Local News & Sports in 6 Languages. Advocate Online. - Scan Here! Vol. 33, No.50 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday Council supports purchase of air quality sensors for ward 5 By Barbara Taormina T he City Council did not hesitate to support Ward 5 Councillor John Powers’ proposal that the city spend $23,000 for three air quality sensors to be installed in ward 5. Ward 5 Councillor-elect Angela Guarino-Sawaya thanked Powers for the motion and urged the council to pass it. Sawaya told councillors that Beachmont, Point of Pines and Riverside are neighborhoods overburdened with multiple sources of pollution. The monitors will provide a better picture of the amount and type of pollution putting the health of residents at risk. Sawaya said pollution from the airport, WIN Waste Innovations and nearby roadways needs to be measured and assessed so the community can explore mitigation strategies. “The time for delay has come JOHN POWERS Ward 5 Councillor PURCHASE | SEE Page 5 781-286-8500 Friday, December 15, 2023 Revere celebrates Hanukkah at Menorah Lighting Ceremony FIRST LIGHT: Ward 2 City Councillor/event host Ira Novoselsky explains the meaning of the lighting of the menorah to the attendees at the annual city hall ceremony on Wednesday. See page 6 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Santa and his elf, Mayor-Elect Keefe, delivers Christmas gifts By Tara Vocino S anta and his elf, MayorElect Patrick Keefe Jr., delivered Christmas gifts at Immaculate Conception Parish, Revere Housing Authority, For Kids Only, and First Congregational Church on Wednesday afternoon. Donations were made by Amazon, the Carpenters Union, and community members. GIFTS | SEE Page 18 School officials work with city, Board of Health to ensure students' safety By Steve Freker Youssef Harar accepted a gift from Santa and his elf, Mayor-Elect Patrick Keefe Jr., on Wednesday at Revere Housing Authority. R evere school officials have addressed incidents of a bed bug breakout in local schools by employing increased professional cleaning and outreach to parents of schoolchildren both in the aff ected schools and also, districtwide, according to an online report. According to reports, school officials said there have been three separate incidents in which bed bugs or bed bug bites were found on students over the last two weeks. In a letter sent to school staff , parents and caretakers, Revere Assistant Superintendent Richard Gallucci said the school district discussed the three situations with the Revere Board of Health. School officials confirmed any classroom where bed bugs were present was professionalSAFETY | SEE Page 14 SPIRIT OF GIVING: Shown at right, Associate Pastor Joel Varghese, Nursery Director Nicolette, Loralei Loranzo and Pastor Tim Bogertman accepted donations on behalf of First Congregational Church. Shown at left, Business Representative Hector Rivera, of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Union. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Revere school parents are being asked to check their students’ backpacks for signs of bed bugs after a breakout in three instances the past two weeks, according to an online report. (Courtesy Photo)
Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Pro soccer to Everett? Do not bet against it just yet, despite delays and setbacks Everett state Sen. DiDomenico tells City Councillors he will fi le solo bill requesting land status change By Steve Freker T he need for a land status change on a 43-acre undeveloped site on lower Broadway remains, despite a recent setback regarding a land status change that could potentially site a $600 million, 25,000-seat professional soccer stadium in Everett. That was the message from state Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Middlesex and Suff olk) delivered to the members of the Everett City Council Monday night, telling them “something special” – soccer stadium or not – is destined for that land parcel, if the state agrees to lift the existing designation from the property. At present, the land, one of the largest undeveloped parcels remaining in Everett, has a state-mandated Designated Port Area (DPA) attached to it, meaning any development project has to be related to the adjacent waterfront port of the Mystic River. Sen. DiDomenico also told the Council the DPA status is holding back the city of Everett from “realizing the benefi ts that a remediation (and redevelopment) project could generate.” DiDomenico on Monday reiterated his previous pledge to fi le a solo bill at the State House that would contain language to remove the DPA status from the parcel, potentially clearing a path to initiate construction of a soccer stadium and waterfront park along the Mystic River. The new stadium, if built, would be the home of the New England Revolution, which now sits at less than half-empty, 68,000seat Gillette Stadium for home games in Foxboro. The standalone bill that Sen. DiDomenico said he will fi le will include the same language that lawmakers left out of the $3.1 billion budget bill Gov. Maura Healey signed last week. Sen. DiDomenico told the Council he intends to “open up more opportunities for the public to weigh in on the property’s future.” “As the state senator for The site of the proposed $600 million professional soccer stadium and waterfront park, a 43-acre parcel which includes a former power plant (Courtesy Photo) this community who strongly believes that we can do something special on that land, I am going to fi le that bill,” Sen. DiDomenico said at the meeting, acOur 51st Anniversary Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR STOREWIDE PRICE REDUCTIONS! AKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR STOREWIDE PRICE REDUCTIONS! STORE HOURS: Sun. - Wed.: 9AM - 6PM / Thurs. - Sat. 9AM - 7PM The Holiday Season is Here! R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! -------------------WE HAVE GIFT CARDS! Green Label Cigar Sale! Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 JOHN MACKEY & ASSOCIATES ~ Attorneys at Law ~ * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES 14 Norwood Street Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.JMACKEYLAW.COM Chris - 2023 cording to an online report. “I am going to make sure we have all of our ducks in a row to make sure and convince the people at the State House that the city of Everett doesn’t want this industrial past to continue.” Sen. DiDomenico said the soccer stadium/waterfront park project would be “transformational, not just for the environmental aspects of it but the economic impact of this community as well.” The Mass. Senate had backed the proposal’s inclusion in the supplemental budget, DiDomenico said, with the House ultimately removing the language from advancing as lawmakers focused on the migrant crisis and pay raises for public employees at the last minute, with some House members weighing in, citing “unanswered questions.” Some top-level House members called concerns from “several environmental groups” regarding unresolved environmental concerns about the site” as a factor in bypassing the amendment on the land status designation. Sen. DiDomenico then made a key point, saying that it was those very same environmental groups – not Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria – who had gone through talks with The Kraft Group, which owns Gillette Stadium and The Revolution, due to the intensive remediation that would be needed on the heavily contaminated land parcel due to former industrial use. The Kraft Group, owner Robert Kraft’s holding company, is looking to move the New England Revolution from Gillette Stadium closer to Boston. “I am going to continue to advocate to state leaders that a lower income, minority-majority community like Everett deserves the chance to explore such a transformational economic development opportunity,” Mayor Carlo Demaria said this week, in support of DiDomenico's pledge.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 3 ~ CIT Y COUNCIL ROUNDUP ~ By Barbara Taormina Council approves request for Oak Island Playground rubber surfacing The City Council supported Ward 5 Councillor John Powers’ motion to request the mayor to submit an appropriation request to the council from the Community Improvement Trust Fund for an amount to be determined for the purposes of resurfacing the Oak Island Playground with a handicap accessible, rubberized surface. “The people of Oak Island deserve this,” said Powers, who added that it’s the only playground in the city without a rubberized surface. Powers explained that it was something that’s poured in, not something you can lift and take out. “If this saves one child from being injured, it’s money well spent,” Powers told fellow councillors. Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti said he thought this was on the previous administration’s to-do list. “Quite a few kids use that park and it would be a shame if we were not proactive about this,” said Visconti. Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri asked if he could amend the motion. Silvesti said he had spoken with Ralph DiCicco, chairman of the city’s commission on disabilities, and DiCicco asked if the Paul Revere School playground could also be resurfaced. It currently has a surface of wood chips, which is not ADA compliant. Powers stressed that the money for the playground improvements is not tax dollars but rather funding from the Community Improvement Trust Fund, which is money developers contribute to the city to off set the eff ects of building in neighborhoods. Council, dept. head allay fear of lead in water following MWRA pamphlet distribution Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri responded to residents’ concerns about Mass. Water Resources Authority (MWRA) pamphlets sent to homeowners about the problems with lead in drinking water. Silvestri asked that someone from the City’s Water and Sewer Department come and explain the potential for lead contamination in Revere water. Don Ciaramella, supt. of the department, said the Dept. of Environmental Protection required that the pamphlets be sent out. “I understand they were a little alarming,” said Ciaramella. “Our water is supplied by the MWRA. It’s one of the best tap waters around.” Ciaramella said there are six lead service lines in the city. Revere must complete a survey of all lead service lines by the end of the year. “ I want everyone to understand our water is 99 percent lead free. There’s no dire risk without water,” he told the council. