
There is a difference between the rest and the BEST!
Celebrating 46 Years In Business!
TONY’S
AUTO BODY
Call or Visit
781-321-0032
34 Sharon Street
Malden, MA 02148
TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM
COME VISIT OUR
STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP
• Computerized Paint Matching
(State of the Art Spray Booth)
• Computerized Frame Machines
• P.P.G. Refinishing System
• R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines
Fully Insured -RS2415
Insurance Company Approval
ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED!
TONY
BARTOLO
Owner
46 Years
Let Us Handle Your
Next Insurance Claim.
Go With the BEST
It Doesn’t Get BETTER!
RENTAL
CARS
Available
CELEBRATING A NEW LAW: Left to right: Mass. State Police
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Cyr, Massachusetts Senate Public
Safety Chair Senator John Cronin, Sadie Bossi, Sue Bossi,
Governor Maura Healey, State Police Lt. Donald Bossi, State
Police Association of Massachusetts President Brian Williams
and state Rep. Jessica Giannino at a recent bill-signing
ceremony in the governor’s office. (Photo Courtesy of Josh
Qualls from the Governor’s Office)
are better protected from
line-of-duty injuries. Lt. Bossi
thanked state Rep Jessica Giannino
and her cosponsors
for presenting and amending
House Bill 2536, and the
governor for signing the legislation
into law.
“This bill demonstrates
the administration’s commitment
to us,” Lt. Bossi said
during the bill signing ceremony
on Dec. 29.
“As the victim of a violent,
near fatal assault, I take great
consolation in knowing that
if I had succumbed to my injuries,
or if I am not able to
return to the career that I
love, my family will be taken
care of,” he said.
Bossi’s daughter Sadie and
his wife Sue also attended
the ceremony, along with
state Rep. Giannino (D-Revere),
who represents Precincts
3 and 10 in Saugus.
Lt. Bossi, station commander
of the State Police
Revere Barracks, was seriously
injured last June 23 when
a Revere teenager drove
over him in front of the State
Police Barracks in Revere,
ditched his motorcycle and
then fled the scene. Akram
El Moukhtari, 18, of Revere,
later turned himself in. He
was charged with assault
and battery with a dangerous
weapon, receiving a stolen
vehicle and leaving the
scene of personal injury. Officials
say Bossi was thrown
45 feet across the road, leaving
him with serious injuries.
Lt. Bossi is an East Boston
native. He bought a home
in East Saugus in 1994, got
married to a Saugus native
and they raised three
children – all graduated
from Saugus High School. Lt.
Bossi’s wife – Susan Bossi – is
a longtime Saugus educator
who is currently a reading
teacher at Belmonte STEAM
Academy.
Rep. Giannino is the original
sponsor of the law that
created violent injury pension
benefits for municipal
police officers and the
amendment expanding this
benefit to State Troopers, ensuring
that officers who suffer
serious and permanent
injuries as the result of violent
acts receive full disability
pension protections.
The bill signed into law last
month builds on that work
by extending the same protections
to State Troopers,
who face identical risks in
the line of duty.
“This expansion closes an
important gap in the law,”
Rep Giannino said.
“I am proud to have been
the sponsor of the original
legislation that guaranteed
STATE HOUSE | SEE PAGE 6
׉	 7cassandra://mzuoPYenMeAgcMNu58YY0NIfGQZyJNdbUCGavyJ5hcw4` ii,j_"׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 5
Saugus flu cases soar last month – more than
double the total for December 2024
By Mark E. Vogler
F
lu cases in Saugus last
month were more than
double the number reported
in December of 2024,
according to the town’s Public
Health Nurse, Teresa Riley-Singh.
“We had 112 cases [last month],”
Riley-Singh told the Board of
Health at Monday night’s [Jan. 5]
meeting.
“And just to put that into perspective,
we had six cases last
month [November] and last December,
we had 48 cases. This is
quite a high number,” she said.
“All of Massachusetts is seeing
this. All over the country, we’re seeing
an increase in flu. Last year, we
kind of peaked in February. So, it’s
much earlier this year. It could be
going down. But there’s a chance
it could continue rising,” she said.
Riley-Singh noted there is a
home testing kit for influenza.
They are sold in pharmacies in
the store area with COVID testing.
“Which is really great, because
when you get the flu and you’re really
sick, the last thing you want to
do is actually go to the doctor’s,”
she said.
“You can get tested at home,”
she said.
“I recommend to people, if you
do get tested, if you test yourself
at home and it is positive, please
call your doctor and have them
update your chart and give you
any medical advice you need for
treatment,” she said.
People 16 and over can get
medication for the flu, which can
become a serious life-threatening
illness. “In 2025, Massachusetts
had 30 deaths related to the flu,” Riley-Singh
said.
“The numbers are really climbing.
Hospitalizations were at 9 percent,
up from 5 percent for influenza.
Get your flu shots,” she said.
In addition to getting a flu vaccine,
Riley-Singh recommended
that the public take these precautions
to protect themselves from
the illness:
· Wash your hands before eating,
before touching your face and
when entering a home.
· If you are sick, stay home. Take
the day off from work and don’t
expose others to your illness.
Campaign Finance Reports
Federico spent close to $11,000 on selectman’s race
By Mark E. Vogler
T
he nine candidates
competing for the five
Board of Selectmen
seats in the Nov. 4 town election
spent at least $32,751.61
collectively on their political
campaigns, according to
reports filed with the Town
Clerk’s Office.
Newly elected Selectman
Frank Federico, who finished
fourth in the election, outspent
all candidates, with
$10,910.35 in total expenditures.
He raised $11,025 in
campaign contributions.
Board of Selectmen Vice
Chair Anthony Cogliano, who
finished runner-up in the race,
spent $8,063.57 to get reelected.
He claimed $500 in campaign
contributions, according
to the report he filed last
month.
The recent reports posted on
the Town Clerk’s website, combined
with reports filed before
the election, also showed:
• Board of Selectmen Chair
Debra Panetta spent $7,830.20,
while raising $7,825 in campaign
contributions.
• Stacey Herman-Dorant
raised $3,565.06 and spent
$3,489.01.
• Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini
spent $1,602, while listing
$3,000 in campaign contributions.
He finished third in
the race.
• Selectman Michael Serino
spent $716.48, while raising
$700 in campaign contributions.
He grabbed the fifth
and final seat.
• Former Selectman Jennifer
D’Eon spent $140 on her
campaign. She didn’t raise any
money. She finished seventh
in the race.
• Former School Committee
Chair Vincent Serino did not
St. Mary’s High School, Lynn
2025-26
S
Quarter 1 Principal’s List and Honor Roll
SAUGUS
t. Mary’s High
S ch o ol
a n -
nounced its Principal’s
List and Honor
Roll for the first quarter
of the 2025-26 academic
year. Principal’s List students
must achieve 90
percent or above in all of
their classes. Honor Roll
students must achieve
85 percent or above in
all of their classes. The
following students have
achieved these honors:
Principal’s List
6th
Grade
Dariel Breton
Kayla Nunes
8th
Grade
Kaendall Powers
Abigail Surette
Sophomore
Isabella Davantel
Patrick Hurley
Camden Nunes
Junior
Daniella Leo
Honor Roll
6th Grade
Nicholas Welsh
Freshman
Jackson Crawford
Avery DelMuto
Dalton Diozzi
Joseph Miranda
Shaelyn Murphy
Brendan Sharwood
Gianna Stasio
Senior
Liam Martin
Hailey Nichols
Dominic Ventresca
Sophomore
Mierna Chankhour
Junior
Matthew Nolan
Nyibol Wol
Senior
Nathan Chaves
Mikaela Li
Alejandra Lucero
Sophia Manuppelli
Kylie Prezioso
Giana Sacco
Anjali
Sasimugunthan
· Get tested. Now you can do so
in the comfort of your own home.
· Contact your doctor.
During her monthly report, Riley-Singh
announced several recalls
of food products. She said
that Pete’s Chocolate Company
has chocolate bars sold at the
Army Barracks store on Route 1
North that have undeclared almonds
in the ingredients. She
also said that Wegmans Deluxe
mixed nuts – unsalted (in 34
ounce and 11.5-ounce bags) –
have possible salmonella contamination
and that Wegmans
grated Romano cheese sold in
a plastic tub and made between
Nov. 14 and Nov. 25 have possible
listeria contamination.
The Health Department in
raise or spend any money on his
unsuccessful campaign. He finished
eighth in the race.
• Candidate Sandro Pansini
Souza did not file reports that
conjunction with Law Mom – a
law firm that educates on health
care proxies, wills vs. trusts and
related issues – will have a speaker
at the Saugus Public Library
next Wednesday (Jan. 14) and
at the Saugus Senior Center on
March 9. “I highly recommend
attending,” Riley-Singh said.
“This presentation is extremely
informative and not just for
those who are in their later years.
