THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023 Page 17 BEACH | FROM Page 1 ing-barriers-report, the Commission “found that our beaches have increasingly drawn residents who represent the rich diversity of our region. However, more progress is needed before we can say they are truly inclusive…People’s perceptions of their beaches are shaped by their personal experiences and those of their friends and families. For people of color, people with disabilities and non-native English speakers, this has often meant feeling unwelcome and uncomfortable on their beaches, which are spectacular public resources that belong to them and their communities.” At the event DCR Commissioner Arrigo reaffirmed the Healey/Driscoll Administration’s to climate equity, environmental justice, public health and economic opportunity, saying “The Department of Conservation & Recreation sits in the middle of all that. I look forward to the work ahead, and hope to be the longest-serving DCR commissioner.” Metropolitan Beaches Commissioner Rep. Jessica Ann Giannino of Revere is also looking forward to the work ahead, saying, “Improving access and signage on our region’s public beaches make them a more inclusive environment for all. I know that Governor Healey and DCR Commissioner Arrigo care about these issues, and I look forward to working with them to make our metropolitan beaches a welcoming place for residents and visitors.” According to Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay’s Executive Director, Chris Mancini, the MBC was created in 2006 to “take an indepth look at the Boston metropolitan region’s 15 public beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull.” These beaches are owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and managed by DCR. Today the MBC is a permanent legislative Commission managed by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and is charged with making specific findings and recommendations to the Legislature, DCR and the public on ways to improve the region’s public beaches. The Commission will hold a public hearing in August to hear from DCR on their progress on the recommendations included in the report. If you would like to attend, email info@savetheharbor.org You can fi nd out more about the Metropolitan Beaches Commission and download transcripts, meeting materials and prior reports at https://www.savetheharbor.org/mbc Thinking Out Loud Too Many Veterans Are Struggling, We Need to Be There for Them By Sal Giarratani s I read that news story from addicted.org, Veterans are struggling with addiction and mental health, (Revere Advocate, May 12), I needed to add my two cents to this important yet seemingly under-told story of what is happening in America. While remembering all those who sacrifi ced themselves for all of us with honors on Memorial Day, sometimes I think we have forgotten all those who served their country but came home wounded not only with physical wounds but those with invisible wounds. I had little idea of the growing toll of veterans who came home to their families alive but in deep emotional trouble. It is very sad to know that over 3.9 million veterans are battling on a new battlefi eld and the enemy is substance abuse disorder and various kinds of mental issues. Suicide also is increasing amongst our troubled veterans. In Massachusetts, there are over 300,000 veterans over half are 65 and over. We really need to do better when it comes to early intervention. Many returning veterans end up with addiction and mental health issues. Much of it could be preventable if there was more and earlier access to help. Too many veterans are A Shown from left to right: MBC Lead Consultant Bruce Berman; MBC Commissioner Susan Hamilton, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, DCR; MBC Commissioner Mercy Robinson, Executive Director, South Boston En Accion; MBC Commissioner Rep. Joan Meschino, 3rd Plymouth; DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo; MBC Co-Chair Sen. Brendan Crighton, Third Essex; Save the Harbor/Save the Bay Executive Director Chris Mancini; and MBC Commissioner Jason McCann, Town of Hull. SWORN | FROM Page 1 Revere. “But fi rst, I want to say farewell and thank you to Susan Gravellese. Her shoes are going to be very large to fi ll.” “Jacqueline represents the fi rst Latina to serve on the School Committee. There’s a lot of proud parents and students watching today,” added Keefe. State Representative Jessica Giannino came with warm wishes and a bouquet of fl owers. “Growing up in Revere, I think it’s so important to be able to see yourself in your elected offi cials,” said Giannino. “Jacky brings a beautiful example of that. Growing up, I saw a 28-year-old woman run for state representative and I knew I could be state representative. Now there’s a new generation of women leaders in the city of Revere.” often afraid to seek help. They come home and often find it hard to resume pre-service activities. untreated trauma is too common for these former military veterans and too often gets overwhelmed. Many turn to self-medication like drugs and alcohol to cope with their broken lives. I can't tell you how many broken lives I continue to meet today. part of them came home but part of them never left the battlefi eld to only create new battlefi elds right here at home after all the shooting stopped. We as a society need to help those living agonizing lives. we must not judge them but help them. giving them a reason to win on their new battlefi eld of life. As Veronica Rausin from addicted.org wrote in last week's Revere Advocate, "It takes families and communities coming together to help our veteran population...While on Memorial Day, we honor those who lost their lives, we must continue to fi ght for those who are alive with us today." America must never forget those who perished in battle for us and we should not forget those who have fallen behind and our priority must be to bring them home too from their ongoing battles they still face today." City launches new farmers’ market on June 10 A new farmer’s market will be opening on Shirley Avenue at Sandler Square on Saturday, June 10. The biweekly market will off er fresh, organic produce from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city’s Department of Public Health decided to replace the Friday farmers’ market on Broadway with a new pilot Saturday market with hopes of attracting more vendors and more shoppers. The market will feature produce from the Trustees of Reservations, a nonprofi t conservation group that acquires fresh fruits and vegetables from farms throughout Massachusetts. There will also be local vendors selling healthy goods and products as well as tables with information about city services and programs. Live music and other entertainment are also planned. There will be free Zumba classes on Saturdays before the market, and cooking classes with available produce. Revere’s Chief of Health and Human Services, Lauren Buck, is hopeful that the market will eventually expand and bring fresh produce and food directly to residents in need with a refrigerated van. Residents may use snap and WIC benefi ts as well as Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers to purchase products. “The city of Revere remains dedicated to expanding food access for our residents especially our senior population and those currently experiencing food insecurity,” said Acting Mayor Patrick Keefe in his announcement of the new market. For Advertising with Results, Newly-worn school committee member Jacqueline Monterosso, second from right, is shown with fellow board members, Michael Ferrante, Interim Mayor Patrick Keefe, Jr., Carol Tye, John Kingston and Supt. Diane Kelly. call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net
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