׉?4ׁB!בCטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://I7zGOksYKfZEF827QSvmet7YXvnvs1ZpqFPwagIxa5En`'p׉ 7cassandra://mepwHRMn9MQLpP39YpkmZLh10pSpIlfR8_n6eVSgLzEͨr`׉ 7cassandra://GRLx0B4H5KJvALsB0awf23PZDHrk1bBVOD6y9XZyzlg3R`gdeC)T2r.נgdeC)T2r2"9ׁH!http://www.messingerinsurance.comׁ ׁ ЈנgdeC)T2r1 ̿ 9ׁHhttp://www.adv.netׁ ׁ Ј׈EgdeA)T2r ׉EEV V R T Vol. 33, No.51 -FREEE E E T www.adv.net dv Your Local News & Sports Online–Subscribe Here! ou D OCAT Free Every Friday 617-387-2200 T he owner and publisher/ editor of the now-defunct Everett Leader Herald paid the ultimate price for knowingly publishing a series of fake news stories in an organized campaign to discredit and publicly humiliate Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. It cost them $1.1 million in damages and the life of the weekly newspaper, which was fi rst established in 1885. Those were the key components of a settlement agreed to by Leader Herald Owner Matthew Philbin and Publisher/Editor Joshua Resnek. That was an expensive option, but one they preferred over going to trial next month in Middlesex Superior Court to defend themselves in the defamation lawsuit fi led by the mayor back in 2021. During a press conference at the law offi ces of Saul Ewing LLP in Boston on Monday, Mayor Carlo DeMaria, shown with his wife, Stacy, delivered a statement regarding the awarded settlement he will receive in the defamation case against the Everett Leader Herald. (Advocate photo by Emily Harney) “This is a rare amount [damages] and a very high amount to be awarded in a case like this,” Boston Attorney Jeff rey Robbins, a Partner at Saul Ewing LLP, told The Everett Advocate in an interview this week. “I’m not aware of a politiSINCE 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 UP & IN: Everett High’s Luna Morales goes up for a basket as a Revere player attempts to block the shot during last Thursday’s action at the RHS Fieldhouse. The Crimson Tide boys basketball team opened their season with a win against Revere. See inside for story and photo highlights. (Advocate Photo by Emily Harney) ADVOCTE Friday, December 20, 2024 A Victory Over Journalistic Dishonesty Mayor DeMaria clears name and wins $1.1 million settlement that puts Everett Leader Herald out of business By Mark E. Vogler cian who has ever received an award in a defamation case that comes close to this. Nothing remotely close,” Robbins said. Robbins and Saul Ewing Attorneys Joseph Lipchitz and Paige Schroeder represented Mayor DeMaria in his lawsuit against the Leader Herald, its owner and its publisher/editor. Owner Philibin could not be reached for comment. Publisher/Editor Resnek did not return a telephone call left on his answering machine. In his interview with The Everett Advocate, Robbins called the case “the most egregious example of professional misconduct and dishonesty by a newspaper” that he can recall during his 42 years of practicing law. “The American citizen has a very low view of the media right now,” Robbins said. “And this is the kind of set of facts that feeds right into that,” he said. Mayor agrees to drop lawsuit Robbins and Mayor DeMaria announced the settlement of his lawsuit during a press conference held Monday in the Boston office of Saul Ewing LLP. Court documents related to the settlement remained confi dential. But Robbins met with reporters to explain how that settlement was reached. “The size of the payment by the defendants to Mayor DeMaria and their shutting down of the newspaper speaks volumes about the egregiousness of the defendants’ conduct, which the paper’s publisher and editor has already MAYOR | SEE PAGE 8 Let the Season Begin ׉ 7cassandra://GRLx0B4H5KJvALsB0awf23PZDHrk1bBVOD6y9XZyzlg3R`gdeA)T2r gdeA)T2r  rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://ACBi-IYSe01TtmZj170ZCpIaiglUl7yX9ZMq770y8Zk`'p׉ 7cassandra://YArFrYd9GVkfIVarmqeetes5plVvGn97ej8k5Wl4xac`׉ 7cassandra://bhUD0ywvXLMhKeLSHluFKI9BUoawtuSxfROYZUNIPpY7`gdeC)T2r3טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://hWLpIvHwdPWWysDiXNoN0dxoXg_v0dgqxKs9rrnqP_w`'p׉ 7cassandra://td5dCkDAUHNWJisoAcllzZJHyFbIMWiUbZiIBqMYoBwͳ`׉ 7cassandra://Sj1Lz-8nXAj-hfsJ3AaiE5-WfWik8dDYx151A9FOcas8`gdeC)T2r4נgdeC)T2r8Z9ׁHhttp://WWW.SABATINO-INS.