׉?4ׁB!בCט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://BvbiixAyr2DKWWMeNPomIJ2V5Hk6qh2U57BKFXty6qwK`)׉ 7cassandra://syKKOVxBybz51DD9CB-MlA-8Sm7SJiyPI0AORt7WQfY͉`J׉ 7cassandra://oB-OycH9s4cKVd-2dH0eFOISRXSBhTH21wuTFE-rWic*4`̰׉ 7cassandra://0YsPXwJL7WBIxvEPyvaNBqTY6BG-OgqPjNmuB8FhRsc  ͠`%ބ[!fxY?נ`%ބ[!fxY?Z9ׁH!http://www.messingerinsurance.comׁ ׁ Јנ`%ބ[!fxY?̸ 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.neׁ ׁ Ј׈E`%ނ[!fxY?׉E EVERET R Vol. 30, No.6 -FREEEVT TT www.advocatenews.ne v Happy Valentine’s Day to all our Readers! H AD CT D O .net et 419 BROADWAY, EVERETT MA 02149 Right by you. 61 7-38 7 - 1 1 10 7 7 1 SALEM ST, LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 7 8 1 - 7 7 6 - 4444 WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC Member DIF AT 617-387-2200 Free Every Friday With unity, we can achieve anything. HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY. WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND. PLEASE REMEMBER WE’RE CLOSED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH IN OBSERVANCE OF THE HOLIDAY. AS ALWAYS, YOU CAN ACCESS OUR ATMS AND ONLINE BANKING ANYTIME. he City Council, during its February 8 meeting, voted unanimously to approve plans to overhaul Ferry Street, Elm Street and part of Chelsea Street. “Ferry Street and Elm Street T 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 are being reconstructed from the ground up,” said city Transportation Planner Jay Monty. “Utilities, pavement, sidewalks, traffi c lights – the whole thing.” Because the $28 million project is federally funded, the city is required to have control of the property along those traffi c arteries. “We need to have the rights to that property in order to rebuild it,” said Monty. Therefore, the council approved the allocation of $2 million for expenses related to eminent domain and property easements. Kristopher Surette, a project engineer at WorldTech Engineering, said construction is expected to begin in late-summer or early-fall and will take approximately five years to complete. He also said a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be onsite at all times. In addition, Surette spoke about the long-term benefi t once the project is completed. “When this project is done, you will not have a trench AD OCATE Friday, February 12, 2021 Construction to begin on Boston Street mixed-use development A rendering of the mixed-use project at 85 Boston Street, which is slated to begin in April. See story on page 6. (Courtesy Photo) Council approves plans for $28M Ferry Street Reconstruction project By Christopher Roberson down the middle of Ferry Street for a number of years,” he said. Linkage Fee Ordinance In other news, the council voted 10-1 to approve the ordinance regarding Linkage Fees. Similar ordinances are already being used in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville. Everett’s Linkage Fee will be $1,000 per unit for buildings that do not qualify as being affordable housing. There will be a $500 fee for units that are under construction and are located in a building with five percent affordable housing. Attorney Jonathan Silverstein of KP Law said the ordinance will not be retro-active and will only apply to new projects. The council also approved a number of amendments to the ordinance including: • Making the square footage threshold 15,000 square feet for commercial buildings • Giving developers five years to payoff reduced fees and seven years to payoff standard fees • Deleting the section of the ordinance regarding refunds • Giving rulemaking authority to the council rather than to the Inspectional Services Department. The new Linkage Fees will take effect next month. ׉ 7cassandra://oB-OycH9s4cKVd-2dH0eFOISRXSBhTH21wuTFE-rWic*4`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Nqx-ogYqLbbRsJI4rdlJcrWKfbCkmMr-31Ht0DQw7hI`)׉ 7cassandra://meu5Qg45y6-wfeHa1Q2B0_u1efcEOg84KBQUffjORRQ͡`J׉ 7cassandra://icMytca94oeDZ3Qc4M1rkfSSOoIg_HZTvzYVMdM5NOw/`̰׉ 7cassandra://gECGyYgQxKwTeD211RwIsMUZG5PsEwRU1MUtEINZs_s&`͠`%ޅ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://I-d9M_K_zgZv02dXXou8RAmDiBgj0hdL09TQ9L0RCNIݖ`)׉ 7cassandra://uSMB4dJmF-kJ7cdKmkeRl4Fab6qn4Vx-l0cgSIDZFVsͨ3`J׉ 7cassandra://3tfuHJVWnuV9rUZJFZQfQvhL5wGhqL0Kd25iqJ3mCQE0`̰׉ 7cassandra://q-0g5QhloIduoJlPeUCplc5VZFyBiC0PNOeih-9NWgEh ͠`%ކ[!fxY?נ`%ކ[!fxY?̷9ׁHmailto:Info@advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׉E Page 2 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 City partners with MAPC to launch Digital Access and Equity Plan M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the city has partnered with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to address the digital divide in the community. Together, the city and MAPC are working to develop a Digital Access and Equity Plan to enhance Everett’s digital capacity. “I want to ensure that the entire Everett community has digital access,” said DeMaria. “By partnering with MAPC, the city of Everett will be able to address the digital divide in the community. I look forward to seeing the results of the assessment and developing an action plan for next steps.” Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani and members of the Administration met with MAPC to discuss the beginning steps in developing the Digital Access and Equity Plan. Factors that will influence the plan include access to affordable, high speed, and reliable internet, availability of computing devices and digital literacy. “The internet is where we communicate, access important information, pay our bills, check the news, receive our education, and much more these days. Access to quality internet service is a matter of public health,” said Martins. “Having a connection that is inferior, congested, and constantly disrupted creates a digital divide when compared to other wealthier communities and leaves our residents behind. For the past two months, I have challenged our providStephanie Martins Ward 2 Councillor ers to step up the delivery of their services to our residents. I want to thank Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the Department of Communications for supporting the efforts to mitigate Everett's Digital Divide by retaining the MAPC to develop a Digital Access and Equity Plan. I am extremely excited to be a part of this work, along with the Department of Communications, Everett Public Schools, and community partners, and look forward to the next steps which will include an extensive and inclusive community