EV Vol. 30, No. 1 -FREEEVE ER TT AADD WWW.EVERET TBANK . COM Celebrating 30 Years as a household word in Everett! CATET CAT www.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday 617-387-2200 Friday, January 8, 2021 Matewsky takes City Council helm Banking with a hometown touch. Open a free checking account with no monthly fees, and get access to Mobile Banking, Bill Pay and other features. Because no matter where you go, we’re right by you. Call or visit us to sign up. 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 781-7 76- 4444 Councillor-at-Large Wayne Matewsky took his new seat as president of the City Council. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson) By Christopher Roberson I Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF n a unanimous vote, the City Council recently elected Councillor-at-Large Wayne Matewsky to serve as president for 2021. “He’s given his life to this city,” said Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro, who nominated Matewsky during the January 4 meeting. “He lives, sleeps and breathes Everett.” Outgoing President Rosa COUNCIL | SEE PAGE 2 Guiding Stars SINCE 1921 Messinger Insurance Agency 475 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 Phone: 617-387-2700 Fax: 617-387-7753 NEW COMPETITIVE AUTO RATES AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE ACCIDENT FORGIVENESS DISAPPEARING COLLISION DEDUCTIBLE 11% DISCOUNT WITH SUPPORTING POLICY 10% COMBINED PAY IN FULL DISCOUNT AND GREEN DISCOUNT 10% GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT Celebrating 100 years of excellence! Monday thru Friday: 8am to 6pm Saturdays 9am to 1pm! Check out our NEW website! www.messingerinsurance.com The fi rst annual Everett High School Virtual Angel Gift Giving event helped provide gifts for 25 students and families in need. Under the supervision of Everett Public Schools Director of Guidance Johnna Hooks (right), counselors delivered gifts to the students’ homes on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Everett High School Counselor Fernanda Andrade is shown at left. (Photo Courtesy of the Everett Public Schools)
Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 COUNCIL | FROM PAGE 1 DiFlorio was pleased to see Matewsky take the reins after what had been a very difficult year with the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’ll be an honor and a privilege to vote for you,” she said. “All I can tell you is I have a lot of candles and I’ll be lighting them for you.” Since he was first elected in 1981, Matewsky has served alongside seven mayors, was president of the Common Council and president of the Board of Aldermen. Matewsky also served as state representative of the 28th Middlesex District from 2013-2015. “Honesty, respect and fairness has always been what I strive to do in this chamber and in my life,” said Matewsky. “You can make friends in this business and I have. I want to thank my colleagues who spoke and sponsored me tonight. I’m very grateful; I appreciate your faith in me.” Mayor Carlo DeMaria exCity Council President Wayne Matewsky is pictured with his mother, Marion. tended his congratulations. “I have known Wayne for many years and have always admired his work ethic and his deep connection that he has fostered with his constituents throughout the years,” he said following the meeting. “I look forward to working closely with Council President Matewsky and want to congratulate him for his election.” City Council President Wayne Matewsky was joined by his mother, Marion, friends and colleagues as he took the helm on January 4. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett) Everett Bank makes generous holiday donation to EPS T hanks to a very generous donation from Everett Bank, the Everett Public Schools (EPS) was able to provide much-needed and greatly appreciated holiday donations for students and families throughout the district. The bank, in the latest in its long tradition of supporting the EPS, presented $1,000 gifts to the Adams, Parlin, Keverian, English, Lafayette, Webster and Whittier schools. The donations were used in a variety of ways by school principals, assistant principals and guidance counselors as they planned their respective holiday events. “Many of the families remarked on how fortunate they are to live in such a supportive community,” said Whittier School Principal Michael McLucas. “We also thank our staff members who volunteered to help distribute toys and gifts, either during our drive- and walk-thru event or by making other arrangements with families. In these ways, the Whittier School was able to showcase the spirit of giving during the holidays.”
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 3 Middlesex Register of Probate Tara DeCristoforo takes Oath of Office Everett City Clerk Sergio Cornelio is shown administering the oath of office at Everett City Hall to Middlesex County Register of Probate Tara E. DeCristoforo on Wednesday. She was overwhelmingly reelected to her third term serving the citizens of Middlesex County’s 54 cities and towns. The Middlesex County Register of Probate has relocated to two locations to better serve her constituency at 10 Commerce Way in Woburn and 370 Jackson St. in Lowell. For further information or help in the Family Court, visit her website at https://www.mass.gov/ locations/middlesex-probate-and-family-court-south-woburn or https://www.mass.gov/locations/middlesex-probate-and-family-court-north-lowell. Fire Dept. looking to add 20 new members By Christopher Roberson A fter losing 21 firefighters for various reasons between 2016 and 2020, Fire Chief Anthony Carli is now planning to fill 20 of those positions. “We are down to the lowest numbers we’ve ever seen,” he said during the City Council meeting on December 30, 2020. Having fewer firefighters has taken its toll on the department’s overtime budget. “I’m budgeted for about $463,000 in overtime; I’m well over that,” said Carli, adding that his overtime expenses are approaching the $1 million mark. Carli said he was initially looking at bringing on 12 members when the hiring process began in October 2019. However, citing a greater need, Carli received authorization from Mayor Carlo DeMaria to add eight more candidates. Looking ahead, Carli said he wants the Fire Department to provide emergency medical services as well. “It’s something we can accomplish,” he said. “I’m not going to just sit here and say that the status quo is good enough.” In addition, Carli said podium construction has become a popular option in the city. “It’s cheap, it’s economical – and it’s extremely dangerous,” he said. Therefore, he said, such projects must adhere to the standards of the National Fire Protection Association. Carli also said the Fire Department has implemented a Community Risk Reduction Program. “Strict code enforcement works,” he said, adding that fires in Everett tend to be smaller now. MEMBERS | SEE PAGE 15
Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Capone Family honors Dorothy Martin Long T he Capone Family recently honored the late Dorothy Martin Long in recognition and appreciation of her advocacy on behalf of the GREAT Youth and Families Program of Housing Families Inc. (HFI) in Malden. (GREAT stands for Growth, Resilience, Empowerment, Acceptance, Trust.) HFI assists children experiencing educational challenges created by housing instability to receive homework and tutoring help. Dorothy Long was a steadfast supporter of the Program. For over 16 years, she volunteered as a tutor. She was well known in Everett for her community service, her boundless energy and her commitment to helping others. Zachary Capone volunteered as a tutor for three years while a student at Malden Catholic, and he had the good fortune to know Dottie as a friend and mentor. “Dottie was one of the nicest people we have ever met. We can’t remember a time in Everett when she wasn’t serving on a committee or volunteering of her time. She was generous of her spirit and a great friend to Zach. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $2.079 MidUnleaded $2.459 Super $2.539 Diesel Fuel $2.439 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.35 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $1.999 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Fred and Michele Capone are shown with son, Zachary Capone. We thought the best way for our family to honor Dottie was to donate to the GREAT Youth and Families Program in her memory. The Program provides much needed services to families in crisis and works diligently to help students achieve their individual academic goals through weekly tutoring. We miss Dottie and pray for her family. This is our way to thank her and pay it forward to help others,” stated Michele and Fred Capone. Residential parking stickers now available M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce the offi cial start of the 2021 Residential Parking Sticker Program. Vehicle owners must submit an online application in order to obtain their parking sticker for 2021. After a resident has successfully submitted an online application, they will receive a confi rmation email. Once the resident’s information is verifi ed, they will receive an additional email to confi rm that the order has been successfully processed. The parking sticker will then be mailed to the resident. Residents may apply for up to four stickers per online application. Information required to complete the application includes: • Full name • Address • Phone number • Email address • License plate number • Name that appears on the registration Resident stickers for 2021 must be obtained and displayed on the vehicle prior to March 1. As a courtesy, stickers may be obtained for free until February 28. The $10 fee per sticker will be reinstated on March 1. Please be advised that in order for a resident sticker to be approved, the vehicle must be registered to the City of Everett and be in good standing. If the vehicle has overdue parking tickets or unpaid excise tax, a sticker will not be issued. For residents applying for a first-time sticker, those with new plates or vehicles, please visit City Hall, Room 13 to apply. Please bring your vehicle’s registration and proof of address, such as a driver’s license or current utility bill, to obtain a parking sticker. Please note that beginning on January 4 residents of the Lower Broadway area must visit City Hall, Room 13 in order to renew your Lower Broadway sticker and visitor placard. Please bring your registration and proof of Lower Broadway area address, such as a driver’s license or current utility bill, and last year’s visitor placard to renew. The online application for the Residential Parking Sticker Program can be found at https:// epay.cityhallsystems.com. For questions regarding the program or the online application, please contact the Parking Clerk’s Offi ce at 617-394-2295 or 617-394-2275. Prices subject to change New Year! H Happy Ne FLEET
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 5 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS MAYOR CARLO DEMARIA Complete renovation of Wehner, Rossetti, Meadows and Appleton St. Parks Central Fire Station renovation Canoe and kayak launch built @ Rivergreen North Creek flood mitigation construction completed Market Culvert repair underway Micro-milling and asphalt paving of Corey St. & Victoria St. lots TRANSPORTATION Installed PM bus lane and state's first bus lane rotary @ Sweetser Circle Added 2 additional miles of dedicated bus lanes Installed 20 new bike racks on Broadway 3 new bus stops with raised boarding platforms 350 potholes filled 2.5 miles of streets repaved 15,000 linear feet of sidewalk replaced YEAR IN YEAR IN REVIEW REVIEW CITY SERVICES 25 miles of sewer pipe cleaned 145 new trees planted, 120 stumps removed 2839 street lights upgraded to LED 343 decorative LED lights installed 1890 linear feet of water main replaced 76 lead water services replaced 4 raised crosswalks completed and installed COVID-19 RESPONSE 120,000 meals delivered to homebound residents Over 1 million pounds of food acquired and distributed 47,000 residents served through 311 60,000+ masks distributed $1.5 million slated to be disbursed for rental and mortgage relief
Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Everett joins Nextdoor social media network SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash For Your Car, Truck or SUV! 2013 KIA SORRENTO 4X4 Remote Start, Third Row Seating, Premium Sound System, One Owner, Only 73K Miles, One Owner, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME $10,900 Easy Financing Available! 2013 HYUNDAI SANTA FE Sport Package, 4X4, Leather Interior, Loaded, One Owner, 105K Miles, Excellent Condition, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME $10,900 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! “E” Club annual Meeting January 11 on Zoom T he "E" Club president Vincent Ragucci, Jr. cordially invites you to the annual meeting on January 11, at 5:30PM. Due to the circumstances, this year's meeting will be available to watch on Zoom. If you have any questions, contact the "E" Club secretary, John Ragucci at Jragucci@verizon.net or Daryl Colson, the “E” Club Webmaster, darylcolson@comcast.net. on Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/85303980619?pwd=a2h5NGJIKzVDcVGNk10N2YrZVlUdz09 Meeting ID: 853 0398 0619 Passcode: 630364 One tap mobile + 16465588656,,8530398061 9#,,,,,,0#,,630364# US (New York) + 13017158592,,8530398061 9#,,,,,,0#,,630364# US (Washington D.C) Dial by your location Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee York) + 1 646 558 8656 US (New + 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) + 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) + 1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) + 1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) + 1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 853 0398 0619 Passcode: 630364 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ kcfeSP1wVE We have now made it easier than ever to join or renew your existing membership online: https://www. eclubofeverett.com/memberships-1 You may also make a donation at any time here: https://www. eclubofeverett.com/donate We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. EPS reminds families that breakfast and lunch are still available A reminder to all Everett residents with children ages 21 and under: The Everett Public Schools are providing free breakfast and lunches on Tuesdays and Fridays. Meals are available for pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2:30-4 p.m. at Everett High School and the Keverian, Lafayette, Madeline English, Parlin, Webster and Whittier Schools. On Fridays, children also are provided with meals for Saturday and Sunday. All lunch meals are complete with fruit, vegetables and milk. Please note that children do not need to be present to pick up meals – parents and guardians can pick up meals on behalf of their children – no ID required. By picking up these meals you are participating in the School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs. You are not taking any food away from anyone else by picking up these free meals. The meals are funded by federal programs and are available for all children nationwide. M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett has joined social media network Nextdoor. Nextdoor is a trusted and secured social networking service tailored to the needs of local neighborhoods. “I am excited that the City of Everett has joined Nextdoor,” said DeMaria. “It is a great opportunity for us to connect with the community and share news and updates. Nextdoor will also allow for people living in the same neighborhood to connect with one another virtually during these diffi cult times of COVID-19. It has never been more important for our community to unite and be able to do so safely and easily.” Nextdoor creates a safe and friendly environment for communities. It will help the city communicate to a specific neighborhood with a tailored message or to the entire community. Not only will this network allow residents to connect with one another, it will also allow them to connect with local businesses. All neighbors who join the City of Everett’s network will be verifi ed into the secured environment. To join the Nextdoor community, please visit https:// nex tdoor.com/agency/ city-of-everett-1/ to sign up. Residents will need to provide their residential street address and email address and select “Join your neighborhood.” Once your address is verifi ed, it will detect if your neighborhood is already on Nextdoor and you will automatically be assigned to that neighborhood. Nextdoor may be accessed through a web browser or through a mobile app available for download on iPhone or Android.