׉?4ׁB!בCטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://ytz1a-Ij3mI53pITA12GlMWXQtRIP7w5pjqsgwVlj8M`'p׉ 7cassandra://blmvRCj1g1iDH1fsT92TbX5_fs0ks4bnCmTt6TWUYCQͱ`׉ 7cassandra://fhsf8Hh8ZUOltJr3e1Hd9l6O1_vM67GPjJd0iOH8TMY8`hީ dx^4נhީ dx^8 сb9ׁHhttp://angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Јנhީ dx^719ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈Ehީ dx^׉E SAUGUS D Vol. 27, No.40 Your Local News, Sports & Information Online! Scan & Subscribe Here! OCAT CAT THE PUMPKIN PATCH IS BACK! I FEELING THE ORANGE GLOW: Four-year-old Emmie Bluestein of Veterans Early Learning Center cradled her pumpkin excitedly last Saturday as the 23rd Annual Pumpkin Patch came to life at Saugus Center. Please see inside for more photos and stories. (Courtesy photo of Joanie Allbee) TE E -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, October 3, 2025 “A great advocate” Town Manager offers high praise for SueAnn Cheung, the woman Marine Corps veteran he hired to become Saugus’ fi rst full-time Veterans’ Service Offi cer By Mark E. Vogler t’s been nearly a decade since the town had a woman veterans’ service officer (VSO). Alicia Marie Reddin worked part-time while splitting duty as the VSO for the Towns of Saugus and Wakefi eld back in 2015-16. U.S. Marine Corps veteran SueAnn Cheung made history last Friday night when Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announced he had hired her to become the town’s fi rst fulltime VSO. Unlike Reddin, she’ll be working exclusively for Saugus veterans. “I think she’s going to make a great advocate and continue the things that we think are important [for veterans services],” Crabtree told selectmen at Tuesday (Sept. 30) night’s meeting. “I think she’s very promising. I think she brings a lot of experience from working at the Veterans Services Offi ce in Boston and for the state. We’re happy to have her on board,” he said. Cheung – who Crabtree said “brings more than two decades of military, human services, and veterans’ advocacy experience” to Saugus – replaces former Saugus VSO Paul J. Cancelliere, who had worked two years on a parttime basis, tending to the needs of more than 1,000 Saugus veterans and their families. Cancelliere’s position ended on June 30 – the end of the 2025 Fiscal Year – because of the termination of the Regional Veterans Service District, which also included Melrose and Wakefi eld. He said he applied for full-time VSO in Saugus when the town began advertising the position. Two weeks ago, a group of about three dozen veterans attended the Board of Selectmen’s meeting to show their support for Cancelliere while calling for his appointment to the VSO position full-time. But Crabtree decided that Cheung was the best candidate for the job among those who had applied. “SueAnn brings an exceptional blend of service, leadership, and compassion to the Veterans’ SerA GREAT ADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 2 Mid-grade Regular 2.87 3.37 3.44 $3.57 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES! ׉ 7cassandra://fhsf8Hh8ZUOltJr3e1Hd9l6O1_vM67GPjJd0iOH8TMY8`hީ dx^hީ dx^ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://RCyWqW_L68M1NGKSvnxcOoFCyeth24oFJmiQ6VfIiisв`'p׉ 7cassandra://fZ9IUl6BSz5EYfUKeRLE8bLfHZlxEckOo88aD2WCj4oͽ`׉ 7cassandra://qZfg2MT7-eDuGeqysNua5Jo3pZCtlQ6vDtlTE-ulWpQ8r`hީ dx^9טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://fwWM-49iOPqRkfpoFrpXmjqt3HPLlHQYIIwAzgxzEJ03`'p׉ 7cassandra://HH0j06EJ09syw8wrPuR4FsjNIhPtw2T9VOKX8gE__Rcͧ`׉ 7cassandra://wFZzGiUmiDbrFrPe9p6G7YcyFoD1T6dF9gU0ufnGEcc1*`hީ dx^:נhީ dx^? M 9ׁHhttp://www.tndinc.orgׁ ׁ Јנhީ dx^>/U 9ׁHhttp://www.tndinc.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EcPage 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 A GREAT ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 1 vices Office,” Crabtree said in a press release issued by his office last Friday. “Her distinguished military background, combined with her extensive work supporting veterans and managing human services programs, make her uniquely qualified to serve as our full-time Veterans’ Service Officer. We are proud to welcome her to this vital role, and we are confident she will have a positive impact on the lives of Saugus veterans and their families,” the town manager said. A public “thank you” to Cancelliere At their Sept. 16 meeting, selectmen voted unanimously in support of a motion by Selectman Anthony Cogliano to appoint Cancelliere on a nonpaid, interim basis until Crabtree filled the position. At this week’s meeting, selectmen approved a suggestion by Crabtree to write Cancelliere a letter thanking him for his services as VSO and as a volunteer during the transition. Cheung