needs assessment.” “I thank the city for including the EPS (Everett Public Schools) in its discussions and planning surrounding this critical issue,” said Tahiliani. “Everett is taking a comprehensive and ambitious approach to digital access and equity, as evidenced by the fantastic decision to partner with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The district looks forward to seeing this partnership dePriya Tahiliani Superintendent of Schools velop a strong and sustainable plan that will benefit our students for many years into the future.” Through the Federal Economic Development Administration Disaster Mitigation and Recovery Grant, MAPC will begin the process to address the challenges of internet access in Everett. City officials look forward to unveiling a clear strategy around providing fast, reliable, and affordable internet service to its residents and businesses. According to MACP, “Everett is set to become a leader within the Commonwealth by developing a plan that is scaled to fit the capacity of municipal staff while leveraging a strong resource network of local, state, and federal resources that cross the public, private, educational, and nonprofit sectors.” The next step is to create a working group to determine PARTNERS | SEE PAGE 14 For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://icMytca94oeDZ3Qc4M1rkfSSOoIg_HZTvzYVMdM5NOw/`̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 3 Local doctors weigh in on top COVID-19 variant By Christopher Roberson D espite the downward trend in COVID-19 cases, the variant strain, known as B117, continues to gain momentum. Although other variants exist, Dr. Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha, the division chief of infectious diseases at Cambridge Health Alliance, said B117 has been the most prevalent variant thus far. Yet, she remained confident in the vaccines that were developed by Moderna and Pfizer at the end of last year. "Fortunately, the three variants that have received recent attention appear to remain susceptible to antibodies produced Everett residents named to WPI Dean’s List W ORCESTER – Everett residents Connor Anderson and Amy Ngan were named to the Dean’s List at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) for the fall 2020 semester. The criteria for the Dean's List differs from most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average. Instead, WPI defines the Dean's List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects. Everett residents named to Dean’s List at Holy Cross W ORCESTER–The College of the Holy Cross recently announced that the following Everett residents were named to the Dean’s List for fall 2020 semester: Julianna Lopez-Picardi, Angelo Carbone, Dennis Ryan and Ralph Carbone. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must pass four or more letter-graded courses with no failing grades during the semester and earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. in response to the two authorized vaccines currently in use,” she said. “Although the mRNA vaccines may be mildly less effective against this variant, most vaccine experts do not believe this subtlety will be clinically relevant.” However, Bruno-Murtha said the situation could easily spiral out of control just as it did when the original COVID-19 virus surfaced nearly one year ago. “More variation will occur as the virus continues to widely circulate,” she said. “If infections can be reduced and quickly controlled, there will be less of an opportunity for the viruses to mutant and gain selective advantages. Given some evidence that these variants are more transmissible, ongoing efforts to maximize personal safety remain essential.” Dr. Benjamin Linas, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, said B117 is simply the product of “natural mutation.” “It is 100 percent normal and expected for viruses to mutate,” he said, adding that errors are inevitable at some point during the replication process, thus spawning a new variant. “There are a lot of viruses in an infected person’s body and even a tiny percentage of successful mutations will result in new variants emerging. This is an evolutionary survival of the fittest situation” Linas also said the spike protein found in B117 is much more potent than the spike protein in the original COVID-19 virus. “This is what makes the virus more infectious — it is better at getting into host cells,” he said. In addition, Linas agreed with Bruno-Murtha regarding the efficacy of the vaccines. “The good news is that the same things we do to prevent COVID will also work against B117,” he said. “The vaccines we have now are effective against B117.” Dr. Mark Siedner, an infectious disease specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said B117 is estimated to be 50 to 60 percent more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. “This virus is becoming increasingly predominant,” he said. However, Siedner said safeguards are now in place to prevent a shutdown similar to what happened last spring. “The protective measures that keep us safe don’t change, social responsibility doesn’t change,” he said. “I don’t foresee us going back in time; we should not be where we were a year ago.” However, Dr. Richard Ellison, an infectious disease specialist at UMass Memorial Medical Center, was not as optimistic about the vaccines’ to ability to guard against B117. “We don't have any good evidence at all,” he said. “It’s definitely very worrisome.” Ellison also called attention to the havoc that B117 has already caused in the United Kingdom. “What we saw in England could realistically happen here,” he said. ׉ 7cassandra://3tfuHJVWnuV9rUZJFZQfQvhL5wGhqL0Kd25iqJ3mCQE0`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://PjwUeots5eJftRnSxBeoC08fzyOF6QdpeivmqPxWTDE_`)׉ 7cassandra://hqeVKcZIZJnnt23OksbNzkpBVy_z0BD42R6yNPA_gO0ͤ`J׉ 7cassandra://Dnfe9lE3RZzWunWOMiibnZhCtT_hW9qvQDCBL2UrJsI1`̰׉ 7cassandra://byUGNneoVD81x6AmiBETMj3nwagdFN8pd6UluVf0xVE-W͠`%ކ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://UKOVQBBYvzF13VG12byNmeal2YFyrgucQWbmKD_lUyc}`)׉ 7cassandra://UaK7Qy_R6_VY8LkeawmTcOqVxBPVJ8p_QSZkqWtwnQk͓m`J׉ 7cassandra://eKUAO9p5M3Y3cap6VXzvrMtTA9-ZkxHjYsde3GON_tM*w`̰׉ 7cassandra://RbVWSQHzSjZrCagXVkO7-mkqDspg5tTc3_OFSWz-W2gg͠`%ވ[!fxY?