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Advocate Newspapers, Everett, MA (2025)

07/17/2025

UMass Amherst Announces Spring 2025 Dean’s List of Saugus Residents

The following students were named to the Spring 2025 Dean’s List at the University of Massachusetts Amherst: Serena Cacciola, Rayan Chahid, Mikayla Hashem, Isabella Henriques, Sophia Jiang, Kiara LoNigro, Karen Maradiaga Mendoza, Lily Nguyen, Hannah O’Brien, Safwan Rahman, Siddhi Sharma, Kyle Surette, Nadine Taboubi, Marianna Tamayo Palacio, Dominic Trabucco.
Students are appointed to the Dean’s List at the end of a semester in which they have completed a minimum of 12 graded credits and have earned a grade point average of 3.500 or better.

07/17/2025

The Bands of Summer Continue

Coco Brown & The Invitation kick off the concert season

By Laura Eisener

Coco Brown & The Invitation attracted a good crowd to the first free concert of the summer season at the Saugus Iron Works on July 9. Despite a rain shower early in the day, by concert time the weather was pleasant, with a refreshing breeze from 6 to 8 p.m. If you missed the concert, you can catch it on our local cable channel or on YouTube, thanks to Saugus Cable TV.
This marks the fourth consecutive summer that the Saugus Public Library and the National Park Service are collaborating on a local outdoor event that seems to get more popular every year. The concert series celebrates local musical talents in Essex County and creates opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the park during evening hours. Shows begin at 6 p.m. each Wednesday evening in July and August. People can bring blankets and chairs, snacks, etc. The events take place on the stage behind the museum building, and spectators can settle down on the upper lawn. It is suitable for all ages. Restrooms are available until nearly 8 p.m. when the concerts conclude.
If weather looks bad for any particular Wednesday, concert goers are urged to check the library website (www.sauguspubliclibrary.org) for an update for cancellations on that day.
The Memorylaners, a longtime local favorite that plays a variety of music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, was scheduled to perform this week (Wednesday, July 16). Here is the rest of the schedule for the summer:
• July 23: Squeezebox Stompers (Cajun, Zydeco, Blues & Folk).
• July 30: Atwater~Donnelly (Traditional American & Celtic Folk Music, Percussive Dance).
• August 6: Ditto (Acoustic Music, 60s & 70s).
• August 13: John Jerome (Rock, Pop, Country, Hip-Hop).
• August 20: Jon Waterman (a journey through the roots of American popular music).
• August 27: Jump Street (Classic Rock, Motown, Jazz and Funk).

CUTLINE:

Saugus Public Library Director Alan Thibeault welcomed Coco Brown & The Invitation to the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site at the first concert of the 2025 summer season. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

