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(Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) I -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday 781-233-4446 Friday, February 20, 2026 What makes this town tick? residents – from school-age children to senior citizens – can fi nd out March 21 at the Saugus Community Festival By Mark E. Vogler r u f you are a newcomer to Saugus and want to know about the town’s attractions and basic information to make your family’s life easier, help is on the way. If you want to know more about the cultural aspects and the diversity of people that make Saugus the community it is, you will be able to experience it fi rsthand in a special six-hour event being hosted next month at the Saugus Middle-High School complex. The organizers of what will be the fi rst annual Saugus Community Festival have been working hard since last summer to make it the town’s biggest indoor event of the year. The Saugus Cultural Council and the Saugus 411 Committee have been collaborating on the festival, which will be hosted in the Saugus Middle-High School Complex at One Pearce Memorial Drive on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a free, inclusive and family-friendly celebration of Saugus’ vibrant diversity and will feature food, performances, arts, wellness activities – all intended to highlight the people and cultures that make Saut l Saugus Community Festival gus special. “I’m very excited that this is our fourth year holding an event I felt strongly about, inviting new residents to fi nd out what our town is all about,” former Selectman Corinne Riley said of the upcoming event, which is expected to take up two fl oors in the school complex, with the hope of drawing 500 visitors. “Having the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, the school district and all the participants who still want to be involved in supporting this even bigger and better event, defi nitely makes Saugus a welcoming and caring community. The ‘Saugus Someplace Special’ catchphrase has at times been used as a negative spin, but we are truly Someplace Special,” she said. 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The Saugus 411 Committee decided to partner with the Saugus Cultural Council, which organized the Saugus Cultural Festival last year. “The spirit of the first festival was about bringing the entire community together,” Saugus Cultural Council CoChair Victoria “Tori” Darnell said in an interview this week. “Partnering with the 411 Committee allows us to amplify this. This event will be a nice blend to celebrate the community,” she said. It was School Committee member Joseph “Dennis” Gould, a co-chair of the Cultural Council, who first suggested the idea of a Saugus Cultural Festival two years ago. “I have been impressed with the diversity of Saugus residents being able to speak 25 different languages and have been a strong supporter of the arts in Saugus in general, but more specifically Saugus Middle and High School students,” Gould told The Saugus Advocate last year. “I mentioned in one of my first Saugus Cultural Council meetings how I would love to organize a Cultural Festival to showcase Saugus’s diversity and arts, and the members of the council immediately supported this idea and the entire council embraced the idea of planning a festival.” Last year’s Cultural Festival featured about 30 different flags representing the native countries of the town’s immigrant residents, according to Darnell. Some of the sights, sounds and tastes of those nations will again be on display this year, as the event will feature ethnic food and entertainment. Three food vendors have already confirmed and will be serving up Haitian Creole food, American Soul-Southwestern food and Indian food. There are two more slots open for food vendors, Darnell said. Meanwhile, local businesses, nonprofit agencies and town representatives will have community/information tables set up for festival visitors to better orient them to what Saugus has to offer its residents. People at those tables will be available to answer questions. There will also be tables set up for health testing. At one table, physical therapists will test residents for balance. There will also be vision testing and resBrainstorming about the Saugus Community Festival this week in the Saugus Public Library Community Room were representatives of the Saugus Cultural Council and the Saugus 411 Committee. The festival is set for March 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Saugus Public Library. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) idents will be able to get their blood pressure checked. “Between the performers, food vendors and wellness groups, there will be 15 groups involved with the festival,” Darnell said. During a planning meeting held at the library this week to put the finishing touches on the event, several members of the Saugus 411 Committee and the Saugus Cultural Council shared their optimism about the festival. “We felt joining the Cultural Council would bring a lot more people into the school to see what the town has to offer,” said Jean Swanson, a member of the 411 Committee. Nive Amarnath called the event “a great way to do something special for the people of Saugus, especially to showcase what we have.” “To me, I think it’s especially-needed for the children,” said Amarnath, a member of the Cultural Council since 2023 and a town resident since 2010. Vanessa Dellheim, a Saugus native who has been on the Saugus Cultural Council for two years, called the festival a worthwhile event for people of all ages. “As a person and a mom, I want my children to have a sense of community,” Dellheim said. “There’s so much going on. But a lot of people don’t know what’s going on. So, this would be a good time for people to attend an event like this,” she said. Paul Mooney, a new volunteer working on the festival, noted that Saugus “is a world of diversity.” “An event like this lets kids know that everybody has a place at the table,” he said. Two local students who live in town – Juliana Arevalo, a senior at Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School in Wakefield, and Yunaris Tobis, a student at Pioneer Charter School of Science 2 in Saugus – designed a special logo for the festival. “As a student, it’s important for youth to be exposed to the diversity of this town,” Arevalo said. The Saugus Cultural Council is inviting members of the public to drop by the Community Room at the Saugus Public Library at 6 p.m. next Thursday (Feb. 26) to make their own square on a six by six inch sheet of multipurpose art paper. The purpose is for individuals to express themselves through any art medium they desire on what their identity of Saugus is through an individual perspective. This project, which has been labeled “The Bridge,” will weave together the diverse cultural identities and multigenerational stories of the Saugus Community. This community art project will consist of 250 squares to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. The removable art mural will be unveiled on March 21 at the Saugus Community Festival. “I’m looking for them to express their personal identity and how to make Saugus a better place,” Darnell said. ׉ 7cassandra://Nxpdw7dUR3e3b0hP8rsBgW0hIuFDtZTIVWFZov1Fmzs6`iN5tsj׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 3 Their Olympic