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Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 15, 2022 Hannah Amoah looks to share Bridgewell with Everett D By Christopher Roberson espite moving out of the city more than 20 years ago, Hannah Amoah still considers herself to be a daughter of Everett. In addition to being a successful attorney in Miami, Florida, she has also served on the Bridgewell Board of Directors for the past two years. In this capacity, Amoah shared her desire to ensure that EverAttorney Hannah Amoah Bridgewell Board of Directors Member ett residents are aware of the organization’s wide range of services. “We’re looking to expand on the North Shore,” she said. “Everett should be on the same level as Peabody, Lynnfi eld and Salem.” Amoah said one of Bridgewell’s major focus areas is helping young adults living with autism. “Austic citizens are sometimes not heard in places like Everett,” she said. She said the organization provides job training, housing assistance and recovery services. “Bridgewell is for anybody in Massachusetts who needs help,” she said. Amoah said she learned about Bridgewell through networking with the Tufts Lawyers Association. However, getting a seat on the Board of Directors was no easy task. “It was a grueling process,” said Amoah, adding that it took nearly a year for her to satisfy all of Bridgewell’s strict requirements. With $72 million in yearly grants, Amoah said that Bridgewell has withstood the fi nancial hardships infl icted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The same cannot be said for similar entities. “We’ve been able to maintain our programs; a lot of other programs have been shutting down,” she said. “We run a consistently well-funded organization.” Revere man allegedly uses Everett auto dealerships to steal from customers and evade taxes By Christopher Roberson C lesio Beninca, 56, of Revere, is facing charges of larceny, tax evasion and malicious destruction of property stemming from his operation of Ferry Street Auto Sales and ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.859 Mid Unleaded $4.159 Super $4.339 Diesel Fuel $4.919 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $6.99 DEF $4.75 9 Diesel $4.559 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 Glendale Auto Brokers, both in Everett. According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Beninca stole more than $130,000 from six individuals “through fraudulent operations at his used car dealership.” It is also alleged that he withheld $86,000 in sales tax from the state. Reportedly, when Beninca sold a vehicle, the figure that appeared on the auto loan was noticeably higher than the original figure that was agreed upon. This discrepancy caused false RMV-1 forms to be filed with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. On numerous occasions, Beninca reportedly sold vehicles that had liens on them, making it impossible for the new owners to register the vehicles. In one instance, he promised to return the profi ts to a customer from a vehicle that was sold at auction. However, Beninca allegedly used the money to pay the debt he owed to the auctioneers. During Beninca’s arraignment on April 4, Assistant Clerk Magistrate Daniel Flaherty ordered that bail be set at $3,500 in cash. Beninca was also required to surrender his passport, not apply for a new one and to not travel outside New England. “This defendant is alleged to have repeatedly used his business to target and defraud victims and the people of the Commonwealth,” said Ryan. “This defendant is charged with repeatedly being untruthful about vehicle sales and personally profi ting from these schemes. His actions not only impacted victims fi nancially but disrupted their everyday lives by leaving them without reliable transportation.” Police Chief Steven Mazzie lauded the investigators for their tireless eff orts. “I’m glad we were able to hold Mr. Beninca accountable for taking advantage and betraying the trust of members of our immigrant community,” he said. Beninca is now facing six counts of larceny over $1,200, being a common and notorious thief, two counts of tax evasion and malicious destruction of property. Under state law, if convicted, Beninca could be sentenced to up to 36 years in prison and be fi ned up to $60,000. He is scheduled to be back in court on April 25. EPS receives $30K state grant for Innovation Pathways By Christopher Roberson T he Everett Public Schools was one of 22 districts throughout the state to receive a grant for its Innovation Pathways program. The $30,000 allocation will be used at Everett High School to fund student training and certification in areas including OSHA 10, EMT training and the STEM Pathway. The grant is part of a $600,000 push from the Baker-Polito Administration designed to “provide high school students with opportunities to learn and gain experience in a particular industry through career exploration, technical courses and internships.” “These programs provide students with hands-on skills learning and access to opportunities for future success in high-demand fields,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The expansion of Innovation Pathways will allow more students to gain knowledge and work experiences that prepare them for successful careers before they graduate high school.” Through Innovation Pathways, students can enroll in postsecondary courses, which are available at no cost. “We remain committed to closing opportunity and workforce gaps for students in communities across the Commonwealth and Innovation Pathways are another tool we can use to do so,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “These early career programs and rigorous learning opportunities offer chances for achievement both inside and outside the classroom.” Since the Innovation Pathways was launched in 2017, it has been adopted by 49 high schools across the state. “Through participation in Innovation Pathways, students are empowered to explore firsthand and take steps toward possible future careers in promising sectors,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey Riley. Secretary of Education James Peyser said Innovation Pathways provides students with a “sense of purpose.” “They become more interested and engaged in their studies, able to easily see how it all fits into their future,” he said. “As more students gain skills and knowledge in a particular industry sector, they will have a better sense of what they want to do after they graduate and what additional post-secondary courses and training they will need to ensure their success.” Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET

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