׉?4ׁB!בCט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://wSWbisuV7YIaes18TJtKZN3GxlvadQhhqvMyzJCv01k C`)׉	 7cassandra://gN_0yNk6jY6fhNnOENKWIrqdqOx6Rmo2PQDXYApg5jE͂`J׉	 7cassandra://alZ8_cUasrSURuMWJ6JnKu_9JqD9TmIYQIgX_pWf2hE)8`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://Zb_52WOWP8ElZsXrwBpfnklwUEybWOHyDPdRcDeLuvI  ͠aN,wj3yנaN,wj3y Z9ׁH !http://www.messingerinsurance.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3y }9ׁHhttp://WWW.EVERETTBANK.COMׁׁЈנaN,wj3y ̺9ׁHhttp://www.EverettBank.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3y p̿9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁׁЈ׈EaN,wj3y׉EEVERET
V
Vol. 30, No.52
-FREEE
E ER TT
www.advocatenews.net
Have a Prosperous & Joyous New Year!
av
D CAOCE
Free Every Friday
e
617-387-2200
Friday, December 31, 2021
2021:
Happy New Year!
A Year of Recovery
We’re closed for New Year’s Eve (12/31) at 2 PM and New Year’s Day (1/1) all day.
Wishing you peace and prosperity in 2022.
As always, access our ATMs and your Online & Mobile Banking anytime.
Enroll at www.EverettBank.com
YEAR IN REVIEW: Mayor Carlo DeMaria was re-elected to
a historic sixth term in the General Election on November
3. The mayor is shown with his wife, First Lady Stacy
DeMaria, and their children – Caroline, Alex and Carlo III.
(Advocate photo by Tara Vocino)
By Christopher Roberson
JANUARY
419 BROADWAY. EVERETT, MA 02149
771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940
WWW.EVERETTBANK.COM
617-387-1110
781-776-4444
Member FDIC | Member DIF
SINCE 1921
Messinger Insurance Agency
475 Broadway
Everett, MA 02149
Phone: 617-387-2700
Fax: 617-387-7753
NEW COMPETITIVE AUTO RATES AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE
 ACCIDENT FORGIVENESS
 DISAPPEARING COLLISION DEDUCTIBLE
 11% DISCOUNT WITH SUPPORTING POLICY
 10% COMBINED PAY IN FULL DISCOUNT AND
GREEN DISCOUNT
 10% GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT
Celebrating 100 years of excellence!
Monday thru Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturdays 9am to 1pm!
Check out our NEW website!
www.messingerinsurance.com
After a year of unprecedented
hardship triggered by the
COVID-19 pandemic, city offi -
cials were eagerly looking forward
to 2021. “2021 will bring
new transportation initiatives,
additional improvement to the
city’s infrastructure and continued
support for our residents,”
said Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
“2021 will be a great year for
Everett.”
Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone
also shared his optimism
for the New Year. “2020 was
such a diffi cult year emotionally,
physically and fi nancially.
In addition, many of us experienced
loss of friends and loved
ones,” he said. “I am confi dent
that we will emerge a stronger
community even more dedicated
to the needs of others.”
Matewsky voted City
Council president
In a unanimous vote, the
City Council elected Councillor-at-Large
Wayne Matewsky
to serve as its new president.
“He’s given his life to this city,”
said Ward 3 Councillor Anthony
DiPierro, who nominated
Matewsky during the January
4 meeting. “He lives, sleeps and
breathes Everett.”
Since he was fi rst elected in
1981, Matewsky served with
seven mayors, was president of
the Common Council and the
Board of Aldermen. He was also
the state representative of the
28th Middlesex District from
2013-2015.
“Honesty, respect and fairness
has always been what I
strive to do in this Chamber
and in my life,” said Matewsky.
“You can make friends in
this business and I have. I want
to thank my colleagues who
spoke and sponsored me. I’m
very grateful; I appreciate your
faith in me.”
DeMaria extended his congratulations.
“I have known
Wayne for many years and have
always admired his work ethic
and his deep connection that
he has fostered with his constituents
throughout the years,”
he said following the meeting.
“I look forward to working
closely with Council President
Matewsky and want to congratulate
him for his election.”
2021 | SEE PAGE 2
׉	 7cassandra://alZ8_cUasrSURuMWJ6JnKu_9JqD9TmIYQIgX_pWf2hE)8`̰ aN,wj3y؁aN,wj3yׁ
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://wZPKDfwdB5qhI-EGtimjIr1V-kLUwBc5GY7LqdbiUGk ̦`)׉	 7cassandra://efCUjhN-epco63A_nuyBZwYw5A3pxbLFP9GqHlIlXosͩ`J׉	 7cassandra://lbEo4dtlhmUeIglgwUEmq3VgLiHDpYZZqNkZcBvOJTQ14`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://lxn3vgckPVQAZF07tmWpESJ7kQmGf8tPSYkD6rg8QY8 ͨ͠aN,wj3yט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://aWf3V2LyQAgAMlofSxYxHcg7cEBUKPUm0mXh9gPlK8U $`)׉	 7cassandra://col2-heTwYR6j_KGoY87fqZT0QFnJR9k-jhbPj5fkZEͫ`J׉	 7cassandra://ozS-MCf6ZryjxCcTPQisyN8m1a54FINiTROSvR3usHA0`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://MZjNPArA39EkZJ-gbPPF69_VtGAnESU07Ma0RsLJNiA ^t Q͠aN,wj3y׉EPage 2
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 1
After what had been a very
diffi cult year with the pandemic,
outgoing City Council President
Rosa DiFlorio was more
than happy to turn the reins
over to Matewsky. “All I can tell
you is I have a lot of candles and
I’ll be lighting them for you,”
she said.
At the time, no one could
have known how true those
words would be just two
months later.
Parker leads School
Committee
Regarding the future of the
School Committee, Ward 3
Member Frank Parker was chosen
as the new chairman. He
said transparency needs to be
at the forefront as well as educating
residents about the
school budget process.
The committee’s new vice
chairman, Thomas Abruzzese,
said he was anticipating the
launch of the hybrid learning
model, which he hoped would
be the gateway to the return
of in-person learning. Abruzzese
also said he had the utmost
confi dence in the committee’s
chairman. “I am looking forward
to a great year; we elected
an outstanding leader in Frank
Parker,” he said. “With Frank's
leadership, I am confi dent we
as a group, along with the city
government and our superintendent,
will be able to continue
to provide a high-quality education
for all of our students.”
Mayor joins School
Committee
On January 13, Governor
Charlie Baker signed the Home
Rule petition amending Everett’s
City Charter and allowing
DeMaria to become a voting
member of the School Committee.
DeMaria said he looked
forward to cohesively working
with the committee while developing
a record of accountability
and allowing residents
to know where he stands on
important school-related matters.
Ground
broken
for mixed-use
development on
Broadway
On January 25, DeMaria hosted
the groundbreaking of The
600 development at 600 Broadway.
The city had worked diligently
with the development
team, A10 Associates, Volnay
Capital and Context to get this
project off the ground.
“It was very exciting to host
the groundbreaking of The
600,” said DeMaria. “I have been
looking forward to this day
since the planning stages began.
The 600 will be located in
the heart of the city and it will
be a fantastic addition to our
community.”
This mixed-use development
remains under construction
and is located at 594-602
Broadway. In addition to residential
units, the development
will feature retail space, restaurant
space and a roof deck with
outdoor kitchens. The project is
expected to be completed in
the spring of 2022.
FEBRUARY
School offi cials speak
out against Baker’s
adjustment to vaccine
timeline
The School Committee was
not pleased with Governor
Charlie Baker’s decision to put
teachers further back in line to
receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Baker announced that residents
65 and older and residents
with two or more comorbid
health conditions had
been moved ahead of teachers
in Phase Two of the vaccine
rollout plan.
“Clearly this governor has an
issue with educators,” said Ward
4 School Committee Member
Dana Murray during the
School Committee’s February
1 meeting. “The state came in
for no discernable reason and
changed the rules of the game.”
Vice Chairman Thomas Abruzzese
said the decision went
against what the governor
had previously said about giving
educators priority. “There
seems to be all sorts of lines
crossing,” he said.
As a result of Baker’s decision,
Superintendent of Schools Priya
Tahiliani said, the district’s
fi rst vaccine clinic, which was
City Council President
Wayne Matewsky suff ered
a massive heart attack while
on vacation in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida.
(File Photo)
scheduled for February 6, was
put on hold until further notice.
“At this point, we don’t even
have a fi rst date,” she said.
Kimberly Auger, president of
the Everett Teachers Association
(ETA), spoke about the results
of the teacher survey regarding
the transition to a hybrid
learning model. The results
showed that 57 percent
of Everett’s educators said they
would return to school “with
reservations.” In addition, 77
percent said they wanted to
see the positivity rate decrease
to fi ve percent before returning
to the classroom. “We want
nothing more than to be back
in front of our students, but
only when it’s safe,” said Auger.
“Our numbers are still high.”
She was also impressed with
how teachers adapted to the
remote learning model. “On a
dime, they went into another
mode,” said Auger. “We were
one of the few districts in the
state that did this right.”
However, Anna Seiders, the
2021 | SEE PAGE 3
Kevin Sheehan named new library director
B
By Christopher Roberson
urlington resident Kevin
Sheehan was recently
chosen as the city’s new library
director – bringing extensive
experience from the
Revere Public Library as well
as the Barker and Rotch Libraries
at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT).
“Kevin looks forward to improving
the online resources,
increasing library hours and
creating additional programming
at the Everett Public Libraries,”
said Mayor Carlo DeMaria.
Before
coming to Everett,
Sheehan was the director
of the Revere Public Library
from July 2013 to Januand
the circulation supervisor
from 2005 to 2010. Sheehan
holds a master’s in library
and information science
from Southern Connecticut
State University and a bachelor’s
degree from Assumption
University.
In addition to serving on
Kevin Sheehan
Library Director
ary 2020. While at MIT, Sheehan
was the access service
manager from 2010 to 2013
the Board of Trustees of the
Burlington Public Library,
Sheehan enjoys spending
time with his wife Cheryl
and their nine-year-old son
Tommy.
Prior to Sheehan coming
on board, the libraries, since
2019, had been under the interim
stewardship of Assistant
City Solicitor Matthew
Lattanzi.
׉	 7cassandra://lbEo4dtlhmUeIglgwUEmq3VgLiHDpYZZqNkZcBvOJTQ14`̰ aN,wj3y׉E/THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 3
2021 | FROM PAGE 2
ETA’s communication secretary,
said her “biggest concern”
pertained to new variants of
COVID-19, adding that another
surge was possible.
MARCH
EPS to bypass hybrid
model; in-person
learning slated for
early April
Near ly one year after
COVID-19 surfaced, Superintendent
of Schools Priya Tahiliani
announced that the
district would scrap plans for
hybrid learning and go directly
to in-person instruction on
April 5 starting with students
in grades K-5. The decision
to bypass the hybrid model
came after Governor Charlie
Baker and state Education
Commissioner Jeffrey Riley
called upon districts to bring
elementary students back to
school, five days a week, by
April. Middle and high school
students would return at a later
date.
“The mandate was surprising
but not shocking,” Tahiliani
said during the March 1 School
Committee meeting. “This is
an opportune time; we have
SCHOOL DAYS, SCHOOL DAYS (FINALLY): Welcomed by
balloons and a round of applause from teachers, students
lined up anxious to start classes in person at the George
Keverian School.
(Advocate photo by Tara Vocino)
started to see a flattening of
the curve.”
At the time, Everett ’s
COVID-19 risk level remained
in the yellow category with a
positivity rate of 3.4 percent.
Tahiliani also acknowledged
that some teachers might not
feel comfortable returning to
school right away. Therefore,
the district hired 40 long-term
substitute teachers.
In terms of what the school
day would look like, Tahiliani
said, students would begin arriving
at 7:40 a.m. and would
have an extended entrance period
to maintain social distancing.
With the exception of physical
education, Tahiliani said,
specialist teachers would come
to the classrooms and that students
would also have lunch in
their classrooms.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria said
remote learning had run its
course. “Zoom is starting to get
very tiresome,” he said.
DeMaria also said the state
was receiving 140,000 doses
2021 | SEE PAGE 4
Cataldo to be questioned about delayed response times
By Christopher Roberson
W
ard 3 Councillor Anthony
DiPierro and Ward 2
Councillor Stephanie Martins
are looking for answers after
learning that the response times
from the Cataldo Ambulance
Service have grown to 20 minutes
in some cases.
“That’s unacceptable,” said
DiPierro during the City Council’s
final meeting of the year on
December 27, adding that Cataldo
has violated its contract with
the city. “That’s why I was so adamant
about the city purchasing
its own ambulance.”
DiPierro reiterated that an inhouse
ambulance would supplement
Cataldo, which cannot
keep pace with the demand
for services. “They’re taking too
long to show up; they need to be
in this community,” he said, “not
coming from Stoneham, not
coming from Melrose.” In addition,
DiPierro said the city keeps
a record of any response times
that exceed seven minutes.
Four departing
councillors
In other news, the City Council
said goodbye to Ward 5 Councillor
Rosa DiFlorio, who is leaving
after 16 years, and Ward 1
Councillor Fred Capone, who is
leaving after eight years. Ward
6 Councillor Michael McLaughlin
and Councillor-at-Large Gerly
Adrien were also acknowledged
although they were not present
during the meeting. McLaughlin
served on the council for six
years while Adrien served for
two years.
Ward 3 Councillor Anthony
DiPierro said he had the pleasure
of serving with DiFlorio for
the past six years, adding that
he has become like one of her
own children. “Councillor DiFlorio
likes to say she has five
sons – she actually has six,” said
DiPierro. “I’m one of them. I get
yelled at like one of them but
that’s okay.”