07/17/2025

Saugus Gardens in the Summer

Here’s what’s blooming in town this week to make your walks more enjoyable

By Laura Eisener

Most of the hydrangeas we see in gardens are species that come from Asia, but there are also a few that are native to North America that are very worthwhile garden plants. The most readily available native species is smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), which typically has white flowers. In the wild, the flower clusters are lace cap style, which means small fertile blossoms in the middle of the cluster and showier sterile flowers with larger petals around the outside of the cluster. It is named after the round lace caps that used to be popular for ladies to wear, but I usually describe this form as looking like a doily. The popular cultivated varieties tend to have more sterile flowers, and in many cases all of the flowers are sterile, resulting in a large nearly globe shaped flower cluster in a style known as mophead or hortensia. Some other hydrangea species also have varieties showing these styles of flower cluster, like the bigleaf hydrangeas that were in this column last week. Plants with mophead flower types need to be reproduced by cuttings or tissue culture, since the all-sterile flowers do not produce any seeds.
Smooth hydrangea is one of the hardiest hydrangea species — hardy to zone 3 — which allows them to thrive in some of the coldest parts of the U.S. Until fairly recently, the most popular mophead variety of this species was ‘Annabelle,’ which has huge snowball flowers, although the drawback is that the flowers are often so heavy as to weigh the branches down. A more recent development is ‘Incrediball,’ which also has large mophead flowers, but the stems are sturdier so the shrubs are less likely to look floppy. Another recent version in the same series is ‘Invincibelle Spirit II,’ whose flowers are pink.
I have been looking eagerly in my garden for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) to arrive, but so far this year, I have not seen any in my own garden. I do have several kinds of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) to attract them, but the plant I usually find them flying around is the butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii), which does not serve as a host plant but does produce nectar to attract the adults, as many other showy flowers do. Julia Aston already had a pair of monarch butterflies in her summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) and her butterfly bush. I saw one among the butterfly bushes at Northeast Nurseries in Peabody when I was at work on Saturday, but so far there seem to be even fewer than last year. Habitat loss and decline in milkweed populations, especially in the Midwest and Mexico, are usually considered the primary causes of monarch decline, but despite efforts to slow the decline and restore populations, the populations continue to diminish every year.
Every summer Arlene and Gene Decareau celebrate the blooming of the large silk tree (Albizia julibrisson) in their backyard. Ten or 12 of these exotic trees are found in gardens around Saugus, but the Decareaus’ tree is certainly one of the largest in town. It is also sometimes called mimosa, although this name is more appropriately applied to members of a different genus in the same family. Both genera are members of the legume family (Fabaceae), which you might not guess by looking at the flowers, but it certainly seems obvious when you see the pods, which contain the seeds, later in the season.
Most of the silk trees thriving in Saugus are a hardy variety that was named after a famous plant collector from Boston’s Arnold Arboretum, Ernest Wilson, who brought seeds back from Korea in 1918. A tree grown from these seeds survived colder winters than others the arboretum staff had tried to grow here, and 50 years later the arboretum named this cultivar for Ernest Wilson. The flower color is deeper pink than most varieties of silk trees that are grown in warmer climates. One characteristic that is interesting about this tree is that the foliage folds or “wilts” as night falls and reopens during the day. This characteristic is similar to some species of the plants scientifically called mimosa, such as sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), although the silk tree will not retract at your touch the way the sensitive plant foliage does. In both cases, the folding of the foliage probably protects the plant from drying out by decreasing surface area when it is windy or just when photosynthesis is not possible, such as when the sun is not shining.

Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and 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.

CUTLINES:

One of the first monarch butterflies to arrive in a Saugus garden this year is this one in the phlox at Julia Aston’s garden. (Photo courtesy of Julia Aston)

This ‘Incrediball’ smooth hydrangea in Julia Aston’s garden near Saugus Center has impressive flower clusters. (Photo courtesy of Julia Aston)

‘Invincibelle Spirit II’ shows off its pink blossoms in Lynnhurst. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

The beautiful silk tree in Gene and Arlene Decareau’s backyard on Central Street is in full bloom. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

This close-up of an ‘Invincibelle Spirit II’ hydrangea flower cluster shows details of the four-petalled flowers. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener)

07/17/2025

Life-Saving Advice About Narcan

Two Everett city workers share their knowledge on how ordinary citizens can reverse an opioid drug overdose

By Mark E. Vogler

Police, firefighters and emergency first responders for several years have been credited with contributing to the dramatic drop in opioid drug-related deaths by quickly administering the life-saving medicine Narcan to victims of a drug overdose. This week, two Everett city workers who are involved in the local war on drug abuse told a small gathering at the Saugus Senior Center how they can respond if they encounter a person who is suffering from a drug overdose.
“Narcan is a life-saving drug,” said Paul Guarino, Roadmap to Recovery program coordinator for the City of Everett Fire Department.
“Everybody should have it in their household,” he said. Guarino said Narcan should be a part of every home’s first aid kit and that family members should know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to administer Narcan while they wait for the police or fire department to respond to the scene.
“This year, we’ve only had 16 overdose calls through July,” Guarino said.
“There were 180 a year when I first started going out on calls,” he said.
Joining Guarino during the Narcan presentation was Eric Mazzeo, the assistant director of Youth Substance Use Prevention in Everett. The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee sponsored the Narcan Presentation, which included light refreshments and distribution of informational material.
Guarino gave a demonstration of how to use Narcan and also shared boxes of the medication with the audience. Each box contained two single-dose nasal spray devices. Most pharmacies sell Narcan or Naloxone – the generic brand of the medication – for $40 to $50 a box, he said.