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 7 Artist awarded citation for advancing arts, culture E By Tara Vocino verett’s Ward 2 Councillor, Stephanie Martins, awarded a citation to Malden artist Karyn Alzayer for her contributions to the community – over Zoom video conferencing on Wednesday night. The founder of Integral Arts Everett, Alzayer, who lived in Everett until 2018, worked with city offi cials to launch the fi rst Everett Art Walk and a City Hall art gallery on the fi rst fl oor. “I’m so honored to be receiving this award,” Alzayer said. “I have worked tirelessly to promote awareness and build community around the arts in Everett, because I believe that Karyn Alzayer, of Malden, created a traveling wishing wall where residents post a dream that they hope will come true. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins presented a citation to artist Karyn Alzayer virtually on Wednesday night for her contributions to the community. Artist Karyn Alzayer started a citywide “rocktober” to encourage kindness. (Photo Courtesy of Karyn Alzayer) during a time when people need it most. Martins said Alzayer has a way of describing things through her art so people can envision it. For additional information, visit integralsartseverett.org. Artist Karyn Alzayer at one of the stops along the Everett Art Walk Everett, like everywhere else, deserves great art and arts experiences.” Her projects include creating a traveling wishing wall where residents can post their requests; a socially distant outdoor art walk, encouraging residents to explore time outside; and a “rocktober,” where she placed rocks around the city in October with words of encouragement on them. Renee Solano said Alzayer’s art helps to keep her sane Children placed a wish that they’d like to see come true on the wishing wall. (Photos Courtesy of Daud Alzayer) during the pandemic. “She spreads so much light, hope, and action,” Solano said. Samantha Lambert said Alzayer uses her creativity to bring everyone together ~ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ~ Councillor Capone commends residents for resilience Dear Residents of Everett: My family and I would like to extend to each of you a Happy and Healthy New Year greeting. We are glad that 2020 is over and like most families are optimistic that 2021 will be better. The New Year is an opportunity to envision the future, but it is also a time to refl ect on the past. Like many, we have lost friends and family in 2020 to COVID-19 and other causes. Nevertheless, their spirit remains with us and they will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have experienced similar loss. I realize that many of you are tired: tired of not being able to visit friends and loved ones, celebrate holidays together, to give someone a needed hug, to attend in person school and work and to enjoy your favorite places. Quite frankly, it has been a long, difficult and exhausting year. That said, it was also a year that demonstrated our resilience and tenacity. As I refl ected upon the year 2020, I was moved by how much we accomplished by working together and the countless examples of commitment to community. One of the best things about Everett is that we care about one another. We always work together to fi nd a way to help. I have seen this wonderful quality in so many amazing people throughout this past year fi rsthand – whether it is volunteering at food pantries, delivering meals to those in need, neighbors caring for other neighbors, individuals remaining in the home to care for homebound relatives, and the parents and grandparents working with their students at home. Everett is blessed with quality agencies and organizations dedicated to helping others. It has been a true team eff ort and I’m so proud of all the organizations, volunteers, LETTER | SEE PAGE 15 and our residents. It is undeniable that these are trying times,
Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 ~ OP-ED ~ First responders need vaccine now By Senator Sal DiDomenico O ne of the greatest bright spots of 2020 and now leading into this New Year has been the speedy development and subsequent rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. For the fi rst time in many months, we are fi nally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with the promise that someday soon we will all receive the inoculation needed to stay safe from this deadly virus that has ravaged our communities. Of course, the fi rst phase of the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has rightfully been dedicated to reaching our healthcare workers and fi rst responders; those on the front lines who have already risked so much to serve us in the midst of this public health crisis. However, Phase 1 of this rollout is already off to a slow Gina S Soldano REALTOR® ABR®, AHWD, e-PRO®, GREEN, MRP®, PSA®, SFR®, SRES®, SRS® Broker/Associate Millennium Real Estate 291 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02149 (857) 272-4270 Gina.Soldano@era.com gsoldanorealtor.com and rocky start. Perhaps most concerning is the fact that the goal of “Operation Warp Speed” on the national level was to get the COVID-19 vaccine to 20 million Americans by the end of the year, and yet just over two million Americans have been vaccinated thus far. At that rate, it has been estimated it would take the United States 10 years to vaccinate 80 percent of Americans. That is an unacceptable lack of leadership at the federal level, which undoubtedly has exacerbated the vaccine rollout issues we are already facing in the Commonwealth. Here in Massachusetts, I am also deeply concerned about the lack of clarity, transparency, and communication on how and when vaccines will be administered to the priority populations that fall within Phase 1 of the vaccine rollout. Many members of our first responder community – especially our fi refi ghters, paramedics, EMTs, and police offi cers – have indicated that they have received little to no information about when vaccines will be provided to emergency personnel or how it will be administered to them during the Phase 1 timeline. The current plan for administering the vaccine Sal DiDomenico State Senator to public safety personnel is to give that responsibility to local boards of health, all of which have already been forced to take on extraordinary and overwhelming responsibilities throughout this public health emergency. Many public safety offi cials and my legislative colleagues have raised concerns that this plan has led to confusion and delay around vaccine rollout. Vaccinating our public safety personnel will not be as simple as it is for hospital personnel or even long-term care facility residents. The disparate geographic nature of our public safety community is something we must plan for accordingly, not only to guarantee all fi rst responders