נ`%ވ[!fxY?Wf9ׁHhttp://WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COMׁ ׁ Јנ`%ވ[!fxY?Wf9ׁHhttp://WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Attorneys John Mackey and Katherine M. Brown announce Law Partnership A ttorney John Mackey is pleased to announce that Attorney Katherine M. Brown has joined the firm as a Partner. Mackey & Brown, Attorneys at Law, located at 14 Norwood St. in Everett will continue to focus on Family Law, Real Estate and Personal Injury Law. The firm’s general practice also includes Estate Administration, Bankruptcy, Landlord/ Tenant disputes and Civil Litigation. Attorney Mackey is a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk Law School. Attorney Brown is a graduate of the University of New Haven and Suffolk Law School, where she concentrated in Trial and Appellate Advocacy. Please call for a free consultation on your case at 617387-4900. You can also visit our website at www.mackeybrownlaw.com. Lawrence A. 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Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Attorney John Mackey and Attorney Katherine Brown Improvements slated for Glenwood Cemetery M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City Council recently approved funding for improvements at Glenwood Cemetery. Plans include developing new grave space, renovating the driveway, redeveloping the cemetery’s entrance, upgrading the water system and renovating the Civil War burial area. The project is scheduled to begin in early spring. “It’s important that we make these improvements to Glenwood Cemetery,” said DeMaria. “Although those who rest there have passed, they are still part of our community and I want to honor them by improving the conditions of the cemetery. Residents should be able to visit their loved ones in a location that has easy access and brings them peace.” Currently, the cemetery is at full capacity and there is no The City Council recently approved funding for a series of improvements at Glenwood Cemetery. (Photo Courtesy of BSC Group) space available. Through this renovation project, 227 new precast concrete double depth lawn crypts will be created. The current cremation site is also at full capacity and has space for 44 niches. With the improvements, there will be a new cremation niche installed that will have space for 166 niches. The driveway is currently deteriorating and will be undergoing renovations as well. The existing curbing will be CEMETERY | SEE PAGE 14                                         Prices subject to change Happy New Year! FLEET ׉ 7cassandra://Dnfe9lE3RZzWunWOMiibnZhCtT_hW9qvQDCBL2UrJsI1`̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉E KTHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 5 DiDomenico files bill to provide universal school meals S tate Senator Sal DiDomenico has once again joined forces with anti-hunger organization Project Bread in sponsoring new legislation to provide free school meals to all children in the Commonwealth. SD519/HD1161, An Act relative to universal school meals, would allow every student who wants or needs a school breakfast or lunch to receive it—at no cost to their family and with no requirement to sign up or provide income or other information. Just as no student is required to pay fees at public schools when they enter the classroom, there would be no financial barrier in the school cafeteria. DiDomenico partnered with State Representative Andy Vargas, his former co-sponsor of Breakfast After the Bell legislation, in filing this legislation to provide universal schools meals. Last week, the legislative duo joined with Project Bread and the Feed Kids Campaign– a state-level legislative campaign comprised of the most influential and dedicated anti-hunger partners in the state– to officially launch the campaign, announce their newly filed bill, and emphasize the need for this critical legislation. “Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, too many in our Commonwealth were struggling to meet their most basic needs. Today, the COVID crisis has shed a stark light on the state of hunger in Massachusetts, especially for kids, with twenty percent of households with children being food insecure. That is unconscionable,” said DiDomenico. “We have a moral responsibility to take immediate action to end childhood hunger in Massachusetts, and we simply cannot do so without providing universal school meals to every child, free of charge.” Right now, one in five Massachusetts families with kids is hungry and 27 percent of children experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts are not eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. However, as a result of flexibilities granted in response to the pandemic, every student in Massachusetts currently has access to free school meals. The barrier presented by cost and paperwork was temporarily removed at the federal level because this crisis put a spotlight on the need to ensure the right to the most basic of necessities—food—for all kids. Consequently, for the get free breakfast and lunch at hundreds of meal sites across the Commonwealth. Despite this important step Sal DiDomenico State Senator past 10 months, thousands more Massachusetts children and teens have been able to forward, without state-level legislation in place, there is a possibility that barriers to school meals will return once the waivers expire post-pandemic. To keep school meals accessible for all students, Senator DiDomenico, Representative Vargas, and the Feed Kids Coalition joined forces seeking a bold solution to end childhood hunger by ensuring that every student receives the nutrition they need while they are in school. “Our priority in Massachusetts must be to feed our kids, full stop, and School Meals for All will do that,” said Erin McAleer, CEO of Project Bread. “Now more than ever, we need to be SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 1039 BROADWAY, REVERE 781-289-6466 781-289-6466 WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM WWW.BIKERSOUTFITTER.COM intentional about meeting the SCHOOL MEALS | SEE PAGE 14 ׉ 7cassandra://eKUAO9p5M3Y3cap6VXzvrMtTA9-ZkxHjYsde3GON_tM*w`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Qaxsyqo8b_1NAmgKwSBZawe6IhJWW0RLj1WM1endz2A`)׉ 7cassandra://fpTPSxnfs00qtN8E5bof4DUmnUM4vxrxfL_o6Ttpqx8ͮ`J׉ 7cassandra://LV0_YB1SllgVxxHxcrJK3Oz0jjxvvcXghifU477d6YQ0`̰׉ 7cassandra://b8GZG9T_pq7Z7o89J2bHuqIdxBq5h7Iksz02s-FeZpk ͠`%މ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://RYiLAYPv5tu0_v5EPOPMH-L0rl3QX1ZYtBaB-TCw9nwR`)׉ 7cassandra://K8CNUHFfWUzC0CMnG0zb_OGJnBs4S5STHoH7AgmOCUY͠`J׉ 7cassandra://FQbbVS_EdqrAwpWbF0uPGaUxzyFvv4r7tJhAJ46OlKU*`̰׉ 7cassandra://ZAEWbAY4RNllakNlsz8LXwqk9vwf7nTI9y7kcPLnX9kP͠`%ފ[!fxY?