moment Jackie Mercurio and her family have been in italy since last week, enjoying fi gure skating and USA hockey games By Mark E. Vogler skating, was accompanied by a small group of skating coachG etting to attend the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milano, Italy, over the past week was a childhood dream come true for Jackie Harris Mercurio. Joining Mercurio on the vacation trip were her husband, Scott, and her seven-year-old daughter, Pia. “Going to watch an Olympic Games was my bucket list adventure and I was super excited to share it with Pia,” Mercurio wrote in a text message to The Saugus Advocate this week. “It’s been on my bucket list since I was a little girl, and my parents gave me the opportunity to travel the world for my own skating! One of my trips to Switzerland I had the opportunity to visit the Olympic Museum in Lucerne with my coach that had lost her coachROOTING ON THE USA: Seven-year-old Pia Mercurio waved a miniature American fl ag, and she and her parents – Jackie and Scott Mercurio – cheered at an event in Milano, Italy, where they watched the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) es and skating family in the 1961 plane crash,” she said. “This really sparked my interest in sports history. Then I went on to graduate college with a degree in Sports Marketing where I had a passion for sports history, mostly for fi gure skating and hockey.” Mercurio, a lifelong figure skater who has spent more than two decades coaching es that she works with. “We are having an absolutely amazing trip fi lled with lots of fi gure skating events and USA hockey games,” Mercurio said. The Mercurios arrived in Italy shortly after the opening ceremonies last week and planned to fl y back home last night. Mercurio fi gured the Olympics Games dream trip would be a great experience for her daughter, whom she described as “a budding competitive fi gure skater that represents the North Shore Skating Club in OLYMPIC | SEE PAGE 4 Lawrence A. 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Vogler T he town has the authority to set a minimum age for children to ride e-bikes, which have become a major safety concern in recent months – leading to the E-Bike Forum earlier this month. But several offi cials, including Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini, have said recently that they don’t believe the town will try to establish an age ban on e-bikes. “The Police Department is going to ramp up enforcement and, hopefully, come up with a plan to at least get the ball rolling while we are waiting for the state regulations,” Cicolini said at last week’s (Feb. 12) Board of Selectmen’s meeting. “I think the appetite to have a permanent ban – a blanIf 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! 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And also planning to have police on the rail trail again on bicycles is going to go a decent way in allowing for enforcement and reduce some of the ‘near misses’ that are happening there.” Cicolini offered his opinion on a potential e-bike ban after a recent conversation with Saugus Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli. Many of the citizens who spoke at the Feb. 5 E-Bike Forum called for more aggressive enforcement of existing regulations. Police Chief Ricciardelli said his department will take an educational approach initially, but will seize e-bikes and take enforcement action if necessary. Saugonian attends Blessing of the Hands ceremony S aint Anselm College student Madi Femino from Saugus, Mass., a Nursing major in the class of 2028, attended the college’s treasured Blessing of the Hands ceremony. The Blessing of the Hands ceremony is a special tradition and major milestone for second-year nursing students at Saint Anselm. Family, friends and faculty gather in the college’s Abbey Church to support nursing students as they prepare to enter a clinical environment for the fi rst time. The ceremony marks the beginning of their clinical practice, a halfway point to pinning, and a step towards an impactful future in healthcare. Members of the monastery preside over the blessing and present each student the medal of Saint Raphael, patron saint of nurses. About Saint Anselm College: Founded in 1889, Saint Anselm College is a nationally ranked four-year liberal arts college providing a 21st-century education in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. Located in southern New Hampshire, Saint Anselm is well known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, commitment to inclusiveness, a highly successful nursing program and a legacy of community service. Saugonian achieves Bryant University’s 2025 President’s List C ongratulations to Bryant’s fall 2025 President’s List students, including Saugus resident Olivia Chaisson. The President’s List is an academic distinction reserved for Bryant’s highest achievers who earn a GPA of 4.0 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work. Olivia is a 2025 graduate of Saugus High School with a major in Business. OLYMPIC | FROM PAGE 3 North Reading.” “She attends Our Lady of the Assumption in Lynnfi eld as a fi rst grader. She has been competing since 3-years old and started skating at 18 months!” The Mercurios planned to attend a Quarter-Final Game for Men’s Hockey on Wednesday (Feb. 18). The USA team was scheduled to play Sweden. With a victory, the Americans would advance to the semi-fi - nals today. The Men’s Goal Medal Game is scheduled for Sunday (Feb. 22) morning, with the closing ceremonies scheduled for Sunday afternoon. ׉ 7cassandra://FT4EA3efqY9Ppr0zBkokyFQNUJuJ7oVcnjoMKa0qWm44"`iN5tsl׉E uTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 5 World Series Park will host Olympics Day Former Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan is on the guest list (Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by World Series Park this week.) O lympics Day at World Series Park in Saugus will be held September 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For nine years World Series Park has hosted a Special Olympics Day, raising $150,000 for Special Olympics. Superintendent of World Series Park Bob Davis said, “This type of event has great meaning and satisfaction, so we wanted to bring it back this year with different non-profit organizations. Challenger Baseball and Boys & Girls Club are those organizations that will take part.” A baseball tournament involving Challenger Baseball teams from the area will start at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m. the opening ceremony and parade of athletes will take place, emceed by Boston Celtics announcer Eddie Palladino. Gerry Agganis will throw out the first pitch. Nancy Kerrigan, a former Olympic medalist in figure-skating, will take part in the opening ceremony and will be available to meet and greet those in attendance. Other former Olympic medalists, including athletes who competed in this year’s Winter Olympics, will also participate. The Olympic athletes will be honored during the opening ceremony. Entertainment will start on the stage at 10 a.m. and will be provided by the Memory Laners featuring Howie “Sachmo” Conley, Beat ConnXtionz dancers, Just The Tree of Us, the Rosa Singers and Joey B-Bop. The entertainment portion will be emceed by Joey Barilone. The whole day will take on a festival atmosphere that KERRIGAN | SEE PAGE 11 PLEASANT ST. TAX 175 Pleasant Street, Malden Nancy Kerrigan, a former Olympic medalist in figure skating, will take part in Olympics Day opening ceremonies at World Series Park in Saugus on Sept. 26. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) 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 A Lynn Challenger baseball team (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) Grab this rate before it’s gone! LOCK-IN TODAY: 4.00% APY*24-Month CD *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. 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WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. ׉ 7cassandra://YUKzFnGs8TRfbVGJqD44Ey49GzokjLGxd-vpqKEFV8w7`iN5tsmiN5tsl rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Wpw4Mjp3NXV5Iaw5p7vkV1r1KOY8TNjh2tw0IV7AHycQ`'p׉ 7cassandra://Q-RDkOLXfC6YrDoNQ0JDeHqawli6Bwnc6Cs06rl6QZUͱ`׉ 7cassandra://NvqHeYIDzO9anPm1-VUMQDZqjE5JHWur-yXaohEM9aw5`iN5tsטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://S3-22xlRsVbiVtieucatw19VYSUBH9OPHwm-iCcatfU`'p׉ 7cassandra://c1J0ft4c2Dvg87bOZmobTd0Py1jgi_ZUbSSiILaHNlQĵ`׉ 7cassandra://yLabkwjedAKP6ZmZmUgCKptUWIkdZbsjRInknn6Ibt0@`iN5ts׉EPage 6 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Bluestein named new head coach for Saugus High football S By Dom Nicastro augus High School football assistant coach Greg Bluestein has been named the new head coach, taking over following the departure of Steve Cummings after seven seasons. Athletic Director Matthew Serino announced the hire this past week, turning to a familiar face within the program. Bluestein, a Saugus High School graduate (Class of 2008), served as the Sachems’ defensive coordinator before being elevated to associate head coach during the 2025 season. “We are excited to welcome Coach Bluestein into this role where his experience, passion, and commitment to excellence will help guide our football program forward,” Serino said. For Bluestein, the appointment represents a full-circle moment. “For me, this has been the goal since I decided I wanted to pursue coaching as a freshman at Saugus High School,” Bluestein said. “This is the only job I’ve ever really wanted.” Bluestein, 35, brings 14 years of high school coaching experience, including a decade at Everett High School, where he rose to defensive coordinator in 2018. He joined the Saugus staff in 2022 under Cummings and became associate head coach three years later. His roots in the town run deep: from Saugus Pop Warner through his playing days at Saugus High. “This is the school that I met my wife, Stephanie, when we were 16 and the school our three daughters will attend as well,” said Bluestein, who added that his assistant staff is TBD outside of former Everett player DJ MacDonald. Bluestein said his approach will emphasize fundamentals, discipline and consistency. “We New Saugus High School football Head Coach Greg Bluestein EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS JOB FAIR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026 EVERETT 5-7P PRE-REGISTER M HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA On-site interviews with EPS Principals and Administrators for current openings and opportunities for the 2026-2027 School Year. TEACHERS (ALL LEVELS) PARAPROFESSIONALS SPECIAL EDUCATION (ALL LEVELS) ENGLISH LEARNERS (ALL LEVELS) CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION BCBAs Job Openings are posted on School Spring SECURITY GUARDS CUSTODIANS are going to be fundamentally sound and incredibly disciplined,” he said. The transition follows Cummings’ decision to step down after the 2025 season, a choice he said was driven by family priorities. His son will be a junior on the Wakefield High School team this coming fall. Cummings took over the Sachems in 2019. “I just couldn’t wrap my head around not being able to be at his games because of my games,” Cummings said. Before arriving in Saugus, Cummings built a long coaching resume that included assistant stints at Framingham State (where he played), Canton, Sharon, Salem and Haverhill and head coach at Wakefield. Despite the demands of the Northeastern Conference with Saugus, Cummings said, his greatest satisfaction came from watching players grow beyond football. “The wins and losses are great,” he said. “But at the end of the day…did you help them figure it out in life?” Cummings expressed confidence in the program’s future under Bluestein. “I was a firm believer that you already had your next head coach in the building already,” he said. “Greg’s been an outstanding assistant coach.” Added Bluestein, “Coach Cummings is a man of great integrity who would constantNew Saugus High School football Head Coach Greg Bluestein is shown talking to his team during his tenure as assistant coach. ly check on the well-being of these kids, both in football and in life, and would make sure they knew they could come to him with any problem. I admire that and hope to continue building positive relationships with our student-athletes the same way he did.” Saugus football under Steve Cummings (2019– 2025) • 2019: 3–8. • 2020: no season (COVID-19). • 2021: 2–5. • 2022: 2–11. • 2023: 5–6. • 2024: 3–8. • 2025: 2–9. Greg Bluestein: coaching and background • Began coaching as a volunteer at Everett High School in 2012 • Named defensive coordinator at Everett High School in 2018 • Joined the Saugus High School staff as defensive coordinator in 2022 • Promoted to associate head coach at Saugus in 2025 • Named head coach at Saugus High School in 2026 • Played Saugus Pop Warner beginning at age seven • Four-year varsity football player at Saugus High School under Mike Broderick • President of Saugus Youth Football & Cheer last three years • Lifelong member of the Saugus community ׉ 7cassandra://NvqHeYIDzO9anPm1-VUMQDZqjE5JHWur-yXaohEM9aw5`iN5tsn׉EtTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 7 SHS Sachems Boys Basketball Team Host Senior Night SHS Sachems boys basketball Team held their Senior Night on Tuesday. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino David Perez was accompanied by his mother, Angela, his father, David, and his sister, Milly, during Tuesday’s Senior Night against the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Grand Knights. Jordan Rodriguez was accompanied by his mother Jessika, his father Jose, his brothers Isaiah and Zion, and his sister, Neveah. Ryan Shea was accompanied by his mother Gayle, his brother Daniel and his father, Christopher. Kam Conroy was accompanied by his grandmother Joyce, his mother, Karen, and his sister, Karina. Huey Josama was accompanied by his mother Benji Azor, brothers Ben and Hugino, and cousin, Naphtalie Lanfontant. Cristian Dean was accompanied by his mother Roberta and his father, Joseph. Isaiah Louis was accompanied by his mother Ashley Louis, his father, Clifton Louis, his uncle Fred, his uncle Alex, his aunt Vanessa, his cousin Biwil, his cousin Preston, his brothers Reginald, Ashton, and Austin, sisters Chloe, Christiana, and Izzy, his cousin T.J., his grandmother Mirline, and cousin, Axel. Nathan Soroko was accompanied by his mother Mary Kate, his father Josh, his sister Caitlin, his grandfather Bernie, his grandmother Patty, and his grandfather, Alan. ׉ 7cassandra://yLabkwjedAKP6ZmZmUgCKptUWIkdZbsjRInknn6Ibt0@`iN5tsoiN5tsn rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://oFXOh_-s-yiMqOpRNDHSOM1NIeoSPzQmfs1qAA48hqU":`'p׉ 7cassandra://yz6SQIT1IraULONvxcTlMjxci8EKadEme-UIu8ti4yo͹`׉ 7cassandra://-uhUhnAcsKnzamratA-ZUGCVu_3Hz62Nfh9qzhs_aDk5`iN5tsטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://s5R2OB0Zihl1T0yJ2vn6qobdmgKtQ7gLPkhPVHILmj4`'p׉ 7cassandra://s-QNel-9p1rTZ-DyJslBt2s11y2GC8ruLPOVi2kA1jU͸`׉ 7cassandra://nsbyZtprl0JBJEkrEDkZL7kDQiCDwb5QErMGNVxWNWE1`iN5tsנiN5ts x̕9ׁH mailto:questions@savvysenior.orgׁ ׁ ЈנiN5ts zX̦9ׁHhttp://Medicare.gov/coverageׁ ׁ ЈנiN5ts~̐9ׁHmailto:tino24@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 The Sounds of Saugus By Mark E. Vogler Good morning, Saugus It’s about that time again for another cycle of Saugus government to kick into gear with the process for adopting a new municipal budget – this one for the 2027 Fiscal Year that begins on July 1. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree is expected to present his proposed FY 27 budget to the Board of Selectmen next Tuesday morning. The Finance Committee will begin its review of all department budgets and other municipal accounts shortly after. The Annual Town Meeting will convene on Monday, May 4, to tackle a number of items, the major one being the passage of the FY 27 budget. In next week’s edition and each week leading up to the Annual Town Meeting, The Saugus Advocate will sample the opinion of all 50 Town Meeting members on what they think should be the major town issues and issues in their respective 10 Precincts. Stay tuned Saugus United Parish Food Pantry The Saugus United Parish Food Pantry will be open today (Friday, Feb. 20) from 9:3011 a.m. at 50 Essex St. in the basement of Cliftondale ConLegion Breakfast on Fridays There’s a good breakfast deal for Saugus veterans and other folks who enjoy a hearty breakfast on Friday mornings. This week’s “Shout Outs” We did not receive any recommendations from our readers this week. The editor nominates two very civic-minded Saugus residents for special recognition – William Leuci and Stephanie Shalkoski – both who are being honored with Stewardship Awards on Monday (Feb. 23) at the Annual Meeting of the Saugus River Watershed Council. Here’s a collective “Shout Out” for all speakers and local town officials responsible for the Feb. 5 E-Bike Forum held in the second-floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. Want to “Shout Out” a fellow Saugonian? This is an opportunity for our Musician Chris D’Agostino will be performing at an Artisan Marketplace at 11 a.m. on March 14 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The crafts fair will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) 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 For details, go to www.saugusriver.org. This month’s Fireside Chats at Breakheart Speakers for the Fireside Chats held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. at Breakheart Reservation in the Visitors’ Center (177 Forest St., Saugus) are as follows: Tomorrow, Feb. 21: Sean Riley, stewardship research biologist, and Lis Kernana, shorebird protection coordinator. Feb. 28: JP Patton, staff archeologist, and Leah Hopkins, indigenous peoples partnership coordinator. Fireside Chats require no walking, just sitting inside with a cozy fire! A UNITED FRONT: A group of town officials and participants in the E-Bike Forum held in the second-floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall took a curtain call at the end of the Feb. 5 event. It was a night when top town officials and the members of the state legislative delegation gathered for serious discussion of how the town should approach an important public safety issue. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) gregational Church. The food pantry welcomes all neighbors facing food insecurity on Friday mornings. Volunteers are also welcome. Please call the Food Pantry Office at 781233-2663 or go to the website (cliftondalecc.org) for details. 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. a paragraph; anything longer might lend itself to a story and/or a photo. ‘The Fashions of Downton Abbey’ tomorrow The Saugus Public Library will host “The Fashions of Downton Abbey” tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 21) at 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Guests who registered are invited to watch an informative presentation about the lives and fashions of the residents of Downton Abbey. The library is promoting the event as an opportunity to travel through time while exploring the styles of 1912 through the 1920s. Presenting the Program is Karen Antonowicz of Spirits of Fashion. Register online at sauguspubliclibrary.org SRWC Annual Meeting Feb. 23 The Saugus River Watershed Council will host its Annual Dinner Meeting on Monday (Feb. 23) 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. Pen to Paper writing workshop The library’s monthly “Pen to Paper” writing workshop – led by Laura Eisener – which usually takes place on the third Tuesday of each month, will be held on the fourth Tuesday, February 24, for this month only so as not to conflict with Mardi Gras and Chinese New Year events. The writing workshop is held in the Brooks Room from 6:307:30 p.m. and is free and open to any writers who would like to participate, no preregistration required. This and other events are listed on the library’s website Events calendar: https://www.sauguspubliclibrary.org/events/ Saugus Democrats caucus March 4 Please join the Saugus Democrats’ caucus on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Italian American Club (1 Beachview Ave. in Saugus). We will be selecting delegates for the Democratic State Convention happening in Worcester, Mass., at the DCU Center on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30. St. John’s will host March 14 craft fair St. John’s Episcopal Church will host an Artisan Marketplace on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 8 Prospect St. in Saugus. The Marketplace will feature talentSOUNDS | SEE PAGE 9 ׉ 7cassandra://-uhUhnAcsKnzamratA-ZUGCVu_3Hz62Nfh9qzhs_aDk5`iN5tsp׉EcTHE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 9 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 8 ed local artisans off ering a variety of exquisite, handcrafted items. Shoppers will fi nd unique gifts for birthdays, Mother’s and Father’s Day and anniversaries, or special touches for the home. Visitors are invited to enjoy refreshments from the snack bar and a special 11 a.m. appearance by musician Chris D’Agostino, a Boston-based singer-songwriter, keyboardist and guitarist. He covers musical genres across various decades: rock, pop, soul and folk. Children ages 10 and under may register from 12:15 p.m.