He also said DiFlorio always
stood her ground even when it
was unpopular to do so. “She’s
never taken any nonsense from
CATALDO | SEE PAGE 25
׉	 7cassandra://ozS-MCf6ZryjxCcTPQisyN8m1a54FINiTROSvR3usHA0`̰ aN,wj3yځaN,wj3yف
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://yxim61OSw3oxH8HqQybfE_Tcqz1ABy_xqy1S6CowXR0 `)׉	 7cassandra://Bj3UbhYSdj2h8IJVmUn-hYLhQaWEEuXaNFo8pcqui34ͦ`J׉	 7cassandra://5W2D94l-Mp6Jko0d62fcYNqCd5oOnUabvfOHCRPG57o1`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://cEzFhsrTPlWL1cp-pHl5yuIfRFIvQo5VokLKiqLPq3I | ͠aN,wj3z ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://UB_tzrYnZChd_TGj9poQkZDrKqtOGfMIHHQ35gHPC8E 	1` )׉	 7cassandra://4JeXgPTHc2f-XUfm2u2zYWDUxFa6AtuzGD4SExpb9TY͘`J׉	 7cassandra://O3Zxaai7--9lrrus8Zfbxi67drTSaAVTDgCn50drgWg+(`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://4RQ3x9ZoDPFCo_0VzivS0xyHasspHA5QT3Xg9aIuGs0 y\N͠aN,wj3z׉E
Page 4
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 3
of the COVID-19 vaccine each
week.
Within that fi gure, 400 doses
would be sent to Everett.
“This is movement,” he said. “I
do believe that we are going
to be moving faster with priority
gaps.”
School Committee Vice Chairman
Thomas Abruzzese said
the announcement from Baker
and
Riley caught him “completely
off guard.” “It’s a lot to swallow,”
he said. “All of the sudden,
Governor Baker is going full
speed ahead with everything.”
Abruzzese also spoke about
conversations he had with
teachers regarding the reopening
plan. “They told me that
they heard about this and it
should all be slowed down,”
he said.
However, Tahiliani said the
students needed to be in the
forefront of everyone’s mind.
“We are growing more concerned
about the social and
emotional well-being of our students,”
she said.
“We’re coming up on a full
year of being remote – it’s time
for us to move forward.”
Mayor Carlo DeMaria is shown with his family after pulling
papers on May 17 to run for reelection this fall. “When
I became mayor, I made a promise to continue to better
our community,” he said. “I am not fi nished – my job is not
done.” (Photo Courtesy of the City of Everett)
Matewsky suff ers
heart attack in Florida
While on vacation in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida, City Council
President Wayne Matewsky
suff ered a massive heart attack.
Realizing his life was in danger,
Matewsky was able to call 911;
however, when paramedics arrived,
his heart had stopped
and a defi brillator was needed
to revive him. Matewsky
was then rushed to Holy Cross
Hospital in Fort Lauderdale and
was put on a ventilator.
At the time, Councillor-at-Large
Michael Marchese
was also on vacation in Fort
Lauderdale when he received
word about Matewsky on
March 18. “It’s terrible. I’ve
been friends with him for 3040
years,” said Marchese. “We
just have to hope for the best.”
In addition to Marchese, former
State Representative Stephen
Smith and former Councillor
Nicholas Saia went to
2021 | SEE PAGE 5
EPD welcomes two offi cers, announces two promotions
Police Chief Steven Mazzie (far right) is shown with Captain
Christopher Hannon (far left) and Lieutenant Paul Molea.
Hannon and Molea were both promoted during the December
27 City Council meeting.
(Photos Courtesy of the Everett Police Department)
New Police Offi cers Raymond Gallagher
and John Uga were sworn in before the
City Council on December 27.
A trusted family name
combined with exceptional
craftsmanship & professionalism.
Call for a consultation & quote.
63 Years!
• Vinyl Siding • Carpentry Work • Decks
• Roofing • Replacement Windows
• Free Estimates • Fully Licensed • Fully Insured
׉	 7cassandra://5W2D94l-Mp6Jko0d62fcYNqCd5oOnUabvfOHCRPG57o1`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 5
2021 | FROM PAGE 4
be with Matewsky. However,
Matewsky, who was usually
full of gusto, could only faintly
acknowledge the presence
of others.
Marchese said doctors intended
to perform bypass surgery
on March 19 and March
22;
however, both times, they
determined that Matewsky was
not yet strong enough to tolerate
the surgery. In addition,
Marchese said Matewsky had
a cardiac arrhythmia known as
atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie
Martins said the situation
was particularly difficult with
Matewsky being nearly 1,500
miles from home. “I am so sorry
to hear about this tragic news
and it is even worse that he is
that far away,” she said.
Ward 3 Councillor Anthony
DiPierro checked on Matewsky’s
condition every day. “I’ve
been very upset since hearing
he suffered the heart attack
but I know Wayne is a fighter
and he will be back stronger
than ever,” he said. “I continue
to pray every day for his speedy
recovery.”
Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone
shared his concerns as
well. “It really is terrible; everyone
is praying for him and
hopefully he will have a speedy
recovery,” he said.
Capone also spoke about
how the City Council should
proceed under these circumstances.
“The proper course of
action is to have the body appoint
an acting president on a
temporary basis until Wayne
is able to resume his duties as
president,” he said.
In the weeks that followed,
the City Council chose DiPierro
to serve as president pro tempore
until Matewsky was well
enough to return.
APRIL
Local doctors weigh
in on latest spike in
COVID-19 cases
As COVID-19 cases began to
Superintendent of Schools
Priya Tahiliani delivered the
EHS graduation keynote address.
(Photo courtesy of Everett
School Dept.)
increase once again, doctors at
area hospitals agreed that the
uptick was triggered not only
by variant forms of the virus,
but also by countless individuals
who have grown weary of
living with a pandemic for the
past year. On April 1, the state
Department of Public Health
reported that 55 communities
were in the red category of
COVID-19 transmission. Everett
had also slipped back into the
red category with a positivity
rate of 5.3 percent.
“Variants are contributing to
the increase in cases in Massachusetts,”
said Dr. Lou Ann
Bruno- Murtha of Cambridge
Health Alliance. “The more infectious
B.1.1.7 variant [UK variant]
is increasingly being identified
in Massachusetts and the
P1 variant [Brazilian variant] is
also beginning to increase.”
On April 4, renowned epidemiologist
Dr. Michael Osterholm
made a bold prediction
on NBC’s
“Meet the Press.” “Let me say
that, at this time, we really are
in a category five hurricane status,”
he said. “At this point, we
will see the highest number of
cases reported globally since
the beginning of the pandemic.
We’re just at the beginning of
City’s Inaugural ceremonies
scheduled for Jan. 3
T
he city’s 2022 Inaugural
ceremonies of the
Honorable Mayor Carlo DeMaria,
the Honorable Everett
City Council and the
Honorable Everett School
Committee will be held on
January 3, 2022, at 6 p.m.
The ceremonies will take
place inside the Performing
Arts Center at Everett
High School at 100 Elm St.
Residents, friends, families
and colleagues are cordially
invited to attend. Masks
are required for all attendees
regardless of vaccination
status.
Those who wish to watch
the ceremonies rather than
attend in person can watch
live on ECTV Channel 22,
on Facebook @City of Everett
and on the city’s website.
this surge; we haven’t even really
begun to see it yet.”
Despite her deep respect for
Osterholm, Bruno-Murtha said
she was “more optimistic for
Massachusetts.” “We have
maintained a state mask mandate
and our vaccination program
has been increasingly efficient,”
she said. “As of April 5,
38 percent of residents have
received at least one vaccine.”
She also said that time is of
the essence regarding the ongoing
rollout of the vaccines.
“The quicker we administer
vaccines, the sooner we will
have the upper hand on this
pandemic,” said Bruno-Murtha.
“I remain hopeful we will not
experience another surge in
Massachusetts.”
Dr. Brian Chow of Tufts Medical
Center said there were approximately
700 cases of the
UK variant in Massachusetts.
He said the Brazilian variant
had also gained a foothold following
an outbreak on Cape
Cod. “We are all very concerned
about the trajectory of the
number of cases, particularly
in Massachusetts,” said Chow.
“Whether the next surge arrives
will depend on our actions
today. Now is the time to
act to prevent the next surge.”
With Massachusetts in the
final phase of the Reopening
WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR
HEATING BILLS!
You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance
Program and be eligible for as much as $1,030
towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric).
Maximum benefit is $1,030
Household of 1 = $40,951
Household of 2 = $53,551
Household of 3 = $66,151
Household of 4 = $78,751
Cold days are coming.
ABCD’s got you covered.
Plan, Chow agreed with Bruno-
Murtha that vaccinations
needed to continue without
delay. “We are in a race against
time to get vaccines into arms,”
he said. “It takes at least 14 days
after the final dose of vaccine
to be protected. For Pfizer or
Moderna, that could be as long
as five to seven weeks after the
first dose.”
Dr. Stephen Kissler of the Harvard
T.H. Chan School of Public
Health said that while the variants
pose a significant threat,
another shutdown would not
be necessary. He said that
during the past year healthcare
professionals had learned an
incredible amount of information
pertaining to the spread
of COVID-19. For example, he
said, the probability of contracting
the virus by going to
2021 | SEE PAGE 6
APPLY TODAY!
Last day to apply is April 30, 2022
Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton:
178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012
Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett,
Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn:
18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284
׉	 7cassandra://O3Zxaai7--9lrrus8Zfbxi67drTSaAVTDgCn50drgWg+(`̰ aN,wj3y܁aN,wj3yہ
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://owEJMNnskV5k08WnweZAQGpuP7qSYypZTmu-dqlR4Lg 	-`)׉	 7cassandra://KKrhQjOB71meXrQWuZ9q7nGZamKalO2tAB6uqUQ1DoIͥ`J׉	 7cassandra://athBn80uoYS7ucx6r5oQJ3aGMkMhUkn_SjHKV_LA12c-`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://rioIuM5Xoga24WDGDmaQsYKO09faFVFbzfQl2tPq9sg N j͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://2_OUJkbZ2ttH88vP9Pfrb5rlterW8C1FFfIUGMDkcRc `)׉	 7cassandra://_KEJgGtQGutA3utcuukjkzxUQ349c5iFthLxTSwwGgc͜i`J׉	 7cassandra://MS_O175sXqDRp5xEWqBZRLpp58sOP6_A9JUvnfr7PB8+1`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://Hf4OGkH0da0xgkLwLnhlXilvl3BZGDp_afI077NjqYc d͠aN,wj3zנaN,wj3z 9ׁH  mailto:Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.netׁׁЈ׉EPage 6
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 5
the grocery store is fairly minimal,
particularly with everyone
wearing a mask. In contrast,
Kissler said indoor dining
creates a much greater risk.
“That’s the real concern that I
have,” he said.
Kissler also said there would
likely be a short-term surge
from those who went away for
Easter or Passover. “I think we
will probably see some surge,”
he said.
DeMaria and
DiDomenico
successfully lobby for
additional COVID-19
relief funding
After the $1.9 trillion American
Rescue Plan Act of 2021
was signed into law by President
Joe Biden on March 11,
Mayor Carlo DeMaria quickly
discovered that Everett would
only be receiving $4.5 million.
In contrast, Newton was slated
to get $65 million. “Disproportionate
is an understatement,”
said DeMaria.
In addition to Everett, Chelsea,
Randolph and Methuen
were also shortchanged by
what DeMaria called an “old
and antiquated formula.” These
were four of 20 communities
identified by the state as being
hardest hit by the COVID-19
pandemic. Therefore, DeMaria
and State Senator Sal DiDomenico
contacted Governor Charlie
Baker to lobby for additional
funding. Two weeks later, Baker
announced that $100 million
would be divided between Everett,
Chelsea, Randolph and
Methuen.
“I would like to personally
thank Governor Baker and his
team for acknowledging and
quickly responding to the inequitable
funding of the federal
formula,” said DeMaria. “I
would also like to recognize
the relentless advocacy of
State Senator Sal DiDomenico
who has stood by our side
through this entire process. Everett
deserves this funding and
I’m proud to say that our persistence
has paid off.”
DiDomenico was also
pleased with the new allocation.
“I am relieved that we finally
have a positive outcome.
This has been the result of a tremendous
amount of time and
effort, and it has consumed the
work of my office for weeks,” he
said. “I am grateful to the Baker
Administration for working
so closely with myself and our
local and federal leaders to secure
a resolution and ensure
that our hardest hit communities
receive the funding we
both need and deserve.”
Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone
said the allocation was
an example of Baker’s ongoing
commitment to Everett. “Without
these funds, efforts to assist
our residents and businesses
through this difficult time
would not be possible,” he said.
“We must allocate these funds
wisely, as the steady stream of
federal and state aid will not
last forever.”
Ward 3 Councillor Anthony
DiPierro said the state intervened
at a time when the federal
government fell short. “I
am thankful that our state officials
stepped up to the plate
Valedictorian Karen Portillo addressed her classmates for
the final time during Everett High School’s graduation ceremony
on June 9. Portillo will be attending Harvard University
in the fall. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson)
and bailed us out while our federal
delegation left us grasping
for straws,” he said. “It’s a shame
that our federal delegation was
asleep at the wheel on this one.”
Return to in-person
learning
Nearly seven months after
the 2020-2021 school year began,
students in grades K-5 finally
had the opportunity to return
to their schools.
“The students are just so
thrilled to be back,” said Superintendent
of Schools Priya Tahiliani
during the April 5 School
Committee meeting. “It was really
exciting and energizing to
be in those buildings. We’ve
lost an indescribable amount
during the pandemic.”
She said 70 percent of elementary
school parents opted
to send their children back
to school while the remaining
30 percent would finish the
school year using the remote
learning model. Tahiliani said
82 percent of parents would
allow their children to be tested
for COVID-19. She said preschool
students and students
in grades 6-8 are slated to return
to the classroom on April
26.