Personal addiction experience
Guarino has been working in his outreach position with the Everett Fire Department for the past four years. He is a pharmacist by trade, and he told the Senior Center audience that it was a personal addiction to Percocet that led to his life spiraling out of control. “I was the kid in the candy shop,” Guarino recalled of how became addicted while working as a pharmacist.
“Back in 2009, I had some real bad foot pain,” he recalled. Rather than seeing a doctor, Guarino said, he began self-medicating with Percocet pills he got from the pharmacy. The pain went away, but he kept taking them – until the pharmacy discovered his addiction.
“For the grace of God, I got caught in 2012. My new high today is helping people,” he said.
Mazzeo recalled that his substance abuse problem also took a positive turn once, after he got help. “I grew up in the city of Everett and was a good football player but struggled with some things internally and turned to drugs and alcohol as a quick fix,” Mazzeo told The Saugus Advocate.
“I have over six years in recovery myself and love to help others, especially our youth. I got involved in a 12-step program, which saved my life and basically got me this job,” he said, referring to his position as the Assistant Director of Youth Substance Use Prevention for the City of Everett.
“I love being around the youth and being a positive male role model for them,” he said.
“How you can do your part and help reduce the number of overdoses is by being aware of the resources that are out there, asking for help and being a bright light for someone struggling without passing judgement. Addiction and alcoholism is hard enough. We need to please connect with one another and be supportive.”
These days, Mazzeo said, he frequently goes into Everett Public Schools to talk with students and share his insight on the dangers of drug abuse. “The kids don’t know what they’re putting into their body,” Mazzeo said.
It behooves every adult to learn about the benefits of Narcan and how to use it because of the greater potential of running into a person suffering from an overdose. “You could be at a McDonald’s,” he said.
For their own good, the public needs to shed the attitude “This is not going to happen in my household,” Guarino said.
“We have to get rid of the stigma. A lot of people freak out when somebody overdoses,” he said, suggesting average folks need to get familiar with Narcan and how to use it.
“It should be in every household. We have it all over the city. We have it in the schools,” he said.
And there needs to be more conversation about the problem and how average citizens can help by being more observant and prepared to respond when they encounter a potential drug overdose.
At a time when first responders are having great success because of Narcan, another challenge faces them: the prevalence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid drug that is 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than he**in. Authorities say a fatal dose is strong enough to fit on the tip of a pencil.
When the body takes more opioids than it can handle, a person can have an overdose within 20 minutes to an hour. “Anything spiked with fentanyl, people go down really quick,” Guarino said.
Because of its potency, it may take several doses of Narcan to reverse the overdose effects of fentanyl, according to Guarino. And that’s why it’s so important to call emergency 911 immediately, because the person who overdosed needs immediate medical attention in the hospital, he said.

What Everett is doing
In a follow-up email to The Saugus Advocate, Guarino shared a 2024 Overdose incident report he prepared for the Everett Fire Department, based on his “Roadmap to Recovery” program. Of the 40 overdose incidents that the Fire Department responded to, four of the cases were fatal. Here are some of the highlights:
–24 people went into detox facilities.
–17 people went into sober homes with the help of grant money.
–The city held an “Overdose Awareness Day” last August in Glendale Park.
–In September, City Hall hosted a “Stop the Stigma Day,” which was also held at several Everett public schools.
–There were multiple trainings and talks with students and teachers throughout the school district, teaching the meaning of harm reduction and how the life-saving drug Narcan works. The need to spread awareness to all high school students about fentanyl, the dangers of counterfeit pills and the use of Narcan is vital, the report determined.
–Narcan training for all school nurses was held at the Everett Health Department in August.
–The Saugus-Everett Elks Lodge held Narcan training and a presentation with Everett seniors.
–There was a startup of monthly meetings with the Police Department on identifying high-risk individuals and getting them the help and resources they need.
–Weekly visits to local sober homes to stay engaged with those individuals and to keep them on the right path
–Every overdose incident is followed up on in collaboration with the program’s harm reduction outreach from Fenway Health.