-12:45 p.m. to participate in a 1:00 p.m. Easter egg hunt. Coach T’s spring track program Plans are in the works for the Saugus Sachems Youth Spring Track Program for 2026. Here’s the basic information. Who: Grades K-6th. Where: Belmonte Track. When: 4:00-5:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – May 19-June 11. This program is geared toward new track and fi eld athletes. It will prepare them for the larger-scale summer camp. Cost: $150 fi rst year, $75 if returning. For any questions, further information or to register, please contact Coach Christopher Tarantino (Coach T) at 781854-6778 or christophertarantino24@gmail.com Sa nr Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller What Medicare Won’t Pay For in 2026 Dear Savvy Senior, To avoid any future health care surprises, can you tell me what original Medicare doesn’t cover in 2026? New Benefi ciary Dear Benefi ciary, It a great question. While origCAR LOAN INTEREST DEDUCTION I ncluded as part of the Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress on July 4, 2025, was a provision in the tax code allowing for a deduction for certain car loan interest. The deduction is limited to $10,000 for qualifying new car loans for cars purchased in 2025 through 2028. The new car must be assembled in the United States. This deduction is based on the personal use percentage. You do not have to use the new car 100% of the time for personal use in order to claim this deduction. This deduction can be taken even if you claim a standard deduction and do not itemize your deductions. It is a below the line deduction similar to the “no tax on overtime” deduction, the “no tax on tips” deduction and the “no tax on social security” deduction. The car loan must originate after December 31, 2024 and must be secured by the new car. The loan must be taken out to purchase the new car. The new car must also have inal Medicare (Part A and B) covers a wide array of health care services after you turn 65, it doesn’t cover everything. If you need or want certain serlender should provide you with a statement reporting the interest paid on the car loan for calendar year 2025. If you use the new car for personal use for 50% of the time, you can claim 50% of the interest paid on Schedule 1-A. The interest expense attributed to the other 50% that you use the car for business purposes would be deductible on Schedule C, Profi t or Loss a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,000 pounds. A full deduction can be taken for a single fi ler with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) less than $100,000 and for joint fi lers with MAGI less than $200,000. Once your income exceeds these thresholds, the deduction begins to be phased out. It is completely phased out for a single fi ler once MAGI reaches $150,000 and for joint fi lers once MAGI reaches $250,000. The deduction is claimed on Schedule 1-A of Form 1040. You should include the vehicle identifi cation number. Your From Business. The vehicle identification number is located on the title of the vehicle and is on the car registration form as well. It is also located on the driver’s side door or on the driver’s side of the dashboard. You will need to insert the VIN number in order to claim the deduction in Part IV, on line 22a of Schedule 1-A. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a masters degree in taxation. vices that aren’t covered, you’ll have to pay for them yourself unless you have other insurance, or you enroll in a Medicare Advantage health plan, which may provide some additional benefi ts. Here’s a look at some commonly needed medical services that original Medicare doesn’t pick up the tab for. Most dental care: Routine dental care including checkups, cleanings, x-rays, fi llings, root canals, tooth extractions and dentures are not covered by original Medicare. Routine vision care: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses (except following cataract surgery), but tests, treatments and surgeries for medical eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration are covered. Hearing aids: Original Medicare will not pay for hearing exams or hearing aids but may cover a hearing and balance exam if your doctor determines it’s necessary. Prescription drugs: Medicare (Part A and B) doesn’t provide coverage for outpatient prescription drugs, but you can buy a separate Part D prescription-drug policy that does. Alternative medicine: Acupuncture (except to treat low back pain), chiropractic services (except to correct a vertebral subluxation of the spine), and other types of alternative or complementary care are not covered by Medicare. Cosmetic surgery: Most cosmetic procedures are not covered, however, if the surgery is due to an injury or deformity, it might pay. For example, Medicare will cover a breast prosthesis for breast cancer survivors. Foot care: Medicare does not cover most routine foot care, like the cutting or removing of corns, calluses and toenails. But they do cover medically necessary podiatrist services for foot problems like hammertoes, bunion and heel spurs, along with exams, treatments and therapeutic shoes or inserts if you have diabetic foot problems. Long-term care: Nursing home care and assisted living facilities are not covered by Medicare. But Medicare will help pay up to 100 days of skilled nursing or rehabilitation care immediately following a hospital stay of three or more days. Personal home care: If you need to hire help for bathing, dressing or getting out of bed, Medicare typically won’t cover these costs either, unless you are homebound and are also receiving skilled nursing care. Housekeeping services, such as shopping, meal preparation and cleaning are not covered either unless you are receiving hospice care. Adult diapers: Medicare does not cover the cost of adult diapers or other incontinence supplies. These items are considered to be for personal hygiene rather than medical treatment. Overseas coverage: In most cases, health care outside of the United States is not covered by Medicare except for very limited circumstances – such as on a cruise ship within six hours of a U.S. port. The best way to fi nd out what original Medicare covers is to talk to your health care provider, visit Medicare.gov/coverage and type in your test, item or service, or download the Medicare “What’s covered” app on the App Store or Google Play. Also keep in mind that even if Medicare covers a service or item, they don’t pay 100 percent of the cost. You will have to pay a monthly Part B premium (which is $202.90 for most benefi ciaries in 2026) and unless you have supplemental insurance, you’ll have to pay your annual deductibles and copayments too. However, most preventive services are covered 100 percent by Medicare with no copays or deductibles. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior. org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nior ior ׉ 7cassandra://nsbyZtprl0JBJEkrEDkZL7kDQiCDwb5QErMGNVxWNWE1`iN5tsqiN5tsp rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://FyW_RuClNjHnn0TXrylJilIXwRE_4e7HmphR9lx4WbM`'p׉ 7cassandra://8Mdu4dQoaiiVPO9jCBayLFpYcNJs3w0HX9Ki6Mb5XTAͧ*`׉ 7cassandra://hnhMisfmHWwPkMFxdAxztBWbV5q7JDtvGRCcAmxfBAk1O`iN5tsטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Ux6HRQITXRyXJljnyFHj9CORDFYMaCFCm58AUoJ1Wl0B5`'p׉ 7cassandra://EmuDzTqTsSu0KknQ8fk9LPj9QZtfHSi-bxpTJvkz76M²`׉ 7cassandra://KtBkwUQ99SwqkljHHygv1EQAB1Ogux1SLzRvjqKPZQU7`iN5ts׉E1Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 ~ SHS Sachems Winter Sports roundup ~ SACHEMS SHINE: WRESTLING WINS SECTIONAL TITLE, BOYS HOOPS CLINCHES TOURNEY, GIRLS SWEEP SWAMPSCOTT, HOCKEY BATTLES DOWN STRETCH By Dom Nicastro F ebruary is separating the good from the great across Saugus winter sports — and this past week delivered championship banners, milestone wins and postseason berths. From a historic wrestling sectional crown to a boys basketball team punching its tournament ticket, the Sachems are peaking at the right time. The Peabody-Saugus-Swampscott hockey co-op is grinding through a tight finish with two games left. WRESTLING: SAUGUS/ PEABODY MAKES HISTORY