EV Vol. 30, No.14 -FREEEVE ER TT AADD www.advocatenews.net The Advocate–A household word for 30 years! CTE OCAT AT Free Every Friday 617-387-2200 A BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES. LOW MONTHLY FEES - ONLINE BANKING & BILL PAY REMOTE DEPOSIT CAPTURE - COIN SERVICES TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT OUR DIFFERENT BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNTS. WE’LL HELP YOU FIND THE RIGHT OPTION. EVERETT – 419 BROADWAY LYNNFIELD – 7 7 1 SALEM STREET 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 Visit our website to learn more at: EVERETTBANK . COM Member FDIC Member DIF SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS (FINALLY): Welcomed by balloons and a round of applause from teachers, students line up anxious to start classes in person at the George Keverian School early Monday. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) By Christopher Roberson N early seven months after the 2020-2021 school year began, students in grades K-5 fi nally had the opportunity to return to their schools. “The students are just so RIGHT BY YOU thrilled to be back,” said Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani during the April 5 School Committee meeting. “It was really exciting and energizing to be in those buildings. We’ve lost an indescribable amount during the pandemic.” She said 70 percent of eleSINCE 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 mentary school parents opted to send their children back to school while the remaining 30 percent will fi nish the school year using the remote learning model. Tahiliani said 82 percent of parents will allow their children to be tested for COVID-19. She also said that students are, in fact, able to safely eat lunch in the cafeteria and gymnasium, adding that breakfast is sent home at the end of each day. Tahiliani said preschool students and students in grades 6-8 are slated to return to the classroom on April 26. However, the district is still waiting for guidance from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to determine the return date for high school students. “We don’t know if DESE will be as defi nitive about high school,” said Tahiliani. Since the pandemic began, 7,000 families have accessed nutritional assistance and have enrolled in the Pandemic Electronic Benefi t Transfer program, which will continue through the summer. Although Everett has slipped back into the Red Category for COVID-19 transmission, Tahiliani said there is no indication that the schools are unsafe. However, she and her colBETTER LATE | SEE PAGE 2 E Friday, April 9, 2021 Thrilled to be back to school Elementary students start in-person learning
Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE Is your vehicle ready for the Summer Season?!! Recharge your vehicle's AC for the warm weather! Includes up to 1 LB. of Refrigerant* (*Most Vehicles/Some Restrictions May Apply) AC SPECIAL Only $69.95 DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! 2009 CHEVROLT IMPALA 2008 SCION XD Automatic, 4 Cylinders, Runs & Drives Great, Awesome Gas Mileage, Warranty, Clear Title, Only 118K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! $4,995 Financing Available! 3.5 Ltr., Six Cylinders, Automatic, Most Power Options, Just Serviced, Clear Title, Only 120K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! TRADES WELCOME! $4,995 (781) 321-8844 • (617) 571-9869 Easy 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com Vehicle! Crossing guard Katie Sherman said children need to come back. We Pay Cash For Your BETTER LATE | FROM PAGE 1 leagues will continue to closely monitor the metrics and will act if necessary. “All year, we’ve been very fl exible and adjusted as we’ve needed to,” she said. French Dual Language Program In other news, the committee entertained the possibility of implementing a French Dual Language Program. “These are not foreign language classes,” said Noah Ouellette, the K-12 education coordinator of the Boston French Consulate. “These are classes such as math, science or history that are taught in the second language. It’s really becoming a bigger trend.” A child waves goodbye to his parent. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Ouellette also said French is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. He said there are currently 300 million French speakers worldMario and Esmaylin Rodriguez Sosa by the Welcome Back Keverian Knights sign. Fourth grade teacher Michael Breda with his students, who are standing three feet apart. Stacie Lima gets a hug from her daughter third grade student Adriana, 8, who said she’s happy to be back so she doesn’t have to listen to her brother, Tristin, 13. wide. However, that number is expected to climb to 750 million by 2050. Funded at up to $10,000, the French Dual Language Program has been adopted by the public school systems in Milton, Holliston and Brockton. “Brockton made a decision For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net With new backpacks and school outfi ts, children enter the building, for the fi rst time in a year. that was very powerful,” said Kellie Jones, director of Bilingual Education for the Brockton Public Schools, adding that her district also has Spanish and Portuguese programs. “Brockton has a lot of linguistic diversity.”
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 3 City holds vigil to honor victims of Atlanta shootings “STOP ASIAN-AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HATE”: from left to right are Susan Chu, Jeanne Chu, Kee Lee, Hung Goon, Raymond Chen, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon, Ward 6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin, Ward 5 Councillor Rosa DiFlorio, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone, School Committee Chairman Frank Parker and School Committee Memberat-Large Cynthia Sarnie. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) By Christopher Roberson S tate and city officials recently gathered at Wehner Park to remember the eight victims whose lives were lost during the recent shooting spree in Atlanta. On March 16, alleged gunman Robert Long opened fire at Young’s Asian Massage in Acworth, Georgia. He then drove 35 miles south to Atlanta where he opened fire once again at Gold Massage Spa and AroMayor Carlo DeMaria said Everett will always be a welcoming place. City. “The violence must stop,” said DeMaria. “This woman was minding her own business, going about her day and was attacked for no reason.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico said children weren’t born racist but innocent, adding that children look up to adults, who must be good role models. SHOOTINGS | SEE PAGE 5 Bishop Robert Brown said they gathered for a somber purpose against violence and that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. matherapy Spa. Six of the eight victims were women of Asian descent. Police captured Long three hours after the shootings and have charged him with eight counts of murder and one count of aggravated assault. “I am disturbed and quite frankly disgusted by the acts that occurred that evening,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria during the vigil on April 1. “My heart breaks for the victims and their families.” He also called attention to the morning of March 29 when a 65-year-old Filipino woman was brutally attacked in New York
Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Easter Bunny hops into Glendale Park M By Tara Vocino ayor Carlo DeMaria and the City of Everett welcomed the Easter Bunny during Saturday’s Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt at Glendale Park. 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 $2.639 Mid Unleaded $2.739 Super $2.839 Diesel Fuel $2.819 "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 KERO $4.65 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $2.349 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 The Advocate gets RESULTS! Aluminum Everett 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 62 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 60 •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Fully Licensed •Roofng •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Fully Licensed n •Roo ng g • Fully Insured • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Wearing bunny ears are Katalina Melara, 6, Eva Gonzales, 10, and the Easter Bunny. Accompanying the Easter Bunny are mother Auriana Jardin with Samuel Jardin, 3, who is wearing a bunny headband. Spring! Joining the Easter Bunny are father Edwin Rodriguez with Uriel Rodriguez, 2, and Vivianna Rodriguez, 7. Everett residents Ruby Tapia and her son, David Quispe, 7, who attends the Webster School, met the Easter Bunny. Pictured from left to right are State Rep. Joseph McGonagle, Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, the Easter Bunny, Firefi ghters Nicholas Russo, Thomas Ross and Seth McCullough, Offi cer James MacGregor and Police Sgt. Joseph Gaff . Prices subject to change Spring is around the Corner! FLEET
