Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 3, 2026 GRANTS | FROM PAGE 1 be announced at a later date. The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced that Everett is one of 17 recipients to receive a portion of $10 million in grants through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program to support fan celebrations and community watch parties across Massachusetts celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Everett is one of the most diverse cities in the state, with residents from around the world where soccer is a big part of everyday life, making this a natural fi t for our community,” said Mayor Van Campen. “This is an excellent chance to bring people together in a way that reflects that. We’re grateful to be one of the communities included to create an event that is open and welcoming for all.” Administered by the Offi ce 50 of Travel and Tourism, which is part of Massachusetts’ Executive Offi ce of Economic Development, the funding is for operations, marketing and safety planning for World Cup–related events that promote tourism and support local economies across Massachusetts. INTERVIEW | FROM PAGE 1 into the Elm Street location.) He also told Prichard being 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 Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net on the roof provided a view of virtually the entire city. For better or worse, Everett has been the subject of regional and national news reporting, in The Boston Globe and New York Times, often as a result of allegations against DeMaria about anywhere from $180,000-$261,000 in unwarranted longevity pay. “Your predecessor was facing an audit for salary overpay. You told me you were going to make sure that continued,” Prichard said to Van Campen before asking, “What is the City’s The awards will fund programming in many communities for events taking place in June and July. “The World Cup will bring people from across the globe to Massachusetts, and we want every resident across our state to be part of that moment,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These events will create opportunities for residents and visitors to come together, celebrate the world’s game, support our local businesses and experience the energy and connection that sports can inspire. By investing in community celebrations across Massachusetts, we’re making sure role in the audit right now? Do you feel the residents are paying attention and still want to follow through with it?” “What I’ve conveyed to my colleagues in government is to allow the state process to play itself out,” he answered in reference to investigations by the state Inspector General. “As a community we will make a decision as to what the best outcome for the community is. We recently met with Inspector General Jeff Shapiro and had a great conversation about putting in the right systems to ensure that type of fi nancial issue doesn’t happen in the future.” Van Campen also reported he has spoken with DeMaria this global event delivers for people in every region.” Massachusetts will host seven soccer matches during the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup between June 13 and July 9, 2026. These matches are expected to bring visitors from around the world, creating opportunities for communities statewide to participate in the celebration through locally organized events and festivals. To learn more about the award and the Sports and Entertainment Fund Grant program, visit cityofeverett.com/ watch-party-award. since taking offi ce. “We’ve had conversations,” he said. “Some of his economic legacy is intact and if he has nuggets of wisdom, I’m glad to receive them.” Prichard also asked Van Campen what the easiest and hardest part of being Mayor is. Somewhat humorously he answered that the easiest part of the job is his commute to City Hall, a reference from him living behind the old High School, only a half mile, three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from City Hall. More seriously, he said the hardest part is “being responsible for making decisions that will affect the lives of every single person in this city.” YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE!
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