HaveHave a Prosperous & Joyous New Year!ar Vol.30, No.52 -FREEwww.advocatenewws.net ree Every Friday 2021 Year in Review By Adam Swift T he COVID-19 pandemic continued to be a cause for concern in Revere in 2021, but there were plenty of other headlines to go around, as students headed back to school for in-person learning, residents successfully fought back against parking meters on Revere Beach, and voters elected some new and familiar faces to offi ce. Word about the state Department of Conservation & Recreation’s (DCR) plans to install parking meters along Revere Beach fi rst came to light at the end of 2020. The DCR’s initial plans to install meters YEAR IN REVIEW: Shown above, 77 Revere police offi cers, 87 fi re dept. personnel and 19 911 dispatchers were vaccinated at the Rumney Marsh Academy. MGH’s Dr. Nathalee Kong gave the fi rst dose of the Moderna vaccine to Revere Police Chief David Callahan. YEAR IN REVIEW: Shown below, Hill Elementary School Principal Melissa Lomas (at right) greeted masked students as they entered the building on Wednesday, Aug. 25 after a year of Zoom classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. along America’s Oldest Public Beach called for metered parking along Revere Beach Boulevard from Eliot Circle to Carey Circle. By April, Mayor Brian Arrigo announced an agreement where no meters would be installed on the west side of Revere Beach and that certain areas would see the creation of resident-only parking spaces. But the headaches continued for residents, especially at the Jack Satter House, and the battle over the meters continued throughout the summer. In October, the saga came to a happy end for the city’s residents and elected offi cials as the City Council voted to approve state legislation from Revere’s state Representatives, Jessica Ann Giannino and Jeff Turco, banning the meters. REVIEW | SEE Page 14 Crowds for winter sports to be limited W By Adam Swift ith the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases as a result of the Omicron variant, the School Department is putting a limit on how many people can attend school sporting events. Last week, the School Committee approved Athletic Director Frank Shea’s request to limit attendance at sporting events to two parents or caregivers per athlete. “Mr. Shea has been in touch with all the other athletic directors in the Greater Boston League and across the state through the MIAA, and we’re seeing diff erent things happen in diff erent districts,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly. “Somerville, for example, has a restrictive policy where effective immediately they are not allowing any observers at any of their games; other districts, such as Lynn, are allowing a limited number of people to attend per athlete.” Kelly added that Shea is working with RevereTV to make sure all the games are televised. “I’m defi nitely in favor of this,” said School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo. “We can’t control how people move around the gym or how they sit, so with the smaller numbers, I think it’s easier for everyone involved. If we want to have winter sports, we have to do what’s best for the athletes right now.” School Committee Member THE CITY OF REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS ELECTION DEPARTMENT 281 BROADWAY REVERE, MA 02151 THE NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BALLOT QUESTION IS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022. THE POLLS OPEN AT 11:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 6:00 P.M. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE OR SUBMIT VOTER REGISTRATION CHANGES IS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2022, AT 8:00 P.M. THE PLEASANT STREET ENTRANCE TO REVERE CITY HALL IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE. ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE AT https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, CONTACT THE ELECTION DEPARTMENT AT (781) 286-8200. LA CIUDAD DE REVERE, MASSACHUSETTS EL DEPARTAMENTO DE ELECCIONES 281 BROADWAY REVERE, MA 02151 LA PREGUNTA DE LA PAPELETA DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR VOCACIONAL REGIONAL METROPOLITANO NORESTE ES MARTES, 25 DE ENERO DE 2022. LAS URNAS ABRIRÁN A LAS 11:00 A.M. Y CERRARÁN A LAS 6:00 P.M. LA FECHA LÍMITE PARA REGISTRARSE PARA VOTAR O PARA HACER CAMBIOS A SU REGISTRACIÓN DE VOTANTE ES MIÉRCOLES, 5 DE ENERO DE 2022 A LAS 8:00 P.M. LA ENTRADA POR LA CALLE PLEASANT DEL AYUNTAMIENTO DE REVERE ES ACCESIBLE PARA LAS PERSONAS DISCAPACITADAS. REGISTRACIÓN DE VOTANTE EN LÍNEA ESTÁ DISPONIBLE EN https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr. SI TIENE ALGUNA PREGUNTA, LLAME AL DEPARTAMENTO DE ELECCIONES AL (781) 286-8200. Frederick Sannella offered an amended motion that would not have allowed for any spectators at school sporting events. Sannella said banning all spectators would simplify the process. Rizzo said she would support the motion if that was what was needed to let the students play sports this winter, but noted it could be a tough sell to parents. “I’m willing to do it if that’s the will of the committee, but I really do believe it’s going to be diffi cult,” said Rizzo. The committee ultimately voted down Sannella’s proposal in favor of Shea’s original request. Kelly noted that both Revere and visiting teams would be subject to the same rules allowing for no more than two parents or caregivers per athlete. “We did learn from our parents last year that they do appreciate that if there can’t be a large crowd, at least they are able to watch their kids play in person, especially if they are seniors,” Kelly said. 781-286-8500 Friday, December 31, 2021
Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 MBTA Wins National Award from TransitCenter for Excellence in Transit Priority Design In Partnership with Municipalities, Agency Adds Nine Miles of Bus Lanes across Greater Boston Region, including New England’s First Center-running Facility, Activates Transit Signal Priority at 37 Intersections in 2021 The MBTA, in partnership with Boston, Malden, Revere, Lynn, Somerville, Brookline, and MassDOT, earns prestigious honor from TransitCenter for “Best Transit Street Upgrades.” BOSTON – The MBTA along with its employees, municipal partners, and advocates celebrated special recognition for transit-priority design from TransitCenter, a national foundation that supports improving American public transit. TransitCenter presented the MBTA with the Award for Best Transit Street Upgrades at its annual Frequencies awards ceremony hosted on social media. “This award comes at the end of what has been a banner year for the MBTA when it comes to transforming our bus system,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “In addition ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.259 Mid Unleaded $3.299 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.399 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.099 9 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 A Route 455 bus travels along the new shared bus-bike lane on North Common St in Lynn, which was completed in partnership with the City of Lynn in 2021. to partnering with the City of Boston to launch the centerrunning bus lanes on Columbus Ave., we have added nine miles of bus lanes across the region, nearly doubling the region’s bus priority network in 2021. This work would not Happy New Year! have been possible without the commitment of the MBTA’s world-class staff of transit professionals and the leadership of our municipal partners. We thank TransitCenter for this prestigious honor.” The MBTA, City of Boston, neighbors, and advocates celebrated the launch of Columbus Avenue’s transformative, center-running bus priority corridor last month. The nearly milelong center-running bus priority facility between Franklin Park and Jackson Square Station includes enhanced bus stop amenities, accessible boarding islands, traffi c calming measures, and improved pedestrian safety treatments. In order to realize service benefi ts for bus riders during COVID-19, the project’s construction was accelerated through the MBTA’s Rapid Response Bus Lane program, which also included over 10 miles of bus lanes in communities hard-hit by the pandemic throughout the metropolitan area. “Boston and the MBTA are in As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime. Enroll at www.EverettBank.com 419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM Member FDIC | Member DIF creasingly seen as national leaders when it comes to putting transit fi rst on city streets,” said TransitCenter Executive Director David Bragdon. “From the Columbus Ave. center-running corridor to the dozens of bus lane projects that have launched in the last couple of years, we applaud MBTA’s and Metro Boston’s municipalities’ commitment to equitable mobility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Other bus lane projects that the MBTA completed, in partnership with local municipalities, in 2021 included parts of Broadway in Revere, North Washington Street in Boston, and North Common Street in Lynn. Other projects that will be completed imminently or in early 2022 include segments along Western Avenue in Lynn, Washington Street in Somerville, Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge, Washington Street in Brookline, and Centre Street in Malden. “We are proud to have partnered with the MBTA on Columbus Ave., North Washington Street, and Washington Street in Roslindale throughout 2021,” said Boston Transportation Department (BTD) Interim Commissioner Brad Gerratt. “We look forward to working closely with the MBTA, our regional transit provider, to deliver more improvements on local city streets. This recognition is a testimony to the collaboration we have built together.” “We are thrilled to see the MBTA and its municipal partners acknowledged for this work given how far we’ve come in a few short years,” said LivableStreets Executive Director Stacy Thompson. LivableStreets is a transportation advocacy organization based in Boston. “Back in 2018, there were just over two miles of bus lanes in Boston, and now, there are more than 17 miles stretching from Roslindale Square to North Common Street in Lynn. Prioritizing buses is one of the best ways for us to close the equity gap in our transit system as the region recovers, and we look forward to working with the MBTA, Boston, and communities across the region to continAWARD | SEE Page 3 Prices subject to change FLEET
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 3 Mayor Arrigo Announces ARPA Housing Assistance to Homeowners - Housing Stabilization program is an ARPA-funded one time initiative to grant $250 payments to homeowners of owner-occupied properties Revere Tax Rate Set for 2022, New Development & Increased Home Values Drive Growth I n a letter to Revere taxpayers, Mayor Brian Arrigo announced the City of Revere ARPA Housing Assistance Program - an ARPA-funded initiative to grant $250 payments to owner-occupied properties to address rising housing costs. The program will be targeted towards owner-occupied properties in Revere. The city will be announcing more details in the coming weeks about who qualifi es for the program and how to apply, and all information will be updated on the www.Revere. org/ARPA webpage. In November the Revere City Council voted in favor of a new residential tax rate of $10.40 per $1,000 and a commercial/ industrial/ personal property rate of $20.56 per $1,000 for 2022. While the average singlefamily assessment is increasing by 12.4%, leading to a property tax increase, the growth of new development has supported additional investments through projects like the new high school, DPW building, the Point of Pines Fire Station, and overdue infrastructure repairs to our roads, sidewalks, and water systems. “Our city's growth is a testament to the strength of our people. While our property values increase, we are able to make necessary infrastructure improvements and equitable city programs for all those that live, work, and raise a family here in Revere,” said Mayor Brian ArriAWARD | FROM Page 2 ue to support bus riders in 2022 and beyond.” MBTA and City of Boston offi - cials hope to keep the momentum going in the years to come. Earlier this year, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization awarded the MBTA $14 million in funding to construct a northern extension of the Columbus Avenue facility, and last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the City of Boston $15 million to design and construct similar improvements on Blue Hill Avenue. The MBTA Transit Priority Group was created in 2019 with support from the Barr Foundation to further bus priority projects around the region. The BRIAN ARRIGO Mayor go. “We will continue to support our residents every way we can, through one time funding opportunities and building effi ciency in our government systems to reduce the economic burden on our taxpayers. Revere should be a city for all our residents, not just a select few.” Surrounding communities also had increases to their tax rate. The owners of an average single-family home in Quincy will see property tax bills rise about $230, those in Salem will see a $97 increase for singlefamily homes. In Lynn, bills will increase $313 and in Saugus, the increase is $345. Most of the mentioned cities also attributed to rapid growth of residential values in Boston and the surgroup has worked closely with municipal partners and MassDOT to deliver over 17 miles of bus lanes and activate transit signal priority at 85 locations in six cities, more than doubling the MBTA service area’s bus priority network in the last two years. These reliability benefi ts have had a far-reaching impact. While approximately 8% of passenger miles travelled are in bus lanes, reliability benefi ts extend to 42% of passenger miles travelled system-wide. TransitCenter gives out Frequencies annually to recognize outstanding achievements in the transit industry. For more information, please visit mbta.com, or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, on Facebook /TheMBTA, or on Instagram @theMBTA. rounding communities. Without $278,771,175 in new development that generated $4,016,375 in taxes that did not previously exist, the average single-family bill in Revere would have increased $458. The Revere Board of Assessors attributes much of this year’s increase to the rise in residential property values. “The average single family home value has increased from $420,890 last year to $473,054 this year,” said Dana Brangiforte, Chairman of the Revere Board of Assessors. “The average commercial value has also increased from $1.4 million to $1.6 million during the same time period.” Those with questions about housing assessments are encouraged to reach out to the City of Revere Assessor’s Offi ce at 781-286-8170. 