Tahiliani said Everett High
School freshmen will have the
option of returning to school
on May 10 while sophomores,
juniors and seniors can return
on May 11. She said 37 percent
of parents plan on sending
their students back to
school and the remaining 67
percent will continue with re2021
| SEE PAGE 7
~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~
The Weigh Forward
M
By Sam Amado, Jr.
any people begin the
year with a strong start
towards goals for their health,
careers and relationships.
But, something happens,
or stops happening, usually
about six to eight weeks in
to the year. They miss a goal,
or take a short cut (such as
driving or taking the bus rather
than walking uphill both
ways on Broadway). And,
they lose focus.
One of the mistakes people
make is that they assume fitness
goals are fixed. In reality,
it is not a question of reaching
a goal and resting.
Similarly, fitness goals have
to be maintained. (Losing
weight is one thing. But, if
somebody reverts to their
old habits after reaching their
goal, they will return to their
previous weight.)
My name is Sam Amado.
Like many people, I have succeeded
and struggled with
fitness and weight loss.
As an athlete, I have qualified
for global competitions.
As a trainer, I have been part
of, and run, exercise programs.
And, there have been
times when I avoided stepping
on a scale, because I did
not need (or want) to know
the number. I have had to
find a way to safely run classes
over the last two years.
(COVID-19 is not only more
dangerous for people who
are overweight; it made losing
the weight more difficult.)
We use a range of weights,
bikes and other equipment
(including a 3D body scanner)
to help our clients reach
their goals in one-on-one
or group classes that can be
mixed, matched or customized
based on clients’ goals.
Over the next few weeks,
this column will offer instruction
and encouragement on
setting and reaching your fitness
goals over the course
of 2022.
׉	 7cassandra://athBn80uoYS7ucx6r5oQJ3aGMkMhUkn_SjHKV_LA12c-`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 7
2021 | FROM PAGE 6
mote learning. “Certain parents
did not want to have their
students reacclimate to returning
to in-person [learning] at
this point in the school year,”
she said.
Although Everett had slipped
back into the red category for
COVID-19 transmission, Tahiliani
said there was no indication
that the schools were unsafe.
However, she and her colleagues
continued to closely
monitor the metrics and would
act if necessary. “All year, we’ve
been very flexible and adjusted
as we’ve needed to,” she said.
MAY
ZBA greenlights SKY
Everett proposal
The Zoning Board of Appeals,
during its May 3 meeting, voted
unanimously to approve
the proposal for SKY Everett,
a 21-story, mixed-use building
to be constructed at 114
Spring St.
“We are humbled and grateful
for the unanimous support
of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
A lot of work remains, but this
vote gives us the confidence to
continue this journey and deliver
a project to the community
that we can all be proud
of,” said John Tocco, a partner
at V10 Development. “None
of this could have happened
without the vision and leadership
of Mayor Carlo DeMaria
and his team who spent several
years rezoning and laying
the foundation for spectacular
things to happen in the Commercial
Triangle.”
The focal point of the development
will be the Sky Bar and
Restaurant operated by father
and son Nick and Nico Varano.
At 240 feet, it will be the tallest
restaurant in New England.
“At a time when restaurants
are closing and the industry
is contracting, we couldn’t be
happier to team with the Varano
family and legendary team
to bring this amazing concept
to life,” said Tocco. “The rooftop
bar and restaurant reinforces
our belief that you don’t have
to be downtown to experience
all the best that Boston offers.
The sensational view, easy access
and first-class amenities
offered at SKY Everett is urban
living at its best, without
the city hassles. The breathtaking
views combined with unmatched
hospitality will create
an atmosphere unlike any othEugene
O’Brien to march in
2022 Rose Parade with Band
Directors Marching Band
E
verett High School Band
Director Eugene O’Brien
has been selected to join a
marching band of band directors
up to 300 strong
from across the country in
the Pasadena Rose Parade
on January 1, 2022. The
band will accompany a colorful,
animated float along
the five-and-a-half-mile parade
route.
The Saluting America’s
Band Directors parade entry
will convey the theme, “We
teach music. We teach life” in
recognition of the extraordinary
dedication and accomplishments
of band directors
and music educators.
Throughout their careers,
the music educators in this
band have collectively mentored
and taught hundreds
of thousands – if not millions
– of students. These professionals
not only teach and
direct music – they teach
about life itself.
“I am truly humbled to be
nominated to march in the
Tournament of Roses Parade
on New Year’s Day to represent
the City of Everett, the
Everett Crimson Tide Marching
Band and the Everett
Public Schools at this spectacular
event,” said O’Brien.
“I have been blessed for the
past 25 years to have wonderful
students, fellow colleagues
and wonderful support
by School, City and
State Leaders.”
The band will be directed
by nationally known music
educator and innovative
band director Jon Waters,
who will also direct rehearsals
and a Tournament of Roses
Bandfest performance in
Pasadena. A custom musical
piece for the band has been
written by Bob Thurston, a
published composer, former
band director and retired Air
Force staff arranger.
The sponsoring organization
behind the Saluting
America’s Band Directors
project is the Michael
D. Sewell Memorial Foundation,
which is based in Pickerington,
Ohio. The foundation
was created to recognize
and carry on the work
of the late Mike Sewell, who
dedicated his life to the
school and community music
programs in Pickerington
and the Central Ohio area for
almost 40 years.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and Senior Class President Anne
Laurie Pierre.
er in Boston. You can even get
the best dining and hospitality
experience of the North End
here, without worrying about
parking in the North End.”
Once completed, SKY Everett
will be the tallest residential
building in the city. In terms
of size, only Encore Boston Harbor
will be larger than SKY Everett.
The building will offer 363
apartments, 340 parking spaces
and up to 7,490 square feet
of retail space.
Tocco also said the building
will have “amazing views of the
Boston skyline,” something that
is currently lacking throughout
the city. “We all think Everett
is situated on this hill and
you can see Boston all over the
place,” he said. “It’s very hard, at
the pedestrian level, to catch a
glimpse of the city of Boston.”
Tocco also said he did not expect
the building to become an
obstruction. “As the neighborhood
builds out, the building
will move to the background,”
he said.
In addition, V10 will put in a
15-foot right of way to allow for
a dedicated bus lane and Silver
Line stop.
“I commend V10 for working
with the city to help advance
our transportation pri(Photo
Courtesy of the City of Everett)
orities as well as creating fantastic
public spaces,” said DeMaria.
“This project supports
our transportation goals and,
just as important, cleans another
significantly contaminated
site in our city and returns
it to the public for lasting
enjoyment and revitalization.
At the end of the day, it’s
a beautiful project. Silver Line
expansion into Everett has
been a priority of my administration
for years. We have invested
significant time and energy
along with the Massachusetts
Department of Transportation
and the MBTA, to make
this a reality.”
City Council approves
12-year term limits
The City Council, during its
May 10 meeting, voted 7-3 in
support of amending the City
Charter to enact term limits for
the City Council, the Mayor and
the School Committee. New officials
serving in any of these
capacities would be limited to
12 consecutive years.
“It’s a progressive step that
would lead to increased citizen
participation,” said City Council
President Pro Tempore Anthony
DiPierro. “It would increase
the ratio of competitive elections.
It doesn’t rule anyone out
of office for good as there is a
Break in Service clause.”
Councillor-at-Large Michael
Marchese said candidates
needed to focus more
on a November victory rather
than on term limits. “You
still have to win the election,”
said Marchese, who has been
on and off the council for the
past 25 years. “That’s the main
thing; it’s not like you’re guaranteed
a spot.”
Ward 6 Councillor Michael
McLaughlin said that without
term limits officials run the risk
of becoming complacent. “We
cannot become stale in the position,”
he said.
McLaughlin also agreed with
2021 | SEE PAGE 8
Lawrence A. Simeone Jr.
Attorney-at-Law
~ Since 1989 ~
* Corporate Litigation
* Criminal/Civil
* MCAD
* Zoning/Land Court
* Wetlands Litigation
* Workmen’s Compensation
* Landlord/Tenant Litigation
* Real Estate Law
* Construction Litigation
* Tax Lein
* Personal Injury
* Bankruptcy
* Wrongful Death
* Zoning/Permitting Litigation
300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560
Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
׉	 7cassandra://MS_O175sXqDRp5xEWqBZRLpp58sOP6_A9JUvnfr7PB8+1`̰ aN,wj3yށaN,wj3y݁
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://e3lntuRgxRFwawHBn72BXlvxoV-P7TFMQUgK8d2DlM8 	1`)׉	 7cassandra://6tPjk0WDJTefsOx-V_WHZuYg2LItldk7DhLhqNGsPOcͪU`J׉	 7cassandra://un65X8EuUf4jKxtj7vIHLZWVUh8QjwL_-P4amCtsjJU-_`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://WLOkE9cjuhzVn1-3f2-YbV390vUyxHavfvTiK6S12m0 5 ͠aN,wj3z	ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://4klT-hmwM3_KGEi8qAgl81TxcijjHrOs-4Ck0eCgiYY `)׉	 7cassandra://ixcI70-Wziot_n3_pvcqPQczNWWrLnG_XU8UiBDuwuk͡`J׉	 7cassandra://XsiM77RZ-ZV6dGwPRY-yoqFieclZidtcVLwxRZv69Ug0`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://6kHDtD9-L01HzlD9hXlHtQKalw-6_TxTTQOSEI8Ls0c ? b͠aN,wj3z
נaN,wj3z 9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁׁЈ׉EPage 8
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 7
Marchese about the importance
of each election. “Every
two years, term limits are in effect,”
he said.
Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie
Martins also supported having
term limits. “I’m in favor of term
limits across the board,” she said,
adding that they would promote
an equal ratio of new and
experienced officials. “I think we
will have the healthy balance
that we’re looking for.”
However, Councillor-at-Large
John Hanlon spoke in opposition.
“The way that you stay in
office is by doing a good job,”
he said, adding that he would
not want to see anyone leave
because of term limits.
Although in favor of the Order,
Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone
said he was against any Charter
changes that are not on the ballot.
“At the heart of our government
is the Charter. It shouldn’t
be this easy to change it, it really
shouldn’t,” he said.
JUNE
City Council opens
budget hearings
As the budget process for
fiscal year 2022 moved forward,
department heads began
pitching their requests to
the City Council’s Budget Committee.
During
a June 2 hearing,
Mayor Carlo DeMaria proposed
to establish a Transportation
Department to be funded at
$490,100. The department
would be run by Jay Monty,
the city’s transportation planner.
In this new role, Monty
would receive an annual salary
of $110,000. A junior director,
an individual who recently
completed graduate school,
would also be hired at a salary
of $70,000.
“That’s a modest rate for that
position,” said Monty. “We’ve
done a lot with very little over
the past few years.”
The remaining budget hearings
were held on June 5.
quested if the salary needs to
be adjusted to find the right
applicant.
In addition, DiFlorio took issue
with the stipends for the
city’s boards and commissions.
“Some of these board members
are making $1,500 and
$2,200 and they do as much
work as we do,” she said. “It’s
pretty sad because we’re making
over $25,000 to be councillors.”
In
terms of reductions, Ward
Shown from left to right are State Senator Sal DiDomenico,
Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Greystar Real Estate Partners
Managing Director Gary Kerr, State Representative Joseph
McGonagle and CBT Architects Principal Alfred Wojciechowski
during the June 23 groundbreaking for the first of
two mixed-use buildings at 85 Boston St.
(Photo Courtesy of Greystar Real Estate Partners)
During that meeting, the Fire
Department requested $12.1
million, representing an increase
of $800,000. During the
hearing, then-Fire Chief Anthony
Carli said, “18-20” new firefighters
would be joining the
department. However, they
could not be officially added to
the roster until they completed
the three-month training program
at the Massachusetts Firefighting
Academy.
Carli also said the time had
come to purchase a new truck
for Ladder 1, adding that it
should arrive by the end of
the year. Carli said the Federal
Emergency Management
Agency provided funding for a
state-of-the-art fire boat, which
was also expected to arrive by
the end of the year. “We’re extremely
excited about that,”
he said.
The request for the Police
Department was $16.2 million
compared to $15.8 million last
year. Police Chief Steven Mazzie
said 10 officers would be joining
the department during the
next year. He said a number of
officers were eligible for pay increases
and that $1 million was
budgeted for overtime compensation.
In addition, Mazzie
said $314,329 was earmarked
to purchase new patrol vehicles,
an increase of $164,329.
“Vehicle pricing is through the
roof; it’s gotten extremely expensive,”
he said, adding that
the department was also considering
electric vehicles.
The budget for the Mayor’s
Office came in at $929,998,
representing a decrease of
$1.1 million. Ward 5 Councillor
Rosa DiFlorio called attention
to the fact that $147,900 was
budgeted for Erin Deveney,
Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s current
chief of staff. “I just want to
clarify something. The chief of
staff last year was getting paid
$61,000 because he couldn’t
make any more than that,” she
said. “I just want to make that
clear.”
DiFlorio also questioned why
only $85,000 was being offered
to hire a director of Diversity,
Equity and Inclusion. “I feel like
we’re not paying a lot of money
in this city, even though it
sounds like a lot,” she said. However,
Deveney said an additional
appropriation would be re1
Councillor Fred Capone
made motions to eliminate
DeMaria’s $6,000 auto allowance,
to cut the advertising
budget by $16,300 and to cut
other miscellaneous expenses
by $25,000. Each motion was
voted down. Capone’s final
motion on the Mayor’s Office
budget was to reduce the official
celebrations line item from
$100,000 to $75,000.
However, City Council President
Pro Tempore Anthony
DiPierro responded in opposition.
“To vote for a reduction
tells a story that we want less
community engagement and
less community enjoyment,” he
said. “I’m not willing to do that.”
