Have a Safe and Happy New Year 2021 Vol.29, No.53 -FREEwww.advocatene ene ews.net ~ IN APPRECIATION ~ Speaker DeLeo leaves a lasting, impressive legacy Longest-serving Mass. House Majority Leader represented 19th Suffolk District for 30 years O n his last offi cial day in offi ce Tuesday, the longest-serving Speaker in Massachusetts House of Representatives history made it clear where his top priority has always stood. “What this job is all about, very simply, is helping people,” Speaker Bob DeLeo said during an emotional farewell address before his colleagues at the State House. “Since the day I walked in here and now the day I’m leaving here, that’s always what I believed in.” Speaker DeLeo offi cially announced he was ending a long, successful career as one of Massachusetts’s most eff ective state legislative leaders to pursue a position in the education fi eld at his alma mater, Northeastern University. He walked out of the golden-domed State House this week with his head held high and, we trust, a strong sense of accomplishment. The man who has represented Winthrop and much of Revere in his 19th Suff olk District for three decades has been a true leader who has helped guide the Commonwealth through one of its most turbulent periods – and the most eventful and precarious year this millennium – in the position many REP. BOB DELEO Speaker of the House of Representatives SPEAKER | SEE Page 6 Silvestri readies run for vacant 9th Suffolk State Rep seat By Adam Swift A s House Speaker Bob DeLeo steps down to take a position at Northeastern University, the race is on to replace the powerful, longtime state representative of the 19th Suffolk District. Revere’s Veterans Service Offi ce Director, Marc Silvestri, said he is in the race to represent a portion of Revere and Winthrop. “It’s been something I’ve been thinking about for a while for when the Speaker retired and was out of the seat,” said Silvestri, 42. “Here we are, a couple of years early, and it’s a prime opportunity.” Silvestri praised DeLeo as being a champion for veterans in the state. He said his experience as Revere’s veterans services director, as well as his position on the mayor’s Covid-19 response team, position him well to be a A F Free Eve ery Friday 781-286-8500 Thursday, December 31, 2020 Speaker DeLeo offers farewell address to his constituents Served the 19th District of Revere and Winthrop for 30 years By Adam Swift s Speaker of the House, Robert DeLeo gave his farewell remarks from the State House Tuesday afternoon, the Winthrop Democrat hit on themes of service, gratitude and cooperation that have been missing from much of the national political debate in recent years. DeLeo, who represents the 19th Suffolk District, including Winthrop and parts of Revere, has served on Beacon Hill for nearly 30 years, the last dozen as Speaker. Tuesday offi cially marked his resignation from the House and as its leader. Several times during his speech, DeLeo noted the role of a legislator as someone who is there to help his constituents and district. Over the past few days, DeLeo said, he has received numerous calls from people thanking him for the actions he has taken and how those actions have helped their lives. “These calls have taught me what this job is all about,” said DeLeo. “Very simply, it is about helping people. Since the day I walked in here, and now that I am leaving here, that was all I believed in, and most importantly, what I strived to do.” DeLeo thanked his family, friends and staff for all the support he has received over the years through the good, and not so good, times. He also spoke about how his parents taught him the value of hard work, persistence and fairness. He said his mother, who FAREWELL | SEE Page 16 Food Services prepares for return to in-school learning “I want to bring commonsense solutions to Beacon Hill,” Silvestri said. “I’ve talked to my family and friends, and there has been a great reaction so far.” Silvestri brings the kind of real-life experience that could set him apart from other candidates and underlines his commitment to issues related to veterans, substance abuse and mental health. He was in the military for fi ve and a half years, serving as a US Army 19th Delta Cavalry MARC SILVESTRI leader on several key issues in the district and across the state. “I want to make sure we rebound in both the short- and long-term from COVID,” said Silvestri. The pandemic will have a long-lasting impact on issues such as homelessness and jobs. Scout and doing tours of duty in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2009, where he was injured. Silvestri earned a Bronze Star for his act of heroism after being pinned down by the Taliban, saving his fellow soldiers during an ambush. The lifelong Revere resident medically retired from the military in 2011 and coped with injuries and substance abuse isSILVESTRI | SEE Page 17 By Adam Swift O ut of everything that has changed for the school district in nearly a year of remote learning, how students get lunch might be near the top of the list. Cheryl Cole, the district’s food services director, recently updated the School Committee on the challenges her department has faced since March and it’s plans for when students return to inperson learning and the cafeterias. Cole, who has been in that position for the past nine years, said the goal of her department has always been to provide a quality food service program for the district’s students. “More so, now than ever, the program being designed for our students is what matters most,” said Cole. During the pandemic, that has meant having meals for students ready for pickup at six pickup locations throughout the city, being able to deliver meals to families that might be in quarantine, and working with community partners to improve communication to students and families. The food services department, with 31 employees serving the community, has prepared an average of 3,430 meals per day and served over 265,000 meals since Sept. 1. Cole said the district was also able to operate an eff ective summer food service program to the city this year. In addition to communicating with families and community partners, Cole said her department has focused on adapting to change in the time of COVID-19. “One of the things we knew was important was to increase our meal participation, so we needed to change the operation to serve the needs of students and FOOD | SEE Page 13
Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Settipane Insurance Agency Of Boston |Since 1969 207A Squire Road, Revere 781-284-1100 & • Auto • Homeowners • Commercial Call for the Lowest Quote! “Experience Makes the Difference” Se Habla Español * Free Parking Before Northgate Shopping Center Mayor Arrigo Activates Fire Relief Fund to support Victims of Thornton Street Fire Donations may be made online or via check through January 9th, 2021 T hursday, December 17, 2020 – The Offi ce of Mayor Brian Arrigo has begun collecting donations to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund to benefi t the victims of last week’s tragic fi re at 53 Thornton Street. The fi re left several families without stable housing as winter approaches, rendering them especially vulnerable amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Losing almost everything in such a precarious time, A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Same Location * Same Service for over 48 Years... Thanks to our customers for their support! OPEN & READY TO SERVE YOU! MASKS REQUIRED ---------Chris Dan Steve * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Cigar Accessories * Bongs * Vapes * Juice * Juuls * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products SMOKER’S DELIGHT 15 Cigars - 4 Year Old Tobacco - Handmade - Long Leaf Filler Individually Wrapped - Only $43.95 HUMIDOR SPECIALS Desktop Humidors Plus 5 Selected Cigars - EXTRA SPECIAL at $48.95 Travel Humidors Starting at $25.00 Cigar Bundles starting at $49.95 GIFT PACKSunder $50.00 Box Specials DEEP DISCOUNTS ON ALL MAJOR BRANDS! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL & TO ALL A PLEASANT NEW YEAR! STORE HOURS: 8 AM - 7 PM Mon. - Sat./ Sun. 8 AM - 6 PM Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma WE'RE OPEN! Starter Set 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE many have relied on the support of their friends, and Mayor Arrigo hopes the community will be generous in helping them land on their feet. “As the former residents of 53 Thornton Street move on from their heartbreaking loss, the Fire Relief Fund will allow neighbors to securely off er some assistance this holiday season. The pandemic and its effects on the economy make this an unimaginably diffi cult time for an already challenging tragedy. I would like to thank our partner community organizations and fi rst responders for having been the front line of support for these residents. As with previous disasters in our city, our community will show up and provide these families with the support they need to stay safe and healthy as we enter a new, brighter year.” Impacted families have received monetary support from Red Cross Massachusetts, Women Encouraging Empowerment, Inc., and CAPIC, Inc., and will continue to receive support in their search for stable housing through CAPIC. The Colombian Consulate in Boston has also provided support connecting impacted residents with the Mayor’s Offi ce. The Fund will be open through the new year. Donations may be received via a check made out to “City of Revere, Mayor’s Offi ce Fire Relief Fund” and mailed to the Mayor’s Offi ce or deposited at People’s United Bank on Broadway. Donations may also be made online via PayPal by visiting www.revere.org/relief. www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM Limited Time! Call for a Free Quote