AT DIVISION 2 NORTH The Saugus/Peabody wrestling coop captured the Division 2 North Sectional Championship, marking the first sectional title in either school’s history. Head coach Wayne Moda was also named Division 2 Coach of the Year. “I was very proud of the effort put forth by the entire team,” Moda said. “From the first match to the very last match, they were locked in and focused on winning the championship. This sectional championship is the first in either school’s history.” Wrestlers finishing first through fourth qualified for states; fifth-place finishers earned alternate spots. Three champions led the way: Cesar Cruz (Saugus High School) won the 165-pound title in dramatic fashion, earning his championship in overtime. Jackson Deleidi (Peabody High School) captured the 132-pound title with a pin in 1:32 in the finals. Justin Bremberg (Saugus High School) claimed the 157-pound championship. “I was very proud of Saugus’ Cesar Cruz for winning in overtime at the 165-pound weight class,” Moda said. “Jackson Deleidi of Peabody, at 132, wrestled great and won his match against a very tough Melrose opponent by pinfall.” Justin Bremberg of Saugus claimed the 157-pound Division 2 North championship. Other top finishers: Jake Murray (Saugus) — 2nd at 120 J.J. Figueroa (Peabody) — 2nd at 190 Michael Maraio (Peabody) — 2nd at 150 Jaden Ceac (Peabody) — 3rd at 175 Camdyn Lanning (Peabody) — 4th at 113 Chris Brown (Peabody) — 5th at 126 SPECIAL OFFER Safety. Style. Stress-Free Installation. CALL NOW 1.877.357.6691 FREE Fixtures and FREE Shower Door Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/31/26. (alternate) Jose Carrillo (Saugus) — 6th at 215 Lukas Fondulis (Saugus) — 6th at 144 “I’m looking forward to see how our qualifiers do at the state level,” Moda said. “If we wrestle well, I believe we have a shot.” BOYS BASKETBALL: SACHEMS CLINCH STATE TOURNAMENT BERTH Last week, head coach Joe Bertrand said his team “controls its own destiny.” They proved it. Saugus rattled off four straight wins to improve from 7-8 to 11-8 — clinching a Division 3 state tournament berth for the first time since 2023. They’d won eight of their last nine heading into the season finale — the championship matchup against Hamilton-Wenham in a season-ending tourney Feb. 17. It began with a 59-31 senior night win over Northeast Regional. Jordan Rodriguez led with 11 points, followed by Ryan Shea (10) and Huey Josama and Ryan Dupuy (nine apiece). Then came a 64-55 comeback win over Peabody after trailing by six at halftime. Rodriguez scored 18, Josama 17, Dupuy 14, with Oliver Hernandez and Kam Conroy adding key contributions. Cesar Cruz of Saugus won the 165-pound title in dramatic fashion, earning his Division 2 North championship in overtime. The biggest statement came in an 8161 win over Gloucester to secure the program’s 10th win. Josama erupted for 30 points, Shea added 22, and Rodriguez chipped in 15. Saugus followed with a 78-67 win over North Attleboro in the Patton Tournament, fueled by Josama (21), Rodriguez (19), Nathan Soroko (13) and Shea (10). After seven wins last season and four the year before, this year’s group has taken a significant step forward. HOCKEY: PSS GRINDING THROUGH FINAL STRETCH The Peabody-Saugus-Swampscott boys hockey team sits at 7-10-1 with two games left after an up-and-down stretch. “The past few games we had were really up and down,” coach Donnie Shaw said. “But we’ve worked hard but sometimes our attention to detail changes.” PSS defeated Masconomet, 5-2, in what Shaw called “a great clean game, solid all around.” Nick Armata (Peabody) scored his first varsity goal, and Swampscott’s Dom Pappalardo “played phenomenal” in net. In a tight 2-1 loss to Marblehead, Peabody’s Evan Tybinkowski started strong before exiting with injury. Pappalardo stepped in and made 17 saves. After a tough 7-1 loss to Gloucester, PSS bounced back with a 7-2 win over Lowell. Saugus’ John Morello recorded a goal and three assists, while Swampscott’s Jason Rothwell “had a rip from the ROUNDUP | SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://hnhMisfmHWwPkMFxdAxztBWbV5q7JDtvGRCcAmxfBAk1O`iN5tsr׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 11 Saugus Gardens in the Winter Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable By Laura Eisener W hile the snow we have had for several weeks was somewhat dry for snowman building, Kevin the ornamental goose has been dressed as a snowman (or should I say snow goose) with “coal” buttons, a black top hat and a beautiful blue hand-knitted scarf. She seems to have lost her hat in the snow recently; perhaps it will reappear by spring as the snow piles melt. Kevin has a friend nearby: a gnome whose handsome hat seems to be created by the same knitter, sitting on a ledge up against the house. It is a cheerful sight in winter to see them as you walk or drive through Lynnhurst. The most interesting seasonal changes as you walk through town this week may be the phases of water; over the course of a day or two you can frequently see, and sometimes even hear, water changing from liquid to solid and vice versa as temperatures go up and down near the freezing mark. Often on a sunny day if you stop and listen you can hear dripping as ice and snow melts. The icicles I photographed a few weeks ago are somewhat smaller as daytime temperatures rise above freezing. Some icicles on the southwest corner of my roof fell onto the ledge below and are now pointing up at crazy angles like spikes. On the northeast side, the icicles are shorter now and their shape and texture have changed; instead of being ribbed on the sides they are smooth but very slightly wavy, and you can see bubbles and a few cracks where the freezing and thawing has formed them into new patterns. On this side they are warmed a bit by the morning sun, but by the time the day has reached its highest temperatures they are back in the shade, and any dripping water has refrozen. The southwest facing icicles in the photo above are the ones that get afternoon light, and frequently at midday they cast shadows on the siding and may be for a short while also reflected in the windows. Heavy icicles over a walkway or entrance area can be GARDEN | SEE PAGE 12 he Saugus Mid - dle-High School Ski and Board Club is again hitting the slopes this winter, with the help of WIN Waste Innovations. WIN Waste again made a $10,000 donation that covers most of the transportation costs for the weekly ski trips, reducing fees so that more students could afford to be a part of the experience, according to Jill Lauziere, a parent volunteer who coordinates the Ski and Board Club. “The transportation is so expensive,” Lauziere said. “We need coach buses to carry all the equipment. The support from WIN is giving kids an opportunity they might not KERRIGAN | FROM PAGE 5 will include raffles, a moon bounce, antique cars, booths, carnival games, hayrides, costumed characters and a large variety of food and drink. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The rain date ROUNDUP | FROM PAGE 10 point and put on a defensive masterclass,” Shaw said. Okoye captures Division 5 state title in 55-meter hurdles Saugus High School senior Destiny Okoye continues to elevate her already standout track career — this time on the otherwise have.” The Saugus students and 8-10 adult chaperones travel to Pat’s Peak in Henniker, N.H. on five Mondays in January and February. They leave the middle-high school at approximately 1:30 p.m. and return at about 8:30, giving them about four hours on the slopes. “This is a program that Pat’s Peak runs and we participate in,” said Lauziere, adding that while some students have prior experience, others learn to ski or snow board over the course of the program. Lauziere, who is in her fourth year running the club, said WIN Waste has covered the cost of transportation all six years it has been in exiswill be the next day, Sunday, September 27. World Series Park is proud to again sponsor this type of event with all proceeds going to Challenger Baseball and Boys & Girls Club. Donations from businesses and individbiggest stage. Okoye won the 55-meter hurdles at the Division 5 State Championship meet, earning the title of Division 5 state champion and adding another major accomplishment to her résumé. Okoye has been a consistent force for the Sachems in sprint Pictured holding skis, parent volunteer who coordinates the Ski and Board Club Jill Lauziere, and WIN Waste Plant Manager Elliott Casey. (Courtesy photo) tence. “We value the strong partnerships we have across the Saugus community,” said Mary Urban, Senior Director of Communications & Comuals can be made prior to that day and will be acknowledged at the event. A fish bowl will be available for donations at the event. All checks should be made payable to World Series Park, 8 Holden Ave., Saugus, MA 01906. and hurdle events throughout her high school career, regularly delivering podium finishes in league and sectional competition. Her explosiveness out of the blocks and technical precision over the hurdles have long made her one of the most dynamic athletes in the Northeastern Conference. munity at WIN Waste Innovations. “We’re proud to support parents and teachers who give students access to extracurricular activities that encourage growth beyond academics and help build stronger communities.” FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT A red-bellied woodpecker is one of the larger birds that visits my feeder in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) WIN Waste donation sends Saugus students to the slopes T 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 ׉ 7cassandra://KtBkwUQ99SwqkljHHygv1EQAB1Ogux1SLzRvjqKPZQU7`iN5tssiN5tsr rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://6HacRYPCKdNzZx-T8aKpxwS61WUKs1A6H972HfRuWuA`'p׉ 7cassandra://gVVQ0SmdUy2o2WhV4t8QdBndQf9u98dULCvR5FE9cmIə`׉ 7cassandra://R6tv_ITVmn8N51a0CWiM5cohNXGW7OjRYujTlEE4luE99`iN5tsטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://NbfeMtt_uRBw8KSJhveWswNUKlyRZ77Up4bEC4bWq0Y`'p׉ 7cassandra://0zQmENzJ9neuQk3B_A71eJV29YzOZ59ZgdCtZwwliHYҤ`׉ 7cassandra://FA95E41V7vDAhCerQHuTYzmE1_PgZosAPRpQAnoR3eY=`iN5tsנiN5tsw|9ׁHhttp://www.mastrocola.comׁ ׁ ЈנiN5tse9ׁHmailto:Johntoughbuild@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנiN5ts9ׁHhttp://Toughbuildmasonry.comׁ ׁ ЈנiN5ts ]9ׁH!http://www.americanexteriorma.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EgPage 12 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 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 Climaco, Transito Ramos, Rogerio Smyth, Noel BUYER2 Lopez, Jose A Rocha, Gerlane R SELLER1 Hennessy, Patricia A Santos, Aurelio M Silva, Malcom OBITUARIES East Boston, he was the son of the late Maria Nickalina (Capo) Goulet and Leo P. Goulet Sr. Leo was a film technician for Polaroid film manufacturing for 50 years. Leo loved to sit in the sun, as well as baking, singing, and listening to music. He has been a Saugus resident for the last 50 years. Besides his wife Leo is survived by his four children, Jon Goulet and his wife Jill of PeaLeo P. Goulet, Jr. O f Saugus, formerly of East Boston. Died on February 14, 2026, at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. He was the husband of Margaret A. (Doto) Goulet with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Revere and raised in GARDEN | FROM PAGE 11 dangerous if they fall suddenly when someone is beneath them, and they also can contribute to the slipperiness of steps, as the fallen icicles melt and refreeze in the evening. In body, Michael Goulet of Portland, ME, Stacey and Stephanie Goulet both of Saugus. Leo is also survived by three grandchildren; Derek, David, and Danielle; and 6 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother John Goulet of Ocala, FL. Relatives and friends were invited to attend visiting hours in the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, Saugus, on Wednesaddition to roof edges, they can form on branches and undercarriages of cars, and one morning I went out and saw them hanging from the bottom of my front license plate, as the snow had melted while the hood was warmed by the sun, then day, February 18. A funeral was held from the funeral home on Thursday followed by a funeral mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, Saugus. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. John O’Donnell A ge 89, of S augus , M assa - chusetts, passed away peacefully on February 11 after a brief illness. Born in Boston in 1936, John was raised in South Boston and Dorchester before making his home in Saugus, where he lived for 55 years and became a well-loved presence in his neighborhood. He was a graduate of Boston College High School and Curry College, and a proud veteran of the United States Army. John was also a longtime refroze as they dripped down into the shade at the car’s undercarriage. While icicles can form any time the temperatures are cold enough, my own experience over the last several years shows that February could be what was patented? 9. On Feb. 22, 1732, what president was born who was a surveyor? 1. What author born in Malden wrote over 80 works starting with “The Case of the…”? 2. Jiminy Cricket sang “When You Wish Upon a Star” in what 1940 film based on an Italian children’s novel? 3. On Feb. 20, 1902, what photographer of the American West and environmentalist was born? 4. In what 1968 movie is the leader of the bad guys called His Blueness? 5. What kind of containers did Native Americans use to harvest maple sap? 6. On Feb. 21, 1931, Alka Seltzer was introduced; it was inspired by a combination of aspirin and what baking ingredient? 7. In what Steinbeck novel would you find the Joad family? 8. In 1916, in Mayfield, N.Y., the gooseneck system of harvesting 10. In what sport are the terms MFH, whipper-in and gone to ground? 11. What is bloatware? 12. On Feb. 23, 1936, the first U.S. mail delivery by what method was made? 13. What was the name of Our Gang’s dog: Max, Pete or Pluto? 14. In 1925 what Turkish hat (same name as a Moroccan city) was outlawed? 15. On Feb. 24, 1938, DuPont started producing nylon toothemployee of Shawmut Bank and Commercial Union Insurance, where he was an admired co-worker. John was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maria, with whom he shared 57 devoted years of marriage before her passing. He is survived by his sons, Stephen O’Donnell and Stephen’s longtime partner, Elaine Courtney; and Sean O’Donnell and his wife, Lisa. He is also survived by his cherished granddaughters, Katherine, Abby and Kelsey and Katherine’s fiancé Nick Maguire. A passionate Boston sports fan, John followed the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and especially the Bruins with unwavering loyalty. But his greatest sports love was the Boston Braves, called icicle month, since there are more of them and they last longer than in any other month of the year in our climate. Often this coincides with the start of tapping the sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum), since in Saugus and adjacent towns the brush bristles; what fiber type had been used? 16. How did NYC’s Wall Street (once known as “the Belt”) get its name? 17. What kind of animal is an argonaut (also called paper nautilus)? 