For anyone with children or who
have aging parents/relatives, it
is never too early to think about
protecting yourself, your children
and your assets,” she said.
Riley-Singh said she will have
a small needle disposal event
at the Senior Center on the first
Wednesday of each month.
were due eight days before the
Nov. 4 election, or a second report,
which was due 30 days after
the election. He finished last
in the race.
PLEASANT ST. TAX
175 Pleasant Street, Malden
Specializing in
Personal Income
Tax Preparation
Starting at $90.
Call: (781) 324-6195
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://_D_0UZFP2sB5H2sYKkh8rkPeVXOQE9KOPznJmCRyOfE7` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://mWKr1Mdx9v81fxheDGRyObc8Foq1tw6Uer5_t_X4eSQ `'p׉	 7cassandra://F3W32mrXTpGIEBgoaKUlzzaDRiyDmw-S47_LW7t9zFcͼG`׉	 7cassandra://NKjHtsXb_FqMDqOYwwaHCCyXqdN0ThSJpv3GdH7W9Qc3` ii-j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://N58NTCkaPhIVQMeKqL4aepgs78qhePWvh0DpCJDRI98 `'p׉	 7cassandra://asOi4FhwFrGEZzab3ZE5R2Pu-t39IqTm4o7HnLs7-uYͽ`׉	 7cassandra://XRH6bzISCVe588u0mSpa6NG1Xtyv5zhOF7Un1gD6lU46` ii-j_"נii.j_" e9ׁHmailto:Johntoughbuild@gmail.comׁׁЈנii.j_" 9ׁHhttp://Toughbuildmasonry.comׁׁЈ׉EPage 6
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Shining Lights of Everyday People
Birthdays are special at the Senior Center
(Editor’s Note: Saugus Senior
Center Director Laurie Davis
submitted the following article.)
T
he
Saugus Senior
Center recently hosted
our final birthday
Steven Blaney (Courtesy of “The Sketch Artist”)
“Not all of us can do great
things but we can do small
things with great love.”—Mother
Teresa
By Joanie Allbee
D
aily friends, we open
our mailboxes with expectations
to receive
mail and not look beyond
that fact. It’s an act that’s taken
for granted, till we are missing
mail or it’s late. We don’t
stop to pause to think of how
our mail got there in the first
place or the many hands to be
grateful for as it passed along
the journey to end up snug
and comfy in our properly assigned
boxes.
STATE HOUSE | FROM
PAGE 4
full benefits for police officers
permanently injured by
violent acts,” she said, noting
that the bill’s signing
ensures that Massachusetts
State Troopers are afforded
the same protection.
“When an officer or trooper
puts their life on the line and
suffers a devastating injury
while protecting others, they
should not face financial uncertainty
on top of physical
and emotional trauma,” Rep.
Giannino said.
The original legislation
was inspired by real-life inOn
the Postal conveyor
belt of processing marching
stamped envelopes through
various journeys of delivery, I
am grateful to receive my mail
through the guiding hands of
U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier
Steven Blaney. Mailman
Blaney always strives to ensure
mail makes it to the finish line
at the last post: our mailboxes.
Saugus Letter Carrier Steven
Blaney is a Shining Light in our
Community. He loves what he
does and it’s daily expressed
on his face as he goes about
delivering our mail.
Thank you.
Flags up on the box — got
mail; gotta go.
cidents in communities, including
Revere and Saugus,
where officers sustained
life-altering injuries during
violent encounters. Extending
the law to cover State
Troopers reinforces the Commonwealth’s
commitment
to stand behind all law enforcement
professionals
who serve with courage and
sacrifice.
“This law reflects our responsibility
to care for those
who protect our communities,”
Giannino said. “I will
continue working to ensure
that no officer or trooper injured
in the line of duty is left
behind.”
celebration of 2025, honoring
12 wonderful seniors
born in December. It was a
festive and joyful afternoon
to cap off a great year. This
memorable event was made
possible through a deeply
generous donation from
Mila Moschella, given in loving
remembrance of her parents,
Carmine and Audria.
Mila’s kindness went beyond
her sponsorship; she
also brightened the day by
handmaking and distributing
festive reindeer candy
canes for every guest to
enjoy. We are so grateful to
Mila and her heart for our
seniors.
WONG | FROM PAGE 3
placed further restrictions on
the state’s right to shelter law
by limiting participation in the
Commonwealth’s emergency
housing assistance program
to U.S. citizens who have resided
in Massachusetts for at least
six months. This change would
have helped to restore the original
intent of the law by ensuring
that Massachusetts residents in
need have access to emergency
shelter, but the amendment
was rejected on a vote of 27-129.
In addition, Representative
Wong backed two other Republican-sponsored
amendments
to the Fiscal Year 2026 House
budget to address municipal
concerns about the MBTA Communities
Act, which requires cities
and towns that fall within the
MBTA’s service area to approve
zoning for multifamily housing
near local transit stops. One
amendment, which was rejected
on a vote of 27-128, would have
explicitly prohibited any city or
town’s eligibility for public safety
related grant funding from being
contingent upon that municipality’s
compliance with the
MBTA Communities Act.
The other amendment, which
was rejected on a vote of 30-126,
would have prohibited the Executive
Office of Housing and
Livable Communities and the
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized
12 residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively at the
Senior Center last month. Pictured from left to right: Betty Dormer,
Clara Cotta, Eleanor Bourque, Dale Coogan, Raffaella Barone,
Billy Graham, Faye LaGrassa, Bill Pothier, Marcia Pollack,
Karen Tamulonis, Janet Miller and Jean Lyons. (Courtesy Photo
to The Saugus Advocate)
The Senior Center likes to
recognize a Senior’s birthday
on the last Friday of the
month with a collective celebration.
Each birthday recipient
receives a free pizza
Attorney General’s Office from
enforcing any regulation, directive,
or requirement under the
MBTA Communities Act prior to
December 31, 2026. This would
have given communities a temporary
reprieve from the harsh
penalties being imposed on
non-compliant communities,
including the loss of vital state
grant funding to support critical
local projects.
Representative Wong cast additional
votes this year on legislation
to:
• address workplace violence
within the health care industry
and protect employees who
suffer bodily injuries on the job;
• implement child welfare protections
to improve communication
and coordination among
state agencies working with the
families of children in foster care
or receiving state services;
• remove outdated and offensive
language used to describe
individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities from
the General Laws;
• implement enhanced penalties
to protect public transit
workers from assaults on the
job, including establishing a
new crime of assault and battery
by means of a bodily substance,
such as saliva and urine;
• restructure the Massachusetts
Cannabis Control Comlunch,
cake, ice cream and a
souvenir group photo. If anyone
would like to sponsor a
birthday in honor of someone
special, please stop by the office
and let us know.
mission, which was described
as a “rudderless agency without
a clear indication of who is
responsible for running its dayto-day
operations” in a 2024 report
issued by Inspector General
Jeffrey S. Shapiro;
• offer enhanced retirement
benefits to certain qualifying
teachers hired before July 1,
2001 through the RetirementPlus
program; and
• provide $3.28 billion to help
address deferred infrastructure
maintenance and other modernization
projects at Massachusetts’s
29 public college and university
campuses as part of the
higher education BRIGHT Act
(An Act to build resilient infrastructure
to generate higher-ed
transformation).
Representative Wong represents
the 9th Essex District,
which includes Ward 1, Precincts
1 and 2 in Lynn; Precincts 1, 2, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in Saugus; and
Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 7 in Wakefield.
He currently serves as the
Ranking Minority Member of the
House and Joint Committees on
Rules; the Joint Committee on
Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and
Inclusion; and the Joint Committee
on Tourism, Arts and Cultural
Development; and is also a
member of the Joint Committee
on Labor and Workforce Development.
׉	 7cassandra://NKjHtsXb_FqMDqOYwwaHCCyXqdN0ThSJpv3GdH7W9Qc3` ii,j_"׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 7
Saugus Gardens in the Winter
Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable
By Laura Eisener
O
n Wednesday, January
21, we celebrate
National Squirrel Appreciation
Day. This holiday,
started in 2001, celebrates the
squirrels’ contributions to the
environment and to peoples’
enjoyment. Squirrels plant
many trees, although that
may not be their conscious intention,
when they bury nuts
for use later in the year when
nutritious seeds and nuts are
scarce. They are said to have a
very good memory for where
they have buried their caches
for later. All squirrel species
are able to skillfully jump
astonishing distances from
branch to branch, although
flying squirrels would win
the prizes for distance. They
are also clever about finding
access to seed sources, especially
clambering over obstacles
to get to bird feeders.
Many people have told me
how much they enjoy watching
a squirrel’s ingenuity and
problem-solving talents.
We see more eastern gray
squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)
than any other squirrel
species in Massachusetts. Late
January and February tend
to be their first breeding period
of the year, and you can
see them energetically chasing
each other up and down
trees right now in quite a frenzy.