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EjPage 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 The Advocate Newspapers Close for Christmas Vacation! T he Advocate Newspapers, thanks to a middle-of-the-week Christmas holiday, will not publish on Friday, Dec. 27 due to the holiday week. Publisher Jim Mitchell has decided to reward his dedicated staff with a week off . Our next edition will be published on Jan. 3, 2025 – to ring in the New Year! The Advocate Online will still post news, photos and legal notices during that week as we our offi ce will be open Monday (9a-5p) and Tuesday (9a-3p, Christmas Eve), and returning by appt. Thursday and Friday. The Advocate Newspapers publisher and staff wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and Happy Kwanzaa to all our readers. Please contact us at: 617-387-2200 or email: info@advocatenews.net Councillors discuss zoning bylaws to limit animal testing at Docklands Innovation District By Neil Zolot C ouncillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith thinks zoning bylaws should be amended to allow limited animal testing in the Docklands Innovation District, part of 100-acres of land located between Lower Broadway, Revere Beach Parkway and the Mystic River and the Island End River tributary. At one time it was the site of Exxon gas tanks until its sale to The Davis Companies. “I voted against the original animal testing ban two years ago because I felt it was too broad, and I have not changed my stance on that,” she said during the Dec. 9 City Council meeting. “Now, with the creation of the Everett Docklands Innovation District allowing for life sciences, it’s time to update ordinances in confl ict with that.” Smith added, “My focus is on transforming Everett into a Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 better place to live and work and supporting Everett being a leader in life sciences and scientific advancement, including breakthroughs in medical research. This is an opportunity for job creation and workforce development. Life sciences bring in entry level lab technicians to advanced roles for scientists and engineers. Not to mention the supporting functions like legal, compliance and fi nance. These are high-skilled, high-waged jobs for Everett residents who would otherwise need to commute to other cities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for economic growth, sustainability and innovation.” She also feels, “We’re doing Everett a disservice and forcing businesses into our neighboring cities like Medford, Somerville, Cambridge and Boston, which allow unrestricted animal testing. My proposal does not lift the ban completely on animal testing. It limits testing to small vertebrate species, such as mice, rats and fi sh, and only in areas zoned for life sciences. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to further strengthen the language in the Legislative Aff airs & Elections Subcommittee to protect our animals, our residents, our neighborhoods and Everett’s fuCOUNCILLORS | SEE PAGE 4 City Offi ces closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 as Everett observes Christmas T rash and recycling will not be picked up on Wednesday and will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week following the holiday City offices will be closed to the public on Wednesday, Dec. 25 as Everett observes the Christmas holiday. City offi ces will reopen on Thursday, Dec. 26 with regular hours for residents. Observed annually on Dec. 25, Christmas is a federal holiday in the United States. Wednesday’s observance will delay trash and recycling pickup by one day for the rest of the week. Please place your trash and recycling bins neatly on the sidewalk on the day after your regularly scheduled pickup for the rest of this week only. Following is the adjusted holiday schedule: · Pickups regularly scheduled for Wednesday will be on Thursday, Dec. 26. · Pickups regularly scheduled for Thursday will be on Friday, Dec. 27. · Pickups regularly scheduled for Friday will be on Saturday, Dec. 28. · Please note that trash and recycling pickup prior to the holiday will not be aff ected this week. If you have any questions, please call the Constituent Services Department at 311 or 617-394-2270. — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured ׉ 7cassandra://bhUD0ywvXLMhKeLSHluFKI9BUoawtuSxfROYZUNIPpY7`gdeA)T2r׉E THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 Page 3 Sen. DiDomenico celebrates Economic Development bill Signing with Governor R ecently, State Senator Sal DiDomenico joined Governor Maura Healey at the Ragon Institute in Cambridge for a ceremonial signing & celebration of the Economic Development bill. This sweeping new law authorizes nearly $4 billion into the Commonwealth’s economy while making wide-ranging policy changes to make Massachusetts more competitive. “It was a pleasure to celeS t a t e State Senator Sal DiDomenico and Governor Maura Healey Governor Maura Healey signs the Economic Development bill. brate this massive win for my district and our state with the Governor in Cambridge,” said Senator DiDomenico. “Among the many things this law does, I am most excited about the $10 million in local funding I secured for my district, language I included that will allow for the construction of a transformational soccer stadium and waterfront park in EvS e n a t o r S al DiDomenico, New England Revolution President Brian Bilello (middle) and Anisha Chakrabarti (right) erett, signifi cant investments in life sciences, and a new provision empowering public agencies and municipalities to