IT’S OFFICIAL: New school Supt. Michael Tempesta signs on the dotted line making him the new school boss for the town of Saugus. (Advocate photo by Matthew Robare)

By Matthew Robare

The Saugus School Committee signed a three-year contract with former Milford High School Principal Michael Tempesta last Thursday. He will take office as superintendent of Saugus Public Schools July 1, succeeding Richard Langlois, who was hired to become superintendent in Marlborough in January.

“It feels great,” Tempesta said after signing the contract. He added, “I’m very excited to begin the transition. Richard Langlois has been wonderful.”

“I’m glad he’s finally signed. We’re all very excited,” said Wendy Reed, chairman of the School Committee.

“I’m looking forward to working with the superintendent,” said School Committee Member Corinne Riley.

The motion to accept the contract was made by School Committee Member Rich Doucette and passed unanimously. The process of finding a new superintendent began at the end of February with the selection of a Search Committee that included members of the public, administrators, and school employees in addition to all five members of the School Committee. The Search Committee met regularly over the next several months, reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates.

Three finalists were announced on May 6: Patricia Lally, Ann Bradshaw, and Tempesta. Lally, the assistant superintendent in Tewksbury, withdrew after being hired for the top job in Holbrook, leaving Tempesta and Bradshaw, the superintendent of Mashpee Public Schools, to do site visits and public interviews. After those interviews (almost a month ago), consensus shifted to Tempesta, and all that was left were the contract negotiations.

Reed said that it was Tempesta’s enthusiasm for the position and his personality that made him stand out over Bradshaw. “First and foremost, what really caught my eye was his passion for the job. I just didn’t feel that passion from Ms. Bradshaw,” Reed said.

“I’m really excited to get started,” Tempesta said. He explained, “I have to finish my entry plan and I have to iron out the transition for my replacement in Milford.”

According to the contract, Tempesta will receive a base salary of $142,000, 25 vacation days (with the option of carrying over five each year), and 20 sick days and he can participate in town health insurance plans. If he resigns, he has to give the School Committee 180 days notice. He can accept paid speaking engagements with School Committee approval. His travel expenses will be reimbursed up to a budgeted amount, and he will be able to attend at least two national education conferences.

Charlie’s Pizzeria owner’s son, Charlie Youssef cuts the ribbon as family members and town officials look on. (Advocate photo)

Saugusbank (http://www.saugusbank.com) recently awarded two $750 scholarships to North Shore Community College students pursuing an academic study program in Accounting. This year’s recipients, Musa S. Jallow of Danvers and Narine Musaelyan of Swampscott, were recognized at the North Shore Community College Foundation’s Annual Awards Breakfast, held at Danversport Yacht Club on May 17. Saugusbank, Senior Vice President and North Shore Community College Trustee, Joanne Fortunato explained, “The bank is so proud to be a part of this event — it’s hard not to be inspired by the effort and commitment that these students put forth. With many overcoming a variety of challenges and hardships, we’re thrilled to be able to assist financially.” Overall, 181 NSCC students were awarded scholarships this year totaling $147,000. The North Shore Community College Foundation administers more than 80 named and corporate scholarship funds.

Once again the OHLV Memorial Fund will be awarding 6 scholarships to deserving high school students. The 2013 recipients are;

Jessica Bates, Methuen, Nashoba Valley Technical High School

Shayne Cambria, Revere, Revere High School

Alana Chankhour, Wakefield, Wakefield High School

Timothy Donovan, Lynn, St. Mary’s High School

Anthony LoPresti, Saugus, Saugus High School

Alassandra Scorzella, Revere, Winthrop High School

  “We never tire of giving scholarships to the kids” said Les Vitale, President of the Memorial Fund. “June 18th marks the 28th Anniversary of Harold’s death and it’s the 20th consecutive year we’ve granted the scholarships. With Father’s day just around the corner and June 14 being Harold’s birthday this is a special time of the year for us. We enjoy carrying on the spirit of giving.”

  Bob Vitale brother of Officer Vitale said, “Tuition costs keep rising and the economy is still hurting so families struggle to find ways to pay for college. We’re happy to play a small part in easing that burden and at the same time celebrate his life.”

  Said Eileen Vitale, wife of the late officer, “20 years have passed from the time we formed the Foundation, we never dreamed it would be possible to continue this scholarship program for this long and for the amount of money we’ve been able to give. The first 2 scholarships we ever made were for $250. This year there will be 6 for $1,000 each. It’s amazing. As you know, it’s been 28 years since Harold was killed. We’re proud to keep his memory alive and honor him this way.”

  Dick Vitale, another brother of the late officer continued, “We’re proud of our success. We work hard at it. We’ll continue making grants like this as long as we can. Despite a tough economy and other challenges we’ve been able to support organizations like the National C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) ($25,000 grant) and N.E. Chapter C.O.P.S. ($5,000 grant). They continue to do great things for kids and families of law enforcement deaths. All of this is possible due to the continued support of our friends, sponsors and donors. We don’t exist without them. I’d like to thank all of them for sticking with us, trusting and believing in us.”