A second breeding period
may occur in May. The kits
will be born a little over 40
days later. There are also red
squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
which live in coniferous
woods, more common in
western Massachusetts.
Two species of flying squirrels
are also native here but
are much rarer. The northern
flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus),
in particular, is considered
a species of greatest
conservation need according
to the Massachusetts State
Wildlife Conservation Plan.
The southern flying squirrel
(Glaucomys volans) is smaller
and lighter brown. Both have
very large eyes and thin skin
connecting front legs and torso
that resembles Batman’s
cape. This helps them glide for
extended distances between
branches. Both species are
nocturnal, which is part of the
reason why the population is
difficult to assess.
During the warm weather of
the past weekend, I checked
my Lenten roses (Helleborus
orientalis) for signs of blooming
and found three buds on
my dark purple one. This does
not mean they will be flowering
next week, because if the
weather stays cold they could
remain in this state for a few
months. In my experience,
these buttercup relatives can
bloom any time between December
and May in greater
Boston, although March is
the usual month. The plants
are also currently available
as house plants, having been
grown in greenhouses so they
are already in full bloom. Most
of mine were purchased that
way years ago, and when the
soil warmed up in April and
May they were planted outside,
where they have conFlower
buds on andromeda
give a promise of spring, although
they are unlikely to
bloom before April. (Photo
courtesy of Laura Eisener)
tinued to grow and slowly increase.
Whenever they look
droopy indoors or out, they
are requesting more water!
These are evergreen, long
lived and shade loving so they
are a pleasure to see throughout
the winter, whether you
see buds on them yet or not.
A very rewarding shrub yearround
but especially encouraging
in the winter is the
broadleaf evergreen shrub we
call andromeda (Pieris spp.),
which produces flower buds
late in summer that remain
until late March or April in our
climate before opening. On
most varieties of andromeda,
the flowers will be white when
they open, but a few like the
‘Dorothy Wycoff’ (Pieris ‘Dorothy
Wycoff’) shown here will
be pink upon opening. Varieties
and hybrids of Japanese andromeda
(Pieris japonica) are
the most readily available, but
mountain andromeda or fetterbush
(Pieris floribunda) can
also grow well in gardens here.
A native to the Carolinas, this
species grows up in the higher
mountain elevations so it is
hardier than its regional origins
would suggest.
A flower bud has appeared on my Lenten rose, one of the earliest
buds I’ve seen here. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)
Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is
a landscape design consultant
A gray squirrel embraces a bird feeder in Lynnhurst where he has
managed to find a variety of seeds to vary his winter diet. (Photo
courtesy of Laura Eisener)
who helps homeowners with
landscape design, plant selection
and placement of trees and
shrubs, as well as perennials. She
is a member of the Saugus Garden
Club and offered to write a
series of articles about “what’s
blooming in town” shortly after
the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic. She was inspired after
seeing so many people taking
up walking.
• Basement Renovation & Restoration
• Bathroom Remodeling
• All Aspects of Carpentry
• Chimneys Rebuilt/Repaired
• Roofing & Siding Installed/Repaired
• Masonry Repairs
• Foundation Leaks Repaired
• Waterproofing
• Interior Painting & Much More
Free Estimates & Consultation
Fully Licensed & Insured
617-955-5164
Toughbuildmasonry.com
Johntoughbuild@gmail.com
׉	 7cassandra://XRH6bzISCVe588u0mSpa6NG1Xtyv5zhOF7Un1gD6lU46` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://jQDC01xOXtLSSJeR9zOOblWzU84MASuMr7GSD8vlvAo `'p׉	 7cassandra://KtYlKtrw2c92I6cuPncF3N088pO-hJ1jeSXkgXOjam8`׉	 7cassandra://C6YnO8O7_YuC4oDHHS6guAvaa9o8KOOXLx7TKmJi7z85` ii.j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://wvoPUZwPGWNGbSl6bdfjEeWu5tKMyVGgoEbCbMIr9yE 	;}`'p׉	 7cassandra://4OpzLCf7MoUDL1s4J0RUvIth1-rzM0CgOz02p52Ejrw;`׉	 7cassandra://cj1wTXRIbDGuYcBOWup-z-fT5QQ8dmWJ52j5knjY41o2` ii.j_"Òנii.j_"ǁ 	x̓9ׁH  mailto:questions@savvysenior.orgׁׁЈנii.j_"Ɓ 	k0s9ׁHhttp://verSneakers.comׁׁЈ׉EbPage 8
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
~ Legal Notice ~
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
THE TRIAL COURT
PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT
Essex Probate and Family Court
36 Federal Street
Salem, MA 01970
Docket No. ES25D2031DR
DIVORCE SUMMONS BY
PUBLICATION AND MAILING
ANDREA SILVA ROMEIRO
vs.
TIAGO R. DaSILVA ROMEIRO
To the Defendant:
The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting
that the Court grant a divorce for Irretrievable Breakdown.
The Complaint is on file at the Court.
An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter
preventing you from taking any action which would negatively
impact the current financial status of either party.
SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411.
You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon:
Andrea Silva Romeiro, 3 Dow Street, Saugus, MA 01906
your answer, if any, on or before 03/03/2026. If you fail to
do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication
of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your
answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court.
WITNESS, Hon. Frances M. Giordano, First Justice
of this Court.
Date: December 26, 2025
PAMELA CASEY O’BRIEN
REGISTER OF PROBATE
January 16, 2026
~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~
7D Licensed School Bus Drivers
Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for
the new school year. We provide ongoing training
and support for licensing requirements. Applicant
preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere).
Part-time positions available and based on AM &
PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good
driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested,
please call David @ 781-322-9401.
CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED
Compensation: $28/hour
School bus transportation company seeking
active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden,
Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding
communities).
- Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements
as well as Massachusetts school bus certificate.
Good driver history from Registry a MUST!
-
Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35
HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience.
Contact David @ 781-322-9401.
A
~ SHS Sachems Sports roundup ~
Defensive identity emerging as Saugus winter
teams grind through midseason
By Dom Nicastro
s the winter season reaches its midpoint,
Saugus High School winter sports programs
are beginning to show clearer
identities. Boys basketball continues to search
for offensive consistency while leaning into defense,
track athletes are stacking personal bests,
and the Saugus-Peabody wrestling co-op is rolling
behind depth and balance across the lineup.
BOYS BASKETBALL: DEFENSIVE
EFFORT CARRIES WINTHROP
WIN, CONSISTENCY STILL THE
CHALLENGE
Saugus boys basketball showed both sides of
its early-season growth in a split week, overpowering
Winthrop behind a dominant defensive effort
before struggling to match pace in a loss to
Swampscott. The results leave the Sachems at 3-4,
still very much in the mix but searching for a full
32-minute performance.
The highlight came in a convincing 54-33 win
over Winthrop, a game that was effectively decided
by Saugus’ defense. The Sachems limited Winthrop
to just nine points in the first half, setting
the tone from the opening tip.
“We played really hard. We played as a team. It
was just a great effort from the jump ball to end
the game,” Bertrand said.
Operating primarily out of a half-court 2-3 zone,
Saugus used length and aggressiveness to disrupt
passing lanes and force tough shots.
“Our defense was really good. We only gave up
nine points in the first half,” Bertrand said. “We
were long, we were aggressive, and they just
played really hard on defense.”
Offensively, Ryan Shea led the way with 22
points, including a decisive fourth-quarter stretch
where he scored 10 points to shut the door on
any Winthrop comeback. Huey Josama added 12
points, while Oliver Hernandez finished with five.
Jordan Rodriguez and Paxton Ferraro chipped in
four points apiece.
Bertrand pointed to Shea’s ability to attack the
basket late as a key turning point.
“He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter,
which kind of sealed the deal for us,” Bertrand
said. “It seemed like every time Winthrop started
to make that comeback, Ryan went and got a
couple of buckets for us.”
Not all of the impact came from the stat sheet.
Bertrand highlighted junior Nathan Soroko’s hustle
as emblematic of the team’s defensive mindset.
“Nathan Soroko — he was just diving on the
floor. He kind of set the tone for us defensively,”
Bertrand said. “And then everybody followed.”
That momentum didn’t carry over to the next
game, as Saugus fell 58-28 to Swampscott. The Sachems
were slow out of the gate and never recovered
after Swampscott jumped out early.
“We just kind of came out flat,” Bertrand said.
“They went up like 11-2, we got it to 11-7, they
called timeout, and then they punched back and
we didn’t really have an answer.”
Jordan Rodriguez led Saugus with six points,
but offense was hard to come by throughout
the night.
“We just couldn’t get things to fall,” Bertrand
said. “I thought we got some okay shots, but offensively
we really struggled.”
Even in the loss, Bertrand felt the defensive effort
remained competitive.
“We gave up 58 points to Swampscott — with
the way they can score, I actually feel pretty good
about that,” he said. “Defensively, I thought we
were okay.”