נ`%ފ[!fxY?̼9ׁHhttp://EddiesAutotech.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Planning Board gives fi nal approval for mixed-use development on Boston Street By Christopher Roberson A fter four years in the works, the mixed-use project at 85 Boston St. is slated to begin following the recent approval from the Planning Board for a Minor Modification to the Site Plan. The modification will align the written conditions with the project redesign that the board approved in August 2020. “The design did evolve over the years,” said Stephen Martorano of Bohler Engineering during the board’s February 8 meeting. The project, which is expected to begin in April, will take approximately 18 months to complete. It will now feature 650 residential units in two buildings, 9,000 square feet of ground-level retail space and 785 parking spaces. AUTOTECH 1989 SINCE E CA$H FOR YOUR CAR! DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash For Your Car, Truck or SUV! 2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 4X4 Crew Cab, Z71 Package, Just Serviced, Clean Title, Only 126K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $11,900 Easy Financing Available! EddiesAutotech.com 2010 MERCURY MILAN 4-Door, Auto., Most Power Options, Clean Title, New Tires, Only 130K Miles, Runs & Drives Great, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $3,995 781-321-8841 1236 EasternAve • Malden We Pay Cash For Your Vehicle! House Speaker Mariano Releases Statement on Administration’s Vaccine Rollout B OSTON – House Speaker Ron Mariano (D – Quincy ) last week released the following statement regarding FEMA’s approval of over $213 million in funding for Massachusetts’ vaccine rollout: “The state’s vaccination plan was developed by experts and guided by science, but the 160 Members of the House of Representatives are the experts on their own communities, and their constituents have communicated their frustration, feedback, and fear “While the funding announcement from FEMA today is welcome news, it is imperative that the Administration heeds feedback from Members of the Legislature who are hearing directly from their constituents about the challenges they have encountered during the fi rst days of Phase 2. The vaccine rollout has been marked by communications and operational shortcomings that we must correct as we work through the phases of the vaccination plan and move towards vaccinating the general public. “Specifically, we have witnessed a disconnect between the Department of Public Health and those administering the vaccine, siting and availability issues in many regions across the state, and communications breakdowns in the vaccine booking system. We must be particularly mindful about addressing gaps in health equity and supporting individuals with disabilities and those without access to transportation. “The Administration has both the opportunity and the responsibility to learn from this past week, and the House stands ready to assist in this monumental undertaking. The Legislature has an active and important role to play in allocating federal money – now or in the future. Whether it’s through FEMA funds, a future appropriation, or policy measures, the House looks forward to providing constructive feedback to help ensure residents’ needs are met within their communities.” “I’m grateful to Speaker Mariano for making it clear that the feedback my colleagues in the legislature and I have been sending to the Baker Administration needs to be heard and considered,” said Representative Steven Ultrino (D – Malden) of the statement. “As the Speaker noted, even the best laid plans that aim for equity will fail if those crafting those SPEAKER | SEE PAGE 14 ASTON — Jacob Jackson of Everett has been named to the Dean's List at Stonehill College for the fall 2020 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must have a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better and must have completed successfully all courses for which they were registered. Everett resident recognized by Scholastic Art & Writing Awards B OSTON – Markus Tran of Everett was one of 21 students to be recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards this year for his achievements and skill in art and writing. Tran is a student at the Commonwealth School in Boston’s Back Bay. The project will also focus on improving Vale Street as well as connecting the sidewalks with the new retail spaces. In addition, Martorano said the city is planning to begin two more projects in the area this spring. The first will be to install a drain under the nearby train tracks while the second project calls for the installation of a tide gate at the end of Spring Street. “There’s a couple big moves that city is making,” said Martorano. The board also received an update about another mixeduse project, this one located on Vine Street and Second Street. It will consist of 320 residential units, which will include 16 affordable housing units, in a six-story building. There will also be approximately 4,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level as well as a parking garage. Member Leo Pizzano said he was concerned about tractor trailer trucks from Restaurant Depot having enough space to turn onto Second Street from Boston Street. “That’s a very tight turn down there,” he said, adding that he had similar concerns about the turn from Second Street onto Vine Street. Everett resident named to Stonehill College Dean's List ׉ 7cassandra://LV0_YB1SllgVxxHxcrJK3Oz0jjxvvcXghifU477d6YQ0`̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 7 AG Healey awards $1.5M in grants to promote racial equity in treatment of opioid use disorder A s the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate racial disparities in the healthcare system, Attorney General Maura Healey recently announced that $1.5 million has been awarded to 16 organizations across the state as part of her office’s new grant program to promote equity in treatment programs and recovery services for opioid use disorder (OUD) in Massachusetts. The grant program—Promoting Cultural Humility in Opioid Use Disorder Treatment—supports treatment and recovery programs committed to standards that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in Massachusetts. Healey led a virtual roundtable today to announce the grant recipients and discuss with grantees how they plan to use the funds to address the disparities that exist. “The opioid epidemic is far