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 5 SHOOTINGS | FROM PAGE 3 In addition, he said similar acts have been fueled by political rhetoric. “Elected officials, when they speak, can cause a lot of turmoil and a lot of problems,” he said. “You saw that in the last presidency.” J& $45 yd. Everett High School students Brandon Ho, David Gutierrez Ospina, Marvin Aviles, Karina Marroquin, Nicholas Pereira, Samuel Desir-Mufovana, Jazlyn Previlon and Kayla Cadet S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $40 yd. $3 yd. State Representative Joseph McGonagle said policy changes are one way to prevent future tragedies. Hung Goon, Mei Li and Ava Qiu held anti-violence signs. I said 1,000 percent,” said Brown. “An attack against any one of us is an attack against all of us. Let’s continue to put our foot on hate’s neck and stomp it out.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico shared another perspective. “Our kids are watching what is Ward 4 Councillor Jimmy Tri Le said he has always felt welcome in Everett. happening around us,” he said. “Our kids are born innocent; it is the adults who are ruining the minds of our young people.” State Representative Joseph McGonagle said he recently signed onto a Resolution condemning acts of violence and racism toward the AAPI community. “I want Everett to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone,” he said. “We must prosecute hate crimes as harshly as possible.” Everett High School Principal Everett High School Principal Erick Naumann said school clubs and organizations ensure that all students have a voice. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett) Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries, said violence against the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community has only grown worse. “In the past year, acts of discrimination, aggression and violence toward members of the AAPI community have increased by 1,000 percent – yes, Erick Naumann was accompanied to the podium by his mother, Iko, a native of Okinawa. “I never thought I would have to worry about my mother walking down the street – now I’m concerned,” he said. “She’s a person, she’s a human – she’s a mom.” Naumann also spoke about how his students have continued to persevere not only in the face of a global pandemic, but also in the face of racial tension. He said the high school now offers student organizations, such as the Wave Club, Leaders of Tomorrow and the Empowering Young Black Excellence Club. “The students at Everett High School have inspired everyone,” said Naumann. You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $1,210 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $1,210 Household of 1 = $39,105 Household of 2 = $51,137 Household of 3 = $63,169 Household of 4 = $75,201 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is May 28, 2021 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Making a pre-Easter delivery to veterans M By Tara Vocino embers of the Revere and Everett communities got together the day before Easter on Saturday at the Joseph L. Mottolo Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4524 to package meals for veterans in need. Pictured from left to right are Everett residents Paul Greno, George Lane, Grace Food Pantry Director Irene Cardillo, Jodi Cardillo of Cambridge Health Alliance, event organizer Matthew Cunningham, Fred O’Brien and volunteer Nick O’Brien. (Courtesy photo, Irene Cardillo) Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Kayla Colanti, Nancy Butler, Olivia Guzman, Alyssa Butler and Marissa Cunningham. Middle row, from left to right: Everett Police Officer David Butler, Dennis Boucher, Everett business owner Ann Stewart, Post Commander/Everett Police Officer Matthew Cunningham, Grace Food Pantry Director Irene Cardillo, A.J. Almendro and Steven Spurr. Top row, from left to right: Robert St. Jean, Charles Joyner, David Marshall, Thomas Weddbuton, Joseph Furtado, David Arathuzik, David Porter and Santiago Flores. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Silver Line virtual meeting slated for April 27 T he Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the MBTA will be hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, April 27, at 6 p.m. to share information about the Silver Line Extension Alternatives Analysis. This study will determine the feasibility, benefits and cost of extending Silver Line service to Everett and the surrounding communities. This meeting will provide information regarding the project as well as the findings of the study. MassDOT and the MBTA will be looking for the community’s feedback on the project needs, goals and objectives. They will also be interested to hear the community’s opinions on the findings of the study and what alignments should be considered when connecting Chelsea with Everett, Somerville, Cambridge and/or downtown Boston. Following the presentation, attendees are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback. To register for the virtual meeting held on Zoom, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZUodO6uqTwrHdOE0dEg0FnS9u2siKw8vQ69. The meeting will be recorded and posted online for those who an unable to attend. For more information about the Silver Line Extension and the meeting, please visit www.mbta. com/SLX.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 7 Local doctors weigh in on latest spike in COVID-19 cases D By Christopher Roberson octors at area hospitals agree that the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases was triggered not only by the variant forms of the virus, but also by countless individuals who have grown weary of living with a pandemic for the past year. On April 1, the state Department of Public Health reported that 55 communities were in the red category of COVID-19 transmission. Everett has slipped back into the red category with a positivity rate of 5.3 percent. Saugus is also in the red category with a positivity rate of 6.1 percent. Malden and Revere are in the yellow category with positivity rates of 3.9 and 3.8 percent, respectively. “Variants are contributing to the increase in cases in Massachusetts,” said Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, division chief of infectious diseases at Cambridge Health Alliance. “The more infectious B.1.1.7 variant (UK variant) is increasingly being identified in Massachusetts and the P1 variant (Brazilian variant) is also beginning to increase.” On April 4, renowned epidemiologist Dr. Michael Osterholm made a bold prediction on NBC’s Meet the Press. “Let me say that, at this time, we really are in a category five hurricane status,” he said. “At this point, we will see the highest number of cases reported globally since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re just at the beginning of this surge; we haven’t even really begun to see it yet.” Despite her deep respect for Osterholm, Bruno-Murtha said she is “more optimistic for Massachusetts.” “We have maintained a state mask mandate and our vaccination program has been increasingly efficient,” she said. “As of April 5, 38 percent of residents have received at least one vaccine.” She also said that time is of the essence regarding the MassFiscal slams state Congressional Delegation for cosponsoring politically motivated campaign finance legislation T he Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance (MassFiscal) recently held a Zoom press conference calling out Massachusetts’s congressional delegation and urging them to withdraw their support for H.R. 1, a federal bill that would remove the bipartisan makeup of the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) and mandate that taxpayers would fund future political campaigns, essentially a bailout for politicians. MassFiscal was joined at the conference by Bradley Smith, a former Chairman of the