CUTLINES:

THE DANGERS OF FAKE PILLS: “If you’re not getting a pill from a pharmacist or doctor, you’re playing Russian Roulette,” said Paul Guarino, Roadmap to Recovery program coordinator for the City of Everett Fire Department. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

HOW TO HELP: Eric Mazzeo, the assistant director of Youth Substance Use Prevention in Everett, urged the audience to get involved by “being a bright light for someone struggling without passing judgement.” (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

The Saugus-Everett Elks Drug Awareness Committee: Left to right: Chairperson Ron Visconti, Jeannine Breau and William Pothier. The focus of Monday’s hour-long presentation was to educate the public on how to save lives from an accidental opioid overdose. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

07/17/2025

A productive Sunday in the parking lot -
Car Show raises $4,000 for Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels

By Joanie Allbee

Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels’ 11th Annual Car Show raised $4,000 last Sunday (July 13) – the second biggest fund-raiser in its history. The group – which includes Guy and Brenda Moley, John Melanson, John Gilmore, Darlene Coates and Jodi and daughter Alexis Comeau – plans to give this year’s proceeds to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life organization.
As 225 car entries – including motorcycles and trucks – rolled onto the parking lot of the Saugus Middle-High School, people strolled around enjoying vendor choices while voting for their or loved one’s favorite choices. Each entry held a numeral car dash plaque that viewers used to identify in voting for their favorites.
People walking by a 1966 Volkswagen Bug (with a license plate BUGINN) with a surfboard and suitcase tied to a rack on the roof may have felt like they were going on a beach vacation. The color of the car, with its perfect sky-blue color, matched the sky.
A black jeep called “Grumpy,” which displayed skeletons inside and a host of ghosts, won the Adam Benjamin Memorial Trophy. His sister Kaitlynn picked the vehicle she believed Adam Benjamin would have chosen.
Locals Ann and Andres Sirois, owners of a cherry red 1968 Dodge Coronet, were excited to be participating in another of Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels’ Car Shows. “We have been longtime car enthusiasts,” Ann said. “It’s a great event organized by a fundraiser that’s meaningful to us,” she said.
Bob Camley, hanging out with his 1966 Chevy Impala Convertible, piped up, “Guy’s a good guy and it’s for a good cause.”
Gino DiGuardo and Peter Jardin admired Zachary Maravelias’ 2011 Ford Raptor. Meanwhile, Zachary’s dad, James Maravelias, hung around his white 2007 Dodge Ram.
“Anytime Guy puts on a show, I’m there. He’s a great guy,” Peter Bernard said as he stood near his 2004 Corvette Z06.
Saugonian Joe Silipigni carried on the father-son tradition by fixing up his dad’s car as a quiet memorial to his son Alan, who tragically passed away several years ago at 14. The late Alan Silipigni was known for correcting his dad when he said it was his car; Alan would remind his dad that his grandfather was the actual owner of the 1970 gold Pontiac LeMans.
Full of gusto and generosity, Hank Feiner, a U.S. Marine veteran, was proud of his 2016 black Corvette Stingray Z51. Hank loves to take home the trophies he wins and share them during his frequent visits at Veteran hospitals.
Luke DeSisto’s USMC tow truck’s American flag billowed in the wind as Luke opened the door, beckoning curious passersby to step up and take a seat behind the wheel. This truck served its country over in Ramadi, Iraq.
Locals Jim and Christine Chute’s 30-year restoration father and son project – a peacock blue 1956 Ford F-100 – was completed six months before Jim’s father passed away.
“It’s always a great show and we’ve been coming for years,” said Al and Anita Jansky.
Seven-year-old Alexander Lucas drove his five-year-old-sister Madeline around in her pink Mustang for the Pink Patch Project. Madeline won the Best Child’s Car Trophy.
At the Closing ceremony, 10 memorial trophies were presented, based on car dash plaque numbers that were displayed on each of the vehicles. In addition, Vito Venuti received a plaque. He chose to award the Anthony Venuti Memorial Trophy in honor of his brother to Derek Karpenko, the owner of a custom Buick Riviera.
Here are some other highlights from the awards presentation:
– Deanna Montano, the wife of Saugus Police Officer Domenic Montano, presented the Samuel Musto Memorial Trophy to the owner of a motorcycle.
–The recipient of the Adam Benjamin Memorial Trophy was chosen by his sister Kaitelynn, who thought her late brother would have liked the black “Halloweenish” jeep filled with skeletons.
–The Adam Slavin Memorial Trophy was presented by Adam’s father.
–Dicky Macguire won the Best in Show Trophy for his 1970 Chevy Chevelle.
–The Julie McLaughlin Memorial Trophy was presented by her father, Mike.
–There was also an Educator’s Trophy presented.
–There was also a Kids Choice Award selected by the children. A People's Choice trophy was also presented.