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Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 School Committee approves blocking social media sites on school-issued devices By Adam Swift R evere students looking for the latest TikTok challenge or for the latest posts on Instagram will no longer be able to do so on their school-issued Chromebooks. Last week, the School Committee voted to block social media sites on school-issued devices. The block does not extend to students’ personal smartphones and devices, but Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dianne Kelly said the committee could be looking at further measures to limit phone use in schools next year. “We have struggled, and we have had many challenges with social media in recent weeks between students not being kind to each other, and we also had the problem … with a nationwide TikTok that went out requesting that there be violence in schools,” said Kelly. “Fortunately, that didn’t happen, but we had to respond to that.” Kelly said that if the schools block the social media sites on the school devices, the district can at least bring down the overall temperature around the sites and lead to some times when the students are not impacted by social media. Kelly said there has also been input from parents about limiting the use of smartphones in classrooms. She said Revere High Principal Dr. John Perella will be meeting with the RHS Student Senate and other students for additional feedback on the issue. Cash Pay Guaranteed! "If it snows, you'll be working!" Kelly initially asked for feedback on blocking the social media sites from the School Committee, but the members said they were ready to move forward with the request and passed it as a late motion at last Happy New Year! Merry Christmas! 425r Broadway, Saugus (Rte. 1 South at Saugus Plaza Shopping Cntr.) 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! 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Hungry Man New Yorker Breakfast Specials Bacon, Homefries, Toast $8.15 + Tax 3 Eggs, Sausage & $8.15 + Tax 3 Eggs, Sausage & Bacon, Homefries, & Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese Baked Chicken & Spanish Rice $12.95 + Tax $7.00 + Tax Delicious Lunch Specials American Chop Suey week’s meeting. School Committee Member Stacey Rizzo asked if the social media sites, such as Facebook, had been blocked eight to 10 years ago. Kelly said there had not been an overall block on social media sites. “We do have blocks on sites that are harmful to children, and I would now argue that social media sites are harmful to children,” said Kelly. “But we did not have specific blocks on social media sites, which is what we would be looking to do now.” School Committee student representative Elni Lopez said she thought it is a good idea to block the social media sites on school Chromebooks, but did note that some school clubs do use the social media sites to promote their events. School Committee memDR. DIANNE KELLY Superintendent of Schools ber Susan Gravellese said she also supports future action on phone use in the classrooms. “There should be an area where the kids can drop them where the teachers can monitor them,” said Gravellese. “We all have heard from a lot of teachers that there is a lot of use in the classrooms. After we get through the blocks on the sites, I think we should have further discussion about it.” Better Business Bureau offers five resolutions for a fraud-free New Year T he loss of money and personal information and the perseverance of criminals continues with online purchases having the greatest risk of being a scam. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list, along with the weight loss and financial goals, to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free. • Be cautious with email. Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. • Never send money to strangers. If you haven’t met a person face-to-face, don’t send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a prepaid debit card or Cash App. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there’s no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think the situation through. Don’t fall for it! • Do research before making online payments and purchases. When shopping online, or if asked to make a payment online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://....com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained? • Use your best judgment when sharing personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share fi nancial information, birthdate, address or Social Security/health insurance/ Medicare number with an unsolicited caller. • Be social media smart. Make use of privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profi le and never reveal address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as a friend or relative and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you saw on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 5 Revere towing company target of class action lawsuit By Christopher Roberson K arl Faller of Boston has fi led a class action lawsuit against Action Emergency Management Services, claiming to be a victim of predatory towing. On July 3, Faller’s car was towed by Action from a parking lot in Malden to the company’s lot at 1087 Broadway in Revere. When Faller went to pick up his car on July 24, he was given an invoice for $1,222 which needed to be paid in full before the vehicle could be released. “The invoice included unlawful charges, including a onehour pre-tow recovery fee of $108, a relocation fee for moving the car within Action’s own lot of $108 and a certifi ed mail fee of $75,” said Attorney Joshua Gardner, counsel for Faller, in his Complaint, which was fi led on November 12 in Suff olk Superior Court. Action later admitted that the pre-tow and relocation fees were illegal. However, Faller still paid $70 in storage fees and $75 for the certifi ed letter before his car was released on July 26. Gardner maintained that under state statute, a towing company can only charge for the “removal and storage” of a vehicle. In addition, he said towing fees are determined by the Department of Public Utilities and that storage fees cannot exceed $35 per day. Should a towing company fail to comply with the statute, the company is obligated to release the vehicle without “assessing any charges for its removal or storage.” The Complaint also represents drivers who were victims of predatory towing during the past four years. “We brought this case as a class action on behalf of other drivers who Action charged for things like moving the car within their own lot and sending letters,” said Gardner. “One of the best ways to end these practices is through class actions such as this.” Action is now being sued for treble damages and for $50,000 for allegedly violating the Consumer Protection Act. “It seems like everyone has a story of a run-in with a tow truck. When your car gets towed, everything else grinds to a halt,” said Deidre Cummings, program director at MASSPIRG, a non-profi t consumer advocacy group in Boston. “Not only have you lost your primary mode of transportation, but you’re also trying to locate your vehicle and you’re worrying about mounting daily storage fees. It’s essential to know whether you’re being treated fairly or whether the tow company is acting in a predatory fashion.” Attorney Edward Manchur, counsel for Action, said the Complaint is “meritless.” "Action intends to defend the matter vigorously,” he said. “Mr. Faller did not pay two of the fees he complains about and therefore has no standing to pursue an action based on those fees.” Manchur also said the company operated within the confi nes of the law. “Action charged Mr. Faller storage fees at a lawful rate per day, which is permitted by a governing statute and regulations,” he said. A judgment is expected to be rendered by November 13, 2023. Breakthrough case review finds 97 percent of COVID-19 cases in vaccinated individuals don’t result in severe illness O n December 20, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released a review of breakthrough COVID-19 cases in vaccinated Massachusetts residents and found nearly 97 percent of all breakthrough cases in the Commonwealth have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Additionally, the review found unvaccinated residents are five times more likely to become infected than fully vaccinated residents (two doses of the Moderna or Pfi zer vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) and unvaccinated residents are 31 times more likely to become infected than fully vaccinated residents who have received a booster. The review also found that 99.9 percent of breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated people under the age of 60 did not result in death. Among the breakthrough cases for residents over the age of 60, 97 percent did not result in death. No deaths have been reported in breakthrough cases among those under age 30. “The data are clear. This review shows that fully vaccinated people in Massachusetts have nearuniversal protection from severe illness and death and that boosters are demonstrating even stronger protection from COVID-19 | SEE Page 6 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
Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 COVID-19 | FROM Page 5 COVID,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Amid the season of gathering indoors and the emerging Omicron variant, the time to get vaccinated and boosted is now. It is the best gift of protection for yourself and your loved ones.” “Vaccination continues to be the most eff ective tool we have against Omicron and all COVID-19 variants,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Margret Cooke. “The data indicates that fully vaccinated and boosted individuals are well protected from severe outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death and the Department of Public Health strongly urges all residents to get vaccinated and, when appropriate, get a booster.” ‘Night at the Museum: an Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Scott Allan’ T he Revere History Museum and the Revere Society for Cultural & Historic Preservation (RSCHP) are pleased to announce a special event that will be held on January 20 at 108 Beach St. to benefi t the RSCHP: “Night at the Museum: an Evening of Mediumship with Psychic Medium Scott Allan.” There will also be two raffl es at the event: a chance to win a private reading with Scott and a chance to be a guest on a paranormal investigation of the museum – date TBD. Tickets for this gallery reading are $20, and only 30 spots are available for this event. Tickets can only be purchased through the Eventbrite link below. All proceeds of the ticket sales and raffl es will go directly to RSCHP. This is a unique chance to experience the world of mediumship with an accomplished psychic and support the organization dedicated to preserving Revere’s culture and history. https://www.eventbrite. com/e/night-at-the-museum-an-evening-of-mediumship-a-benefi t-for-rschp-tickets224395201087?aff =erelpanelorg
