Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 2021 | FROM PAGE 5 the grocery store is fairly minimal, particularly with everyone wearing a mask. In contrast, Kissler said indoor dining creates a much greater risk. “That’s the real concern that I have,” he said. Kissler also said there would likely be a short-term surge from those who went away for Easter or Passover. “I think we will probably see some surge,” he said. DeMaria and DiDomenico successfully lobby for additional COVID-19 relief funding After the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, Mayor Carlo DeMaria quickly discovered that Everett would only be receiving $4.5 million. In contrast, Newton was slated to get $65 million. “Disproportionate is an understatement,” said DeMaria. In addition to Everett, Chelsea, Randolph and Methuen were also shortchanged by what DeMaria called an “old and antiquated formula.” These were four of 20 communities identified by the state as being hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, DeMaria and State Senator Sal DiDomenico contacted Governor Charlie Baker to lobby for additional funding. Two weeks later, Baker announced that $100 million would be divided between Everett, Chelsea, Randolph and Methuen. “I would like to personally thank Governor Baker and his team for acknowledging and quickly responding to the inequitable funding of the federal formula,” said DeMaria. “I would also like to recognize the relentless advocacy of State Senator Sal DiDomenico who has stood by our side through this entire process. Everett deserves this funding and I’m proud to say that our persistence has paid off.” DiDomenico was also pleased with the new allocation. “I am relieved that we finally have a positive outcome. This has been the result of a tremendous amount of time and effort, and it has consumed the work of my office for weeks,” he said. “I am grateful to the Baker Administration for working so closely with myself and our local and federal leaders to secure a resolution and ensure that our hardest hit communities receive the funding we both need and deserve.” Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone said the allocation was an example of Baker’s ongoing commitment to Everett. “Without these funds, efforts to assist our residents and businesses through this difficult time would not be possible,” he said. “We must allocate these funds wisely, as the steady stream of federal and state aid will not last forever.” Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro said the state intervened at a time when the federal government fell short. “I am thankful that our state officials stepped up to the plate Valedictorian Karen Portillo addressed her classmates for the final time during Everett High School’s graduation ceremony on June 9. Portillo will be attending Harvard University in the fall. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson) and bailed us out while our federal delegation left us grasping for straws,” he said. “It’s a shame that our federal delegation was asleep at the wheel on this one.” Return to in-person learning Nearly seven months after the 2020-2021 school year began, students in grades K-5 finally had the opportunity to return to their schools. “The students are just so thrilled to be back,” said Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani during the April 5 School Committee meeting. “It was really exciting and energizing to be in those buildings. We’ve lost an indescribable amount during the pandemic.” She said 70 percent of elementary school parents opted to send their children back to school while the remaining 30 percent would finish the school year using the remote learning model. Tahiliani said 82 percent of parents would allow their children to be tested for COVID-19. She said preschool students and students in grades 6-8 are slated to return to the classroom on April 26. Tahiliani said Everett High School freshmen will have the option of returning to school on May 10 while sophomores, juniors and seniors can return on May 11. She said 37 percent of parents plan on sending their students back to school and the remaining 67 percent will continue with re2021 | SEE PAGE 7 ~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~ The Weigh Forward M By Sam Amado, Jr. any people begin the year with a strong start towards goals for their health, careers and relationships. But, something happens, or stops happening, usually about six to eight weeks in to the year. They miss a goal, or take a short cut (such as driving or taking the bus rather than walking uphill both ways on Broadway). And, they lose focus. One of the mistakes people make is that they assume fitness goals are fixed. In reality, it is not a question of reaching a goal and resting. Similarly, fitness goals have to be maintained. (Losing weight is one thing. But, if somebody reverts to their old habits after reaching their goal, they will return to their previous weight.) My name is Sam Amado. Like many people, I have succeeded and struggled with fitness and weight loss. As an athlete, I have qualified for global competitions. As a trainer, I have been part of, and run, exercise programs. And, there have been times when I avoided stepping on a scale, because I did not need (or want) to know the number. I have had to find a way to safely run classes over the last two years. (COVID-19 is not only more dangerous for people who are overweight; it made losing the weight more difficult.) We use a range of weights, bikes and other equipment (including a 3D body scanner) to help our clients reach their goals in one-on-one or group classes that can be mixed, matched or customized based on clients’ goals. Over the next few weeks, this column will offer instruction and encouragement on setting and reaching your fitness goals over the course of 2022.
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