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 3 I’ve been so fortunate to get to know and advocate for the people of Winthrop and the City of Revere, where each and every individual means something special to me. You are family. From the time I was elected as a town meeting member in Winthrop, I’ve been so grateful to you for giving me the honor of representing you. I came from a town that played Revere on Thanksgiving, and the people of that city have always treated me like one of their own. My gratitude to the elected and appointed officials from both Winthrop and Revere, past and present; and to Representative Vincent and Senator Boncore. My deepest thanks. Bob
Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Gina S Soldano REALTOR® ABR®, AHWD, e-PRO®, GREEN, MRP®, PSA®, SFR®, SRES®, SRS® Broker/Associate Millennium Real Estate 291 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02149 (857) 272-4270 Gina.Soldano@era.com gsoldanorealtor.com New study to address coastal flooding of Point of Pines, Riverside area By Adam Swift SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM 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 A new study is underway to look at ways to mitigate coastal fl ooding in one of the hardest hit sections of Revere. City officials and consultants conducting the Coastal Resiliency Feasibility Study for the Point of Pines and Riverside Area held a public workshop earlier this month. The study is coming about thanks to a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program grant the city received in 2019. As part of that process, the Point of Pines and Riverside areas were identifi ed as the areas most in need of an action plan to address coastal fl ooding both through short- and long-term planning, according to New England Manager of Climate Change and Resilience Aaron Weieneth of engineering consultant AECOM. “The citizens are experiencing issues with natural fl ooding and coastal hazards today,” he said, including the overtopping of Rumney Marsh as seen from Revere Beach looking toward Northgate adjacent to the Riverside area – greatly aff ected by predicted coastal fl ooding. (Advocate fi le photo) the seawall at Point of Pines and regular fl ooding along Mill and River Avenues. Weieneth displayed a current map showing almost the entire area as currently in the FEMA 100-year flood zone. “One of the main focuses [of the study] is not what happened in the past; climate is changing and is going to be diff erent than what it is today,” he said, so a big element is looking at predicted coastal fl ooding as relates to the study area.” The coastal fl ooding models * Holiday Catering * Delivery to Chelsea, E. 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People who lived in the neighborhoods in the study area have been facing coastal fl ooding for some time.” Although coastal fl ooding has been an issue for decades, at least, Weieneth said, there are several factors that make now a prime time to address the issue. He noted that there are a handful of other projects and studies going on in the area which could make coordination for bigger long-term solutions more feasible. “There’s a lot going on in Revere and in this study area,” he said. Among those plans are the Boston Region MPO Route 1A Corridor Vulnerability Assessment, the DCR Revere Beach Reservation Vulnerability Assessment, the Riverfront District Masterplan and potential development of the Riverside Boatworks site. “These are all very relevant to what we are looking at for this feasibility study,” said Weieneth. Open Space Program Coordinator Elle Baker of the city’s Offi ce of Strategic Planning & Economic Development added that the City of Revere has submitted an application to the Army Corps of Engineers for a potential regional floodgate across the mouth of the Saugus and Pines Rivers. Director of Strategic Planning & Economic Development Robert O’Brien said that the issue of inland fl ooding from storms can’t be ignored when discussing fl ooding in the study area. “We are looking at Point of Pines and Riverside together, but I think each is subject to diff erent types of fl ooding infl uences, and we should probably make the appropriate distinctions between them,” said O’Brien. Elaine Hurley, who lives at the corner of Mill and River Avenues, said her area is subject to intense fl ooding due to the tides during full moons. As the feasibility study process moves forward, Weieneth said, there will be several additional public stakeholder meetings. Over the course of the next six to seven months, the process will include an assessment of current and future conditions of the area, a look at shorter term relief for fl ooded areas, such as Mill and River Avenues, as longer term fi xes are planned, the development of a coastal resiliency tool kit, and an assessment of the feasibility of coastal resiliency options. “The last task is rolling it all up into a fi nal report,” said Weieneth. “It’s very important that this includes an implementation plan. This isn’t something where the city wants to just stop at a report, we want to put together actionable plans the city can move forward with.”
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 5 Thank you, Speaker DeLeo For 30 years of public service From your colleagues, on behalf of the residents of the City of Revere, Mayor Brian M. Arrigo The Honorable City Council The Honorable School Committee Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly
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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 7 Loyal customers fondly reminisce their favorite Chinese restaurant China Roma By Tara Vocino C ustomers became emotional as they picked up their last takeout order at China Roma Restaurant last Tuesday night. Family owned and operated for 65 years, many famous people have visited the Cantonese restaurant at 258 Broadway, including singer Barbra Streisand, wrestler Muhammed Ali and former President John Kennedy, who visited the dance fl oor upstairs (now an apartment building). China Roma plans to close in January, and – in agreement since June – Juan Jaramillo intends to open a Colombian/Peruvian restaurant at the location. Lifelong customer Karen Zajac, as she became emotional, said it was a custom for her to dine with her family at China Roma every New Year’s Eve. “We made memories we’ll never forget here,” Zajac said, wiping away tears, as she picked up takeout. “I was shocked when I heard they were closing.” Zajac said she remembers getAT YOUR SERVICE: China Roma Restaurant co-owner Paul Musto displays a pupu platter last Tuesday night. The restaurant will close in January. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) ting the sesame seed candy as a child there, adding that they have “the best tea in the world.” Other favorites of hers included lobster sauce, fried rice and the pupu platter. And she wasn’t alone. Fifty-year customer Peggy Halley, of Malden, said her immediate reaction when she learned of their closure was that she couldn’t believe it. “It’s a legend,” Halley said. “All good things must come to an end.” Halley said she understands why they’re closing, yet she is sad. “They had the best food and the best service, always making you feel at home,” she said; her favorite dish was beef chow yuk. Customer Deborah DeParna, of Revere, said she’s been dining at China Roma since her grandparents were alive. “I feel badly,” said DeParna, whose favorite appetizer is the crab Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Rangoon. “The people are nice.” Saugus resident Paul Musto, who has owned the restaurant for 65 years, employing eight staff members, said it’s time to go. “I’m an old soldier fading away,” Musto said. “My secret has been to surround myself with great employees.” His wife and co-owner, RoseAnne, said their retirement plans are to relax and take it easy. Post-pandemic, they plan to visit Disney World with their grandchildren: Stephen, 21, Sophie, 19, Bella, 17, Nikky, 15, and Gianna, 12, and their children, Stephen and Lisa. She is looking forward to binge watching her favorite shows: “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” “Let’s Make A Deal” and “Wheel of Fortune.” Lifelong customer and current Councillor-at-Large Steven Morabito said the egg rolls are to die for and his favorite in the city. Ward 6 Councillor Richard Serino will mail the Mustos a city citation. —Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE "42 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2020 Regular Unleaded $2.039 MidUnleaded $2.399 Super $2.459 Diesel Fuel $2.439 KERO $4.359 Diesel $1.999 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A DA CORPORATE & BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION RESPONSIVE CPA ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS * Financial Statement: Audit & Reviews * Payroll & Bookkeeping Services Call (617) 240-2905 / Email: Steven.divirgilio@cpa.com Website: WWW.STEVEDCPA.COM Gerry 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 Prices subject to change H Happy FLEET
Page 8 , THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 ~ 2021 ~ Council President Patrick Keefe & Family Council Vice President Ira Novoselsky School Board Member Carol Tye School Committeeman Anthony D’Ambrosio Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso Visconti Councillor-at-Large Gerry Ricky Serino & Family School Board Member Mayor Brian Arrigo & Family Councillor-at-Large State Representative-Elect Jessica Giannino Ward 5 Councillor John Powers Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto School Board Member Susan Gravellese School Board Member Michael Ferrante
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 9 "I want to protect myself and all the people around me from the disease." "It's the right thing to do." "I want to be able to visit my grandma at the nursing home." "I'm over 65 and I want to be safe from COVID." "I want to stay safe - I lost a family member to COVID-19."
Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefit Program Launches for Eligible Workers in Massachusetts BOSTON – The Department of Family and Medical Leave (DFML) today announced that workers eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) may begin fi ling certain benefi t requests on January 1, 2021, in accordance with legislation enacted in 2018. PFML provides temporary in~ FLASHBACK ~ The Beach City’s Popular Pols come replacement to eligible workers. Starting January 1, 2021, workers can apply for leave for welcoming a new child into their family, for their own serious health condition, and for certain military considerations. Starting July 1, 2021, workers can apply for leave to care for an ill or ailing relative. The program, which is off ered separately from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act and any employer-off ered leave, provides up to 20 weeks of paid leave per benefi t year to manage a serious personal health condition, up to 12 weeks to care for a family member or to bond with a child, and up to 26 weeks to care for a family member who is a member of the armed service. Beginning January 1, 2021, Massachusetts workers can apply for: • Medical leave due to their own serious health condition. Workers may take up to 20 weeks per year of paid leave to manage a serious health condition. • Family leave to bond with a child. Family leave can be taken by a parent or legal guardian to bond with a child during the fi rst 12 months after the child’s birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Eligibility for family leave used for bonding with a child is limited to the child’s parents or legal guardians; although certain other family members may be eligible to take family leave for caring for a child that has a serious medical condition. Workers who are parents or legal guardians may take up to 12 weeks of family leave to bond with a child. The annual 12-week maximum remains the same even if multiple childbirths, adoptions, or foster care placements occur in the same year. • Family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition that relates to military service. Workers may take up to 26 weeks of family leave per year to care for a family member who is a current member of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and who is: • Undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious health condition that was received or aggravated while the patient was deployed in a foreign country. • Being treated as an outpatient for a serious health condition that was received or aggravated while they were deployed in a foreign country. • On the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness that happened while deployed in a foreign country. • On the temporary disability retired list for a serious injury or illness that existed before the beginning of the member’s active duty and was aggravated by service while deployed in a foreign country. • Family leave to manage any needs that occur immediately after a family member is deployed in a foreign country or has been notifi ed of an upcomBENEFIT | SEE Page 11 THOSE WERE THE DAYS: As we bid a fond farewell to Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo following his 30 years of service to Revere, we publish this photo of the former state rep here in the early days of his career with former US Rep. Ed Markey, the late City Councillors George Colella and John Jordan with former School Committeewoman Denise Salemme. Best wishes for a new year filled with health and happiness.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 11 BENEFIT | FROM Page 10 ing deployment in a foreign country. Workers may take up to 12 weeks of family leave per year to manage needs which may include: • Caring for a deployed family member’s child or other family member immediately before their deployment. • Making fi nancial or legal arrangements for deployed family member. • Attending counseling. • Attending military events or ceremonies. • Spending time with a deployed family member during a rest or recuperation period. • Spending time with a family member when they return from deployment. • Making necessary arrangements following the death of a family member who had been deployed. • Beginning July 1, 2021 Massachusetts workers can apply for: • Care for a family member with a serious health condition. Workers may take up to 12 weeks of family leave per year to care for a family member with a serious health condition. For the purposes of family leave used to care for a family member, family members include spouses, domestic partners, children, parents, grandchildren, grandparents or siblings; spouses’ or domestic partners’ parents; and guardians who legally acted as a parent when the worker is a minor. Workers can take paid family leave to care for a family member with a serious health condition regardless of where the family member resides. How to Apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave at paidleave. mass.gov Timing Workers should give their employers at least 30 days notice before beginning their application for paid leave. Applications for future paid leave may be made up to 60 calendar days in advance of the anticipated start date. Unplanned leave due to an emergency can be applied for retroactively up to 90 calendar days after a worker has taken time off from the job. Workers should make every eff ort to schedule their leave for a time that will not disrupt the employer’s business. Documentation Workers will need to provide or fi ll out the following documents as part of the leave application process: • Proof of Identity. This is to double-check that worker is eligible, and make sure the benefits are sent to the correct person. • Certifi cation of a Serious Health Condition form. This may be done in conjunction with a worker’s healthcare provider. Workers applying for family leave to bond with a child, or family leave to manage family aff airs when a family member is deployed in a foreign country, do not need to fi ll out a Certifi cation of a Serious Health Condition form. • Current employer’s Federal Employment Identifi cation Number (FEIN) • A date when the worker informed the employer that he or she planned to apply for and take family or medical leave. (Workers filing for paid leave from multiple employers will need to fi ll out a separate application for each individual employer). Benefi t and Claim Information Workers may not be paid wages or salary or use paid sick or vacation time or other earned time off that covers the same period for which the worker receives PFML benefi ts. Additionally, the amount a worker receives in paid leave benefi ts and the total amount of leave he or she is eligible for may be reduced by any wage replacement or disability program the worker is enrolled in or has used in the past, either through the government or through the employer. These include: • Unemployment insurance. • Worker’s compensation. • Social security. • Temporary disability or paid family and medical leave benefi ts. Claim to Payment Estimated Timeline • Worker completes Application on DFML website (20 minutes-1 hour). • Employer responds to DFML’s Request for Information (1-10 business days). (It is in the worker’s best interest to let the employer know that he or she is completing the application because it may speed up the process.) Employers have 10 business days to respond but may respond sooner. • DFML reviews Application and makes claim determination (7-14 calendar days). Timelines are subject to the volume of claims received. • DFML issues Payment to Worker (8-10 days after application review). It takes 3-5 days for the vendor to be established in MMARs for the fi rst payment, then another 5 days for the payment to be received. Timelines may diff er based on the payment method selected by the applicant. Direct deposit is the quickest payment option. Employer participation in the claim approval process is important to ensure DFML has accurate and complete information about the application. Employers may recommend to the DFML that a claim be rejected if an employee has already used the maximum amount of leave for the year or that information from the claim is missing, incorrect or fraudulent. Employers may not recommend a claim be denied because of budgetary, timing, or other circumstantial reasons. For more information about eligibility, benefi ts, and how to apply, go to mass.gov/pfml. For multi-lingual support or if you have specific questions, call the PFML Contact Center at 1(833)344-7365. Happy New Year from Everett Bank! WE LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF BEING RIGHT BY YOU. WE’RE CLOSED ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 1ST AND WILL BE BACK OPEN ON MONDAY, JANUARY 4TH. AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN ACCESS OUR ONLINE BANKING AND ATMS ANYTIME. WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Right by you. Member FDIC Member DIF
Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Baker announces $668M small business relief package T he Baker-Polito Administration recently launched a $668 million program to provide fi nancial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program in part relies on the federal COVID-19 relief bill signed into law on December 27, 2020. The Baker-Polito Administration will soon start releasing millions in new funding to restaurants, retailers and other small businesses throughout the Commonwealth. The Administration announced nearly $49 million in grants through the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to support over 1,158 small businesses. More than 10,000 applicants had sought relief in this grant round. Additional grants will be made available to eligible small businesses through MGCC. The Small Business Grant Program was established in the fall, and currently has a pool of eligible applicants awaiting funding. This additional funding will allow the Administration to award more of those pending applicants. Eligible businesses that already applied to the program, but were not funded due to limited funds available, will be prioritized for funding fi rst and do not need to reapply. The funds will also be used to stand up an additional grant program at the MGCC. This program will target the industries most hard-hit during the pandemic. Eligible industries for the new program include: • Restaurants, bars, caterers • Indoor recreation and entertainment establishments • Gyms and fi tness centers • Event-support professionals (photographers, videographers, etc.) • Personal services • Retail The new business relief program would offer grants up to $75,000, but not more than three months’ operating expenses, to be used for employee wage and benefi ts costs, spacerelated costs and debt service obligations. The online application portal for the new program will close on Friday, January 15. Awards are expected to be announced in early February. More details on how to apply and eligibility requirements are available at www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 FOOD | FROM Page 1 Page 13 1. What fi ctional intelligence offi cer has had champagne over 35 times in fi lms? 2. What does Auld Lang Syne mean? 3. From its start on Jan. 1, 1801, what event was held at the White House until 1932? 4. For the first time, what kind of water sport will appear at the Tokyo 2024 Summer Olympics? 5. On Jan. 2, 1975, a winter destination of monarch butterfl ies was discovered to be in what country? 6. Nathaniel Currier, an 1800’s Roxbury, Mass., native and part of Currier & Ives, was a professional what? 7. What is the Nepalese word for snow bear – also known as abominable snowman of the Himalayas? 8. What did the “nog” in eggnog come from? 9. On Jan. 3, 1959, what became a U.S. state? 10. How are green, blue, black diamond and double black diamond similar? 11. On Jan. 4, 1639, what Frenchman was baptized who later became known for champagne? 12. What person known as “The First American” said, “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year fi nd you a better man”? 13. On Jan. 5, 1914, “Whipped Cream King” Aaron “Bunny” Lapin was born; he invented what spray can product? 14. In the South, Hoppin’ John is a traditional dish for New Year’s; what are its main ingredients? 15. How does the Japanese macaque (snow monkey) often keep warm? 16. “Rock Around the Clock” was a 1954 #1 single for what band? 17. On Jan. 6, 1954, The New York Times reported that a Swanson frozen turkey dinner would soon be locally available for what price: 50¢, $1 or $3? 18. In Scandinavia and Germany, traditional New Year’s candy shaped like a pig is made of what? 19. The Oxford English Dictionary has how many variant spellings of Hanukkah: 3, 11 or 24? 20. Radioactive dating is used for what? ANSWERS families,” said Cole. “As of now, students will receive a week’s worth of meals, which are distributed twice per week, Tuesdays and Fridays, at all the elementary schools with distribution times from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.” Building a meals program in the current situation can be challenging, Cole said. “We’re serving multiple days of meals, and we are no longer in a cafeteria environment,” said Cole. “It can be diffi cult to make the meals appealing, but we are continuing to adapt our menus and are keeping students engaged by developing family-style meals that work out better.” The district has always focused on providing fresh fruits and vegetables as part of its menu, and Cole said the food services department is continuing to do that, even with the changed distribution model. While the food services budget did take a slight hit in the spring, Cole said, it is now back on track to have all expenses covered by federal reimbursements. “We are in a position now where we are running in the black, even though it is not a huge amount,” said Cole. “In years past, what we tried to do with the meals program was run it so we could continue to invest in our program with equipment upgrades. What we are trying to do this year is just to provide the essential service to the community members and to be able to pay the bills, and we have reached that point.” The department is also taking steps to make sure it is ready when there is a return to in-person learning and school meals. Solutions for potential staggered student schedules include various distribution locations, grab and go meals, hallway kiosks, mobile carts, and reduced capacity, staggered cafe service. For full attendance with no limitations, some of the food services solutions include an open cafe with limited high-contact areas, such as salad bars, self-service areas, and condiment areas. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly was among those who praised Cole and her staff for their performance during the pandemic. Kelly was critical about a recent Boston Globe article that was critical of the Revere food services program. “It was really disappointing to read,” said Kelly. “It was very biased and one person’s opinion. Our food service workers have done yeoman’s work since the pandemic started; we closed the schools on a Friday and they started their grab and go meals that Monday. They have pivoted all along the way with the help of many volunteers. We are very proud of them and very fortunate that they are part of our team.” DEDUCTIBILITY OF THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM EXPENDITURES T he Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 provides for the deductibility for the expenditures paid for with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan proceeds. This Act just passed both houses of Congress on December 21, 2020. President Donald J. Trump signed it into law on December 27, 2020. This reverses the Internal Revenue Service’s recent revenue rulings stating that the expenditures would not be deductible as the proceeds of the PPP loan represented taxexempt income. This is truly having your cake and eat it too. Not only do businesses now not have to report the loan forgiveness as income, they now have the ability to deduct all of the expenditures. It’s a big win for businesses that have suff ered so much as a result of the Corona Virus. The COVID-Related Tax Relief Act of 2020 (COVIDTRA), Section 276(a)(1) codifies the deductibility of the expenditures paid for with the PPP loan proceeds. COVIDTRA also provides that the tax basis and other attributes of the business’ assets will not be reduced as a result of the PPP loan forgiveness. COVIDTRA also provides for the direct payments to individual taxpayers called “recovery rebates”. As of this writing, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has blocked the increase from the $600 stimulus check to a $2,000 stimulus check. Section 307 of Title III, Continuing the PPP and Other Small Business Support in the Consolidated Appropriations Act states that if a PPP loan is not more than $150,000, it will be forgiven if the eligible recipient submits a certifi cation to the lender with the following information: 1. A description of the number of employees that were retained due to the PPP loan 2. The estimated amount of the PPP loan that was spent on payroll costs 3. The total loan amount No other documentation will need to be provided to the lender. The PPP forgiveness amount also does not have to be reduced by any Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance. Joseph D. Cataldo is an Estate Planning/Elder Law Attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation. 1. James Bond 2. Old long ago or the good old times 3. A public New Year’s Reception 4. Surfi ng 5. Mexico 6. Lithographer 7. Yeti 8. Noggin – a small wooden mug 9. Alaska 10. They are grades of ski runs, from easiest to most diffi cult. 11. Dom Pierre Pérignon 12. Benjamin Franklin 13. Reddi-Wip 14. Black-eyed peas, rice and bacon or salt pork 15. Soaking in natural hot springs 16. “Bill Haley & His Comets” 17. $1 18. Marzipan 19. 24 20. To determine the age of rocks (January 7 is annual Old Rock Day)
Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 A message from Bob Katzen, Publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call: Join me Sunday nights between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. as we jump in my time capsule and go back to the simpler days of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for my talk show “The Bob Katzen Baby Boomer and Gen X Fun and Nostalgia Show.” My fi rst guest in 2021 will be Jordan Rich, beloved WBZ Boston radio personality, national voice-over artist, mobile disc jockey, emcee, philanthropist, all-around good guy and a mensch, to boot—on Sunday, January 3 at 7 p.m. Jordan, also well-known for his support and work on behalf of many charities, will talk about his new book “ON AIR: My 50Year Love Aff air with Radio.” Jordan currently hosts a podcast at www.jordanrich.com and is co-owner with Ken Carberry of Chart Productions, an iconic Boston-based audiovideo production company. His book is available on Amazon. All proceeds from the sales of the book benefi t Boston Children’s Hospital—one of Jordan’s favorite charities. There are many ways you can listen to the show from anywhere in the world: • If you have a smart speaker, simply say, “Play WMEX on RADIO.COM” • Download the free RADIO.COM app on your phone or tablet • Listen online at: www.radio. com/1510wmex/listen • Tune into 1510 AM if you still have an AM radio • Visit us at www.bobkatzenshow. com THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of December 21-25. POLICE CHANGES (S 2963) House 107-50, Senate 31-9, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a new version of a bill making major changes in the state’s policing system. The House and Senate adopted some of Gov. Baker’s amendments including scaling back a moratorium on the use of facial recognition software by law enforcement and limiting the infl uence of a civilianled commission over police training. A key provision creates an independent, civilian-led commission with the power to investigate police misconduct and to certify, restrict, revoke or suspend certifi cation for police offi cers and maintain a publicly available database of decertifi ed offi cers. Other provisions include banning the use of chokeholds; limiting the use of deadly force; requiring police offi cers who witness another offi - cer using force beyond what is necessary or reasonable to intervene; and limiting no-knock police warrants in instances where children or people over 65 are present. “Today’s Senate proposal refl ects the amendments that the governor made to the bill two weeks ago,” said Baker’s communications director Lizzy Guyton. “After discussing the governor’s amendments with the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, the administration believes this package addresses the issues identifi ed by the governor’s amendments and he looks forward to signing this version.” Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) noted the original bill was a full ban of facial recognition techniques. “This [new version] is a partial ban, or a limit, a regulation of them, and a study to explore the need for full regulation. It’s a pretty balanced thing. It’s not what everybody wants, but it’s the kind of compromise that hopefully people can recognize is forward motion.” Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus Chair Rep. Carlos González (D-Springfi eld) and Judiciary House Chair Rep. Claire Cronin (D-Easton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on the bill. When the original conference committee version of the bill was approved on December 1, the leaders of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police said in a letter that the legislation leaves police “disregarded, dismissed and disrespected.” “The fi nal compromise legislation is a fi nal attack on police offi cers by lawmakers on Beacon Hill,” the letter read. “It is 129 pages crowded with punitive measures, layers and layers of new bureaucracy and the abridgment of basic due process rights of police. It was delivered with almost zero notice and zero time for our leadership, our legal team and our members to process it before debate and votes were scheduled.” The coalition still has major problems with the new version. “Our efforts, and those of other police organizations, made an impact in important areas, such as preserving qualifi ed immunity for most police offi cers and ensuring that police training will continue to be overseen by qualifi ed public safety personnel,” read the latest letter from the Massachusetts Coalition of Police to its 4,000 plus members. “Unfortunately, the legislative process around police reform was mostly opaque, as opposed to transparent. It almost completely excluded law enforcement, even though police offi cers and their families will be directly impacted more than anyone else in the commonwealth. And fi nally, the conference committee report completely ignored the historic consensus that had been achieved between law enforcement and the Black and Latino caucus.” “We look forward to being part of future commissions into the procurement and use of body cameras, a statewide cadet program, and impacts of emergency hospitalization,” continued the letter. “However, a lack of proper examination and study into a number of crucial portions of this bill will result in collateral damage that will have a negative impact on many of our communities.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Ye s Ye s Ye s BAKER VETOES BILL TO INCREASE ABORTION ACCESS (H 5179) House 107-50, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call vote, approved the bill that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and lower the age from 18 to 16 at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. The House and Senate sent the bill back to Gov. Baker after they rejected several of his proposed amendments including raising the age of consent back to 18. This time, Baker vetoed the entire bill. The House and Senate are poised to override the bill—they have suffi - cient support in each branch to do so. “I strongly support a woman’s right to access reproductive health care, and many provisions of this bill,” said Baker in a letter that accompanied his veto. ”I support, for example, the provision that would enable a woman to access an abortion where the child would not survive after birth, and the modifi cations to the judicial bypass process that make it more accessible to minors who are unable to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian. I also support the changes that eliminate many outdated requirements and the 24-hour waiting period.” “However, I cannot support the sections of this proposal that expand the availability of later-term abortions and permit minors age 16 and 17 to get an abortion without the consent of a parent or guardian,” continued Baker. “I again urge the Legislature to enact the compromise version … [that I proposed] that would affi rmatively protect a woman’s right to access an abortion but would restore the existing framework around lateterm abortions and parental consent.” “Gov. Baker’s veto of this legislation demonstrates a callous and dangerous disregard for the health and wellbeing of the people of the commonwealth,” read a statement from the ROE Act Coalition which includes the ACLU of Massachusetts, NARAL ProChoice Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “With this veto, the governor has made plain that he has no problem imposing medically unnecessary barriers that delay and deny care and forcing families to fl y across the country to get compassionate care. Our abortion laws are broken, and with two recent actions against equitable abortion access, Gov. Baker is upholding our broken system.” “These provisions are supported by large majorities in both chambers, and we respectfully call on the Legislature to override the governor’s veto,” continued the statement. “Unlike Gov. Baker, legislators understand that merely affi rming the abstract right to safe, legal abortion is not enough; we must protect and improve abortion access so every person can get the care they need. It is up to the Legislature to once again lead where Gov. Baker has failed.” “House Speaker DeLeo is spending his Christmas Eve tripling down on abortion extremism, promising that he will fi ght for young girls to have abortions and babies born alive can be left to die,” said Massachusetts Family Institute President Andrew Beckwith. “Santa is going to run out of coal fi lling his stocking.” “Gov. Baker was correct to veto this amendment,” said Catholic Action League Executive Director C. J. Doyle. “The entire rationale for it was bogus.» “Nothing President Donald Trump’s appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court may do regarding Roe v. Wade will have any impact on the 1981 decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Moe v. Hanley, which established a right to abortion under the Massachusetts Constitution,» Doyle continued. «This measure was always about agitprop, fundraising and muscle fl exing by Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, who have successfully exploited and monetized liberal paranoia about Donald Trump and the Supreme Court.” (A «Yes» vote is for the bill expanding abortion. A “No” vote is against it. The Senate did not hold a roll call on the bill last week. The senators’ votes listed are from November 18 when the Senate fi rst approved the measure by a 33-7 vote.