The challenge level only increases this week, as
Saugus prepares to face undefeated Masconomet,
currently ranked fourth in Division 2.
“They’re undefeated and ranked number
four,” Bertrand said. “The conference is really
good this year. That’s the benefit of playing in
the NEC — it only gets the boys better.”
TRACK: SAUGUS ATHLETES
RACK UP PERSONAL BESTS AT
GLOUCESTER
It was a productive night for Saugus boys and
girls track at Gloucester, with athletes across
events posting personal records and showing
steady progression as the season builds.
On the girls’ side, Destiny Okoye delivered a
standout performance, running a personal-best
9.30 in the 55-meter hurdles and clearing 5 feet, 2
inches in the high jump. Kylie Arwine also recorded
a PR of 10.81 in the hurdles. Soraya Mathieu
(7.49) and Hannah Strout (8.21) posted strong
times in the 55-meter dash, while Maria Villalba
Monroy ran a personal-best 6:37.95 in the mile.
The boys matched that momentum. Matthew
Bell clocked a PR of 6:35.23 in the mile, Pharoah
Brandenburg ran 41.10 in the 300 meters, and
Brody Whittredge posted a 1:54.69 in the 600.
Jake Xavier (47.61) and Noah Gosslin (52.39) also
turned in PRs in the 300, while Koby Jette continued
his strong season in the shotput with a
throw of 42 feet, 3 inches.
WRESTLING: SAUGUS-PEABODY
ROLLS BEHIND DEPTH AND
BALANCE
The Saugus-Peabody wrestling co-op continued
its strong season with two dominant victories,
defeating Bedford/Acton-Boxborough
57-19 and Northeast Metro Tech/Bishop Fenwick
72-12.
Against Bedford/AB, Saugus-Peabody earned
ROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 13
׉	 7cassandra://C6YnO8O7_YuC4oDHHS6guAvaa9o8KOOXLx7TKmJi7z85` ii,j_"׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 9
Savvy Senior
Girls’ basketball: Lady Sachems finding
their identity after split week
By Dom Nicastro
A
t about the midway
point of the season, Saugus
High School girls’
basketball is still defining exactly
who it is — and, in many ways,
that clarity is starting to show.
The Sachems sit at 4–4 after
a split week that included
a 52–37 loss at Winthrop and a
52–47 home win over Swampscott.
For first-year head coach
Taylor Bogdanski, the contrast
between the two games offered
a clear snapshot of where
the team is — and where it’s
heading.
“We’ve been really trying the
past couple weeks,” Bogdanski
said, “to talk about who are
we as a team? What are our
strengths?”
With a new voice on the sideline,
Bogdanski said the focus
has been on establishing core
values rather than reinventing
everything at once.
“It’s my first year, and we’ve
been starting a bunch of new
things,” she said. “We can still
have core values and find who
we are.”
The loss at Winthrop was lopsided
on the scoreboard, but
Bogdanski said it also served as
a turning point.
“Winthrop played unbelievable,”
she said. “They absolutely
picked our pockets a lot. They
had a girl who shot lights out.”
Bogdanski made it a point to
credit the opponent while also
acknowledging that Saugus
didn’t put together its best performance.
“We
competed, but I think it
just wasn’t our best showing,”
she said.
Film review afterward highlighted
one major issue: “We’re
standing still offensively is what
was hurting us,” Bogdanski said.
“As for Winthrop, I think that our
offensive game was our issue.”
Rather than dwelling on the
loss, Bogdanski said the group
responded with urgency.
“After Winthrop, I think we
were all kind of like, OK, we’re
here,” she said. “There’s only
room to grow. We need to look
at these moments and analyze
them and see what we can do
better.”
That growth showed up two
nights later, back on Saugus’
home floor for the first time in
more than a month.
“We haven’t been home since
Marblehead, which was the second
week of December,” Bogdanski
said. “So it probably was
nice for the girls to get on the
floor and shoot in the gym that
we do every single day.”
The Sachems leaned into ball
movement, pace and defensive
intensity — the same areas
that had been emphasized
in practice.
“When we came to Swampscott,
we were just flying up
the floor, moving the ball really
well,” Bogdanski said. “Defensively,
we were all over the floor.
I think our intensity was unbelievable.”
Saugus
also fed off the atmosphere.
“I
also think they feed off of
the gym and the energy in the
gym, because families are there
and friends are there,” she said.
Senior Peyton DiBiasio led
the way with 24 points against
Swampscott, while Niki Breton
added 15. But Bogdanski said
the bigger takeaway was how
spread out the production became.
“We
had contributors all over
the floor,” she said. “They can’t
face guard one person. If one
person’s being face guarded,
then the next person steps up
and so forth.”
DiBiasio’s scoring remains
consistent — attacking the basket,
knocking down threes and
getting to the line — but Bogdanski
said her impact continues
to expand.
“She’s also setting her teammates
up for success,” Bogdanski
said. “When she’s attacking,
she’s kicking the ball for Niki,
who’s a great catch-and-shoot
kind of player.”
Bogdanski added that Katie
Hashem plays a similar role,
both finding her own spots and
distributing when defenses collapse.
Defensively,
Saugus has
shown a willingness to adjust
game by game.
“We mix a bunch of different
things,” Bogdanski said. “We
have a lot of defensive weapons
on the team.”
From full-court pressure to
half-court traps to denying the
opposing point guard, Bogdanski
said the Sachems are learning
to adapt.
“I wouldn’t say we have just
one thing that we do,” she said.
“I think we’re kind of just everywhere,
and we’re adjusting every
defensive style to different
games.”
Saugus faces a challenging
stretch ahead, including a road
game at Masconomet and a
non-league matchup at Arlington
Catholic. Bogdanski expects
Masconomet in particular to be
a strong test.
“They’re quick,” she said. “They
play full-court man, they move
BASKETBALL | SEE PAGE 13
by Jim Miller
Chair Yoga: Safe, Simple, and
Beneficial for Older Adults
Dear Savvy Senior,
I’ve been hearing a lot about
chair yoga lately. My New Year’s
resolution is to improve my health
and get moving again, but I have
trouble getting down on the floor.
What can you tell me about this
type of yoga?
Arthritic Abby
Dear Abby,
If you’re looking for a safe way
to get active again but find traditional
exercise routines difficult,
chair yoga may be the perfect fit.
Chair yoga is a gentle form of
yoga that’s done either sitting
on a chair or using the chair for
support while standing. It adapts
traditional yoga poses so they’re
accessible to people who may
have limited mobility, balance issues,
or difficulty getting down
on the floor.
This practice helps improve
flexibility, strength, and balance,
boosts circulation and mobility,
and promotes relaxation while
reducing stress. This makes it an
effective and safe way to stay active
and support overall well-being
at any age.
A typical chair yoga session begins
with simple seated postures,
such as gentle twists, stretches for
the arms and legs, or movements
that open the hips and shoulders.
These exercises loosen stiff joints,
improve posture, and increase
flexibility in areas of the body
that often become tight with age.
It can also include standing
poses like modified lunges or
gentle balance work, with the
chair always nearby for stability.
Breathing exercises are often incorporated
throughout the practice,
encouraging participants to
slow down, deepen their breath,
and cultivate a sense of calm. Sessions
usually end with a short period
of guided relaxation or meditation,
leaving participants refreshed
and grounded.
How to Get Started
To get started, you just need a
sturdy chair without wheels and
preferably without arms, and
some comfortable clothes. The
goal with chair yoga is to stretch,
not cause pain. So go only as far as
feels comfortable and don’t push
beyond your limits.
If possible, consider joining a local
chair yoga class. Many local senior
centers, YMCAs, and community
recreation centers offer chair
yoga as part of their wellness or
fitness programs. Some yoga studios
and gyms may offer gentle
yoga or chair yoga too. And if
you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage
plan, you may be able to
access classes for free through SilverSneakers.com.
If
attending an in-person class
isn’t an option, you can also practice
chair yoga at home. There are
chair yoga apps and many videos
you can access on YouTube
to guide you through a routine.
Chair Exercise Options
As an alternative to chair yoga,
there are chair exercises you can
add to your routine that can help
improve strength and balance, reduce
joint pain and prevent falls.
To execute some of these exercises,
you’ll need some resistance
equipment like light dumbbells,
water bottles, soup cans or resistance
bands.
Sit-to-stand: For this exercise,
sit at the edge of the chair, feet
hip-width apart. Stand up without
using your hands, then slowly
sit back down. Use hands lightly
on the chair or use a walker or
cane if needed for support.
Seated marches: Sit tall and alternate
lifting one knee at a time
toward your chest.
Seated bicep curls: With elbows
tucked in, curl weights towards
shoulders, then lower with
control.
Seated overhead press: Press
weights overhead from shoulder
height, then slowly lower.
Seated leg extensions: Extend
one leg straight out and hold for
2-3 seconds, then lower and repeat.
Heel
raises: Lift heels off the
floor, pause, and lower back
down.