enter into project labor agreements. I want to thank Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, and members of the conference committee for helping pass this important piece of legislation for my residents and our entire state.” State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Senate President Karen Spilka (left) and Greater Boston Labor Council President/ principal officer Darlene Lombos (right) State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Senate President Karen Spilka (left) and Greater Boston Labor Council President/ principal officer Darlene Lombos (right) RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM ׉ 7cassandra://Sj1Lz-8nXAj-hfsJ3AaiE5-WfWik8dDYx151A9FOcas8`gdeA)T2rgdeA)T2r rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://PZl_sNDQN0gJSQLpdCxDQ3Hxxu5YNnnWA10BVPxTk6c`'p׉ 7cassandra://KdSJkadBolwlrzmGQszA1eKvjQtCokOJCkkIX65Z9bEĢ`׉ 7cassandra://4dIz4OSS_LEICDQc8sbvw2iCKgRFhsHdhsxvxjw8mRs7`gdeD)T2r9טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://jfiBfr6qbuCT34dys1M6DzGOWT8kRkRpbr7Xom90fFMQ`'p׉ 7cassandra://4AL57jFkxo3QlSrdn_pyju_1VDks3lnP_Fx3xT0h9sU`׉ 7cassandra://94U-Ys53bv0yHcwPjmxIcPhSaEZBjJOQ7IJ9lj5gV6E8u`gdeD)T2r:נgdeD)T2r?ʁI#9ׁHhttp://www.810bargrille.comׁ ׁ ЈנgdeD)T2r>S9ׁH http://ofeverett.com/events/menoׁ ׁ Ј׉EYPage 4 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 Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 COUNCILLORS | FROM PAGE 2 ture. This is my opinion.” The Docklands Innovation District is one of three in the area, in addition to the Lower Broadway Economic Development District on Lower Broadway and the Commercial Triangle Economic Development District. A number of developments reuses are being considered, including the Battery Energy Storage System proposed by Jupiter Power. The matter was referred to the Legislative Aff airs & Elections Subcommittee by a 5-4 vote, after a voice vote left City Council president and Ward 5 representative Robert Van Campen in doubt. Smith, Van Campen, Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon, Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia and Ward 6 Councillor Peter HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Dan - 1972 Take Advantage of our Holiday Specials! Chris 2024 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! MANY ITEMS ON SALE!! Cohiba Special: Five Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars for Only $75. A Savings of $50! Or, a Box of Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars Now Only $299. A Savings of $50! * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES HOURS: OPEN SUN. - WED. 9 AM - 6 PM / THURS. - SAT. 9 AM - 7 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! 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A roll call was taken after a voice vote left Van Campen in doubt. “I believe The Davis Companies have dubious intentions, as was demonstrated two years ago as well as during a public meeting the other night in which they pitched animal testing to residents despite an ordinance already existing,” Rogers said before the vote. “To me, that’s direct interference in our municipal process, our government and democracy as a whole.” After the meeting she told The Advocate, “This topic is important enough to be addressed by the entire council rather than being delayed in a subcommittee. Furthermore, I don’t believe we should modify the existing ordinance in the interest of a private developer when it off ers no benefi t to the greater good of Everett. The proposed Innovation District will thrive regardless of animal testing. The Davis Companies, a $4 billion real estate corporation, is committed to developing the area with or without it and should not be attempting to push amending it for profi t. Allowing animal testing does not alter the district’s trajectory, but does compromise the ethical standards established by Everett residents. It’s worth noting that many newly built lab spaces in Boston currently sit empty while scientists are making incredible breakthroughs in alternative methods that have proven more eff ective than animal testing. If we allow animal testing in Everett, we can’t undo it or reclaim the cruelty-free reputation residents have worked so hard to establish.” She feels, “Animal testing serves a private corporate agenda, not the public good. The ordinance was a constituent-led initiative, shaped by community voices to refl ect Everett’s values. Amending it undermines transparency and trust, principles we value in our community partnerships. While animal testing may not harm the average resident directly, it off ers no tangible benefi ts either. In contrast, maintaining Everett’s cruelty-free status strengthens our advocacy for broader animal protections and positions us as a compassionate, forward-thinking community. By upholding the ban, we set a crucial precedent: Companies must innovate with the community, not