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Ye s N o Ye s HEALTH CARE AND TELEHEALTH (S 2984) House 157-0, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Baker, a conference committee report of a bill that sponsors say will increase access to health care, protect patients and enhance quality care. The bill requires behavioral health treatment delivered via telehealth to be permanently reimbursed by insurers at the same rate as in-person services. A similar reimbursement structure will also be implemented for primary care and chronic disease management services delivered via telehealth for two years. All other telehealth care services will be reimbursed at the same rate as in-person services for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency, and 90 days after its expiration. It also eliminates “surprise billing,” the much-criticized practice of charging unsuspecting patients who received health care services outside of their insurance plan’s network for costs that insurers refuse to pay. Other provisions would allow registered nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and psychiatric nurse mental health specialists who meet specifi c education and training standards to practice independently; recognize pharmacists as health care providers, enabling them to integrate more fully into coordinated care teams; allow Massachusetts optometrists to treat glaucoma; and ensure that critical services related to treatment of COVID-19 would be covered by insurance carriers, including MassHealth, at no cost to consumers. “[We are] pleased the House and Senate conference committee fi nalized a health care bill that takes important steps to protect consumers and ensure access to health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond,” said Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director of Health Care For All. “We commend legislative leaders for making progress on important policies that are critical to the health and health care of millions of Massachusetts residents, and we thank the conferees for their work during a very challenging time.” “This conference committee report embraces the best of both the Senate and House bills to create comprehensive and necessary healthcare reforms,” said Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. “While there is still more to do to improve patient outcomes and access to care, this bill takes a meaningful step forward by ensuring that the commonwealth’s healthcare system can continue to meet the needs of patients during this unprecedented time, and long after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.” «The conference report continues to advance our goal of transforming mental health care access and delivery in Massachusetts,» said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro), House chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. «This legislation will do so much good, but particularly it will expand mental health care access for rural residents, people of color, working families, and young people.” Lora Pellegrini, President of the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) said the group is a strong supporter of ensuring telehealth services for the members and the employers it serves. “Telehealth has been an important tool to ensure members have continued access to provider services during closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In order for telehealth to truly deliver on its promise of increased access to high-quality care at lower costs, it is imperative that market-based negotiations set the reimbursement rate and any extension of mandated rates of payment be timelimited. We applaud the conference committee for ensuring that some telehealth services can be negotiated after the current state of emergency, but we are concerned that it will require health plans to reimburse for other services at the same rate as inperson visits for two years.” “While we are pleased with other provisions in the bill, such as the increased Medicaid payment rates for community hospitals, MAHP is disappointed that the fi nal conference agreement did not address the welldocumented and growing concern of surprise billing in a comprehensive way,” continued Pellegrini. “Congress passed legislation which may result in higher premiums for employers and consumers, making it more important than ever that the Massachusetts Legislature establish a policy for out of network providers that is fair, but does not provide an excessive rate of payment. We look forward to working with the House and Senate on this important issue in the next session.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Ye s Ye s Ye s COVID SPENDING WEBSITE (H 5187) House 31-126, Senate 4-35, rejected Gov. Baker’s amendment to a bill requiring the state to create a searchable website that will show how the state spends the federal funds it receives to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baker’s amendment made several changes including deleting a section that requires the site to be updated on a weekly basis and replacing it with a requirement it be updated on a “regular” basis. “I am supportive of the intent of this section and the Offi ce of Administration and Finance is currently developing such a website,” said Baker in a letter attached to his amendment. “However, some of the requirements included in the section are unable to be implemented or are administratively burdensome, such as a requirement that the website be updated weekly. Additionally, I am recommending that the February 1, 2021 deadline to implement this section be extended until March 30, 2021 in order ensure that the site is fully operative.” Opponents of the amendment said a weekly update is important, so people know where these millions of dollars are being spent. They said requiring a “regular” report is too vague and doesn’t mean anything. READERS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY WHAT A YES AND NO VOTE MEAN. (In the House, a «Yes» vote is for Baker’s amendment. A «No» vote is against Baker’s amendment.) (In the Senate, the vote was on a motion to REJECT Baker’s amendment. Therefore, a «Yes» vote is BEACON | SEE Page 15
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 15 BEACON | FROM Page 14 against Baker’s amendment. A «No» vote is for Baker’s amendment.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore N o N o Ye s VETOES GALORE Gov. Baker vetoed millions of dollars in funding in the $46.2 billion fi scal 2021 state budget. This is in sharp contrast to last year when, in an unusual situation, the governor signed the fi scal 2020 state budget into law without vetoing any of the $43.3 billion in spending approved by the House and Senate. Beacon Hill Roll Call talked to several Statehouse veterans at that time and not one could remember any other time in the last four decades that the governor did not veto funding in the budget. Baker said his reason for vetoing most of the funding in this fi scal 2021 budget was because it was not consistent with the budget he had fi led. Override supporters defended the funding and the programs and said cutting them would be irresponsible and result in a cut in services. Here are some of the vetoes: $500,000 TO HELP LEGAL PERMANENTS RESIDENTS BECOME CITIZENS (H 5164) House 132-25, Senate 38-1, overrode Gov. Baker’s $500,000 veto reduction (from $1,741,575 million to $1,241,575) in funding for a citizenship for “New Americans Program” to assist legal permanent residents of the state in becoming citizens of the United States. (A Yes” vote is for the $500,000. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Present Ye s Ye s $300,000 FOR COMMISSION ON LGBTQ YOUTH (H 5164) House 152-5, Senate 38-1, overrode Gov. Baker’s $300,000 veto reduction (from $800,000 to $500,000) for the Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Commission (LGBTQ) Youth. The commission would use the entire $800,000 to address issues related to the implementation of the state’s antibullying law designed to combat the rising suicide rate among and incidents of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ youths. (A “Yes” vote is for the $300,000. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Present Ye s Ye s $181,801 FOR PRISONERS’ LEGAL SERVICES (H 5164) House 136-20, Senate 37-2, overrode Gov. Baker’s $ 181,801 veto reduction (from $2,208,332 to $2,026,531 in funding for Prisoners’ Legal Services, a program that provides legal representation for indigent and disadvantaged defendants. (A «Yes» vote is for the $181,801. A «No» vote is against it.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Sen. Joseph Boncore Present Ye s Ye s $500,000 FOR SMOKING CESSATION AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS (H 5164) House 150-7, overrode Gov. Baker’s $500,000 veto reduction (from $5,118,155 to $4,618,155) for smoking prevention and cessation program. The Senate has not yet voted on this reduction. (A «Yes” vote is for the 500,000. A «No» vote is against it). Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Present Ye s $500,000 FOR GUN AND VIOLENT CRIME PREVENTION (H 5164) House 151-6, overrode Gov. Baker’s veto of the entire $500,000 for a neighborhood-based gun and violent crime prevention pilot program for targeted work with out-of-school youth and young adults aged 17 to 24. The funding would be used to prevent gun violence and other violent crime in neighborhoods and municipalities with the highest rates of violent crime. Gov. Baker said that not only is this item not consistent with his budget recommendation, but he also argued that $14 million in funding is available in fi scal year 2021, carried forward from fi scal year 2020. The Senate has not yet voted on this reduction. (A «Yes» vote is for the $500,000. A «No» vote is against it.) Rep. Bob DeLeo Rep. RoseLee Vincent Present Ye s 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 2125, the House met for a total of 21 hours and 19 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 23 hours and 59 minutes. Mon. Dec. 21 House 11:03 a.m. to 1:28 p.m. Senate 11:08 a.m. to 8:57 p.m. Tues. Dec. 22 House 12:13 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. Senate 3:52 p.m. to 7:56 p.m. Wed. Dec. 23 House 11:03 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Senate 10:20 a.m. to 8:26 p.m. Thurs. Dec. 24 No House session No Senate session Fri. Dec. 25 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 What Caregivers Should Know About Medicare Dear Savvy Senior, I am the caregiver for my 81-year-old mother, who recently fell and broke her hip, and have a lot of questions about how original Medicare works and what it covers. Where can I get some help understanding this program? Overwhelmed Caregiver Dear Caregiver, Excellent question! Having a working knowledge of Medicare can help you take full advantage of the coverage and services it provides to ensure your mom receives the best care possible. Here’s what you should know. Medicare Assistance A good starting point to get familiar with Medicare is the offi cial “Medicare & You” handbook that overviews the program. It’s mailed to all benefi ciaries every fall and provides an up-to-date description of all services and benefi ts. You can also see it online at Medicare.gov/medicare-and-you. If you have a particular question, you can call and visit with a Medicare customer service representative at 800-633-4227. Medicare also works closely with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) to provide free health insurance counseling. To find a SHIP counselor in your area visit ShiptaCenter.org or call 877-8392675. Caregivers also fi nd Medicare’s secure website – MyMedicare.gov – especially useful. After setting up a personal account for your mom, you can view the details of her coverage, track recent health care claims and keep up to date on the preventive services she qualifi es for. Compare Tools Medicare can also help you locate the right health care providers for your mother. At Medicare.gov/care-compare you can fi nd and compare doctors, hospitals, home health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, long-term care hospitals and nursing homes in your mom’s area. What Medicare Covers Medicare can reduce many outof-pocket medical expenses your mom incurs, but it doesn’t cover everything. Understanding what Medicare does and doesn’t cover can save you time and spare you frustration when navigating the caregiving maze. Here are some key points for caregivers: Besides basic hospital and physician services (which includes telehealth services) and optional prescription drug benefi ts, Medicare covers home health care too. To qualify, your mom must be homebound, under a physician’s care and in need of part-time skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services like physical therapy. Medicare also helps pay for oxygen, catheters and other medical supplies that a doctor prescribes for home use. The same is true for medically necessary equipment like oxygen machines, wheelchairs and walkers. In addition, Medicare covers skilled care in a nursing home for limited periods – up to 100 days – following hospital stays. But it doesn’t cover long-term stays. Patients who need custodial care (room and board) must pay out of pocket unless they’re eligible for Medicaid or have private longterm care insurance. Medicare pays for hospice care too, for someone with a terminal illness whose doctor expects to live six months or less. The hospice benefi t also includes brief periods of respite care at a hospice facility, hospital or nursing home to give the patient’s caregivers an occasional rest. Besides long-term nursing home stays, original Medicare typically doesn’t cover regular dental care or dentures, regular eye exams or eyeglasses, and hearing exams and hearing aids. Likewise, it won’t pay for nonemergency ambulance trips unless a doctor certifi es they’re medically necessary. To fi nd out what Medicare covers, visit Medicare.gov/coverage and type in the test, item or service you have questions about, or download the Medicare “What’s covered” app in either the App Store or Google Play. Financial Assistance If your mom lives on a limited income, you should check whether she qualifi es for help with prescription drug costs or with other Medicare-related premiums, deductibles and copayments. For help with drug costs, visit SSA.gov/prescriptionhelp or contact Social Security at 800-7721213 and ask about the “Extra Help Program.” For help with other Medicare costs, go to Medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 and ask about the “Medicare Savings Programs.” 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 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 OBITUARIES Charles M. “Charlie” Russell O f Revere, December 22 at 77 years of age. Cherished son of the late Martin B. and Mary (Maxwell) Russell. Dear brother of Mary Girard and her husband Jerry and James Russell and his wife Susan, all of Wyoming. Joseph Gullifa A ge 97, of Revere, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Cherished son of the late Salvatore and Pauline (Spenella) Gullifa. Beloved husband of Anna (Marino) Gullifa. Caring brother of the late Luduigo «Luddy» Gullifa and his wife Theresa and Terry Gullifa and his wife Phyllis. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of fl owers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Francis W. “Frank” Kehoe, Sr. P assed on Monday, December 28 at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born & raised in Revere, he attended Revere schools. For most of his career, he did electrical work in his own business & for Polaroid Corporation for over 30 years, serving as a Master Electrician. He retired in 1994. His favorite pastime was with his children when he boarded them onto his boat & took them fi shing. The family has many tales to look back on with many, many stories, all great laughing accounts. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Confl ict, serving from February of 1951 through February of 1953. He is the beloved husband of almost 61 years to Maryhelen (Veno) Kehoe & the cherished father to Maryanne Guillemette & her husband, John of Revere, Francis W. “Frank” Kehoe, Jr. of Limerick, Maine & Lisa M. Falanga & her husband, Edward of Medford. He is the devoted grandfather of Steven Baier & his wife, Melissa of Groveland, Colleen Fortin & her late husband, Michael of Revere, Anthony Falanga & his wife, Allison of Woburn, Justin Guillemette & his fi ancé Stephanie Chiulli of Peabody, Jonathan Kehoe of Alfred, Maine, Amanda O’Leary & her husband, Michael of Medford, Nicole Kehoe of Limerick, Maine & Kelsey Kehoe of Murray, Utah. He is the dear brother to Lillian Capone & her late husband, Michael of Quincy, Marie Cutillo & her late husband, Revere Police Detective, Michael Cutillo of Stoneham and the late Helena R. “Helen” Kehoe, Marilyn J. Cunio & her late husband, Arthur, James & Bernard Kehoe, Patricia Giordano & her late husband, Robert, Loretta M. Ristino & her late husband, Paul, Emma Hatfi eld & her late husband, William & Margaret Poirier. He is also lovingly survived by 7 great-grandchildren & many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces & grand-nephews. His funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Tuesday, January 5 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., REVERE at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Face masks must be worn at all times & social distancing must be maintained in the funeral home & church. All attendees are required to provide their name and phone number for contact tracing and temperatures will be checked prior to entering the funeral home & church. John “Jackie” Aulino FAREWELL | FROM Page 1 worked in a school cafeteria, made sure that no child ever went hungry on her watch. “She wanted to make sure that every child was treated with dignity,” DeLeo said. “She taught me that everyone deserves an equal shot in life, and my job in the legislature has been to make sure they get that.” DeLeo said he feels deep gratitude to lead the House and considers every member of that body to be his friend. “Each and every one of you spoke to what was important to your district,” he said. “You are all good people and have all fought hard for the people in your districts to make their lives better.” As House Speaker, DeLeo said, O f Revere passed away suddenly on December 25, 2020. Devoted son of the late Alphonse and Rose (Belmonte) Aulino. Loving father of Jacquelyn Aulino, Erica Aulino, and Alexandra Aulino. Beloved Companion of Marianita Gonzalez. Loving nephew of Joseph and Rose Belmonte. Dearest cousin of Debra Belmonte, who was more like a sister to Jackie, Joseph Belmonte Jr and Michael Belmonte. Also survived by his former wife and mother of his daughters Celeste Ianniciello, and many loving cousins and friends. Jackie was well known in the parking and transportation industry. He was a member of RHS class of 1967, and a graduate of UMass Boston. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Anthony’s Church 250 Revere St, Revere, MA 02151. he has valued working with fellow legislators, state offi cials and community members no matter their political philosophy. “I value listening, exchanging ideas and crafting workable solutions that benefi t the Commonwealth as a whole, no matter what someone’s political philosophy might be,” said DeLeo. The one piece of advice DeLeo gave his fellow legislators was to never pass up the opportunity to visit a colleague’s district. “Go and listen – you will learn more than you can ever imagine about the values of diff erent perspectives and listening to people,” said DeLeo, although he said they might want to learn by his example and not wear a threepiece suit if they are visiting a farm. “I’ve always liked to say that politics is about people. Simply put, I refuse to bow to cynics, and I believe that the role of the state representative is a role for good.” DeLeo had special praise for his colleagues from Revere, including fellow Revere Representative RoseLee Vincent, for accepting him as one of their own even though he is a Winthrop resident. “Revere and Winthrop are two distinct places, where each and every individual means something special to me,” he said. “It has been an honor to represent them throughout the years.” Finally, DeLeo expressed his faith that the House and the Commonwealth will prosper even as it deals with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I have unyielding faith that this institution, its people and all of its members, and with its leadership, this House will rise to the occasion and our great state of Massachusetts will meet this challenge and lead this great nation,” said DeLeo. State Rep. Bob DeLeo recently resigned as Speaker of the House, having served the 19th Suff olk District for 30 years. (Courtesy Photo) 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 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 Castro, Daniel A Lee, Jenny Nwe, Pann H Flores-Aguilar, Luis A Lundy, Andy W Lopez, Pedro A Dennis, Amanda Jacobson, Daniel Moe, Win Louine, Brina 224 Conant St RT Aguirre, Luis A Guinasso RT 2014 SELLER2 ADDRESS Lasala, Domenic T 224 Conant St Aguirre, Eliana M 23 Philomena Ave #A G J Ippolito Mondello LT Mondello, Grace J 28 Belgrade St Brown Judith R Est Annese Alessandro Est Ranese, Nancy E Hernandez, Wilson G Hernandez, Gladys Y 22 Sunny Plain LLC Madrid, Remberto Rao, Carolyn J Colindres, Eugenia Cordon, Hugo Maldonado, Tomas Merlos, Maria Merlos, Jose Cassidy, Gregory W Rodriguez, Sonia Perez, Yaheisa Devoy, Mary L Silva, Annalisa 31 Reservoir Ave 696 Broadway 63 Kimball Ave DATE PRICE Revere 11.12.2020 $ 620 000,00 11.12.2020 $ 540 000,00 Munoz-Valencia, Mar n E Usme-Gomez, Luz 44 Webster St 172 Vane St Guinasso, Arthur 500 Revere Beach Blvd #505 10.12.2020 $ 310 000,00 10.12.2020 $ 725 000,00 10.12.2020 $ 680 000,00 10.12.2020 $ 290 000,00 10.12.2020 $ 430 000,00 09.12.2020 $ 920 000,00 09.12.2020 $ 700 000,00 09.12.2020 $ 520 000,00 08.12.2020 $ 450 000,00 07.12.2020 $ 465 000,00 07.12.2020 $ 600 000,00 39 Bellingham Ave #39 181 Breedens Ln Monaghan, Denise R 540 Malden St Cassidey, A yeh B 73 Bellingham Ave
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 17 SILVESTRI | FROM Page 1 sues upon his return home. Silvestri’s mother was born and raised in Beachmont, and Silvestri was brought up in Beachmont before moving to the other side of the city. He went to Revere public schools and graduated from Revere High School, where he played football, hockey and track. “I understand the importance of public schools and public school education,” said Silvestri. After high school, Silvestri went to college for several years before joining the military to help provide some stability for himself, his family and his newborn daughter. “Serving the country in combat, and then coming back to Revere to serve the city and its veterans has been the biggest privilege and honor,” said Silvestri. He said his experience in the military and for the city makes him a diff erent kind of candidate who can address everyday problems and see both sides of issues. Other potential candidates for the 19th Suff olk seat include Democratic State Committeeman Juan Pablo Jaramillo, former Winthrop Town Council President Attorney Jeff rey Turco, Winthrop School Committee Member Valentino Capobianco and Democratic State Committeewoman Alicia DelVento. KITCHEN CABINETS To Look Like New 508-840-0501 FURNITURE STRIP & FINISH We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@ advocatenews.net Lawn and Yard CareUSA SNOW PLOWING * Reasonable Rates * Prompt Service * Parking Lots 781-521-9927 AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 Frank’s House Painting 781-289-0698 “PROPER PREP MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE” - F. FERRERA • Exterior FREE ESTIMATES --- FULLY INSURED • Interior • Ceiling Dr. • Paper Removal • Power Wash • Carpentry Call Driveways From $ 35
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THE REVERE ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 19 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President NEW LISTING BY SANDY WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! NEW LISTING BY SANDY NEW LISTING BY NORMA SOLD! 67 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT 6 ROOM SINGLE WITH FINISHED BASEMENT NEW PRICE! $549,900 LISTED BY SANDY NEW COMMERCIAL LISTING SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,300,000 NEW LISTING BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT! TWO FAMILY 45-47 SYCAMORE ST., EVERETT $724,900 NEW LISTING BY MARIA SOLD! SOLD! 834 BROADWAY, EVERETT $550,000 LISTED BY ROSEMARIE 32 WESTOVER ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $449,900 LISTED BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT! 25 HAWKES ST., SAUGUS NEW PRICE! $434,900 LISTED BY NORMA SOLD! COMMERCIAL BUILDING 14,000 SQ FT LOT SQUIRE RD., REVERE $1,700,000 SOLD! 17 EVELYN RD., EVERETT $519,900 Mixed use building, Malden 3 commercial and one residential unit $1,200,000 Joe DiNuzzo Norma Capuano Parziale - Broker Associate 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 5 00 PM O D il F Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 .M. 10 0 www.jrs-properties.com 00 A M - Agent Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent
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