EVEEVERET Vol. 30, No.47 -FREERETT www.advocatenews.net Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving! DVOD Happy Thanksgiving! We are grateful for your business and trust this year. We will be closed for Thanksgiving on 11.25, but back open 11.26. As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime. Enroll at www.EverettBank.com CCATTEAT Free Every Friday 617-387-2200 Wednesday, November 24, 2021 Everett High Football starts new holiday chapter with St. John's Shrewsbury Thanksgiving Day matchup at home tomorrow could be Crimson Tide's biggest challenge By Jason Mazzilli A new chapter in holiday football history will be written tomorrow morning when Everett High football takes on a brand-new, firsttime opponent on Thanksgiving Day. Everett football has plenty of experience with St. John's Prep up north... but tomorrow morning at Everett’s Veterans Memorial Stadium they will get a crack at the Prep's "cousin" from Central Mass. The Crimson Tide will match up with St. John's of Shrewsbury for the holiday football treat. Kickoff is at 10 o'clock in the morning in Everett. St. John's (S) comes in at 5-5 while Everett is 8-1, its only loss coming to Methuen in the fi rst round of the playoff s. Don't be deceived by the record as SJS owns a win over the aforementioned Prep and a close loss to Catholic Conference power Xaverian. St. SPORTS | SEE PAGE 16 Tide hosts SJP on TDay 419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 Member FDIC | Member DIF SINCE 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 Everett star running back Jayden Clerveaux fl ew into the end zone as the Crimson Tide trounced Malden 43-0 on October 28. The Tide is set to take on St. John’s High School at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day at Everett Veterans Memorial Stadium. See pages 16 & 17 for story and photo highlights. (Advocate Photo by Paul Hammersley)
Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 DiDomenico secures $2M for Early Intervention programs S tate Senator Sal DiDomenico recently announced the adoption of his amendment (#254) to An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery. This amendment directs a $2 million reserve for vendors of Early Intervention (EI) programs, which are for children ages birth to three who have developmental delays or are at risk of a developmental delay. The services provided by such programs are meant to help support families and caregivers and to enhance the development of infants and toddlers through individualized, developmentally appropriate activities within the child and family’s everyday life. The Senate version of An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery now needs to be reconciled with a similar version passed by the Massachusetts House of Representatives before it can be considered by the Governor. This targeted investment of $2 million helps EI programs by infusing immediate funding to address the staffi ng crisis and address unreimbursed costs associated with the workforce shortage. The funding will be distributed based on the number of children served by each provider, so EI programs serving more children will receive more funding for their workANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.259 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.399 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 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 Sal DiDomenico State Senator force needs. In summary, this amendment will provide immediate relief to the 59 EI programs in Massachusetts by helping providers stabilize and begin rebuilding their workforce to support vital services for children and families across the Commonwealth. “Early Intervention has been one of my top priorities since I entered the Legislature,” said DiDomenico. “Early Intervention is a critical service the Commonwealth provides to 40,000 children statewide and over 1,000 families in my district alone. Through the four EI programs in my district, I have seen its eff ectiveness and the tremendous diff erence it has made in the lives of the children who need extra help early in their lives. It is my sincere hope this additional $2 million go a long way towards supporting our incredible EI providers and families.” This amendment was part of $3.82 billion bill that was unanimously passed by the DIDOMENICO | SEE PAGE 19 Mayor’s longevity bonus still in jeopardy D By Christopher Roberson espite falling short in his bid for mayor, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone has continued to push for the eradication of the mayor’s $10,000 longevity bonus. Under the current Ordinance, the mayor is entitled to receive $10,000 at the end of every four-year term. Capone was not present during the City Council’s November 22 meeting, and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro spoke in favor of keeping the longevity bonus. “It rewards an individual for sticking around and doing a good job,” he said, adding that the Revere City Council also has a longevity bonus in place. However, Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese said the bonus should be removed. “I don’t think we should be paying anyone $10,000,” he said. Marchese also said the council should request an opinion from Attorney General Maura Healy’s Offi ce as opposed to relying solely on city employees. “We need an unbiased person to interpret how this was written,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing my job if I voted in favor of this tonight.” Ward 5 Councillor Rosa DiFlorio said the incoming council should conduct a study on mayoral compensation. “Every surrounding mayor makes over $200,000,” she said, adding that the fi nal vote should not be driven by politics. “It’s not the mayor, it’s the mayor’s position.” DiFlorio also expressed her frustration with the item, which has remained before the council for several months. “Everybody’s afraid to make a decision up here,” she said. The council ultimately voted 5-2 to postpone the matter to the next meeting on December 13. City Council meeting attendance In other news, the council revisited the proposed Ordinance from Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, which would add “absence and resignation” to City Council Rule 6 Determination of Quorum. “It is within our purview to create accountability,” said Martins. The proposed Ordinance states: “The absence of a member from two successive reguBONUS | SEE PAGE 18 Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 3 Coyote sightings on the rise across Everett A By Christopher Roberson lthough coyotes have historically resided in rural communities, their presence has become increasingly noticeable in more urban communities such as Everett. To date, the Everett Police Department has confirmed 38 coyote sightings since January 2020. Through September of this year, police recorded an average of two sightings per month. However, that number climbed to 10 in October and coyotes have been spotted six times so far this month. “I think it's really more about awareness as we have been getting more and more information out on social media,” said Police Chief Steven Mazzie of the spike in sightings. “As a result, I think people are reporting sightings. Also, the weather for this time of year has been really good so more people are on the streets than normal.” Mazzie said the animals have dens in the cemeteries and along the Malden River, particularly in Rivergreen Park. From the 10 sightings that COYOTE | SEE PAGE 5 A heat map showing the areas with the greatest number of coyote sightings in Everett. (Photo Courtesy of the Everett Police Department) Coyotes typically weigh up to 50 pounds and are capable of running at more than 40 miles per hour. (Photo Courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association) E Club celebrates 50th year ton University. He covered sports for the Boston Herald for 11 years before being offered a job with the Patriots – the job offer of a lifetime. He has now been with the Patriots as a writer and spokesperson on WEEI, for 21 years. Tickets to the dinner are $60 and can be purchased on our website at www.eclubofeverett.com or you can send a check to our PO Box: PO Box 490135, Everett, MA 02149. If you are purchasing for more than one person, please tell us how many. Please include your name and phone number so we can contact you if we have any questions. Paul Perillo will be the main speaker at the E Club’s 50th anniversary dinner on November 27. (Courtesy Photo) he E Club is celebrating its 50th year. Our 50th dinner will be held on Saturday, November 27. We would like many E Club alumni and members to attend as well as anyone who would like to be there to help us celebrate the students at Everett High School. We have given out $34,000 in scholarships. Let’s keep the ball rolling, Crimson Tide. Paul Perillo will be our main speaker. Perillo started his sports career at Everett High School in baseball and later continued as Captain for BosT
Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Senate approves Nero's Law O n November 10, Senator Sal DiDomenico joined his Massachusetts Senate colleagues in passing S.2573, An Act allowing humane transportation of K9 partners – also known as Nero’s Law. This legislation ensures that law enforcement officers’ K-9 partners receive life-saving medical attention and transport if injured in the line of duty. First proposed by Senator Mark Montigny, this bill comes in response to the tragic events that took the life of New Bedford native Yarmouth Police K-9 Sergeant Sean Gannon and severely injured his K-9 partner, Nero. In April 2018, Gannon was shot and killed while serving a warrant in Barnstable. Despite the multiple empty ambulances on site, Nero had to be rushed to the animal hospital in the back of a police cruiser. Current Massachusetts law prohibits emergency medical personnel from treating and transporting animals. Fortunately, Nero survived his injuries, but the inability to transport him showed that reform is needed to honor working dogs who risk their lives every day to serve the Commonwealth. Nero’s situation was not an isolated incident – other police K-9s throughout the Commonwealth have been injured or killed while on duty. A dog owner himself, DiDomenico proudly cosponsored Nero’s Law. “Like our law enforcement offi cers, police dogs are constantly in harm’s way. Police K-9s are valuable members of our police forces, so it is essential that they be treated as such and protected,” said DiDomenico. “I was proud to support this bill and I am pleased the Senate has taken action on this legislation this session.” Nero’s Law authorizes emergency medical service personnel to provide emergency treatment and transport of K-9 partners. This includes basic fi rst aid, CPR and administering life-saving interventions, such as naloxone. On November 15 the Massachusetts House of Representatives referred Nero’s Law to its Committee on Ways and Means for consideration. EPD donates $4,300 to Home Base Members of the Everett Police Department recently donated $4,300 to Home Base, a partnership of the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital. The funds were raised from the department’s November No Shave event, which gave offi cers relaxed grooming standards in exchange for a charitable donation. (Photo Courtesy of the Everett Police Department) For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 63 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 5 Everett Police report uptick in catalytic converter thefts By Christopher Roberson G one are the days when thieves ripped stereos out of cars, as the catalytic converter has become be a much more lucrative commodity. According to the Everett Police Department, catalytic converters have been stolen from 15 vehicles since April. Located under a car, the device is designed to reduce harmful emissions as part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Police said the high wheelbase of Ford pickup trucks and Honda CRVs have made these vehicles primary targets. “When the metal markets go up, we start seeing an increase in these types of crimes,” said Police Chief Steven Mazzie. According to Farmers Insurance, the medals found in catalytic converters are “more precious than gold,” thus making them very attractive to thieves. These medals include platinum, palladium and rhodium. COYOTE | FROM PAGE 3 were reported in October, five of them came from callers on Andrews Street, Bradford Street, Demers Lane and Franklin Street. David Wattles, a biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, said coyotes have actually been in the state’s urban communities for the past 20 years, adding that they can quickly adapt to new environments. Wattles said coyote bites are not common with 24 incidents being reported across the state during the past several years. Although the bites have been “very minor,” he said many of these incidents were caused by residents purposely feeding the coyotes. “If anyone is intentionally feeding these animals – stop,” said Wattles. verter, as a wrench or reciprocating saw is all that is needed. Once the device has been stolen, thieves will then sell it to scrap recycling facilities for $800 to $1,500. Therefore, Mazzie said, he would like to see legislation passed requiring scrap recyclers to find out where and how an item, such as a catalytic converter, was obtained. “You want to make it uncomfortable for people to sell these things,” he said. Should a catalytic converter be stolen, the replacement cost is anything but cheap. According to Auto Zone, the part A catalytic converter, a device designed to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, has become a lucrative target for thieves. According to NASDAQ, palladium was valued at $2,137 per ounce as of November 21, platinum was valued at $1,056 per ounce and rhodium was valued at a lofty $11,100 per ounce. In contrast, the value of gold per ounce was $1,854. Mazzie also said vehicle ownWhile it is tempting, he said that for the most part, trapping a coyote is not an option. With the exception of box traps, which have proven to be largely ineffective, all other trapping devices have been illegal since 1976. If confronted by a coyote, Wattles said running is probably the worst choice a person could make as it would trigger an attack that would otherwise be avoidable. “Running can stimulate the chase instinct,” he said. According to the National Park Service, coyotes can reach speeds of up to 43 miles per hour during a pursuit. By comparison, the average person can only run at seven miles per hour. Rather, Wattles said residents should do whatever is necessary to end the encounter. (Courtesy Photo) ers will find out very quickly if their catalytic converter has been stolen. “As soon as you turn on that car, it’s not going to sound the same,” said Mazzie, adding that the engine would be significantly louder. He said it is also relatively simple to steal a catalytic con“Use everything at your disposal to fend the animal off,” he said. alone can cost up to $2,500 with labor charges running as high as $130 per hour. David Glawe, president of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, said such thefts have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. “As the value of the precious metals contained within the catalytic converters continues to increase, so do the number of thefts of these devices,” he said. “There is a clear connection between times of crisis, limited resources and disruption of the supply chain that drives investors towards these precious metals.” 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 A monthly breakdown of coyote sightings in Everett since January 2020.(Photo Courtesy of the Everett Police Department)
Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 The Naughty List: BBB’s 12 Scams of Christmas W hile 2021 is winding down, scams targeting the public continue to cause trouble. Consumers should watch out for any fraudulent schemes aimed at swiping their cash and stealing personal information. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has a Naughty List with the top 12 scams of Christmas that are most likely to catch consumers and donors off guard during this season. Many of the scams on this list are facilitated through emails and social media platforms; however, the latter is where most people are vulnerable. Exercise caution when coming across social media ads about discounted items, event promotions, job opportunities and donation requests, as well as direct messages from strangers. If you are asked to make a payment or donation by wire or e-transfer, through third parties, by prepaid debit or gift cards, treat this as a red flag. Be mindful of these scams that could cut into your holiday cheer and BBB’s tips to avoid them: 1. Misleading Social Media Ads: As you scroll through your social media feed, you often see items for sale from a small business. Sometimes the business even claims to support a charity to try to get you to order, or they offer a free trial. BBB Scam Tracker receives reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised. The 2020 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report found that online purchase scams were the most common cons reported to Scam Tracker and the category with the most victims. Do your homework and research the company before ordering. Check out the business profile on BBB.org and read the reviews. 2. Social Media Gift Exchanges: Each holiday season this scheme pops back up, and this year is no different. A newer version of this scam revolves around exchanging bottles of wine; another suggests purchasing $10 gifts online; another twist asks you to submit your email into a list where participants get to pick a name and send money to strangers to “pay it forward.” There is even a twist about “Secret Santa Dog” where you buy a $10 gift for your “secret dog.” In all of these versions, participants unwittingly share their personal information, along with those of their family members and friends, and are further tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals. And – it’s an illegal pyramid scheme. 3. Holiday Apps: Apple’s App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve or relay their holiday wish lists. This holiday season, like last year when COVID-19 caused children to skip the traditional in-person visit with Santa, apps may play a more important role than ever. Review privacy policies to see what information will be collected. Be wary of free apps, as they can sometimes contain more advertising than apps that require a nominal fee. Free apps can also contain malware. 4. Alerts About Compromised Accounts: BBB has been receiving reports on Scam Tracker about a con claiming your Amazon, PayPal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised. Victims receive an email, call or text message which explains that there has been suspicious activity on one of their accounts, and it further urges them to take immediate action to prevent the account from being compromised. Be extra cautious about unsolicited calls, emails and texts. 5. Free Gift Cards: Nothing brings good cheer like the word free. Scammers have been known to take advantage of this weakness by sending bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies, like Starbucks, and promise gift cards to loyal customers who have been supporting their business throughout the pandemic. They might also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner of a prize. If you have received an unsolicited email with gift card offers, do not open it. Instead, mark it as Spam or Junk. However, if you opened the email, do not click on any links. 