For noticeable benefits, these
exercises should be performed
at least three days a week, doing
three sets of 8 to12 repetitions.
Send your questions or comments
to questions@savvysenior.org, or to
Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman,
OK 73070.
׉	 7cassandra://cj1wTXRIbDGuYcBOWup-z-fT5QQ8dmWJ52j5knjY41o2` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://zgRw_-XeIcqxAH6CkoZ06YIsvNTk3qTFtI0Ib_9DJ_4 	B`'p׉	 7cassandra://gtZOeyj337sK8GhY7J_OhRQO9YwbuKCpM0Hvmu8rd-A`׉	 7cassandra://6_-Te_g9YU8Fw1BNuApks7PO7r4uxeRjx6uTAeBMZ8E6` ii.j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://FnaVMa5tNesJKa6HydbJGW3dkoeKvb50kLupPSs5p0s `'p׉	 7cassandra://ph4UTS0rXaUA6sFkSkwZjh48xy-cjIhWkHb7OinGmiQi`׉	 7cassandra://Yq2lyYiX_UYNuVTiIxisXtwWlgnT9Lr_DRurtncIRe86` ii.j_"Ȕנii/j_"΁ 	mU9ׁHhttp://clibrary.orgׁׁЈנii/j_"́ ̣9ׁHhttp://www.saugusriver.orgׁׁЈנii/j_"́ S9ׁHhttps://www.mass.gov/doc/ׁׁЈנii.j_"ˁ @9ׁHhttps://www.saugus-ma.gov/ׁׁЈ׉EPage 10
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
The Sounds of Saugus
By Mark E. Vogler
Good morning, Saugus
There was certainly a lot to
cheer about on Tuesday night
in the second floor auditorium
of Town Hall. At least for
the first half hour. The first order
of business for the Board
of Selectmen at its first meeting
of the year was to finish
signing 43 citations that were
later awarded to the invited
guests – members of Saugus’
U10 Level 2 Cheerleaders –
the Rockstars, who were 2025
New England Champions and
won third place in the American
Youth Cheer Championship
in Florida; the U12 Elite,
who finished second in the Nationals,
and the U14 Elite, who
finished third in the Nationals.
Each of the girls – ranging
in age from eight to 14 years
old – received a rousing ovation
from the crowd of family,
friends and supporters as they
went up individually to receive
a citation congratulating their
accomplishments and handshakes
from the five selectmen.
Here are the three cheerleading
squads that were honored:
The U10 Saugus Sachems
Rock Stars (in the eight to
10 age bracket): Temi Animashaun,
Ariyah Antoine,
Charlotte Applegate, Stella
Bacci, Isabella Bluestein, Anaya
Boyd, Karen Boyd, Olivia
Bridges, Brynn Clifford, Avellina
Dellheim, Ava Doherty, Dakota
Dost, Maya Elivert, Caroline
Gianatassio, Madison Giglio,
Faith Harrington, Kiara Hernandez,
Savannah Kelley, Avaleigh
Kohr, Evelyn Lauziere, Grace
Lester, Amelia Lewis, Francesca
Lincoln, Alessandra MacTaggart,
Mila McDonough, Elena
Melon, Hadley Nichols, Evelyn
Powers, Melanie Rodriguez,
Melissa Santos, Kylie Serino, Josephine
Vitiello, Grace Whitehurst
and Olivia Zawadzki.
Head Coaches: Jenn Kohr
and Jill Lauziere. Assistant
Coaches: Stephanie Bluestein,
Daphne Lewis, Jamie Palladino,
Missy Pantano and Courtney
Whitehurst.
The U12 Elite (in the 10 to
12 age bracket): Elizabeth Silipigni,
Eva Colaianni, Avaleigh
Kohr and Evelyn Lauziere.
The U14 Elite (in the 12 to
14 age bracket): Holly BerLuther
King Jr. Day holiday.
Trash and recycling will not be
collected on Monday, Jan. 19,
due to the holiday. Collection
will resume on a one-day delay
on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Residents are kindly asked to
leave trash and recycling curbside
by 7 a.m. the day after their
normally scheduled collection
day. The Town of Saugus would
like to thank everyone for their
cooperation. Please contact
Solid Waste/Recycling Coordinator
Scott A. Brazis at 781-2314036
with any questions.
CITATIONS FOR A CHEERING CROWD: The U10 Saugus Sachems Rock Stars celebrated their third place
finish in National competition with the Board of Selectmen at Tuesday night’s meeting. (Saugus Advocate
photo by Mark E. Vogler)
ridge, Aryanna Dipietro, Stella
Bulla, Sadi Bulla and Sophia
Alexandre.
“I speak for myself and my
fellow coaches when I say that
these 34 incredible girls deserve
to be celebrated with intention,
so thank you for inviting
us here tonight,” Coach
Jenn Kohr told the audience
about the Rock Stars.
She marveled at how the
team members carried themselves
all season long. “They
have learned lifelong lessons
that I know they will take with
them throughout their journeys,”
she said.
“Beyond the mat, they were
kind competitors — cheering
on other teams, playing
games, and having fun with
them while waiting to perform.
Watching how they interacted
with others reminded me just
how big their hearts truly are,”
she said.
Kohl expressed gratitude for
the community at-large for
backing the Rock Stars. “We
have many people to thank
for their unwavering support,”
she said.
“To our parents — ‘thank you’
will never be enough. Thank
you for the countless drives
to practice, the long competition
days, the behind-thescenes
help, and the constant
encouragement. Your support
allowed this team to thrive and
helped create memories these
girls will carry forever. This season
truly would not have been
possible without you,” she said.
“To my fellow coaches —
together, we have set the example
of what true teamwork
looks like. I genuinely cannot
imagine coaching alongside
anyone more dedicated, supportive,
and committed than
each of you.”
Kohl thanked “our incredible
community, expressing gratitude
“to everyone who supported
our team through donations
and fundraising efforts
— from team sponsorships and
collection cans at JPace’s and
Kowloon, to dinners at Scopa,
and football squares purchased
from our athletes. Your generosity
made this journey possible,
and we are deeply grateful.”
“I’d also like to thank our
League President, Greg
Bluestein, our Cheer Directors,
Charlene Berridge and Allison
DiPietro, as well as the Saugus
Youth Football & Cheer
Board members for all of their
support throughout the season.
Special thanks to Kristen
Shipulski and all of the SYFC
coaches who stepped up to
help us out as we prepared for
Nationals,” she said.
“Finally, to my family and
daughter Avaleigh, thank you
because none of this would be
possible without you.
“This season may be over,
but the impact, memories,
and friendships will last far beyond
it. Thank you to the Town
of Saugus for believing in our
athletes and supporting youth
sports. It meant so much to
these girls to represent their
town on a national stage, and
they carried the name of Saugus
with pride every step of the
way. I am so incredibly proud.
They truly are the Saugus Sachems
ROCKSTARS.”
Saugus United Parish Food
Pantry
The Saugus United Parish
Food Pantry will be open today
(Friday, Jan. 16) from 9:3011
a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the
basement of Cliftondale Congregational
Church. The food
pantry welcomes all neighbors
facing food insecurity on Friday
mornings. Volunteers are also
welcome. Please call the Food
Pantry Office (781-233-2663)
or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org)
for details.
Legion Breakfast on Fridays
There’s
a good breakfast deal
for Saugus veterans and other
folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast
on Friday mornings. The
American Legion Post 210 at
44 Taylor St. in Saugus offers
Friday morning breakfasts for
the 2026 season. Doors open at
7:30 a.m., with breakfast served
from 8-9:00 a.m. for an $8 donation.
Veterans who cannot
afford the donation may be
served free.
One-day holiday trash delay
The
Town of Saugus announces
that trash and recycling
collection will run on a
one-day delay for the Martin
This week’s “Shout Outs”
We received two nominations
from Precinct 6 Town
Meeting Member Jeanie Bartolo
this week:
“The first ‘Shout Out’ goes to
Joanie Allbee for the beautiful
painting she painted for Bill
and Pollie Stewart, titled ‘Hope
Alight,’ that was featured in last
week’s Advocate. The painting
is stunning. Joanie is truly
an artist.
“The second ‘Shout Out’ is for
the DPW Department thanking
them for the outstanding
job they did with the Christmas
lights again this year. They
outdo themselves every year!”
Want to “Shout Out” a fellow
Saugonian?
This is an opportunity for our
paper’s readers to single out –
in a brief mention – remarkable
acts or achievements by Saugus
residents or an act of kindness
or a nice gesture. Just send
an email (mvoge@comcast.
net) with a mention in the subject
line of “An Extra Shout Out.”
No more than a paragraph;
anything longer might lend itself
to a story and/or a photo.