18. On Feb. 25, 1908, what tunnel (now to be reconstructed) between Manhattan and Hoboken opened? 19. What pair starred in “The Big Sleep,” “Key Largo” and “To Have and Have Not”? 20. On Feb. 26, 1954, a Quincy newspaper became the first in the U.S. to use what? whose departure from Boston in 1953 broke his heart. When having a conversation, John would often find a way to get talking about his beloved Boston Braves and their star pitcher Warren Spahn. John also found great joy in the music of the Big Band Era, particularly the timeless sound of Glenn Miller. He was a devoted fan of classic films from the 1930s, 40s and 50s, often revisiting the golden age of cinema with fond appreciation. John never met a dog he didn’t like, and his kindness extended to neighbors, friends, and strangers alike. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the animal shelter of your choice. temperatures were right for the start of sugaring season just before Valentine’s Day. It will continue until the night temperatures rise above freezing. The dates vary a bit from year to GARDEN | SEE PAGE 13 ANSWERS SELLER2 Obrien, Charles E ADDRESS 9 Douglas Rd 47 School St 32 Staaf Rd CITY Saugus Saugus Saugus DATE 01.30.26 01.27.26 01.29.26 PRICE 640000 670000 575000 1. Erle Stanley Gardner 2. “Pinocchio” 3. Ansel Adams 4. “Yellow Submarine” (Its Blue Meanies are the bad guys.) 5. Birch bark 6. Baking soda 7. “The Grapes of Wrath” 8. Maple sap (“a metal gravity-fed pipeline system”) 9. George Washington 10. Fox hunting (meaning Master of Fox Hounds, a hunt assistant, and the fox is hiding in the earth, respectively) 11. Pre-installed computer software that is unwanted 12. Rocket/parachute mail 13. Pete 14. Fez (The “Hat Law” was created to emulate modern style, but it has not been enforced.) 15. Reportedly, neck hair from wild pigs in China, Poland and Siberia 16. In the 1600s a wooden palisade and a path were built between the Hudson and East Rivers to protect from attacks; the wall was torn down but the path became Wall Street. 17. Octopus 18. Hudson River Tunnel 19. Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart 20. Photo engraving (typesetting) ׉ 7cassandra://R6tv_ITVmn8N51a0CWiM5cohNXGW7OjRYujTlEE4luE99`iN5tst׉E THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 13 GARDEN | FROM PAGE 12 year, and Breakheart Reservation’s popular Maple Sugarin’ Day will be March 14 this year. During the great backyard bird count last weekend (Feb. 13-16) I counted six dark-eyed juncos, two blue jays, one tufted titmouse, one black-capped chickadee, one white-breasted nuthatch, three mourning doves, two house sparrows and three squirrels in a 15-minute period on Monday while I was sitting cozily indoors drinking my coffee. The juncos were mostly foraging on the ground, but a few perched in a shrub nearby and then grabbed a seed or two from the feeder before flying off. The sparrows live in the birdhouse that hangs in the silver maple (Acer saccharinum) near the street. The squirrels were running up and down the tree trunk, more interested in each other than in the birdseed. A bit later in the morning, a 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 Camy’s Home Improvement 781-813-5971 Painting, Drywall & Wall Repair February Special $300 a Room (Stock not included) Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) came to the feeder and grabbed some peanuts. This is a large woodpecker, mostly black and white on the back and wings. The belly is actually mostly white with a pinkish blush rather than the bright red that its common name would suggest. Males have more red on the top of their head than females — females have some bright red on the nape of their neck and a small reddish patch just above their beak, but their crowns are white or pale gray. Icicles, their shadows and reflections are seen on various buildings around town. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) • Basement Renovation & Restoration • Bathroom Remodeling • All Aspects of Carpentry • Chimneys Rebuilt/Repaired • Roofing & Siding Installed/Repaired • Masonry Repairs • Foundation Leaks Repaired • Waterproofing We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! • Interior Painting & Much More Free Estimates & Consultation Fully Licensed & Insured 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. 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Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX 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: $3,000 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 7 Adams Avenue, Saugus, MA 01906 List Price: $589,900 Listed by Lori Johnson: Cell: 781.718.7409 Inviting 6-room Colonial offering a warm and welcoming feel with nicely updated features throughout. The renovated eat-in kitchen boasts quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stylish laminate flooring, skylight, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. A spacious, sun-filled living room opens to the formal dining room featuring a charming built-in hutch, adding period character. The second floor offers three bedrooms (one without a closet) and a nicely updated full bath. Additional features include hardwood flooring, mini-split ductless A/C, front and back porches, and a fenced yard with patio area. Conveniently located near public transportation, Saugus Center, Cliftondale Square, schools, Route 1 shopping and dining, and just 20 minutes to Boston.de in-unit laundry in the basement & two-car parking 781.231.9800 808 Main St, Unit A, Malden - Rental Rental List Price: $2,400 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 All Newly Renovated 4 Room/1+ bedrooms/1 bathroom unit that is located around the corner from Oak Grove "T" Station! 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FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR SALE FOR SALE ׉ 7cassandra://ULW5H0BCQn9TzJuOLYvnl18oKsT1VqcoKiztjHUEIqg2;`iN5tsv׉E:THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 Page 15 ׉ 7cassandra://E7NlxTB5zmlqnl98E9pUBoC0Z_INFTVHyFhcHjzbA4851`iN5tswiN5tsv rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://0RcLHVeIzZ_bC-yDaW1dYIblQ_DxkW4xdt40238Xz3w6`'p׉ 7cassandra://iiRiE2UwCPS1nJf4eZcZuQTLzei1g2e3D7qCvrP8aIg͙@`׉ 7cassandra://HThJeM6b2hCnkKYQLusNjaEE8hdp4PZlL51mBsaTgmg3 `iO5tsנiO5tsr9ׁHhttp://COMMONMOVES.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, FEbrUAry 20, 2026 # 1 Listing & Selling Office in Saugus “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” ~ Free Market Evaluations ~ LYNNFIELD $2,499,900 UNIQUE Mixed use property, 4 bedroom home plus rear building, great corner lot with ample off street parking, many possibilities! Call for details. CANTON $899,900 10 room, 6 bedroom, 2 ½ bath single family home featuring central air, 1 car oversized garage, inground pool, many updated. 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