6. Temporary Holiday Jobs: Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers. Shippers and delivery services are top holiday employers this year because of the increase in online orders and the need to get most of these packages delivered before Christmas. These jobs are a great way to make extra money, sometimes with the possibility of turning into a long-term employment opportunity; however, jobseekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants. Keep an eye out for opportunities that seem too good to be true. 7. Look-Alike Websites: The holiday season brings endless emails offering deals, sales and bargains. Be wary of emails with links enclosed. Some might lead to look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making deadend purchases and sharing private information. If you are uncertain about the email, do not click any of the links. Instead, hover over them to see where they reroute. 8. Fake Charities: Typically, 40 percent of all charitable donations are received during the last few weeks of the year; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations had to cancel their usual fundraising events and awareness campaigns and are now inviting donors to support online. Donors are advised to look out for fraudulent charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need. Avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Responsible organizations will welcome a gift tomorrow as much as they do today. Verify a charity at BBB’s give.org. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card. 9. Fake Shipping Notifications: More consumers are making purchases online; there is also an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Scammers are using this new surge to send phishing emails with links enclosed that might allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. They might also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees. 10. Pop Up Holiday Virtual Events: This year many local in-person events, such as pop-up holiday markets or craft fairs, have moved online. Scammers are creating fake event pages, social media posts and emails – charging admission for what used to be a free event. The goal is to steal credit card information. Confirm with the organizer of the event if there is an admission fee. In the cases where there is a charge, use a credit card. If the event is free, watch for scammers trying to claim otherwise. 11. Top Holiday Wish List Items: Low or ridiculously priced luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. This year the Galactic Snackin’ Grogu Animatronic (aka Baby Yoda) and game consoles are some of the items in high demand. Be very cautious when considering purchasing these high-value items from individuals through social sites. 12. Puppy Scams: Many families, especially those with children, might be considering to add a furry friend to their household this year; however, you could fall victim to a pet scam, which are on the rise this year. Request to see the pet in person before making a purchase.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 7 Mayor sponsors Gift a Vet Program M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced the “Gift a Vet” Program at the Connolly Center. The Council on Aging will be accepting donations to benefit the New England Center and Home for Veterans in Boston. The following items will be accepted: toiletries, razors, soap, shaving cream, socks (white only), hats, gloves and scarves. All items must be new and in their original packaging. Items are being collected at the Everett residents named to Honor Roll at MVRCS T he following Everett residents, in grades 7-12, achieved Honors or High Honors at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School for the first quarter of the 2021-2022 academic year. To be eligible for the Honor Roll, a student must have no grade lower than a B- for the quarter. To be eligible for the High Honor Roll, a student must have no grade lower than an A- for the quarter. High Honor Roll Grade 12: Darnelle Felisier Grade 11: Amira Harda Grade 9: Vy Nguyen and Lucas Santos Grade 8: Brady Capa, Rihanna Closeil, MoConnolly Center from November 29 through December 10. You may drop your gift in the receptacle at the rear entrance of the Connolly Center. For additional information, please call 617-394-2323. hammed Daoud and Elijah DeTore Grade 7: Ursula Adjognon, Wassim Daoud, Nolan Lyons and Kristina Tayag Honor Roll Grade 12: Brandon Paris Grade 11: Sofia Blandino Grade 10: Niamh Stewart and Eva Truong Grade 9: Kevin Capa, Lucas Freitas, Emerson Lyons and Hannah Mulugheta Grade 8: Ana Luiza Hunter, Olivia Laidlaw and Allesandro Lau Grade 7: Samuel Costa, John Dascoli, Jonathan Pierre-Louis, Michael Salinas, Angelica Toribio and Tyler Zhang Immaculate Conception Parish announces Christmas and New Year’s Mass Schedule W eekly Mass Schedule: 4:00 p.m.; Sunday Vigil (English), 7:30 Vietnamese, 7:00 a.m. English, 10:00 a.m. English, 12:00 p.m. Spanish and 4:00 p.m. Haitian-Creole. And not 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 5:30 p.m., 12:15 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 7, 2021, there will be a nine-day Novena in Preparation for the Immaculate Conception Mary, every day from 6:30-10:00 p.m. with the Haitian Community in the upper Church. All are welcomed. Dec. 8, 2021: Immaculate Conception of Mary, Day of Obligation: Masses at 7:00 a.m. & 12:15 p.m. in the Chapel, and at 6:00 p.m. Spanish (introduction of the Legion of Mary to the Spanish Community). Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, 2021: • At 4:00 p.m. English • At 6:00 p.m. Spanish • At 11:00 p.m. English Christmas Carols half hour before the Midnight Mass Christmas Day, Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021 • At 10:00 a.m. English • At 12:00 p.m. Spanish • At 4:00 p.m. Haitian-Creole New Year 2022: • New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31, 2021, Mass is at 4:00 p.m. • New Year’s Day, Saturday, January 1, 2022, Mass is at 10:00 a.m. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net
Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Everett Kiwanis Club host annual EHS/MHS football luncheon E By Th e Advocate very year, with the exception of the 2019-2020 COVID-19 pandemic years, the Everett Kiwanis Club and the neighboring Malden Kiwanis Club host their annual high school football luncheon the week of the two teams’ meeting on the gridiron. The guest speaker was New Balance Baseball Product Manager Matt Nuzzo, who is a former four-year starting quarterback for Everett High School. The student-athletes enjoyed a delicious pasta lunch with eggplant and chicken parmesan and listened to Nuzzo as he spoke about comradery on and off the football fi eld and honoring those relationships throughout your life. Pictured in no particular order are the Malden High School (MHS) and Everett High School (EHS) football seniors with Coach Kevin Izasa, Captain Gavin West, Coach Ralph Deus, Captain Jordan Rodriguez, Coaches Richard Voltaire, Jean Sylvain and Ali Alishaan, MHS Football Head Coach Witche Exilhomme, Malden Kiwanian Danielle Hender, Everett Kiwanis Club President KathyAnn Dottin, guest speaker New Balance Baseball Product Manager Matt Nuzzo, EHS Football Head Coach Rob DiLoreto and MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA Pictured in no particular order are the Malden High School (MHS) and Everett High School (EHS) cheerleaders with Malden Cheerleader Captain Audrey Keating, Captain Caroline Oliveira, Coach Melanie Philbrook and Captain Mackenzie Smith, Malden Kiwanian Danielle Hender, Everett Kiwanis Club President KathyAnn Dottin, guest speaker New Balance Baseball Product Manager Matt Nuzzo, MHS Football Head Coach Witche Exilhomme, EHS Football Head Coach Rob DiLoreto, MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo and the EHS football cheerleaders. Pictured, from left, are Asst. Supt. of Everett Public Schools Charles Obremski, EHS Football Head Coach Rob DiLoreto, guest speaker/EHS alum/New Balance Baseball Product Manager Matt Nuzzo and MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo. (Photos by The Advocate)