Federal Elections Commission and one of the country’s most prominent authorities on election and campaign finance law. “Campaign finance law agencies should never become a partisan witch hunt shop, but that is exactly what would happen under this misguided legislation. It would break up the bi-partisan makeup of the FEC and make it into a politicized attack agency. The Massachusetts Congressional delegation would benefit greatly under these new rules because they would have a majority of Democratic members on the FEC shielding them from prosecution if they commit any wrongdoing,” said MassFiscal Spokesperson/ Board Member Paul Craney. “Additionally, the provisions in the bill that would mandate taxpayers to fund future campaigns is extremely problematic, and serves as a political bailout for Members of Congress. Voters should always be able to donate to the political candidates that best represent them, and their hard-earned tax dollars should not be used to support candidates whom they might disagree with,” said Craney. “HR 1 is the biggest threat to free speech in decades. It would suppress Americans’ First Amendment rights while subsidizing politicians’ campaigns with taxpayer dollars. It would expose citizens to harassment for their deeply-held beliefs while transforming the Federal Election Commission into a partisan agency under control of the president. Far from a bill ‘for the people,’ HR 1’s 300 pages of new rules and restrictions on speech are a gift to Washington insiders and high-priced campaign finance attorneys,” said Institute for Free Speech Chairman Bradley Smith. EHS girls basketball team wins GBL title T he Everett High School girls basketball team took home this year’s Greater Boston League championship with a 47-41 win over Lynn English on April 3. Everett’s Andrea Manley had 27 points while Maya Kirnon chipped in another 12 points, including two free throws late in the game, to help the Tide finish the season with an 8-1 record. ongoing rollout of the vaccines. “The quicker we administer vaccines, the sooner we will have the upper hand on this pandemic,” said Bruno-Murtha. “I remain hopeful we will not experience another surge in Massachusetts.” Dr. Brian Chow, an attending physician at Tufts Medical Center, said there are approximately 700 cases of the UK variant in Massachusetts. He said the Brazilian variant also gained a foothold following the recent outbreak on Cape Cod. “We are all very concerned about the trajectory of the number of cases, particularly in Massachusetts,” said Chow. “Whether the next surge arrives will depend on our actions today. Now is the time to act to prevent the next surge.” With Massachusetts now in the final phase of the Reopening Plan, Chow agreed with Bruno-Murtha that vaccinations must continue without delay. “We are in a race against time to get vaccines into arms,” he said. “It takes at least 14 days after the final dose of vaccine to be protected. For Pfizer or Moderna, that could be as long as five to seven weeks after the first dose.” Dr. Stephen Kissler of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said that while the variants pose a significant threat, another shutdown should not be necessary. He said that during the past year healthcare professionals have learned an incredible amount of information pertaining to the spread of COVID-19. For example, he said the probability of contracting the virus by going to the grocery store is fairly minimal, particularly when everyone is wearing a mask. In contrast, Kissler said indoor dining creates a much greater risk. “That’s the real concern that I have,” he said. Kissler also said there will likely be a short-term surge from those who went away for Easter or Passover. “I think we will probably see some surge,” he said. Dr. Benjamin Linas, an associate professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, said relaxing restrictions all but guarantees that the number of cases will escalate. “It is just a fact of life, like gravity,” he said. “Until we reach full herd immunity, this is just a law of nature.” Although Linas agreed with Osterholm about the possibility of a fourth surge, he continues to have a great deal of confidence in the vaccines. “We are in a truly novel position; we have never seen the epidemiology of COVID in the context of widespread vaccination,” he said. “It is definitely possible that we are in the first days of a surge, but it is also possible that the surge is ultimately truncated by successful vaccination efforts.” However, Linas said there is also the risk of variants develCOVID-19 | SEE PAGE 11 Andrea Manley scored 27 points in Everett’s 47-41 victory over Lynn English on April 3 to win this year’s GBL title. (File Photos) Maya Kimon scored 12 points in the GBL title game against Lynn English on April 3.
Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Gabby Capone gets short story “The Lobster” published G a bby Capone , t h e daughter of Michele and Fred Capone, recently had her short story “The Lobster” published in Cleaver Magazine, “Philadelphia’s International Literary Magazine.” Cleaver Magazine showcases artwork and literature from both established and up and coming artists, writers and poets. Gabby has also been recognized as a Cleaver Emerging Artist. Her tale is about a lobster that shows up unexpectedly at her doorstep. It was one of 3,000 submissions this year, with only seven percent accepted for publication. School, the final class to matriculate from the school. She has always loved creative writing and has won awards and accolades from the Everett Public Libraries Poetry contests for her poGabby Capone Gabby is a 2019 graduate of Pope John XXIII High ems “Dartmouth,” “Mermaid,” “An Ode to the World Around Me” and “Body.” While at Pope John, Gabby served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, The Mercury, was treasurer of the National Honor Society, secretary of the Drama Club and founder of the Culinary Club, and she was an active member of the GABBY | SEE PAGE 9 2021 STREET SWEEPING SEASON: APRIL 1ST THROUGH NOVEMBER 30TH Please be reminded that the 2021 Street Sweeping Season begins on April 1st. Please be sure to check the signs on your street for parking restrictions in your neighborhood. Street sweeping is essential to eliminate issues and costs related to trash and debris getting into the underground sewage system. Please be aware that vehicles that do not complywith this ordinancemay be subject to ticketing and towing. Please call 311 with any questions. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. TEMPORADA DE BARRIDO DE CALLE 2021: 1 DE ABRIL AL 30 DE NOVIEMBRE Recuerde que la temporada de barrido de calles de 2021 comienza el 1 de abril. Asegúrese de revisar las señales en su calle para ver si hay restricciones de estacionamiento en su vecindario. El barrido de calles es esencial para eliminar problemas y costos relacionados con la entrada de basura y escombros al sistema de alcantarillado subterráneo. Tenga en cuenta que los vehículos que no cumplan con esta ordenanza pueden estar sujetos a multas y remolque. Llame al 311 si tiene alguna pregunta. Su cooperación esmuy apreciada. 2021 STREET SWEEPING SEZON: 1YE AVRIL JIS KO 30 NOVANM Tanpri sonje ke 2021 Street Sweeping Season kòmanse 1ye avril. Tanpri asirew ke ou tcheke siy ki nan lari a pou restriksyon pakin nan katye ou. bale lari a esansyèl pou elimine pwoblèm ak depans ki gen rapò ak fatra ak debri k ap antre nan sistèm dlo egou anba tè a. Tanpri sonje kemachin ki pa konfòme yo avèk òdonans sa a ka sijè a tikè ak remoke. Tanpri rele 311 ak nenpòt kesyon. Koperasyon ou apresye anpil. 2021 TEMPORADA DE VARREDURA DE RUA: 1 DE ABRIL A 30 DE NOVEMBRO Lembre-se de que a Temporada de Varredura de Rua de 2021 começa no dia 1º de abril. Verifique as placas na sua rua para ver se há restrições de estacionamento na sua vizinhança. A varredura de ruas é essencial para eliminar problemas e custos relacionados à entrada de lixo e entulho no sistema de esgoto subterrâneo. Por favor esteja ciente de que os veículos que não cumpram com esta ordem podem estar sujeitos a emissão demultas e reboque. Em caso de dúvidas ligue para o 311. Agradecemos a sua colaboração. Hydrant fl ushing to begin April 12 T he Water Department will be flushing water mains throughout the city from April 12 through May 21. The purpose of fl ushing is to remove sediment buildup in the mains and to verify the safe operation of hydrants and valves. Hydrant fl ushing might result in temporary discoloration of the water caused by small particles that dislodge during the fl ushing, as well as temporary reduction in pressure. Discolored water will be temporary and is not harmful. However, the discolored water might stain your laundry, especially white materials. Therefore, please avoid doing laundry during the noted fl ushing period. Prior to washing clothes, including during times after the hours stated in this notice, please check the cold water for possible discoloration. If water is discolored, let the cold water run for a few minutes until water becomes clear. If it does not clear at that time, try again later. Unfortunately, the City cannot fully guarantee the safety of doing laundry and/or the possibility of discoloration even during the evenings and other HYDRANT | SEE PAGE 9