Capone’s motion ultimately
failed by a vote of 8-2.
The budget for the Department
of Public Works (DPW)
came in at $13.5 million, a decrease
of $700,000. After reviewing
the DPW’s request,
Capone made a motion to reduce
the line item for citywide
seasonal expenditures from
$100,000 to $75,000. However,
his motion was defeated in
a 5-2 vote. Capone made another
motion to cut the landscaping
line item by $100,000.
Although closer, that motion
was also defeated in a 4-4 vote.
However, DiFlorio made a
motion to reduce body shop
repairs from $70,000 to $50,000
and her motion passed, 5-3.
2021 | SEE PAGE 9
׉	 7cassandra://un65X8EuUf4jKxtj7vIHLZWVUh8QjwL_-P4amCtsjJU-_`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 9
A councilor and a conductor
Ward 3 Councilor Anthony DiPierro was on board last week as the
Webster School hosted its Annual Polar Express Day. Councilor DiPierro
has played the role of conductor for several years with style
and enthusiasm. Pictured are Ward 3 Councilor Anthony DiPierro,
cousins Mikayla Fosco and Anthony DiPierro and Santa Claus.
2021 | FROM PAGE 8
DPW Director Jerry Navarra
said that because of the
COVID-19 pandemic his department
was not able to hire
any seasonal employees last
year. However, $135,000 was
earmarked in this year’s budget
to fund seasonal jobs.
School budget
garners unanimous
support from City
Council’s Budget
Committee
Things probably could not
have gone any better as the
City Council’s Budget Committee,
during its June 8 meeting,
voted unanimously to approve
the School Department’s $98.8
million operating budget for
fi scal year 2022. Within that fi gure,
$5 million would be used
to fund special education transportation.
During
the meeting, Anu
Jayanth, the district’s chief fi -
nancial offi cer, said Everett received
a considerable boost of
$8.6 million in Chapter 70 funding.
She also said Everett’s charter
school tuition reimbursement
was expected to increase
by 156 percent, topping out at
$1.8 million for fi scal year 2022.
In terms of staffi ng, $2.3 million
would be used to fund 25 new
positions.
Capone noted that the individual
cost of educating each
student is $14,682. In contrast,
the state average is $16,583.
“We’re below the state average
per pupil,” he said. “It’s a diffi
cult thing to see. Investing in
our students is one of the best
things you can do for our collective
futures.”
DiFlorio also spoke about the
shortfall in per pupil funding.
“We have to give every child
what they need, not what they
want, and I’m sorry for that,”
she said.
Superintendent of Schools
Priya Tahiliani was able to lay
two matters to rest. She said
no employee received a 30 percent
raise and that no external
company was hired to craft the
budget. “That was created by
us,” she said.
School Committee Chairman
Frank Parker said personnel
policies have improved. “The
prior practice was if you had a
personal day, if you had something
planned, you had to call
into the building the morning
of your planned personal day
to see if you could still take it
off ,” he said, adding that employees
could be denied that
time at the last minute. “Now
we have more personal days
and they really are personal
days.”
Although this year’s budget
represented an increase of
nearly 11 percent, Parker said,
the cost of a level-funded budget
goes up by an average of
three percent a year. “If we’re
getting three percent, we’re
staying even,” he said.
EHS seniors push
through pandemic and
on to graduation
After spending the majority
2021 | SEE PAGE 10
For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate
Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net
׉	 7cassandra://XsiM77RZ-ZV6dGwPRY-yoqFieclZidtcVLwxRZv69Ug0`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y߁
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://-YExqGN9e7MNDuX5EAvwlqKiXDUNrn8dISIXPniqdfI 
` )׉	 7cassandra://B9t2Rd0-Bho0XEiUsFCEIBMylVzT-i9yixynayaKGLo͖`J׉	 7cassandra://diCbpHIrIrLYhacD7YeujHAdYVvIgE5mhtqxMQ-BCBo(`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://VcN6wEasz2mmUpFIPWgjR7uKkoShoCCC3PV9WLdbjpg  ͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://zXTB15-RVu0b1kqLyCRI-DLE8gnVKMzArNf3VzHk9OQ 	`)׉	 7cassandra://fgmU7tJQfpdcHLszqNrro5gPONSAUFlhbdcWz2Rir8wͤ2`J׉	 7cassandra://DAOzxYGWEUZa0cO5kkYuC6TV4NDCTox39kWcQwotPbE.f`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://unHyuloGJuHMGrWf1UAwNXwLn45xBjpZvFYyHyrwLxI X͠aN,wj3zנaN,wj3z B9ׁHhttps://epay.ciׁׁЈ׉EDPage 10
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 9
of their senior year on Zoom,
the members of the Everett
High School Class of 2021 united
for the traditional graduation
ceremony they deserved.
Looking out over a sea of
crimson, State Senator Sal DiDomenico
said “perseverance”
is the word he would use to describe
this year’s senior class.
“You persevered through one
of the worst times in world history,”
he said during the June 9
ceremony at Everett Veterans
Memorial Stadium.
With two children in high
school, DiDomenico said, he
was all too familiar with the
challenges of learning from
home. “Remote learning was
not easy,” he said.
DiDomenico also said that oftentimes
residents who live in
the suburbs will simply say they
are from Boston or the Boston
area. However, he advised
the graduates not to do that.
“Don’t forget where you came
from; say you came from Everett,
Massachusetts,” he said.
“You will forever be connected
to Everett High School.”
DiDomenico reminded the
graduates that being a good
person exceeds any other accomplishment.
“At the end of
the day, no one is going to care
how much money you have in
your bank account or what title
you have,” he said.
In addition, he told the graduates
that they were only in
first grade when he joined the
Senate in May 2010. “I’ve seen
you grow. I’ve seen how you
act in the community,” he said.
State Representative Joseph
look for the helpers,” he said.
During her keynote address,
Tahiliani said she had only been
at the helm for nine days when
the pandemic struck in March
2020. “You’ve all gotten here
on a very similar road together,”
she said. “You are a graduating
class that will go down in
history.” She also said the graduates
had a firm understanding
of the greater good and had always
conducted themselves
with “integrity and grace.”
In April, State Senator Sal
DiDomenico was instrumental
in garnering millions
of additional dollars
for Everett from the American
Rescue Plan Act.
(File Photo)
McGonagle said the past 14 months were challenging not
just because of the pandemic,
but also because of political
and social turmoil. “It was real
easy to look at the negative,
but you didn’t,” he said.
McGonagle said that early
on in the pandemic, a massive
effort was underway to
distribute meals to students,
purchase hundreds of new
Chromebooks and ensure that
everyone had Internet access.
“Teachers worked twice as hard
to adapt to remote learning,” he
said. “Everywhere we looked
there were helpers, all of you
were helpers.”
Therefore, McGonagle advised
the class to seek out the
good even in the darkest of
times. “Remember to always
“Our wishes for you are very
simple: We just want you to enjoy,”
she said.
With the pandemic being
so unpredictable, Valedictorian
Karen Portillo said, for several
months she and her classmates
were unsure about graduation.
“We didn’t even know if
this was going to happen at all,”
she said.
Portillo recognized her fellow
graduates as being champions
of the Black Lives Matter
movement and as defenders
of the Asian American Pacific
Islander community. “We believe
that love is love,” she said.
“We will not sit by while injustice
still exists.”
In addition, Portillo said it
was her hope that Everett had
made a “lasting impression”
on her classmates as they ventured
out into the world. “Know
that Everett has your back,” she
said.
Salutatorian Tina Nguyen remembered
when the schools
were forced to close because of
the pandemic. “We didn’t think
it would last that long,” said
Nguyen, adding that she and
her classmates were certain
they would be back in school
by June 2020.
However, she said, the lack of
social engagement and the infamous
senioritis began to take
their toll as the months wore
on. “We just had to go with the
flow,” she said. “Life isn’t always
smooth like butter.”
Having graduated from Everett
High School 30 years earlier,
DeMaria also recognized the
resilience shown by the Class of
2021. “You’ve had more obstacles
than any other class in Everett
High School history,” he
said. “COVID tried to knock you
down, but you didn’t let it.”
DeMaria also encouraged the
graduates to pursue their passions.
“Things are going to happen
that you don’t expect,” he
said. “Don’t let others tell you
that you can’t do it. Love who
you are.”
Matewsky returns to
City Council
Having been sidelined by a
heart attack while vacationing
in Florida earlier in the year,
Wayne Matewsky was finally
able to resume his duties as
City Council president. “Three
months ago, I went to Florida
for a rest,” he said during the
council’s June 14 meeting. He
never imagined that eight days
later he would suffer a massive
heart attack that almost took
his life.
However, there happened
2021 | SEE PAGE 11
New Residential Parking Sticker
Program to take effect Jan. 3
M
ayor Carlo DeMaria recently
announced the
official start date for the 2022
Residential Parking Sticker
Program. Effective Monday,
January 3, vehicle owners
must submit an online application
in order to obtain their
parking sticker for 2022.
After a resident has successfully
submitted an online application,
they will receive a
confirmation email. Once the
resident’s information is verified,
they will receive an additional
email to confirm that
the order has been successfully
processed. The parking
sticker will then be mailed to
the resident. Residents may
apply for up to four stickers
per online application.
Information required to
complete the application includes:
•
Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Email address
• License plate number
• Name that appears on the
registration
Resident stickers for 2022
must be obtained and displayed
on the vehicle prior
to March 1. As a courtesy,
from January 3 to February
28, stickers may be obtained
for free. The $10 fee per sticker
will be reinstated on March 1.
Please be advised that in order
for a resident sticker to be
approved, the vehicle must
be registered to the City of
Everett and be in good standing.
If the vehicle has overdue
parking tickets or unpaid excise
tax, a sticker will not be
issued.
For residents applying for a
first-time sticker, those with
new plates or vehicles, please
visit City Hall, Room 13 to apply.
Please bring your vehicle’s
registration and proof of
address, such as a driver’s license
or current utility bill, to
obtain a parking sticker.
Please note that beginning
on January 3 residents
of the Lower Broadway area
must visit City Hall, Room 13
in order to renew your Lower
Broadway sticker and visitor
placard. Please bring your
registration, proof of Lower
Broadway area address, such
as a driver’s license or current
utility bill, and last year’s visitor
placard to renew.
The online application for
the Residential Parking Sticker
Program can be found at
https://epay.cityhallsystems.
com. For questions regarding
the program or the online
application, please contact
311 at 617-394-2270 or the
Parking Clerk’s Office at 617394-2295
or 617-394-2275. If
you have questions regarding
your sticker order status,
please contact City Hall Systems
at 508-381-5455.
׉	 7cassandra://diCbpHIrIrLYhacD7YeujHAdYVvIgE5mhtqxMQ-BCBo(`̰ aN,wj3y׉EnTHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 11
Meet the 2021-2022 EHS Crimson Tide Varsity Hockey Cheerleaders
Shown in the back row from left to right are Sophia Clarke (9th), Nyla Hagbourne (12th grade), Aline Silva (11th grade), Livia Thomaz (12th grade), Olivia Parziale (12th grade),
Mae Kelley (9th grade), Kirtsy Hall (10th grade), Woodjanna Tondreau (10th grade) and Rebecca Hickey-Schultz (10th grade). Shown in the front row from left to right are Isadora
DeMiranda (12th grade), Alyssa Parziale (10th grade), Jaqueline Velasco (12th grade), Julia Dos Santos (12th grade), Lillyan Nguyen – Captain (12th grade), Nyla-Nhi
Nguyen (11th grade), Mia Olivia (9th grade), Jane Ebay (11th grade) and Emma Longmore (10th grade).
(Photo Courtesy of Holly Garcia)
2021 | FROM PAGE 10
to be a fire station located behind
the hotel where Matewsky
was staying in Fort Lauderdale.
“That fire department was
there in two minutes,” he said.
“They saved my life.”
Matewsky was able to call
911; however, when paramedics
arrived his heart had
stopped and a defibrillator was
needed to revive him. Matewsky
was then rushed to Holy
Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale
and put on a ventilator. “I
guess, for two weeks, I was in
an induced coma – from what
they tell me,” he said.
The response from Everett
was immediate. Although
Matewsky remained unconscious,
he had frequent visits
from former State Representative
Stephen Smith, former
Councillor Nicholas Saia and
Councillor-at-Large Michael
Marchese, who was at the hospital
almost every day. “Mike
Marchese is something else,”
said Matewsky.
In the weeks that followed,
Matewsky underwent successful
heart surgery, emerged
from the coma and was greeted
by yet another visitor. “I
woke up one morning and
there was Anthony DiPierro,”
he said.
Matewsky said that during
his recovery he received more
than 400 cards as well as
countless floral arrangements,
fruit baskets and gifts. “They
thought I was some kind of
celebrity in Fort Lauderdale,”
he said.
After one month at the Florida
hospital, Matewsky flew
back to Boston and was admitted
to Spaulding Rehabilitation
Hospital before finally returning
home to Everett. “I’ve never
been sick like this before,” he
said. “I’m lucky to be alive.”
The council voted unanimously
to support the Statement
of Interest (SOI) from the
Everett Public Schools for the
construction of a new high
school.
Charles Obremski, assistant
superintendent of operations,
reminded the council of the ongoing
problem of overcrowding
at Everett High School. “In
the year 2023-2024, we expect
almost 2,400 students to be in
that building,” he said, adding
that the current building was
designed to accommodate
1,800 students.
Obremski said he and his colleagues
seriously considered
using the former Pope John
XXIII High School. However, he
said that building would only
accommodate 800 students.
“It wouldn’t be big enough for
a high school,” he said. In addition,
Obremski said reopening
the former Everett High
School would not be feasible
as the increased traffic volume
would cause absolute gridlock
on Broadway, which is already
congested.
Although DeMaria recently
called attention to the site
formerly occupied by General
Electric, Obremski said nothing
is set in stone. “There is no
site picked at this time,” he said.