  The Officer Vitale Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and was created in 1992 some 7 years after Officer Vitale’s death. Officer Vitale was killed in the line of duty in the early

morning hours of June 18, 1985 while attempting to make an arrest when he was dragged over 1000 feet to his death. Officer Vitale was 42 at the time and married to his wife Eileen where he lived in Ipswich with 3 children, Paul, Michelle and JacLyn. Officer Vitale’s badge # 17 was

retired upon his death. The Officer Vitale Memorial Park was constructed by the Town of Saugus in 1992 in his honor.

  The Memorial Fund will be hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Monday August 5, 2013 at Ipswich Country Club at noon. In the fall the Fund participates in an Annual Friends of Breakhart Reservation Road Race. Watch for details in the local news about this fun event.

Information submitted by Les Vitale, President Officer Harold L. Vitale Memorial Fund, Inc. c/o Caputo & Co, CPA’s 153 Andover St., Suite 201 Danvers, MA 01923.

Richard Garabedian isn’t going down without a fight.

Garabedian, the longtime executive director of Saugus Community Television and its successor, Saugus Cable Television Station, vowed to appeal after being terminated by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors on May 29. The directors, using Attorney Philip Boyle of the firm of Morgan, Brown & Joy, alleged that Garabedian had been negligent in his duties and responsibilities, while he could do little more than protest his innocence and assert that the board did not have accurate information.

“I certainly intend to appeal the termination,” Garabedian said.

“Each of the matters I’ve brought to your attention reflect at best a failure by Mr. Garabedian to manage the enterprise in an acceptable manner, a failure to attend to basic record keeping, a failure to adhere to normal reporting responsibilities of a management official to his Board of Directors and a failure to accurately file necessary organizational documents with state officials,” Boyle said.

“I’m very disturbed by what I’ve heard tonight,” said Board of Directors President Chris Peatridge.

Garabedian said, “It was unexpected. I thought it was going to be a meeting concerning either personnel or disciplinary measures concerning myself. I didn’t realize disciplinary measures meant termination.”

The Friday before Memorial Day a letter was delivered informing him of the meeting. Because Monday was Memorial Day, Garabedian was given only two and a half days to find legal representation. According to Massachusetts General Laws, employers are required to give 10 days’ notice of “the possibility that the employee will be subject to disciplinary action.”

“I had no representation and certainly not the funding available that SCTS did,” Garabedian said. He added, “At the end of the issues that were brought up I was terminated. It was a board that was at least unified. Whether I believe in the unification or not was another issue.”

Observers, like Selectman Stephen Castinetti, believe that the termination had more to do with politics than performance. He attacked the Board of Directors at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting, calling on them to resign. “I am disgusted with this board. They are fiscally irresponsible and politically reckless,” Castinetti said.

The Saugus Cable Television Station has been no stranger to controversy since its inception. A number of citizens were concerned over language in a proposed handbook about “inappropriate content” that appeared to restrict criticism of town officials, with the outcry getting so intense that Board of Selectmen Chairman Michael Serrino, who wrote the handbook, had to remove it before the other selectmen would approve it. The move by the Town to take over Saugus Community Television was also controversial. Garabedian opposed both handbook and takeover.

“It was very disappointing to say the least,” Garabedian said. He explained, “When you’ve really devoted so much of yourself—this community really meant something to me and that’s what PEG [Public, Education, and Government] access means: When Joe Kennedy originally started this it was about community. The new board and the new people that are in power, unfortunately, don’t evidently believe that the community should have a voice in their own affairs.”

The Board of Directors declined to talk about the situation, because Garabedian wants to appeal the termination.

Garabedian said that people who spoke on his behalf at the Board of Selectmen meeting were energizing and invigorating. “It was just endearing to hear how initially it might have started because of myself and the termination, [but] what it really came down to was having a voice in your community,” he said.

See the work of local crafters and find bargains on yard sale items! You will be sure to find some wonderful things.  Booklets, historic maps, Saugus postcards, “Welcome to Saugus” magnets, and many more local gifts and souvenirs will be for sale.   Many local organizations will be participating, including the Saugus Garden club and the American Legion post.  An artist will be present to paint you or your child on the spot.

There will be a silent auction featuring an Underground Railroad wall quilt made by renowned Saugus quilter Marjorie Berkowitch – supporting documents for the quilt include the legends and symbolism surrounding the Underground Railroad squares.

Our delicious old-fashioned Strawberry Shortcake will be served from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. inside the Legion Hall at 44 Taylor Street.  The price remains at $4.00 per shortcake.  Hot dogs, chips, and soda will also be available.

Across the street at 30 Main Street, there will be an open house at the Saugus Historical Society.  The exhibit, “Saugus in the Civil War” will be open, and Len Hart will have his Model A on display as well as his lantern and bottle collection.  Visitors will also be able to view Jack Packer’s diorama of the Saugus Ironworks.