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 9 Encore partners with Night Shift Brewing to announce Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap E ncore Boston Harbor and Night Shift Brewing recently announced their new collaborative restaurant and bar, Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap, which is located inside the resort and will be opening on Thursday, April 15. The new dining concept will feature elevated interpretations of classic pub fare created by Executive Chef Kyle Bradish as well as an extensive list of Night Shift Brewing’s locally crafted beers. “We are thrilled at the opportunity to partner with another local Everett business, whose products are beloved in the region,” said Encore Boston Harbor President Brian Gullbrants. “Night Shift Brewing’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and strong community ties created a natural synergy that we know our guests will love.” Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap’s well-rounded menu will include small bites, such as hot onion rings with Frank’s RedHot sauce, creamy ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles; sandwiches like the tamarind-glazed grilled pork belly banh mi with cucumber, carrot, daikon, jalapeno, cilantro, lime aioli and French bread; entrées like the mariHYDRANT | FROM PAGE 8 times of the day as the water system has been disturbed. Therefore, please check your water carefully prior to doing laundry and inspect the laundry before drying it. Hydrant flushing will be performed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Water Department appreciates your patience as we work to improve the quality of the drinking water. If you would like additional information, please call the Water Department at 617-3942327. GABBY | FROM PAGE 8 Poetry Club and Tigers and Tutors. In addition, Gabby was awarded the Wellesley College Book Award for her academic record and contributions made to her school and community. Gabby is currently a sophomore at New York University, majoring in English Education with aspirations to teach creative writing in the future. nated steak tips with roasted garlic potato puree, grilled asparagus, crispy onion straws and mushroom gravy; and more. Save room for dessert and indulge in the Night Shift “Wide Awake” warm chocolate brownie sundae with candied pecans, chocolate sauce, a maraschino cherry and Wide Awake Imperial Stout. The beverage menu includes more than 20 beers on tap and a wide-ranging selection of canned beers and seltzers, including Night Shift Brewing favorites, such as Whirlpool, Santilli and Nite Lite. “We always aim to craft better experiences for our fans,” said Night Shift President/Cofounder Rob Burns. “We are doing just that with this Encore Boston Harbor partnership. This will be a pinnacle experience of food and beer in the Boston area.” Night Shift Brewing Kitchen & Tap will be open Thursday from 5-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday from 2-10 p.m.
Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 BAKER | FROM PAGE 13 health and the health of our communities. Our state and local governments have dedicated tremendous resources to help people pay their rent. However, as unemployment persists, work hours change, and kids are not fully back in school, federal funding is critical to keeping up with the need,” said Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association CEO Rachel Heller. “This new federal funding provides us with the resources we need to help people and our neighborhoods stay stable through the pandemic.” Over the last nine months, DHCD and partners have worked to reduce paperwork, streamline the application process, implement technology upgrades and provide better language access. To increase capacity, DHCD and regional agencies hired more than 200 new staff and created the new RAP Center to lend added support with increased applications across the state. DHCD is also working to expand access and awareness with a public information campaign and targeted outreach to vulnerable communities. To address this immense increase in demand due to COVID-19, DHCD worked with administering agencies to transform the RAFT program from a narrow homelessness-prevention program into a comprehensive disaster relief program to stabilize renters and landlords. The RAFT program was more targeted in its aid, requiring a court summons or other evidence that a household was facing an unstable situation, and was limited to $4,000 to address a short-term BAKER | SEE PAGE 19
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 11 AG report shows residents lost $426M through competitive electric supply contracts in last five years A ttorney General Maura Healey recently released a report finding that in the last five years individual residential customers who received their electricity from competitive suppliers paid $426 million more on their bills than they would have paid if they had stayed with their utility companies. This is the third report from the AG’s Office that shows that residents who enroll with these companies continue to overpay for electricity by tens of millions of dollars each year. Overall, the approximately 450,000 individual residential customers in the state who are currently enrolled with competitive suppliers lost $173 million in the most recent two years of data examined in the report. The AG’s report also found that these suppliers continue to charge low-income residents and residents in communities of color COVID-19 | FROM PAGE 7 oping that are immune to the vaccines. “That is possible, the best way to prevent that from happening is to end this before it happens, which means wearing masks and distancing while we vaccinate as fast as humans have ever vaccinated an entire population,” he said. However, Linas stressed that the uptick in cases is not the result of schools reopening. “Schools are too essential to loosely blame for epidemiology that has many other clear explanations,” he said. “Our goal should be to keep schools open, even with another surge, unless it becomes very clear that there is a great deal of in-school transmission occurring.” In addition, Linas said the reopening process has been moving too fast. “We are too quick to reopen indoor dining and to allow fans back at sporting events. I know that no one wants to hear this, but no one wants a fourth surge without acknowledging the laws of nature,” he said. “I am sensitive to the need for economic recovery and identify strongly with small business owners who are facing existential financial threats. But we are so close. I really think that with a concerted effort to limit our interactions and double down on masks and distance, combined with ongoing vaccination efforts, we could be at herd immunity by the end of the summer. We can see the finish line; now is the time to dig deep and begin the hard sprint to the end.” higher rates for their electricity. The report’s findings highlight the urgent need to pass legislation that Healey, State Senator Brendan Crighton and State Representative Frank Moran filed earlier this year that will ban these companies from signing up new individual residential customers in Massachusetts. “This report details the dishonest marketing and unfair contracts being used by competitive electric suppliers to take advantage of low-income ratepayers in Gateway Cities like Lynn,” said Crighton. “The legislation that I filed in partnership with Attorney General Healey and Representative Moran would put an end to these deceptive practices employed by these companies to prey on low-income consumers and those with limited English proficiency.” “The Attorney General’s report once again finds that low-income residents in Massachusetts continue to pay too much to competitive electric suppliers for the same electricity that their utility company supplies for less,” said Attorney Jenifer Bosco of the National Consumer Law Center. “Massachusetts AG REPORT | SEE PAGE 22 customers have already lost hundreds of millions of dollars due to the deceptive sales practices of many competitive supply companies. Other states have stepped up to protect their residents and it’s past time for Massachusetts to catch up and stop the financial harm to our families and neigh