“There’s no money on the table;
the money will come later. The
whole process is about a fiveto
six-year process.”
Given the projected growth
of the student population,
Obremski said, the new school
would have to accommodate
up to 2,700 students. He also
reiterated that overcrowding
is a districtwide problem. “Most
of our libraries right now, because
of overcrowding, are
not used as libraries,” he said.
“We’re actually using them as
classrooms.”
In addition, he said closets
are even being used as “temporary
small learning environments.”
“It’s not the best situation,
but under the current circumstances,
it’s the best we
could do,” said Obremski.
In terms of a total cost,
Obremski said the rough estimate
for a new high school
could range between $350 million
and $400 million.
Greystar breaks
ground for mixed-use
development on
Boston Street
Representatives from Greystar
Real Estate Partners were
joined by city and state officials
to celebrate the groundbreaking
at 85 Boston St., which
will be home to two six-story,
mixed-use buildings.
“My vision for the city is much
different from my predecessors,’”
DeMaria said during the
June 23 ceremony. “The Greystar
Development project is going
to transform the Commercial
Triangle Economic Development
District. Through this
mixed-use residential development,
Greystar will make best
use of the land. We are grateful
for the city’s partnership
with Greystar and look forward
to the dynamic neighborhood
that will be created.”
The first of the two buildings,
known as The Mason, is slated
to be completed by 2023.
The building will feature 330
apartments, 5,000 square feet
of ground floor retail space
and parking for 400 vehicles.
The second building will increase
the number of apartments
to 650 with 33 affordable
units. In addition, the front
of the first building facing Vale
Street will feature a raised bike
lane, a public bike share station,
new sidewalks and landscaping.
Other amenities will
include a courtyard, a pool,
grilling stations, a fitness center
and a dog park.
“Vale Street will be the new
Main Street of this community,”
said Alfred Wojciechowski,
a principal with CBT Architects.
“The city has been a terrific
partner at all stages of this project
and The Mason will greatly
contribute to the transformation
of the surrounding industrial
neighborhood into a walkable,
welcoming district with
vibrant retail and outdoor spaces,”
said Gary Kerr, managing director
for Greystar.
DiDomenico said Greystar
has a meticulous process of selecting
a site for development.
“They don’t just come into a
community and start building
things; they want to make sure
it’s a sure bet,” he said. “This is an
exciting time for Everett’s reputation
around the state.”
McGonagle said he has
watched Everett “grow and
evolve” over the years, adding
that The Mason is another step
in the right direction. “It will
foster relationships between
neighbors – the sky’s the limit
for Everett,” he said.
JULY
Delta variant
targeting those
without COVID vaccine
With the rise of the COVID-19
Delta variant, doctors at area
hospitals suggested that this
strain of the virus could attack
anyone who has not been
vaccinated – and it would
do so with ease. Delta was a
staggering 225 percent more
contagious than the original
COVID-19 virus and the other
variants that have surfaced.
“It is almost exclusively infecting
unvaccinated individuals,”
said Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha
of Cambridge Health Alliance.
“This variant has demonstrated
improved fitness and is expected
to increase.”
Although there have been
2021 | SEE PAGE 12
׉	 7cassandra://DAOzxYGWEUZa0cO5kkYuC6TV4NDCTox39kWcQwotPbE.f`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://trjZtaDz2r0bqupR0mIursIscx9jJnDv8q-ZksjAJ28 	` )׉	 7cassandra://QFewQgQujdVwEig-tISTAZmgowTj3OmzXcsyBK0shR4͢`J׉	 7cassandra://w5De9rNg5l4yuYojCMStFgkPEmH7MNMhzLI3ZY8FGoU(l`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://D7aM9mcR54u3LpQzEjTnyGG5B8c3DX61rNigtDCK324ͥ,͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://kkR9Ek346T0O5iaV1SQTvt5Cw1JNaUhTMzgEeQvJ5z8 yc`)׉	 7cassandra://UPSAzxnS2pc5KNCigngvsNSxE-2TU4cmFkO8Dzc7ciQ͛`J׉	 7cassandra://j_K0s2CvwiJvywPtUgcxStH_IrWOb8Ed843LhdcyXdk31`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://izBhqUzLK7ZQU7U46b1rHgBatmJsDO_fqq1gPtJ6vPg & :~͠aN,wj3z׉E+@Page 12
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 11
instances of Delta breaking
through the vaccine, Bruno-Murtha
said, the probability
of a vaccinated person becoming
infected remains quite
low. “Fully vaccinated individuals
are very well protected
against the Delta variant,” she
said. “Only 0.1 percent of breakthrough
infections in Massachusetts
are attributed to Delta
and by and large, have been
mild infections not requiring
hospitalization.”
By July, 63 percent of Massachusetts
residents had been
fully vaccinated, according to
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention.
Bruno-Murtha said Delta
would most likely flourish
among groups of unvaccinated
individuals. “Local clusters
will emerge, particularly where
unvaccinated individuals gather
now that masking and physical
distancing in public areas
is no longer required,” she
said. “Masking and other mitigation
strategies may need to
be implemented locally, in response
to increases in community
transmission rates.”
Dr. Scott Dryden-Peterson of
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
said Delta was responsible
for the majority of the state’s
COVID-19 infections. Although
studies remain ongoing, he
said, the Delta strain appeared
to be more severe. “If community
rates of COVID-19 continue
to increase, either from Delta
or another variant, increasing
use of masks and distancing
would be a good idea,” he
said. “I advise my older patients
and those with conditions that
place them at risk to continue
to wear masks in public indoor
spaces, even after vaccination.”
AUGUST
School officials
endorse state mask
mandate
Everett school officials stood
behind the state mask mandate,
which was put in place until at
least October 1.
“I believe this announcement
provides much-needed direction
and certainty on a key safety
consideration that has been
generating many valid but differing
opinions. I feel it is an effective
way to help districts transition
back to full-time in-person
teaching and learning in
the safest possible manner,” said
Superintendent of Schools Priya
Tahiliani. “I also commend
DESE [Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education] for
adopting a policy that encourages
vaccination efforts and allows
for reconsideration as the
school year moves along.”
Mayor Carlo DeMaria also
supported the mask mandate,
saying it is particularly beneficial
for children under 12. “While I
understand that wearing masks
during the school day is not ideal,
I believe it is in the best interest
of our children to wear one,”
he said. “Children under the age
of 12 years old are currently unable
to be protected by the vaccine
so wearing masks is the
second best line of defense.”
Ward 4 School Committee
Member Dana Murray said she
trusted that the mask mandate
is the right move. “The resources
and data available to them
on a state level go far beyond
~ OP-ED ~
Everett: A City of Lights
I
By Peter A. Napolitano
t is amazing how a little
light in these dark times
can have an uplifting effect
on all of us. I am not talking
about the main streets or
our intersections, though
in this regard the City of Everett
has led the way. I am
talking about the number
of residents who have taken
the time and investment
to decorate their homes and
to spread this uplifting light
throughout our neighborhoods.
As someone who has
been decorating my house
for more than three decades,
it is a labor of love when parents
walk or drive by with
small children to look and
point. It helps fill us all with
the peace and joy of the season.
We as a community have
always had a decent number
of houses decorated for the
holidays but these past two
years in spite of COVID, many
of our residents have done
the same and with some very
intricate displays. It’s common
knowledge that Saugus
has been the place to go
locally to see holiday lights,
but there are many homes in
Everett that can hold a candle
(no pun intended) with
those long running displays.
I encourage everyone to get
out and see the work your
neighbors have done and
share the feeling of goodwill
that enhances the spirit of
the holidays before it’s time
to take the lights down. My
family and I wish everyone
a heartfelt Season’s Greetings
and a Happy New Year!
Stay safe.
what I have access to as a School
Committee member,” she said.
“As this school year stands before
us, my hope is that all of our
children will have a safe, healthy,
happy, challenging, school year
– in person.”
On the state level, the DESE
Board voted, during its August
24 meeting, to authorize Education
Commissioner Jeffrey
Riley to put the mask mandate
in place for the first month of
school. The purpose of the mandate
was to “encourage higher
vaccination rates among students
and staff and to implement
a uniform policy for all
schools to begin the year.” After
October 1, students and staff
on the middle and high school
levels could remove their masks
provided they were vaccinated.
In addition, 80 percent of students
and staff in each school
had to be vaccinated as well.
“As students and staff prepare
to return to school fulltime,
in-person, our priority is
on a smooth reopening,” said Riley.
“With cases rising, this mask
mandate will provide one more
measure to support the health
and safety of our students and
staff this fall.”
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito explained
the reasoning for the
80 percent threshold. “Our goal
remains to get as many people
as possible vaccinated,” she
said. “We hope that by instituting
vaccine benchmarks among
school populations we will create
a real incentive for students
and staff to get vaccinated so
they can remove their masks.”
Although Massachusetts
maintained one of the best
vaccination rates in the country,
Education Secretary James
Peyser said there was still work
to be done. “The vaccination
rates among young people in
Massachusetts are among the
highest in the nation, with 65
percent of 12-15-year-olds vaccinated,
but we still need to do
more to make sure our young
people and educators are protected
from COVID-19,” he said.
“Instituting universal masking
mandates to further encourage
vaccination rates among everyone
in our schools is one measure
we can take now.”
Health and Human Services
Secretary Marylou Sudders also
emphasized the importance of
getting vaccinated. “Increasing
vaccination in our eligible residents
is the most important
thing we can do to ensure a safe
return to the classroom for this
upcoming school year,” she said.
Encore breaks a
billion bucks
The total revenue for Encore
Boston Harbor since opening
surpassed the $1 billion mark
– and it only took 26 months to
get there.
Although the other two casinos
in Massachusetts have
been open much longer, MGM
Springfield and the Plainridge
Park Casino were still stuck in
the millions.
In terms of monthly revenue,
Encore posted $57.8 million for
the month of August. Within
that figure, $25.4 million came
from table games while the remaining
$32.4 million came
from the slot machines.
In addition, the state received
$14.4 million in taxes from Encore
in August.
SEPTEMBER
DeMaria cruises to
victory in Primary
Mayor Carlo DeMaria topped
the ticket in the Mayoral Primary
Election on September
21. According to the unofficial
results, DeMaria received
2,883 votes while Ward
1 Councillor Fred Capone finished
with 1,953 votes. Councillor-at-Large
Gerly Adrien finished
in third place with 1,499
votes and disappeared from
the public eye. DeMaria also
had the greatest number of
votes of any candidate in the
entire Primary.
“I am humbled and honored
to have the support of Everett’s
voters,” he said. “It is a tremendous
honor to serve, but
it is an honor I will live up to.
Thank you for your continued
trust, Everett.”
Although Capone would be
the underdog, he vowed to remain
confident in the weeks
leading up to the General Election.
“Team Capone is running a
positive, high energy campaign
that focuses on the issues facing
our community,” he said. “I
am so proud of our volunteers
and how well everyone has
worked together. Thank you
to each of them and to all the
voters who came out in Tuesday’s
Primary.”
In the Ward 4 City Council
race, incumbent Councillor
Jimmy Tri Le topped the ticket
with 604 votes and would face
Holly Garcia, who garnered 316
votes. “My family and I are so
appreciative and I am so very
humbled by the support and
vote of confidence that I received
from the voters of Ward
4,” said Le. “All I can say is thank
you, thank you, thank you.”
Benjamin Murray finished in
third place with 150 votes from
Ward 4 residents.
In the race for councillor-at-large,
incumbent Councillor
John Hanlon received the
greatest number of votes with
2,255. Going into November,
he would be joined by candidates
Irene Cardillo, Councillor-at-Large
Richard Dell Isola,
James Mastrocola, Allen
Panarese, Guerline Alcy, Angelmarie
DiNunzio, Kenneth
Giannelli, Councillor-at-Large
Michael Marchese and Stephanie
Smith.
In the at-large race for School
Committee, Member-at-Large
Cynthia Sarnie easily topped
the ticket with 2,562 votes and
was the only School Committee
candidate with more than
2,000 votes. The other at-large
candidates who advanced to
November were Berardino
D’Onofrio, Ward 2 Member Joseph
Lamonica, Margaret Cornelio,
Robert Santacroce and
Member-at-Large Samantha
Lambert.
The results in Ward 6 yielded
quite a surprise as Vice Chairman
Thomas Abruzzese was
defeated by Michael McLaughlin,
who topped the ticket with
404 votes. Going into the November
2 election, he would
face Catherine Tomassi Hicks,
who received 356 votes.
A total of 21,797 residents
voted in this year’s Primary, representing
29.2 percent of Everett’s
voting population.
New election format
This was also the first election
under the new ward-only election
format. In prior years, the
City Charter stated that ward
seats for the City Council and
School Committee would be
voted citywide. Under the new
format, voters can only vote for
the candidate running to represent
their particular ward.
New signature requirements
also took effect. In the ward races,
125 signatures would be required
for a candidate to appear
on the ballot. In addition,
any candidate running for an
at-large seat would need to
garner 250 signatures. Mayoral
candidates would have the
tallest task, as they needed 500
signatures. As in years past, 25
of those signatures were needed
from voters in each ward.
OCTOBER
Mayor files
defamation lawsuit
against Leader Herald
After enduring years of torment
by the Everett Leader
Herald, Mayor Carlo DeMaria
responded with a robust defamation
lawsuit against the
slanderous publication.