served four years and three months in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of sergeant before her discharge in February of 2007. She served as warehouse manager at U.S. Military posts in the Pacific and was later assigned as primary marksman instructor at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Suffolk University. Her professional certifications: Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Certified Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Instructor, Qualified Brain Injury Support Supervisor (QBISP-S), Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Challenges (PABC), Positive Behavior Supports (PBS), Trauma-Informed Care, QPR Suicide Prevention, Medication Administration Program (MAP), CPR/ First Aid and others. “Cheung brings more than two decades of military, human services, and veterans’ advocacy experience. She currently works as an outreach coordinator for the Executive Office of Veterans Services’ Statewide Advocacy for Veterans Empowerment (SAVE) team, where she provides peer support to veterans and ensures that veterans receive essential resources and benefits,” according to the press release issued by Crabtree’s office. “In 2017, Cheung founded the Boston Veterans Group and continues to serve as the veterans’ events coordinator for THE Boston Veterans Group, with responsibilities that include locating resources for veterans and distributing helpful information to veterans through outreach and social media,” it noted. “Beyond her military service, Cheung has dedicated much of her professional career to community service and human-support programs, focusing on individuals living with brain injuries, traumatic conditions, and complex behavioral challenges. In leadership and supervisory roles, she managed resiU.S. Marine Corps veteran SueAnn Cheung is Saugus’ new veterans’ service officer. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) dential and rehabilitation programs, supported families, oversaw compliance with state standards, and guided teams delivering care to vulnerable populations. This lifelong dedication to service and advocacy naturally extends to her new role supporting Saugus veterans and their families.” Cheung and her sister immigrated to the United States from the Republic of Suriname, a country in Northern South America. After moving to America, the two sisters grew up in South Boston and attended Boston Latin Academy. They joined the Marines after graduation. Cheung said she is excited to get started to help address the issues that matter most to Saugus veterans and military families. “As a veteran, I understand how important it is to have someone who can guide you through the benefits process and advocate on your behalf,” Cheung said. “I am honored to join the Town of Saugus and look forward to serving our veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their families to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.” Selectman Corinne Riley, who has been active in local veterans affairs for many years, told colleagues at Tuesday night’s meeting that she’s impressed with Cheung’s background and has been hearing positive feedback from the Saugus veterans’ community about her. “I’ve heard from several veterans and family members of veterans that they are very impressed with her resume and experience, and they love to see her here and look forward to meeting her,” Riley said. “She’s impressive, and I hope she does well with everyone who goes into her office,” she said. Selectmen voted unanimousA GREAT ADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 4 ׉ 7cassandra://qZfg2MT7-eDuGeqysNua5Jo3pZCtlQ6vDtlTE-ulWpQ8r`hީ dx^׉ECTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 ~ Political Announcement ~ Page 3 Anthony Cogliano seeks reelection to another term on the Board of Selectmen BACKGROUND: I am a fourth generation Saugonian and have resided in East Saugus for all of my 59 years. My wife, Therese and I raised four wonderful children, Cassandra, Co-Owner of Entyre Makeovers with her sisters Gabriela, who is also an RN at Boston Medical Center, and Sophia who is also an RN at Tufts Medical Center. My son Anthony Jr. is a Civil Engineer with Williams and Sparages of Middleton. I am also the proud grandfather of Luciana and Leila Cross of Saugus. I am a product of Saugus Public Schools graduating in 1984. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Salem State College in Business Administration with a major in Management. OCCUPATION: I am the owner of A. Cogliano Realty Services, a licensed realtor with Littlefi eld Real Estate, G.M. of Cogliano Plaza as well as the Property Manager of Interstate Properties. POLITICAL BACKGROUND: I was first elected to the Saugus Board of Selectmen in 1991 at the age of 25 and served in that capacity for 10 years. I then took a 16 year break from politics to be with, coach and enjoy my children. In 2019, with an empty nest I felt it was time to get back involved and decided to once again run for a seat on the Board where I have served for the past six years. During my tenure, I promised the residents of Saugus that I would fi nd a better way to work with companies like Wheelabrator, now WIN Waste Innovations. I helped create the Wheelabrator subcommittee that put forth a plan that would lower emissions, and provide Saugus with free tipping fees for the next 30 years. We developed a host community agreement that was approved by the Board of Selectmen. Should the State once again extend the life of the ash landfill, the plan we developed will save the residents of Saugus upwards of Forty Million dollars over the life of the agreement and make signifi cant environmental improvements for the residents of East Saugus. I started a tradition honoring our graduating seniors from Saugus High School by placing banners throughout the town, a tradition that should start up again. I marched with our residents in support of social justice issues, and I stood with our law enforcement offi cers at their back the blue rally. I brought back a sense of town pride, honoring residents such as Allan Sillipigni and Coach Mark Bertrand who were tragically lost, by placing ornaments on our annual town Christmas tree. I was thrilled and deeply involved with the naming of our DPW building named after Joe Attubato, The Senior Center after Dick Barry and our new Athletic facility after Christie Serino Jr. I also was instrumental in starting our Annual Menorah lighting outside Town Hall ISSUES FACING SAUGUS TODAY: We have a traffi c problem 272 Cross Street LLC and Winn Management do not discriminate because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, handicap, disability, national origin, genetic information, ancestry, children, familial status, marital status or public assistance recipiency in the sale or transfer of apartment units, buildings, and related facilities, including land that they own or control. Visit Our Website for more info www.tndinc.org Equal Housing Opportunity that never goes unnoticed. I will continue to work with our Police Dept. and schedule and attend as many hearings as necessary until we get it right. We will also have a funding issue with the new Vocational school. I intend to get the facts out to our residents and explain what’s best for our Town moving forward. While the school is necessary, we cannot aff ord any reduction in services in the process. We have to put together a plan for our schools that have come off line and ensure the right fit for each neighborhood. The playground in Golden Hills is in deplorable condition and needs to be addressed. In order to keep up with development, we need the third fire station that has been promised since 1996 to come to fruition. Transparency…I’ll never shy away from the tough questions and will always demand accountability. IN CONCLUSION: There is no substitute for experience. I love this Town and all its people and with your continued support we will make Saugus a better place for the people that matter most, Our Families, our Friends and our Children. I am asking for one of your five votes on Tuesday November 4th. It has been a pleasure serving for as long as I have, while Saugus will always be my home, this will be my final time running for the board…..let’s make it a good one together. A rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers to own an affordable condo in Malden! o own an affordable Affordable Homes for Sale in Malden! omes alden!!n!ldeenalden omes alden! ome Scan QR to apply APPLY ONLINE OR IN PERSON How to apply www.tndinc.org 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, Chelsea, MA 02150 Applications also available by mail or email. WHO CAN APPLY: First-Time Homebuyers Meet income & asset limits (see AMI chart) Assets must be under $75K for 80% AMI households. Assets must be under $150K for 100% AMI households. Restrictions Apply – Units have resale and use restrictions Questions or Accommodations? Call Winn Management: 617-884-0692 | TTY: 800-439-2370 CHECK INCOME LIMITS & PRICES BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE Please note: Deadline: Must be postmarked by October 2, 2025 mes 5 Newly Built Affordable Condos rdable Condos AVAILABLE BY LOTTERY pply APPLICATION PERIOD: Dates July 7, 2025 - October 2, 2025 INFO SESSIONS Where: Malden City Hall August 5, 2025 6PM September 4, 2025 6PM Lottery Date Thursday, October 16, 2025 (Attendance not required) ׉ 7cassandra://wFZzGiUmiDbrFrPe9p6G7YcyFoD1T6dF9gU0ufnGEcc1*`hީ dx^hީ dx^ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://zguGQuEyWKAFEcQX1DhU84Dp6PAuacp6acoO34kgOR0`'p׉ 7cassandra://cwDT9ymp074ObffptIekr17LGp5gomoO-7Zq9X-ROR0`׉ 7cassandra://ihds-2JX9zHtnWDW0xxYj22OVrRv_MoVGAcTb-FP05s:`hީ dx^@טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Gd9bwW5Q3GCHCHhzoZpsqAalaYV5q6DMiRcGMKWS-H0d`'p׉ 7cassandra://LhgrjGP2ZpyKO0X8Fkc9YtRjcSm6kyPkTUbzVxYftqgͱ`׉ 7cassandra://QEyXVDTK9Jiyu-WN3kFCSz0lGsQoo-xC6WUQDLbg08g8N`hީ dx^Aנhީ dx^FY9ׁHhttp://WWW.SABATINO-INS.