11

THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 14, 2021 Page 11 Walk With Ease program moves and motivates F or the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted us from being as mobile as we would like to be, affecting our activity. To get moving safely, Mystic Valley Elder Services is pleased to offer a fun, easy way to add more steps to your day and feel better about yourself. The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease program is designed to help older adults living with arthritis better manage their pain and for those without arthritis who want to make walking a regular habit. The program motivates individuals to make walking an important part of everyday life. Shown to reduce pain and increase balance and walking pace, Walk with Ease provides participants with the information and tools they need to develop a safe exercise routine that fits their unique needs and goals. This free six-week program has been developed by the Arthritis Foundation and is being offered in cooperation with Springfield College. Participants will receive a free Walk With Ease workbook as well as free individual phone or virtual coaching with a physical therapy student for the duration of the program. Benefits of participating in the Walk With Ease Program include: • Motivate yourself to get in great shape • Walk safely and comfortably • Improve your flexibility, strength and stamina • Reduce pain and feel great Space is limited so sign up today. Please make sure you consult with your primary care provider before starting any new fitness program. To find out more about the criteria and to register for the program, please contact Donna Covelle at dcovelle@ mves.org or 781 388-4867. Baker awards final round of grants from COVID-19 business relief program G overnor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Michael Kennealy, legislators and key partners recently celebrated the success of the Baker-Polito Administration’s COVID-19 business relief program administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). The program, which has now ended, has provided more than $687.2 million in direct cash grants to 15,112 businesses across the Commonwealth. Among the awardees included in the final round were 108 additional businesses that received a total of approximately $4.8 million in COVID-19 relief grants. Launched in October 2020 as part of the Administration’s Partnerships for Recovery initiative to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy, this program became the biggest state-sponsored business relief program in the nation after being infused with an additional $668 million in December. The program was established to provide direct financial support for businesses, and the Administration has tapped numerous partners to ensure specific economic sectors and priority demographics known to be the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic applied to the program and were prioritized for aid. Over the duration of the program, 43 percent of MGCC grants were awarded to minority-owned businesses, and 46 percent of grants went to women-owned businesses. Businesses owned by veterans, individuals with disabilities, or that identify as LGBTQ, as well as those operating in Gateway Cities and not previously awarded aid, also received substantial grant support. Additionally, one-third of the total program funding (about $224 million) has benefited the hard-hit restaurant and bar industry, with personal services like hair and nail salons ($91 million), and independent retailers ($62 million) rounding out the top sectors. “Thanks to the work of Mass. Growth Capital, more than $680 million in direct financial assistance has been deployed to over 15,000 businesses across Massachusetts, many of which are located in the communities that have had the greatest need during this pandemic,” said Baker. “Recognizing that our small business community employed close to half the Commonwealth’s workforce prior to the pandemic, this program has been instrumental in helping to keep these enterprises going while supporting a substantial percentage of our workforce as we approach what we hope are the final months of this public health crisis.” “This program, which was designed to provide vital support to small businesses in need, is one component of our larger strategy to help the Commonwealth’s economic recovery from this unprecedented public health emergency,” said Polito. “I want to applaud MGCC for their success with this program and thank their partners for helping to spread the word, which allowed us to provide direct support to those businesses that have been hit the hardest, including minority- and woman-owned businesses, restaurants and downtown retailers.” The 15th and final round of awards totaled approximately $4.8 million in grants to 108 additional businesses. Among Malden Board of Health seeking new member T he City of Malden is looking for a committed resident to serve a three year term as a member of the Malden Board of Health at an annual stipend of $1,700.The Board Member's responsibilities include advising on strategic plans, participating in hearing appeals to the Housing Code and promulgating effective public health regulation. Members should prepare for board meetings, attend them regularly and actively participate in them. A successful candidate the final round of recipients, grants were awarded to 25 minority-owned and 26 women-owned businesses; 24 recipients were located in Gateway Cities, and 28 businesses had not received any prior aid. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to Larry Andrews and his team at MGCC for going above and beyond in their efforts to ensure that this important aid went to businesses located in Gateway Cities, met a demographic priority such as being minority- or women-owned, or were operating in sectors among the hardest hit during this pandemic,” said Kennealy. “In addition, I’d like to ROUND | SEE PAGE 18 for Board Member should have significant professional leadership experience and strong diplomatic skills, as well as, a strong commitment to the community, social equity, and respect for all regardless, of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or age. Board Member Responsibilities: • Knowing the organization's mission, programs, policies, and needs. • Preparing for meetings by reviewing the agenda and supporting documentation. • Regularly attending board meetings and participating actively and conscientiously. • Keeping up with issues and trends that affect the organization. J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. • Participating in the evaluation of business operations and executives. • Approving audit reports, budgets and business decisions. • Contributing to the development of policies and strategic plans. • Understanding the organization's financial affairs and ensuring fiduciary responsibilities are met. • Ensuring the organization complies with legal requirements. • Maintaining confidentiality on all internal organizational affairs. Board Member Requirements: • Proven track record in an executive leadership role. • Knowledge of the city and it’s neighborhoods. • Sufficient time availability for board duties. • Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills. • Medical, scientific, or legal background preferred, but not required. • Multilingual preferred, but not required. Applicants should email a letter of interest and resume to the Clerk of Committees lcagno@cityofmalden.orgon or before Friday, May 28, 2021. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping

12 Publizr Home