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 7 ~ LETTER-TO-THE-EDITOR ~ Outgoing Election Commissioner thanks everyone for their help and support Former Election Commissioner Diane Colella (left) is shown with her staff on Election Night in 2013 awaiting the polling returns. (Advocate fi le photo) Dear Editor, As I wind down the last few weeks of a 21-year career here at Revere City Hall, serving as Election Commissioner, I can only think of all the people that helped me get through each Election and Recount. If I may, I’d like to publicly thank Mayors Ambrosino, Rizzo and Arrigo, Paul Capizzi, City Solicitor, Robert A. Marra, Jr. Chief of Staff to Mayor Brian M. Arrigo, former City Solicitor, Police Chiefs Reardon, Guido and Callahan and Fire Chiefs Doherty and Bright. Without their help and support and the support from their departments, the Elections would not have taken place. A special thank you to Ashley Melnik, and the City Council members and Cathy Bowden and Richard Viscay are in order. The Election Department Offi ce staff is second to none; Patricia Mazzone, Marie Olivieri, Youssef Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.5 Million for Local Technology Infrastructure Revere to receive $48,615 for network systems integration PITTSFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito recently announced $3.5 million in grants to 70 municipalities through the Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology grant program. The Baker-Polito Administration has now issued 749 grants through this program worth $19.2 million to help Massachusetts communities become more effi cient and innovative while improving their technology infrastructure. “Technology systems support so many of the critical services that Massachusetts cities, towns and school districts provide to residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud that our Administration, through the work of the Community Compact Cabinet, is continuing its partnership with local communities to enable another round of innovative IT improvement projects.” “Since the beginning of the grant program, our collaboration with cities and towns across the Commonwealth has led to hundreds of transformative technology investments, from public safety systems upgrades to establishing online permitting,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As the Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet, I am pleased to announce and congratulate the 70 municipalities receiving awards in this year’s round of grants.” Pittsfi eld will receive $99,750 to build a downtown public WiFi network in this round of funding – the third award that the city has received through the Community Compact IT Grant program in last fi ve years. The city received $95,000 in Fiscal Year 2019 for the implementation of wireless infrastructure for internal and public use and $40,000 in Fiscal Year 2017 for switching infrastructure to enable telephone system consolidation. Other examples of Community Compact IT Grant program awards this year include: • $48,615 for Revere for network systems integration • $114,503 for East Longmeadow to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure and improve disaster recovery capabilities • $100,000 for Plymouth to implement an online permitting system • $73,478 for Athol to implement network security across all town buildings • $60,000 for Hopkinton to implement a records management system • $25,000 for Leicester for cloud-based software for EMTs and paramedics “We are proud to continue supporting a wide range of impactful IT initiatives that will undoubtedly improve the effi ciency and reliability of government services,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heff ernan. “We appreciate the continued commitment and partnership of our local community leaders in identifying and undertaking these projects to better serve their businesses, residents, and visitors.” "The Baker-Polito Administration has long recognized the importance of modernizing the Commonwealth’s IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as improving the constituent digital experience,” said Technology & Security Secretary Curt Wood. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that municipalities are able to deliver the critical services that government provides through a secure digital environment.” The application period for the new Municipal Fiber Grant program will run from March 15 to April 15, 2022. This competitive grant program through the Community Compact Cabinet is designed to support closing critical gaps that exist in municipal networks, which allows for the central management of IT infrastructure, improves cybersecurity, and can provide overall network cost savings. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 HOURS: Open Daily at 4:00 PM Don’t Forget to Book your Holiday Party Early! Order your Holiday Party Platters Now! Join us begining at 4 PM for our NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION featuring Everett’s own... NEW MIKE MATARAZZO ~ www.eight10barandgrille.com ~ Asni and Caitlin Welch. The DPW staff , Paul Argenzio, Brian Mucci, and Michael Cecere and the entire DPW staff . The wonderful, hardworking Election Offi - cials at the polling locations, the Priests at St. Anthony’s Church, the Turkish Cultural Center and their staff , Dr. Dianne Kelly and the staff at the School Department and Steve Post, Jack Satter House, and his staff . Without all of you, it would be impossible to run an Election or a Recount. I’ve accomplished a lot over twenty-one years. I’m most proud of running fi ve or six Elections in a year with two of them being in a Presidential Election Year, and one during a Pandemic. Everyone involved was kept safe and voters cast their ballot without incident. The invalid address program introduced in June 2018 is also a great accomplishment. Without the help and support of Nicholas Rystrom, City Engineer, the program would not have been a success. Lastly, I’d like to thank Deb DiGregorio, Cary Shuman, of the Revere Journal and James Mitchell of The Revere Advocate. Thank you all for your help and support. I truly appreciate it. Signed, Diane R. Colella
Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Meet the 2021-2022 RHS Patriots Varsity Swim Team Revere High School Swimming Co-Captains Ashton Hoang and Daniel Cardona and Head Coach Christopher Hill. Pictured from left to right: front row: Denis Quijada, Samantha Stevens, Kathy Trinh and Jannet Sehli; middle row: Sofi a Li (making a heart shape), Dayanara Builes, Michelle Carvajal, Nathaniel Hill, Matthew Terrell, Ashton Hoang, Samantha Farias and Head Coach Christopher Hill; back row: Karen Gomez, Samuel Franco, Julian Goglia, Gavin Rua, Harrison Rua, Daniel Cardona, Vilson Lipa and Jean Builes. Not present: Senior Captain Mohamed Benzerdjeb, Junior Captain Luana Carvalho and sophomores Iago DaSilva and Jose Aparicio. The juniors, pictured from left to right: front row: Samantha Stevens, Jennifer Rivera Ayala and Kathy Trinh; back row: Gavin Rua, Samuel Franco and Dayanara Builes. Revere Swim Seniors: Pictured in the center is Sofi a Li; in the second row is Michelle Carvajal with Head Coach Christopher Hill; third row, pictured from left to right: Karen Gomez, Ashton Hoang and Samantha Farias; back row, pictured from left to right: Julian Goglia, Daniel Cardona and Miguel Leonarte. Freshman: The lone freshman on the swim team, Jean Builes, is pictured with Head Swimming Coach Christopher Hill during last Monday’s swim meet at the Garfi eld Elementary-Middle School. The sophomores, pictured from left to right: front row: Denis Quijada, Matthew Terrell and Jannet Sehli with Head Swimming Coach Christopher Hill; back row: Harrison Rua, Nathaniel Hill, Vilson Lipa and Alem Cesic. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 9 AG Healey urges businesses and organizations to remain on guard against cyberattacks this holiday season I n light of persistent and ongoing cyber threats this holiday season, Attorney General Maura Healey is urging organizations, especially critical infrastructure owners and operators, to adopt a heightened state of vigilance against cyberattacks and to proactively assess existing data security practices. “Cybercrime is a prominent and persistent threat against both our public infrastructure and our private enterprises,” said Healey. “We urge all Massachusetts businesses and government organizations to take action to strengthen their cyber defenses, and we will continue to work alongside our federal law enforcement partners to address evolving security threats.” The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) urged business leaders and operators of critical infrastructure, such as public utilities, government organizations and agencies, logistics and transportation fi rms, and healthcare providers, to take immediate steps to strengthen their organization’s operational resiliency against cyber threats. Healey joins CISA in off ering the following actions to reinforce their defenses: • Increase organizational vigilance by ensuring there are no gaps in Information Technology (IT)/Operational Technology (OT) security personnel coverage and that staff provides continual monitoring for all types of anomalous behavior. Security coverage is particularly important during the winter holiday season when organizations typically have lower staffi ng. • Prepare your organization for rapid response by adopting a state of heightened awareness. Create, update, or review your cyber incident response procedures and ensure your personnel are familiar with the key steps they need to take during and following an incident. Have staff check reporting processes and exercise continuity of operations plans to test your ability to operate key functions in an IT-constrained or otherwise degraded environment. Consider your organization’s cross-sector dependencies and the impact that a potential incident at your organization may have on other sectors, as well as how an incident at those sectors could aff ect your organization. • Ensure your network defenders implement cybersecurity best practices. Enforce multi-factor authentication and strong passwords, install software updates (prioritizing known exploited vulnerabilities), and secure accounts and credentials. • Stay informed about current cybersecurity threats and malicious Better Business Bureau offers five resolutions for a fraud-free New Year T he loss of money and personal information and the perseverance of criminals continues with online purchases having the greatest risk of being a scam. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list, along with the weight loss and financial goals, to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free. • Be cautious with email. Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. • Never send money to strangers. If you haven’t met a person face-to-face, don’t send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a prepaid debit card or Cash App. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there’s no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think the situation through. Don’t fall for it! • Do research before making online payments and purchases. When shopping online, or if asked to make a payment online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Would I be making payments through a secure server (https://....com)? Have I checked to see if others have complained? • Use your best judgment when sharing personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share fi nancial CAUTIOUS | SEE Page 17 techniques. Encourage your IT/OT security staff to subscribe to CISA’s mailing list and feeds to receive notifi cations when CISA releases information about a security topic or threat. CISA regularly announces emerging security threats to organizations, such as security vulnerabilities with ApacheLog4j, a commonly used open-source application. • Lower the threshold for threat and information sharing. Immediately report cybersecurity incidents and anomalous activity to CISA and/or the FBI. Cyberattacks can cause substantial disruptions to businesses, government agencies and other targets. Earlier this year, a widely-reported cybersecurity breach at Colonial Pipeline led to fuel shortages across the East Coast. In April 2021, the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts faced ransomware attacks against systems at City Hall, the Lawrence Police Department and the Lawrence Fire Department. A similar ransomware attack targeted the Brockton, Massachusetts police department in July 2021. The Massachusetts Data Security Regulations, which the AG’s Offi ce regularly enforces, also require entities to employ many of the above safeguards with respect to personal information about Massachusetts residents that an entity maintains, stores, transmits, or processes electronically. All organizations, regardless of sector, size, or location, must recognize that no company is safe from being targeted by ransomware and other cyber threats. Detailed guidance and resources from the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency can be found at CISA Insights: Preparing For and Mitigating Potential Cyber Threats. The National Institute of Standards and Technology also provide guidelines and practices for organizations to better manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. Attorneys at Law 14 Norwood St., Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 John Mackey, Esq. * Katherine M. Brown, Esq. Patricia Ridge, Esq.
Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Revere Police Activities League hosts Foundation Trust – sponsored holiday hoops basketball tournament Revere High School freshmen and junior varsity basketball Patriots with police and coaches, pictured from left to right: Bottom row: Vittorio DeSimone, Juan Garcia, Jayden Balogun, Adrian Sarita, Sami Mghhizou, Avisenna Lung and Erick Mayorgn Jr.; top row: Revere High School Basketball Coaches David Leary, John Leone, Robert Sullivan, Alex Green and Dennis Leary and PAL Director Kris Oldoni and other PAL offi cers and Revere High School freshmen and junior varsity basketball Patriots, pictured from left to right: Devis Cruceta, Jeremy Castillo Vides, Glenn Kule, Domenic Belmonte, Aly Boukansous, Ryan El Babor, Khaldoon Alhyari, Brendan Saci and Freshmen Coach Robert Sullivan. By Tara Vocino R evere Police Activities League (PAL) hosted a holiday hoops freshmen and junior varsity basketball tournament at Revere High School last Monday. The Foundation Trust sponsored the tournament. Revere played Malden High School and Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School. Masks were required in the building. PAL’s purpose is to establish a positive relationship with community members. BASKETBALL | SEE Page 13, 22 Pictured from left to right: Revere Athletic Director Frank Shea, Police Activities League Director Kris Oldoni, State Rep. Jessica Giannino, Revere Recreation Director Michael Hinojosa, School Resource Offi cer Bryan Brenes and Police Offi cers Christopher Alas and Stephen Ahern. AG Healey’s Office opens application period for grant program to help residents pay heating bills W ith energy prices on the rise this winter, Attorney General Maura Healey has announced a new grant program to help Massachusetts residents pay their monthly heating bills. “Each winter, tens of thousands of families across our state struggle to pay their heating bills and that’s only worsened with the unprecedented pandemic and rising energy prices,” Healey said. “Our goal with this program is to help give Massachusetts residents the fi nancial support they need to stay warm this winter.” Economic uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic and volatility in global fossil fuel prices are leading to a spike in energy prices this winter. AG Healey’s Residential Energy Assistance Grant (REAG) will provide approximately $500,000 in funding to organizations that assist Massachusetts households in paying their energy bills. The program builds on the office’s Natural Gas Fuel Assistance grant program by expanding the types of fuel sources that are eligible for assistance. In addition to natural gas, eligible fuels may include, but aren’t limited to, electricity, oil, and propane. The Natural Gas Fuel Assistance grant program has awarded more than $3 million over three years to organizations across the state including the United Way, the Lend a Hand Society, the Southeast Asian Coalition, the Massachusetts Association for Community Action. The AG’s REAG program is open to state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofi t organizations with eligible programs including those that provide direct assistance to residents by subsidizing their home heating costs or those that provide specialized assistance to customers in need including help translating application documents. Approximately 400,000 Massachusetts residential customers currently receive a low-income discount rate on their electric and gas bills, with more customers signing up for payment plans each week. Enrollment in similar programs is expected to increase with this winter’s high energy rates. The AG’s Offi ce is especially interested in proposals for programs that will provide funding to families who otherwise would not be receiving fuel assistance, or who are not receiving suffi cient help in paying their monthly heating bills. Successful applicants will be those that provide assistance to households that make 80 percent or less than the Massachusetts median income. Families that make 60 to 80 percent of the state’s median income are particularly vulnerable to this winter’s rising energy rates and are simultaneously ineligible for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The REAG program is funded through a settlement that the AG’s Offi ce reached in September 2020 with the competitive electric supplier, Starion Energy, for using unfair and deceptive sales tactics to lure more than 100,000 Massachusetts customers into expensive contracts with high electricity rates. In advance of this winter’s rising heating rates, AG Healey launched a campaign in November to educate residents about the new and expanded programs available to assist them in paying their energy bills. As part of the campaign, the AG’s Office has reached out to communities across the state to connect them with resources and to urge customers to contact their utility company to learn about the range of assistance programs that they may qualify for, including fl exible payment plans as well as balance forgiveness programs. For more information on the available programs, see the AG’s resource fl yer that is available in multiple languages. The grant program will start on Feb. 7, 2022 and run through June 15, 2024. Interested applicants can visit the AG’s website, www.mass.gov/ago/grants for more information and for application instructions. Questions about the grant program can be submitted by email to AGOGrants@mass.gov by 5 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2022. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2022.
, THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBE Page 11 ~ 2022 ~ State Representative Jessica Giannino & Family Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky School Board Member Carol Tye Visconti Councillor-at-Large Gerry Ricky Serino Councillor-at-Large-Elect Marc Silvestri Ward 6 Councillor & Family Mayor Brian Arrigo & Family School Committeeman Anthony D’Ambrosio Ward 4 Councillor Patrick Keefe & Family Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto School Board Member Michael Ferrante Ward 5 Councillor-Elect Al Fiore
Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Meet the 2021-2022 RHS Boys and Girls Patriots Indoor Track Teams Boys’ Indoor Track CoCaptains pictured from left to right: Co-Captains Mark Marchese and Mo Hussein, Revere High School Boys’ Indoor Track Head Coach Sam Ros and Co-Captains Victor Pelatere and Ricardo Goncalves during a recent track meet at Revere High School. Girls’ Indoor Track Seniors: Revere High School Girls’ Indoor Track Head Coach Racquel MacDonald with seniors Fatima Hartout, Jerelys Canales and Razan Belguendouz during a recent track meet at Revere High School. Pictured from left to right: front row: seniors Angel Ceja, Mario Ramirez, Co-Captains Mark Marchese, Victor Pelatere, Ricardo Goncalves and Mo Hussein, Ken Guerrero, Mohamed Ouakani and Kevin Tesorero; middle row: Chase Smith, Felipe Maia, senior Thomas Desir, Kenan Batic, Matthew Perreira, senior Rami Ameziane, Tenzin Wangdue and Kevin Purcifull; last row: Assistant Coach Briana Scata, Joel Vasquez, Felix Burgos, Sami El Asri, Allen Hou, Zaraius Bilimoria, Javan Close, Besmir Collaku and Boys’ Indoor Track Head Coach Sam Ros. Girls’ Indoor Track Co-Captains: Revere High School Girls Indoor Track Head Coach Racquel MacDonald with Co-Captains Fatima Hartout, Jerelys Canales and Alannah Burke. Boys’ Indoor Track Seniors: Pictured from left to right: sitting: seniors Angel Ceja, Mario Ramirez, Co-Captain Victor Pelatere and Mohamed Ouakani; kneeling: seniors Tenzin Wandue, Ken Guerrero, Co-Captain Mo Hussein and Rami Ameziane; standing: seniors Thomas Desir, Co-Captain Ricardo Goncalves and Boys’ Indoor Track Head Coach Sam Ros. Pictured from left to right: front row: Co-Captain Alannah Burke, Senior Co-Captains Fatima Hartout and Jerelys Canales and Jessie Jones; second row, kneeling: Safa Fares, Lynberlee Leng, Yasmin Riazi, Rocio Gonzalez, Hiba El Bzyouy, Kyra Delaney, Mahira Louis and Rania Abdelhannane; third row, standing: Girls Indoor Track Head Coach Racquel MacDonald, Melisa Devedzic, Natalia Lopez, Liv Yuong, Guadalupe Santos, Tracy Dempsey, Oumaima Attioui, Kawtar Zakaria, Yara Belguendouz, Razan Belguendouz, Reyhan Bensadok, Francoise Kodjo, Elizabeth Po, Manal Hazimeh, Ava Cassinello, Elizabeth Portillo, Sam Cuellar, Lisa Morel, Raquel Class and Assistant Girls Indoor Track Coach Sean Conboy.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 13 DEA: ‘One Pill Can Kill’ T he holiday season presents an opportunity to promote awareness of substance misuse and the widespread availability of dangerous substances. Many young adults are being exposed to illicit substances. Individuals experiencing isolation, loss or loneliness during the holidays might turn to misusing substances for relief. Check in with family and friends and have important conversations about counterfeit pills. The U.S. overdose epidemic has reached a tragic level. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most recent 12-month reporting period show that more than 100,000 people died due to drug overdoses – primarily from fentanyl and methamphetamine. That is the equivalent of one death every fi ve minutes due to an overdose. This year the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized 15,000 pounds of fentanyl – a record amount – which is the equivalent of 440 million lethal doses. Criminal drug networks are exploiting the U.S. opioid crisis by mass-producing fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills that they’re distributing to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. These deadly, fake pills are made and marketed to look like genuine, prescription medicine. DEA laboratory analysis has shown that four out of 10 fake pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. Fake pills are widely available. Criminal drug networks take advantage of the anonymity and accessibility social media platforms off er to push deadly drugs more quickly, easily and cheaply than ever before. Drug traffi ckers are even using emojis as code when buying and selling deadly drugs on social media platforms. • Know the dangers of deadly drugs online. • Never take medicine that wasn’t prescribed to you by your own doctor. • Talk to your family and friends about the danger of buying drugs online. • Spread the word that One Pill Can Kill. Facts about counterfeit pills Criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public. Counterfeit DANGER | SEE Page 17 Breakthrough case review finds 97 percent of COVID-19 cases in vaccinated individuals don’t result in severe illness O n December 20, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released a review of breakthrough COVID-19 cases in vaccinated Massachusetts residents and found nearly 97 percent of all breakthrough cases in the Commonwealth have not resulted in hospitalization or death. Additionally, the review found unvaccinated residents are fi ve times more likely to become infected than fully vaccinated residents (two doses of the Moderna or Pfi zer vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) and unvaccinated residents are 31 times more likely to become infected than fully vaccinated residents who have received a booster. The review also found that 99.9 percent of breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated people under the age of 60 did not result in death. Among the breakthrough cases for residents over the age of 60, 97 percent did not result in death. No deaths have been reported in breakthrough cases among those under age 30. “The data are clear. This review shows that fully vaccinated people in Massachusetts have nearuniversal protection from severe illness and death and that boosters are demonstrating even stronger protection from COVID,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “Amid the season of gathering indoors and the emerging Omicron variant, the time to get vaccinated and boosted is now. It is the best gift of protection for yourself and your loved ones.” “Vaccination continues to be the most eff ective tool we have against Omicron and all COVID-19 variants,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Margret Cooke. “The data indicates that fully vaccinated and boosted individuals are well protected from severe outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death and the Department of Public Health strongly urges all residents to get vaccinated and, when appropriate, get a booster.” Police Activities League offi cers, pictured from left to right: Sgt. Joseph Internicola, Offi cer Christopher Alas, Offi cer Gina Bertrand, School Resource Offi cer Bryan Brenes, Sgt. Michael D’Amore, Offi cer Steven Ahern and Sgt. Milton Alfaro. Malden High School Junior Varsity Boys’ Basketball Golden Tornadoes, pictured from left to right: Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Daniel Jurkowski, Earl Fervier, Jose Ferreira, Christian Calon, Addissu Tsige, Kevin Gonzalez, Savian Silva-Clark and Nathan Sullivan. They won 30-29. Malden High School Freshmen Boys’ Basketball Golden Tornadoes, pictured from left to right: kneeling: Matthew Brito, Noah Masood, Christopher McDonald, Thomas Tierney, Johnson Hyuutt, Kevin Exilhomme and Joseph Pinet; back row: Freshmen Boys’ Basketball Coach Wiston Jeune, Wyatt Dessert, Bakona Itou, Christopher Rodriguez, James Hyppolite, Dwayne St. Vil and Stanley Jiang. They won 30-27 during Monday’s Police Activities League holiday hoops basketball tournament at Revere High School. BASKETBALL | FROM Page 10
Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 REVIEW | FROM Page 1 The meter issue came full circle by the end of the year when the City Council awarded certifi - cates of appreciation to residents Pat Melchionno, Cynthia (Cindy) Kiejna, Roxanne Aiello, Rick Sarno, Peter Martino, Wayne Rose and the residents of the Jack Satter House as a whole for their advocacy against the parking meters on Revere Beach. Turco won a special election in late March to replace retiring Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo in the town of Winthrop and parts of Revere. There was also a special election later in the year, as Boston City Councillor Lydia Edwards defeated Revere School Committee Member Anthony D’Ambrosio The new Bianchi’s at the Sandbar pizzeria, which fi rst opened in 1952, closed its original location in 2018 just down the Boulevard but remained open at Renzo’s through November 2020. In July, Mayor Brian Arrigo awarded a citation to Bobby, dad, Butchie and mom, Carolyn Bianchi on their grand re-opening at the former Renzo’s site. RHS junior Carolina Bettero was the fi rst person to make RHS history scoring 100 career points in varsity girls’ soccer’s playoff game in May. Pictured, Proud mom Cynthia Betttero congratulated her daughter on the athletic milestone. In July, Longtime Ward 3 City Councillor Arthur Guinasso announced that he would not be running for reelection. In September, Mayor Brian Arrigo sent a letter to Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) Director Dr. Bisola Ojikuta lambasting the plan to use the Revere hotel to help alleviate the myriad of homelessness and drug issues at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston. in the Democratic primary for the First Suff olk/Middlesex Senate seat. Edwards is running unopposed in the Jan. 11 special election to replace departing state Senator Joe Boncore, who left offi ce to take a job in the private sector. While D’Ambrosio had widespread support in Revere, where he garnered over three-quarters of the votes cast, Edwards won with about 60 percent of the votes district-wide. In between the two special Revere School Committeeman Anthony D’Ambrosio announced his candidacy for the state senate seat vacated by Joseph Buoncore. Due to the extremely light voter turnout in November, D’Ambrosio lost to Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards. Pictured is Anthony with his proud parents, father, Gerry and mother, Michelle at his announcement event. City offi cials mourned the loss of former longtime Revere resident Priscilla Nickerson this week. Nickerson died at the age of 59 on Thursday, Oct. 14. TURKEY DAY VICTORY: Scoring 16 straight points in the second half ended up being enough for the Revere Patriots as they edged the Winthrop Vikings, 16-13, in the resumption of the annual Thanksgiving Day football clash between the two teams at Harry Della Russo Stadium. Pats Head Coach Lou Cicatelli (seated center) joins his team with the Thanksgiving Day game trophy in celebration. SUCCESS: Protestors against parking meters received many beeps of support in front of the William Reinstein Memorial Bandstand on a Saturday morning in April. The DCR ended the parking meters months later.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 15 elections was the municipal election in November, which saw a number of hard-fought and close races. On the City Council side, incumbent Ward 5 Councillor John Powers lost his seat to former City Council President Al Fiore. In the atlarge race, current City Council President Anthony Zambuto fi nished out of the running after 22 years in offi ce, as former mayor and Councillor Dan Rizzo topped the ballot. The other new faces on the City Council in the coming year are Veterans Service Offi ce Director Marc Silvestri, who won an at-large seat, and local businessman Anthony Cogliandro, who won the Ward 3 seat held for many years by retiring Councillor Arthur Guinasso. Giannino stepped down after a decade as a councillor to focus on her position as state representative. One of the biggest issues the In January, Julia Gallogly of Beachmont Elementary School was named a Fenway Honor Roll Top Educator. (Courtesy Photo) Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women names City Clerk Ashley Melnik as 2021 Commonwealth Heroine in June. City Council took up this year was redistricting. Results of the 2020 U.S. Census saw Revere’s population grow by about 20 percent over the past decade, the biggest jump in the state. But there was controversy over the redistricting process, as several discrepancies and oddities in the census process raised concerns about residents being listed as living in commercial and other areas where no one actually lives. After a tense two weeks, the City Council voted to approve the recommended new ward and precinct lines rather than have the issue decided by the state. The year also saw major movement on the development of the riverfront area near Gibson Park. An overlay district was approved that will allow for the private development of the G&J tow yard, and the City Council approved funding to purchase the adjacent former boatyard for use as a community boating and recreation area. Efforts to build a larger, improved public works building and yard were also approved by the City Council this year. In a tight School Committee race, four incumbents were returned to office while incumbent Frederick Sannella came up short in his reelection bid. Carol Tye topped the ticket and was joined in reelection by Michael Ferrante, Susan Gravellese, and Stacey Bronsdon-Rizzo. The newly elected members to the School Committee were John Kingston and Aisha Milbury-Ellis. The School Committee had a busy year, as the district made the transition from remote to in-person learning between the end of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. Later in the fall, the district and the teachers’ union signed a new three-year contract that was fi - nalized in addition to the district and teachers’ negotiations over the past nearly two years over remote and in-person learning protocols. Looming on the horizon in the New Year is the selection of a site for a new Revere High School. A year of Revere High School Building Committee meetings and public forums came to an end with the consultants narrowing down the potential sites for a new high school to the current high school property or the Wonderland site. With either option, consultants stated that Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso is shown with former State Rep. and Speaker of the House Bob DeLeo during a political fundraiser for Guinasso in Revere a few years back. Guinasso sponsored a motion to honor the former state representative who retired from the Mass. House of Representatives in January with a Certifi cate of Merit. (Advocate fi le photo) the total cost of a new building would be in the neighborhood of $400 million and that it would be ready for new students by the fall of 2026. The building process hasn’t been without its share of questions, especially among some of the city councillors. Councillor-at-Large George Rotondo, especially, has introduced several motions asking for more input and information from the School Department about the building process. Several newer boards and commissions also saw their share of action this year. The Public Arts Commission took up a number of projects to help beautify and bring arts to the city, including plans to help transform the Beachmont Fire Station to an arts center. The new Human Rights Commission wasn’t afraid to tackle several hot-button issues, including a recommendation to do away with the celebration of Columbus Day. Revere fi refi ghters dealt with several major fi res over the past year, including a fire on Constitution Avenue on Thanksgiving that displaced residents of a four-unit building, a fi vealarm fi re that destroyed multiple homes on Endicott Avenue in May and a major fi re on Kingman Avenue in June. Jeff rey Turco, a Democrat from Winthrop, pictured with his family on Election night, won the state rep seated vacated by Bob DeLeo in the Special Election in April. In a Revere Advocate story published in October, a multi-family home located at 63 Marlborough St. in Chelsea was purchased in 2015 for $549,900 by Boston City Councillor and state senate candidate Lydia Edwards who used an FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan which required Edwards to take up residence there. Edwards continued to reside in East Boston, which violated the terms of the mortgage loan. (Advocate staff photo) In February, Perkins Eastman was selected as the architect for the new Revere High School. Perkins Eastman was involved with the construction of the Dunbar Senior High School in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Perkins-Eastman)
Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Top 5 Tips to Cut Costs and Winterize Your Home Windows – Check for leaks around the edges where the window is hinged, slides or meets another unit. Clean the tracks of any debris that might be interfering with seals. Lock windows once winter sets in and apply a quality exterior caulk to seal any leaks. Doors – Feel around the perimeter of the door for any cooler air coming in. Check the weatherstripping around the door, including the door sweep attached to the bottom. Apply exterior-grade caulking to seal gaps if necessary. Attics, Basements and Crawlspaces – Leaky ductwork is a primary escape route for warm air, so inspect all visible ductwork openings that can be easily accessed. Check for any holes that go through the main fl oor to the basement or attic, for small openings in the ductwork, electrical or plumbing connection. Caulk or foam around them or use foil tape or mastic to seal any leaks. Pipes – Disconnect, drain and store any garden hoses as the weather turns cold. Any exposed water pipes in uninsulated spaces such as in a crawlspace, attic, or exterior wall should be protected with foam insulating sleeves. Burst pipes from freezing can cause some of the most expensive repairs in the home. HVAC – Change air fi lters on a regular basis. Operate the system on the "auto" fan setting on the thermostat. Ensure proper airfl ow by inspecting ducts for dust buildup and obstructions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, HVAC preventative maintenance can help save homeowners up to 25-percent in energy cost. Dropping Temperatures, Rising Costs • This winter is forecast to be slightly colder across the country than last year. • Natural Gas - Nearly half the homes in the US use natural gas for heat, and they could pay an average $746 this winter, 30 percent more than a year ago. This could be the most expensive winter for natural gas heated homes since 2008-2009. • Electricity - The second-most used heating source for homes is electricity, making up 41 percent of the country, and those households could see a more modest 6 percent increase to $1,268. • Heating Oil - Homes using heating oil, which make up 4 percent of the