THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, June 21, 2019 Page 5 DeMaria Administration launches first Bluebikes stations in Everett and expansion, building on last year’s system upgrades, additional bikes, new mobile app features and station expansions. “Bluebikes promotes healthy living and provides an environmentally friendly transportation option to more people,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Chief Marketing Officer Kathy Klingler. “We’re thrilled that many more residents are now be able to take advantage of all that Bluebikes has to offer.” Bluebikes continues to be an affordable public transportation option. Annual memberships, which include unlimited 45-minute rides, are just $99 per year. Bluebikes also offers a discounted membership program to income-eligible residents over the age of 16 who participate in a wide array of assistance programs. Income-eligible memberships are $5 per month or only $50 per year and include unlimited Bluebikes rides of up to 60 minutes each. 505 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Tel: 617-387-1120 www.gkdental.com Robert DeSalvio, president Encore Boston Harbor (left), and Mayor Carlo DeMaria announce Bluebikes as one of the many ways to visit the casino without driving. (Courtesy Photo) T he City of Everett announced the installation of Everett’s first Bluebikes stations, joining Metro Boston’s publicly owned bike share system. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural group ride happened on Monday, June 17 to celebrate. Twelve Bluebikes stations have been installed in Everett, providing tens of thousands of Everett residents and visitors with an efficient and affordable transportation option to connect to existing bike stations in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville. Encore Boston Harbor is sponsoring two of the Everett stations that will be located at the casino. “We’ve been looking forward to the launch of our second bike share program for a long time,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “The City of Everett has become a leader in smarter transportation, and the addition of Bluebikes to our community will help us achieve our goals to provide ENCORE | FROM PAGE 4 Watching for the past seven years since the beginning, former home and business owners from the lower Broadway section of the city celebrated with Encore executives during one of three soft opening days this past week in preparation for the grand opening on Sunday. Tocco, who said he grew up in politics, spoke to the Everett United supporters in the Renoir Room, saying how tough it is residents with an affordable and reliable transportation option as well as reducing congestion [and] air pollution and growing economic opportunity, health and well-being in the city.” The Bluebikes system is jointly owned by the participating municipalities. As a publicly owned bike share system, Bluebikes promotes equity of access for members, ensures that memberships remain affordable and protects members’ personal data. The station-based system promotes riding and commuting across city lines, preserves predictability and management for the public right of way and allows for the continuous monitoring of bike availability and maintenance needs. By the end of 2019, the five municipalities will own more than 3,000 bikes and 300 stations. And through its partnership with the municipal owners of Bluebikes, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is supporting this continued growth for a local politician to get people to volunteer. “It’s unheard of to get a Fortune 500 company to get folks like you to donate their time, donate your energy, to show up organizing in your neighborhoods, knocking on doors, talking to the Gaming Commission, other city mayors, supporting us on social media. … You guys have been relentless,” said Tocco. “And it’s because of you guys that we’re able to be ENCORE | SEE PAGE 10 • Family Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Veneers/Lumineers • Dental Implants • All on 4 Dental Implants • Emergency Dentist • Kid Friendly Dentist • Root Canals • Dentures • Invisalign Braces • Snap On Smile • Teeth Whitening We are the smile care experts for your entire family In House Dental Plan for $399 (Cleanings, X-Rays, Exams twice a year and 20% OFF Dental work) Schedule your FREE Consultations today
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