Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023 CONCERT | FROM Page 1 people watching the concert at home, saying how wonderful she was.” Mayor-Elect Patrick Keefe addressed the audience during the concert, looking out at the audience and saying, “This is the Revere I see: people coming together, enjoying each other’s company and helping their neighbors.” As he introduced the evening’s guest narrator, Revere High senior Maya Merino, Mayor Keefe cited the accomplishments of previous Revere High seniors – going back to 2015 – who wrote essays that they read at the concert. “The Revere High students who have parglitter, like snowflakes in my mind, each one unique and perfect. The community and love that they hold is what distinMayor-Elect Patrick M. Keefe, Jr. addressed the audience, telling them “This is the Revere I see…coming together and helping their neighbors.” A full audience enjoyed the music as St. Anthony’s church was transformed into a grand concert hall, much like the historic churches of Europe where the great Masters of the art performed their music. Music Director Robert Lehmann has led the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra in Revere’s “Sounds of Christmas” concert since 2000. Revere High football players had a slightly diff erent “weightlifting workout” on Sunday: They carried hundreds of boxes of donated food contributed by patrons of the annual Robert A. Marra Memorial “Sounds of Christmas” Concert. (Photos by Michael Marra) Revere High senior Maya Merino narrated a touching personal essay recounting memories of her own experience. “These moments all glitter, like snowfl akes in my mind…” she said. ticipated in this concert have told personal stories that reveal what is best about Revere, how precious it is to be their home,” Keefe said, “and the students, themselves, represent the best of Revere.” In her essay, Merino cited several personal experiences and observed, “These moments all COUNCILLORS | FROM Page 1 ent. We’ve had a lot of fun; we’ve done some good work and it’s been an honor to serve our community.” Rizzo also off ered some “unsolicited advice” to the new councilSinger Katie Oberholtzer enthralled the audience with soaring renditions of holiday music. guishes them as my defi nition of the holidays, reminding me that it doesn’t really matter what, when, or how you celebrate; it’s the simple act of being together with those that you love that make the holidays exactly what they are.” Merino concluded her essay by asking the audience, “What lors waiting in the wings. “Be true to yourself but also be true to the voters. You need to be their voice,” said Rizzo. Ward 6 City Councillor Richard Serino, who served from January 2020 to December 2023, decided more than a year ago not to seek reelection in order to give somememories are you reflecting on? Which ones will you go on to build?” Event organizers praised the volunteers who devoted time and eff ort into making the concert and food drive a success. Members of the St. Anthony’s Church Confi rmation class set up the altar area of the church one else the opportunity to sit on the council. Serino thanked his mom and dad for all their help. “Politics isn’t really a family thing; we all stepped out of our comfort zone,” said Serino, who recalled his dad holding campaign signs in the snow. Serino wished the new councillors success and North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra horn player Annalisa Peterson wore a Santa hat during the concert. with chairs for the concert and arranged hundreds of boxes to collect the food as patrons arrived. Members of the St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society welcomed the patrons and packed the boxes, and members of the Revere High football team contributed their strength and enthusiasm to load all the food – called his time on the council the most humbling experience of his life. Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti, who served from January 2020 to December 2023, thanked everyone, especially his supporters. “I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for their overseveral tons of it – into a truck for transport to the Revere Food Pantry. The Concert was principally sponsored by Bocchino Insurance, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Massport, Comcast, Astound/RCN Broadband and Action Emergency Services. whelming support,” he said. Like other councillors, Visconti praised and thanked City Clerk Ashley Melnik for her support and guidance. “And to the residents, thank you for trusting me to be your voice. It’s truly been an honor,” said Visconti.
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