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉E Page 4 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 ~ Political Announcement ~ Joe DiFilippo seeks election to Saugus Town Meeting Precinct 4 seat Hey Saugus residents and neighbors, My name is Joe DiFilippo and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Saugus Town Meeting Member in Precinct 4! As a resident of Saugus since 2017, and Precinct 4 since 2024, I’ve grown to love this community that my family calls home. My wife Lauren, a lifelong Saugus resident and owner of Dance Junction at 13 Main Street, has shown me the true spirit of our town through her decade of service to local families. Together with our 2-year-old son Sonny, we’re invested in Saugus’s future. My professional background 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! combines business acumen from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business with my current experience in the cybersecurity industry. In my daily work, I bring: - Strong stakeholder collaboration skills - Strategic planning expertise - A detail-oriented, methodical approach - Proven ability to deliver meaningful results Why am I running? Because I believe in Saugus’s potential. I’ve witnessed firsthand how small businesses and community engagement can enhance our town. As your Town Meeting Member, I’ll combine my collaborative approach and strong communication skills with strategic planning to effectively advocate for Precinct 4’s Joe DiFilippo and family interests. “Your neighbor, your advocate” isn’t just a slogan – it’s my commitment to you. I look forward to meeting more neighbors and hearing your thoughts about our A GREAT ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 2 ly to support Crabtree’s appointment of Chenug. What the job entails As the Saugus VSO, Cheung www.810bargrille.com Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured Everett Aluminum Supplies pp Celebrating 66 Years in Business Since 1958! will: • Administer the Chapter 115 benefits program for eligible Saugus veterans and their dependents, including processing applications, auditing payments and generating reports • Assist veterans in applying for federal and state benefits, such as disability, pensions, Aid and Attendance, VA health-care programs, and DD 214 upgrades • Serve as the Town’s primary resource for veterans’ services, connecting veterans and their families with counseling, health care, housing assistance and social service programs. She will also help families with burial benefi ts and grave markers. • Collaborate with other Town community’s future. Let ’s work together to make Saugus a town we’re all proud to call home. Your neighbor, your advocate, Joe DiFilippo departments and community partners to maintain veterans’ memorials and organize events and outreach initiatives • Represent the Veterans’ Services Offi ce at Veterans Advisory Board meetings, coordinate budgets for the department and work closely with the Executive Offi ce of Veterans Services (EOVS) and regional VSOs • Maintain the confi dentiality A GREAT ADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 6 Monogram D4 Double siding ׉ 7cassandra://ihds-2JX9zHtnWDW0xxYj22OVrRv_MoVGAcTb-FP05s:`hީ dx^׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 ~ Political Announcement ~ Page 5 Dear Saugus residents: I am running for the HousDarleen Marie L’Heureux seeks to get elected to the Saugus Housing Authority DARLEEN MARIE L’HEUREUX | SEE PAGE 8 ing Authority seat once occupied by Mr. Bill Stewart. I was encouraged by him to enter for the nomination. My decision to run has come about because the residents of Laurel Towers and Laurel Gardens want someone who lives here and knows their issues to speak for them. The current Housing Authority members do not have a member from this locale. The residents here feel that it is necessary that there should be someone from here on the Housing Authority. I have been a resident of Saugus for six years. I have spent these last six years living in the Laurel Towers portion of the Saugus