Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2022 Founder of Immigrant Learning Center honored O n February 8, surrounded by his family, Everett resident Jeantilus Gedeus presented the founder and CEO of Malden-based The Immigrant Learning Center (The ILC), Diane Portnoy, with a plaque recognizing her support of the Haitian community. The plaque reads: “We hereby present Diane Portnoy with this award in recognition for the free education program you provide for the public. On behalf of the Haitian community, my family and I gratefully off er you this plaque. Thank you, Jeantilus Gedeus.” Since its inception in 1992, The ILC has helped more than 11,000 immigrants from 122 countries gain the essential skills to create new lives in the United States. The ILC started keeping electronic student records in 2000 and has recorded 2,049 students from Haiti since then. The makeup of its students often refl ects world events, and the displacement of Haitians caused by the 2010 earthquake led to an increase in students from Haiti. Gedeus was a teacher in his native Haiti. In 2010 he first came to The ILC as a student seeking help with English. He later became a classroom volunteer and in 2011 joined the staff as a teacher, helping many other Haitians, as well as immigrants from across the globe, learn English. FOUNDER | SEE PAGE 25 MATEWSKY | FROM PAGE 3 arts in the city.” Angulo said he may also request assistance from fellow artist Stephanie Mills and Annette LeRay, a longtime art teacher at Everett High School. Angulo also presented the idea of establishing an Arts Commission. “I’ve thought about an Arts Commission solely dedicated to the pursuit of public art in the city,” he said, adding that the Arts Commission in Cambridge has been quite successful. Martins expressed her support for the endeavor. “I love your vision, I love your ambition,” she said. “I love to hear a voice for the arts in our Chambers.” ARPA funding Chief Financial Offi cer Eric Demas said the city has made “no fi rm commitments” as to how it will use the $46 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, he said the city is working with Anser Advisory to determine the best use of the funds. “There’s not a lot of companies that do this,” said Demas. He also said the U.S. Treasury Department has released ARArtist Kevin Angulo spoke about his plans to create a mural at Glendale Towers. A trusted family name combined with exceptional craftsmanship & professionalism. Call for a consultation & quote. Shown from left to right are Beudenly Monelus, Diane Portnoy, Cassandra Sophie Gedeus, Janica Esther Gedeus and Jeantilus Gedeus. (Photo Courtesy of The Immigrant Learning Center) PA’s Final Rule, which provides greater fl exibility for acceptable uses. The Final Rule will take eff ect on April 1. Demas said part of the funding could be used for the vaccination clinics. “The vaccine program that the state was offering – they basically passed that on to communities,” he said. “We’re the ones that are running and funding those vaccine programs.” There will be an ARPA page on the city’s website and a series of outdoor community meetings that will be held when the weather gets warmer. Board reappointments The City Council also voted to reappoint fi ve members to the Library Board of Trustees. They are Mark Correia, James LaVecchio, Mary Fiorentino, Janet Colameta and Robyn Kelly. Correia’s term expires on March 1, 2023, while LaVecchio and Fiorentino will serve until March 1, 2024. Kelly will serve a three-year term which expires on March 1, 2025. In addition, James Booker was reappointed to the Council on Aging for a two-year term ending on March 1, 2024. (Photo Courtesy of ECTV) 63 Years! • Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks • Roofing • Replacement Windows • Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured
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