“As part of their long-running
defamatory campaign against
Mr. DeMaria, the Leader Herald
Defendants have frequently
published articles misquoting
sources, fabricating quotes and
fabricating unnamed sources,”
said Attorney Joseph Lipchitz,
counsel for DeMaria, in his 100page
Complaint, which was
filed on October 7. “Moreover,
they frequently publish false
2021 | SEE PAGE 18
׉	 7cassandra://w5De9rNg5l4yuYojCMStFgkPEmH7MNMhzLI3ZY8FGoU(l`̰ aN,wj3y׉E ;THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 13
׉	 7cassandra://j_K0s2CvwiJvywPtUgcxStH_IrWOb8Ed843LhdcyXdk31`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://zhhRLDxIhPJhasxAkVjRW4-blWHA8uP7M15dXvtKIko (b`)׉	 7cassandra://T7GNsQhWyTskurSiFYmDn-va_cYxqdxn3NZXcr1PWRE͚4`J׉	 7cassandra://IaHY8wfstD6UhvAWqRyB1vR2oCvrBo9lvLzPTEynrlY3}`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://cfdChmYn6mJmar0RMyQp1QHeK1t_B2Vc2dFwnIAo5_g w ͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://xguM8FRQtGFqcjVYG8YsgHgLTREKU_YKzlciC6jJy_g /`)׉	 7cassandra://xLP57O2dk6VqmgZ-fe-Bv1mlV09mG6CjP0tW7pCjH-4͘R`J׉	 7cassandra://rM1LuvC_MfsrkzpwbXMHZHrFZJBOhRuPYoUWXBWp9rY3`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://KK4EvugoNYDCTMW-YynPRWOPrjKJCziS0OOblu0fvAw  |͠aN,wj3z׉E ;Page 14
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
׉	 7cassandra://IaHY8wfstD6UhvAWqRyB1vR2oCvrBo9lvLzPTEynrlY3}`̰ aN,wj3y׉E ;THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 15
׉	 7cassandra://rM1LuvC_MfsrkzpwbXMHZHrFZJBOhRuPYoUWXBWp9rY3`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://7GeeCnyDqTeCFxDZCgZOlO2zL4WmnQnIgOOPa3D-a3M h`)׉	 7cassandra://uZasUd5v7LzvPTR3cprRKvMY3k0f4akRxV7ajSQnOes̈́`J׉	 7cassandra://MwgjWOey63rpsJlr5A5MpB8im86hCN6ScFex2MfJ-14-6`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://yK62yd2pPlNmMwBMvBSyGRETrsoIJ3SBnzP5Ar4-Tl8 0T͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://z4ziFMoHZfmg2ZmYQk9bTJ3H23HAYnEf_bJZywD_nXI y`)׉	 7cassandra://8bjcchm2lSETYULvZGidviu3LNVDlHklX3s3zC4Z21U͘`J׉	 7cassandra://GTIyK3mB4YYyUoR7Jv4NwG7BwiVMXoDRZB-6MvPUOhU,`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://3xty2nEtVUJ3rA6bR-ZnHUYa_4iiL9TA7LGqmhjWiwI v"͠aN,wj3z׉EIPage 16
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
. . ••
Мау
the new year shine bright upon you with
Реасе, Love, Joy, Health, and Happiness.
•
�� The Sacro Companies
Ward4
Councillor
Jimmy
TriLe
Councillor
At-Large
Michael
Marchese
abatino Insurance•
Agency, Inc.
564 Broadway, Everett
617-387-7466
׉	 7cassandra://MwgjWOey63rpsJlr5A5MpB8im86hCN6ScFex2MfJ-14-6`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 17
Everett’s Clerveaux named MVP on 2021 GBL Football All-Star Team
Tide’s DiLoreto is ‘Coach of Year’; 8 Everett players, 5 from Revere & 2 from Malden selected as GBL All-Stars
By Steve Freker
T
hey rolled through the
Greater Boston League
(GBL) portion of their 2021
schedule like “Grave Digger”
in the Monster Jam Truck Series.
It was not pretty as Everett
High football demolished
its GBL competition for
six straight weeks, with every
game but one decided before
the halftime break and the
sixth one over just two possessions
into the third quarter.
Everett and second-year
Head Coach Rob DiLoreto captured
its 26th GBL crown in
the past 30 seasons and outscored
its six league opponents,
244-17.
After such a season-long
onslaught, it is not surprising
that league honors were
heaped high on the Crimson
Tide at season’s end. Record-setting
senior running
back J.C. Clerveaux, who finished
second in the state in
scoring among all Division 1
players, was named the 2021
Greater Boston League Most
Valuable Player. Clerveaux
scored 16 touchdowns and
three two-point conversions
to finish with 102 total points.
He finished second to Andover
High’s Lincoln Beal, who
led the state in both touchdowns
(25) and points (158)
scored. Clerveaux also rushed
for over 1,500 for the season,
averaging nearly 10.0 yards
every time he carried the ball.
The man who called the
plays where Clerveaux frequently
went to “The House,”
Coach DiLoreto, also received
high honors from the GBL, as
he was named “Coach of the
Year.” Coach DiLoreto guided
the Crimson Tide to a 9-1 record
overall. They went undefeated
at 6-0 in the league.
Everett’s only blemish was a
close loss to Methuen in round
one of the postseason playoffs.
Over the course of his first
two seasons at the helm, the
first coming this past spring
Everett High football Head
Coach Rob DiLoreto is GBL
2021 “Coach of the Year.”
ed on this year’s GBL All-Star
Team. Revere finished second
Everett High senior JC Clerveaux (4) has been named Greater Boston League (GBL) Most
Valuable Player for the 2021 season. (Courtesy Photos)
in the GBL behind only Everett
with a sparkling 8-2 overall
record (5-1 GBL). RHS Head
Coach Lou Cicatelli saw five of
his Patriots earn spots on the
All-Star Team: seniors Elmahdi
El Kaouakibi, Max Doucette,
Augusto Goncalves, Mark
Marchese and Wilmer Rodriguez
Mejia.
The third school in The Advocate’s
readership area, Malden
High School, saw two of
its Golden Tornadoes seniors
named to the GBL All-Star
Team: linebacker Justin DeSimone
and defensive back
Mackenley Anasthal. Anasthal
was a returning starter for
first-year Head Coach Witche
Exilhomme this season, while
Desimone last played for Malden
as a freshman in the 2018
season and returned this year
to spark the Golden Tornadoes
defense.
Also named to the GBL AllJustin
Desimone
Malden HS GBL All-Star
in the Fall 2 makeup season,
DiLoreto is 12-1 overall leading
Everett’s football fortunes.
Joining their teammate and
coach on the GBL All-Star
Mackenley Anasthal
Malden HS GBL All-Star
Team for 2021 are a slew of
other senior standouts. Also
named to the All-Star Team
from Everett High were Jayden
Biggi, Syeed Gibbs, Cam Mohammed,
Jaylen Murphy, Marcus
Scott, Moses Seide and Ismael
Zamor.
Revere High Patriots Football
was also well-representStar
Team this year: Lynn Classical:
Nick Costa, Kyle Durant
and Brian Vaughn; Lynn English:
Wesley Chandler, Jesse
Maggs and Nolan Mulcahy;
Medford: Isaiah Blake and
Alvin Legros; Somerville: Isaiah
Wright.
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
BUSINESS | SEE PAGE 20
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
׉	 7cassandra://GTIyK3mB4YYyUoR7Jv4NwG7BwiVMXoDRZB-6MvPUOhU,`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://PzK-N9uzRzUSCJj7JTDlzVDafXVnGtRZAIf1yeH8yaU 	#` )׉	 7cassandra://0-7mWeF50_qwDSv9I8ehTOQLTzrHUM6vvFfMqMhu-fYͤ:`J׉	 7cassandra://j5iK23h4RGkbVNQWE8mPO4dKeqj3RAx0f1ZGS_IFaMY'D`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://tewBsTjrEMhkDtzW8_ijzDUmnX1UCEY60fJ2KwGW89Q͕`͠aN,wj3zט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://9DQZpVIilnSu9b-N5euwnljFgYALRxqQuLqPPOF7MsM ` )׉	 7cassandra://T8hS08AshGGBsQ-rHqtgHuCbd-L8DKwKL0WzY6fxATE͂`J׉	 7cassandra://JV8KrLfAJvi4dfDzRnIxKPsnv0TKDNwwQtCTAamz1mA"\`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://Hg2f6cbM5TNjrhp4tlQ_qP4JIBjz8H7ub3k8dWd2ALI  .T͠aN,wj3z׉E.GPage 18
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
2021 | FROM PAGE 12
and defamatory articles about
Mr. DeMaria without providing
him with the opportunity
to comment or provide information,
in violation of professional
journalistic standards.”
The turmoil began in the
1990s when DeMaria was on
the Board of Aldermen. At the
time, Matthew Philbin and Andrew
Philbin, Sr. owned and operated
several boarding houses
that were rife with health and
safety violations. Therefore, DeMaria
voted time and again not
to renew their licenses. His repeated
dissenting votes infuriated
the Philbins, thus beginning
their quest for vengeance.
In 2017 the Philbins purchased
the Leader Herald and
enlisted Joshua Resnek to publish
stories designed to destroy
DeMaria’s personal and professional
reputations. In the years
that followed, Lipchitz said,
Resnek published stories falsely
accusing DeMaria of taking
bribes and being involved in a
host of other criminal activities.
On September 15 of this year,
Resnek published a story titled
“Revelations we cannot quite
believe about the mayor...but
they are all true.” The article
was featured in Resnek’s “Eye
on Everett,” a column that consists
of his weekly conversations
with DeMaria’s “Blue Suit.”
This particular column focused
on a sexual assault grievance
that a former employee filed
against DeMaria several years
ago. “The article intentionally
omitted well-published information
that the Chelsea District
Court found there was no
probable cause for the Complaint,
dismissing it in its entirety,”
said Lipchitz.
DeMaria’s Complaint also described
how City Clerk Sergio
Cornelio used the Leader Herald
to attack DeMaria regarding
the real estate transaction
involving 43 Corey St. According
to Lipchitz, in May 2019,
DeMaria was approached by
Zachary Stratis, who was looking
to sell the parcel. DeMaria
then invited Cornelio to join
him in purchasing the property
and work in concert to convert
the home into a multifamily
development. On August 21,
2019, DeMaria and Cornelio
purchased the property from
Stratis for $900,000. Lipchitz
said that for financing purposes
the property was purchased
in Cornelio’s name; however,
DeMaria and Cornelio remained
partners in the venture.
Because he is an elected official,
DeMaria contacted KP Law
to ensure that there would be
no ethical violations. On August
20, 2020, Attorney Brian
Riley gave his opinion. “It would
not violate Chapter 268A for
you to acquire an interest in
this parcel or to file with a city
board or official in your own
name to request a permit. In
the event that you acquire an
interest in the property under
a different entity, however,
you would need to have an attorney
or other representative
handle any such application,”
he said. “You would also be prohibited
from taking any action
in your capacity as mayor that
would foreseeably affect your
financial interest in the parcel.”
Therefore, Riley suggested
filing a Disclosure of Appearance
of Conflict of Interest. DeMaria
filed that document with
the City Clerk’s Office on September
23, 2020. “Attorney Riley’s
opinion, the State Ethics
Commission’s advisory opinion
and Mr. DeMaria’s disclosure
are all public records and
could have been reviewed by
the Leader Herald Defendants
prior to publishing the articles,”
said Lipchitz. “They intentionally
chose not to review these
filings.”
On April 14 of this year, Cornelio
and DeMaria sold the Corey
Street property for $1.3 million
to 43 Corey Street Everett
LLC. “Under the parties’ agreement,
Mr. DeMaria [would receive]
$96,000 and Mr. Cornelio
[would receive] approximately
$316,000, an amount
which [would reimburse] him
for his carrying costs and included
his share of the profit,”
said Lipchitz.
In the months that followed,
Lipchitz said, Cornelio allegedly
informed Resnek that he was
pressured by DeMaria to give
him $96,000 from the sale of
43 Corey St. “Mr. Cornelio knew
full well that this was a real estate
opportunity founded by
Mr. DeMaria, who invited Mr.
Cornelio to participate,” said
Lipchitz.
However, on September 8,
Resnek published a front page
story titled “$96,000 Forced
Payment to Mayor by City Clerk
Raises Questions About Extortion
Plot.” This was followed by
“The 96,000 Disgrace” on September
10 and “Mayor moves
to oust Cornelio: After taking
96k from city clerk in real estate
deal” on September 15. “It
appears that Mr. Cornelio fabricated
a story that Mr. DeMaria
extorted and threatened him,
peddling the concocted story
to the Everett Leader Herald,”
said Lipchitz, adding that
these stories were published
with “actual malice.”
The September 15 story was
published six days prior to the
Primary Election, in which DeMaria
was facing two challengers.
“In addition to being a complete
fabrication, these false
assertions conveyed that Mr.
DeMaria had purportedly engaged
in criminal conduct by
extorting another city official
– a devastating assertion to be
made in advance of an election,”
said Lipchitz. “The Leader
Herald Defendants relied solely
and exclusively on the purported
statements that they
attributed to Mr. Cornelio precisely
because they were unconcerned
with the truth of
their articles.”
According to Lipchitz, Cornelio
told Resnek that unless the
$96,000 payment was made
DeMaria would jeopardize the
future of Cornelio’s career and
slash the City Clerk’s Office
budget. “Mr. Cornelio knew full
well that there was no extortion
and that the $96,000 was
simply Mr. DeMaria’s interest
in the land sale that they had
agreed,” said Lipchitz. “Under
Everett’s Charter, it is the City
Council – not the mayor – that
has ‘charge and control over
the Office of City Clerk.’ As a result,
Mr. DeMaria has no ability
to fire the clerk or reduce
his salary.”
In addition to the Leader Herald,
Resnek, Cornelio and the
Philbins are listed as defendants.
Judgement is expected
to be rendered by October
2024.
