Happy Fourth
                         of July!!!

   JIN Restaurant Group
    Requests Continuance

                          By Janice K. Jarosz

Anthony W. Cogliano sent a memo to the Saugus Board of Selectmen on June 9, 2009 requesting a continuance on Jin Restaurant's application to change the description of the licensed premises  of an All Alcoholic Common Victualer's License and Entertainment License by allowing the re-opening of the third floor and to modify condition to include the revised business plan.  The public hearing was scheduled to be heard on June 16, 2009.

The Application for Entertainment Licenses was stamped in the Selectmen's office on October 31, 2008 at 11:40 AM.  According to the application, JIN Restaurant is licensed to conduct dancing by patrons, Karaoke, solo instrument, live band, televisions, D.J. with pre-recorded music, Singer with one instrument, Comedy show, Magic show, other type show. Other live entertainment as follows:  Live concerts, fashion shows boxing matches - both amateur and professional.  The days of the week and hours in which entertainment is/will be offered:  Seven, from 10 to 2 AM.

Questions #5:  Will the entertainment sought to be licensed be accessible or perceptible by patrons of all ages and by all classes of the public generally?  Answer NO:  21 years of age and older.

Question #6:  Will access or perception of the entertainment sought to be licensed restricted to patrons or to any class of patrons by reason of age?  Answer NO.

JIN's Business Plan states that the third floor with a capacity of 220 people will contain a Japanese Steak House, Teppanyaki/Hibachi dinner, Bar & Sushi bar, ceiling speakers for music and paging.

The Security Plan states the following:  Licensed private security firm will be retained according to sales volume.  1.  When dining room and bar reaches 80% capacity, weekdays or weekends; 2.  When any of the function rooms are open with 200 people or more.  License holder proposes Saugus Police detail at minimum Friday and Saturday 7:00 PM until closing.  Additional police details will be used on a per function/size basis.

License holder will also contract with a security firm regarding private security personnel on as need basis after discussions with the Saugus Police Department.

In a response to the Board of Selectmen regarding the proposed request by JIN Restaurant, Lt. Stephen Sweezey stated the following:

   "This request to re-open the third floor and to modify conditions to include a revised Business Plan for a change in description of the licensed premises and its alcohol and entertainment licenses should be denied due to the impact on public safety services, parking and traffic control, crowd control, neighborhood complaints about noise, numerous police reports over the past 2 1/2 years."

  August 18, 2009 has been scheduled for the continued public hearing.

       Saugus Business   Partnership in 7th Year

Lou Merloni with John Smolinsky  and Town Counsel John Vasapolli graciously shared  some inside tips on what works in baseball.  Both Vasapolli and Merloni are fellow graduates of Providence College.          

Saugus, MA:  The Saugus Business Partnership President Donald Wong hosted an evening with fellow members, guests, and former Red Sox baseball player Lou Merloni who played ball for the team from 1998 - 2003. 
Partnership Member John Smolinsky presented an overview of the history of the Partnership and the contributions made by the organization through its history.  "It's not just about the money, Mr. Smolinsky stated, we believe in working together in our community as a team for the wellbeing of all; residents, businesses and students.  Funds have been given to a wide variety of groups and organizations such as the Saugus Youth and Recreation, Saugus High School, Belmonte School, the Saugus Library and the MEG Foundation to name a few and we believe our support and dedication helps to reinforce a healthy community."
 
   Lou Merloni was introduced and he presented an overview of the Red Sox, some inside information about former teammates and positive comments about the future of the team.  Mr. Merloni answered questions from the audience with candor and humor.  

Some of the members and guests along with guest speaker Lou Merloni.

  Selectmen Close
      Troubled Club  

                Club will close amid concerns about crowding

By Ethan Forman
Staff writer - Salem Evening News
Published: June 18, 2009

DANVERS — A 6-year-old rock and country venue on Route 1 appears headed for the sunset as the owner told selectmen Tuesday he is no longer booking acts and is negotiating the end of his lease.

Anthony Sorrentino, owner and manager of Tequilas, defended his establishment Tuesday night, however, saying it has not been overcrowded since concerns cropped up in April.

Selectman Gardner Trask begged to differ and said he had attended a recent show there. "You were over capacity that night," Trask said. "People flowed in and out, and there was no control."