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welo welcome the loyal cust mers o tino Insur nce is p yal customers of co PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only:Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Monday & Tuesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s HOLIDAY SHOP LOCAL & DROP BY FOR DINNER! www.eight10barandgrille.com Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma City’s Human Rights Commission celebrates 75th T Anniversary of United Nations By Barbara Taormina he Human Rights Commission marked the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Universal Human Rights at their last meeting. The Commission then moved into a circle discussion about human rights and their roles as human rights commissioners in Revere. The discussion did not specifi cally address any issues or problems in Revere, but instead focused on larger questions, such as what is a human right. Commissioners agreed that all people have a right to essentials like food, shelter and healthcare. Revere’s Chief of Talent and Culture, Claudia Correa, said she believes there are enough resources within the city to ensure everyone has what they need. The problem, according to Correa, is fi nding a way in which people can share what they have with those in need. Commissioners also tackled questions about how to approach competing needs and goals among groups in confl ict, and rules, laws and decisions that cause more harm than good when looking to give everyone human rights. Throughout the discussion, Commissioners shared how they felt about working together on human rights issues. They all agreed they need to pay close attention to community voices and they need to be accountable. Commission Acting Chair Chai Hossaini said too often much time is spent assigning blame for a problem. “What we need to do is fi gure out what’s the plan going forward,” she said. “Holding people accountable and holding myself accountable is important,” said Commissioner Kourou Pich. Commissioner Chris Bright, Revere's fire chief, said being accountable often means just showing up. “I think we can be most effective on local challenges in our community,” said Bright. “I’m excited to think of the younger generation coming up in our city. They don’t have the opinions or hang-ups of older generations. We’ll keep making progress. We’ll use our voices for good.” ~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~ Antisemitism Seems To Be Metastasizing And Getting Excused, Too By Sal Giarratani T he fact that three university presidents including the new president of Harvard University are apparently afraid to speak truth to power after speaking before a Congressional hearing on widespread campus antisemitism of late, tells us all we have to know about the hypocrisy of the political Left when it comes to calling out student radicals spreading hateful rhetoric on campus and in anti-Jewish, pro-Hamas rallies and marches. It makes me both sad and angry how so many liberals excuse these hateful marches calling for the end of the State of Israel “from the river to the sea.” Recently, these acts of antisemitism entered into a Winthrop Town Council meeting. A Zoom-based participant at the meeting shouted an antisemitic slur and reportedly displayed a swastika on their screen during discussion regarding the town’s protocol regarding the town’s fl ag policy. Instead of entering into a civic debate of the town’s policy, this individual used the platform for hate speech and the displaying of hate symbols. More people must start speaking up loud and clear against acts of hate and condemn loud and clear. People everywhere must stand together in community with one another in unity to condemn hatred and intolerance. As Police Chief Terry Delehanty stated, “There is no place for hate in Winthrop. Not in person, not online, not anywhere.” Too many hateful outbursts have occurred since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. I fi nd it reprehensible that acts of antisemitism have continued over two months now. Israel is now facing condemnation by politically ignorant protesters around the world and right here in our own backyards. This wave of vile rhetoric being disseminated since October 7 is a sad reflection of how the defi nition of being an American has fallen in recent times. America stands for certain principles and today these principles are under attack. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 5 Revere resident among 30 firefighters graduating from Firefighting Academy Graduates of Class #316 represent 17 Mass. fi re departments S tate Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefi ghting Academy (MFA) Director Jeff rey P. Winn announced the graduation of 30 fi refi ghters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefi ghting Training Program. Revere Firefighter Sean Manion was among the graduating fi refi ghters. “Massachusetts fi refi ghters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs eff ectively and safely.” “Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fi re service to train new recruits,” said MFA Director Winn. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran fi refi ghters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.” Basic fi refi ghter skills Students receive classroom PURCHASE | FROM Page 1 and gone,” said Powers. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said he had no problem with the monitors but he wants to make sure they function correctly. “I don’t care if it’s three times the money, I want accurate results,” he said. Zambuto recalled a problem with an air monitor at Gibson Park that led to inaccurate results being released to the public. °I want high-quality, accurate readings, not made-up stuff,” said Zambuto. City Council President Pro Tempore Joanne McKenna said she has had a monitor in her backyard for the past fi ve years. Every week, students from Tufts come and collect the data but that’s as far as it goes. McKenna said Massport has been studying pollution from planes for the past six years but results of the study have been inconclusive. Researchers were unable to determine if pollutants were For Advertising with Results, call The call The Advocate dv cate at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net Ne Newspapersspapers training in all basic fi refi ghter skills. They practice fi rst under non-fi re conditions and then during controlled fi re conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate profi ciency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fi re attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fi res to multiple-fl oor or multiple-room structural fi res. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifi cations, and are certifi ed to the levels of Firefi ghter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifi cations. Today’s fi refi ghters do much more than fi ght fi res Modern fi refi ghters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the fi rst ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carfrom Wheelabrator (WIN Waste Innovations), planes or vehicular traffi c. Ward 5 residents are particularly concerned because a change in flight patterns has planes fl ying lower and closer to homes. “They are so close to my house, I can see which snacks they’re serving,” said McKenna. The graduating fi refi ghters of Class #316 (Courtesy Photo) bon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They might be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an offi ce worker stuck in an elevator or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefi ghting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fi re behavior and suppression tacChief of Planning and Development Tom Skwierawski responded to Zambuto’s concerns about the equipment. “The sensors being requested are stateof -the art, best-in-class,” said Skwierawski. “The purpose is to use the data in a research-orientated way with Northeastern University.” tics, from certifi ed fi re instructors. They also receive training in public fi re education, hazardous material incident mitigation, fl ammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fi tness trainGerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 ing, fi refi ghter skills training and live fi refi ghting practice. The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call and volunteer fi refi ghters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief offi cer, at campuses in Stow, Springfi eld and Bridgewater.
Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Revere celebrates Hanukkah at annual City Hall Menorah Lighting Ceremony By Tara Vocino T he city celebrated Hanukkah outside of Revere City Hall on Wednesday. Hanukkah celebrates light over darkness. Mayor-Elect Patrick Keefe, Jr. said light and food brings people together. 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Private Parties Private Parties 4-7 p.m. $9.00 12-9 p.m. 7:30-11 p.m. $10. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com Rabbi Lior Nevo lights the eighth candle. Rabbi Nevo said the oil creates light, which lasts eight days. State Representative Jessica Giannino said Hanukkah is about miracles and family. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Temple Tiferet Israel in Winthrop Rabbi Ben Flax said the Maccabees lit a menorah to rededicate the temple. Rabbi Sruli Baron lights the seventh candle. Rabbis Lior Nevo, Sruli Baron and Ben Flax alongside Ward 1 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky off ered their blessing. State Representative Jeff rey Turco gave a moment of silence for soldiers who died defending Israel. Inez and Joseph Cole with a menorah headband. Elected offi cials and others by the menorah, shown from left to right: Robert Haas, Angela Guarino-Sawaya, Marc Silvestri, Michelle Kelley, Joanne McKenna, Rabbi Sruli Baron, Rabbi Ben Flax, Rabbi Lior Nevo, Patrick Keefe Jr., Jeffrey Turco, Ira Novoselsky, Jessica Giannino, Anthony Zambuto, Anthony Caggiano, Paul Argenzio, John Kingston and Steven Morabito. Shown from left to right: Ward 5 City Councillor-Elect Angela Guarino-Sawaya, Nancy Monkiewicz, Eleanor Viera, Kathleen Brennan, Denise Rampelberg, Mary Vigliotta, Linda Doherty, Karen Knapp, Maria Margada, Josephine Piccardi and City Council President Pro Tempore Joanne McKenna. To all who celebrate, may your Hanukkah 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 WINWASTESAUGUS.COM