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 9 What you should know about deer and COVID-19 T he Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has been receiving inquiries from hunters and others regarding COVID-19 and its effect on deer and other wildlife. While experts are still learning about this virus, currently there is no evidence that wildlife might be a source of infection for people in the United States, and there is no evidence that you can get COVID-19 by preparing or eating food, including hunted wild game meat. Research As a novel emerging disease, research is ongoing for COVID-19 and its impacts on wildlife. Multiple studies have found COVID-19 antibodies in wild North American mammals, including white-tailed deer. New studies are showing that wild deer have contracted multiple strains of COVID-19 from humans, and Ohio State University recently found active infection in wild Ohio deer using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Experimental research with captive deer has shown that COVID-19 can spread among deer; however, deer are only contagious for a short duration (less than seven days). Transmission risks The risk for transmission from deer to humans is likely very low due to the outdoor aspect of hunting and the short period of time deer are contagious with the virus. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted by inhaling aerosolized droplets. These droplets can come from respiration or from the digestive tract. Currently: • The transmission mode from humans to white-tailed deer is unknown. • There have been no known cases of humans contracting COVID-19 from deer. • There is no evidence people can contract COVID-19 by eating wild game. Tips for handling and preparing game A half century of progress in “war on cancer” I t’s been 50 years since President Richard Nixon signed the National Cancer Act, launching the “war on cancer.” How did we do? Substantial progress has been made in the war against cancer, according to new analysis from the American Cancer Society. The new analysis found that as of 2019 mortality rates for all cancers combined dropped by 27 percent since 1971 and by 32 percent since 1991, when mortality rates were highest. Mortality rates have dropped since 1971 for 12 of 15 investigated cancer sites, including by as much as 70 percent for cervical and stomach cancer. However, rates increased in parts of the South and for pancreatic cancer, and progress was limited for brain and esophageal cancers. “The increase in overall cancer mortality in many parts of the southern states suggests unequal dissemination of advances in cancer control like the availability of screening and therapeutic advances,” said Surveillance and Health Equity Science Senior VP Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, “whereas the continuous increase in pancreatic cancer mortality underscores the need for increased investment in the prevention, early detection and treatment of this highly fatal disease.” This year marks the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971, which designated defeating cancer as a national priority. The Act allocated substantial resources to the National Cancer Institute, which has seen a 25-fold annual budget increase since the law was enacted, from $227 million to $6.01 billion. Researchers at the American Cancer Society, led by epidemiologist Tyler Kratzer, analyzed national cancer mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics for PROGRESS | SEE PAGE 19 To minimize the transmission risk of diseases, MassWildlife always recommends hunters use best practices for processing game: • Avoid handling or consuming wild animals that appear sick or those found dead. • Wear gloves and a face shield when handling, field dressing, and processing game. • When possible, process your game outdoors or in a well-ventilated location. • Use caution and minimize contact with the brain or spinal tissues. Out of an abundance of caution for COVID-19, additional preventative measures include avoiding the head, lungs and digestive tract. • Handle knives carefully to prevent accidental cuts. • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling carcasses and before and after handling meat. • Thoroughly sanitize all tools and work surfaces used during processing with a bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon water). Consider keeping a separate set of knives used only for butchering game. • Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees to kill pathogens.
Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Grandma’s Famous Holiday Fruitcake I By Gini Pariseau came out of the oven and into this world on November 1, 2021. That’s a bit premature for a holiday goodie, but I’m a fruitcake. I learned a lot about myself as Grandma (my creator) put me together. A good fruitcake should be seen and not heard. So, I kept quiet and listened. Grandma says she and I get better with age, and that was why she was putting me together early. She said lots of people through the years had asked for her recipe, but it was a secret that would go to the grave with her. She wasn’t leaving much when she left this world and would be darned if her cherished memory would be messed up by some half-baked amateurs passing out fruitcakes that turned out to be a disaster and saying it was her recipe. Anyway, I sat on a cooling rack by the window for a couple of hours. Outside, the autumn leaves still had a leaf or two left to fall, and Mabel the Money Cat sat curled up on the kitchen chair. It was all very relaxing – nothing in comparison to the whirlwind existence I would experience later. Grandma brushed me with some brandy, and I am sure if I were tested at this point, I couldn’t have said “Methodist Episcopal.” Just when I thought life couldn’t be any sweeter, she wrapped me in cheesecloth and put me in the pantry on the back shelf to “get better with age”! I was in heaven. I must have dozed off, for the next thing I knew Grandma was waking me up and saying, “This one goes to the Church Christmas Bazaar bake table.” I was put in a clear plastic bag so I could see everyone. It was tied at the end with a big red ribbon and a tag that said Grandma’s Famous Holiday Fruitcake. I was proud. My day on the bake table was a learning experience. I was difficult to categorize. I wasn’t in the pie or cake or cookie family. So, it became the fate of this fruitcake to be segregated from the rest of my fellow sweets at the end of the table with a bag of nuts and some big cheese in a basket. People wrote their names on a piece of paper in front of our basket and put the piece of paper in a box. I was be raffled! I found it all very degrading. At the end of the bazaar, one name was pulled out of the box, and that person was handed the basket with me included. The big cheese maneuvered its way to the top of the basket as we headed… somewhere. I think I was in a station wagon with a family because I heard a woman yell, “Keep Puddles in the back away from that basket of food.” It was the nicest thing I had been called all day. I remained tentative as to what species “Puddles” might be. The ride came to an end quickly. I felt the motion of the basket being swung. Then all was still. The nuts made their way to the fancy crystal bowl, and the big cheese went into the refrigerator. I sat on the counter with several sets of eyes looking at me. “What are you going to do with that, Mom?” What does this kid mean, “That”!? I am a fruitcake! I symbolize Christmas! I am a part of every great Christmas story and legend you know! How dare you speak of me in that tone! At last, I realized, what is the use. I am a fruitcake, incarcerated behind a plastic bag with no voice, no feelings and no means of representation. I listened. One of the sets of eyes that belonged to a woman said to the set of eyes that belonged to a child, “Jenny, you can take this to school tomorrow as a gift for Ms. Franklin.” Jenny shrugged an OK. If they were happy to get rid of me, I was just as happy to be leaving here. Especially, since I realized that the one set of eyes that remained belonged to Puddles – a huge golden retriever. It had been a long, trying day. I welcomed the quiet and the safety of the top of the refrigerator. I rested, regained my composure and anticipated life with Ms. Franklin, a schoolteacher. It sounded promising. Jenny took me out the door the next morning. I actually rode the yellow school bus. That evening, I sat as a slice on an English bone china dish that matched the cup of tea beside me. This was more like it. It was my ultimate moment. I was going to be appreciated. FRUITCAKE | SEE PAGE 19
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Page 12 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Massachusetts Unemployment & Job Estimates for October B OSTON, MA - The state’s October total unemployment rate increased by onetenth of a percentage point at 5.3 percent, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced Friday. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ preliminary job estimates indicate Massachusetts gained 25,000 jobs in October. This follows last month’s revised gain of 13,500 jobs. The largest over the month private sector job gains were in Professional, Scientific, and Business Services, Leisure and Hospitality, and Educational and Health Services. Since December 2020, Massachusetts has gained 186,500 jobs. From October 2020 to October 2021, BLS estimates Massachusetts gained 197,200 jobs. The Largest over the year gains occurred in Leisure and Hospitality; Professional, Scientific, and Business Services; and Trade, Transportation and Utilities. The October unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage point above the national rate of 4.6 percent reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The labor force increased by 5,600 from 3,720,700 in September, as 1,600 more residents were employed and 4,000 more residents were unemployed over the month. Over the year, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was down by 3.2 percentage points. The state’s labor force participation rate – the total number of residents 16 or older who worked or were unemployed and actively sought work in the last four weeks – was up one-tenth of a percentage point at 66.0 percent. Compared to October 2020, the labor force participation rate is up 0.7 percentage points. October 2021 Employment Overview Professional and Business Services gained 9,700 (+1.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 43,400 (+7.6%) jobs were added. Leisure and Hospitality gained 4,900 (+1.