from over, and the COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated barriers to care that have systemically and disproportionately harmed communities of color for far too long,” said Healey. “We have prioritized equity in our grant programs and awarded these funds to organizations that are committed to providing accessible recovery and treatment services to diverse patients across our state.” Systemic issues, including health care provider biases, limited public health research, and inadequate news coverage have mischaracterized the opioid epidemic as chiefly impacting white suburban and rural communities. However, communities of color are increasingly affected by opioid use disorder. According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, opioid-related overdose deaths increased for Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic communities between 2018 and 2019. Treatment inequities and devastatingly high mortality rates among communities of color require recovery services that are diverse and not “one size fits all.” A recent report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reveals that Black and Latinx people have substantially lower access to behavioral health and substance use treatment services and too often experience less culturally responsive care. The grants were awarded to treatment programs that practice cultural humility by centering patients’ unique needs and experiences and demonstrate an understanding of providers’ biases and the barriers to care for diverse patients. Grant funds were awarded to the following organizations: • MA Organization for Addiction Recovery (Statewide): This statewide addiction advocacy organization will use the funding to increase access of BIPOC communities to recovery coaching with a focus on services for pregnant or parenting women, veterans, and recently incarcerated individuals who are actively engaged in treatment. “Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery is pleased to receive this grant from Attorney General Maura Healey to improve outreach to communities of color affected by addiction, support people in recovery, and educate the public about the value of recovery,” said Maryanne Frangules, Executive Director of Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR). • Home Base Program (Statewide): The grant funding will help develop and implement training programs for veteran outreach coordinators to better assist BIPOC veterans who seek OUD treatment, including medication-assisted treatment and therapy. “These funds will allow Home Base to develop a training curricula for frontline staff to support patient-centered care of BIPOC veterans in need of OUD treatment,” said Dr. Louis Chow, Senior Director for Training and Network Development at the Home Base Program. “The curricula will be developed to foster three core elements of cultural humility – principles of mutual learning and self-reflection, recognition of power imbalances, and recognition of implicit biases – with the goal of delivering culturally sensitive, equitable, and effective clinical care for those we serve.” • Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (Greater Boston): BHCHP will use the grant award to fund a recovery support advocate with lived experience in the communities the program serves. The program will provide recovery support and harm reduction services to Black and Latinx populations experiencing homelessness in Greater Boston. • Victory Programs (Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk Counties): Funding will be used to help lower barriers to OUD treatment for populations experiencing homelessness or housing instability, specifically through recruitment/retention initiatives for bilingual staff, evidence-based trainings in cultural humility and racial equity, and programmatic evaluation based on community and client input. “Victory Programs is, yet again, encouraged by the Attorney General’s Office, under AG Healey’s leadership, multi-disciplinary approach to combating the opioid epidemic,” Sarah Porter, Executive Director, Victory Programs. “This grant allows Victory Programs to focus on cultural humility training, which includes the identification and elimination of specific barriers BIPOC face for successful treatment, and on our recruitment and retention of staff of color.” • Boston Medical Center (Greater Boston): The grant funds will bolster BMC’s program that serves 125 to 150 mother-baby pairs each year and will specifically help to further incorporate trauma-informed services, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards, and culturally sensitive practices in treatment for mothers with OUD. It will also be used to help WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for    Program and be eligible for as much as  towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric).     Household of 1 = $39,105 Household of 2 = $51,137 Household of 3 = $63,169 Household of 4 = $75,201 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. provide critical support to infants born with neonatal withdrawal syndrome and assist new mothers with the challenges of caring for newborns who are experiencing withdrawals. • Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston): MGH’s Substance Use Disorder Bridge Clinic will use grant funds to tailor peer support to women of color with OUD who are also impacted by commercial sex exploitation and are more likely to require services beyond the average treatment time. The Bridge Clinic will also facilitate a peer referral pathway for this client group from the Suffolk County House of Correction. “Women of color are disproportionately affected by the intersection of opioid use disorder (OUD) and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), but experiences of trauma, racism, and stigma related to addiction and the sex trade create deep distrust of healthcare,” said Dr. Abigail Judge of the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, who leads a project to improve services for women jointly affected by subAG HEALEY | SEE PAGE 21 APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2021 Residents of     178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of         18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284 ׉ 7cassandra://FQbbVS_EdqrAwpWbF0uPGaUxzyFvv4r7tJhAJ46OlKU*`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://XN6P8r2YIrrccaK5iCEvJMFdbpHfJwliF0pxdzy3fHIxB`)׉ 7cassandra://s6ZsPJQ1H4z1OsK_frHNQeSKxZaDo7KRx_Q_4K0nFZIͥ`J׉ 7cassandra://a6pXr4VHaQoJ9BTlG9IN36OuoOiuo-JFgxdqGzvhcI0. `̰׉ 7cassandra://aFCkgRnvHRUJ64Oseq6OhyQv-nryjNqhC66I8dGoNE4.P͠`%ފ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://XcmXZFAnUqPE62HgdbCqUkhP2_nZnQ3G_6LS4oAupNo`)׉ 7cassandra://WTQzeZxc6K9Cj3ue42e3mRs8NWIDKg1GwJHn-CUQkjo~`J׉ 7cassandra://CkgHqy-b34YR5Edg6uD8Ed_e45ZrkkAurbRzVMf08yY"E`̰׉ 7cassandra://3j8IzCroR-DvvKSTRSOeIp-DK1iTshuP0n463TzSUcw;͠`%ތ[!fxY?