YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS ONLINE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE HERE! Vol. 34, No.16 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday State Rep. Jessica Giannino Hosts Packed Reception 781-286-8500 Friday, April 19, 2024 Councillors seek changes to Parks & Rec Dept. to better serve residents By Barbara Taormina C ouncillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo and Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio fi led a motion at the last City Council meeting calling for a public hearing on their proposal to revamp the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation. In their motion, the councillors said the goal is to increase public safety by expanding recreational opportunities for young people. The councillors are calling for the present ordinance outlining the structure and responsibilities of the department to be deleted and replaced with an updated and expanded ordinance. “This was not meant to be a criticism of the current department,” said Argenzio. “They are doing a great job.” But Jaramillo and Argenzio feel things could be even better. Argenzio said the Parks and Rec Dept. is growing with the opening of the Haas Health and Wellness Center and the Garfi eld School community center. “We want to revive the Parks and Recreation Commission, an advisory commission, that has existed for years but wasn’t always fi lled with appointments from prior mayors,” said Argenzio, who added that the public could become more involved in programming through the Commission. The councillors are calling for several specifi c updates, including lights scheduling that will keep night lights on at outdoor facilities until at least 9 p.m. MonCOUNCILLORS | SEE Page 5 Mayor Keefe’s State of the City Address highlights progress, city’s momentum for the future By Barbara Taormina M A FAMILY AFFAIR: State Representative Jessica Giannino is shown with her father, Ward 6 Councillor Chris Giannino and her proud Grandmother, JoAnn Giannino during the state representative’s recent reception at DeMaino’s Restaurant. See pages 12 & 13 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo) Revere Teachers Association rally for paid parental leave for all education staff By Tara Vocino “In Massachusetts, while priT he Revere Teachers Association (RTA) gathered before school and walked in together last Wednesday at Rumney Marsh Academy. The RTA joined more than 5,000 teachers and support staff across the North Shore during a week of action demanding paid parental leave for all education workers. vate sector employees can access the state’s PFMLA for parental leave, our educators are forced to piece together personal and sick days or even face unpaid time to grow their families,” RTA Co-President Jane Chapin said. “This is a profound injustice in a profession dominated by women—it’s time we change the narrative and fully ayor Patrick Keefe delivered an uplifting State of the City Address last Thursday that couldn’t help but make every resident, city employee and elected offi cial feel Revere is on the right track. “Our city is on the path to greatness and I call to everyone to play a role,” said Keefe repeatedly throughout his speech. It was a traditional ceremony with plenty of pomp and color, a lush rendition of the National Ansupport our educators, enabling them to support the growth of all children.” In 2018, the Commonwealth provided Paid Family Medical Leave legislation benefits to private sector workers, excluding municipal school employees. RTA is working during their contract fi ght to ensure all memTEACHERS | SEE Page 2 them and an eighth grader from Susan B. Anthony Middle School leading the Pledge of Allegiance. It took master of ceremonies Claudia Correa about fi ve minutes to welcome dignitaries and elected offi cials who turned out for the event at the Susan B. Anthony Middle School auditorium. Correa was followed by Pastor Tim Bowman, who gave a powerful invocation focused on Revere’s diversity. “What a gift it is to MAYOR | SEE Page 7
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