The final country bash at Tequilas takes place June 27, and the grand finale bash is scheduled for June 28 with Audio Underground.

"After six wonderful years, Tequilas is closing its doors for good," says a statement on the club's Web site. "Please join us for a rockin' last month of great shows and lasting memories. Bring your dancing shoes and drinking boots."

In a brief interview, Sorrentino thanked his loyal patrons but did not give a reason for closing the nightclub.

In April, selectmen slapped the Route 1 hot spot with a three-day liquor license suspension, held in abeyance for one year. Police and firefighters had found the night spot overcrowded during a medical emergency call on Feb. 20. A count by a firefighter stopped at 400 when the place was cleared and patrons were let back in. The club's legal capacity is 300.

Sorrentino had insisted the club was not overcrowded, and the medical emergency led to the perception it was. There were also concerns about overcrowding during a show on Thanksgiving eve.

After his last meeting with selectmen, Sorrentino retrained his staff, and the club now uses two clickers, one for patrons entering and one for those leaving.

"Any minute you walk in, I can give you a number and we can stay within parameters," Sorrentino said. However, Trask said he attended a Herland Brothers show June 12 and saw people coming and going without being checked.

"I saw your two clickers, and I saw them sit on a table for 20 minutes untouched," Trask said. He counted at least 300 people and 160 cars in the parking lot, he said.

Sorrentino said he had plenty of staff on hand to control the crowd, and the club was at capacity.

After Trask noted that the Tequilas Web site says the club is closing, Sorrentino said he has stopped scheduling bands, but the restaurant will remain open. The exact date of closing has yet to be announced.

Selectmen asked police Chief Neil Ouellette to keep an eye on the place so things don't get out of hand as the club holds its grand finale.

"We will monitor the situation, I can assure you that," Ouellette said.

Staff writer Ethan Forman can be reached at 978-338-2673 or by e-mail at eforman@salemnews.com.

                        (Reprinted by Permission of the Salem Evening News)
 

Editor's Note: The Danvers five member Board of Selectmen are elected at large for staggered three year terms by the vote of the Town. Board members are Gardner S. Trask III, Chairman, Michael W. Powers, Keith G. Lucy, Daniel C. Bennett, and William H. Clark, Jr.  
 

   Charter Commission Finalizes
            New Charter Proposal

The Saugus Charter Commission has finalized the Saugus Charter and has presented it to the Board of Selectmen. The Charter will be mailed to all Saugus households in September 2009. Saugus voters will be able to vote on the proposed Charter in the November 3, 2009 election.

In the meantime, there are copies at the Saugus Town Hall, Library, and Senior Center for your review. You can also download a copy of the charter at:
http://www.saugus-ma.gov/Pages/SaugusMA_Chartercomm/finalreport.

If any group or organization within Saugus would like members of the Charter Commission to speak on the Charter, please contact Debra Panetta at chartercomm@saugus-ma.gov. We can schedule to come to your meeting to discuss the Charter and answer your questions. We will also be having a forum in the fall where all Saugus residents and business owners are encouraged to attend.

 

        Saugus Alumni Association
      Scholarship Winners for 2009

Pictured  are the 2009 seniors who won the Saugus High School Alumni Association Scholarship of $1000 each. Back row, L-R, Allegra Tedder, Univ. of NE-Me, Alexander Singer, Bridgewater State, MA;  Amanda McTeague, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, CA; Elizabeth Shaw, UNH; Janelle Bean, BU;

 Seated, first row, L-R, Paige Benson, Univ. of Findley, OH; Amanda Picardi, RI Colleg3; Paige Palermo, Amarsit College, NY Fashion Merchandising; Craig Zecchino, Northeastern – Theatre; and James Sparks, Dean Jr. College.  Congratulations!

 Saugus High School’s Transition Education teacher, Stacie Brown (left), continued her annual honoring of her students, with a year end party, on June 10th, to celebrate their year of progress within the program. The Transition Education program is made up of special needs students, ages eighteen through their twenty second birthday, who develop and maintain functional life skills so that they can be as independent and successful as possible in their adult years. Mrs. Brown’s objectives for her students are to improve their functional life skills and allow them to safely function within their community.