Governor guarantees
funding for Mystic
River bicycle and
pedestrian bridge
Governor Charlie Baker assured
state and local officials
that money would be available
to fund the construction
of a Mystic River bicycle and
pedestrian bridge. “One way or
another it’s going to get paid
for and it’s going to get done,”
he said during an October 22
press conference at Encore
Boston Harbor, adding that the
Massachusetts Gaming Commission
committed $650,000
to fund the final design. “It’s a
huge outdoor opportunity for
so many people. We can’t wait
to put shovels in the ground to
get this bridge built.”
With a price tag of $49 million,
the bridge would be 12
feet wide and would span 785
feet connecting Encore with
the MBTA Orange Line’s Assembly
Station in Somerville.
Within the total cost, $37 million
would be used to build the
bridge and $12 million would
be used to construct a new entrance
connecting the bridge
with Assembly Station.
“Today brings us one step
closer to completing the vision
of a truly transit-oriented
city,” said DeMaria. “I’m totally
overwhelmed to be here and
to finally get some access to a
T station. Getting rid of cars is
what we need to do and we’re
heading there.” He also said
the bridge will be incorporated
into the 25-mile Mystic River
trail system.
In addition, DeMaria said Everett
offered 3,000 units of new
housing with the potential for
another 15,000 units. However,
for that to happen, a series
of public transit improvements,
such as the electrification of
the Commuter Rail, would be
necessary.
Somerville Mayor Joseph
Curtatone said the bridge was
the result of city officials working
together. “It’s people giving
a damn about where they live
and about their city,” he said.
However, he said Somerville’s
greatest partnership has been
with the DeMaria Administration.
“Mayor DeMaria, from day
one, has pushed this project,”
said Curtatone. “I look forward
to this project advancing. Carlo,
when I say, ‘come on over to Assembly,’
you can just walk over.”
Kathleen Theoharides, secretary
of Energy and Environmental
Affairs, said that since
the onset of the COVID-19
pandemic the usage of parks
and trails had skyrocketed by
300 percent. “Getting outside
and being active has been a
great silver lining of the pandemic,”
she said, adding that
Baker has invested nearly $1
billion to fund an environmentally-friendly
economic
recovery.
Theoharides also spoke
about the transportation benefit.
After missing her exit and
arriving at Encore 25 minutes
later than expected, Theoharides
said, the bridge will be a
“great option compared to taking
a vehicle.” “We’re trying to
find ways to make things more
walkable and more bikeable,”
she said.
NOVEMBER
DeMaria still solid
with voters
Mayor Carlo DeMaria locked
in another four years, narrowly
defeating challenger Fred Capone
by 210 votes in the General
Election. The official results
of the November 2 race
showed DeMaria with 3,758
votes while Capone received
3,548 votes.
“I’m honored to continue to
represent my lifelong home,
the city of Everett,” said DeMaria.
“We will continue to accomplish
our goals of making
housing more affordable and
transportation more equitable
because that is what all our residents
deserve. Thank you Everett,
I am grateful.”
The mayor’s strongest showing
was in Ward 3, where he
garnered 789 votes. As with the
September Primary Election,
DeMaria received the greatest
number of votes of any other
candidate.
City Council races
Councillor-at-Large Michael
Marchese topped the ticket in
the City Council at-large race
with 3,429 votes. He was followed
by Councillor-at-Large
John Hanlon with 3,272 votes,
challenger Stephanie Smith
with 3,266 votes, Councillor-at-Large
Richard Dell Isola
with 2,119 votes and challenger
Irene Cardillo with 2,004
votes.
“I would first like to thank everyone
for their faith and confidence
in me, who supported
and voted to give me the opportunity
of a lifetime,” said Cardillo.
“My wish is to support and
improve on projects that are already
in progress to help meet
our transportation needs, build
infrastructure and develop our
untapped resources.”
Smith she said her priorities
will include affordable housing,
senior services and youth
programming. “I’m eager to
begin to work with Mayor DeMaria
and the other councillors
to continue to make Everett a
great place to live and work,”
she said. “I am humbled by the
support I received from the residents
of Everett.”
Dell Isola is also looking forward
to the new term. “The
next two years are going to be
very important,” he said. “I’m excited
to have colleagues that
will work together; we haven’t
had that in a while.”
Going forward, Dell Isola said,
two major priorities will be to
redevelop Glendale and Everett
Squares. “There’s no reason,
right now, to go to Everett
Square or Glendale Square,”
he said.
In the ward races, Ward 3
Councillor Anthony DiPierro
topped the ticket with 796
votes, easily defeating challenger
Darren Costa by 357
votes. In Ward 4, Councillor
Jimmy Tri Le was reelected
with 757 votes over challenger
Holly Garcia, who garnered
462 votes.
“I know a lot of candidates
say they are humbled by their
election, but I really mean it.
Let’s face it, I was lucky two
years ago when Councillor
McKinnon decided not to run
and I was the only candidate
left,” said Le. “I did my best to
learn quickly about how to be
a good councillor. I gave it my
all and to receive a vote of confidence,
like I did Tuesday, is indeed
humbling.”
Unlike in the 2019 race, Ward
5 Councillor Rosa DiFlorio was
unable to hold off returning
challenger Vivian Nguyen.
This year, Nguyen received 716
votes from Ward 5 residents to
take DiFlorio’s seat on the council.
DiFlorio finished the race
2021 | SEE PAGE 19
׉	 7cassandra://j5iK23h4RGkbVNQWE8mPO4dKeqj3RAx0f1ZGS_IFaMY'D`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 19
2021 | FROM PAGE 18
with 444 votes.
Ward 6 will have new representation
under Al Lattanzi,
who received 737 votes.
His opponent, Ross Pietrantonio,
finished with 385 votes.
City Council President Wayne
Matewsky ran unopposed and
received 696 votes to represent
Ward 1. Ward 2 Councillor
Stephanie Martins was also
unopposed and garnered 778
votes.
School Committee
races
The School Committee election
was much tighter, particularly
in the wards. The closest
race was in Ward 2, where Jason
Marcus received 494 votes,
sneaking by Caitlin Steinberg
by a razor-thin margin of 24
votes. The Ward 3 race was decided
by 28 votes with Jeanne
Cristiano finishing with 604
votes and Samantha Hurley finishing
with 576 votes.
“First and foremost, I am
humbled, honored and grateful
to the voters of Ward 3 for
allowing me this incredible opportunity
to represent them
on the Everett School Committee,”
said Cristiano. “I am excited
to bring a new, fresh perspective
and a strong, independent
voice to the Everett
School Committee. It’s all about
the kids and making sure they
have all the tools in the toolbox
to ensure lifetimes of success.”
The spread was somewhat
larger in Ward 6, where Michael
McLaughlin topped the ticket
in contested ward races. He finished
with 603 votes to defeat
Catherine Tomassi Hicks, who
received 523 votes. The Ward 4
race had the largest margin of
victory with 131 votes. In that
race, challenger Michael Mangan
received 639 votes to unseat
incumbent Member Dana
Murray, who finished with 508
votes. In Ward 1, incumbent
Member-at-Large Millie Cardello
was unopposed and finished
with 663 votes. Incumbent
Ward 5 Member Marcony
Almeida-Barros was also unopposed
and received 811 votes.
In the at-large race, incumbent
Member Cynthia Sarnie
topped the ticket with 3,016
votes. “I just would like to first
thank everyone that voted and
supported me. I would like to
continue working together as
a team and working on making
our schools safer,” said Sarnie. “I
am very interested to see what
programs we have in place in
regards to addiction, not only
for the children but also how
to deal with family trauma. I
am interested in learning more
about the changes that need
to be made to help us continue
moving our schools in the
right direction.”
Incumbent Member-at-Large
Samantha Lambert received
2,602 votes and will return for
another two years on the committee.
She and Sarnie will be
joined by challenger Margaret
Cornelio, who garnered 2,511
votes.
From Everett’s 22,042 registered
voters, 7,348 ballots were
cast for a voter turnout of 33.3
percent.
DECEMBER
Emergence of
Omicron
It only took five days for the
Omicron variant of COVID-19
to spread from South Africa to
the United States with the first
case being confirmed in California
on December 1. It was
detected in Massachusetts
three days later.
“The science and implications
of the Omicron variant are
actively being examined and
we will know more very soon,”
said Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha
of Cambridge Health Alliance.
“At this time, the best response
is to promote COVID vaccination
for those not fully vaccinated
and encourage everyone
who is eligible to seek a booster
dose as soon as possible.”
Dr. George Abraham of Saint
Vincent Hospital said he was
not surprised by the detection
of Omicron and the previous
strains. “We have predicted
and long suspected that
we would see variants,” he said.
“The variants pop up in parts
of the world where there have
been the lowest levels of vaccination.”
Abraham
also said Omicron
may not be that troublesome in
the long-term. “Based on preliminary
data from our South
African colleagues, the number
of cases has risen dramatically,
about 700-fold, but the
number of hospitalizations, serious
illnesses and deaths have
not increased significantly,” he
said. “This suggests that there
might be overall mild disease
associated with this variant as
opposed to severe disease.”
In addition, Abraham said he
trusted the efficacy of the vaccines.
“We know the vaccines
work reasonably well, generating
what’s called virus-specific
antibodies. But they also
generate what’s called a polyclonal
response,” he said. “That
means it may also work against
some viruses in the same family.
Right now we need to determine
how well our vaccines
work against this variant.”
Dr. Shira Doron of Tufts Medical
Center said Delta continued
to attract a great deal of attention.
“Delta is a major threat
in Massachusetts. If it manages
to outcompete Delta and
become predominant, then
it could mean a worse winter
than what we are already facing.
What everyone should do
now is get vaccinated if they
have not received the vaccine.
If eligible for a booster, now is
the time to get one.”
School officials vote
on amendments to
superintendent’s
contract
The School Committee voted
to approve one of three recommended
changes to the employment
contract with Superintendent
of Schools Priya Tahiliani.
The first change, which
the committee accepted in a
6-2 vote, removed the following
language from the contract:
“Should the Superintendent
choose to terminate the
contract without good cause
and leave the employment of
the Everett Public Schools to
work as a Superintendent in
another Massachusetts school
district prior to its expiration
date, she shall compensate the
Committee an amount equal to
10% of her annual salary.”
The proposed amendment
regarding grounds for termination
was to change “good
cause by a majority vote of
the School Committee” to “just
cause by vote of two thirds of
the entire membership of the
School Committee.” During the
December 6 meeting, Ward
4 Member Dana Murray said
changing the language from
“good cause” to “just cause”
would benefit the committee
in the event of a lawsuit. However,
the amendment was voted
down in a 5-3 decision.
Ward 3 Member-Elect Jeanne
Cristiano said it was “bad business”
for the committee to take
this kind of action so late in the
year. “It’s my opinion that it’s
a violation of Massachusetts
General Law,” she said. “The
chairman allowing this on the
agenda is an obvious power
play. You should not allow a
lame duck chairman and most
of the School Committee to negotiate
the superintendent’s
contract this year.”
Chapter 39, Section 6A of
2021 | SEE PAGE 21
׉	 7cassandra://JV8KrLfAJvi4dfDzRnIxKPsnv0TKDNwwQtCTAamz1mA"\`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://2G9pmObYiGlJjOi-WSJsdgUcsM4vPY6QmmflnGcn83c 9` )׉	 7cassandra://2BorLJt8wQG3SuRRlo_OrCwH0T7_QydFH4wFzzynOhk͠`J׉	 7cassandra://Ous2_C_P068AyEU_fcZ8rpR_OY59sR3NbGzkcvz-1mI+`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://joAu3_-fTSAxIL_TGsaEDfwBQSDgvtbxjPBbG58VIbA ] n͠aN,wj3z#ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://xGuw35nrJSjLFnwcr1nxl8iyToZadn3ROqxm8IFBVRk 	m` )׉	 7cassandra://fE0fZcNCuHk-KilgMujrDfwaL6TyRWFLV9_xbap0eCE͠`J׉	 7cassandra://Kr2lwDB0q9hTGsQeEoW2i4oitSer5c18pE8kbw18wuQ'`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://YJR0f1Iid01Q-Pux9EHM_o-XhkwqkWDXCNnEBTuOt7M͙͠aN,wj3z$נaN,wj3z&  9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁׁЈ׉EMPage 20
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
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 Pfizer 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.
BUSINESS | FROM PAGE 17
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 servThe
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 near-universal
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
er (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 financial
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 conseason
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 effective 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.”
nect with people you know.
Be careful about including
personal information in your
profile 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.
For Advertising with Results, call
The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200
or Info@advocatenews.net
׉	 7cassandra://Ous2_C_P068AyEU_fcZ8rpR_OY59sR3NbGzkcvz-1mI+`̰ aN,wj3y׉E)THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 21
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 efficient 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
2021 | FROM PAGE 19
the Massachusetts General
Laws states: “No increase or reduction
in such salaries shall
take effect during the year in
which such increase or reduction
is voted, and no change in
such ordinance shall be made
between the election of a new
council or other legislative
body and the qualification of
the new council or other legislative
body.”
“It is an unethical attempt
to circumvent the wishes of
the voters of Everett,” said
Cristiano. “You’re undermining
the voters of Everett who
spoke loud and clear on November
2.”
Ward 2 School Committee
Member-Elect Jason Marcus
was also opposed to any action
by the committee. “I was
taken by surprise – it looks like
you’re hiding something,” he
said. “I’m totally against this.”
Ward 6 School Committee
Member-Elect Michael McLaughlin
said if favorable action
was taken, the new committee
would not have a say in
Tahiliani’s contract going forward.
“I urge this body to reject
these items,” he said.
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 efficiency
and reliability of government
services,” said Administration
and Finance Secretary
Michael Heffernan. “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
In response, Murray, who
was also chairwoman of the
Ad Hoc Superintendent Subcommittee,
said she understood
the frustration expressed
by the incoming
members. “The new superintendent
was not chosen by
the sitting committee,” she
said. “It’s my understanding
that these things roll out on
their own timeline.”