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 7 State Representative State Representative Jessica Giannino & Family School Board Member Carol TyTyee Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto Ward 4ard 4 Councillor Councillor ElectElect Paul Argenzio Have a Blessed & Happy Chanukah Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky School Board Member Michael Ferrante & Family School Committeeman-Elect Anthony Caggiano State Representative & Family Ward 6 ard 6 Councillor-Elect Councillor-Elect Christopher Giannino
Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Annual Coats for Kids donates to the less fortunate By Tara Vocino M ayor-Elect Patrick Keefe, Revere Firefi ghter Matthew Parlante and Michael DiGangi organized the Coats For Kids drive at Dryft Revere last Thursday night. Shown from left to right: Dryft Revere owner Michael Aldi, event co-organizer Matt Parlante, Jennifer Keefe and co-organizer Pat Keefe. Shown from left to right: Ward 1 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, Deputy Fire Chief Sean Manion, event co-organizer Matt Parlante, Ward 5 City Councillor-Elect Angela Guarino-Sawaya, event co-organizer Mayor Patrick Keefe, State Representative Jessica Giannino, Local 926 Union President Captain Kevin O’Hara, Firefi ghter Charles Fusco, Firefi ghter Gerard Festa, Lt. Leonard DiBartolomeo, Lt. Michael Conley, Firefi ghter Jordan Bohannon and Deputy Fire Chief Michael DiCarlo. Shown from left to right: Everett Police Sergeant Brian Herbert, Revere Police Sergeant Joseph Internicola, Revere Recreation Director Michael Hinojosa and Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe. Vanessa Biasella with her husband, Michael School Committee member John Kingston donated a coat from St. Jean’s Credit Union and another one on his own. Shown from left to right: Deputy Fire Chief Michael DiCarlo, Firefi ghter Jordan Bohannon, Fire Lt. Michael Conley and Anthony Parziale. Shown from left to right: Richard Bosworth, cohost Matthew Parlante and Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito. Shown from left to right: Deb Peczka DiGiulio, James Nigro and Patrick Keefe. Ken Gould donated during last Thursday’s Coats for Kids drive at Dryft Revere. Natalia and Michael Zaccaria wore festive sweaters.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 9 RevereTV Spotlight T The city’s First Lady, Jennifer, and Mayor Patrick Keefe, Jr. he Annual Robert A. Marra Sounds of Christmas ConShown from left to right: Ward 5 City Councillor-Elect Angela Guarino-Sawaya, Ward 1 City Councillor/City Council President Pro Tempore Joanne McKenna and Felicia Napolitano. cert by the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra (NSPO) is this upcoming weekend! RTV has been pushing the holiday tunes on the Community Channel and will continue to leading up to Sunday. You can watch a Sounds of Christmas Concert from years past dating back to 2012 once per day at noon until this year’s concert. The NSPO will once again perform holiday carols at St. Anthony’s Church at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 17. This concert is a multi-camera shoot that is a full-team effort to stream live on RevereTV and RTV’s YouTube page. The concert is also a food drive, so attendees are asked to donate nonperishable food items upon entering. If you are a cable subscriber, watch it live on television on Comcast channels 8 and 1072, and RCN channels 3 and 614. Get in the holiday spirit by Vanessa Mariscal and event co-organizer Matt Parlante watching a full 20-minute highlight reel of this year’s Annual Priscilla Nickerson Memorial Santa Walk and Tree Lighting at City Hall. This celebration included a walking parade from Revere High School to City Hall, pictures with Santa, live music, vendors, mini horses, cookie and ornament decorating and a holiday movie on the American Legion Lawn. RTV volunteer youth reporter Manique gives her input and interviews Mayor-Elect Patrick Keefe, Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky and other community members enjoying all the festivities from last weekend. This program has been shortened and posted to RevereTV’s Instagram page. Follow RTV on Instagram for quick updates and footage from all Revere students achieve St. Mary’s High School Term 1 Honors S t. Mary’s High School announces its Honor Roll and Principal’s List for the fi rst quarter of the 2022-23 academic year. Honor Roll students must achieve 85 or above in all of their classes. Students earning Principal’s List status must achieve 90 or above in all of their classes. The following students from Revere have achieved these honors: Principal’s List Kyle Cash ’29 Luka DeAlmeida ’28 Anthony Ferragamo ’28 Justin Cavalcanti ’27 Santiago Gil Perez ’27 Kendra Lenci ’27 Lorena Silveira ’27 things covered by the studio. “The Game of the Week” series started this week on the RevereTV Community Channel. The studio will try to cover at least one Revere High School basketball game every week throughout this season. The “Game of the Week” will be either a boys or a girls team game. The fi rst game of the series, which is now replaying on RevereTV, is the RHS girls game against Lynn Classical. Games covered by RTV will play live on the Community Channel, stream live on YouTube and replay on television for the week following each game. Game coverage posted to YouTube may be listed as private after the livestream until the end of the season. Next week, tune in for the boys basketball team as they play Medford at home Alexis Kane ’26 Gabriella Polidoro ’26 Jason Spaulding ’26 Felipe Velez Londono ’26 Conlan Buckley ’25 Carolina Toranzo ’25 Jack Zimmerman ’25 Christopher Lutchman ’24 Honor Roll Maya Olivia ’30 James Ridley ’28 Susana Toranzo ’27 Sabrina Fazio ’26 Grace Fox ’26 Zachary Guelpa ’26 Emilia Papalambros ’26 Santiago Ramirez ’26 Mia DeVoe ’25 Isabella Mogavero ’24 on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The current Revere City Council will meet for the last time this year on Monday, December 18 at 6 p.m. The new City Council will be sworn in after the new year. However, that is not the last meeting of 2023. Meetings will continue throughout next week, including the License Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Traffic Commission. All meetings next week will stream live on RTV GOV and YouTube and then replay in the following weeks through the holidays. After next week, RTV GOV will be scheduled with replays of local government meetings from the month of December. Tune in to RTV GOV on Comcast channel 9 or RCN channels 3 and 613 to watch all meetings covered by RevereTV. Amanda Bonasoro with Kori O’Hara Coats were collected in a pile. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Meet the 2024 RHS Patriots Girls’ Basketball Teams By Tara Vocino W ith basketball starting this week, the Revere High School Girls’ Patriots Basketball freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams introduced themselves on Sunday morning at Revere High School. Captains, shown from left to right: Bella Stamatopoulos, Belma Velic and Haley Belloise with Head Coach Ariana Rivera (at left) and Assistant Coach Michael Micciche. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Junior Varsity, shown from left to right: Kneeling: Ajsi Balla, Destiny Borges-Kelley, Asmaa Azeroual and Amy Rivas Castro; standing: Coach Elizabeth Lake, Sonia Hailey, Zohra Benkreira, Ikram Bichou, Sarah Lechheb and Destiny Kelley with Coach Victoria Correia. Varsity, shown from left to right: Bottom row: Assistant Coach Victoria Correira, Assistant Coach Elizabeth Lake, Head Coach Ariana Rivera, Daniela Murillo, Julianna Bolton, Salma Zahraoui, Rocio Gonzalez and Shayna Smith; standing: Marwa Riad, Alisha Jean, Bella Stamatopoulos, Belma Velic, Haley Belloise, Nisrin Sekkat and Lea Doucette with Assistant Coaches Michael Micciche and Nicholas Canelas. Seniors, shown from left to right: Kneeling: Bella Stamatopoulos and Haley Belloise; standing: Head Coach Ariana Rivera, Julianna Bolton, Alisha Jean, Rocio Gonzalez, Assistant Coach Michael Micciche.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 11 MIAA votes to keep status quo in power rankings system for State Football Tournament seedings Everett football’s fate this year – 7-1, GBL Champ and no playoffs– city as key case in call for win-loss element in seedings By Steve Freker he pleas from schools like Everett High, Springfi eld Central and others around the state for the consideration and hopeful addition of a win-loss element to the MIAA State Football Tournament seeding considerations did not draw enough support for change Wednesday. At a meeting of the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) at MIAA headquarters in Franklin, the members voted, 11-5, to keep the current state rankings policy – with no new changes. Since its implementation in T the Fall 2021 season, some coaches, athletic directors, and administrators have been uncomfortable with margin of victory being a key component in the state’s Power Ranking formula for tournament seeding. Suggestions were brought to the TMC by some athletic directors that in addition to strength of schedule (SOS) and margin of victory (MOV) considerations, that a school team’s win-loss percentage/number of wins play a role in determining power rankings. By an 11-5 vote, the TMC voted to retain and maintain the existing format– without adding any winloss/win total consideration – moving forward. What this means straight up locally for Everett High football is that if the same scenario took place next year, a 7-1 fi nish and perhaps even an 8-0 undefeated record, would not guarantee a postseason berth once again. The primary mitigating factor is the existing Greater Boston League strength of members in the grand scheme, with no other Division 1 teams except Everett and subpar performances and win-loss records for the GBL. “The arguments against [the existing power seedEverett High football was #1 in the Greater Boston League this past season, as top prospect Christian Zamor points out, but the Crimson Tide still could not break into the MIAA Division 1 Power Rankings Top 16. The biggest reason was the weakness of the GBL – six GBL teams of eight Everett non-league opponents. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) ings format] working are becoming more and more diffi cult to come up with,” TMC Chair Shaun Hart, who is Athletic Director for Burlington Public Schools, said at Wednesday’s meeting in Franklin, of the current format. “The margin of victory piece, philosophically, I understand there’s a difference to it. I don’t subscribe to it, but I don’t dismiss it either,” the Burlington AD added. Behind the proposal voted down was the intention to lessen the importance of MOV and SOS in the equation; adding a win-loss component to the formula was put in front of the MIAA’s Tournament Management Committee with an eye to preventing “running up the score” as one unwelcomed derivative. Lending collected data to the debate, MIAA Deputy Director Sherry Bryant said the percentage of regular-season games exceeding the current cap on margin of victory (three goals in soccer, 10 points in basketball, 14 points in football) has not changed since the change to the statewide tournament in 2021. Before the current postseason, Bryant said, 40 percent of basketball games were 10 points or less, and that number has held steady the past couple of seasons. Results from the fall State Tournament bore notice that the existing power seedings were accurate, Bryant continued, noting the higher-seeded team won 78 percent of the football games, 80 percent of girls volleyball games, 80 percent of boys soccer and girls soccer games and more than 90 MIAA | SEE Page 19
Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Meet the 2024 RHS Patriots Boys’ Basketball Teams W By Tara Vocino ith basketball starting this week, the Revere High School Boys’ Patriots Basketball freshman, junior varsity and varsity teams introduced themselves on Sunday morning at Revere High School. Boys Varsity, shown from left to right: Standing: Sami Mghizou, Erick Mayorga, Domenic Belmonte, Ryan El Babor, Co-Captain Andrew Leone, Amir Yamani, Co-Captain Luke Ellis, Sean Burnett, Avi Lung, Ethan Day and Joshua Mercado; seated: Team Manager Brady Keer, Assistant Coach John Leone, Head Coach David Leary, Assistant Coach Robert Sullivan, Assistant Coach Dennis Leary and Assistant Coach Hamza Ghoul. Seniors, shown from left to right: At bottom are Co-Captains Luke Ellis and Andrew Leone; standing: Ryan El Babor, Amir Yamani, Domenic Belmonte and Coaches Robert Sullivan, John Leone and David Leary. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) Junior Varsity, shown from left to right: Head Coach John Leone, Adam Benhamou, Domenic Bellia, Seth Sullivan, Nicholas Rupp, Noah Ramos, Devin Berry, Zaney Kayembe, Yousef Ismail, Jadrian Sanchez, Omar Attabou, Joseph Carlo, Joseph Pinto, Isaiah Llanos, Jayden Balogun and Assistant Coaches Dennis Leary and David Leary. Freshmen, shown from left to right: Assistant Coach Hamza Ghoul, Adnane Amime, Jeremy Pryor, Camaree James, Ryan Raduazzo, Luca Albano, Nico Cespedes, Nathan Brown, Zayd Hamron, Matt Leone, Oliver Hernandez, Chris Recinos, Bryan Galeano and Head Coach Robert Sullivan. Revere girls’ basketball team drops opener, bounces back with buzzer-beater I t was a sluggish start to the season for both the Marblehead and Revere girls’ basketball teams, who combined for fi ve points in the opening quarter. Marblehead would end up scratching out a 34-25 win over the Lady Patriots at home. Revere had trouble on off ense with only nine points in the fi rst half but battled and trailed, 15-13, early in the third quarter. Haley Belloise led Revere with eight points. Alisha Jean led the team with nine rebounds. “We competed hard with Marblehead,” Revere coach Ariana Rivera said. “It was clearly a defensive game on both ends. We struggled to take care of the basketball having 18 turnovers as a team.” Revere bounced back this week to get its fi rst win. Jean drained a buzzer-beating shot, leading Revere to a 35-34 victory over Lynn Classical to start the season. Jean led the Patriots with 13 points in the team’s home-opener. Revere cheerleaders gear up for winter season R evere cheerleading coaches Kayle Pezzuto and Sabrina Sloan take their team into this season excited for the opportunity and upcoming competitions. Pezzuto cheered for three years at Endicott College and helped coach Danvers varsity cheerleading in the 2019 fall season. She’s also in her third year as assistant cheerleading coach at Endicott College. “I grew up in Revere and am now teaching in Revere so it’s great being able to give back to a community that helped shaped me into the person I am today,” Pezzuto said. “Also as a teacher, it’s great being able to continue some relationships with past students outside of a classroom setting.” Sloan cheered at Lynn English High School and has some coaching experience. After becoming a teacher, Sloan said, she knew she wanted to teach in Revere and give back to the community that helped shape who she is as a person. Revere has nearly 30 on the winter cheerleading squad. In the fall season, the program won regionals and placed in the Co-Captain Luke Ellis (at left), Head Coach David Leary and Co-Captain Andrew Leone on Sunday morning at Revere High School. top fi ve at states. Asked what the team’s strengths are, Pezzuto said its ability to adjust and want to improve. What are the big team goals this winter? “To just keep improving and getting better with each performance,” Pezzuto said. Revere girls track team kicks off season in style T he Revere girls track team had 11 girls compete at the MSTCA Winter Festival as well. “Overall, we saw some great times, jumps and throws for the fi rst invitational,” Revere coach Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “It really shows how hard the girls were working in the off season to come back just as strong as they ended last year.” Junior Liv Yuong had an outstanding meet and placed highest amongst all Revere athletes. She took home fi fth overall in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 10.07 and placed second overall in the high jump with a leap of 5-5, which qualifi es her for the D1 state meet in February. Senior captain Giselle Salvador opened up her season in the 55-meter dash with a PR-tying time of 8.29. Sophomore Olivia Rupp ran the mile in 6:09.19, which is only seven seconds off her PR last year. Danni Hope Randall also landed close to her last year PR in the 300-meter with a time of 48.31. Newcomer to indoor track Gemma Stamatopolous had a great fi rst meet with a 1:53 in the 600-meter and a 4-6 jump in high jump.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 13 ~ RHS SPORTS ROUND-UP ~ Everett/Revere/Malden/MVRC co-op boys’ hockey opens up with win T he Peabody-Saugus boys hockey team had a superfast start in its opening-season game on the road against Everett’s cooperative team. The Tanners scored two goals in the fi rst three minutes of the game to overcome a quick Everett goal 17 seconds into the game. It didn’t faze Everett in the least. It was all Everett from there. The Tide netted fi ve total goals in the fi rst period and went on to a 9-6 win in the season-opener for the co-op team at Allied Veterans Memorial Rink in Everett. Senior Matt Lacroix of Revere scored 17 seconds into the game for Everett. Sophomore Michael Brandano of Mystic Valley got into the party in the fi rst period with two goals that paved the way for a hat trick. His final goal came 5:26 into the third period and helped stave of Peabody-Saugus’ fourgoal comeback attempt in the third period. Sophomore forward Frankie Annunziata of Revere and senior Jake Simpson of Malden added two goals each for the Tide in the season-opening win. Liam Thompson of Mystic Valley added the other goal for Everett. Adding assists for the Tide were Lukas Deguire of Mystic Valley (two), Annunziata, Michael Brandano, Jackie Summers of Malden (three), Lacroix (two), Ollie Svendsen of Revere (two), Vishant Chawla of Mystic Valley (two) and David Perez of Malden. Peabody-Saugus outscored Everett, 4-2, in the fi nal period but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 7-2 defi cit after two periods. Aaron Al-Marayati of Malden started in net for Everett. Everett was scheduled for a home game against Somerville on Wednesday, Dec. 13, hosts Medford on Saturday, Dec. 16, Co-op team players celebrate a goal: Pictured from left to right: Lucas Deguire of Mystic Valley, Frankie Annunziata of Revere and Ollie Svenson of Revere. at 2 p.m. then next gets on the road on Monday, Dec. 18, against Taunton (5 p.m.) and Lynn on Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. Revere boys track shines at MSTCA Co-op team hockey player Michael Brandano (No. 21) of Mystic Valley closes in on Peabody-Saugus goalie Evan Tybinkowski of Peabody. Co-op team hockey player Frankie Annunziata of Revere (No. 2) puts one past Peabody-Saugus goalie Evan Tybinkowski. Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 185 of the Acts of 1983, and Chapter 13 of the regulations of the City of Revere: Public Hearing: The Revere boys track 4x200 meter relay team, pictured from left to right: Geo Woodard, Oliver Escobar, Jeremy X and Yousef Benhamou. R evere boys track competed at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Winter Festival–Small Schools at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston last weekend. Due to a technical error, Revere was temporarily moved to Division 4 but will compete in Division 1 beginning Sunday, Dec. 17, with the MSTCA Speed Classic–Large Schools. Revere coach Dave Fleming said the team had an exceptional number of personal records (PRs), especially for first meet of season. New and young performers excelled. In the 600 meters, JV Cunha placed second overall. It was the highest boys’ placement of the day. Kenan Batic had a strong Revere boys track shot-putters, pictured from left to right, Captains Kevin Purcifull and Allen Hou. second in his heat in his first time running the 600 in an invitational as he moves to shorter distances. The Patriots picked up three PRs in the 1,000 meters. Youness Chahid placed fourth (and fi rst in his heat) with a new personal record of 2:50.09. “This was a breakout performance for Youness,” Fleming said. Edwin Alarcon, in his fi rst time running the event, was fi rst in his heat and beat a runner from Somerville. He moved into lead with about a lap to go, and he looked smooth and comfortable. “He is ready to run faster,” Fleming said. Mo Fares had a strong run and a PR by seven seconds. Revere also had three PRs in the shotput, including two over 40 feet. Allen Hou set a PR at 4105, and Kevin Purcifull also had a PR at 40-05. Nico Aguirre also PR-ed at 38-09.50. In the 55 meters, Allen Hou broke 7.0 (6.99), a strong early season time. He just missed the fi nals by.02 (6.97 was the cutoff ). In the 55-meter hurdles, Isaiah DeCrosta was out injured, and Fajr Riazi made the fi nals with a PR (9.88). Richard Vilme was sixth in the high jump with a strong early season jump of 5-8. Three sophomores and one junior won their heat and placed sixth overall in 1:38.86 in the 4x200 relay, less than a half-second behind last indoor season’s best time (1:38.47). They were Yousef Benhamou, Oliver Escobar, Geo Woodard and Jeremy X. upon the city’s public ways; to provide a policy in which the City can install electric vehicle charging stations; following locations: 76 Orvis Road December 15, 2023
Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Coach Dave Leary’s game plan: fostering talent and teamwork at Revere By Dom Nicastro E mbarking on his eighth season with Revere High School and a 25-year coaching career, Dave Leary opens up about his coaching journey and the aspirations for the upcoming season in an interview with the Revere Advocate. Leary’s team dropped its opener, 59-41, against Lynn Classical. “We fell behind big early but never quit,” Leary said. Junior Guard Ethan Day had 24 points for the Patriots in the loss. With a strong turnout of 58 athletes at tryouts, resulting in a robust program of 39 players across varsity, junior varsity and freshman teams, Leary looks forward to harnessing the mix of experience and fresh talent. Leary started as a freshman coach at St. Domenic Savio High School, where he was a threeyear varsity player, from 19992005. He then went on to become an assistant coach and the JV coach at Malden High School from 2005-2014. In 2014, he was hired as head varsity coach at Lynn Voc/Tech High School, where he remained for two seasons before he was hired in Revere in 2016. “The past seven years has been a great experience for me, the staff and most importantly the athletes,” Leary said. “We really try to create a family atmosphere, and there is no better feeling than to see our alumni come back to visit the team, and we can see the success they are having in college or the workforce. That is probably the main reason our staff keeps coming back every year.” Revere this season will have 11 on varsity, 14 on junior varsity and 14 on the freshman team. The team last year finished 11-11. It qualifi ed for the MIAA Division 2 State Tournament and won its fi rst-round game at Plymouth South High School. The Patriots were eliminated in the next round to Nashoba Regional High School. This winter, the strengths of this year’s team are hard to defi ne this early on in the season, according to Leary. “But,” he added, “we have a good mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented underclassmen. They are all very focused and hardworking and are always willing to be SAFETY | FROM Page 1 ly cleaned, along with adjoining classrooms, in accordance with protocols from the Mass. DepartRHS Patriots Co-Captain Luke Ellis (at left), Head Coach David Leary and Co-Captain Andrew Leone coached hard.” The areas it needs to improve on mostly? Building better chemistry and an understanding on the off ensive side of the floor. “Each player will have a role and once they learn their roles individually, we will improve as a team,” Leary said. The captains this year are both seniors and four-year players in the program: Andrew Leone and Luke Ellis. “Andrew Leone is an excellent student that leads by example both on and off the court,” Leary said. “He listens to all of his teammates and communicates well with them. Andrew is a versatile player that can score from inside and outside and defi nitely plays bigger than he is on the fl oor. Luke Ellis has a great personality and sense of humor. His teammates defi nitely appreciate his ability to keep them loose and relaxed, but they also follow him when it’s time to be serious and get to work. Andrew and Luke were a big part of the reason we had a successful season last year, and we hope their experience can help guide us this year, especially early on, to lead our less-experienced underclassmen.” Junior guards Ethan Day and Josh Mercado were also key contributors on last year’s team and should be expected to increase their roles this year on both ends of the fl oor. Juniors Avi Lung, Erick Mayorga and Sami Mghizou will also be asked to take on increased roles. Senior big men Amir Yemani and Ryan El Babor should give Revere toughness, shot-blockment of Public Health's Community Sanitation Program, reports indicated. According to reports, the Board of Health told the school ing and rebounding off the bench, while senior guard Domenic Belmonte is a very good 3-point shooter. Sophomore swing man Sean Burnett is long and athletic and can also shoot from behind the arc. Revere junior varsity coach John Leone is pretty much the team’s offensive coordinator and is “always coming up with new ways to help us create offense when we struggle,” Leary said. “Coach Leone was a great player at RHS (Class of 1990), is a fi erce competitor and is very hard on his players to get the best out of them, so they are ready to play at the varsity level when the time comes.” Freshman coach Bob Sullivan is very knowledgeable, according to Leary. He has been coaching at the high school level for over 30 years, was a 1,000-point scorer at Dom Savio and won a state championship there in 1982. “Coach Sullivan sees the game very well,” Leary said, “and we rely on him to help us make in-game adjustments.” As for team goals, they are the same every year. “We would like to win the GBL, we would like to win our holiday tournament, we would like to qualify for the state tournament, and we would like to advance further than last season,” Leary said. “The GBL Conference will be tough this year as it always is. Lynn English and Everett are traditionally always top in the league, but Lynn Classical, Malden, Medford, Somerville and Chelsea will all be much improved, as they were young teams last season.” district that bed bugs are a nuisance insect, but their bites do not spread disease. Board of Health offi cials also noted when bed bugs do move from one 1. On Dec. 15, 1791, Congress ratified the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution; what is the document known as? 2. Reportedly, in 1997, in the competition to be the Massachusetts state cookie, the Toll House chocolate chip cookie beat what cookie? 3. What country was the first to legalize cryptocurrency? 4. On Dec. 16, 1773, the Boston Tea Party took place; when were words “Boston Tea Party” fi rst printed: 1774, 1825 or 1899? 5. In what decade was the “mod” British culture? 6. December 17 is National Maple Syrup Day; what term means an area mostly of sugar maples? 7. What author of “Little House on the Prairie” said that “we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime”? 8. Reportedly, the Inuit people use “song duels” to settle disputes; in what three countries do they live? 9. What was the last name of the American comic “Zeppo”? 10. On Dec. 18, 1966, what “Christmas” TV special aired that was adapted from a Dr. Seuss children’s book? Answers 11. Poinsettias are native to what country? 12. In what 1960s TV series would you fi nd the Russian spy Illya Kuryakin? 13. On Dec. 19, 1915, what French singer/actress was born whose signature song was “La Vie en Rose” (Life in Pink)? 14. In what movie would you fi nd the four main food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup? 15. Salem, Mass., native Nathaniel Hawthorne died while on a trip to the White Mountains with what president from New Hampshire? 16. In the 1880s what American dime-store magnate became rich, including by importing glass ornaments from Germany? 17. On Dec. 20, 1790, the fi rst American cotton mill began operation on the Blackstone River in what state? 18. How are hurdle, rib and seed similar? 19. What popular carol was originally a German folk song unrelated to Christmas? 20. On Dec. 21, 1946, Louis Jordan’s R&B single “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens” debuted on the charts; he is called the King of what early automated music player? person to another, they mostly do so via bags or backpacks in a school setting. Person-to-person transfers are not common. Revere Public Schools, in its letter, asked families to closely monitor any bags or backpacks that students are bringing to school over the next several weeks to ensure there are no signs of bed bugs. 1. The Bill of Rights 2. Fig Newton 3. El Salvador (Bitcoin) 4. 1825 (Reportedly, at the time “Party” referred to a group of men, not an event.) 5. 1960s 6. Sugar bush 7. Laura Ingalls Wilder 8. Alaska, USA, Canada and Greenland 9. Marx 10. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” 11. Mexico 12. “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” 13. Edith Piaf 14. “Elf” 15. Franklin Pierce 16. F. W. Woolworth 17. Rhode Island 18. They are knitting stitches. 19. “O Tannenbaum” (celebrating the evergreen fi r tree) 20. The jukebox