The students from this program volunteer at various community settings. You might see them working at the Saugus Senior Center, the Saugus Food Bank or doing other community work. You most likely have seen the class walking around town, going to various sites, getting exercise and enjoying the fresh air, or waiting for a bus to learn the various routes available to them on public transportation. Slightly under 200 guests, which included community members and faculty, attended this event. The celebration was truly a “Celebration of Accomplishment” for the students and their teacher.

Next to Stacie Brown, are community members Freda Roppold final year student Joseph Contino,  Sue LeBlanc and Selectman Donald Wong.



 

         JIN Looking  To
            Expand

The Saugus Board of Selectmen will be conducting public hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 8:05 at the Saugus Town Hall on the application of JIN Restaurant to re-open the third floor of the restaurant into the Teppanyaki Japanese Steak House.

The third floor was closed by orders of Inspectional Services because of inadequate parking.  According to sources, the parking issue has been corrected and in their application the Teppanyaki Restaurant is asking for 220 seats to be licensed.

In a late breaking news alert, representatives of JIN Restaurant will be going before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday to request a continuance because of clerical errors and of outstanding fees owed to the town.  Former Selectman Anthony Cogliano originally signed the request to schedule a public hearing  but the owner/manager's signature of the proposed restaurant was not listed on the application. Other issues that need to be addressed are the outstanding water/sewer bills of $121,627.50, and real estate taxes in the amount of $70,725.75.

   Several other hearings are still on the agenda.  The following is the agenda for the upcoming meeting.

1. Call to order.
2. Invited guests: Tree Committee
3. Approval of minutes: May 15; May 19, May 26; May 28 & June 3, 2009
4. Continued hearings: JLMT Enterprises, Inc. continued to 8:15 PM
(La Vita Mia)
(San-Pen Corp. – continued generally)
5. Public hearings:

7:45 King & Wallin, LLC, d/b/a McDonald’s 127 Broadway, for transfer of Common Victualer’s License from RJK & Co., LLC d/b/a McDonald’s, 127 Broadway.

7:55 Trans Recycle Trading, LLC, d/b/a Patty’s Auto Parts, 140 Salem Turnpike, for transfer of Class III Auto Dealer’s License from Patty’s Auto Parts, Inc., Lot 2A Salem Turnpike.

8:05 JIN Restaurant Group, LLC d/b/a JIN Asian Cuisine, 20 Frank Bennett Highway, for change in description of licensed premises of All Alcoholic Common Victualer’s License and Entertainment License by allowing the reopening of the 3rd Floor; and to modify conditions to include the revised business plan.

CORRESPONDENCE
1.) Review of Schedule of Fees.
2.) Town Clerk re: request for appointment of Poll Workers.
3.) Wheelabrator re: request of acceptance of gift to the Saugus Police.
4.) MBTA re: request for change of bus stop on Lincoln Ave., Cliftondale Square.
5.) Recycling Coordinator re: request for resolution in support of updating Bottle Bill.
6.) Police Dept. recommendation re: Jackson Street parking.
7.) Mr. Russo and Dale Street residents re: Dale Street sewer.
8.) Mobile Home Assoc. re: request to insert Article into Special Town Meeting Warrant
9.) Mr. Cox re: request for functioning traffic light on Essex St. at Felton St.

Manager’s report
Member’s motions
Citizen’s forum
(posted 6/2/09)

           Belmonte Students
      Ride for a Library

The Saugus Belmonte Middle School held their first annual Roll a Thon in the hopes of earning enough money to assist in the re-opening of their school library.  Kids pedaled, walked, skateboarded, and jogged under the directions of teachers and volunteers organized this huge endeavor.  The day was perfect for outdoor activities and students who participated took great joy in being able to contribute.  Some students were able to complete over 35 laps. 

          Selectmen Calling in Tabu

   The Saugus Board of Selectmen will be conducting a "Show-Cause" hearing on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at the Saugus Town Hall, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA.


7:00 PM Show Cause Hearing under M.G.L. c.138 Section 12 & M.G.L c. 140 Section 183A and the Town of Saugus Liquor and Entertainment Rules & Regulations, for the purpose of the possible suspension, modification, revocation and / or cancellation of the of the Entertainment License and the All Alcoholic Beverages License of JLMT Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Tabu Ultra Lounge and Nightclub, Carl Amato, manager, 168 Broadway and / or any such other action the Board deems necessary or appropriate.