In addition, Murray said Tahiliani
received an “overall
proficient” rating when the
committee evaluated her job
performance. She also said it
would be very challenging to
find a new superintendent.
“Right now, the field of superintendents
is very sparse,” said
Murray. “Many superintendents
are quitting and they’re
quitting in droves. The job is
very difficult.”
School Committee Chairman
Frank Parker said the Ad
Hoc Superintendent Subcommittee
had been meeting for
more than a year to discuss Tahiliani’s
evaluation, which then
led to the proposed contract
changes. “This is part of an ongoing
process,” he said.
In a rare 5-5 decision, the
School Committee voted,
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 Affairs,
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 Office
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.
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
Pfizer 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.
on December 20, not to extend
Tahiliani’s contract. Had
it passed, the proposal would
have moved the contract’s
ending date from February 28,
2024, to June 30, 2025.
Prior to the vote, School
Committee Vice Chairman
Thomas Abruzzese spoke in
favor of extending the contract.
He also reminded his
colleagues about how Tahiliani
arrived in Everett three
months prior to her original
start date. “Superintendent
Tahiliani did something
that I don’t think people remember,”
said Abruzzese. “We
were looking to have the superintendent
begin in June of
2020. Superintendent Tahiliani
made herself available in
March of 2020.”
The COVID-19 pandemic
struck just nine days after Tahiliani
took the helm. “Try to
think back as to what kind of
situation there would’ve been
if we had not had our new superintendent
in place,” said
Abruzzese. “If Priya Tahiliani is
the legacy I’m leaving behind,
that’s just fine with me.”
Murray said a contract ending
in February would be detrimental
to the students. “EduThe
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
near-universal 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 seacators
don’t leave their posts in
the middle of the school year,”
she said. “It’s never a good idea
to have kids with an interim.
Stability and permanency is
really what makes kids thrive.”
In a follow-up interview,
School Committee Memberat-Large
Millie Cardello said
the Everett Teachers Association
(ETA) has been unable to
agree on a new contract with
its members. “I had to take that
into serious consideration,” she
said. Therefore, Cardello said,
she could not justify extending
Tahiliani’s contract when
teachers are still waiting for
a new contract from the ETA.
Ward 2 School Committee
Member Joseph Lamonica
said his colleagues who favored
the contract extension
maintained that Tahiliani had
lost a year because of the pandemic.
However, it was not
enough of a reason for him to
cast an affirmative vote. “We
all lost a year,” said Lamonica.
“Let’s just move forward.”
Tahiliani’s contract took effect
on March 1, 2020. At the
time, it included an annual
base salary of $205,000 as
well as $1,500 for a computer
to use at home, $75 per
son 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 effective 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.”
month for a cell phone and
$3,000 per year for travel expenses.
The contract also included
an annual annuity payment
of $3,000 from the committee
as well as 15 sick days
per year, 20 vacation days and
four personal days.
Also during the meeting,
Tahiliani addressed the rumors
that continued to circulate
about her leaving Everett.
“When it comes to my intentions,
there is no ambiguity,”
she said. “I have no interest
in leaving this district. I’m not
looking for another job.”
She also said the district
has been a leader throughout
the pandemic. “As a district,
we have progressed at a time
when others have stumbled
and faltered,” said Tahiliani.
Since becoming superintendent,
she said, some of her accomplishments
have been establishing
Day 6 programs for
students, summer programming
and the Teacher Diversification
pilot program as well
as subsidized degree and certification
programs. “I still believe
that I am the best person
to lead this district,” said Tahiliani.
“I will stop at nothing for
our students.”
׉	 7cassandra://Kr2lwDB0q9hTGsQeEoW2i4oitSer5c18pE8kbw18wuQ'`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://9ROTjnNIiuC7v-O1boUywwGXEYD1xvfWqn8ODVXbPCo 
F(`)׉	 7cassandra://UNZ8uQoXVw5lYzgXWrce4T7XkobmbnKQ8BCjlMxqhdgͣ`J׉	 7cassandra://A0VEELf1-5M51W_LlsHDhqhtjOUa3fLkBJVhxMHMdus*`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://hQsN3dIEpsNb-MPEEwdtpyK6a4QUE1l2NQYtMmWS9w8 d 2͠aN,wj3z'ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://cepz2DX5ThoRONaqrcn7we-YNTlUQADmA-sz5P6XvBM r`)׉	 7cassandra://egLczSIDUPYlzI2i1KjmIYppJMzKyPkcfXrPoNcbLjI͏`J׉	 7cassandra://WsvNRsYojsbZdiMGEuAn-hB3E2tI11_eCDqLqOJHal8,D`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://eoxWDu__W-6ECsF6yiD7i3m0u7MiBC1o4Lj6xZnqoOI gD͠aN,wj3z(נaN,wj3z2 @ށ~9ׁHhttp://SavvySenior.orgׁׁЈנaN,wj3z1 	e̕9ׁHhttp://APlaceForMom.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3z0 	I9ׁHhttp://feCare.orgׁׁЈנaN,wj3z/ \R9ׁHhttp://Caring.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3z. {Ɓc9ׁHhttp://Medicare.gov/ׁׁЈנaN,wj3z- 	;9ׁHhttp://ing.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3z, '99ׁHhttp://ing.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3z+ $;9ׁHhttp://call.comׁׁЈנaN,wj3z* <9ׁH $http://www.massterlist.com/subscribeׁׁЈ׉E#JPage 22
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Beacon Hill
Roll Call
By Bob Katzen
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. Sal DiDomenico 0 percent
(0)
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
S
y Senior
Deciphering Senior
Sa e
a
Dear Savvy Senior,
Can you decipher the diff erent
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
offer 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 longterm
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
BY JIM MILLER
Housing Options
ihi Si
“board and care homes.” These
offer 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 find 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, staff -
ing, 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 longterm
care insurance policy or
through Medicaid after their
savings are depleted.
Continuing-care re -
tirement communities
(CCRC’s): If your mom has the
fi nancial 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.
Seni
nior
ni r
ior
׉	 7cassandra://A0VEELf1-5M51W_LlsHDhqhtjOUa3fLkBJVhxMHMdus*`̰ aN,wj3y׉E	THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 23
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
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 fish family?
4. Hoppin’ John is a traditional
Southern New Year’s
Day dish that mainly includes
what?
5. What is a decennial?
6. Effective Jan. 1, 1966,
what U.S. item for sale had
to include a health warning?
7. In what country was the
piano invented?
what vitamin?
11. How are the Challenger
Deep and the Mariana Trench
related?
12. On Jan. 2, 1975, what
winter destination of migrating
monarch butterflies 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 beautifies
everything it covers”?
20. On Jan. 6, 1878, in Illinois,
who was born who
wrote the poems “Fog,”
“Grass” and “Chicago”?
ANSWERS
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
׉	 7cassandra://WsvNRsYojsbZdiMGEuAn-hB3E2tI11_eCDqLqOJHal8,D`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://_G7rD1d79DnweUyRD4cVDhUc5gqYR8kfoJK_SYAWdyc *`)׉	 7cassandra://Iwn5A36kATyMSY2js33gEfoUHYSAV-o6vR5tD_0PH_gͬv`J׉	 7cassandra://qZFaT5y-ihrcPHLvAIifsOqTQr02hkNoGseOQRsteJo6"`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://rbN0jh2HDWaf_zl11KzmqoNBH351KEnTZVwLYCNPods  D͠aN,wj3z6ט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://9vhLL0upxqiLxKsYCxa1A5sXg6GMpuODJCOlYBT1Z6c 	&` )׉	 7cassandra://7Pk7_DikZDP5xgkFC9HG47E3P96WB5AmBgXVCtNTOk0ͣ`J׉	 7cassandra://AoblFEuejRPUqh1Idj09RjUlEkNS_P5pd2CtTf0cYdc.`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://0jLtbt3fz2VwWoHrmc9niml9oyBRswY7j4jmhYDAc4o i͠aN,wj3z7נaN,wj3z; 	̰9ׁHhttp://www.thewarrengroup.comׁׁЈ׉EPage 24
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
We follow Social Distancing Guidelines!
Clean-Outs!
We take and dispose
from cellars, attics,
garages, yards, etc.
We also do demolition.
Best Prices Call:
781-593-5308
781-321-2499
Frank Berardino
MA License 31811
• 24 - Hour Service
• Emergency Repairs
BERARDINO
Plumbing & Heating
Residential & Commercial Service
Gas Fitting • Drain Service
617.699.9383
Senior Citizen Discount
379 Broadway
Everett
617-381-9090
ADVOCATE
Call now!
617-387-2200
ADVERTISE ON THE WEB AT
WWW.ADVOCATENEWS.NET
All occasions florist
Wedding ~ Sympathy Tributes
Plants ~ Dish Gardens
Customized Design Work
GIFT BASKETS
Fruit Baskets
www.EverettFlorist.net
CLASSIFIEDS
׉	 7cassandra://qZFaT5y-ihrcPHLvAIifsOqTQr02hkNoGseOQRsteJo6"`̰ aN,wj3y׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 25
REAL ESTATE TRANSAC TIONS
Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from
the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com.
BUYER1 BUYER2
Rocco, Dean J
SELLER1
Brennan, James T
SELLER2
ADDRESS
“YOUR FINANCIAL FOCUS”
JOSEPH D. CATALDO
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 benefi ts, 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.
CATALDO | FROM PAGE 3
anyone,” he said.
Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon
said DiFlorio is “truly a jewel
of Everett.” “She knows what she
wants; she knows what she’s after,”
he said.
Hanlon also lauded DiFlorio’s
professional achievements.
“She’s a boss at the Registry of
Motor Vehicles,” he said, adding
that she has only been with the
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
Registry for six years.
Councillor-at-Large Michael
Marchese spoke about serving
with Capone. “There are superstars
up here who come to
meetings prepared; Councillor
Capone is that person,” he said.
“We’ll have a big void without
Councillor Capone; I’m going to
miss him. I hope he’s not done
with politics. Everett needs him.”
City Council President Wayne
Matewsky was surprised that
CITY
DATE
Brennan, James M 135 Mount Washington St Everett 09.12.2021
PRICE
$350 000,00
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.
four of his colleagues are leaving
the council. “I haven’t seen a
turnover of four people in quite
a long time,” he said.
Matewsky said he has enjoyed
his years as a public offi cial. “I like
to help people if I can,” he said.
“Nothing is worse than when
you call someone and the fi rst
giveaway is ‘I’ll see what I can
do,’” he said. “That’s not in my vocabulary.
I actually will do something.”
Cash
Pay Guaranteed!
"If it snows, you'll be working!"
FRANK’S Housepainting
(781) 289-0698
• Exterior
• Ceiling Dr.
• Power Wash
• Paper Removal • Carpentry
FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured
“Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera
• Interior
׉	 7cassandra://AoblFEuejRPUqh1Idj09RjUlEkNS_P5pd2CtTf0cYdc.`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://1NBhUOzj_LZu2_QhIxR5GlBn9LVclvoy2kuKQq_i4Ic `)׉	 7cassandra://KCdnLk_kzqz5ny_GyqF1DwPuDyzR5HbDENNmsVzPubIͪe`J׉	 7cassandra://ch7O6_6YoXRzCHoMa__2jgInhubj4aSp5l3u7K_pdZY2`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://cNMoASNLLhlG--0Fshfw-nu8GhlzEvZJjJuUoNxdvM8  C2͠aN,wj3zAט ( (u׉׉	 7cassandra://a0I2qTwOGhSGCDzove5iJmhKdUwRSg9MZcV_iGfZ2Xw `)׉	 7cassandra://a2OSpWuapCDRJet2NbSK6wSqWF-bAzfAiwjlSqZwMxc͝^`J׉	 7cassandra://4AxuvuwCE0Z8dI7c-3YUNGYqJDsnFj5TzNcJA66hZnQ/`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://lwwD8XL8GEOcCpkE4UuvWQVvV2-s7RsI9dfkS2kztaE ή ͠aNÄ,wj3zF׉E ;Page 26
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
׉	 7cassandra://ch7O6_6YoXRzCHoMa__2jgInhubj4aSp5l3u7K_pdZY2`̰ aN,wj3y׉E ;THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
Page 27
׉	 7cassandra://4AxuvuwCE0Z8dI7c-3YUNGYqJDsnFj5TzNcJA66hZnQ/`̰ aN,wj3yaN,wj3y
PבCט   (u׉׉	 7cassandra://_qinujx6R9J1jq1jN58Np6HHVOLxqoT_pSR52R8Q9DU 8`)׉	 7cassandra://cdBhknKpm3vM23muIHEQpbOQ3bZh9s0ckJqoSv-JymE͖o`J׉	 7cassandra://SZuS2tJcd8yMNpCjbTeuwjtjVEdpKG1s4iG14SMk8vU/F`̰ ׉	 7cassandra://jPzxj6RIDCwbucWOdsF-5NqY0IgQy160X6z6z3ffpS8 
͠aNÄ,wj3zHנaNĄ,wj3zJ \(9ׁHhttp://www.jrs-properties.comׁׁЈ׉EpPage 28
THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021
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
Open Daily From 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
433 Broadway, Suite B, Everett, MA 02149
www.jrs-properties.com
Open Daily From 10:0
Joe DiNuzzo
- Broker Associate
:0
00 AM
5:00 PM
Follow Us On:
617.544.6274
Norma Capuano Parziale
- Agent
Denise Matarazz
- Agent
Maria Scrima
- Agent
Rosemarie Ciampi
- Agent
Michael Matarazzo
-Agent
Mark Sachetta
- Agent
׉	 7cassandra://SZuS2tJcd8yMNpCjbTeuwjtjVEdpKG1s4iG14SMk8vU/F`̰ aN,wj3y׈EaN,wj3yaN,wj3y
P,Everett Advocate  12/31/21Everett Advocate  12/31/21aNfrJ´