CARS FOR A CAUSE

PHOTOS:

Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels’ 11th Annual Car Show raised $4,000 last Sunday (July 13) at the Saugus Middle-High School parking lot, where 225 entries drove in for a four-hour viewing. (Courtesy Photos of Joanie Allbee)

Seven-year-old Alexander Lucas and his five-year-old sister Madeline drove around in her candy pink Mustang Pink Patch Project car show entry.

Owners Jim and Christine Chute relax behind their Peacock blue 1956 Ford F-100.

U.S. Marine veteran Hank Feiner shows off his 2016 black Corvette Stingray Z51 and the trophy he just won in a Rhode Island car show.

The flash mob 50’s dancers of Fox Run Dance Company of New Hampshire join in the fun hanging out with Owner Angel Gonzalez and his 1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air. Next to Angel are Annette Sweeny, Karen Bickford, Holly Stickney and Ann Michaels.

Ann and Andre Sirois with their 1968 Dodge Coronet

Mom’s Cancer Fighting Angels Jodie Comeau, John Melanson, Guy Moley and his niece Alexis Comeau man the Car Show station.

Owner Peter Bernard takes some shade beside his deep navy blue 2004 Corvette Z06.

Joe Barressi and Joe Silipigni open the hood of Silipigni’s gold 1970 Pontiac LeMans.

Luke DeSisto’s USMC tow truck is retired from action in Ramadi, Iraq.

Guy Moley shakes Vito Venuti’s hand; Vito was awarded a plaque and given the honor to choose a car his brother Anthony would have chosen for the Anthony Venuti Trophy.

The Best in Show Trophy was awarded to Dicky Macguire for his 1970 Chevelle.

The People’s Choice Trophy went to Joe Barressi.

07/17/2025

A pop-up veterinarian clinic arrives to give cats and dogs their shots

By Joanie Allbee

At 8:30 a.m. last Sunday morning (July 13), local cat and dog owners streamed through the doors of PetSmart at 358 Broadway in Saugus so their pets could get their shots. A team from “ShotVet,“ a Pop Up Vet Clinic, arrived to give animals needed vaccinations and parasite prevention care. While waiting to be next, a band of Saugonians with felines reconnected over pets amidst a cacophony of barking.
Saugus Animal Control did not host their Rabies vaccinations outreach clinic this year, which left many scrambling to find other low-cost alternatives. Previously, the Town of Saugus had thoughtfully made it convenient, efficient and low-cost for many with the clinic they had provided.
“I had been planning on getting my cat Callie her rabies shot, but Saugus didn’t hold their clinic this year,” Debra Elliott said. She voiced the opinion of many kennel carriers and leash holders.

PHOTO:

GETTING RABIES SHOTS FOR THEIR CATS: Left to right: Lori Aunian and Peanut, her male Turkish Angora; Debbie Elliott and Callie, a feisty calico; Janet Caron and Lucey, her three-year-old tabby tiger cat; and Marlene March and Boujee, her seven-year-old Himalayan. (Courtesy Photo of Joanie Allbee)

07/17/2025

Level Up at the Library with Reading Dragons

Register for the Kids 2025 Summer Reading Program

(Editor’s Note: The following info is from a press release issued by the Saugus Public Library.)

If you’re looking for fun, educational activities and summer programming to support your kids’ learning, stop by the Saugus Public Library. This summer, the Library presents “Level Up at the Library with READING DRAGONS,” the 2025 Summer Reading program. Activities include literacy support, story times, discounted museum passes, Massachusetts park passes, take & make crafts and all your favorite books!

