Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023 ACCUSES | FROM Page 1 tion. But they are also looking for Arrigo’s response to a second part of this story which involves a City Hall moment that seems like a scene from a New York mob movie. During a Ways and Means Subcommittee meeting on Feb. 27, McKenna read a statement on why she couldn’t vote for schematic design for a new high school at the Wonderland site. According to McKenna, “After my statement, and before our regular council meeting, Mayor Arrigo approached me, the only woman on the council, and said that ‘The Beachmont community arts center that you want, is done.’ Then he walked away from me.” An emotional McKenna explained her decision to come forward with her story. “This retaliation not only takes away from our community, but it clearly refl ects the behavior of an individual who did not get his way,” said McKenna. “I understand tensions were high that night, and I would have let the mayor’s verbal threat go because I have remained silent with his bullying tactics that have been occurring throughout my tenure as a councilwoman,” continued McKenna. “But now, with the cancellation of this Community Arts Center, I cannot remain silent anymore – enough is enough.” McKenna, in an email sent to The Advocate, cited a March 23, 2023 email from the mayor to Hannah Gathman, Senior Regional Arts and Cultural Planner for MAPC, which stated, “Hannah- Thank you for your support on the Beachmont Fire Station. Unfortunately, we are going to have to cancel these working group meetings for the foreseeable future. The city is unable to commit the resources to see this project move forward….Brian” Several councillors immediately voiced their support for McKenna. Ward 3 Councillor Anthony Cogliandro commended McKenna for having the courage to come forward with her story. “If there’s any question about what she said, I witnessed, I heard, I saw exactly what she described happened that day and it’s disheartening to say the least,” said Cogliandro. Councillors-at-Large Dan Rizzo and Gerry Visconti also praised McKenna for standing up and speaking out. “This is what people hate about politics,” said Rizzo. “It’s a slap in the face to call MAPC – that wants to give the city money – and tell them we don’t want it,” said Rizzo, who added that Revere works hard for grant money to assist the city. “There’s no reason why the residents should have to suff er,” said Rizzo. Visconti also said McKenna’s story shows an ugly side of politics. “It’s very disheartening to know this type of behavior is coming from the Mayor’s Offi ce,” said Visconti. “This is exactly what the city has had enough of – the division, the vindictiveness, the vendettas – and why? Because a vote didn’t go the way the administration wanted,” added Visconti. “We need to do better.” Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto complimented McKenna for her courage and was a little more direct in his criticism. “There’s no place in politics for this kind of retaliatory crap…It’s bullying at its worst,” said Zambuto. “The bottom line is there’s no place in the city for this stuff . I’m disgusted by it and I’m with you, Councillor McKenna.” Mayor Arrigo did not attend the meeting; however, he issued the following statement in response to McKenna the following day: “Over the last eight years, my administration’s goal has been always to work collaboratively and in good faith with all stakeholders including our city council. As long as I’m in offi ce, I will continue to work with community members and organizations to bring a vibrant arts space to the long-vacant Beachmont Fire Station. It was never my intention to suggest otherwise.” How to Choose an Assisted Living Facility PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws and Section 17.16.060 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Revere that the Revere City Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday evening, April 24, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the City Councillor Joseph A. DelGrosso City Council Chamber, Revere City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere, MA 02151 on the application of Arcadia St LLC, 787 North Shore Road, Revere, MA 02151 requesting a special permit from the Revere City Council to enable the appellant houses on the property at 84 Arcadia Street, Revere, MA 02151. A copy of the aforementioned proposed plan and of the City Clerk, Revere City Hall, Revere, Massachusetts, Monday through Thursday from 8:15 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Friday from 8:15 A.M. to 12:15 P.M. Attest: Ashley E. Melnik City Clerk April 07, 14, 2023 ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS - 1st AD - Perfectly located 6 room Mansard Colonial, 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, spacious living room and dining room, eat-in kitchen, convenient with loft storage, level lot, located just outside of Saugus Center in the Iron Works neighborhood. View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to go about choosing an assisted living facility for my 86-year-old father? Since mom died last year, his health has declined to the point that he can’t live at home anymore but isn’t ready for a nursing home either. Searching Susan Dear Susan, If your dad needs help with things like bathing, dressing, preparing meals, managing his medications or just getting around, an assisted living facility is defi nitely a good option to consider. Assisted living facilities are residential communities that off er diff erent levels of health or personal care services for seniors who want or need help with daily living. There are nearly 29,000 assisted living communities (also called board and care, supportive-care or residential-care facilities) in the U.S. today, some of which are part of a retirement community or nursing home. Most facilities have anywhere between 10 and 100 suites, varying in size from a single room to a full apartment. And some even off er special memory care units for residents with dementia. To help you choose a good assisted living facility for your dad, here are some steps to follow. Make a list: There are several sources you can turn to for referrals to top assisted living communities in your area including your dad’s doctor or nearby hospital discharge planner; friends or neighbors who’ve had a loved one in assisted living; or you can do an online search at Caring.com. Do some research: To research the communities on your list, put a call into your long-term care ombudsman. This is a government official who investigates longterm care facility complaints and advocates for residents and their families. This person can help you fi nd the latest health inspection reports on specifi c assisted living facilities and can tell you which ones have had complaints or other problems in the past. To fi nd your local ombudsman visit LTCombudsman.org. Call the facilities: Once you’ve identified a few good assisted living facilities, call them to see if they have any vacancies, what they charge and if they provide the types of services your father needs. Tour your top choices: During your visit, notice the cleanliness and smell of the facility. Is it homey and inviting? Does the staff seem responsive and kind to its residents? Also be sure to taste the food, and talk to the residents and their family members, if available. It’s also a good idea to visit several times at diff erent times of the day and diff erent days of the week to get a broader perspective. On your facility visit, get a copy of the admissions contract and the residence rules that outline the fees (and any extra charges), services and residents’ rights, and explanations for when a resident might be asked to leave because their condition has worsened, and they require more care than the facility can provide. Also, fi nd out their staff turnover rate, COVID infection-control procedures and if and when medical professionals are on site. To help you rate your visit, Caring.com off ers a checklist of questions that you can download and print at Caring.com/static/checklist-AL-tour.pdf. How to pay: Monthly costs for assisted living ranges anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 or more, depending on where you live, the facility you choose, and the services provided. Since Medicare does not cover assisted living, most residents pay out-ofpocket from their own personal funds, and some have long-term care insurance policies. If your dad has limited fi nancial resources and can’t aff ord this, most states now have Medicaid waiver programs that help pay for assisted living. Or, if he’s a veteran, he may be able to get funds through the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefi t. To fi nd out about these programs, ask the assisted living facility director, or contact his local Medicaid offi ce (see Medicaid.gov) or the regional VA benefi t offi ce (800–827–1000). 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.
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