Housing Authority. During this time I have occupied myself with the well-being of the other residents of both the Laurel Towers and Laurel Gardens. Upon fi rst moving in I noticed that there was a great deal of depression among the residents. I decided that I would do something to bring about change. I fi rst began bringing knitting and crocheting classes to the residents. Then I was setting up a calendar of events for the residents to partake in, these included: exercise, learning English, Arts and Crafts, and learning sign language to name a few. I was then asked by Housing Authority Management to provide meals: Every other Friday morning Breakfast at the Tower, with the following Friday being Brunch at the Gardens. These meals with the help of some community members eventually turned into Holiday and anytime meals, amounting to eight per month. The people here at The Laurels know me and know that I am here to assist them with whatever they need. I 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 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 Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM ׉ 7cassandra://QEyXVDTK9Jiyu-WN3kFCSz0lGsQoo-xC6WUQDLbg08g8N`hީ dx^hީ dx^ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Zv5YwVQn0kLyABNo2ksrcR68tfGDppKg-I8fU1PuHP4٨`'p׉ 7cassandra://1QVHzchQbUMeuJAjoRpSAEVl0Ymoyrl6OlhS7chfzakͯ`׉ 7cassandra://JzwO0ENPrN9nDhjnb_J6YwZzaErSwBPN_eZ44506Cwg4``hީ dx^EטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://vRWYRSeVatN2b_C3awSUiQk1YjwhJhFLe4Ml0uh60NYS`'p׉ 7cassandra://Q61DDCCEf5T43mo5RzTKB8NO6EHh8ehn-2KZaIsGpCg;`׉ 7cassandra://TphPG1fy9QKmNCdRNnUBr_hFNHKdIm8iYB5VNNui1HA:`hީ dx^Gנhީ dx^K ̥9ׁHhttp://www.saugus-ma.gov/ׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 Saugus DAR Prepares for 5th Annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags (Editor’s Note: The Parson Roby Chapter of the DAR issued the following press release this week.) P atriotism will once again fi ll the heart of Saugus this November as the Parson Roby Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) proudly prepares for the 5th annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags. On November 11, the lawn of Saugus Town Hall will be transformed into a sea of red, white, and blue in tribute to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms — past, present, and future. Each American fl ag will carry the name of a veteran — living, deceased or currently serving. Flags may be sponsored for $5 each, with proceeds supportIf 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 THE FIRST YEAR: Miniature American fl ags decorated the front lawn of Saugus Town Hall during the First Annual Veteran’s Day Field of Flags observed during 2021. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ing the DAR’s mission to preserve American history, foster education, and promote patriotism. Sponsors may honor a family member, friend, neighbor, or employee who has served our nation with courage and sacrifi ce. The deadline to sponsor a fl ag is October 30th. To participate, please mail a check ($5 per flag) payable to Parson Roby Chapter DAR, along with the veteran’s information (Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Years of Service or War if known) to: Treasurer, 27 Pearson St., Saugus, MA 01906. Flags will be placed on the Town Hall lawn prior to Veteran’s Day, where they will remain proudly displayed through November 12th. After 12 noon on November 11th, sponsors may collect their fl ags as keepsakes or to place on a veteran’s grave. All fl ags will be removed from the Town Hall lawn on November 12th. Since the project’s launch in 2021, the Field of Flags has become a cherished community tradition. Last year, over 120 fl ags waved in honor of veterans, each one a powerful reminder of the service and sacrifi ce that protect our way of life. Residents frequently stop to refl ect, take photos, and share heartfelt thanks for this moving display of remembrance. This year, the Parson Roby Chapter DAR invites the community to join together once more in honoring our heroes. Let us stand united as Americans — proud, grateful, and determined to remember. Remember Our Veterans. Honor Their Service. Celebrate Their Sacrifi ce. For more information on sponsoring a fl ag or joining the DAR, please email: parsonroby. saugusdar@gmail.com. A GREAT ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 4 of veterans’ records, manage departmental staff and projects and participate in continuing education and accreditation Crabtree said the hiring of a full-time VSO builds on a long record of town initiatives, supported by the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and Town