C.H.a.R.M. Center winter
dates
The Town of Saugus Solid
Waste/Recycling Department
announced that the Center
for Hard to Recycle Materials
(C.H.a.R.M.) will be open on the
following winter dates, weather
permitting:
Saturday, Jan. 17, from 8 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21, from 8 a.m.
to 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, from 8
SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 11
׉	 7cassandra://6_-Te_g9YU8Fw1BNuApks7PO7r4uxeRjx6uTAeBMZ8E6` ii,j_"׉ETHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 11
SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 10
a.m. to 2 p.m.
The C.H.a.R.M Center is located
at 515 Main St., Saugus,
behind the Saugus Department
of Public Works. Residents
will have access to the
compost facilities as well as to
the recycling facilities during
the three winter dates. Go to
https://www.saugus-ma.gov/
solid-waste-recycling-department
and click on “Recycling
Guide” for a comprehensive list
of items that are accepted or
not accepted at the C.H.a.R.M.
Center, in addition to guidelines
for how to prepare different
items for disposal at the
facility.
By purchasing a $25 sticker,
residents will be permitted
to dispose of yard waste and
brush at the C.H.a.R.M. Center.
The $25 stickers purchased
in 2025 are still valid for yard
waste/brush disposal on the
three winter C.H.a.R.M. Center
dates.
P l ease not e tha t
the
C.H.a.R.M. Center does not accept
any household trash or
construction materials and debris.
The Town of Saugus reserves
the right to refuse any
material if quantity or quality
is questionable.
Saugus residents are also allowed
to dispose of three TVs
or computer/CRT monitors for
free, per household, each year
at the C.H.a.R.M. Center. Free
stickers from 2025 will no longer
be valid for the disposal of
televisions and computer/CRT
monitors. Residents will need
to get new stickers for 2026
free of charge when visiting the
C.H.a.R.M. Center.
Please contact Solid Waste/
Recycling Coordinator Scott
A. Brazis at 781-231-4036 with
lively melodies while sharing
fascinating stories about
the history of these remarkable
instruments. As the tunes
play, Tony weaves in moments
of wonder with clever feats of
magic, surprising audiences
of all ages. Part concert, part
storytelling and part magical
spectacle, this immersive experience
celebrates the charm of
old-world music and the joy of
live performance in a truly unforgettable
way.
The fashions of Downton
Members of the U12 Elite and U14 Elite received citations for finishing second and third, respectively,
in a national cheerleading competition last year. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)
any questions.
Winter events at Breakheart
Winter is by no means a slow
period at Breakheart Reservation.
Breakheart offers many
great activities for area residents.
There are guided walks
several days a week all winter,
and the very popular Fireside
Chats in February have moved
to Saturdays, as several people
have requested. The Visitors’
Center is open Wednesdays
through Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. You can relax in the
Visitors’ Center even on most
rainy or snowy days.
As nature begins to show
signs of spring, the Maple Sugarin’
Days celebration will be
held on Saturday, March 14,
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There
will be various maple-related
activities inside and outside
near the Visitors’ Center.
The current winter schedule
of programs is online at:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/
breakheart-winter-programs/
download
Here is a summary of some
upcoming events:
· Wild Breakheart Winter Tree
ID series: Wednesdays in January,
9-10 a.m.
· Wild Breakheart Animal
Tracking series: Wednesdays in
February, 9-10 a.m.
· Step into the Past: Thursdays
10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 29, Feb. 12;
hikes of about 2.5 miles, moderately
difficult terrain. Themes
include “stories in stone” and
“glacial giants.”
· The Beavers are Back! Thursdays,
10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 22,
Feb. 5; meet outside the Visitors’
Center to learn about beavers
and their history while enjoying
a walk in Breakheart.
· Kidleidoscope: Fridays
10:30-11:30 a.m., January-February;
storytime and easy walks
for children and their adult
caregiver.
· Nice and Easy Hike: Saturdays,
9:30-11:30 a.m., in January;
moderate hikes for ages
eight and up; can include some
uneven and rocky terrain, two
to three miles, moderately
paced.
· Fireside Chats: Saturdays,
9-10 a.m., Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; programs
inside Visitors’ Center
presented by various “Behind
the Scenes” experts. Speakers
to be determined, no walking
required.
Heavy rain or snow or icy
surface conditions may cancel
outdoor events. Please
wear appropriate footwear for
walks/hikes.
Breakheart Reservation, Department
of Conservation &
Recreation, 177 Forest Street,
Saugus, MA 01906, 781-2330834.
TEAM
WORK: The U10 Saugus Sachems Rock Stars bonded together
on the national stage at the American Youth Cheer Championship
in Florida. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate)
26
SRWC Annual Meeting Jan.
The Saugus River Watershed
Council will hold its annual
1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent.
$275. per week rent. Two week deposit
plus 1 week rent required.
Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT
meeting Monday, Jan. 26, at
6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The
Wharf (543 North Shore Rd. in
Revere). This is being billed as
a fun night with stewardship
awards, silent auctions and raffles.
Steve Fantone will present
the keynote presentation and
wildlife slide show. Those who
attend the annual meeting
can also learn about the new
Rumney Marsh Conservancy.
Tickets cost $35. For details, go
to www.saugusriver.org.
Sideshow Tony returns to library
on Feb. 7
On Saturday, February 7, at
11 a.m., the Saugus Public Library
welcomes back magician
and music man Tony Gangi.
Step back in time for a oneof-a-kind
performance that
blends music, history and magic.
Tony Gangi of Great American
Street Organ brings a beautifully
restored, hand-cranked
organ to life, filling the air with
Abbey on Feb. 7
Saugus residents who love
Downton Abbey will have a
special treat at the Saugus Public
Library on Saturday, Feb. 7,
from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Community
Room. Join us for an informative
presentation about
the lives and fashions of the
residents of Downton Abbey.
Travel with us through time
while we explore the styles of
1912 through the 1920’s.
Presenting the Program is
Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of
Fashion. Register online starting
January 24 – sauguspubliclibrary.org
Teen
Creative Writing
Group meets Feb. 9
Teenagers who want to get
creative are welcome to join
the Teen Creative Writing Program
being offered at the Saugus
Public Library at 4 p.m. on
Monday, Feb. 9, in the Brooks
Room on the second floor. You
can work on any creative writing
project, such as a story, novSOUNDS
| SEE PAGE 13
FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT
EVERETT
׉	 7cassandra://Yq2lyYiX_UYNuVTiIxisXtwWlgnT9Lr_DRurtncIRe86` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://R7utdtlsz-m9BuXI0skXXJNYt4B8saEOC6p77DptXMw i7`'p׉	 7cassandra://YGfWdvklXFJVrprzX5eWAxotk9C7c4CYDscv6E5LGMA`׉	 7cassandra://N6kZVVIkyisIvrcg_1m4mdjZ6IN7y-P6OGHznRXR9cw9` ii/j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://4T6PRUvb4dsvt8f2ARI5xHx2LXGv-wV8B9e47R3eNwI \`'p׉	 7cassandra://kF018gKNcjEClO73J1WJSDy8UObxSistnu3PIAxT250`׉	 7cassandra://qfKN_oeLw57jCbzZ3cNj62SMbboX__X5d6JnFsKLXhk<}` ii/j_"Еנii0j_"؁ |9ׁHhttp://www.mastrocola.comׁׁЈנii0j_"ׁ 	]9ׁH !http://www.americanexteriorma.comׁׁЈנii0j_"ց ̬̱9ׁHmailto:mvoge@comcast.netׁׁЈנii0j_"Ձ N9ׁHhttp://blenet.orgׁׁЈנii0j_"ԁ ̻9ׁHhttps://www.lbda.org/doׁׁЈ׉EPage 12
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with
permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.
thewarrengroup.com.
BUYER1
Bastola, Sanjiv
Caron, Madison
Charles J. “Duke”
McLaughlin, Jr.
M
r. Charles J. “Duke”
McLaughlin, Jr., of
Saugus, formerly of
Malden, age 83, died on January
10, 2026, at Salem Hospital.
He was the husband of
Carol A. (Scanzillo) McLaughlin,
with whom he shared 58
years of marriage.
Born in Boston and raised in
Malden, he was the son of the
late Charles J. and Mary (Sexton)
McLaughlin. A machinist
at the General Electric for 40
years and a resident of Saugus
for 58 years, Duke was a
member of the Saugus Boosters
Club and the Lynn Hibernian
Hall. He coached CYO Basketball
at St. Margaret’s Church
and for the Saugus American
Little League, organized the
Sunday Morning Golf League
at Rowley Country Club. As a
Boston College fan Charlie was
a football season ticket holder
for many years. Duke’s kindness
and generosity was extended
to many.