Said action is based on police reports submitted to the Saugus Board of Selectmen alleging potential violations of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the licenses. Full reports and the complete notice of hearing are on file in the Board of Selectmen’s Office. The Board will also hear evidence pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L c. 138, Section 12, sixth paragraph, as to the public need for the licensed premises to remain open until 2:00 AM.

     SAUGUS FOUNDERS DAY
   CELEBRATION – SATURDAY, 
         SEPTEMBER 12, 2009


It was thirty years ago that the 350th Anniversary Committee celebrated a year of events for the townspeople to enjoy. The Country Market, now called Saugus Founder’s Day, was so popular that the Town Officials asked for it to continue as a tradition for the Town. The community gathers in front of the Saugus Town Hall to show off their handmade crafts, volunteers help out in the civic booths on the lawn, our youth organizations and students work with the local businesses to earn money for their activities for the year and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This year the date is Saturday, September 12th, 9:00am to 4:00pm. For table space or information the e-mail address is: saugusfoundersday@yahoo.com. Put the date on your calendar!


 

Saugonians Welcome Home
Perkins Couple

Local Gathering at the Saugus Town Hall
Picture by Kyle Strain

On Thursday, May 28, 2009 town officials, friends, neighbors and family paid tribute to Tim and Alison Perkins, both Lance Corporals on their return to Saugus, MA.
Those greeting the Perkins family at Saugus Center were Nick Milo, Jay Crisp, Frank Famigletti, Austin Streeter, Fred Judge, Larry LoCicero, Peter Ruggeri, Gene O’Connell, Richard Milligan, Police Chief Domenic DiMello, Fire Chief James Blanchard, Grand Marshall Bill Boomhower, George Moriello, Selectmen Donald Wong and Steve Castinetti. Tim grew up in Saugus, and attended Saugus Schools. We are all grateful for their service to our country.

Family members watch as a new flag is raised at the Lynnhurst School.
Grandfather Gene O'Connell, Tim Perkins, dad Stephen, mom Kathy Perkins,
and wife Alison Perkins.

Many Working to Re-Open the
Belmonte Middle School Library
By Janice K. Jarosz

Once the hub for study, research and knowledge, the Saugus Belmonte Middle School has been without an in-house library for approximately ten years. Students must seek other avenues to find the information and research required to complete every day studies along with special research projects set by the Massachusetts Department of Education standards.

With no school library presently available to students, the Saugus Public Library was able to compensate somewhat. But with limited hours now in effect at the public library access has become limited and less viable. Presently the only recourse for students to obtain learning tools is to purchase books at book stores. This method of fulfilling class assignments places an added strain on the already struggling financial burden of many families in Saugus.

Many attempts have been made in the past to re-activate the library but despite well-meaning officials and parents, the doors have remained closed. The once highly functioning and much needed library is today, nothing more than an empty room filled with empty shelves.

Surrounding communities offer library services to all their Middle School students. In Lynnfield they have a Library Media Specialist and an aide. The library is open to the children from 7:20 AM to 3:35 PM and the shelves are stocked with general and specialized encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases, dictionaries, thesaurus, printers, scanners, 32 computers, and copiers – everything required to fulfill the requirements of special projects.
The School libraries throughout the area offer equal facilities and the day-to-day operation is supported by both staff and a large contingent of parent volunteers.

But, as with other success stories in Saugus, the plan to re-open the Library may become another "Field of Dreams" in following the examples of World Series Park, Saugus Track and the MEG School - projects that all began with a dream of a few and grew into a realization for the many.
It all began last year when Belmonte teacher Ms. Myra Monto applied to the Michael Jordan Foundation for funds to obtain books for the students. One thing led to another and several weeks ago she, along with teachers Mrs. Diane Walsh and Ms. Monique Buxton, developed a fundraising program called "The First Annual Roll-A-Thon for Reading."

With the determination and dedication of several other Middle School teachers along with the support of Superintendent Richard Langlois, interested friends and families are joining together and an "Action Plan" is taking shape to re-open the "Doors of Learning."