נ`%ލ[!fxY?d9ׁHhttp://www.krׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 AG’s Offi ce secures $573M settlement with McKinsey for ‘turbocharging’ opioid sales A ttorney General Maura Healey, with a coalition of attorneys general representing 47 states, the District of Columbia and fi ve U.S. territories, recently announced a $573 million settlement with one of the world’s largest consulting firms, McKinsey & Company, resolving investigations into the company’s role working for opioid companies, helping those companies promote their drugs, and profi ting from the opioid epidemic. Under the terms of the consent judgment, filed today along with a complaint in Suff olk Superior Court, McKinsey will pay a total of $573 million – with $13 million going to Massachusetts – which will be used to fund prevention, treatment, and recovery eff orts. This is the fi rst multistate opioid settlement to result in substantial payment to the states to address the epidemic. The judgment remains subject to court approval. “Today’s agreement sets a new standard for accountability in one of the most devastating crises of our time,” AG Healey said. “As a result, our communities will receive substantial resources for treatment, prevention, and recovery services, and families who have seen their loved ones hurt and killed by the opioid epidemic will have the truth exposed about McKinsey’s illegal and dangerous partnership with Purdue Pharma.” McKinsey is required to turn over tens of thousands of internal documents detailing its work for Purdue Pharma and other opioid companies for public disclosure online. According to the complaint, McKinsey designed Purdue’s marketing schemes, including a plan to “turbocharge” OxyContin sales at the height of the opioid epidemic. The filings, with evidence about McKinsey’s misconduct first uncovered by AG Healey’s Offi ce, describe how McKinsey contributed to the opioid crisis by selling marketing schemes and consulting services to opioid manufacturers, including OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, for over a decade. The complaint, fi led with the settlement, details how McKinsey advised Purdue to maximize its OxyContin profi ts, including by: • Focusing on higher, more lucrative dosages and increased sales rep visits to high-volume opioid prescribers; • Targeting physicians with specific messaging to convince them to prescribe more OxyContin to more patients; • Encouraging opioid manufacturers to band together to “defend against strict treatment by the FDA” on risk mitigation eff orts that could have reduced high doses and saved lives; and • Delivering OxyContin directly to patients through mail-order pharmacies to circumvent retail pharmacy restrictions on high dose, suspicious prescriptions. When states began to sue Purdue’s directors for their implementation of McKinsey’s marketing schemes, McKinsey partners began emailing about deleting documents and emails related to their work for Purdue. Under the terms of today’s settlement, McKinsey will pay $573 million, with a total of $558 million distributed to states to abate the opioid crisis, and $15 million to fund investigation expenses and support the document repository. In Massachusetts, today’s settlement will fund the state’s newly created Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to help expand access to opioid use disorder prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery options. Along with the payment and the disclosure of documents, the agreement also imposes court-ordered ethics rules that McKinsey must implement, including strict company-wide standards for document retention, and confl ict disclosures on state contracts. In addition, McKinsey agreed to stop advising companies on potentially dangerous Schedule II and III narcotics. The fi lings are the latest action Healey has taken to combat the opioid epidemic and hold accountable those who are responsible for creating and fueling the crisis. Since taking offi ce, Healey has prioritized combating the opioid epidemic through a multi-disciplinary approach that includes enforcement, policy, prevention, and education eff orts. The states’ investigation, fi rst launched by AG Healey’s Offi ce, was led by an executive committee made up of the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Vermont. The executive committee is joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, and the territories of American Samoa, Guam the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. MVES off ers safety tips when walking in snowy and icy conditions E ach winter, slip and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or black ice is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution. Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car. With the winter weather upon us, Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Safety Committee advises these 10 tips to make sure you are staying safe when walking around in snowy and icy conditions. • Walk slowly and carefully. Wear boots or other slip-resistant footwear. • Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support if you need to do so. • Watch for slippery floors when you enter any building or home. • Avoid walking with your hands in your pockets; this can reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance. • Watch out for black ice. • Tap your foot on potentially slick areas to see if the areas are slippery. • Walk as flat-footed as possible in very icy areas. • Avoid uneven surfaces if possible. Avoid steps or curbs with ice on them. • Report any untreated surfaces to your town, property owner, or work’s maintenance department to help keep you safe. • Remember: Ice and snow mean, “take it slow!” For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://a6pXr4VHaQoJ9BTlG9IN36OuoOiuo-JFgxdqGzvhcI0. `̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 9 Citibank to pay nearly $900K to thousands of Massachusetts consumers for credit card overcharges A ttorney General Maura Healey recently announced that Citibank will refund $895,000 to