receive the vaccinations they need, but also to ensure they receive the communication from public health officials that they deserve. Unfortunately, our Commonwealth’s already overburdened local boards of health are structurally unprepared to execute this massive undertaking, especially without additional support and guidance at the state level. That is why I am joining with my colleagues in calling upon the Baker Administration to implement two key recommendations. First, we must create a regionalized plan in consultation with the Department of Public Health and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security on how to distribute and administer the vaccine to our public safety personnel. This plan should take into account how and when different regions will be able access vaccines and how the Baker Administration plans to prioritize each region and department. Our local boards of health cannot do this on their own and the state must step up to ensure our public safety offiOP-ED | SEE PAGE 15 COVID testing line runs down Elm Street Scores of residents waited outside the city’s COVID-19 testing site at the Recreation Center on Elm Street. Everett currently has the ninth highest COVID-19 rate in Massachusetts. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson)
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 9
Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Cost of hybrid learning projected at $5M By Christopher Roberson S uperintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani recently announced that the implementation of the hybrid learning model is expected to cost the district $5.1 million. Within that figure, some of the larger expenses include $1.6 million to transport special education and homeless students, $1.3 million for 40 long-term substitute teachers and $420,000 for 1,100 pool testing kits. In addition, $161,930 will be used to purchase 7,000 pieces of personal protective equipment. Tahiliani spoke about the financial impact of hybrid learning. “We don’t believe that we are going to have this grand surplus of funds,” she said during the January 4 School Committee meeting, adding that the hybrid model is expected to begin at the end of February. Therefore, she said, the district will absolutely need the city to return the $471,140 CARES Act reimbursement as well as the $581,000 from the lease of the Devens School. Despite the expense of hybrid learning, Tahiliani said it is time for students to return to the classroom – even if it is on a parttime basis. “We need to make moves to get back,” she said. Ward 4 School Committee Member Dana Murray, a teacher at East Boston High School, said she made the choice to return to her classroom. “Despite the fact that I probably could’ve gotten medical leave to stay out, I chose not to,” she said. “It’s getting to the point where enough is enough; we can’t wait forever. We should move forward without fear of moving backward.” School Committee leadership In other news, the committee voted unanimously to appoint Frank Parker as chairman and Thomas Abruzzese as vice chairman for 2021. “It’s an honor and a privilege,” said Parker, who previously served as vice chairman. Parker also thanked his wife, Kathleen, who he said, “serves in this capacity probably as much as I do.” However, Parker said that in recent weeks, the district has been characterized as “just another department.” “We are not, we are far from just another department,” said Parker. Parker also reminded his colleagues that they are harnessed with the awesome responsibility of overseeing 10 buildings, 7,200 students and 900 employees. Ward 5 School Committee Member Marcony Almeida-Barros said Abruzzese, the outgoing COST | SEE PAGE 15
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 11 Mass. 1st in nation to get OK for federal Pandemic-EBT funds extension for local families Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus families will receive additional help against food insecurity By Steve Freker T here was some good news this week for thousands of Massachusetts families, including many of those in Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus struggling with the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Many local families with school-aged children will be among the first in the nation to receive extra financial assistance to combat food insecurity. State officials have announced that federal funding has been approved to continue the Pandemic-Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) program through the end of the 2020-21 school year. In Malden, Everett and Revere, for instance, all families who have public school students in their households are eligible for P-EBT funds for the 2020-21 school year to help buy food. The funds that will be dispensed through the staterun program, using federal funds, are restricted to food purchases. Saugus families should check with local officials regarding P-EBT funds eligibility. The primary determining factor is if students are attending schools who benefit from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP). How much will families receive? Families of students in a fully remote learning situation will get $117.20 per month. Students in a hybrid learning situation will get $58.60 per month. Students attending school either half-day or fully in person are not eligible for P-EBT. Massachusetts received federal approval to issue P-EBT through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. The Bay State is the first in the nation to receive approval for the federal dollars. “COVID-19 has exacerbated food insecurity, especially for children who receive nutrition support in school settings. This remains a significant challenge for many families throughout the Commonwealth,” Secretary of Health and Human Services and COVID-19 Command Center Director Marylou Sudders said in a statement. “Massachusetts continues to maximize every opportunity to tackle food insecurity across the state. The rapid approval of our plan to issue P-EBT through the end of the school year will provide relief to hundreds of thousands of families across the state for many months as we continue to navigate this public health crisis.” P-EBT is a relief program created out of the CARES Act for families whose children qualify for free and reduced lunch. The program was launched in Massachusetts in April to help low-income families across the state cover the cost of missed school meals while their children learn remotely. It was extended in September to support students starting the school year remotely. In Massachusetts, about half of all families – more than 500,000 students – qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch. Parents and guardians who already receive benefits will get their P-EBT funds on their existing EBT card. Families who do not receive benefits from the Department of Transitional Assistance, but received a P-EBT card this year, will get their P-EBT funds on their existing P-EBT card. Newly eligible students will receive their P-EBT funds on their existing card if their families already receive benefits, or the students will be mailed a P-EBT card if they do not. Families who lost their P-EBT card can request a new one. Going forward, the benefit will be given to families monthly through the end of the 2020-2021 school year using $40-$60 million in federal funds each month. Altogether, more than $253 million in federal dollars have gone to supporting Massachusetts families through the nutritional assistance program. P-EBT can be used anywhere Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted, including online from Amazon and Walmart. Many families eligible for P-EBT may also be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to apply. In addition to P-EBT, all local communities are offered free “grab and go” in connection with local public schools.