This event will be held on June 4 and 5 on the school grounds and students, school teachers and parents are donating their time and energy to raise
 funds. Participating school children are signing up family and friends to sponsor their efforts. They will be biking, walking, skating, jogging and skateboarding for one hour in an effort to fund the library they so deserve.

All donations collected will go directly to the refurbishing of the Belmonte Middle School Library. For more information, to donate funds, or to volunteer your time please contact Mrs. Monto at 781-231-5052 x102.

Essex County Sheriff's Department Helps Out at the MEG School

Sgt. Goudreault recently supervised the unit in removing graffiti from the exterior of the Cliftondale School, now known as the Marleah Elizabeth Graves (M.E.G.) Building on Essex Street in Saugus.

The anti-graffiti truck housed at the Correctional Alternative Center in Lawrence is part of the facility's community service program in which offenders who are supervised by a correctional officers use the anti-graffiti truck and power hoses to remove graffiti from buildings. Another team of community service workers removed graffiti from the interior of the building.

They were also supervised by Sgt. Goudreault and did an outstanding job removing graffiti from the second floor classrooms.

The MEG Foundation is deeply indebted to the Sherriff's Department and Sgt. Goudreault for their fine work through out the county and especially here in Saugus. This community service program was free of charge.

MEG Foundation Hosts
First Annual Arts Exhibit

Saugus High School Fine Arts Director Michael Donovan, along with the MEG Foundation, hosted the first annual Art Exhibit representing the works of former art teachers in the Saugus School System over the past years.
Art teachers participating were Amstrice Carter Kellogg, George Palmer, Sherman Beeler, Bob Sacco, Donald Mosher, Donna Lynn, Janet Kierstead, Michael Donovan, Michele Pinksten, Anne Wilson, Diane Walsh, Meghan Mirasolo Allen, and Erika DeFeo.
Mr. Fred Brooks created a display of many of the artifacts of Mrs. Kellogg from the Saugus Historical Society and Paul Ciccarelli loaned two of her paintings for the Exhibit.
Mr. Robert Sacco also provided a display for many of his cartoons that appeared in local newspapers.
Marilyn Carlson and Ruth Swanson spent many volunteer hours preparing the school for the Exhibit. Helen Holt and Rosemary DeGregorio donated homemade baked goods.

Plans are already in the works for a fall Arts Exhibit.

(Pictured above: George Palmer with MEG Director Marilyn Carlson. For more pictures go to MEG Foundation Page.)

One American Speaks!

Saugus Center:  Exercising his First Amendment right, local Attorney Bill Hudak has succeeded in catching the eyes of many residents with his "statement" parked right in the heart of town. When this reporter first attempted to locate the owner of the vehicle the answer was whoever it was they were going to get into big trouble. Asked why, the response was, "Well I don't exactly know but I don't think he can do what he's doing."
And that attitude is the main reason Bill Hudak is trying to make his case. "We Americans have forgotten what made this country great - too many of us have become resigned to complacency, we have forgotten our responsibilities to preserve the foundation that our country was built on - Integrity, hard work, honesty, the right to speak - to disagree, debate, or argue without fear of retribution to name a few.

I believe that the United States Constitution is without a doubt, the most powerful document ever written. The Constitution gives all of us the right to recite the Holy Bible, to defend the Koran and to respect the teachings of any and every culture or creed.

Mr. Hudak, who was born into a large family of Democrats from Ohio, moved to Massachusetts in 1986 and practices law in Saugus. Although he has never held public office he has always followed politics. "It was when I was in high school working on a project. I believe Ronald Reagan was governor of California at the time and I heard him speak about the history of our country and what our forefathers meant when they drafted the Constitution. I remember the example he gave: If my soil was not rich enough to grow crops, I had to move somewhere else and find a better place. No one expected the government to come in and subsidize the fields. And if a neighbor needed help, people were there to assist. Our forefathers and mothers never looked for handouts. They were resourceful, hardworking and full of pride.
"His speech made a lasting impressions on me. The political affiliation of a leader is not as important as the integrity of a person," stated Mr. Hudak. He went on to say that he believe the media has slanted the truth in a lot of issues and fails to acknowledge the good about our country. We have become afraid to express our opinions or to stand up to defend our rights; we have forgotten the very foundation of our country, the United States Constitution."

Slogan on the side of Mr. Hudak's vehicle