approximately 5,474 Citibank credit card holders in Massachusetts to resolve allegations that it overcharged them for credit card interest. The funds are part of a $4.2 million multistate settlement achieved in partnership with the attorneys general of Iowa, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Approximately 25,000 current and former Citibank customers are receiving refund checks as a result of the settlement. The Massachusetts assurance of discontinuance was filed in Suffolk Superior Court today. “Citibank charged consumers excessive interest on their credit cards and violated the law,” said Healey. “With this settlement, Citibank is required to compensate thousands of consumers in Massachusetts for years of overcharges.” Mobile COVID-19 testing available for Everett residents M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that through the Kraft Center for Community Health, Mass General Brigham and the Massachusetts General Hospital Community Health Centers mobile COVID-19 testing will be available to Everett residents only. Testing will occur on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Norwood Street parking lot located at 158 School St. “The Administration has been working diligently to increase testing availability throughout the pandemic,” said DeMaria. “It is important that Everett residents have a place to get tested.” This is a walk-up testing site with no appointment necessary. Proof of residency is required. All residents who get tested must wear a mask, use hand sanitizer and practice social distancing. This program is made possible in part through funding from a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant and NIH’s Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics in Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative. For more information, visit http:// www.kraftcommunityhealth. org/mobile-covid-testing. The investigation arose from Citibank’s failure, from 2011 to August 2017, to properly reevaluate and reduce the annual percentage rate (APR) for certain consumer credit card accounts consistent with the requirements of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act). For more than six years, Citibank failed to properly lower credit card interest rates for certain consumers who were entitled to reductions in their APR. AG Healey’s Office alleges that Citibank’s failure to reevaluate credit card interest rates further violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. The attorneys general will be distributing the settlement to eligible consumers through Epiq Class Action & Claims Solutions, Inc., a settlement administrator. Consumers do not need to take any action to receive their funds, which will be sent as checks to eligible consumers in the middle of 2021. Only those Citibank credit card customers who meet certain criteria set by the settling states will receive a refund check. Consumers who have questions can call Epiq, the settlement administrator, at 855-914-4657. As detailed in a 2018 consent order between Citibank and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the CARD Act requires credit card issuing banks to perform a “look back” at least every six months to review whether, for accounts where the bank has increased the APR due to credit risk or other factors, the factors that prompted the increase have changed. When indicated by the look back review, the CARD Act requires the bank to reduce the account’s APR. The CFPB’s Consent Order alleges that Citibank failed to properly implement the CARD Act’s look back requirements from 2011 to 2017. ׉ 7cassandra://CkgHqy-b34YR5Edg6uD8Ed_e45ZrkkAurbRzVMf08yY"E`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://P80lSh7QlBzZi-tGqMQh-kJoaMhCwP0Pqs2i7p_8JCI`)׉ 7cassandra://12R57K2PFkDzGfymlnrINNjba-F87RZabagEQEzPJ54͇q`J׉ 7cassandra://r_PalW4LQHYxp6gGnVbilfc6XUPOJXHunIk59IgzTuA&-`̰׉ 7cassandra://35CEOBOgEnmo7rjCRZvy_vc1f_jrKV9di0JPz-ijY24G3͠`%ޏ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://w96PWHz2GfGXCG-yYe1NVlSP-Htjo-Ef0ThP0PS2_hol`)׉ 7cassandra://9oZXrojSMmKoub38fqVu5j9mDznjt_xU5L25fyEq5ic~q`J׉ 7cassandra://WTxdcEvVrelDJl3vn5VEUD9Cvw5GOfMAMiTEzZG_yu0"L`̰׉ 7cassandra://PjOxUnGCrtvw0UNKGwm4i37D7ssCIXhC4YXFZiBzjacv͠`%ޑ[!fxY?’נ`%ޑ[!fxY?Ɓ ̠9ׁHmailto:test@ci.everett.ma.usׁ ׁ Јנ`%ޑ[!fxY?Ł5Z9ׁH-https://ci-everett-ma.zoom.us/j/98244106409?pׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 MBTA to announce service changes for March and April T he MBTA Service Planning team will be hosting virtual public meetings on Wednesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 24 from 6-8 p.m. to share the temporary schedule changes that will take effect in March and April. The MBTA is implementing service changes in response to the low ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes on the bus network and subway system will begin on March 14. This will reduce frequency on some bus and subways lines and eliminate, shorten, or combine various bus routes. The Commuter Rail will also undergo additional scheduling changes, starting April 5. During the virtual public meetings, the team will share information as to why the route changes are necessary and offer insight into the service planning process. They will also share specific information about the service changes and impacted routes. Attendees are welcomed to ask questions and provide feedback regarding the service changes that will go into effect. Mayor announces monthly story time M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that he will be hosting monthly virtual story time events beginning on Wednesday, February 3 at 3:30 p.m. During this time, he will be meeting the children of Everett through Zoom to read classic children’s stories. “I am very excited to read to the Everett children,” said DeMaria. “Even though I wish I could read to them in-person, reading stories virtually is the safest way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. I look forward to connecting with the children through the powerful messages that come from these stories.” Story time will occur on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. DeMaria is hoping this will help provide the children some normalcy during these difficult times. To participate in any story time event, please follow the instructions below with Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting: https://ci-everett-ma.zoom.us/j/98244106409?pwd=TERXdWxhRy95OTlSTkNFMDlKWElJUT09 Meeting ID: 982 4410 6409 Passcode: 369790 One tap