against it. This is not about stifl ing progress; it’s about ensuring the future aligns with our values and that developers respect the guidelines set by the people. Corporate partners shouldn’t be silencing community input for profi t.” “I’m not happy with The Davis Companies,” Matewsky added in discussion. He feels the matter of laboratory testing was already decided two years ago. “I support positive development in that area,” he later told The Advocate. “Laboratories aren’t the way to go.” Matewsky describes himself as an animal rights activist, and as a State Representative in 2014 he cosponsored animal rights legislation. In other matters, Rogers introduced a proposal, which was referred to the Administration for consideration, requesting City Council meetings be streamed on YouTube “for enhanced accessibility and transparency.” She explained, “The problem with Facebook is it requires people to have a social media account. By having a YouTube meeting, it allows our meetings to not get lost among other items and help with language services because there is translation.” Rogers also introduced a measure requiring “the display of the United States fl ag when foreign fl ags are displayed by businesses.” She explained, “This isn’t to stifl e diversity in our community, but needs discussion. There needs to be an eff ort to promote the U.S. fl ag.” Hanlon added that etiquette requires the U.S. fl ag be fl own higher than other fl ags. The matter was sent to the Legislative Aff airs & Elections Subcommittee to determine how to move forward. ׉ 7cassandra://4dIz4OSS_LEICDQc8sbvw2iCKgRFhsHdhsxvxjw8mRs7`gdeA)T2r׉E3THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 Page 5 Mass Bay Credit Union announces Everett Branch Manager Lila Kanj joins the Everett team T he Mass Bay Credit Union (MBCU) Board of Directors and CEO are pleased to welcome Lila Kanj as the new Branch Manager of their Everett location. In her role, Lila will oversee daily branch operations, ensure compliance with regulatory standards and lead her team in delivering exceptional member service while driving the branch’s strategic growth initiatives. Lila brings over 15 years of financial services experience, both as a Branch Manager and in various other leadership roles at local ing and commitment to great service are an asset to our Everett branch and community,” said Chief Operating Officer Kelli Cullen. A Salem State College graduLila Kanj credit unions. “We are excited to have Lila Kanj join our team. Her impressive background in retail bankate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing, Lila is passionate about fostering strong member relationships and creating positive changes within organizations. Her dedication to training and mentoring employees has consistently resulted in increased productivity, morale and City of Everett to Host Annual Menorah Lighting Dec. 26 All are welcome to join in lighting the menorah in celebration of Chanukah Special to The Advocate Chanukah is the Jewish M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett, in partnership with the Tobin Bridge Chabad, will be hosting the annual Everett Public Menorah Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 4 p.m. in front of Everett City Hall, 484 Broadway. eight-day “festival of lights” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting and special prayers. The City of Everett is pleased to, once again, collaborate with Rabbi Sruli Baron of the Tobin Bridge Chabad to enjoy a festive community-wide celebration. After the menorah is lit, attendees are welcome service excellence. Founded in 1936 as a credit union for MBTA employees, MBCU has since expanded to include membership within the local communities it serves. As a not-for-profit organization, MBCU puts people, not institutional profit, at the forefront of its mission. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: to enjoy music, latkes, doughnuts, dreidels, chocolate gelt and more. All residents and families are welcome to attend this celebration as we continue to spread holiday cheer throughout the season. For more information, please visit cityofeverett.com/events/menorah-lighting-2024. Local students receive Collaboration Recognition Award T wo Everett students were recognized by Lasell University in fall 2024 for the Collaboration Recognition Award: Xiomara Perez Puerta, who is majoring in Entrepreneurship, and Dawens Germain, who is majoring in Biochemistry. Recipients of the Collaboration Recognition Award are selected by their peers for exemplifying superior skills in collaboration by sharing ideas and useful information, communicating in a professional manner and cooperating in a way to ensure success. Collaboration is a main objective of the Lasell University mission statement. A key feature of this program is a peer-nomination process at the end of the semester. This intentional experience in collaboration builds on the Core Curriculum learning outcome of Teamwork, which is recognized by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) as one of eight key competencies of career readiness, and research shows that 81% of employers hiring college gradu* FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s ates are looking for evidence of an ability to work in a team. Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! www.810bargrille.com ׉ 7cassandra://94U-Ys53bv0yHcwPjmxIcPhSaEZBjJOQ7IJ9lj5gV6E8u`gdeA)T2rgdeA)T2r rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Ho3t1LheiGbyvlMmKpgOJiqLUxqop2tavCM5zyudTM80`'p׉ 7cassandra://XdjWO90RaF2aI9SzHp5MBkmnzxGHsw0i1ZJG4LdF7iIz`׉ 7cassandra://roM_7CToLjF8dsD00na4xrSsBqsqsLlGWiSDZeVaX8w,`gdeD)T2r@טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://DR2sHjVG_NIgWlwmmpUz8d7gD26w-rLyZeUekX2h6EMxB`'p׉ 7cassandra://H-GmBWrIeZ0AFj9Lo3pPuLFFnSUoC-fhSRL5SLtyGIA͙`׉ 7cassandra://n2gJ8TO9gUTpiWet4cmlfochg6AJYnb4j1C7SpiDFOA/`gdeD)T2rAנgdeE)T2rJ7#9ׁH$mailto:jfitzpatrick@mcgovernauto.comׁ ׁ ЈנgdeE)T2rI lW9ׁHhttp://blenet.orgׁ ׁ ЈנgdeE)T2rHԁ9ׁHmailto:shuteinfo@noblenet.orgׁ ׁ ЈנgdeE)T2rGU̝9ׁHmailto:slipp@noblenet.orgׁ ׁ ЈנgdeE)T2rFԁ̙9ׁHmailto:slipp@noblenet.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 Chabad In partnership with Tobin Bridge Chabad EVERETT EVERETT PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING PUBLIC MENORAH LIGHTING Thursday, December 26 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Thursday, December 26 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 484 Broadway, Everett In Front of Everett City Hall 484 Broadway, Everett In Front of Everett City Hall To learn more, please visit To learn more, please visit cityofeverett.com/events/menorah-lighting-2024 cityofeverett.com/events/menorah-lighting-2024 ׉ 7cassandra://roM_7CToLjF8dsD00na4xrSsBqsqsLlGWiSDZeVaX8w,`gdeA)T2r׉EUTHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 Page 7 Everett Public Libraries Calendar of Events ***The Everett Public Libraries will be closing early (at 5 p.m.) on Tuesday, December 24, and will be closed all day on Wednesday, December 25, for Christmas*** Parlin Adult and Teens Resume Writing: Parlin Information Desk; do you need help sprucing up an old resume or creating a new one? Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Parlin. By appointment only; to register, please call or send an email to Kathleen at 617-394-2300 or slipp@noblenet.org Computer Basics 101: Parlin Information Desk. Not familiar with the computer? Learn the basics: how to start up and shut down a computer, perform mouse and keyboard functions, use applications, learn Microsoft Word, navigate the Internet, set up an email account, and more! By appointment only; to register, please call or send an email to Kathleen at 617-3942300 or slipp@noblenet.org. Parlin Children’s Lego Club: Parlin Children’s Room, Monday, December 23, from 3-5 p.m. Come to the Children’s Room after school on Mondays for some free LEGO building fun. Open to all ages; children under six years old must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Shute Adult and Teens Resume Writing: Shute Adult Department; book a one-on-one resume assistance appointment at the Shute Library and let a librarian help you craft a resume tailored to your strengths and aspirations. Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Shute Library. By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617-394-2308. Computer Basics 101: Shute Adult Department. Tech Newbie? No Problem! Learn to power up, click around, type like a pro, explore the digital world and even send your fi rst email. Book your Friday adventure with technology today! By appointment only; please email shuteinfo@noblenet.org or call 617-3942308. He’s Back...and Better Than Ever! John A. Fitzpatrick (Fitzy) Sales & Lease Consultant Direct: 617.410.1030 Main: 617.381.9000 Cell: 617.279.9962 jfitzpatrick@mcgovernauto.com jfitzpatrick McGovern Automotive Group 100 Broadway, Rte. 99, Everett ׉ 7cassandra://n2gJ8TO9gUTpiWet4cmlfochg6AJYnb4j1C7SpiDFOA/`gdeA)T2rgdeA)T2r rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://yF4ZN2CEAbgwJBhaUn11CIkkmEX-Aqx0BfxwoR7yy2o`'p׉ 7cassandra://6zw7nmwdrlfOStXTe4aAFWyAqYbWzU8DcFdM4sWBVEo͸(`׉ 7cassandra://vUVaQBShdxoaUGv6bu5N06ULQjTYPt2EwxErRmTlH-c3`gdeE)T2rKטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://CeJRVw_003vLSBe2GkeTHHg1TRmR4tYtdR-F2mD6cw8.`'p׉ 7cassandra://yOVYt-NOr0WaVyW1_qBlSAi6Xr-w2K5VBQ8XAFuPSYoͳ]`׉ 7cassandra://x6J6EJwlq6DGBr_kzekhIE0_vrjD8AwnR5DnWTfAL2w<`gdeE)T2rLנgdeE)T2rO)9ׁHhttp://www.roller-world.