Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 16, 2025 Registration open for Mystic River Rugby Youth Rugby Summer Rugby Program M ystic River Rugby Youth Rugby located at Pine Banks Park, (Malden / Melrose) is starting its Summer Rugby Program beginning June 16th every Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm for the Flag rugby (Mini Gulls, 3rd/4th, 5th/6th (7th/8th ) Middle School Tackle ). Starting on June 17th every Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:30 pm -8:30pm for the High School Boys and Girls Training. All trainings are held at Pine Banks Park, at the rugby pitch next to the dog park. Register for 2025 Mystic River Youth Rugby using the following link: https://go.teamsnap.com/ forms/478713 We are thrilled to welcome back all returning players as well as new Mystics to the Gull’s Nest for a fantastic year ahead. Any questions please feel free to reach out to Mike Rudzinsky Tel 617-240-1585 or email Michael.Rudzinsky@gmail.com If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available 50 WELLNESS CENTER | FROM PAGE 5 On Tuesday, May 13, Russolillo met with the vendor who responded to the RFP. “They had put on a request we denied, but we wanted to see if their services could be beneficial in some way,” he reported. “It went well and we’re looking to collaborate in a positive way.” Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith took issue with cost estimates to operate the Wellness Center. “It costs more for the City to run it than outsource it because of the benefi ts you have to pay,” she said. “It’ll be reduced because we’re not going to have to pay a vendor and there’s a revolving account to cover costs,” Russolillo answered. He also said there was criticism for issuing an RFP in the past. “We were hearing there shouldn’t be an RFP and we should bring it in-house,” he said. “We’ve taken that into consideration.” Smith also said, “I want to make sure any activity run through the Recreation Center should not be used to run the Wellness Center. I have a huge problem using the money parents pay for activities. That money should go back to our youth.” “A lot of our activities are free; if anything, they cost $10,” Russolillo answered. “Any of the ones from the summer camp or summer programs go to separate accounts and get used only for the kids’ programs.” When Smith said she pays $25 for her children to play basketball, he told her that’s because they play a full season and that money “goes back into the program, and revenue from the Wellness Center goes back to the kids.” Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietrantonio asked why the Recreation and Wellness Centers couldn’t be run in the same space. “They’re two diff erent services,” Russolillo answered. “They serve diff erent purposes. The Recreation Center is for youth. It’s not a gym. The Wellness Center is for people [ages] 21-65.” Pietrantonio countered that if space in the old High School is diverted for 6th and 7th grade school gym, then that part could be used for the Recreation Center after school. “If we cut it up to use for school gym classes, there defi nitely won’t be enough room,” Russolillo answered. After the meeting, Russolillo told The Advocate, “There were a number of inconsistencies that have to be corrected. To say the Recreation and Wellness Centers replace one another is completely incorrect. The Recreation Center has job search training and substance abuse counseling. There are athletic programs that attract students in grades 1-8. Another inconsistency is that the Wellness Center is being operated on an emergency procurement; it is not. The center is being run in-house by City staff and is not in any emergency procurement.” Pietrantonio also wanted to know if Russolillo was appearing as a member of the HR Department or the Youth Development and Enrichment Department. “Since I’m working as HR Director, there’s no Director of Youth Development and Enrichment, which I was not long ago,” Russolillo answered. “HR takes up most of my time, but I’m available for the Youth Development and Enrichment Department when needed.”
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