Page 12 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen A message from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Thanks to the many readers who have been joining me on Sunday nights between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Fun and Nostalgia Show.” Our recent special guests include Jerry Mathers (Beaver Cleaver) and Tony Dow (Wally Cleaver) from the timeless sitcom “Leave it to Beaver,” Mike Lookinland who played Bobby Brady during the fi ve-year run of the iconic sitcom “The Brady Bunch” and Tina Louise who played Ginger Grant on “Gilligan’s Island.” Tune in every Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. as we jump in my time machine and go back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Stop by my website at www.bobkatzenshow.com and say hi. There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on RADIO.COM” Download the free RADIO.COM app on your phone or tablet Listen online at: www.radio.com/1510wmex/listen Tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of December 28, 2020 to January 1, 2021. OVERRIDE BAKER’S VETO OF BILL TO INCREASE ABORTION ACCESS (H 5179) House 107-50, Senate 32-8, overrode Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of a bill that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and lower the age from 18 to 16 at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. “I strongly support a woman’s right to access reproductive health care, and many provisions of this bill,” said Baker in a letter that accompanied his veto. “I support, for example, the provision that would enable a woman to access an abortion where the child would not survive after birth, and the modifi cations to the judicial bypass process that make it more accessible to minors who are unable to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian. I also support the changes that eliminate many outdated requirements and the 24-hour waiting period.” “However, I cannot support the sections of this proposal that expand the availability of later-term abortions and permit minors age 16 and 17 to get an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian,” continued Baker. “With the passing of the ROE Act, Massachusetts has codifi ed reproductive rights, protected vulnerable populations, empowered women, created an environment for healthier families, combated racial injustice, and made it loud and clear, that Massachusetts values are contrary to the values of the current president, and the deeply conservative Supreme Court that Donald Trump and his right-wing colleagues and allies have helped create,” said Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton), Senate chair of the Judiciary Committee. “There are no surprises here,” said Catholic Action League Executive Director C.J. Doyle. “Elected offi cials are profi cient at cost-benefi t analyses. Democratic legislators know they have more to fear from a progressive primary challenger than they do from a pro-life Republican in the general election. This vote marks the completion of a historic reversal. For most of the 20th century, Bay State Democrats, at the state and local level at least, were socially conservative, while Republicans were socially liberal. As late as 1978, a pro-life Democrat, Ed King, ran against a pro-abortion Republican, Frank Hatch, for governor. Now, Charlie Baker notwithstanding, legislators from both sides refl ect their national parties.” “The passage of these reforms to improve abortion access is a historic milestone for reproductive freedom in Massachusetts,” read a statement from the ROE Act Coalition which includes the ACLU of Massachusetts, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “Today, the commonwealth reestablished itself as a national leader in health care by removing political barriers to abortion and becoming the fi rst state to legislatively ease burdensome restrictions on young people’s access to care. The Legislature’s leadership means no Bay State family who receives a devastating diagnosis later in pregnancy will ever be forced to fl y across the country to access compassionate care and no 16- or 17-year-old will ever be forced to navigate the court system to access the health care they need. This legislation will signifi cantly improve the health and wellbeing of Massachusetts residents and represents an important step in removing medically unnecessary barriers to abortion care in our state.” “The ROE Act was introduced nearly two years ago,” said Myrna Maloney Flynn, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life. “Every day since then, thousands of Massachusetts Citizens for Life members, who reside in every corner of our state, used their voices to speak for those who cannot. They learned the truth about this irresponsible and dangerous legislation and bravely spread that truth within their communities—even during a pandemic. Almost as disheartening as this new law is the fact that legislators rammed this damaging bill through during COVID-19, inserting it into the state budget, knowing our opposition could not fi ght it in person due to quarantine restrictions.” Flynn continued, “So while we pause today to grieve for the many lives that will be severely damaged and lost as a result of the ROE Act, we anticipate, much as abolitionists did, the inevitability of a brighter tomorrow. Pro-lifers know setbacks. What we don’t know how to do is give up, look the other way, and allow injustice to stand.” “It’s heartbreaking to see that our legislators are so enslaved to Planned Parenthood,” said Andrew Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Family Institute. “There are over 18,000 abortions every year in Massachusetts, which averages out to the deaths of more than 125 on the heads of every state representative and state senator who voted to override the governor’s veto.” “Abortion is health care,” responded the ROE Act Coalition. “This legislation will signifi cantly improve the health and wellbeing of Massachusetts residents and represents an important step in removing medically unnecessary barriers to abortion care in our state. Tens of thousands of Massachusetts voters advocated to improve access to safe, legal abortion and applaud the legislatures’ unwavering leadership in the face of a global pandemic, infl ammatory attacks from anti-abortion activists, and a governor who stood in the way of meaningful reform.” “Sen. Chandler’s offi ce does not respond to libelous and out of touch statements like the one from Mr. Beckwith,” responded Kevin Connor, the communications director for the Worcester Democrat. “One might remind him that the vast majority of Massachusetts voters support abortion.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill expanding abortion. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Sen. Sal DiDomenico No Yes MORE VETOES Gov. Baker vetoed millions of dollars in funding in the $46.2 billion fi scal 2021 state budget. This is in sharp contrast to last fi scal year when, in an unusual move, the governor signed the fi scal 2020 state budget into law without vetoing any of the $43.3 billion in spending approved by the House and Senate. BHRC | SEE PAGE 13 Sa enir Sa y Senior Senio BY JIM MILLER Is Social Security Income Taxable? Dear Savvy Senior, I understand that a portion of my Social Security benefi ts may be taxable when I retire. Can you tell me how to calculate this? Ready to Retire Dear Ready, Whether or not you’ll be required to pay federal income tax on your Social Security benefi ts will depend on your income and fi ling status. About 35 percent of Social Security recipients have total incomes high enough to trigger federal income tax on their benefi ts. To fi gure out if your benefi ts will be taxable, you’ll need to add up all of your “provisional income,” which includes wages, taxable and non-taxable interest, dividends, pensions and taxable retirement-plan distributions, self-employment, and other taxable income, plus half your annual Social Security benefi ts, minus certain deductions used in fi guring your adjusted gross income. How to Calculate To help you with the calculations, get a copy of IRS Publication 915 “Social Security and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefi ts,” which provides detailed instructions and worksheets. You can download it at IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p915. pdf or