Besides his wife, Charlie is
survived by his son Charles
J. McLaughlin III and his wife
Maureen of Saugus, two grandchildren:
Haley and Kyle. He
was the brother of Sheila Nigro
and her husband Leonard
of Saugus, Maureen McLaughlin
of North Reading. Duke was
also survived by many nieces
and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations
in his memory may be made
to Blessed Sacrament Parish,
14 Summer St., Saugus, MA
01906.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Relatives and friends are invited
to attend visiting hours
in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral
BUYER2
Bastola, Deepak
Mclellan, Walter
SELLER1
Otterson, Kathleen H
Barone, Francesca
SELLER2
Mchugh, Debora M
Feldman, Michael
OBITUARIES
Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., SAUGUS,
on Thursday, January
15th, 2026, 3-7 p.m. A funeral
mass will be held from the funeral
home on Friday, January
16th, 2026, at 11 a.m. followed
by a funeral mass in Blessed
Sacrament Church at noon. Interment
Riverside Cemetery,
Saugus.
David Alvin Call
78
, passed
away o n
January 4, surrounded
by his
family, after a battle with Lewy
Body Dementia. He is survived by
his longtime partner Dierdre Lacativa,
his three children, Pamela
Call MacDonald, Amy Call Well
and David Call, his six grandchildren,
his brother Robert Call and
many nieces and nephews who
adored him.
Born in Winchester, MA to
Edith and Alvin Call, David was
the 7th of 8 children, but he always
claimed to be his mother’s
favorite. David eventually moved
to New Hampshire and went
to Monadnock Regional High
called him Sleeping Beauty because
he dozed off at parties?
10.
In 1901 skijoring behind
1.
Jan. 16 is Appreciate a
Dragon Day; what is a dragonet?
2.
tard and Plum similar?
3.
On Jan. 17, 1950, the
Great Brinks Robbery took place
in what city?
4.
To what fictional protagonist
are Belladonna Took, Bullroarer
Took, the Old Took and the
Sackville-Bagginses related?
5.
What two areas have no
time zones?
How are Peacock, Mus6.
On
Jan. 18, 1778, James
Cook discovered what islands
with a name like a food?
7.
Where did George Washington
give the first State of the
Union Address: D.C., New York or
Philadelphia?
8.
The largest-ever car-free
medieval city is in what country:
France, Morocco or Spain?
9.
Jan. 19-23 is No
Name-Calling Week; what chief
justice/president’s wife, Helen,
what animal debuted at the Nordic
Games: dog, horse or reindeer?
11.
What
is the meaning of
SAD, which is an abbreviation for
a condition?
12.
What fairytale author
with a name including a religion
name wrote “The Ice Maiden”?
13.
On Jan. 20 when was Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day first celebrated:
1977, 1981 or 1986?
14. Waning gibbous means
what?
15. What 1950s TV series had
“Circus Day,” “Let’s Go Day” and
School, where he played football
and held the record for most unassisted
tackles for over 20 years.
After graduating from high
school, David joined the Army,
serving as an artillery field surveyor,
earning Good Conduct,
National Defense Service medals,
and a Sharpshooter certification.
He served for three years,
including time in Vietnam and
Germany.
He completed his service and
moved to Wakefield MA. While
hanging out at the Town Line Bar
in Malden MA, he befriended the
bartender Ray Oliver and got his
blessing to take Ray’s sister Linda
out on a date. The two eventual“Discovery
Day”?
16.
Jan. 21 is Mariachi Day;
the mariachi song “Cielito Lindo”
was performed on what popular
TV show by a Cuba-born band
leader?
17.
In the 1940s a Canadian
accidentally discovered how to
make what when researching ice
on jet engines?
18. What buzzwords have
been created from Bush, Obama,
Reagan and Trump?
19.
gle: “That’s All Right,” “Burning
Love” or “Jailhouse Rock”?
20.
On Jan. 22, 1909, what
Asian U.N. official was born who
became known by a letter?
ly married, raised their children
and spent 31 years together before
divorcing.
While working installing carpets
with his brother, David began
to go to school nights on
the GI Bill, eventually earning his
MBA. He began a job in finance,
working in several regional banks
and credit unions, including Saugus
Bank & Trust and institutions
in Boston, New York and Miami.
Settling in Saugus, David was
an active member of the community,
coaching his children’s
youth league, was a member of
the Rotary Club, and an elected
town meeting member. Known
for his boundless energy, he was
the organizer and creator of several
Saugus traditions including
Founders Day in Cliftondale and
the Lynnhurst School Haunted
House. David loved a good dad
joke, he never got a haircut, he
always got them all cut. He also
had great advice which was often
wrapped in little phrases including
“if you make a bad deal, hug
it all the tighter” and “the way to
begin work is to begin it”.
OBITS | SEE PAGE 13
ANSWERS
ADDRESS
166 Essex St
28 Emory St
CITY
Saugus
Saugus
DATE
12.23.25
12.23.25
PRICE
760000
723000
What was Elvis’ first sin1.
A small dragon
2. They are parts of names of Clue game characters
(Mrs., Colonel and Professor, respectively)
3.
Boston
4. Bilbo Baggins of “The Hobbit”
5. North and South Pole
6. Hawaiian Islands (he named them the Sandwich
Islands after the 4th Earl of Sandwich)
7. New York
8. Morocco (Fes el-Bali in Fez)
9. William Howard Taft
10. Reindeer (the sport has also featured pulling
by other animals, cars, motorcycles and
snowmobiles)
11. Seasonal Affective Disorder (depression)
12. Hans Christian Andersen
13. 1986
14. The name of the phase after a full moon
15. “Mickey Mouse Club”
16. “I Love Lucy” (by Desi Arnaz)
17. Artificial snow
18. Bushism, Obamacare, Reaganomics and
Trumpian
19. “That’s All Right”
20. Secretary-General U Thant
׉	 7cassandra://N6kZVVIkyisIvrcg_1m4mdjZ6IN7y-P6OGHznRXR9cw9` ii,j_"׉E;THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 13
OBITS | FROM PAGE 12
David eventually moved to the
Miami area, where he loved the
Cuban coffee and kept a boat
named after his first grandchild
for many years. While in Miami,
he developed a love for photography,
a hobby he pursued
with friends for many years. He
also enjoyed traveling and going
on cruises with Dierdre and
their friends.
He bravely fought the progression
of Lewy Body in the last few
years of his life, and the sparkle in
his blue eyes was always there.
David will be remembered for
his positive attitude, competitive
spirit, sense of adventure and
determination to enjoy life. His
greatest legacy is the love and
support he showed his children,
they were his pride and joy and
he believed in them fiercely. “Do
Good, Be Good”.
A funeral mass will be held at
10:30 a.m., February 2, 2025 at St.
Maria Goretti in Lynnfield, Massachusetts.
David will be interred at
Arlington Cemetery. Donations
in his name can be made to the
Lewy Body Dementia Association,
https://www.lbda.org/donate
or the Dartmouth Women’s
Basketball Program
BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 9
the ball really well, they look for
transition offense. I think it’ll be
a great game, and I’m honestly
really excited to play them.”
Bogdanski said she embraces
a schedule that regularly pits
Saugus against higher-division
opponents. Saugus is Division 3.
Masconomet is Division 2.
“I love it,” she said. “It makes
us a better team. We’re able to
compete.”
As the Sachems continue to
work through the heart of their
schedule, Bogdanski said the
emphasis remains on staying
connected.
“I’ve been harping on showing
up for each other,” she said.
“They stuck together the whole
game (against Swampscott). I
was more proud of how they
stuck together.”
Clean-Outs!
We take and dispose
from cellars, attics,
garages, yards, etc.
Call Robert at:
781-844-0472
SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 11
el or poem. No registration required.
This program is suitable
for fifth graders and up. For
details, please contact Rachel
Huntington, the Reference and
Young Adult Librarian, at 781231-4168
or rhuntington@noblenet.org
About
The Saugus Advocate
We
welcome press releases,
news announcements, freelance
articles and courtesy
photos from the community.
Our deadline is 6 p.m. on
Tuesday. If you have a story
idea, an article or photo
to submit, please email me
at mvoge@comcast.net or
leave a message at 978-6837773.
Or send your press release
to me in the mail at PO
Box 485, North Andover, MA
01845. Let us become your
hometown newspaper. The
Saugus Advocate is available
in the Saugus Public Library,
the Saugus Senior Center,
Saugus Town Hall, local convenience
stores and restaurants
throughout town.
APARTMENT FOR RENT
Malden apartment rental, 5 Rooms,
2 Bedrooms, Maplewood section, near
Public Transportation. Utilities not incl.
$2,200/month. First/Security Dep.
Call: 781-321-2731
The Kid Does
Clean Outs
From 1 item to 1,000
* Basements * Homes * Backyards
* Commercial Buildings
The cheapest prices around!
Call Eric: (857) 322-2854
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
American Exterior and
Window Corporation
Contact us for all of your
home improvement projects
and necessities.
Call Jeff or Bob
Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756
617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com
Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More!
All estimates, consultations or inspections completed
by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience.
*Better Business Bureau Membership.
Insured and
Registered
Complete Financing Available.
No Money Down.