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 51,100 (+19.7%) jobs were added. Education and Health Services gained 4,900 jobs (+0.6%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 26,000 (+3.5%) jobs were added. Trade, Transportation and Utilities gained 4,600 (+0.8%) over the month. Over the year, 26,300 (+4.9%) jobs were added. Manufacturing gained 1,100 (0.5%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 9,400 (+4.1%) jobs were added. Information gained 700 (+0.8%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 7,000 (+8.1%) jobs were added. Construction gained 500 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 11,300 (+7.2%) jobs were added. Other Services gained 200 (+0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 5,100 (+4.5%) jobs were added. Financial Activities lost 700 (+0.3%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 1,500 (+0.7%) jobs were added. Government lost 900 (-0.2%) jobs over the month. Over the year, 16,100 (+3.8%) jobs were added. Labor Force Overview The October estimates show 3,529,400 Massachusetts residents were employed and 196,900 were unemployed, for a total labor force of 3,726,300. The unemployment rate was up one-tenth of a percentage point at 5.3 percent. Over the month, the October labor force was up by 5,600 from 3,720,700 in September, with 1,600 more residents employed and 4,000 more residents unemployed. The labor force participation rate, the share of working age population employed and unemployed, was up by 0.1 percentage point at 66.0 percent. The labor force was up 38,000 from the October 2020 estimate of 3,688,300, as 156,100 more residents were employed and 118,100 fewer residents were unemployed. The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households. The job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different monthly trends. NOTES: The labor force is the sum of the numbers of employed residents and those unemployed, that is residents not working but actively seeking work in the last four weeks. Estimates may not add up to the total labor force due to rounding. For further information on seasonal adjustment methodology, please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website https://www.bls.gov. Local area unemployment statistics for October 2021 will be released on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. The preliminary November 2021 and revised October 2021 unemployment rate, labor force and job estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Friday, December 17, 2021. See the 2021 Media Advisory annual schedule for a complete list of release dates. Detailed labor market information is available at www. mass.gov/lmi. AG Healey co-leads nationwide investigation into Instagram’s impact on young people M assachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently announced that she is co-leading a bipartisan, nationwide investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc., formerly known as Facebook, for providing and promoting its social media platform Instagram to children and young adults despite knowing that such use is associated with physical and mental health harms. Attorneys general across the country are examining whether the company violated state consumer protection laws and put the public at risk. “Facebook, now Meta, has failed to protect young people on its platforms and instead chose to ignore or, in some cases, double down on known manipulations that pose a real threat to physical and mental health – exploiting children in the interest of profit,” said Healey. “As Attorney General it is my job to protect young people from these online harms. I am co-leading a nationwide coalition to get to the bottom of this company’s engagement with young users, identify any unlawful practices, and end these abuses for good. Meta can no longer ignore the threat that social media can pose to children for the benefit of their bottom line.” Her investigation targets, among other things, Meta’s techniques to increase the frequency and duration of engagement by young users and the resulting harms caused by such extended engagement. The announcement follows recent reports revealing that Meta’s own internal research shows that using Instagram is associated with increased risks of physical and mental health harms on young people, including depression, eating disorders and even suicide. Healey has long been concerned about the negative impacts of social media platforms on Massachusetts’s youngest residents. In May she co-led a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general urged Facebook AG HEALEY | SEE PAGE 18
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Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Everett High Football starts new holiday chapter with St. John's Shrewsbury The Crimson Tide Seniors SPORTS | FROM PAGE 1 John's played a strong schedule, full of teams the caliber of Everett, Everett opened its season with a convincing win over Xaverian, but then steamrolled through its Greater Boston League slate undefeated, outscoring opponents 242-18 and a 6-0 mark to grab its 25th league title in 34 years. High school football watchers in this area believe this could be anyone's game, though Everett will get the edge in the forecast due to home field advantage. Second-year head coach Rob DiLoreto will be looking to continue what had made Everett successful this year, a serious ground game behind a gigantic offensive line. Leading the way are a trio of solid running backs, led by senior JC Clerveaux, one of the leading scorers (18 touchdowns) and rushers in the state; Rich Malloy (8 TDs) and Cam Mohammed (8 TDs). Junior quarterback Kamarri Ellerbe has been solid all year as well as BC-bound Ishmael Zamor, who is his favorite target. Zamor is also the spearhead of the Tide defense in the secondary and the Tide's leading tackler. If Everett can control the ball and time of possession, as it had shown the propensity for all season, it could be a long day for St. John's tomorrow. Coach DiLoreto said it has been a successful season, despite being cut short in the Everett playoff run. "We want to finish strong and get a win in our last game, for our seniors. They have just one more chance to play in front of their home fans," Coach DiLoreto said. The Everett Crimson Tide Football Team
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 17 FROM PAGE 17 Organization created to protect North Atlantic right whale from offshore wind projects A group of concerned citizens, scientists and John Romboli, Greg Bluestein, John Capra, Mac Powell, Head Coach Robert DiLoreto, Christopher Miller and Claude St. Juste make up the Crimson Tide coaching staff. conservationists have created the Save Right Whales Coalition, which seeks a moratorium on the construction of offshore wind projects until their impact on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and other wildlife is fully understood. The group has sent an open letter to the people of Massachusetts, describing in depth why more thorough studies on the impacts on right whales and other marine life are necessary before any offshore wind projects proceed. In January 2019, the National Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Conservation Law Foundation entered into an unprecedented agreement with Vineyard Wind that they say will protect right whales by limiting vessel speeds, requiring whale detection measures and limiting pile-driving activity to the summer and fall, periods when right whales have historically not been present in the project area. Pile-driving creates far-reaching noise pollution that can hinder whale calls used to maintain contact, gathering to feed and finding mates. The construction technique and other anthropogenic sounds also result in habitat displacement, hearing loss and, in right whales specifically, increased stress levels. The Save Right Whales Coalition believes that the mitigation measures are insufficient, and recent research shows that right whales are increasingly present in the planned construction area year-round due to changes in migration patterns. Additionally, existing detection measures are ineffective for right whales, which are hard to spot because of their dark color and often missed by acoustic listening when they do not vocalize loudly. Reportedly, existing evidence does not support the claim that offshore wind will have only minimal pressures on wildlife, including the North Atlantic right whale, of which there are less than 350 still living. NOAA Fisheries (part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the New England Aquarium and the Center for Coastal Studies report that more studies are needed to understand the impacts of offshore wind on federally listed endangered species – serious questions remain unanswered about the impact of industrial wind projects on right whales. Crimson Tide running back Richie Malloy (22) headed for the end zone to add another touchdown in the rout of Malden High on October 28. Dinosaurs take over Faneuil Hall with immersive, walk-thru adventure P rehistoric creatures that once occupied the planet are now taking over Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Dino Safari: A Walk-Thru Adventure officially opened to the public on November 19. The showcase of the fascinating prehistoric creatures is being offered for the first time ever in the heart of historic Boston. Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages have the chance to learn about how dinosaurs evolved over time, where they lived and the discoveries paleontologists have made about their behavior. The EHS Crimson Tide Football Captains The experience is scientifically advised by world-renowned paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson – featuring fossils, many varieties of advanced animatronic dinosaurs, and interactive games for all ages. The duration of the visit is approximately 60 minutes, and tickets are $20 per person; children under age two do not need a ticket. The exhibit at Faneuil Hall Marketplace can be visited through mid-January. For additional information, please visit DinoSafariBoston. com.
Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Harvard Psychiatrist Shares 4 Tips to Surviving the Holidays with Family B oston, MA, November 22, 2021 — Dr. Frank Anderson, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and author of Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD With Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, (PESI Publishing, Inc; ISBN: 9781683733973; Original Trade Paperback) can provide your audience with advice on how to positively deal with negative emotional triggers over the holiday season. Through the innovative, evidence-based and holistic therapy approach to understanding and healing family trauma, Dr. Anderson reveals four tips that will help your audience survive the holidays: - Accept Imperfection. Before any gathering, accept that the event might not go exactly as planned. Imperfection is a normal, healthy part of life. - Flush Out Family Drama. Don’t take on their drama. Differentiate what is yours from what is theirs, and remind yourself what is truly important. - Prepare an Emotional Exit Plan. If you are going to be at an event with relatives you don’t like, take a walk when you start to feel triggered—and if you are hosting the party, designate a room that is off limits where you can take a break. - Treat Yourself. Everyone deserves a little luxury, especially during the holidays. Treat yourself to your favorite meal or get a massage. Whatever the activity is, do it often during the holidays. Frank G. Anderson, MD, became interested in treating trauma during his residency program in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and later became a psychiatrist at the Trauma Center in Boston under the direction of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Body Keeps the Score. During this early phase of his career, Dr. Anderson met Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and has been practicing IFS therapy ever since. Today, Dr. Anderson works as a lead trainer and consultant for the IFS Institute and serves as adviser to the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP). To learn more about Dr. Anderson and his work, visit www.FrankAndersonMD.com. AG HEALEY | FROM PAGE 12 to abandon its plans to launch a version of Instagram for children under the age of 13. In the letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the coalition contends that Facebook has historically failed to protect the welfare of children on its platforms. Leading the investigation, involving a broad group of states across the country, is a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, Tennessee and Vermont. BONUS | FROM PAGE 2 lar meetings of the City Council, except for reasons of illness or other reasonable circumstances proved to the satisfaction of the president of the City Council, shall result in the forfeiture of the corresponding stipend for the applicable period. The absence of a member from three successive regular meetings of the city council, except for reasons of illness or other reasonable circumstances proved to the satisfaction of the president of the City Council, may be deemed a resignation from the City Council on the part of said member. A member who is not present for the equivalent of half of a regular meeting based on the number of agenda items, except for reasons of illness or other reasonable circumstances proved to the satisfaction of the president of the City Council, shall no longer be considered to be in attendance for roll call purposes.” In response, City Council President Wayne Matewsky reminded his colleagues that John Leo McKinnon, the Ward 4 councillor at the time, intentionally missed nine months of council meetings. “There is a procedure to expel a member,” said Matewsky, adding that McKinnon finally returned to the council just minutes before the vote was taken regarding his removal. The council voted 6-1 to refer the item back to Martins.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 19 DIDOMENICO | FROM PAGE 2 Massachusetts Senate on November 10 that directs federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to assist the Commonwealth’s ongoing recovery, with a particular focus on making equitable investments and ensuring that communiFRUITCAKE | FROM PAGE 10 Ms. Franklin found me so tasty that she said I was just like her mother’s famous fruitcake. The next afternoon, I was on another field trip to Ms. Franklin’s mother’s house for a visit and afternoon tea. This time I was in aluminum foil so all I could do was listen. “Mother, I brought some fruitcake I received as a gift. It is the first time I’ve ever tasted a fruitcake as good as yours. Please have a slice with your tea.” “My dear, you can’t be serious,” said Ms. Franklin’s mother. “Where is this imposter?!” I began to sense the light of day, feel the warm sun pouring in the window and see… Mabel the Money Cat curled up on the kitchen chair! I was home! I had survived! I had returned to the origin of my birth! As Grandma (my creator) sampled my corner, she muttered, “This fruitcake doesn’t come near my famous fruitcake. My fruitcakes have my special touch that make them unique.” But, but… PROGRESS | FROM PAGE 9 all cancers. The researchers credit the decline in mortality rates to improvements in prevention, early detection and treatment. For example, the substantial declines in lung, oral cavity and bladder cancer mortality largely reflect reductions in smoking due to enhanced public awareness of health consequences, increased cigarette excise taxes and smoke-free laws, whereas the large declines in female breast and colorectal cancer mortality are mainly due to screening and advances in treatment. According to the authors, the findings demonstrate considerable progress in reducing the cancer burden in the wake of expanded public investment following the passage of the National Cancer Act. Improving health equity through investment in social determinants of health and implementation research is critical to ensuring continued progress. ties disproportionately impact by the COVID-19 pandemic are prioritized. Using this framework, the bill delivers targeted, transformational supports to critical sectors, such as health care, mental and behavioral health, housing security, environment and workforce development.
Page 20 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 “The Joint Committee on RedisBeacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST–Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription go to: www. massterlist.com/subscribe THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of November 15-19. CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING (H 4256) House 151-8, Senate 26-3, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a bill that redistricts the state’s nine congressional districts. The plan is based on the 2020 U.S. census and will be in effect until the next redistricting cycle following the census in 2030. Supporters said the process has been the most open, inclusive and transparent redistricting process in the history of the state. tricting conducted a broad, transparent examination of the congressional districts,” said Senate Redistricting Committee chair Sen. Will Brownsberger. “Hundreds of people participated. At the end we felt we had a plan that met all legal standards and it was uncontested in most respects.” “This proposal simply does not meet the mark for millions of Bay Staters, slashing MetroWest into five different bits and bifurcating Fall River and New Bedford,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “This map will have an impact on our democracy for at least the next decade to come. It is imperative that we do this right and that means advancing equity and compactness, not diluting representational power.” “There is an inherent conflict of interest in having sitting office holders deciding where district lines should go,” said Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown). “Other states have figured this out and have created independent commissions to do redistricting. It’s time Massachusetts does the same.” (A “Yes” vote is for the new districts. A “No” vote is against them.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes REQUIRE SCHOOLS TO TEACH ABOUT GENOCIDE (S 2557) House 157-2, approved a bill requiring public schools to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide. The measure also establishes a Genocide Education Trust Fund to help fund the teaching. The funds would come from the Legislature, private and public gifts and grants and revenue from fines imposed for hate crimes. Supporters cited a 2020 survey, commissioned by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, which gauged Holocaust knowledge and found that 63 per cent of millennials and Generation Z population, did not know six million Jews were murdered in the Holocaust. The survey also found that nearly half were unfamiliar with Nazi concentration camps like Auschwitz. “It is shocking how many young people today have never heard of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the Holocaust or other heinous genocides perpetrated in the past,” said Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Committee on Education. “This important legislation will ensure that more students understand the history of genocide so that it never happens again.” “It is very important that the history of genocide is taught in our schools,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield) one of the two representatives who voted against the proposal. “However all the genocides that were discussed for the bill are already covered by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) curriculum. If there are shortcomings in how it is taught then that should be addressed, but not by setting up a separate fund that includes money from public and private sources such as gifts, grants and donations. DESE has already established the curriculum, why is more public and private money needed?” “Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of human rights issues, and today, with the passage of this bill, we can do it again,” said Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin). “We can arm our students with the knowledge they will need to recognize the warning signs and feel empowered to prevent genocides in the future. Making genocide education a mandatory topic for teaching in our schools is a reaffirmation of the commitment of free people from all nations to never again permit the occurrence of another genocide and to deter indifference to crimes against humanity and human suffering wherever they occur.” Rep. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the only other representative to vote against the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his opposition to the bill. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes REGULATE EXPANSION OF HOSPITALS (H 4253) House 158-1, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that supporters say will promote a more balanced health care market by strengthening the regulatory processes for health care expansions. The measure requires a rigorous review to ensure that when large hospital systems expand, they are not infringing on community hospital markets and raising health care costs for patients. “The legislation … continues the House’s commitment to health care as demonstrated in Massachusetts’ health care reform law of 2006 and of the landmark cost containment law of 2012,” said Rep. John Lawn (D-Watertown), the House Chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. “Community hospitals operate on thin margins and with the constant possibility of closure. The bill passed by the House … limits unchecked growth of hospital chains, better suiting community hospitals to survive and ensuring continued competition in the health care market.” “The House took a major step in working to guarantee that every Massachusetts resident has access to quality, affordable health care by passing legislation that will protect community hospitals,” said Speaker of the House Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Community hospitals offer high-quality care to the most vulnerable patient populations at affordable rates. Our efforts to control health care cost growth depends on their continued existence.” “Other states are beginning to roll back determination of need laws, because they negatively impact healthcare,” said Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), the lone vote against the bill. “But here we are doing just the opposite. Protectionist policies like this one restrict competition, stifle innovation and lower the quality of healthcare a patient receives all while ensuring costs remain high. We need more competition when it comes to healthcare, not less.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes INCREASE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS (S 2572) Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House legislation, known as the Mental Health Addressing Barriers to Care (ABC) Act that will make mental health care more accessible in the Bay State. “Today, the Massachusetts Senate took vital strides toward transforming mental health care in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro), House chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. “By unanimously passing [this bill], we affirm that mental health is just as essential as physical health and take a leap forward to ensure that all people in Massachusetts can access the mental health care they need and deserve.” “Massachusetts’ health care system should deliver affordable, high quality and accessible care to all of our residents—including mental health care,” said Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. “This bill recognizes that mental health care is just as important, valuable and worthy of treatment as physical health care. And begins to tackle our most pressing issues, such as expanding services to all corners of the commonwealth, enforcing existing parity laws and addressing the boarding crisis in our Emergency Departments that is impacting too many of our children and families.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill). Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes 988 MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE (S 2572) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the state to designate at least one 988 crisis hotline center to provide crisis intervention services and crisis care coordination 24 hours per day, seven days a week for individuals accessing the federally designated 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline. “Over a year ago, the federal government created the 988 hotline,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “The 988 hotline is a 3-digit phone number for Americans to call when in a mental health crisis. The line will be fully operational by July 2022. This is where states come in. Just because the phone line runs, doesn’t mean there will be services ready to respond when someone calls. It is our role to ensure that when people call the hotline, there is someone in the state that is ready and available to respond.” Moran noted that the hotline must also have the capability to serve a diverse set of populations and be able to serve individuals who are high-risk or have specialized needs because they have substance use disorder, other mental health conditions or developmental disabilities. “In addition, these crisis centers must be able to service a diverse range of people at different ages, races, ethnicity, sexual orientation, sexual identity and language spoken,” continued Moran. Moreover, to serve everyone in every place in the commonwealth, they must be able to provide crisis and outgoing services in a reasonable time in all areas of the commonwealth. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S BHRC | SEE PAGE 25
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 21
Page 22 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 S y Senior Does Medicare Cover Mobility Sa e a Dear Savvy Senior, I have arthritis in my hips and knees and have a difficult time getting around anymore. What do I need to do to get a Medicare-covered electric-powered scooter or wheelchair? Need a Ride Dear Need, If you’re enrolled in original Medicare, getting an electric-powered mobility scooter or wheelchair that’s covered by Medicare starts with a visit to your doctor’s offi ce. If eligible, Medicare will pay 80 percent of the cost, after you’ve met your Part B deductible ($203 in 2021). You will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent unless you have supplemental insurance. Here’s a breakdown of how it works. Schedule an Appointment Your fi rst step is to call your doctor or primary care provider and schedule a Medicare required, face-to-face mobility evaluation to determine your need for a power scooter or wheelchair. For you to be eligible, you’ll need to meet all of the following conditions: Your health condition makes moving around your home very difficult, even with the help of a cane, crutch, walker or manual wheelchair. You have signifi cant problems performing activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, getting in or out of a bed or chair, or using the bathroom. You are able to safely operate, and get on and off the scooter or wheelchair, or have someone with you who is always available to help you safely use the device. If eligible, your doctor will determine what kind of mobility equipment you’ll need based on your condition, usability in your home, and ability to operate it. It’s also important to know that Medicare coverage is dependent on your needing a scooter or wheelchair in your home. If your claim is based on needing it outside your home, it will be denied as not medically necessary, because the wheelchair BY JIM MILLER Senio Mbili Scooters or Wheelchairs? M di nior C nir ior or scooter will be considered a leisure item. Where to Buy If your doctor determines you need a power scooter or wheelchair, he or she will fi ll out a written order or prescription. Once you receive it, you’ll need to take it to a Medicare approved supplier within 45 days. To fi nd Medicare approved suppliers in your area, visit Medicare.gov/ medical-equipment-suppliers or call 800-633-4227. There are, however, circumstances where you may need “prior authorization” for certain types of power wheelchairs. In this case, you’ll need permission from Medicare before you can get one. Financial Aid If you have a Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy, it may pick up some, or all of the 20 percent cost of the scooter or wheelchair that’s not covered by Medicare. If, however, you don’t have supplemental insurance, and can’t aff ord the 20 percent, you may be able to get help through Medicare Savings Programs. Call your local Medicaid offi ce for eligibility information. Or, if you fi nd that you’re not eligible for a Medicare covered scooter or wheelchair, and you can’t aff ord to purchase one, renting can be a much cheaper short-term solution. Talk to a supplier about this option. For more information about power mobility devices call Medicare at 800-6334227 or visit Medicare.gov/ coverage/wheelchairs-scooters. Medicare Advantage If you happen to have a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO), you’ll need to call your plan to fi nd out the specific steps you need to take to get a power-wheelchair or scooter. Many Advantage plans have specifi c suppliers within the plan’s network they’ll require you to use. 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. providing services without physician authorization A s part of an ongoing effort in Massachusetts to address fraud, waste and abuse in the home health care industry, Attorney General Maura Healey announced a lawsuit against a home health care agency for allegedly falsely billing the state’s Medicaid program, MassHealth, for services that were not authorized by a physician and/ or not medically necessary. The lawsuit – fi led in Suff olk Superior Court against Prestige Health Care Services, Inc., its owner/CEO Isdory Lyamuya, and Chief Operating Offi cer Augustus Kormah – alleges that the defendants were aware that many Prestige patients lacked a physician authorization certifying that the services Prestige purported to provide were medically necessary, yet they continued to bill MassHealth for services anyway. “Home health care services assist low-income individuals with activities of daily living, and our offi ce AG Healey sues home health care agency for is committed to rooting out fraud within this industry,” said Healey. “We allege this agency repeatedly and knowingly billed MassHealth for unauthorized services and are seeking to hold them accountable to ensure our health care dollars are spent appropriately.” MassHealth pays for three kinds of home health care services for eligible members: nursing, home health aide and therapy (physical, occupational and speech/language). To bill MassHealth for any of these services, the member’s physician must review and sign a Plan of Care (POC) certifying that home health care services are medically necessary. According to the Attorney General’s complaint, Prestige began providing services to patients who did not require services, and it continued to service patients after they no longer required skilled nursing services. In some instances, physicians OBITUARIES AG HEALEY | SEE PAGE 24 Martin L. Gartland did not authorize the services listed in the POC, some returning the POC with notations like “services not needed.” If Prestige received such a rejection, the Attorney General alleges, Prestige often shredded the Of Everett, formerly of East Boston, November 15, 2021. Beloved son of the late Gertrude (Sulkey) and Joseph L. Gartland. Brother of Maureen Dell’Orfano and her late husband John, Mary Gartland, Michael Gartland and his wife Lisa, Lori Recupero, Kathleen Gartland, and the late Evelyn Martinelli, Barbara Ann, Joseph, Judith and William Gartland. Also survived by his aunt, Mary Canavan and three generations of nieces and nephews. Martin proudly served his country in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force.
