THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2020 Page 11 ~ LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ~ New help to quit menthol tobacco products Gift cards totaling $50 can motivate smokers and vapers to quit Dear Editor: Smoking and vaping may put people at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, especially because they can weaken the immune system and damage the lungs. So, this is an especially good time for those who smoke or vape to try to quit. In addition, as a result of a new law, menthol tobacco products have been removed from regular stores in Massachusetts. With menthol tobacco products unavailable and COVID-19 risks continuing, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has found a new way to help people quit. The Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline is now off ering up to three gift cards totaling $50 to people who use menthol tobacco products and the Helpline’s free coaching services. Residents can call the Helpline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1800-784-8669) about the program and for free coaching and support 24 hours each day, seven days a week. They can also Greater Boston theatres play “wicked hard” to support artists and theatre practitioners in crisis T imes are hard and when times get hard, Boston Plays Wicked Hard. To raise funds for the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund (TCBF), an organization that helps theatre practitioners in times of need, 54 area theatre companies have collaborated to promote a limited-edition Tshirt which celebrates the diversity and vitality of the Boston theater community. These special T-shirts, which have the Boston Plays Wicked Hard logo on the front and a list of the 54 participating theatre companies on the back, are just $25, with 100% of the proceeds from sales going directly to TCBF. Note that tax and shipping are not included. To purchase one of these limited-issue T-shirts, and to show support for local theatre artists during this challenging time, RECOVERY | FROM Page 8 ernor Baker’s sense of urgency to move these grant dollars now, while also working with the Legislature to secure additional funds in the state budget and the economic development bill,” said Kriesberg. “Small business owners have sacrifi ced to help keep all of us safe and healthy. This initiative is our opportunity to have their back.” Additional investments In order to keep people safely in their homes during the pandemic and support small landlords with expenses, the Administration recently announced $171 million in support of the Eviction Diversion Initiative. This comprehensive strategy includes funding to help to cover housing costs such as rent and mortgage payments, invest in new programs around mediation and legal representation, theatre fans can visit Rowboat Creative and their Creatives Who Care initiative at http://bostonplays.creativeswhocare.org. “I have seen how furloughs are aff ecting our industry, and know that, sadly, there is very little work in the foreseeable future for Boston’s Theater Community,” said Greater Boston Stage Company Associate Artistic Director llyse Robbins. “In addition, as a board member for Stage Source and the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund, I have seen the incredible need pouring in from our community of artists and practitioners. I have spent many wonderful evenings in the theater with and thanks to these talented and dedicated artists. I wanted a fun and easy way to allow audiences to show their support during these unprecand provide repaid rehousing when a tenant is evicted. Additionally, the Administration continues to invest in the Commonwealth’s stock of aff ordable rental housing with $121 million in direct subsidies. Massachusetts has long been a hotbed of innovation and creativity in science and technology, and sectors such as the life sciences and advanced manufacturing are not only critical to the innovation economy, but also continue to contribute to the response to the coronavirus. To ensure we continue to lead in this space, $62 million in existing capital funding through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and MassVentures is available to support recovery and growth. Small Business Grant Program Details Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation is administering edented times.” Robbins said she was inspired by the Chicago Acts Together campaign, a similar project spearheaded by Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. “We are overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support these theater companies have shown our community,” said TCBF President Amy Spalletta. “By putting their names to this initiative and taking to their social media and mailing lists to promote, they have shown how much they care about the individual artists and practitioners who call the Boston Theater Community their home. On behalf of the entire TCBF volunteer board, we are extremely grateful.” For more information, please contact Robbins at ilyse@greaterbostonstage.org. the Small Business Grants program, with $50.8 million available beginning today. Grant awards range between $25,000 and $75,000. As part of this grant program, preference is given to small businesses whose owners are women, minorities, veterans, members of other underrepresented groups, or focused on serving the Gateway Cities of Massachusetts, who have been unable to open and those most adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Preference is also given to applicants that have not been able to receive aid from other federal programs, including PPP and other relief related to COVID-19. The program has two distinct funding “doors” based on business size, with different eligibility criteria, which is available online. Applicants must review the information to determine which program to proceed with applying. enroll online at makesmokinghistory.org. Helping people who use menthol products quit is especially important because the tobacco industry has strategically and successfully targeted Black, Latinx and LGBTQ+ people with menthol products. As a result of aggressive marketing practices and pressures related to discrimination and daily stressors, menthol tobacco use is high in these communities. Massachusetts residents who use menthol tobacco products who speak with the Helpline’s supportive coaches can receive a $10 gift card after completing the fi rst coaching call, a $15 gift card after the second and a $25 gift card after the third coaching call. In addition, up to 8 weeks of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges are also available to residents who speak with a coach (with medical eligibility). While supplies last, the offer of gift cards can motivate smokers and vapers to call the Helpline. For more information contact Edgar Duran Elmudesi at the Metro Boston TobaccoFree Community Partnership at 617-451-0049 x549or eduran@ hria.org. Sincerely, Edgar Duran Elmudesi, MSW Metro Boston Tobacco-Free Community Partnership ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ Estate of: Date of Death: CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION To all interested persons: A Petition for of and of requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: of and of be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve on the bond in administration.
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