ROUNDUP | FROM PAGE 8
wins across the lineup. Brayden
Lawler (113, Peabody) won by
fall, while Jake Murray (120, Saugus)
and Tucker Landry (126,
Saugus) each picked up pins.
Jackson Deleidi (132, Peabody)
earned a major decision, Michael
Maraio (150, Peabody)
won by fall, Justin Bremberg
(157, Saugus) pinned his opponent,
and Cesar Cruz (165,
Saugus) delivered a quick fall.
Jaden Ceac (190, Peabody)
closed the match with a technical
fall.
The co-op followed that performance
with another lopsided
win over Northeast Metro
Tech/Bishop Fenwick. Landry
(126, Saugus) earned another
pin, Chris Brown (132, Peabody)
won by fall, Jackson Deleidi (138,
Peabody) added a pin, Michael
Maraio (150, Peabody) secured
another fall, Justin Bremberg
(157, Saugus) pinned his opponent,
Jaden Ceac (190, Peabody)
won by fall, and Matthew Dresser
(285, Peabody) sealed the victory
in the heavyweight bout.
BUDGET
SERVICES
RUBBISH REMOVAL
* Interior-Exterior Demolition
Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc.
* All Types of Debris Removed
* Pick-up Truck Load of Trash
starting at $239.
~ Licensed & Insured ~
Call (978) 494-3443
APARTMENTS FOR RENT
www.mastrocola.com
We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!
׉	 7cassandra://qfKN_oeLw57jCbzZ3cNj62SMbboX__X5d6JnFsKLXhk<}` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://eMuiUymv4yqNLlXzbOJTFd-z9oJeVnZCixyX2OmW77g r`'p׉	 7cassandra://Izys1H93LFiNHZ3a81TqUh-4oj4z-jue-iHNqFxP8AUͤ`׉	 7cassandra://z0QdXk7I0nQqTHWMfHqzdYmMHIjY8xB9dZ8A96_ysaA3` ii0j_"ט U Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://-U6HIYMJdrUVOpsPnDCCIZTEQ4eLpx51t_wnvjMPzxw `'p׉	 7cassandra://hogQ6op5zJ_U45JNBr4RTyGWdoG0PDxnbMXzmUv48xYͷ\`׉	 7cassandra://XN7xS07ZL8dsBRERJUKlTnaMgi3ECoz9WX9Irb88N4E79` ii6j_"ߓנii6j_" 9ׁHhttp://TrinityHomesRE.comׁׁЈנii6j_" `09ׁHhttp://www.BEYONDFINANCING.COMׁׁЈנii6j_" ̨99ׁHhttp://www.beyondfinancing.comׁׁЈ׉EPage 14
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Get your Mortgage Resolutions with Beyond Financing, Inc.
New Year rates @ www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge
Beyond Financing, Inc. Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX
• Purchase
• Refinance
• Investment
999 Broadway, Suite 500-N, Saugus-MA 01906 www.BEYONDFINANCING.COM 857.410.1391 NMLS ID: 2394496
IN CA, CT & MA: Mortgage Broker Only, not a Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. In FL, NH, NC, RI, SC & TX: Mortgage Broker and Correspondent Lender.
Loans are available fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability, or ancestry.
TRINITY REAL ESTATE
321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK
TrinityHomesRE.com
28 Osprey Rd., Saugus 01906 - Commercial
Rental List Price: $3,500
Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974
A 2 story building in Prime Location with the 2nd level unit
available for rental office space to sublet consisting of
approximately 4000 sq ft of 7 furnished offices and a designated
kitchen along with 2 restrooms. Upon entering the unit you are
greeted into a Large foyer entrance that opens into a spacious
reception room which leads to a huge spacious office that leads out
to a long hallway consisting of another 4 offices (2 smaller offices
and 2 ex lg) and a designated kitchen that includes a refrigerator
along the hallway is a men and women restrooms....rental price
includes all utilities (Heat/electric/AC/water) .Move-in
condition...office furniture included...Wi-Fi negotiable Easy access
to Rt 99 near Lowe's and Rt C-1 exit in front of building...
Available Jan 1,2026
722 Lowell Street, Peabody 01960 - Rental
Rental List Price: $3,500
Listed by: Lucia Ponte Cell: 781.8838130
Spacious and Beautifully Renovated Duplex! This stunning home has
been completed with well planned details and layout, throughout.
Much elegance is expressed in the large foyer that introduces you to
the open-concept living and dining space, both with decorative FP.
The beautiful, huge kitchen features custom cabinetry, large center
island, pendant lighting, granite countertops, stainless steel
appliances, w/breakfast area. The second level offers a spacious
primary bedroom with cathedral ceiling, two generous closets, and a
beautiful ensuite bath with sky light. Two additional bedrooms, with
beamed vaulted ceilings Unit is sun filled and has been meticulously
maintained. Additional highlights include in-unit laundry in the
basement & two-car parking
781.231.9800
358 Broadway, #22, Lynn 01904 - Rental
Rental List Price: $2,600
Listed by: Ronnie Puzon Cell: 917.992.3689
Welcome to this beautiful 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom condo located in
Wyoma Village! Walk into a bright and spacious living room which
features a sliding door leading to your own private balcony. The open
concept continues from the living room into the inviting eat in
kitchen. The two bedrooms are adorned with wall-to-wall carpet and
spacious closets. The building is professionally managed and includes
a laundry room in the basement. One assigned off street parking
spot, heat and hot water are included in the rent. Close to
transportation, shopping, business, and restaurants. Come see it
today!
3 Hunnewell St., Melrose, MA 02176
List Price: $1,375,000
Listed by: Dale Brousseau Cell: 617.957.2728
Three family in Melrose represents a strong investment opportunity with
immediate income & long-term upside. Set on a nice13k sq ft lot, the
property offers exceptional parking capacity & outdoor space. Unit 1
delivers a desirable three bedrooms, including a Primary Suite, plus a
lower-level family room with private entrance & in-unit laundry. This unit
currently rents for $3,400 per month & includes exclusive use of the
oversized two-car garage, enhancing both appeal & revenue potential.
Units are occupied by long-term tenants, providing stable, predictable
income. All units have separate utilities, hardwood floors and replacement
windows throughout.
Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades
Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond.
Commercial
Rental
FOR
RENT
FOR
RENT
FOR
SALE
׉	 7cassandra://z0QdXk7I0nQqTHWMfHqzdYmMHIjY8xB9dZ8A96_ysaA3` ii,j_"׉E 9THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
Page 15
׉	 7cassandra://XN7xS07ZL8dsBRERJUKlTnaMgi3ECoz9WX9Irb88N4E79` ii,j_"ii,j_"
rבCט   Uru׉׉	 7cassandra://lgzHItIwO9-ENLL0u2WIB9Sdh4ILQPZGQsfqJl6pTf0 y`'p׉	 7cassandra://zVq1FJkn6CHZnnXnwzU5DAokumY08pock94nJP1YV6AͰ`׉	 7cassandra://6cKpRCJe8GhFaf5Kp-wdzboYbooXVbANwJmVDwvyRD87` ii6j_"נii6j_" wa9ׁHhttp://COMMONMOVES.COMׁׁЈ׉EyPage 16
THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAY, JAnUArY 16, 2026
#
1
Listing & Selling
Office in Saugus
“Experience and knowledge
Provide the Best Service”
Free Market Evaluations
SAUGUS - INCREDIBLE Mini Estate offers 15 rooms, 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, 2
bedroom Carriage house, heated, IG pool, 2+ acres IMPRESSIVE! $1,899,000.
SAUGUS - Great 6+ room Colonial, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1st floor laundry,
finished lower level, located just outside of Cliftondale Square $599,900
SAUGUS - Impressive 6 rm, 3 bedroom Colonial offers 2 full baths, desirable
1st flr bdrm, oversized 1 car detached garage, corner lot. $674,900
LYNNFIELD - Prime Center Location! Well maintained Wills built home sits on a
builders acre lot. Generous sized rooms, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, hardwood floors
in many rooms, 2 c garage $999,000.
CHELSEA - GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! 7 corner condo units each with 2
bdrms & 2 baths, located at Mill Creek $3,100,000.00
~ AGENT SPOTLIGHT ~
Annmarie Wilcox
LYNNFIELD - UNIQUE Mixed use property, 4 bedroom home plus rear building, great
corner lot with ample off street parking, many possibilities! Call for details $2,499,900.
COMMONMOVES.COM
335 CENTRAL STREET, SAUGUS, MA / (781) 233-7300
REVERE - Desirable one-owner Ranch offers 2-3 bedrooms, huge
living room open to dining room - great for entertaining, hardwood
flooring, 1 car garage – MINT! $675,000.
Carol Thibault
׉	 7cassandra://6cKpRCJe8GhFaf5Kp-wdzboYbooXVbANwJmVDwvyRD87` ii,j_"׈Eii,j_"ii,j_"
r,Saugus Advocate 01/16/2026Saugus Advocate 01/16/2026ii*Hlj\m 