The event will be held rain or shine.

“We are excited to welcome these new options for our shoppers to enjoy. Square One Mall is constantly working to make certain that our retail mix has something for everyone at reasonable prices,” said Rachel Molina, Director of Mall Marketing for Square One Mall.

New Stores

MadRag, Now Open

MadRag has been bringing the latest fashion trends to budget-conscious, trendsetting young women for over 30 years. With more than 40 stores, in 7 states, MadRag is known as the “go-to” place to shop for the hottest items in the ever-changing fashion world. The trendy store provides shoppers with high fashion clothing, shoes and accessories that cater to women ages 14-32, providing style for all shapes and sizes.  MadRag is now open at Square One Mall and is located across from the Food Court on the Upper Level. For more information visit http://10spotplus.com/.

Zumiez, Opening in September

Zumiez has been providing active lifestyle shoppers with cutting edge clothing, footwear and accessories for over thirty-five years.  The company originated in the Seattle area and has grown to over 400 retail stores nationwide. Providing famous brands such as Oakley, Neff, Skullcandy, Sector, Drink Water and TWS, all skater and snowboarder enthusiasts will be able to find exactly what they need before hitting the park or the slopes. Zumiez will be located next to Bath & Body Works and Lane Bryant on the Upper Level of Square One Mall. For more information please visit http://www.zumiez.com/.

PINK by Victoria’s Secret, Opening in September

PINK, the Victoria’s Secret brand that is ever-popular with young women, provides shoppers with all their favorite lingerie, sleepwear, loungewear, hoodies, sweats, collegiate clothing and more. PINK offers comfy apparel that appeal to the spirit, humor, optimism and self-confidence of the girl who wears, loves and lives PINK. Young Woman will find everything needed to show some team spirit or simply lounge around the house. The store will be located next to Lids and Icing on the Upper Level of Square One Mall.

About Square One Mall

Square One Mall makes shopping simple and convenient. Anchored by department store favorites, Macy’s, Sears, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Buy and TJ Maxx/Homegoods. Square One Mall offers shoppers more than 115 specialty stores and restaurants. Find everything you need at Square One Mall. Visit us for simply sensational shopping!

Follow Square One Mall

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SquareOneMall

Twitter: @ShopSquare1Mall

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. (NYSE:SPG) is an S&P 100 company and the largest real estate company in the world.  The Company currently owns or has an interest in 332 retail real estate properties in North America and Asia comprising 241 million square feet. We are headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employ approximately 5,500 people in the U.S.  For more information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

By Matthew Robare

With a unanimous vote Monday night the Saugus Town Meeting passed Article Two, appropriating $68,034,020 for Fiscal Year 2014. The appropriation includes $41,723,770 for Town Charges and $26,310,250 for the Saugus Public Schools. The appropriation for the schools was notably about $600,000 less than the $26,944,117 they said they needed to maintain level service.

“Our schools are not suffering, not by a long shot,” said Robert Palleschi, chairman of the Finance Committee, before the session began.

“I think we have needs that need to be addressed. We have to be realistic,”said Arthur Grabowski, a member of the Saugus School Committee, after the budget was voted.

Speaking to town meeting for the last time, outgoing Superintendent Richard Langlois expressed his disappointment in the school appropriation, especially in the light of things local school districts are being directed to do by state and federal authorities that are left to the municipalities to fund.

“While this request does not satisfy the educational needs, it serves to maintain the integrity of our schools,” Langlois said of the level service recommendation. He added, “As a school system, we are at a crossroads.”

Speaking from the lectern during the session, Palleschi said that the Finance Committee’s budget recommendations were in agreement with the Board of Selectmen’s. While Moderator Bob Long asked that any proposed changes in the budget include where the money would come from, no changes were proposed.

“I support this budget,” said Town Meeting member Al DiNardo. He added, “The only change I would make is to increase the moderator’s budget by a dollar—you’ve been earning your budget, Mr. Moderator.”

Town Manager Scott Crabtree said that the budget is not only balanced, it omits incorporated structural deficits. He praised Town Meeting for approving transfers into the stabilization fund and said it was the first time the town was able to pay for snow and ice removal in the same fiscal year in which the snow and ice needed to be removed.

“We’re heading toward a realization of financial stability. I hope we can get through the personal issues and move forward for the Town of Saugus,” Crabtree said.

Town Meeting Member Paul Allan commented on the unanimous vote: “That’s what happens when everyone does their homework. The information the administration supplied us allowed us to make informed decisions.”

Grabowski said that he is confident that more funds will be made available to the schools as they become available.

The Town’s total budget for FY 2014, including enterprise funds, cherry sheet offsets, and a $2.6 million contribution to the Northeast Regional Vocational School operating budget, came to $82,197,340. It is an increase of $3,868,917 over the FY 2013 budget of $78,328,423.

The Michael J. Spinosa Award for sportsmanship, presented to Tanya Stasio and Justin Barrasso. (Photo by Al Terminiello, Jr.)