country, could see a 43 percent increase – more than $500 – to $1,734. • Propane - The sharpest increases will probably be for homes that use propane, which account for fi ve percent of US households. MBTA actively seeking to hire new employees and expand its workforce Hundreds of well-paying positions are now open at the ‘T’ T he MBTA is aggressively hiring new employees to join its dynamic workforce. It takes many people to move over a million trips a day, and the 6,500-person MBTA is redoubling eff orts to hire hundreds for open positions – from train and trolley operators to administrative and technical positions, and especially bus drivers – who are in high demand to transport Massachusetts residents to work, play and everywhere in between. Prospective candidates looking for a rewarding career where they can have a positive impact on the entire region should visit mbta.com/careers for more information on open positions and to learn about the MBTA’s many benefi ts and incentives. “The MBTA plays an integral and essential role in keeping Massachusetts moving. The T is a diverse and exciting place to work, and we’re actively hiring and training new employees, especially bus drivers, right now to join our ranks and play a signifi cant part in revitalizing the region post pandemic,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The MBTA is being proactive in recruiting new individuals to join our team and fast-tracking the hiring process, and will continue to work closely with local and state career centers and our community partners to recruit new individuals to join our team. We off er a variety of growth opportunities to employees and encourage members of the public to visit our website to learn more about our many open positions and beginning their career at the T.” The MBTA has gone to over 20 online and in-person career fairs across the region this fall and is updating the way it hires to make it easier and faster to start a T career, such as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) permit “events” at Registry of Motor Vehicle locations (CDL permits are encouraged in applying for bus operator positions), a revamp of the interview process and streamlining the application process. The T has also launched an aggressive recruitment campaign, more than doubling the size of its Human Resources recruiting department since Labor Day 2021 with more anticipated to join soon. A Human Resources team was also recently created that is dedicated to vehicle operator hiring, especially MBTA bus operators. The MBTA off ers competitive salaries, extensive healthcare benefi ts, free public transit, training programs, tuition assistance, employee assistance programs and an emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. MBTA employees also receive attractive retirement plans, paid vacation, holidays and sick time and fl exible spending accounts. Members of the public can view open positions online and visit the MBTA website for more information on insurance and other benefi ts. For full information visit mbta.com/careers, or connect with the T on Twitter @ MBTA, Facebook/TheMBTA or Instagram @ theMBTA.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 17 DANGER | FROM Page 13 1. On Dec. 31, 1980, what author of the expressions “global village” and “the medium is the message” died? 2. Which president and former TV host resigned from the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists? 3. Alewives are members of what fi sh family? 4. Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern New Year’s Day dish that mainly includes what? 5. What is a decennial? 6. Eff ective Jan. 1, 1966, what U.S. item for sale had to include a health warning? 7. In what country was the piano invented? 8. What is the Cresta Run? 9. What U.S. city had the first hotel with indoor plumbing and running water (1829)? 10. Rosehips have lots of what vitamin? 11. How are the Challenger Deep and the Mariana Trench related? 12. On Jan. 2, 1975, what winter destination of miAnswers grating monarch butterfl ies was discovered by tagging their wings? 13. What eight presidents were born in New England? 14. On Jan. 3, 1888, Marvin Stone invented what tubular utensil that had been made of rye grass? 15. Which has more coastline, Maine or California? 16. January 4 is World Braille Day; Louis Braille was born on Jan. 4, 1809, in what country? 17. What pie is not really a pie? 18. On Jan. 5, 1943, African American George Washington Carver died, who urged planting of what two products to replenish soil in the South? 19. What poet from the Middle East, who moved to Boston in 1895, said, “Kindness is like snow – it beautifi es everything it covers”? 20. On Jan. 6, 1878, in Illinois, who was born who wrote the poems “Fog,” “Grass” and “Chicago”? Deciphering Senior Housing Options Dear Savvy Senior, Can you decipher the different types of housing options available to seniors, and recommend some good resources for locating them? I need to fi nd a place for my elderly mother and could use some help. Overwhelmed Daughter Dear Overwhelmed, There’s a wide array of housing options available to seniors, but what’s appropriate for your mom will depend on her needs and fi - nancial situation. Here’s a rundown of the diff erent levels of senior housing and some resources to help you choose one. Independent living: If your mom is in relatively good health and self-suffi cient, “independent living communities” are a top option that can off er a sense of community. Typically available to people over age 55, this type of senior housing is usually apartments or town homes that are fully functional. In addition, many communities also off er amenities such as meals served in a common dining area, housekeeping, transportation and a variety of social activities. To locate this type of housing, contact your Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-1116 to get your local number), or use an online search tool like Caring.com. Most of these communities are private pay only and can vary greatly in cost ranging anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 per month. Assisted living: If your mom needs some help with daily living chores, she’ll probably need an “assisted living facility.” These facilities provide help with the activities of daily living – like bathing, dressing, eating, going to the bathroom – as needed, as well as meals, housekeeping, transportation, social activities and medication management. Many facilities also off er special “memory care units” for residents with dementia. Costs for assisted living usually run between $3,000 and $6,000 per month depending on location and services needed. Most residents pay for assisted living from personal funds, while some have long-term care insurance policies. And many state Medicaid programs today also cover some assisted living costs for fi nancially eligible residents. Another similar, but less expensive option to look into is “board and care homes.” These off er many of the same services as assisted living facilities but in a much smaller home setting. Your Area Aging Agency is again a good resource for fi nding assisted living facilities and board care homes, as is Caring.com. Nursing homes: If your mom needs ongoing medical and personal care or has very limited mobility, a nursing home, which provides 24-hour skilled nursing care is the next option. To fi nd a good one, use Medicare’s nursing home compare tool at Medicare.gov/care-compare. This tool will not only help you locate nursing homes in your area, it also provides a 5-star rating system on recent health inspections, staffi ng, quality of care, and overall rating. But be aware that nursing home care is very expensive, costing anywhere between $4,500 and $13,000 per month for a semi-private room depending on where you live. Most residents pay from either personal funds, a long-term care insurance policy or through Medicaid after their savings are depleted. Continuing-care retirement communities (CCRC’s): If your mom has the financial resources, a “CCRC” is another option that provides all levels of housing (independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing home care) in one convenient location. But these communities typically require a hefty entrance fee that can range from $20,000 to $500,000 or more, plus ongoing monthly service fees that vary from around $2,000 to over $4,000. To search for CCRC’s visit Caring.com. Need Help? If you’re not sure what your mom needs, consider hiring an aging life care expert (AgingLifeCare.org) who can assess your mom and fi nd her appropriate housing for a fee – usually between $300 and $800.Or you can use a senior care advising service like A Place for Mom (APlaceForMom.com) for free. They get paid from the senior living facilities in their network. 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. pills are easy to purchase, widely available, often contain fentanyl or methamphetamine and can be deadly. Fake prescription pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them available to anyone with a smartphone, including minors. Many counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription opioids – such as oxycodone (Oxycontin®, Percocet®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®) and alprazolam (Xanax®) – or stimulants like amphetamines (Adderall®). Legit or counterfeit Authentic oxycodone: synthetic opioid drug prescribed for pain as OxyContin®, Tylox® and Percodan®. These drugs are derived from one species of the poppy plant and have a high potential for abuse. Counterfeit street names: 30s, 40s, 512s, Beans, Blues, Buttons, Cotton, Greens, Hillbilly Heroin, Kickers, Killers, Muchachas, Mujeres, OC, Oxy, Oxy 80s, Roxy, Roxy Shorts, Whites. Authentic alprazolam: depressants that produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and prevent seizures. Available in prescription pills, syrup and injectable preparation. Prescribed as Valium®, Xanax®, Restoril®, Ativan® and Klonopin®. Counterfeit street names: Bars, Benzos, Bicycle Handle Bars, Bicycle Parts, Bricks, Footballs, Handlebars, Hulk, Ladders, Planks, School Bus, Sticks, Xanies, Yellow Boys, Zanbars, Zannies and Z-Bars. Authentic amphetamine: prescription stimulants used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Used as a study aid, to stay awake and to suppress appetites; prescribed as Adderall®, Concerta®, Dexedrine®, Focalin®, Metadate®, Methylin® and Ritalin®. Counterfeit street names: ATrain, Abby, Addy, Amps, Christmas Trees, Co-Pilots, Lid Poppers, Smart Pills, Smarties, Study Buddies, Study Skittles, Truck Drivers and Zing. CAUTIOUS | FROM Page 9 information, birthdate, address or Social Security/health insurance/Medicare number with an unsolicited caller. • Be social media smart. Make use of privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profi le and never reveal address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as a friend or relative and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you saw on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads. 1. Marshall McLuhan 2. Donald Trump 3. Herring 4. Black-eyed peas, rice and pork (sometimes also collard greens and cornbread) 5. A 10-year anniversary 6. Cigarettes 7. Italy 8. A toboggan run in St. Moritz, Switzerland, that has been built from snow annually since 1885 9. Boston (the Tremont House at Beacon and Tremont Streets) 10. C 11. The Mariana Trench is the earth’s deepest ocean trench; the Challenger Deep is the deepest part of the Mariana Trench. 12. Mexico 13. John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy, George H.W. Bush (Massachusetts); Franklin Pierce (New Hampshire); Chester Arthur, Calvin Coolidge (Vermont); George W. Bush (Connecticut) 14. The paper straw 15. Maine 16. France 17. Boston cream pie 18. Peanuts and sweet potatoes 19. Kahlil Gibran 20. Carl Sandburg
Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 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 selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. 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: www.massterlist.com/subscribe THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the number of times in the 2021 session each senator sided with Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and voted to sustain the governor’s 25 vetoes of items, mostly in the fiscal 2022 state budget. A vote to sustain means the senator supports Baker’s veto. A vote to override means the senator voted to fund the item despite the governor’s veto. The current makeup of the Senate is 36 Democrats, three Republicans and one vacant seat. A twothirds vote is required to override a gubernatorial veto in a full 40-member Senate when there are no vacancies. The governor needs the support of 14 senators to sustain a veto if all 40 senators voted—and fewer votes if some members are absent or there are vacancies. Baker fell far short of that goal as six votes was the most support he received on any veto. The Senate easily overrode all 25 vetoes, including fi ve that were overridden unanimously. The vetoes had no support from 30 of the 36 Democrats who never once voted to sustain Baker’s veto. Only six Democratic senators voted to sustain any of the governor’s vetoes. The Democrat who voted the most times with Baker to sustain his veto is Sen. Walter Timilty (D-Milton) who voted with Baker four times. Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) voted with Baker twice. Sens. Sonia Chang-Díaz (D-Boston), Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen), Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) and Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) each voted with Baker once. None of the three Republicans voted with Baker 100 percent of the time. The Republican senator who voted the greatest number of times with Baker was Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) who voted with Baker 17 times (68.0 percent of the time). Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) voted with Baker only fi ve times (20.0 percent), the least number of times among Republicans. Even Republican Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) only supported Baker 14 times (56.0 percent). NUMBER OF TIMES SENATORS SUPPORTED GOV. BAKER’S VETOES IN 2021 Here is how your senator fared in his or her support of Baker on the vetoes. The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported Baker. The number in parentheses represents the actual number of times the senator supported Baker. Sen. Joseph Boncore has resigned 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 20-24, the House met for a total of one hour and 10 minutes and the Senate each met for a total of one hour and one minute. 24 minutes. Mon. Dec. 20 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:56 a.m. Senate 11:10 a.m. to 12:02 p.m. Tues. Dec. 21 No House session No Senate session Wed. Dec. 22 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Dec. 23 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:24 a.m. Fri. Dec. 24 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com ~ Home of the Week ~ Lynn...Updated and sparkling 6 room Ranch View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. INCOME FIRST RULE M assHealth follows federal Medicaid regulations and therefore must provide a spouse who continues to live home, while his or her spouse resides in a nursing home and receives MassHealth benefits, with what is called the minimum monthly maintenance needs allowance (MMMNA). The current MMMNA is $2,177.50. Assume a husband is going into a nursing home and his combined monthly pension and social security income is $3,000. Ordinarily, his patient pay amount (PPA), the amount of his monthly income that would have to be paid to the nursing home each month, would be $2,727.20, which results from subtracting the personal needs allowance that MassHealth allows him to keep each month of $72.80 and his monthly health insurance premiums of $200 from $3,000.00. If his wife only has social security income of $750 per month, MassHealth will reallocate $1,427.50 of his monthly income to her to bring her up to the MMMNA fi gure of $2,177.50. Therefore, the actual amount the husband will pay to the nursing home each month will instead be $1,299.70. In addition to the MMMNA designed to provide a minimum amount of income to the spouse who stays at home and still needs to pay the house bills, food shopping bills, etc., Medicaid law also provides for a certain amount of otherwise countable assets to be kept in his or her name. That amount is currently set at $130,380. The spouse in the nursing home can only have $2,000 of countable assets in his or her name. Any excess assets must be spent on nursing home care unless steps are taking to protect those assets for the spouse at home to avoid his or her being impoverished. What are some of the steps that can be taken? Certainly, funds should be set aside towards irrevocable funeral contracts, cemetery plot and other expenses associated with your funeral arrangements. A separate “burial” account in the amount of $1,500 can be established at your bank for each spouse. Although this is not a large amount of money, it would still serve to fund a collation for the family after the funeral service for each of the spouses. A Medicaid annuity can be purchased in the name of the spouse who remains at home thereby providing him or her with additional monthly income to help pay for monthly bills. The annuity contract must be irrevocable, non-assignable and non-commutable. This strategy essentially converts countable assets that would otherwise be required to be spent down on nursing home care into a lifetime income stream for the spouse who stays at home. Furthermore, there is no fi ve-year look back period concern as transfers between spouses are not disqualifying transfers. It is always a good idea to plan ahead. However, there are last minute planning opportunities available depending upon the unique circumstances applicable to a particular family. 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. Discount Services -Raccoons -Squirrels 781-269-0914 Removal Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 19 Polito announces awarding of $3.5M for local technology infrastructure L ieutenant Governor Karyn Polito recently announced $3.5 million in grants to 70 municipalities through the Community Compact Cabinet’s Information Technology grant program. The Baker-Polito Administration has now issued 749 grants through this program worth $19.2 million to help Massachusetts communities become more effi cient and innovative while improving their technology infrastructure. “Technology systems support so many of the critical services that Massachusetts cities, towns and school districts provide to residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud that our Administration, through the work of the Community Compact Cabinet, is continuing its partnership with local communities to enable another round of innovative IT improvement projects.” “Since the beginning of the grant program, our collaboration with cities and towns across the Commonwealth has led to hundreds of transformative technology investments, from public safety systems upgrades to establishing online permitting,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As the Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet, I am pleased to announce and congratulate the 70 municipalities receiving awards in this year’s round of grants.” “We are proud to continue supporting a wide range of impactful IT initiatives that will undoubtedly improve the effi ciency and reliability of government services,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heff ernan. “We appreciate the continued commitment and partnership of our local community leaders in identifying and undertaking these projects to better serve their businesses, residents, and visitors.” "The Baker-Polito Administration has long recognized the importance of modernizing the Commonwealth’s IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as improving the constituent digital experience,” said Technology and Security Secretary Curtis Wood. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that municipalities are able to deliver the critical services that government provides through a secure digital environment.” The application period for the new Municipal Fiber Grant program will run from March 15 to April 15, 2022. This competitive grant program through the Community Compact Cabinet is designed to support closing critical gaps that exist in municipal networks, which allows for the central management of IT infrastructure, improves cybersecurity and can provide overall network cost savings. About the Community Compact Cabinet Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Polito and is composed of the Massachusetts Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Aff airs, and Technology Services and Security, along with the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services. The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns, and it allows the Governor’s Offi ce to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies and it develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the Commonwealth and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations and accountability for both partners. Driveways From $ 35 * REASONABLE RATES * Prompt, Courteous Service * PARKING LOTS 781-521-9927 USA Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING VENDING MACHINE MOVER $500.00 Signing Bonus for All New Hires Driver with clean driving record for the greater Boston area to move and service vending equipment. Any Electronics experience is helpful but not necessary. Salary commensurate with job experience. Our company was established in 1961. We offer competitive wages, a 401k and profit-sharing plan, health & dental benefits, paid holidays and paid vacations and many other benefits. Full time, plus OT available. Random drug testing and background checks are performed. Must be able to speak English fluently. Apply in person Monday thru Friday, 9am to 4pm @ 83 Broadway, Malden, MA – Or send your resume to david@actionjacksonusa.com. No phone calls please. Call
Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 OBITUARIES Joanne M. Ferragamo do puzzles and, of course, cook. She was known for her many delicious meals that she would make for her family to enjoy. She was also a woman of great faith, and she loved her church, St. Anthony of Padua in Revere. In 1998, she relocated to Peabody with her son David and his family. Being together with her family is what mattered most to Joanne. D ied on Monday, December 27 at the Lahey Hospital in Burlington, after a brief battle with COVID-19, she was 80 years old. Joanne was a Revere native and was proud to come from a large Italian family. She was educated in Revere Schools and was an alumna of Revere High School, Class of 1960. Joanne worked as a Claims Representative at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company for over 30 years. She worked for many years in the Boston location, before relocating to the Danvers Office. Joanne was a devoted mother to her son David, and she worked hard to provide him everything he needed as a child. Joanne was blessed to be a grandmother and enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow into fi ne adults. She was a homebody who loved to She is the loving & devoted mother of David Ferragamo, Sr. & his companion Cheryl Anderson of Peabody. Cherished & proud grandmother of David Ferragamo, Jr. & Ashley M. Ferragamo, both of Peabody. Beloved former mother-in-law & “Surrogate Mother” to Tracy J. Ferragamo of Haverhill. Dear sister of Lillian Gonzalez of North Reading & the late Ralph J. Ferragamo, Phyllis Dent, Anthony J. & Joseph A. Ferragamo, Sr. & Christopher J. Ferragamo. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews & her “Yorkies”; Bella, and the late Gizmo & Itzy. Family & friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Monday, January 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rt. 107) REVERE. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere St., REVERE at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. At the family’s request, we ask that all visitors & attendees please wear face coverings throughout all of the services. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, 10 Chandler St. Boston, MA 02116. Ralph F. Menier, Sr. received while performing. In 1977, Ralph and his wife decided to leave Revere and to enjoy their New Hampshire home permanently. Soon, the entire family followed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy M. (Voss) Menier on January 14, 2009. He is the devoted father of Ralph F. Menier, Jr. & his longtime partner Myrna Lopez, Donna M. Menier & Richard P. Menier of all of Atkinson, NH. He is the proud grandfather of Raymond H. Meiner of Ladson, SC, Rachel G. Menier of Nashua, NH, Alfred R. Rapisarda & Daniel J. Rapisarda, both of Atkinson. NH & Brittany McDougall of Buff alo, NY. Dear father-in-law of the late Tammy Thompson-Menier. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of your choice. P assed after a long illness at “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior his home in Atkinson, New Hampshire on December 27. He was 91 years of age. Ralph was born and raised in Chelsea. The family came to live in Revere, and he was a graduate of Revere High School, Class of 1948. He joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Confl ict and served for 2 years, having been discharged in December of 1952. Ralph had an intense interest in airplanes and all that made them perform. He was an alumnus of the former New England Aircraft and Engineering school. He worked as a Flight Engineer with American Airlines for 45 years, retiring in 2000. Ralph truly loved his chosen fi eld of work and anxiously would work much overtime simply for the fact of the joy he KITCHEN CABINETS To Look Like New 508-840-0501 FURNITURE STRIP & FINISH Maria R. (Farrell) Schindler faced with. Dedication was in her DNA. She would treat others as if they were her own family and many of them stayed in touch with her and became lifelong friends. On November 7, 1981, Maria married her best friend, Christopher Schindler. The couple, after they were married, remained in Revere where they raised their four children. She was dedicated to her family and was all about showing them what dedication & determination meant. One of Maria’s greatest joys in her life was spoiling her grandchildren, she adored them more than anything. She was also very happy while cooking for friends, family & even patients. She was an avid gardener at home. Her happy place when not surrounded by her family was up in the cabin with her husband in Hollis, Maine. She loved it there and enjoyed spending her time there. Maria will be remembered for her dedication as a nurse, her role with her family, but most of all for giving back and not ever looking for any recognition. She is the devoted wife of 40 D ied on Saturday, December 25 after being stricken at her home and later pronounced at the Whidden Memorial Hospital, she was 64 years old. Maria was a true Revere native. She was educated in Revere Schools and was an alumna of Revere High School, Class of 1975. Maria knew her calling and enrolled in Somerville School of Nursing, what would become a career that spanned 45 years. She began her career at the Faulkner Hospital where she worked for about 4 years before securing a position at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, where she remained for 41 years. Maria worked all facets of nursing but was most fulfi lled as a Labor & Delivery Nurse. She was there to be with parents as they celebrated their joy of welcoming their child or children in this world. She was also there, during very difficult times, when parents would be faced with losing a child at birth, it was Maria who would take charge and help the heartbroken parents cope and help the parents during these times. She always went above & beyond with very case she was years to Christopher Schindler of Revere. Loving & proud mother of David P. Schindler & wife Candi of South Carolina, April M. Schindler, Jacklyn A. Damiano & husband Stephen, Jr., all of Revere & Adam J. Schindler & wife Sara of Lowell. Cherished grandmother of Adam J., Madison R. & Stephen, III. Beloved daughter of the late Richard P. & Mary T. (Little) Farrell. Dear sister of the late Airman 1st Class John E. Farrell. She is also lovingly survived by many faithful cousins, friends & colleagues. Remembrances may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute – Division of Development & The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168. Vincent A. Sutera A ge 79, of Saugus, formerly of Revere, died on Saturday, December 25. He was the beloved husband of Diane R. (Stergios) Sutera with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Boston, Mr. Sutera was the son of the late Philip and Josephine (LoPiccolo) Sutera. In addition to his wife, Mr. Sutera is survived by his daughter, Karen Schroth and her fi ancé Robert Hanscom of Saugus; four grandchildren, Vincent Schroth and his wife Mason of TX, Patrick, Krista and Philip Schroth all of Saugus; his great granddaughter, Lucy; his sister, Claudia D’Amato and her husband Ted of Lynnfi eld; as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Vincent’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association @ heart.org
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 21 WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! ADVOCATE Call now! 781-286-8500 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net Classifi eds
Page 22 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Your Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $100 per paper in-town per year or $120 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149 CONDOMINIUM - LYNN Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Generals, pictured from left to right: Front row: Co-Captain Keenan Maguire, Liam O’Bannon, Cooper Soolman, Max Clark, Ben Mark and Adam Green; back row: Sam Linnington, Sam Reid, Henry Stinson, Greyson Nordin, Aiden Noonan, Co-Captain Joseph Loughlin and Eastin Lowther, coached by Nicholas DiMarino. Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School Freshmen Boys’ Basketball Generals, pictured from left to right:: Back row: Galen Clark-Goldfeld, Co-Captain Cole Scanlon, Joseph Yoon and John Giarnese; top row: Co-Captain Christopher Feron, Brynjar Reid, Ethan Clay and Jack Cooke, coached by Ian Riaf. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) 6 Hodgkins Rd., Unit A $379,000 Rockport, MA - CONTINGENT 196 Locust St., Lynn - Welcome to the Stadium Condominiums, one the best managed and maintained properties on the North bonus area of a private indoor balcony overlooking the lobby. This is a tremendous value and will not last. Currently rented. Tenant pays $1,450/mo. and would like to stay. Lease expires end of April, Section 8 - $205,000 38 Main St., Saugus (781) 558-1091 mangorealtyteam.com ~ Meet Our Agents ~ Barry Tam Sue Palomba Founder, CEO Lea Doherty Location! Welcome to 6 Hodgkins Road in Rockport with 2 deeded its own entrance with a beautiful mudroom. This condo can be transferred into the home of your dreams with a kitchen that offers granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an eat in with plenty of sunlight. The open concept of living room that awaits a has 3 bedrooms along with a full bath and a pull down attic with storage. Charm, a special urban feel, level yard, shed, 2 deeded parking, commuter rail seaside town, and much more. What more can be asked. This opportunity is awaiting for you! 43 Holland St., Saugus $499,000 level living. The living room overlooks a deck with an open backyard area, with tional full bath. The level yard is nestled with a fenced in yard, shed, and more. You will love this home just as the previous owner did!! ~ APARTMENTS FOR RENT ~ TWO - 4 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN CHELSEA RANGING FROM $1800 - $3000. CALL (617) 877-4553 FOR INFORMATION. Ron Visconti Carolina Coral Franco Pizzarella Call (781) 558-1091 for a Free Market Analysis! We are Fluent in Chinese, Cantonese, Italian and Spanish! Patrick Rescigno Rosa Rescigno Carl Greenler 20 Railroad Ave. Rockport MA $474,800 Light and airy rooms, in the uniquely designed, attractively laid out home, that adapts to a variety of year round getaway, Condo Alternative! Easy access to Front Beach. A commuters dream. Perfect location. All the work has been done for you to move right in to this 2 BR 1.5 bath colonial. Located near the train, shopping, restaurants, beaches, and Shalin Liu Music Center. The open concept living and dining room is bright roomy. French doors to wonderful balcony off the master bedroom. Low maintenance exterior with parking for 2 cars. But so close to the train you don’t even need a car. Bonus area in basement with plumbing connections for a possible bathroom. This Rockport gem is worth seeing. Has great rental/ vrbo potential and has a history of commercial use. UNDER AGREEMENT SOLD SOLD BASKETBALL | FROM Page 10
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 Page 23 Follow Us On: COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY SALES & RENTALS Sandy Juliano Broker/President As 2021 closes and 2022 begins, we thank you for your business and wish good health, much happiness and many moments of joy to all our families, friends and clients! Happy New Year! WE KNOW EVERETT!! Call TODAY to sell or buy with the best! LISTED BY NORMA & ROSEMARIE NEW LISTING BY SANDY SOLD! CONDO - NEW PRICE - $449,900 30 CHELSEA ST. #812 EVERETT CALL NORMA FOR DETAILS! 617-590-9143 SOLD SINGLE FAMILY 39 ARLINGTON ST., EVERETT $529,900 NEW LISTING 129 CLARENCE ST., EVERETT NEW PRICE! $799,900 TWO FAMILY SOLD BY NORMA UNDER AGREEMENT HUGE 3 FAMILY 21-23 CLEVELAND AVE., EVERETT $980,000 32 RIDGE RD., READING $675,000 NEW LISTING BY NORMA CONDO 120 WYLLIS AVE., UNIT #310 SOLD BY JOE! 6 FAMILY CHARLES STREET, MALDEN $1,250,000 CALL JOE FOR DETAILS 617-680-7610 UNDER AGREEMENT SINGLE FAMILY 20 BAKER RD., EVERETT $509,900 SOLD BY MICHAEL AS BUYER’S AGENT 58 BRADFORD ST. EVERETT Joe DiNuzzo Norma Capuano Parziale - Broker Associate www.jrs-properties.com O D il F 10 00 A M 5 00 PM - Agent Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149 Denise Matarazz - Agent Maria Scrima - Agent Follow Us On: 617.544.6274 Rosemarie Ciampi - Agent Michael Matarazzo -Agent Mark Sachetta - Agent
Page 24 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021 # 1 “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” View our website from your mobile phone! 335 Central St., Saugus, MA 781-233-7300 WONDERING WHAT YOUR HOME IS WORTH? CALL US FOR A FREE OPINION OF VALUE. 781-233-1401 38 MAIN STREET, SAUGUS COMING SOON COMING SOON LET US SHOW YOU OUR MARKETING PLAN TO GET YOU TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR HOME! LITTLEFIELDRE.COM UNDER CONTRACT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY COMING SOON- 3 BED 2 BATH UPDATED CONDO WITH 4 PARKING SPACES, 2 COVERED $529,900 DANVERS CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 SOLD $50K OVER ASKING FOR SALE- 3 BED 1 BATH RANCH WITH ALL NEW SYSTEMS & FENCED YRD DEAD END ST $499,900 SAUGUS CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? CALL ERIC ROSEN FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS! 781-223-0289 FOR SALE- BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED 4 BED 2 BATH OPEN CONCEPT CAPE $589,900 SAUGUS CALL JOHN 617 -285-7117 FOR RENT 1 BED WITH EAT-IN KITCHEN & LAUNDRY IN UNIT ON STREET PERMIT PARKING. EVERETT $1700 CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 FOR RENT SUNNY & BRIGHT 2-3 BED FULL KITCHEN W/ LAUNDRY IN UNIT. OFF ST PARKING FOR 2.SAUGUS $2200 CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 COMING SOON - 2 BED 2.5 BATH TOWNHOUSE ACROSS FROM THE BEACH WITH AMAZING OCEAN VIEWS SWAMPSCOTT CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 UNDER CONTRACT FOR SALE - CUSTOM BUILT, 8 ROOM, 3 BED 3 BATH SPLIT ENTRY IN DESIRABLE INDIAN VALLEY $734,900 SAUGUS CALL KEITH 7781-389-0791 FOR SALE FOR SALE - 3 FAMILY & 1 FAMILY ALL ON ONE LOT, PLENTY OR PARKING, CLOSE TO CASINO $1,400,000 EVERETT RHONDA 781-706-0842 OFFICE FOR RENT FOR SALE- COMPLETELY RENOVATED 3 BED 1 BATH RANCH NICE SIDE STREET $499,900 PEABODY CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 UNDER CONTRACT FOR SALE-UPDATED 1 BED CONDO WITH SS KITCH AND HW FLRS. FEE INCL HEAT & HW. 2 OFF ST PKING. $274,900 WAKEFIELD CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 781-706-0842 FOR RENT FOR RENT OFFICE SPACES WITH PLENTY OF PARKING SAUGUS FROM $600 - $1400 CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 FOR RENT
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