THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2024 Page 5 Haas proposes expansion of youth snow removal program for disabled, and seniors Program would work in conjunction with city’s Commission on Disabilities By Barbara Taormina Haas said he was surprised a C ROBERT HAAS Councillor-At-Large ouncillor-At-Large Robert Haas met with the Commission on Disabilities this week to talk about Somerville's teen snow shoveling program which pairs teens with disabled residents and seniors who need help in clearing their walkways and sidewalks. City Councillors recently expressed the need for Revere to expand its Snow Angels program to make sure all residents who need assistance with snow shoveling receive the help they need, which is performed by Revere High students in the Junior ROTC program. city the size of Somerville could put together a program and make it work, and felt that if Somerville can do it, so can Revere. Commission Chairman Ralph DeCicco said it would be a grantfunded program that would not be a cost to the City or taxpayers. DeCicco said program administrators would need to check and make sure recipients were alone and genuinely in need meaning there were no able-bodied people or tenants who lived in a house and were capable of doing the work. "We want to make sure this is for people who really need it, and we want to make sure it's done right," said DeCicco. Commission member Pauline Perno said she had also been looking at programs in other communities. "Many have some sort of partnership with the youth center and the senior and disabled communities," said Perno who added some programs run yearround. In the spring teens help with raking leaves and yard clean up and some programs schedule weekly visits to take out trash barrels. Although most programs enlist teens and Junior ROTC members, Perno suggested opening it to middle and elementary school students. Commission members agreed the program would provide a much-needed and valuable service for the disabled community and seniors. Haas said he would work with the Commission and the Keefe administration to move a program forward. "I hope this is a program we can get going for next winter," he said. DeCicco said the program was about more than snow removal. "It's about social interaction between teens and the disabled community and seniors," he said. Sobriety Tips for St. Patrick’s Day Know your triggers; it doesn’t MARIE GARCEAU By Marie Garceau W hile some still see St. Patrick’s Day as a family-centric Catholic celebration or a break from Lent-related restrictions, the day primarily focuses on parties, rowdy parades, green beer, bar specials and heavy drinking. There are undoubtedly good times had by all who take part, but if you want to stay sober and avoid alcohol, it can pose a challenge. St. Paddy’s is celebrated by sober people from all over. There are likely family friend events, sober celebrations, and community events. Yet, being in recovery from alcoholism, choosing a healthy lifestyle or recently deciding to give up alcohol for whatever reason, there can be a risk of relapse. Fortunately, there are practical approaches that anyone can take to protect their sobriety on St. Patrick’s Day. For instance, remind yourself why you are sober, and don’t do it alone. You can still have fun and celebrate, but do it with other sober people. Everyone has their reasons for stopping drinking; remind yourself of those reasons and hold yourself accountable. matter if you are a recovering addict or have removed alcohol from your life. Be cautious around possible triggers that pose a challenge. Most people in this situation choose to skip the bar and fi nd something fun to do or go to a sober St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Keep a nonalcoholic drink or mocktail in your hand. People will not bother you to ask if you want a drink if you already have something to sip on, like a mocktail. This also leads to planning how to say no. You will encounter social pressure if you go to a bar on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s unavoidable. It’s wise to practice ways to refuse alcohol. Finally, if all else fails, take a walk outside if you feel overwhelmed. The most straightforward solutions are usually the best. Remove yourself from any situation you know will lead to relapse. This is also why it’s essential to be with a sober friend or loved one; there is accountability and someone to lean on. Moreover, speaking about the health and social benefi ts of sobriety is essential. Along with it drastically improving physical and mental well-being, there is one critical societal benefi t that often goes overlooked. Being sober on St. Patrick’s Day or any day means removing all chances of impaired driving. Drunk and drugged driving has had an enormous impact on road safety in Massachusetts. In 2021, over one-third (34%) of all motor vehicle deaths in Massachusetts involved a drunk driver, which was higher than the national rate of 31%. Roughly 35% of drivers who experience a crash-related injury were under the infl uence of drugs or alcohol. If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day sober, take steps to protect your sobriety and look out for another. If you’re consuming alcohol, drink responsibly, know your limits and do not drink and drive. Marie Garceau has been working in the fi eld of substance use and addiction recovery for over a decade. She works at DRS (Drug Rehab Services) and primarily focuses on reaching out to the community and spreading awareness. RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM
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