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E~Page 8 Lawn and Yard Care SNOW PLOWING *REASONABLE RATES * PROMPT SERVICE * PARKING LOTS USA 781-521-9927 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 MAYOR | FROM PAGE 1 admitted constituted actionable defamation,” Robbins said in a statement to reporters on Monday. “Today marks the end of a very unfortunate process, one which should never have been necessary, and never would have been necessary but for the decision of the owner of the Everett Leader Herald and its publisher/editor to embark on what, the evidence on the public record showed, was a purposeful, deliberate and egregiously dishonest campaign to use that paper and its storied heritage to ruin one person’s reputation,” Robbins said. In return for the defendants’ 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $11.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com payment and agreement to close their newspaper, Mayor DeMaria agreed not to go forward with a trial of his defamation case that was scheduled to begin on Jan. 21 in Middlesex Superior Court. Mayor DeMaria noted that the defendants tarnished the newspaper, once a respected news source under previous ownership, with their egregious and nefarious misconduct. “What the evidence demonstrated is that upon purchasing the Everett Leader Herald in 2017, a paper with a long and storied history in our city, these defendants embarked on a deliberate, purposeful, relentless campaign to publish accusations against me that they knew were false, that they knew were fabricated, that they knew had no basis, that they knew would damage my reputation and infl ict severe damage not only on me but on my family, and that they specifically hoped and intended would drive me out of offi ce, or worse,” Mayor DeMaria said. “The size and scope of this settlement, both in terms of the amount that the defendants have agreed to pay and, in their agreement, to shut down their newspaper, is a refl ection of just how egregious their conduct was, and of the volume of their admissions of their misconduct, misconduct that gives journalism and journalists a bad name,” the mayor said. “I’m unaware of any instance in which a media outlet was Attorney Jeff ery Robbins of Saul Ewing LLP shares his remarks with the media regarding Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s settlement in the defamation case against the Everett Leader Herald. purchased for the purpose of destroying someone’s reputation, but that is precisely what happened here,” he said. DeMaria has been Everett’s mayor since January of 2008. Attorney lauds Everett Advocate’s coverage Attorney Robbins credited the ongoing and comprehensive coverage by The Everett Advocate of DeMaria’s lawsuit for “shedding public light on the situation.” “The Advocate played a courageous and crucial role in exposing what had occurred. And it was a crucial counterpart to the Leader Herald,” Robbins said in his interview. The Leader Herald published its fi nal newspaper on Wednesday (Dec. 18). As part of the agreement, the newspaper had to terminate all contracts with its vendors and distributors. It also had to take down its social media page and run a notice in the newspaper telling readers that it had published its last edition, according to Robbins. Had the owner and publisher/editor of the Leader Herald decided to go to trial, a jury would have decided what to award in defamation damages, the attorney said. “All a jury would have decided to do in this case would be to decide whether to award damages and how much in damages,” Robbins said. “But a jury could not have ordered a newspaper to close down. That was one of the things that made the settlement unusual,” he said. The Leader Herald published about two dozen fabricated news stories disparaging the mayor over a period of 2019 through 2022, according to court documents. The articles accused DeMaria of soliciting and accepting kickbacks, stealing money and other acts of political corruption – allegations that Resnek later admitted were fabricated. Robbins noted that the newspaper’s motive for attacking DeMaria through fabricated stories appeared to be motivated out of Philbin’s belief “that mayor had been unfavorable in his dealings with his business interests,” Robbins said. Philibin owns an insurance company, rooming houses and several other properties. “There was evidence on the reason [for the fake articles attacking the mayor],” Robbins said. “That was what the mission was. That’s what the goal was. Texts and emails mentioned that,” the attorney said. “You don’t have one smoking gun. You have an arsenal of smoking guns. A whole ammunition depot,” he said. During the barrage of repeated stories that publicly castigated the mayor as a corrupt politician, Robbins said, it was clear that the mayor, his wife, his children and elderly parents endured great public humiliation. “The mayor displayed a lot of emotion over how the stories aff ected him and his family,” Robbins said. “Here’s a story that tells how this took a personal toll on him. His father told him, ‘If what I’m reading in the paper [the Leader Herald] are true, you’re not my son,’” the attorney said. 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