How to register
Families are encouraged to register their kids for the dragon-themed program using the Beanstack app. It’s easy — just download the Beanstack app, register under the Saugus Public Library and you’re on your way. If you’ve participated before, simply open the Beanstack app and register for the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge. For more information, or to register in person, stop by the Children’s Room at the library or visit the kids’ Summer Reading page on our website. Registration opened Wednesday, June 18.

Twenty minutes is all it takes!
The Saugus Public Schools recommend that students read at least 20 minutes a day this summer. The program is open to young people, preschool through sixth grade. We’ll have their favorite titles plus free ebooks, audio books, comics, magazines & music you can download using the hoopla and Libby apps.

Did we mention prizes?
We’ve once again partnered with outstanding local businesses to reward summer reading. Sincere thanks to the businesses who generously donated! We’ll have a full prize cart plus free books to give away. In addition, we’ll run drawings for ice cream, donuts, cookies, pizza, roller skating, bowling, mini golf and sports merch, and grand prize drawings for tickets to Canobie Lake Park and North Shore Music Theatre’s production of “Finding Nemo” — and more!

Be a Reading Dragon!
As kids log their minutes of reading, they will earn reading dragon cards: collectible cards similar to Pokémon cards. Everyone who registers receives a starter set so they are ready to play the game, start trading and start collecting! Each set of themed dragon cards contains an egg, a child, a teenager and an adult dragon. There are even special holographic cards to collect.

Did we mention free programs?
In addition, there will be special visits by Wildlife Encounters, Vinny the Bubble Guy, the Saugus Fire & Police Departments, Pikachu + Sonic characters and Toe Jam Puppet Band, plus a family dance party, a concert for kids and bubble, magic and puppet shows. Check out the Library’s online event calendar for up-to-date information.

Create a reading routine
The library is here to help families create a summer reading routine that is fun for kids and their families. Turn off the media before bedtime, sit with a child, share a book or read alongside them. Ask them questions, but above all, make it fun! Research shows that children who read during the summer months maintain literacy skills that they’ve worked hard to build during the school year. According to Reading Rockets.org, research with 116 first-, second- and third-graders in a school in a middle-class neighborhood found the decoding skills of nearly 45% of the participants and the fluency of 25% declined between May and September.

Stay smart! Have fun!
Stop by the library to register for summer reading or to find a just-right book for your child. It’s all free, all summer at the Saugus Public Library!

CAPTION

Summer Reading Enrichment Class: These third and fourth grade students devoted part of their summer to developing their reading skills at the Saugus Public Library's ongoing Summer Reading Program. (Courtesy Photo of Toni-ann Merlina)

07/17/2025

Revisiting the Rail Trail

Improving the public safety of the 2.5-mile segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail which runs through Saugus remains a work in progress

By Mark E. Vogler

The state Attorney General’s Office last September approved a Town Meeting warrant article that empowers Saugus police to fine people for operating unauthorized vehicles or speeding on the town’s rail trail. Cars, motorcycles, ATV vehicles and other gas-powered vehicles are not allowed on the 2.5-mile segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail that runs through town.
A major feature of the rail trail bylaw approved by Town Meeting is a 15 mph speed limit for motorized vehicles on the multi-use trail, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. And violators face a $100 fine for the first offense and $250 for each additional offense. Police also have the power to tow and store at the owner’s expense any unauthorized vehicles they stop on the trail.
“The bylaw definitely helps make the rail trail a safer place,” Saugus Police Chief Michael Riccardelli told The Saugus Advocate this week.
“I think we’re on our way. We have bike patrols out there again this summer [for the third consecutive year]. The citizens are happy to see the bikes, because they give a police presence to the trail,” he said.
But Chief Riccardelli, others in his department and civilians who ride or walk the trail regularly acknowledge there’s more the town could do to improve public safety along the route. “The bylaw gives us some type of enforcement power,” said Lt. Anthony LoPresti, a night shift commander who sometimes helps patrol the trail.
“It gives us some options where we had none before. But it’s not perfect. We need more signage. That would definitely help,” Lt. LoPresti said.
“It would be great if we had cameras installed. But signage is more realistic. We need to make it a little safer, whether you’re a runner or somebody walking a child. Most people aren’t aware of the speed limit,” he said.
That’s because there aren’t any signs posted along the trail, informing the public about the 15 mph speed limit. There aren’t any signs summarizing the town bylaw, especially explaining the vehicles that are prohibited from use on the trail. Other problems persist, too, which suggests there needs to be some public education, particularly for people who use the trail.
For instance, during several trips to the rail trail in preparation for the story, The Saugus Advocate observed that many people don’t push the button to activate the flashing yellow lights before they step into the crosswalk and quickly cross the street. This becomes a potential problem for passing motorists who are driving through the intersection and don’t see the bicyclist, runner or walker immediately.
At one of the crosswalk intersections in town, a parked car was observed in close proximity to the crosswalk, which created a potential traffic hazard because it obstructed the view of vehicles approaching the crosswalk.