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Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562 GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/su/aPTLucK THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local senators’ roll call attendance records for the 2023 session through December 8. The Senate has held 99 roll calls so far in the 2023 session. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each senator voted and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record. Thirty-one (77.5 percent) of the current 40 senators did not miss any roll calls and have 100 percent roll call attendance records. It is a Senate tradition that the Senate president only votes occasionally. Current Senate President Karen Spilka follows that tradition and only voted on 19 (19.1 percent) of the 99 roll calls while not voting on 80 (80.9 percent) of them. Eight (20 percent) of the 40 senators, other than Spilka, missed one or more roll calls. Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston) has the worst record. She missed nine roll calls for a roll call attendance record of 90.9 percent. Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington) missed two roll calls for a roll call attendance record of 97.9 percent. Newly elected Sen. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), a former state representative, also missed two roll calls, His attendance record is 97.1 percent -- based on the 70 roll calls the House has held. The Senate has not held any roll calls since Durant was sworn in. The following senators each missed one roll call resulting in a 98.9 percent roll call attendance record: Sens. Adam Gomez (D-Springfi eld), John Keenan (D-Quincy); Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth); Mike Rush (DWest Roxbury); and John Velis (DWestfi eld). Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted the eight senators at least three times asking why they missed some roll calls. Only three of the eight responded. ---Sen. Miranda’s chief of staff Kevin Higgins responded: “The roll calls [missed by] Sen. Miranda were all in a formal session on February 9th, pertaining to Senate rules, where remote participation had not yet been adopted. Sen. Miranda was not able to participate as she was home sick with COVID-19. We are grateful that the Senate adopted remote participation rules this session, following guidance that is aligned with public health recommendations.” ---Sen. O’Connor’s legislative director Thomas Skehill responded: “Sen. O’Connor missed … roll call #37 … due to a medical appointment.” --- Sen. Gomez responded: “I am going through recovery from kidney transplant surgery. On May 4, 2023, I received my transplant. While during this 6-month period there could’ve been a moment that I was predisposed within my recovery process. Could’ve been slow trying to getting my vote in on time as well. Mobility was tough during the fi rst couple months. Especially if it was a late vote during our marathon in closing out from summer session.” ---Sens. Keenan, Rush, Velis, Durant and Barrett did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them for a statement. SENATORS’ 2023 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2023 The percentage listed next to the senator’s name is the percentage of roll call votes on which the senator voted. The number in parentheses represents the number of roll calls that he or she missed. Sen. Lydia Edwards 100 percent (0) ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL DON’T MISS THIS EVENT ON THE FUTURE OF OFFSHORE WIND - Off shore wind in Massachusetts is about to achieve a signifi cant milestone while facing an uncertain future. With the cornerstone of Massachusetts’ clean energy goals at stake, can the state surmount challenging economic conditions to expand wind power? Join MASSterList and the State House News Service for an inperson event at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in Downtown Crossing, Boston on Dec 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Speakers include leading offshore wind executives and environmental leaders, with opening remarks from Energy and Environmental Aff airs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. More info and tickets: https://massterlist.com/headwinds-for-off shorewind/ $3.1 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4204) - The House and Senate approved and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $3.1 billion supplemental budget to close out fi scal year 2023. A key and controversial provision provides for $250 million for sheltering eligible families during the emergency shelter crisis created by the recent infl ux of thousands of migrants. Other provisions include $2.1 billion for MassHealth to cover end of year defi ciencies; $75 million for school districts impacted by special education tuition rate increases; $15 million for disaster relief for municipalities impacted by storms and naturals disasters that occurred in 2023; $378 million to fund collective bargaining agreements; and $500,000 for the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth. The House and Senate approved the package in informal sessions during which, under House and Senate rules, roll call votes are not allowed. The Senate agreed to a GOP proposal to hold a formal session but the House did not agree and a formal session was not held. The budget was approved on a 105-14 standing vote in the House and by a 20-3 standing vote in the Senate. During a standing vote, members who support a bill are asked to stand up and be counted. Following that, members who oppose the bill are asked to stand up and be counted. Senators do not cast an individual vote so there is no recorded roll call vote on the bill. “I’m proud to sign this supplemental budget that dedicates critical funding for hard-earned raises for workers, supports municipalities with covering the costs of special education and fl ood relief, sustains our Emergency Assistance program and more,” said Gov. Healey. “The Senate understands how much of an impact our work has on the residents of the commonwealth—especially when pay raises for hard-working employees and funding for emergency shelter is on the line,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (DAshland). “The House Republican Caucus understands the importance of passing a fi nal defi ciency appropriations bill to address the unfunded union contract situation, provide disaster relief funding for cities and town and meet the fi duciary responsibilities associated with closing the books on fi scal year 2023,” said GOP House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “At the same time, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of meaningful reforms contained in the bill to address the emergency shelter crisis created by the recent infl ux of thousands of migrants, which remains an untenable situation that must be resolved.” “Democratic leadership put us in an impossible situation by intentionally weaving these separate issues together,” continued Jones. “There is no legitimate reason that funding for union contracts and aid for cities and towns needed to be tied to controversial immigration policy. It was done by design.” “The Senate again acted swiftly and decisively to close the books and pass the closeout supplemental budget for fi scal year 2023,” said Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport). “With $250 million in emergency funding, we met the challenge of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis headon. We also allocated $378 million to fully fund over 90 collective bargaining agreements for state workers, absolved a $100 million pension liability from the 2015 Early Retirement Incentive Program and dedicated substantial funding to special education and disaster relief for municipalities across the commomwealth.” “Massachusetts taxpayers deserved a [rollcall] vote and transparency on this controversial spending bill,” said Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “Statehouse leadership routinely use procedural loopholes to pass controversial items outside of good legislative practices. “It’s refreshing to see some lawmakers try to change that. Let’s hope this sets a precedent for good government practices over backroom deals.” FINES FOR NOISE VIOLATIONS (H 2026) – The Municipalities and Regional Government Committee held a hearing on legislation that would allow cities and towns to make a property owner responsible for the cost of excessive noise complaint calls made to the police about noise at the owner’s address. Under the bill, the property owner would be required to reimburse the city or town for each police call that exceeds more than ten in a calendar year. “When our police departments respond to a disturbance, it represents a cost to the municipality and the taxpayers,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “This bill creates a method by which cities and towns can recoup that cost when it comes to frequent off enders of issues such as disturbing the peace, excessive noise or suspicious activity. After ten police calls regarding complaints for a specifi c address or location within one calendar year, this bill permits local municipalities to impart the costs associated with these calls and subsequent actions taken on the property owner. This creates a further incentive to curb the behavior while also easing the burden on the police department, municipality and the taxpayers.” EQUIP ALL FIRST RESPONDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (S 1517) – The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on a bill that would create the Automatic External Defi brillator Trust Fund which would provide grants to municipalities, public colleges and universities to purchase Automated external defi - brillators (AEDs). The fund would be fi nanced by a new 50-cent tax on the rental of cars and other vehicles in the Bay State. “Passage of this legislation is critical to enhancing public safety. AEDs are life-saving devices which can be incredibly instrumental for individuals who undergo sudden cardiac arrest,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “Setting aside dedicated funding to ensure all the commonwealth’s public safety vehicles are equipped with this device is paramount, especially in communities and locations where AEDs are not readily available and accessible.” REQUIRE SEAT BELTS ON SCHOOL BUSSES (S 1504) – Another proposal heard by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee would require that, eff ective July 1, 2026, every school bus transporting students to or from a public, vocational, private or parochial school be equipped with a seatbelt for each permanent seating accommodation. The bill permits a municipality to enact an earlier implementation date. It also prohibits lawsuits against cities and towns based on the failure of a school bus operator, school or municipality to ensure a passenger was wearing the restraint. “Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children throughout the commonwealth is one of my top priorities,” said sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “This commonsense proposal will protect countless kids on their way to and from school each day without placing any signifi cant fi nancial burdens on our school districts.” BAN DISCRIMINATION BASED ON HEIGHT AND WEIGHT (H 1705) – A bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of a person’s height or weight, unless for the purpose of compliance with any established state, federal or industry safety stanBEACON | SEE Page 18