Meeting, to honor and assist veterans. Recent projects include a major painting project and structural improvements to the Marine Cpl. Scott J. Procopio/Capt. William G. Shoemaker American Legion Post 210, launching the veterans’ mobile food market held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Saugus Senior Center, the doubling of the real estate property tax exemption for disabled veterans and eligible seniors, repointing the bricks at the Saugus Veterans War Monument and relocating the Veterans’ Services Offi ce to a more visible location on the fi rst fl oor at Town Hall. “These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to veterans and their families,” Crabtree said. “SueAnn’s appointA GREAT ADVOCATE | SEE PAGE 7 ׉ 7cassandra://JzwO0ENPrN9nDhjnb_J6YwZzaErSwBPN_eZ44506Cwg4``hީ dx^׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, OCTObEr 3, 2025 Page 7 Shining Lights of Everyday People “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love.”—Mother Teresa By Joanie Allbee N ancy Prag wears the crown of 2025 Saugus Woman of the Year. Congratulations, Nancy! Over the years she has made a positive impact on Saugus. Nancy grew up with an eye and ear towards the environment. Nancy and her Mom used to volunteer sprucing up areas. For more than 20 years and counting, Nancy has been a member of the Saugus Tree Committee, which she currently chairs. She has also been a longtime member of Saugus Action Volunteers for the Environment (SAVE). In addition, she’s an active Saugus Garden Club member. Nancy likes to stroll through scenic views, and often she paints the scenes she visits. Nancy’s career was successful in advertisement and graphic arts. Her favorite color is green and she likes the quote “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” (author Allen Saunders, Reader’s Digest 195). Nancy and her husband Scott’s daughter, Jenny, is a favorite schoolteacher of many students. The Prags have two rescue cats: Sunny, three years old, and Jasper, two years old. Nancy loves tree quotes. They are rooted in wisdom. “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in” (from an ancient Greek Proverb). Nancy is a lady who listens to the intellect of nature. SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS: The Saugus Senior Center recognized 24 residents who celebrated their birthdays collectively at the Senior Center last Friday, Sept. 26. Shown from left to right: First row: Anne Erikson, Bob Machionni, Joyce Barsotti, Sal Gilberto, Janette DeRosa, Leslie Deland, Eleanor Gallo, Janesta Smallman, Roberta Perry, Helen Weinburg, Cathy Strum, Marie Boudreau, Doris Piwowarski and Carol Cole; second row: Michael Buckley, Eleanor Alberghini, Beverly Depres, Joanne Dod, Dick Lynch, Mark DelloRusso, Vincent Antonucci, Bill Napier, Cheryl Roberto and William Stewart. (Courtesy Photo to The Saugus Advocate) A GREAT ADVOCATE | FROM PAGE 6 ment builds upon this foundation and ensures Saugus continues to deliver the care, respect and advocacy our veterans deserve,” the town manager said. Residents seeking assistance or information about veterans’ benefits and programs are encouraged to contact the Saugus Veterans’ Services Office at 781-231-4010 or visit www.saugus-ma.gov/ veterans-services-office. The Saugus Veterans’ Services Office is also staffed by Nancy Stead, the Veterans’ Services Office Administrative Assistant, who can be reached at 781-231-4196. Be prepared before the next power outage. Birthdays are special at the Senior Center O n Friday, September 26, we held our monthly birthday celebration with 24 celebrants in attendance. The celebration was generously donated by Avis McLennan in memory of her husband Don. Each month the Senior Center likes to recognize the Senior birthdays with a collective birthday celebration, usually on the final Friday of the month. Each birthday recipient receives a free pizza lunch, cake, ice cream and a souvenir group photo to take home. If anyone would like to sponsor a birthday in honor of someone special, please stop by the office and let us know. Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! Nancy Prag (Courtesy of “The Sketch Artist”) ׉ 7cassandra://TphPG1fy9QKmNCdRNnUBr_hFNHKdIm8iYB5VNNui1HA:`hީ dx^hީ dx^ rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://dEPUmmJDOZ-Z8tkzcmwNxi2Md_XzUeWrfEWzaEjbMCo5`'p׉ 7cassandra://SAR0Zy-80YM0K0nzIlWnt1e0Nt6I51a66ROeQ-2dlpQ:`׉ 7cassandra://_akANEjI-01TqdAs7cqoTpw5VViaVhvkR6q71xS7_gg5`hީ dx^LטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://UgRjLFX4TqqBeGfy8mBJlep0CsO6E9keUiBDmZpB4YI2!`'p׉ 7cassandra://eQ-DgJnP811RVOv5TsOuRIdST-DhadBH5PyDSeCdhpQͽ`׉ 7cassandra://MaD4gXa3yM0Lx9gGCBqm0hoFCEhJWmlh5YFd8TOYjyQ