Page 12 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Baker announces federal funding through Eviction Diversion Initiative O n April 2 the Baker-Polito Administration announced that more than $400 million in new federal funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act is now available through the Administration’s Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI). First launched in October 2020, EDI consists of a comprehensive set of resources that serves individuals, families and landlords in crisis with financial aid, free and low-cost legal aid and community mediation to keep people in their homes. With a focus on preserving housing stability, the Baker-Polito Administration has distributed approximately $80 million in state rental assistance to more than 18,000 households since the beginning of the State of Emergency. As a result of extensive coordination, these efforts have contributed to the mitigation of the anticipated crisis in evictions. Information tracked by the Massachusetts Trial Court shows a total of 626 executions issued in residential eviction cases from October 18, 2020, through March 28, 2021, for cases filed after the state moratorium. This represents a reduction of nearly 85 percent compared to the number of executions issued in residential eviction cases during the same span of time one year prior. The infusion of more than $400 million in federal resources, which is expected to be supplemented by hundreds of millions in additional dollars through the American Rescue Plan Act, allows the Commonwealth to provide lengthier relief to low-income renters and landlords in crisis while implementing system efficiencies and processes for the future. This additional funding and the flexibility created by federal regulations enable the Commonwealth to expand aid to more households, to provide deeper and lengthier assistance to households and to help households with utility payments. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has been investing heavily in and working closely with regional administering agencies (RAAs) and the Rental Assistance Processing (RAP) Center to incorporate the new Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funding into existing delivery service models for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) programs. “The ongoing public health crisis and the economic consequences created by COVID-19 have made the importance of stable, affordable housing a clear and vital component of our strategy to keep households safe and healthy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This major infusion of resources enables us to extend and strengthen our Eviction Diversion Initiative, which supports both tenants and landlords in crisis to keep more families safely housed. With more than $400 million available, we are pleased this funding will enable us to respond to the immense need for support right now, and make long-term investments in our homelessness prevention programs.” “We are pleased to provide additional funding to the Eviction Diversion Initiative to further offset the impacts of COVID-19. The pandemic has disproportionately affected lower income communities and neighborhoods, and this new funding will provide longer term support for households as we continue to work toward recovery,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “In keeping with our goal of meeting residents where they are, these important resources will be more accessible to our affordable housing providers and families eligible for shelter, and will shield even more families from homelessness during this unprecedentBAKER | SEE PAGE 13
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 13 BAKER | FROM PAGE 12 ed crisis.” Funding highlights include: • Income eligibility – households making up to 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) will be eligible for funding (RAFT has an eligibility threshold of 50 percent of AMI). • Longer-term assistance – households may be eligible for up to 12 months of rental arrears (plus an extra three months of stipends for future rent if funding allows and need is demonstrated) as well as overdue utilities arrears up to $1,500. All rent and utility arrears must have been accrued after March 13, 2020. Currently, RAFT and ERMA can provide up to $10,000 per household for rental arrearages or stipends. • Prioritization of funds for those most at risk, including those making less than 50 percent of AMI and those unemployed for 90 days or more. In addition, DHCD, in partnership with MassHousing and the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), will launch a new program to allow qualified owners of income-restricted units, as well as Local Housing Authorities, to apply for help directly on behalf of all their income-eligible residents with past-due rent. The Subsidized Housing Emergency Rental Assistance (SHERA) program will expedite relief for possibly tens of thousands of eligible tenants in need, while also allowing administering agencies to concentrate on applications from non-subsidized tenants in need of assistance. Federal resources will also be made available to families who are eligible for Emergency Assistance (EA) Shelter, by coupling ERAP rental assistance benefits with the existing HomeBASE benefit and housing services. This will help those who owe arrears and are at risk of becoming unhoused, and also those who are exiting EA shelter and transitioning into permanent housing. The Administration is also pursuing two pilot initiatives: The first will allow municipalities to provide targeted outreach and hands-on ERAP application support to communities with demonstrated need and hard-to-reach populations, and the second provides targeted outreach strategies to small landlords about the availability of ERAP and other state financial assistance programs. “Thanks to the hard work of DHCD and so many partners, we’ve transformed how we support families facing an eviction or a housing crisis during the pandemic. We’ve increased our dollar commitment, and introduced new, comprehensive services like free and low-cost legal aid and community mediation between tenants and landlords to help keep people housed,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “As we enter a critical stage of our economic recovery, it is absolutely vital to ensure families have access to safe, stable housing.” “These additional resources, combined with process improvements and expanded eligibility, have allowed us to adjust our relief programs to match the urgency required by this public health crisis. Over the last nine months, we have worked closely with our partners to create a better application process for applicants and administering agencies,” said DHCD Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “Thanks to our partners in the Legislature, the Courts, and our network of advocates, we’ve never been more ready to provide assistance to families in need.” “The addition of the federal dollars means we can serve even more households struggling to pay their housing costs and provide deeper resources to fully bridge the gap of what’s needed to stabilize tenancies,” said Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts Executive Director Stefanie Coxe. “This helps us further transform a homelessness prevention program into a disaster relief fund.” “The last year has shown how important our homes are to our BAKER | SEE PAGE 10
Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen A note from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Join me this Sunday night and every Sunday night between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Show.” Jump in my time capsule and come back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. 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 and listen online at www.wmexboston.com. Or tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio. THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House and Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the number of times each representative sided with Gov. Charlie Baker on his 151 vetoes of items in the 2020 session. A two-thirds vote is required to override a gubernatorial veto. In a full 160-member House, the governor needed the support of 54 representatives to sustain a veto when all 160 representatives voted—and fewer votes when some members were absent, or a seat was vacant. Baker fell short of that goal as 46 votes was the most support he received on any veto. The House easily overrode all 151 vetoes, including 12 that were overridden unanimously. It was mostly the 31 GOP members who voted with the Republican governor to sustain the vetoes. No representatives voted with Baker 100 percent of the time. The three GOP members who voted with Baker the most times are Reps. Donald Berthiaume (R-Spencer) who voted with Baker 128 times (84.7 percent); Shawn Dooley (R-Norfolk), 119 times (78.8 percent); and David DeCoste (R-Norwell), 116 times (76.8 percent). The three GOP members who supported Baker the least number of times were Rep. David Vieira (R-Falmouth) who sided with the governor only 41 times (27.1 percent); Timothy Whelan (R-Brewster) 60 times (40.5 percent); and Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) 79 times (52.3 percent). The vetoes had little support among the 127 Democrats in the House. Only 22 (17.3 percent) of the chamber’s 127 Democrats voted with Baker to sustain any vetoes while the other 105 (82.7 percent) did not support the governor even once. The Democratic representative who supported Baker the most times was Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) who sided with Baker 11 times (7.2 percent). PERCENTAGE OF TIMES LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES SUPPORTED BAKER’S VETOES IN 2020 Here is how your representative fared in his or her support of Baker on the vetoes. The percentage next to the representative’s name represents the percentage of times the representative supported Baker. The number in parentheses represents the actual number of times he or she supported Baker. Some representatives voted on all 151 roll call votes. Others missed one or more of the 151 votes. Each record is based on the number of roll calls on which a representative voted and does not count the roll calls for which he or she was absent. Rep. Joseph McGonagle 0.6 percent 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 filed. 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 March 29-April 2, the House met for a total of nine minutes while the Senate met for a total of 33 minutes. Mon. March 29 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Senate 11:27 a.m. to 11:37 a.m. Tues. March 30 No House session No Senate session Wed. March 31 No House session No Senate session Thurs. April 1 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:06 a.m. Senate 11:42 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Fri. April 2 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 15 S y Senior How to Help Your Elderly Sa e a H t H l BY JIM MILLER Senio nior nr Eldl ior Parent with Their Finances Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you off er on helping an elderly parent with their fi nances? My 84-year-old father is having trouble keeping up with his bills and insurance, and I just found out that he’s been making contributions to a suspicious charity. Reluctant Daughter Dear Reluctant, Many adult children serve as fi nancial helpers to their elderly or ill parents. They provide services like paying bills, handling deposits and investments, fi ling insurance claims, preparing taxes and more. Here are some tips and resources that can help you help your dad. Start with a Conversation Taking on the task of helping an elderly parent with their fi - nances can be a sensitive and diffi cult topic. The fi rst step in helping your dad is to have a respectful talk with him expressing your concerns, as you stated in your question, and offering to help him with his fi - nancial chores. If you have siblings, it can be a good idea to get them involved too. This can help you head off any possible hard feelings, plus, with others involved, your dad will know everyone is concerned. Get Organized If your dad is willing to let you help manage, monitor or take over his fi nancial aff airs your fi rst order of business is to get organized by making a list of his fi nancial accounts and other important information. Your list should include his: Contact list: Names and numbers of key contacts like insurance agents, fi nancial advisor, tax preparer, family attorney, etc. Monthly bills: Phone, cable, water and trash, gas, electric, credit card accounts, etc. Financial accounts: Including bank accounts, brokerage and mutual fund accounts, safe-deposit boxes and any other fi nancial assets he has. Also get usernames and passwords for financial accounts that are set up online. Company benefi ts: Any retirement plans, pensions or health benefi ts from his current or former employer. Insurance policies: Life, home, auto, long-term care, Medicare, etc. Taxes: Copies of your dad’s income tax returns over the past few years. Locate Important Documents This is also the ideal time to fi nd out if your dad has the following essential legal documents: A will; an advance directive that includes a living will and health-care proxy, which allows you or another family member or friend to make medical decisions on his behalf if he becomes incapacitated; and a durable power of attorney, which gives you or a designated person similar legal authority for fi nancial decisions, if needed. If he doesn’t have these important documents prepared, now is the time to do it. And if they are prepared, make sure they’re updated, and you know where they’re located. Simplify Financial Tasks The quickest way to help your dad simplify his monthly fi nancial chores is to set up automatic payments for his utilities and other routine bills and arrange for direct deposit of his income sources. If your dad has savings and investments scattered in many diff erent accounts, you should consider consolidating them. You can also set up your dad’s bank system and investment accounts online, so you can pay bills and monitor his accounts anytime. Set Up Protections To guard against scams and risky fi nancial behaviors, consider getting your dad a True Link Visa Prepaid Card (TrueLinkFinancial.com/card). Designed for older adults with cognitive issues this card would provide your dad access to his money but with restrictions that you set on how funds can be spent. Or check out EverSafe. com, a web-based service that will automatically monitor your dad’s accounts, track suspicious activity and alert you when a problem is detected. Seek Help If you need help or live far away, consider hiring a daily money manager (see AADMM.com) who can come in once or twice a month to pay bills, make deposits, decipher health insurance statements and balance his checkbook. Fees range between $60 and $150 per hour. 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.
Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 17 Crimson Tide Hockey Senior Night honors parents By Tara Vocino our Everett High/Mystic Valley Crimson Tide Varsity Girls’/Boys’ Ice Hockey seniors F were recognized before their game against the Lynn Jets at Allied Veteran’s Memorial Rink on Tuesday night. Co-Capt. Kaleigh Snook stands with her father, Christopher Snook, and mother, Tina Oliveri. After graduating from EHS, Snook plans to attend college to become a special education teacher. Hockey Co-Captains Kaleigh Snook and Brendan Currie. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Co-Capt. Brendan Currie tands with his parents, Brian and Kimberly Currie. After graduating from EHS, Currie plans to attend trade school to become an electrician or open his own business. Co-Capt./Forward Max Brown stands with his parents, Michael and Darlene Brown. After graduating from Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, Brown plans to attend Bridgton Academy for hockey. Co-Capt./Defense Aaron Hickey stands with his parents, Nina and Drew Hickey. After graduating from Mystic Valley Regional Charter School, Hickey’s top choice is Providence College to major in history.
Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Encore donates hundreds of flowers to MVES E ncore Boston Harbor recently donated more than 600 flowers to Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES). The flowers were delivered to residents of supportive housing buildings in Malden and Melrose. OBITUARIES John R. Festa nephews, cousins and friends. Veteran of USMC Korean War, “Once A Marine Always A Marine” Semper Fi. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, all services were held private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 670 Washington Avenue, Revere, MA. 90 years of age, of Revere, formerly of Everett, passed away on Sunday, Rosemary, a resident at the Congregational Retirement Homes in Melrose, helped unpack the hundreds of flowers donated to Mystic Valley Elder Services by Encore Boston Harbor. Betty Recer was one of the many residents delighted to get a flower arrangement from her Mystic Valley Elder Services Resident Services Coordinator, Shannon Breen, who works at the elder building. (Photos Courtesy of Mystic Valley Elder Services) March 28, 2021. Cherished son of the late Gabriel and Edith (Marciano) Festa. Devoted husband of Phyllis (Colameta) Festa for 70 years. Loving father of daughter, Pamela J. Rao and her husband Joseph Jr. of Billerica, and son John R. Festa Jr. of Boston. Adored grandfather of Jennifer McLaughlin, and Joseph P. Rao III. Great grandfather of Kaeleigh and Nathan McLaughlin, and Anna Rao. Great great grandfather of Charlotte Malette. Dear brother of G. Daniel Festa, Karyn Russo, and the late Marilyn Gaylardi, and Judith Storella. Also survived by many loving nieces,
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 19 BAKER | FROM PAGE 10 crisis. In past years, with an annual budget of roughly $20 million, RAFT served between five and six thousand households. During this crisis, the state has already distributed about $80 million to more than 18,000 households, more than tripling its annual output. In February 2021, the state served a record 5,463 households, spending $21.1 million through the RAFT program to keep them in their homes. By comparison, in February 2020 – the month before the start of the public health emergency – the state issued $1.5 million in RAFT funds. February 2021 represents approximately a 1,300 percent increase in assistance over February 2020. During the first three weeks of March, the state distributed $23.6 million in RAFT payments to 7,445 households, putting the Commonwealth on track for another record month. Payments from those three weeks alone represent more than the entire annual RAFT budget in any fiscal year before the current fiscal year. In addition, DHCD continues to see fewer families enter and stay in the family shelter system compared to the previous year. Family shelter caseload in February 2021 was down approximately 20 percent compared to February 2020. Similar trends can be seen in the HomeBASE program, with new participants since October down between 30 percent and 60 percent each month compared to the preceding year. Moreover, while there was an initial increase in post-moratorium eviction filings in November and December, new weekly eviction filings for nonpayment of rent have declined and have remained consistently below pre-pandemic levels in calendar year 2021. Additionally, this week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended its eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021. The Eviction Diversion Initiative combines financial assistance with resources for renters and landlords to avoid an eviction. The COVID Eviction Legal Help Project – a partnership with the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the Volunteers Lawyers Project – provides free legal assistance to low-income households facing an eviction and free or low-cost assistance for low-income homeowners who live in a home with rental units. Agencies have hired nearly 130 direct service staff to increase capacity, and more than 200 lawyers have been recruited to volunteer their time and expertise. To date, more than 1,000 cases have been opened at legal aid organizations under this partnership. Additionally, with the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration, professional, confidential mediation services are available across the Commonwealth for tenants and landlords to solve lease or other housing issues outside of the court process. Office/Commercial Space for Lease 1. April 9 is annual National Unicorn Day; what is depicted in the seven Unicorn Tapestries on display at the Cloisters in NYC? 2. What organization’s motto and slogan are “Be prepared” and “Do a good turn daily,” respectively? 3. What was known as the Morris worm? 4. On April 10, 1955, who successfully tested a polio vaccine? 5. According to FIFA, a soccer goalie can hold onto the ball for no longer than how many seconds: six, 10 or 15? 6. How are Lady Baltimore, Betty and Pavlova similar? 7. What is the deepest tunnel in North America? 8. Which U.S. president during World War I kept a flock of sheep at the White House to keep the grass trimmed save money and support the war effort? 9. On April 11, 1868, BPOE was founded; what does BPOE stand for? 10. What are Zoomers? 11. On April 12, 1985, Space Shuttle Discovery launched – with what toy that does tricks? 12. In 1895 volleyball was invented in what Western Massachusetts city known as “The Paper City”? 13. On April 13, 1964, what African American won Best Actor for “Lilies of the Field”? 14. What is sugaring off? 15. The first floppy disks measured what diameter inches: three, five or eight? 16. On April 14, 1927, Clarence Birdseye of Gloucester, Mass., in the UK patented “Improvements in Methods of Preparing Fish Foods” to make what product? 17. The first seven pro football players known to get paid mostly played for the Allegheny Athletic Association of what state (in the 1890’s)? 18. How are Bedouin, bivvy and geodesic similar? 19. Whose first novel was serialized from spring 1836 in 19 popular issues and called “The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club”? 20. On April 15, 1452, Leonardo da Vinci was born, who painted “La Joconde” (or “La Gioconda”), which is better known as what? ANSWERS 3 Large rooms, each with walk-in storage area. Ideal for Law Office or Aerobics Studio. Like new condition. Second floor elevator direct to unit. Seperate entrances - New Baths - Large Parking Area. On MBTA Bus Route #429. Located on Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza Rte. 1 South 425 Broadway Saugus Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 1. “The Hunt of the Unicorn” 2. The Boy Scouts of America 3. A 1988 computer virus 4. Dr. Jonas Salk 5. Six 6. They are desserts named after women. 7. Boston’s Ted Williams Tunnel (90 feet below Boston Harbor) 8. Woodrow Wilson 9. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 10. They are children who appeared on the Zoom children’s entertainment series. 11. A yo-yo 12. Holyoke 13. Sidney Poitier 14. Making maple syrup into sugar 15. Eight 16. Frozen fish fingers 17. Pennsylvania 18. They are types of tents. 19. Charles Dickens’ 20. “The Mona Lisa” (Gioconda means jocund and is a pun on the feminine form of her married name, Giocondo.)