The e-bike dilemma
Runners or people who hike the rail trail told The Saugus Advocate that e-bikes whizzing by them were their greatest fear for personal safety. Mark Brennan, a 70-year-old Lynn resident, said he’s observed a few transgressions involving people speeding way above the speed limit. “It’s not just kids doing it,” Brennan said.
“It’s guys in their 30s and 40s who ride like they are training for the Pan-Mass Challenge. But I’m mostly happy with everything. It’s great,” he said.
Lt. LoPresti recalled that the big problem police patrolling the rail trail faced last year was “kids on regular bikes causing trouble and filming it and putting it on social media.”
“We’re not seeing much of that this year. This year, it’s e-bikes. We had one towed away,” Lt. LoPresti said.
“The problem with e-bikes is that the state doesn’t register them or make the owners insure them, so it’s just a free-for-all,” he said. “We have a situation where some 12 year olds are buying these electric bikes and wreaking havoc around town. Why would you buy something for a kid that goes 50 to 60 miles per hour? Last year, it was regular bikes causing problems on the trail. This year, it’s motorized scooters and e-bikes.”
Rick Fail, himself a serious e-bike owner, readily admits he is concerned about the safety hazards associated with e-bikes. “Broken arms, broken legs, broken heads,” said the 67-year-old U.S. Navy veteran.
“It’s basically a motorcycle that you are putting a kid on without a helmet. It’s just like traffic. You are always going to have a jerk, whether it’s 17 years old or 70,” he said.
Fail suggested that the town consider, as a cheaper option, painting speed limits at various locations along the paved path of the rail trail.
Fail said he’s noticed some improvement over the past year in how the town responds to problems. “The behavior has improved with the police officers having a presence on the trail,” Fail said. “A lot of people walk with their dogs and families. It’s such a gem to have in our town. It gets you out of your house and into nature.”
Favio Vreka, a 2020 Saugus High School graduate, said he enjoys the rail trail, but sees room for improvement. He suggested expanding a lane to accommodate the rail trail, and the posting of some rules. “I think it’s a great path if you want to go for a walk or run after work. When I drive, I always slow down in the area of the crosswalk coming off the trail,” Vreka said.
“Some people don’t activate the warning light to alert drivers that pedestrians or cyclists are in the crosswalk. And that’s something I’m aware of from driving in the area. And it makes me cautious,” he said.
Leonardo DeSantis, 15, a sophomore at Saugus High School, said he thinks that something needs to be done about public safety. “A group of kids wearing masks came over and asked to use his bike and they took off with it,” DeSantis said.
“They stole my friend’s bike,” he said.
DeSantis suggested that lights and cameras be installed along the rail trail.
Cameron Le, 15, who was riding a powered scooter, said he worries about people “cutting you off.”
“I guess they’re kids on electric bikes,” said Le, a friend of DeSantis and a student at Northeast Metro Tech.
One out-of-town bicyclist passing through town observed that a lot of people don’t understand the etiquette for using the bike trail.
Lt. LoPresti said the town needs to collaborate with other cities and towns along the trail and set the same enforcement rules as they do.
Chief Riccardelli said he tries to compare notes with fellow police chiefs on how they respond to similar problems facing the town. Since the rail trail opened, there have been no major incidents, according to the chief.

CAPTIONS:

Favio Vreka, a 2020 Saugus High School graduate, said he enjoys the rail trail, but sees room for improvement. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

Rail trail crosswalk at Central Street (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler)

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07/17/2025

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