call the IRS at 800-8293676 and ask them to mail you a free copy. After you do the calculations, the IRS says that if you’re single and your total income from all of the listed sources is: Less than $25,000, your Social Security will not be subject to federal income tax. Between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefi ts will be taxed at your regular income-tax rate. More than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefi ts will be taxed. If you’re married and fi ling jointly and the total from all sources is: Less than $32,000, your Social Security won’t be taxed. Between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50 percent of your Social Security benefi ts will be taxed. More than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefi ts will be taxed. If you’re married and fi le a separate return, you probably will pay taxes on your benefi ts. To limit potential taxes on your benefi ts, you’ll need to be cautious when taking distributions from retirement accounts or other sources. In addition to triggering ordinary income tax, a distribution that signifi cantly raises your gross income can bump the proportion of your Social Security benefi ts subject to taxes. How to File If you fi nd that part of your Social Security benefi ts will be taxable, you’ll need to fi le using Form 1040 or Form 1040SR. You also need to know that if you do owe taxes, you’ll need to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, or you can choose to have it automatically withheld from your benefi ts. To have it withheld, you’ll need to complete IRS Form W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request (IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ fw4v.pdf), and fi le it with your local Social Security offi ce. You can choose to have 7 percent, 10 percent, 12 percent or 22 percent of your total benefi t payment withheld. If you subsequently decide you don’t want the taxes withheld, you can fi le another W-4V to stop the withholding. If you have additional questions on taxable Social Security benefi ts call the IRS help line at 800-829-1040. State Taxation In addition to the federal government, 13 states – Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia – tax Social Security benefi ts to some extent too. If you live in one of these states, check with your state tax agency for details. For links to state tax agencies see TaxAdmin.org/statetax-agencies. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 13 BHRC | FROM PAGE 12 Baker said his reason for vetoing most of the funding in this fi scal 2021 budget was because it was not consistent with the budget he had fi led. Override supporters defended the funding and the programs and said cutting them would be irresponsible and result in a cut in services. Here are some of the vetoes: $121,395 FOR MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (H 5164) House 144-11, Senate 38-1, overrode Gov. Baker’s $121,395 veto reduction (from $4,169,189 to $4,047,794) in funding for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). According to its website, the MCAD’s mission is to “eradicate discrimination in the commonwealth by investigating and prosecuting complaints of discrimination that occur in employment, housing, public places, access to education, lending and credit.” The MCAD also off ers training to help prevent discrimination from occurring. (A “Yes” vote is for the $121,395. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes $191,845 FOR STATE ETHICS COMMISSION (H 5164) House 147-8, Senate 38-1, over1. On Jan. 8, 1852, what Bay Stater and inventor of the cotton gin died? 2. What N.E. state’s tallest building (124 feet) is the shortest building of the U.S. states’ tallest buildings? 3. In “Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months,” who praised enjoying that soup in January? 4. What is skijoring? 5. On Jan. 9, 1324, what Italian explorer – and namesake of a game – died? 6. How are No Toes, New South Wales; The Wedge, California; and Waimea Bay, Hawaii, similar? 7. How are Graves, Great Misery and Plum similar? 8. January 10 is annual Houseplant Appreciation Day; what chemical element do houseplants give off that is benefi cial? 9. What town in northern France became known for a type of lace? 10. On Jan. 11, 1895, Laurens Hammond was born, who invented what electronic keyboard instrument? 11. How are Mahabharata, Odyssey and Beowulf similar? 12. What toy does an arctophile collect? 13. In 1897 what newspaper began using the slogan All the News That’s Fit to Print? 14. January 12 is annual National Hot Tea Day; what flower is also the name of the tea plant family? 15. The world’s longest freshwater beach, Ontario’s Wasaga Beach, is on what lake? 16. On Jan. 13, 1968, who performed at Folsom State Prison? 17. How are Abel, Cain and Seth similar? 18. What N.E. native minister and abolitionist said, “Every man should be born again on the fi rst of January. Start with a fresh page”? 19. What candy was originally called “Papa Sucker”? 20. January 14 is annual National Dress Up Your Pet Day; what fashion company with NYC fl agship stores has “The Pup Shop” for dog wear? ANSWERS rode Gov. Baker’s $191,845 veto reduction (from $2,583,694 to $ 2,391,849) in funding for the State Ethics Commission. According to its website, the commission is “an independent state agency that administers and enforces the provisions of the confl ict-of-interest law and fi - nancial disclosure law.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $191,845. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes $12,448 FOR THE DIVISION OF LOCAL MANDATES (H 5164) House 126-30, Senate 38-1, overrode Gov. Baker’s $12,448 veto reduction (from $381,474 to $369,026) in funding for the Division of Local Mandates. According to its website, the division “responds to requests from local government leaders to determine if a state law is an unfunded mandate on municipalities. In addition, we serve as a source of information on issues harming municipal budgets and provide recommendations to address those issues.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $12,448. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico $19 MILLION FOR MASSHEALTH FOR DENTAL BENEFITS (H 5164) House 124-31, Senate 37-2, overrode Gov. Baker’s veto of $19 million funding for MassHealth for expanded dental benefits for adult members. “I am striking language that earmarks funding for a program expansion not recommended,” wrote Gov. Yes Baker in his veto message. “At a time when managing chronic conditions and helping people stay healthy could not be more important, reinstating these services for the first time in 10 years will make a meaningful impact on the health of thousands of Massachusetts residents,” said Amy Rosenthal, executive director of Health Care for All. “State budget shortfalls led to signifi cant cuts to adult dental benefi ts in MassHealth in 2010. Since then, advocates and legislative leaders have worked together to incrementally restore these benefi ts including coverage of fi llings, full dentures, gum disease treatment and now fi nally root canals and crowns.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $19 million. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes $2,427,239 FOR THE CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION (H 5164) House 127-28, Senate 37-2, overrode Gov. Baker’s $2,427,239 million veto reduction (from $12,400,000 to $9,972,761) in funding for the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). According to its website, “the mission of the commission is to honor the will of the voters of Massachusetts by safely, equitably and eff ectively implementing and administering the laws enabling access to medical and adult use marijuana in the commonwealth.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $2.4 million. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes DELEO RESIGNS, HOUSE ELECTS REP. RON MARIANO SPEAKER Former House Speaker Bob DeLeo resigned last week to take a job at Northeastern University. His second in command, Majority Leader Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) was easily elected as the new speaker of the House. Mariano received 123 votes. GOP Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading), the current minority leader, received 31 votes. All Democrats who voted did so for Mariano. All members of the GOP voted for Jones. Reps. Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown) of Watertown and Tami Gouveia (D-Acton) did not vote while Denise Rep. Provost (D-Somerville) voted “present.” Rep. Joseph McGonagle Voted for Mariano HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of December 28, 2020 to January 1, 2021, the House met for a total of 11 hours and 42 minutes while the Senate met for a total of fi ve hours and 52 minutes. Mon. Dec. 28 House 11:05 a.m. to 5:52 p.m. Senate 11:11 a.m. to 2:36 p.m. Tues. Dec. 29 House 1:03 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Senate 12:39 p.m. to 2:48 p.m. Wed. Dec. 30 House 12:36 p.m. to 2:04 p.m. Senate 1:19 p.m. to 1:37 p.m. Thurs. Dec. 31 No House session Fri. Jan. 1 No House session ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Attached single Family Colonial, Duplex style home. First floor features an eat-in kitchen, formal dining and living room, both with original tin ceilings and hardwood floors under carpets, half bath and four season, heated front porch with convenient laundry hook up. Second floor offers a full bath, two full size bedrooms and one smaller, office-size room, fits a twin bed and possibly a desk or dresser and nightstand, all with hardwood floors. Walk up attic for plenty of storage or finish for additional living space. Offered at$349,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. No Senate session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com 1. Eli Whitney 2. Vermont (in Burlington) 3. Maurice Sendak 4. When a skier is drawn over ice or snow by a vehicle or horse 5. Marco Polo 6. They are popular big wave surfi ng spots. 7. They are islands in Massachusetts. 8. Oxygen 9. Chantilly 10. The Hammond organ 11. They are epic poems – in Sanskrit, Greek and Old English, respectively 12. Teddy bears 13. The New York Times 14. Camellia 15. Lake Huron 16. Johnny Cash 17. They are children of Adam and Eve mentioned in the Book of Genesis. 18. Henry Ward Beecher 19. Sugar Daddy 20. Ralph Lauren
Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 OBITUARIES Franklin J. Foley, Jr. Of Everett, entered into eternal rest at home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, December 29, 2020. He was 82 years old. Born in South Bend, Indiana, Frank lived in Everett for most of his life. He was retired from the Everett School System where he worked as a classroom teacher and driving school teacher. Frank also taught driver's education for Pleasant Auto School. Not wanting to hang around, Frank drover a bus for Greyhound Bus Company for many years. He was affectionately known to all as "Papa.” Beloved husband of the late Frances M. (Wyrocki) for over 56 years. Son of the late Thelma (Jarboe) and Franklin J. Foley. Dear and devoted father of Kathleen Peach and her husband, David of Everett, MaryAnn Covelle and her husband, Christopher of Georgetown, Franklin J. Foley, III and his wife, Mary of Marlborough, Susan McNamara and her husband, Patrick of Stoneham, Michael E. Foley of Tewksbury, Laura Govostes and her husband, Christopher of Everett and Peter Foley and his wife, Justine of Upton. Brother of John Pat Foley of Peabody, Michael Foley and Gerald Foley of Everett, Philip Foley of Hull, Sharon Murphy of Stoneham, Daniel Foley of Saugus and the late Frances Gudjonsson. Loving Papa of 16 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Franklin’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 70 Walnut St., Ste. 301, Wellesley, MA 02481 would be sincerely appreciated. Zacharoula (Drousou) Pepper failing health. She was 73 years old. Born in Patras, Greece Zacharoula lived in Everett for many years. She worked as a certified nursing assistant in the Easte Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Chelsea for over 30 years. Beloved wife of the late Leonard Pepper for over 42 years. Daughter of the late Nikos and Zacharoula (Fostena) Drousou. Dear and devoted mother of Jacqueline Brett of Malden and Sophia Pepper of Everett. Loving Nana of Adrianna Heres and Dimitri Pepper. Sister of Dinos Drousou, Thenesae Drousou, Lykeria Drousou and Mylia Drousou all of Greece. Barbara Carmella (Falzone) Graf Of Everett, entered into eternal rest on Monday, December 28, 2020 in the Kapln Family Hospice House in Danvers after being in Of Everett, entered into eternal rest, unexpectedly, December 30, 2020 in the CHA-Everett Hospital. She was 83 years old. Barbara was born in Everett. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren most of all. Family was everything to her and she was everything and more to them. Some of Barbara’s favorite things to do besides spending time with family were traveling to the beaches of Florida, Aruba and Revere. She also enjoyed reading, cooking, crocheting and monthly luncheons with her 2 sisters. Barbara retired from 31 years employment at the Whidden Memorial Hospital, maintaining many long lasting friendships. Barbara is the light that will continue to shine through her loving daughters, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Loving daughter of the late Ruth Marie (Blood) and Leo Natale Falzone. Beloved wife of Paul H. Graf, Jr. for over 56 years. Cherished mother of Anne Marie (Arsenault) Hassey and her husband, Richard, John Arsenault, Linda Ruth (Arsenault) Meucci and her late husband, Michael Meucci and Mark Michel, Vincent Costa and his wife, Kim, Michael Costa and Rhonda Cardoos. Barbara is also survived by her pride and joy loving grandchildren, Michael Anthony Meucci, Jason Hassey, Courtney (Hassey) Aseltine and her husband, Richie, Amanda Egli and her husband, Adam, Nicholas Arsenault and his wife, Ashley, Shawn Arsenault, Christopher Meucci and his wife, Crystal, Samantha Costa, Michael Costa, Emily Costa and Gabbie Costa. She also leaves many loving great-grandchildren, sisters, Theresa Falzone, Laura Dunn and her husband, Stephen, brothers, Charlie Falzone and his wife, Millie, and the late John Falzone and his surviving wife, Marilyn, sister-in-law, Jean Ruotolo and late brother-in-law, Louis Ruotolo. Contributions in Barbara’s memory to Decibelsfoundation. org would be sincerely appreciated.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 15 OP-ED | FROM PAGE 8 cials are not left behind. The second proposal is to deploy the 7,000 of the 12,000 professional firefighters around the Commonwealth who are also EMTs to administer the vaccine to their colleagues, including call and volunteer departments. This is a simple and effective solution that will help to more quickly distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to our men and women on the front lines. I know that vaccine distribution and administration is a massive feat that will undoubtedly need to be reviewed and amended as rollout continues over the coming weeks and months. Under no circumstances do I believe this holdup has been deliberate by anyone on the state LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA level; our Commonwealth is being asked to take on an extraordinary challenge without proper support and resources from the Oval Office. However, it is also clear that further action needs to be a taken and these two proposals are a great place to start. I am already encouraged to see that the Governor Baker plans to address many of our concerns this week and will release more information regarding vaccine distribution plans for first responders in light of these concerns. I think we all know that our first responders, including our men and women in uniform, have played a crucial role in Massachusetts’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic and have risked and sacrificed so much for the greater good of our commuEverett resident earns degree from UNG D AHLONEGA, GA – Isatou Jallow of Everett recently graduated from the University of North Georgia (UNG) with a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. UNG awarded more than 1,000 degrees and certificates during the graduation exercises on December 5-6, 2020. nity. We owe it to them to ensure that our vaccine rollout is equitable, transparent, and effective. I stand with our public safety community and will continue to support any and all efforts to ensure that they are given every opportunity to access this vaccine as deserved. COST | FROM PAGE 10 chairman, elevated the committee to an “award-winning level” during the past