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Page 22 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 AG REPORT | FROM PAGE 11 bors, especially those who are struggling to pay their bills.” “Our report shows that these companies continue to drain millions from communities across our state, and worse, our most vulnerable neighbors are being hit hardest in the midst of a deadly pandemic,” Healey said. “We’ve heard far too many stories of these companies going door-to-door and calling residents over and over with false promises of cheaper electricity bills, only to stick customers with a higher rate and a contract they can’t get out of. It’s time to pass legislation to protect our residents from these inflated prices and put an end to this deception.” The Attorney General’s report found that low-income customers in Massachusetts are nearly twice as likely to sign up with individual competitive electric suppliers and that they are also charged higher rates than non-low-income customers. According to the report, individual non-low-income customers who receive their electricity from competitive electric suppliers lose an average of $194 annually, but low-income customers lose even more – an average of $241 annually. The report also found that the consumer losses in this market are disproportionately borne by residents in zip codes with a higher concentration of low-income residents and residents of color in many of the state’s Gateway Cities. In September 2019 alone, Worcester residents collectively lost nearly $400,000 to competitive electric suppliers – more than any other city or town in the state. Similarly, residents in Fall River, Lowell, Brockton, Lynn and Lawrence lost more than $180,000 in the individual competitive supply market in the same single month. In December 2019, the Attorney General’s Office successfully called on the state Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to investigate the impact of competitive electric suppliers on low-income electricity customers in the state, the state’s low-income energy assistance programs and the resulting costs to all ratepayers. The Attorney General’s report did not analyze the market for commercial and industrial consumers, nor did it examine the state’s approximately 150 municipal aggregation programs. The report follows up findings from the Attorney General’s first report on the individual residential competitive electric supply industry in Massachusetts released three years ago this week, and a subsequent one released in 2019. Other efforts to protect consumers from the competitive electric supply industry During the last five years, the Attorney General’s Office’s Energy and Telecommunications Division has prioritized protecting Massachusetts’s residential electricity customers from the harms caused by these electric suppliers. In January, Healey refiled legislation to bar suppliers from signing up new individual customers. The legislation does not affect the commercial and industrial market or Massachusetts’s municipal aggregation programs. The Division has recovered more than $15 million for Massachusetts consumers harmed by these companies – including more than $7.25 million from a settlement that it reached with Starion Energy and two of its executives in August 2020. The Attorney General’s Office alleged that the company collectively charged more than 117,000 residents millions more on their electricity than they would have paid had they received electricity from their utility companies. Impacted customers will begin to receive restitution in April. The Office also secured $3.8 million in restitution through a 2015 settlement with Just Energy, and in a March 2018 settlement the Office returned $4.6 million to customers it alleges were harmed by Viridian Energy. Massachusetts residents have filed more than 1,000 complaints with the Attorney General’s Office about competitive suppliers engaging in aggressive and deceptive tactics. Complaints include conduct such as the following: suppliers pretending to be utility companies to induce customers to turn over sensitive information, suppliers harassing customers with repeated calls or home visits, and door-to-door salespeople forcing their way into elderly customers’ homes and refusing to leave without signed contracts. Since Healey first called for reform in this market in 2018, other states have tried similar efforts to protect consumers from these deceptive practices, including New York, Illinois and Connecticut. Any resident with concerns about these deceptive marketing practices should file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office or call its consumer hotline at 617-727-8400. Residents with questions can also contact the Consumer Division of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities at 877-886-5066. REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. BUYER1 BUYER2 Mcfadden, Frank K Singh, Talvinder Mcfadden, Bridgeen M Kaur, Maninder SELLER1 Fisher Evelyn L Est 58 Wellington LLC SELLER2 Marino, Georgann 48 Cleveland Ave ADDRESS CITY DATE Everett 56 Wellington Ave Everett PRICE 16.03.2021 18.03.2021 $560 000,00 $840 000,00
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Page 23 WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! LITTLEFIELD REAL ESTATE SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial. New windows, siding, new kitchen with quartz counters, stainless appliances, new cabinets. New hardwood flooring throughout house. New heat. Central AC. New maintenance free deck..........$570,000 WAKEFIELD CONDO ~ 3 rooms, 1 bed, 1 bath, newly renovated, SS appliances, granite, high ceilings, deeds parking, pets allowed ....... $269,900 SAUGUS ~ Rehabbed colonial, 4-5 bedroom, 2 full baths, gas heat, central AC, new siding, new roof, hardwood flooring, fresh paint, new kitchen with SS appliances quartz counters ...............$559,900 38 Main Street, Saugus MA WWW.LITTLEFIELDRE.COM 781-233-1401 WAKEFIELD ~ New construction duplex. 3 bed, 2.5 baths, 2400 sq feet, garage under, central AC, Gas heat, fireplace living room............. Call Keith Littlefield for pricing Call Rhonda Combe For all your REVERE BEACH ~ Condo, 2 beds, 2 baths, quartz counters, SS appliances, central AC, beautiful ocean views, indoor pool, gym, sauna...... $394,900 real estate needs!! 781-706-0842 SAUGUS ~ 3 bed, 1.5 bath colonial. Open concept 1st floor, 2 car garage, newer gas heat, roof and HW heater, prof landscaping....$439,900 REVERE ~ 2 family located in the Beachmont area, 3 beds, one bath in top unit, 2 beds, one bath lower unit.....................................$639,000 Call Eric Rosen for all your real estate needs. 781-223-0289 WILMINGTON ~ Colonial featuring 4 beds and 2 full baths, great dead end location, central AC, hardwood flooring, finished lower level..$534,900 MELROSE ~ Single family, 4 bed, 2 full bath, SS appliances, new gas heat, quartz counters, Central AC, Garage under...................$650,000 LAND FOR SALE SAUGUS Call Rhonda Combe at 781-706-0842 for details!! SOLD SOLD UNDER CONTRACT SOLD
Page 24 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Welcome Spring! Sandy Juliano Broker/President House prices are still hot and inventory is still low, call today to learn what your house is worth in the spring market. WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! LISTED BY MICHAEL OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY SOLD! SINGLE FAMILY 40 EASTERN AVE., REVERE $464,888 LISTED BY SANDY SOLD! 3 BEDROOM SINGLE 158 GROVER ST., EVERETT $589,900 EVERETT RENTAL 2 BEDROOM CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS 617-590-9143 UNDER AGREEMENT! TWO FAMILY 141 GARLAND ST., EVERETT $925,000 CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS: 617-448-0854 LISTED BY ROSEMARIE COMMERCIAL BUILDING 14,000 SQ FT LOT SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,700,000 EVERETT RENTAL 3 BEDROOMS, 2ND FLOOR HEAT, COOKING GAS & HOT WATER INCLUDED $2,700/MONTH SECTION 8 WELCOME PLEASE CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS 617-448-0854 LYNNFIELD RENTAL 1 BEDROOM $1,600/MO CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 SOLD! 25 HAWKES ST., SAUGUS NEW PRICE! $434,900 APRIL 10, 2021 10:00-2:00 TWO FAMILY 85 ELSIE ST., EVERETT $795,000 NEW LISTING BY MARIA COMMERCIAL/RETAIL SPACE FOR RENT GREAT MAIN ST. LOCATION $1,800/MO. CALL SANDY FOR DETAILS 617-448-0854 Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 www.jrs-properties.com Open Daily From 10:0 Joe DiNuzzo - Broker Associate :0 00 AM 5:00 PM Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Norma Capuano Parziale - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent
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