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 17 Raffaele G. Rizzo OBITUARIES Family & friends were invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, December 12th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere. A Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Revere followed by entombment in Woodlawn Cemetery - Versailles Mausoleum, Everett. Please OMIT flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. 17 Fl., Chicago, IL 60601. Anthony Capano O f Revere. Died on Saturday, December 9th at the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers following a brief battle with prostate cancer. He was 94 years old. Raff aele was born in his native land of Chiusano, San Domenico, Italy. It was there he was born & raised along with his eight brothers and sisters. He was educated there and he also, like many of his generation, had a tremendous work ethic. Raff aele, worked as a train engineer for the railroad in Switzerland, being away for many months at a time. During this time, he married his wife, Maria G. (DiPierro) and had a daughter & son while in Italy. Raff aele, had decided to make a change and moved to the United States in 1966, landing in Boston’s North End, then moving to Revere in 1977. Raffaele worked as a butcher at Rodman’s in Boston for over 10 years before retiring. He enjoyed being surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, nothing mattered more to him than family. He was also a very good handy man repairing or replacing anything that needed to be fi xed. His passion was his garden. He loved growing vegetables, fruits and plants. His family always got to enjoy his harvest each year. He is the beloved husband of the late Maria G. (DiPierro) Rizzo of 59 years. Loving father of Antonietta Picardi & her husband Robert & Ermelindo “Lenny” Rizzo & his wife Maria, all of Revere. Cherished nonno of Amy Salvati & husband Joseph of Salisbury, Robert A. Picardi, Anthony Rizzo, Johnny Rizzo & Linda (Rizzo) Fillion & husband David all of Revere and the late Raff aele “Ralph” Rizzo & his wife Melissa Rizzo of Revere. Adored great nonno of Julian, Mia, Melinda, Jeannett, Julia, Ava, Dylan, Ryder, Dear brother of Ermelindo Rizzo of Italy & 7 late brothers & sisters. took great pride in his plantings. Anthony cherished his three grandchildren and was loyal and dedicated to visiting them every Sunday for the last 17 years. Family and friends gathered to honor and remember Anthony on Saturday December 9 at Buonfi glio Funeral Home, Revere. A funeral mass followed at St. Anthony’s Church and burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, Ma. Giuseppa (Viola) Cunsolo How to Ease the Winter Blues Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about seasonal aff ective disorder? I’ve always disliked winter, but since I retired and am home a lot more, the gray, cold winter months make me feel really blue. Sad Sam Dear Sam, If you get depressed in the winter but feel better in spring and summer, you may indeed have seasonal aff ective disorder, or SAD, a wintertime depression that aff ects roughly 5 percent of Americans. In most cases, SAD is relatO O f Reve re. Died peacefully on December 4, 2023 at his home. He is survived by his daughter Donna (Capano) Wells and her husband Richard Wells of Chester, N.H., his son Anthony Capano jr. and his wife Sandra of Concord, MA., and his son Michael Capano and his wife Jaime of Derry, N.H. along with many nieces and nephews and friends. He was a loving grandfather “Papa” to Ariana M. Capano, Jordan A. Capano, and Brody M. Capano. Anthony was pre deceased by his late wife Angelina (Spinale) Capano and his parents Luigi and Rosaria Capano. As well as a loving brother of the late Connie Pantano, Eugenia Russo and Albert Capano. Anthony was born on June 19, 1935. He was a lifelong resident of Revere. After attending Revere schools, Anthony enlisted in the Navy. He traveled the world aboard aircraft carriers. He still would talk about his Navy days with great wonder and appreciation. Anthony then came home to reside in Revere for the rest of his life. He was a proud member of Teamsters, Local 25. He lived close to Revere Beach and loved long walks on the shore. Anthony also loved woodworking. He enjoyed building models with intricate detail. Many of which he made for his children. He also loved his flower gardens and f Revere, died unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, December 9th, she recently celebrated her 82nd birthday on December 4th. Giuseppa was born on December 4, 1941. Together with her husband, they moved from Pietraperzia to East Boston in 1973 and fi nally to Revere in 1995. She lived her life devoted to her family, who were always her top priority. Giuseppa is the beloved wife of the late Rocco Cunsolo. The loving mother of Vincenzo Cunsolo (Son) & wife Viviana (daughter in law) of Peabody, Michele Cunsolo (Son) & Giuseppe Cunsolo (Son) both of Casale, Italy, & Filippo Cunsolo (Son) of Revere. Cherished grandmother of Rocco Cunsolo of Revere, Vincenzo Cunsolo & wife Maria of Somerville, and the late Rocco Cunsolo. Dear sister of Maria Viola, Sara Viola, and Calogero “Lillo” Viola, all of Italy and the late Salvatore Viola, late Concetta Viola, late Vincenza Salvaggio, & late Fillipo Viola. Also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, & grandnephews, in the United States & Italy. Family & friends were invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, December 13th in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere. A funeral was conducted from the funeral home on Thursday, December 14th, followed by a funeral mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Revere. Interment followed in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma ed to the loss of sunlight in the winter months. Reduced sunlight can upset natural sleepwake cycles and other circadian rhythms that can aff ect the body. It can also cause a drop in the brain chemical serotonin, which aff ects mood, and can increase the levels of the hormone melatonin, which can make you feel more tired and lethargic. If you think you may have SAD, a trip to your doctor’s offi ce is the best way to diagnose it or you can take a SAD “selfassessment” test at the Center for Environmental Therapeutics website at CET.org/assessments. If you fi nd that you have SAD, here are several treatment options and remedies that can help. Light therapy: The most effective treatment for SAD is sitting in front of a specialized light therapy box for 20 to 30 minutes a day, within the fi rst hour of waking up in the morning. Light therapy mimics outdoor light to cause a change in brain chemicals linked to mood. While you can buy a light box without a prescription, it’s best to use it under the guidance of a health care provider and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Most health insurance plans do not cover the cost. The best light therapy lamps provide 10,000 lux of illumination, many times stronger than typical indoor light, and have a diff user screen that fi lters out ultraviolet rays and projects downward toward the eyes. Some top-rated light therapy products include the Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright Lamp ($145); Northern Light Technology Boxelite-OS ($205); and the budget friendly Verilux HappyLight Luxe ($70), all of which are available at Amazon.com. Cognitive behavioral therapy: Even though SAD is considered to be a biological problem, identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns can help alleviate symptoms too. To help you with this, choose a therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and who has experience in treating SAD. To locate someone in your area, Psychology Today off ers a search tool at PsychologyToday.com/ us/therapists/cognitive-behavioral-cbt. Antidepressants: Some people with SAD benefi t from antidepressant treatments too. Some proven medications to ask your doctor about are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the extended-release antidepressant bupropion. But keep in mind that it may take several weeks to notice full benefits from an antidepressant. In addition, you may have to try diff erent medications before you fi nd one that works well for you and has the fewest side eff ects. Lifestyle remedies: Some other things you can do to help alleviate your SAD symptoms include making your environment sunnier and brighter. So, open up your blinds, sit closer to bright windows and get outside as much as you can. Even on cold or cloudy days, outdoor light can help, especially if you spend some time outside within two hours of getting up in the morning. Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga and even tai chi can also help alleviate SAD symptoms, as can social activities. 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.
Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com BUYER1 Gallego, Juan P Garza, Carlos Guerra, Edin M Neto, Flavio N REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 Guerra, Dairin GIFTS | FROM Page 1 Dillon, Shawntelle Rochelle H Zapol Ft Goss, Kenneth G Larosa, Charles SELLER2 ADDRESS 350 Revere Beach Blvd #9T Zapol, Rochelle H 11 Franklin Ave Goss, Robin G 19 Thorndike St Larosa, Jean T 585 Revere Beach Pkwy #403 DATE PRICE 11.30.23 350000 11.28.23 670000 11.28.23 905000 11.30.23 245000 Revere DJ, Dennis, Jackson and Mason Calzava, Roman, and Jayden Guarino, were among those receiving gifts at Revere Housing Authority. BEACON | FROM Page 16 dard, was heard by the Judiciary Committee. “This bill takes an important step towards rectifying biases about a person’s height and weight factors often beyond their control,” said sponsor Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover). “Body size discrimination aff ects all aspects of an individual’s life, from the workplace, to healthcare, to their education. By safeguarding individuals from discrimination based on their looks we not only promote equal opportunities but also foster a healthier and more equitable community.”. INVESTIGATE WHY WOMEN PAY MORE FOR THE SAME PRODUCTS BOUGHT BY MEN (H 1639) – Another bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would establish a working group on gender equity to investigate the price diff erentiations between products marketed to males versus those marketed to females. Supporters said this so-called “pink tax” refers to a markup on goods and services marketed to women in which men pay less for similar or even identical products and services. They said price discrimination, especially when based on gender, is unjust and should not be tolerated. Everyday transactions, including purchases for jeans, haircuts, children’s toys and hundreds of other products, are marked up for women. “The price of similar goods and services off ered to men and women suff ers from an embedded disparity along gendered lines,” said sponsor Rep. Jay Livingston (D-Boston). “I have proposed this legislation to start a commission that will examine potential solutions that will address this pricing discrimination issue.” APPLY CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWS TO TOWN MEETING ARTICLES (H 4173) – A bill before the Election Laws Committee would apply the state’s campaign finance election laws to political entities or expenditures made to infl uence the outcome of articles that appear on Town Meeting warrants. “Local policy decisions should be made by town residents, but a loophole in campaign fi nance law allows for unfettered spending by outside groups to sway town decisions,” said co-sponsor Rep. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth). “Our bill closes the loophole and stems the fl ow of dark money that too often drowns out the voice of locals. It’s time to give power back to the people.” “Political spending on issues before Town Meetings should be required to follow the same rules of the road as candidates, ballot questions and other political campaigns,” said co-sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “It’s bewildering and distressing that people with deep pockets and fi nancial interests think they can buy their way into our local governance. We’re done with monied interests trying to sway town politics on the Cape and Islands. Voters deserve to know who is behind campaigns seeking to infl uence local policies that will impact those of us who live here yearround. Our robust laws on political spending have served the commonwealth’s representative democracy well for a half century — those should apply to lobbying at Town Meeting.” Shown from left to right: Police Sgt. Joseph Internicola, Santa, Immaculate Conception Parish Reverend Wellington Oliveira, Mayor Patrick Keefe and Carpenters Union Business Representative Hector Rivera. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) QUOTABLE QUOTES “Well, I’m proud of the things that we were able to get done this year. You know, as I look back, and it’s a time of refl ection to a certain extent, as I look back on the year, I mean, the budget that we passed that I signed, [had] really, really important investments, education, workforce, climate initiatives, housing. Tax cuts for the fi rst time in over 20 years.” ---Gov. Maura Healey refl ecting on her fi rst year in offi ce. “The Digital Equity Partnerships Program supports organizations across Massachusetts that help residents build their digital skills and get online so they can participate fully in our state economy, access modern health services, get connected to loved ones and so much more. We are excited to announce today’s grants through the Massachusetts Broadband Institute, which will help make technology more accessible for everyone across the state.” --- Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao announcing $20 million in new grants through the state’s Digital Equity Partnerships Program, which supports high-impact and scalable initiatives that reach residents most aff ected by the digital divide. “These benefi ts help all Massachusetts residents, whether they are taking leave for themselves, a loved one or to welcome a new member of their family. Eliminating language barriers for these benefi ts can be lifesaving for people, and I applaud the Paid Family and Medical Leave team for their commitment to accessibility.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey administration launching accessibility and equitability enhancements to the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave including allowing applicants for benefi ts to now select Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian, Creole or Chinese, in addition to English, when applying for benefi ts. “When people walk into the governor’s offi ce, I want them to feel seen, represented and empowered. An important way to do this is by hanging artwork that is representative of the diverse Massachusetts experience.” --Gov. Maura Healey announcing that she has selected two paintings by artists of color to hang in the governor’s executive offi ce suite. “The Massachusetts Department of Correction recognizes the importance of incarcerated individuals maintaining bonds with their loved ones. No cost calls will alleviate the fi nancial burden and remove barriers for an individual in … custody to stay connected with their outside support system. Strong family support helps to advance the rehabilitative process, reduces recidivism and contributes to successful reentry upon release.” ---Department of Corrections Commissioner Carol Mici announcing the implementation of no cost phone calls in its 14 correctional facilities to provide equitable access to sustained communication between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of December 4-8, the House met for a total of seven hours and 11 minutes and the Senate met for a total of fi ve hours and 37 minutes. Mon. Dec. 4 House 10:01 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. Senate 11:06 a.m. to 4:36 p.m. Tues. Dec. 5 No House session No Senate session Wed. Dec. 6 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Dec. 7 House 11:08 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Senate 11:37 a.m. to 11:44 a.m. Fri. Dec. 8 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023 Page 19 MIAA | FROM Page 11 percent of fi eld hockey games. It was a vote that has been considered for months, but the call to add a win-loss component heated up this past fall when Everett High football – a traditionally strong playoff qualifi er and winner of 13 Super Bowls in the past 30 seasons – failed to qualify for the Division 1 playoff s despite a 7-1 regular season and Greater Boston League Championship. Everett fi nished out of the money, ranked 18th and behind two teams, #15-ranked Leominster (4-4) and #16-ranked Braintree, both of which fi nished regular season at 4-4, in a 16-team bracket. Six games against weaker Greater Boston League competition ended up saddling Everett High football as the only team out of the 33 teams sitting in Division 1 to have a minus opposition teams rating. Some opinions being fl oated in football circles are suggestions that Everett High continue to be a full member of the GBL – except for football – and for the Crimson Tide to play an independent football schedule, choosing teams more on its own plane of competition. Everett could continue to play GBL schools on the football fi eld if it so chose, but as a new independent, could also choose to go completely out of the GBL for football scheduling, if such a move came to pass. This move was openly discussed before, but never carried out, during the former reign of Everett football supremacy in the 2000s and 2010s under legendary former Head Coach John DiBiaso Jr., whose teams – at one point– won 11 of 15 Super Bowl titles in 15 years from 1997-2012, then two more in 2016-2017. Coach DiBiaso left Everett and went to coach at Catholic Memorial after his fi nal Super Bowl win, in 2017. Revere man sentenced to five years in prison for drug and firearm possession Defendant possessed fi rearm and nearly 30 grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl A Revere man was sentenced on December 6, 2023, in federal court in Boston for possessing cocaine and fentanyl as well as receiving a fi rearm while under indictment for felony charges. Cesar Rivera, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to fi ve years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2022, Rivera pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of receipt of a fi rearm while under indictment for felony charges. In December 2020, Rivera was wanted on outstanding warrants on multiple state gun cases for which he had failed to respond to court summonses or appear in court for over a year. On Dec. 22, 2020, Rivera was located at a carwash in Malden and subsequently arrested. At the time of his arrest, Rivera was carrying approximately 28 grams of crack cocaine, fentanyl and a Glock fi rearm. In October 2020, two months prior to his arrest, while wanted on the outstanding warrants, Rivera and Phillips Charles had a brief encounter with a rival gang member, his girlfriend and their one-year-old child at the Square One Mall in Saugus. After the encounter, Rivera and Charles pursued the victim and his family and fi red at least seven rounds into their vehicle. Following Rivera’s arrest, ballistics examination of the Glock fi rearm recovered from Rivera in December 2020 revealed that it had been used in the October 2020 shooting. In September 2022, Charles was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 78 months in prison and four years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy; the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division, Jodi Cohen; the Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Boston Field Division, James M. Ferguson; Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John E. Mawn, Jr.; and Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, the Middlesex County and Suff olk County District Attorney’s Offi ces and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This eff ort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifi es, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ OCDETF. at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net call he Adv cate Ne spapers For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers
Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023
1 Publizr