two years. In October 2020, the committee received the Division II All-State School Committee Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. COVID-19 update Tahiliani said that as of January 2 there were 5,449 cases of COVID-19 in Everett for a positivity rate of 10 percent – the ninth highest rate in Massachusetts. She also said 250 children, ages 19 and younger, had contracted the virus in December 2020. By comparison, 156 children tested positive during the prior month. MEMBERS | FROM PAGE 3 The council voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole. School Committee Salary In other news, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins proposed a new annual salary of $15,000 for the members of the School Committee. She said the current salary is $11,500 and has not been adjusted since 2015. Martins said the increase would not apply to Mayor Carlo DeMaria. How ev er, Council - lor-at-Large John Hanlon said it is not up to the council to offer a salary increase. “If the School Committee wants a raise, they should ask for it,” he said. The council voted 6-3 to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole. LETTER | FROM PAGE 7 but we will get through this together and will become a stronger community in the process. Working together, we will ensure that 2021 is a much better year and that Everett will be a better place to live and work. Let’s all continue to do our part to help one another. Happy New Year to you all. Stay positive and be safe. Sincerely, Fred Capone Councillor Ward 1
Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 CALENDAR | FROM PAGE 18 to athletic competitions, at all levels. With this in mind and guided by our core value of equity for all, the GBL Principals and Athletic Directors have voted unanimously to postpone all interscholastic athletic competitions, other than Girls Hockey and Gymnastics, until March 1st. Winter sports pre-season conditioning opportunities will begin on February 1st. All athletic related activities including interscholastic play are dependent on both School Committee and local Department of Health approval. Additionally, the GBL plans on having all three seasons of athletics. Our hope is that the data around increased positive tests will have begun to reverse and we will be able to provide a safe opportunity for our student-athletes to compete. It is also our hope that cities within our league (Chelsea, Everett, Lynn and Revere) which have been some of the hardest hit in the state, will be able to engage and join as we move forward. We will be researching and organizing ways in which our student-athletes can participate in pre-season workouts to physically prepare for interscholastic competitions after a one year layoff. The pre-season conditioning programs will be done with the guidance of our Athletic Trainers. Lastly, a tremendous amount of work will be done by all GBL stakeholders over the next few weeks in the restructuring of all three athletic seasons. Please be patient as we will have answers to all your questions very soon. **** 2021 GBL Athletic Season Calendar January 11–Winter Season for Gymnastics, Girls Ice Hockey*. February 1– 26: Winter preseason. (The league Athletic Trainers will design this program and provide the oversight); Boys/Girls (B/G) Basketball, Swimming, Boys Ice Hockey. *Gymnastics and Girls Ice Hockey are in interscholastic play (Medford, Malden and Somerville). March 1–April 10: Winter season Interscholastic Competition – B/G Basketball, Swimming, Boys Ice Hockey. **** Fall 2 Preseason Conditioning: Girls Volleyball, Football, Field Hockey, B/G Soccer, Golf (The league ATs will design this program and provide the oversight). April 12–May 15: “Fall 2” Season – Girls Volleyball, B/G Soccer, Golf, Cross-Country, Football, Field Hockey. Spring Pre-Season Conditioning: Baseball, Softball, B/G Tennis, B/G LAX, Outdoor Track, Crew (The league ATs will design this program and provide the oversight). **** May 17–July 3 Spring Season – Baseball, Softball, B/G Tennis, B/G LAX, Outdoor Track, Crew, Boys Volleyball. 379 Broadway Everett 617-381-9090 All occasions florist Wedding ~ Sympathy Tributes Plants ~ Dish Gardens Customized Design Work GIFT BASKETS Fruit Baskets www.EverettFlorist.net ~Handyman Services~ •Plumbing •Electric •Ceiling Fans •Waterheaters + More Call Tom 781-324-2770 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! 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
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 17 ~ HELP WANTED ~ Construction Help Wanted Seeking Full-Time Laborers Basic construction knowledge, MA Drivers License with clean driving record a must. EVERETT ALUMINUM Call Steve at: (617) 389-3839 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. We also do demolition. Best Prices Call: 781-593-5308 781-321-2499 Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 MassPort Noise Complaint Line: 617-561-3333
Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 ~ ADVOCATE SPORTS ~ Greater Boston League announces new Athletic Season Calendar Winter season start pushed back to Feb. 1; “Fall 2” and Spring seasons will start later By Steve Freker T he Greater Boston League (GBL) announced Wednesday it would push back the start of the Winter Sports season to February 1 and also adjust the following two seasons, “Fall 2” and Spring Sports, to later starts as well. According to a statement on Wednesday released by league President Chris Mastrangelo, the Malden High principal, no sports are planned to be canceled. A variety of reasons were cited for the move, including a primary one, due to health and safety reasons precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit the GBL communities especially hard in a lot of ways. There is one change of note in that the indoor and outdoor boys and girls track seasons will be combined into one track season, outdoors, planned to run from May 27 to July 3. The Greater Boston League, which was reconstituted last year, includes Everett, Malden, Medford, Revere and Somerville, with three new members joining offi cially in the fall of this year: Chelsea, Lynn Classical and Lynn English. With the announcement, in another note, the GBL is basically “going its own way,” as most other leagues around the state are going with the dates set by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) for their respective seasons, meaning the GBL game schedules most likely will be exclusively all-league opponents. Additionally, with the changes in the calendar there remains the possibility the three newest GBL teams, Chelsea, Lynn Classical and Lynn English, may begin league play later this winter and in the spring, if their Boards of Health allow it. Lynn English Athletic Director Dick Newton publicly stated Wednesday his school would join the GBL in games being played immediately, judging by the new dates, if allowed by his city. “We are pleased we are able to accommodate all the teams and have something to offer our GBL student-athletes if all goes well,” Malden High’s Mastrangelo said. “It’s been almost a full year since our GBL student-athletes have competed. They deserve a chance to practice, play and compete if it’s safe to do so,” Malden High Athletic Director Charlie Conefrey, who is also GBL Commissioner, said. “Many hours and a lot of work has gone into this plan.” Following is the text of the GBL’s statement released on Wednesday: As we continue to navigate these unsettled times in our history, the Greater Boston League has consistently adjusted to meet the needs of our students. In the Fall we voted to participate in the Fall II season because that was best for our kids. As we head into the winter season we are preparing to adjust once more, to meet the needs of our students. During this pandemic there have been many reports, backed by data, that point to the abnormally high number of positive Covid-19 cases in urban areas. Sadly, many of the GBL schools have been aff ected by this. We continue to see our numbers rise. Due to this, a number of our schools are still in fully remote learning models. In addition, some of our cities have limited access to municipal buildings, including schools. Others have put a stop CALENDAR | SEE PAGE 16
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2021 Page 19 Kasey Khloe Littlefield Real Estate
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