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 23 what is a pulsar? 9. What is a supreme (or supreme – highest degree of quality) of poultry? 10. On Nov. 29, 1972, Atari 1. On Nov. 26, 1966, in Brittany, what European president opened the first tidal power station in the world? 2. In what country did apple pie originate? 3. What sex of turkey gobbles? 4. What one-word 1978 disco song title has four periods? 5. On Nov. 27, 1955, what engineer and author was born who had a PBS series about science? 6. Which U.S. state has the most pumpkin acreage: California, Illinois or New Mexico? 7. What U.S. bridge has been “sold” by con artists at least three times (one ending up in Sing Sing)? 8. On Nov. 28, 1967, the first pulsar was discovered; released what video game? 11. Where do wild turkeys sleep? 12. What is the first recorded year when Cape Cod cranberry bogs were flooded and frozen for a better harvest: 1732, 1838 or 1907? 13. On Nov. 30, 1872, the first-ever international soccer match took place in Glasgow; what two countries competed? 14. In the 1893 play “A Woman of No Importance,” who wrote, “After a good dinner, one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations”? 15. On Dec. 1, 1878, who installed the first telephone at the White House? 16. On Nov. 23, 1921, The Baltimore Sun reported that what took an airplane to the White House “wearing an aviation helmet and goggles and clad in a black and gold sweater held on by a pink bow” (and also a train ride after it got sick)? 17. December 2 is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery; what U.S. state’s constitution (1777) was the first U.S. document to abolish slavery? 18. What country produces the most cranberries? 19. Can turkeys fly? 20. On Dec. 3, 1800, the Electoral College had a tie vote for what two candidates? ANSWERS 1. Charles de Gaulle 2. England 3. Males 4. Y.M.C.A. 5. Bill Nye (the Science Guy) 6. Illinois 7. The Brooklyn Bridge 8. A pulsating radio source (thought to be a neutron star with a rapid spin) 9. A skinless, boneless breast 10. Pong 11. In trees 12. 1838 13. England and Scotland 14. Oscar Wilde 15. Alexander Graham Bell 16. A turkey named Supreme II 17. Vermont’s 18. USA 19. Only wild turkeys can fly. 20. Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr
Page 24 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. We also do demolition. Best Prices Call: 781-593-5308 781-321-2499 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 AG HEALEY | FROM PAGE 22 document and tried to resubmit it for authorization. According to the complaint, employees raised concerns with both Lyamuya and Kormah about billing MassHealth without a physician’s authorization, but no changes were made to the company’s practices. One employee was allegedly fi red a day after she told Lyamuya and Kormah that she was not comfortable billing MassHealth without enough information. As a result of an audit finding missing physician authorizations for 70 percent of Prestige’s patients, MassHealth withheld further payment to Prestige as of July 26, 2019, and terminated Prestige as a provider on July 29, 2019. The Attorney General’s lawsuit alleges violations of the Massachusetts False Claims Act, the Medicaid False Claims statute and the common law, and seeks treble damages and civil penalties. The litigation is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Scott Grannemann and Investigator Thomas Barreca of Attorney General Healey’s Medicaid Fraud Division, with substantial assistance from MassHealth. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Offi ce’s Medicaid Fraud Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount 379 Broadway Everett 617-381-9090 All occasions florist Wedding ~ Sympathy Tributes Plants ~ Dish Gardens Customized Design Work GIFT BASKETS Fruit Baskets www.EverettFlorist.net
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Page 25 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 Maharjan, Raj K Kenworthy, Joanne C Banusiewicz, Kelly J Barbosa, Benvindo F Parajuli, Basanta Dhakal, Murari P Contreras, Jose F BUYER2 Maharjan, Ratneswori Kenworthy, Eric B Banusiewicz, Joshua J Poudel-Parajuli, Basanti Lamichhane-Dhakal, Lalita Contreras, Maria B SELLER1 Freeman Avenue RT 304 Broadway Everett LLC Fulchino, Stephen A Wall Street RT Solis, Henry D Reedy, William J 27 Wolcott Avenue NT SELLER2 Marino, Joseph F ADDRESS 58 Freeman Ave 304 Broadway Fulchino, Barbara 215 Hancock St #2 10 Wall St Cecconi, Carmina End, Darren Wells, Kim A BHRC | FROM PAGE 20 SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session 44 Silver Rd 28 Walnut St 27 Wolcott St CITY Everett Everett Everett Everett Everett Everett Everett 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 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured ~ HELP WANTED ~ Construction Help Wanted Seeking Full-Time Laborers Basic construction knowledge, MA Drivers License with clean driving record a must. EVERETT ALUMINUM Call Steve at: (617) 389-3839 DATE 05.11.2021 02.11.2021 01.11.2021 29.10.2021 28.10.2021 28.10.2021 PRICE $560 000,00 04.11.2021 $1 190 000,00 $300 000,00 $759 000,00 $675 000,00 $801 101,00 $635 000,00 “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior 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 fi led. 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 November 15-19, the House met for a total of 14 hours and 47 minutes while the Senate met for a total of eight hours. Mon. Nov. 15 House 11:06 a.m. to 1:29 p.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:41 a.m. Tues. Nov. 16 House 11:05 a.m. to 4:02 p.m. No Senate session Wed. Nov. 17 House 11:02 a.m. to 6:25 p.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to 6:38 p.m. Thurs. Nov. 18 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:04 a.m. Senate 11:09 a.m. to 11:12 a.m. Fri. Nov. 19 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net
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Page 28 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President The staff at JRS Properties wishes everyone a Safe, Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! LISTED BY NORMA & ROSEMARIE NEW LISTING BY SANDY NEW LISTING BY SANDY SOLD! CONDO - NEW PRICE - $449,900 30 CHELSEA ST. #812 EVERETT CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 NEW LISTING BY SANDY UNDER AGREEMENT SINGLE FAMILY 39 ARLINGTON ST., EVERETT $529,900 129 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $799,900 TWO FAMILY LISTED BY NORMA HUGE 3 FAMILY 21-23 CLEVELAND AVE., EVERETT $980,000 COMING SOON! READING $675,000 NEW LISTING BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT CONDO 120 WYLLIS AVE., UNIT #310 UNDER AGREEMENT 6 FAMILY CHARLES STREET, MALDEN $1,250,000 CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 UNDER AGREEMENT SINGLE FAMILY 20 BAKER RD., EVERETT $509,900 SOLD BY MICHAEL AS BUYER’S AGENT 58 BRADFORD ST. EVERETT 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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