mobile: +16465588656, 98244106409# Dial in: +1 646 558 8656 +1 301 715 8592 Meeting ID: 982 4410 6409 Passcode: 369790 City and public libraries host Black History Month art contest M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett in collaboration with the Everett Public Libraries will be hosting an art contest during Black History Month. The contest is open to any Everett resident age 10 or older. All Everett residents/students are encouraged to participate. Submitted art must be related to Black history/figures/authors, etc. The City will be providing prompts and inspiration on the City’s official Facebook page (@cityofeverettma). The winners will receive prizes. Winners will be chosen by the number of likes on each Facebook post of the art which will be uploaded in categories on Saturday, February 27 (@ mayordemaria). The categories are: Ages 10-13 1st place: $50 gift card. 2nd place: $35 gift card. 3rd place: $20 gift card. Ages 14-18 1st place: $50 gift card. 2nd place: $35 gift card. 3rd place: $20 gift card. Ages 19+ 1st place: $50 gift card. 2nd place: $35 gift card. 3rd place: $20 gift card. For those who are interested in participating, the eligibility requirements are: • You must be aged 10+ to participate. • You must be a resident of Everett or attend school in Everett. • All art must be your own original work. • There is a limit of one entry per person. • Art must relate to the subject of Black History Month. For submissions, the requirements are: • Take a clear photo (front and back) of your artwork. • Every entry must have a title. • Every entry must have a statement describing the artwork. • Every entry must have the following information on the reverse side of the artwork: your name, age and e-mail address. All artwork submission photos must be e-mailed to artcontest@ci.everett.ma.us. The submission deadline is Wednesday, February 24 by 4 p.m. ׉ 7cassandra://r_PalW4LQHYxp6gGnVbilfc6XUPOJXHunIk59IgzTuA&-`̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉ETHE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 11 Baker-Polito Administration Awards Nearly $174 Million in Grants to 4,043 Additional Small Businesses for COVID Relief, Increases Capacity Limits for Businesses and Other Activities Over $450 million in direct financial support has been awarded to 9,900 small businesses; Capacity limits for most sectors increased to 40% B OSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration announced approximately $173.9 million in awards to 4,043 additional small businesses in the sixth round of COVID relief grants administered by the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC). This program is focused on serving businesses that have been most impacted by the pandemic, including restaurants, bars, caterers, personal services and independent retailers. The Administration also announced that effective Monday, February 8th at 5:00 AM, businesses can operate at 40% capacity. This is an increase from an existing order limiting capacity to 25% for many businesses that expires Monday. Beginning when the order expires, restaurants and close contact personal services will also be allowed to operate at a 40% capacity limit. Additionally, the Administration announced that current restrictions limiting gathering sizes to 10 persons indoors and 25 persons outdoors would remain in place for the present time. All other orders and safety guidance remain in place throughout the Commonwealth as the state continues to fight COVID-19 and vaccination ramps up in all regions. COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAMS To date, the Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $450 million in direct financial support to 9,900 small businesses. This funding has been made available through a $668 million business relief fund set up in December, as well as a $50.8 million fund for small and diverse businesses included in the economic recovery package announced in October. In parallel with the awards announced today, MGCC is engaging with applicants to the Small Business and Sector-Specific Grant Programs that meet sector and demographic priorities but are missing certain documents that are necessary to be considered for an award. Those applicants will be contacted beginning today, February 4th, and MGCC will work with those businesses over the coming weeks to finalize their applications. SECTOR-SPECIFIC CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS Effective Monday, February 8th at 5:00 AM, those businesses and other sectors in Massachusetts currently limited to 25% capacity following an across the board capacity reduction on December 26, 2020 will be permitted to increase to a 40% capacity limit. Businesses and activities affected by the adjustment include: • Arcades and Recreational Businesses • Driving and Flight Schools • Gyms/Health Clubs • Libraries • Museums • Retail • Offices • Places of Worship • Lodging (common areas) • Golf (indoor areas) • Movie Theaters (no more than 50 people per theater) In addition, restaurants and close contact personal services will now be allowed to operate at a 40% capacity limit, which reflects an increase from the 25% limit imposed in December. As under the current 25% limit, workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants and close contact personal services. The Commonwealth remains in Phase 3, Step 1 of the Baker-Polito Administration’s reopening plan. Phase 3, Step 2 businesses, including indoor performance venues and indoor recreation businesses like roller rinks and trampoline parks, remain closed. GATHERING LIMITS The current gathering limits, in place since December 26, are being extended. Indoor gatherings and events will remain limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings and events will remain limited to 25 people. The gathering limits apply equally to private homes, event venues, and other public spaces. ׉ 7cassandra://WTxdcEvVrelDJl3vn5VEUD9Cvw5GOfMAMiTEzZG_yu0"L`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? PבCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://NCKks4U1j57wZugQs-1jVhT57Sp3whsaVuAR_L8dyy4`)׉ 7cassandra://vFUBwdzyerKZEH8QWko4i3d5mZe6ipuuGrrYHNjoZfA͐`J׉ 7cassandra://CJwOE4uUBChbLY_hGwCDjaB6p42GfmEtJjoMS2gNGmg&"`̰׉ 7cassandra://uotdbumreUeEuGnKWhUhXU86k4PYGAOO2IxlaNqr_Tc^|*8͠`%ޔ[!fxY?ט((u׉׉ 7cassandra://T1EMlvV5I0KufzwqU9HguBTJDn2uV3JpFsddkqspLqw^`)׉ 7cassandra://Wjx4cvG-R9_-SjtRarUW1Gup7g2j82Fq5rbpz3RHzuMz`J׉ 7cassandra://VOaUOQRvp23X-roqDq0BWA125gHqkkLjAHuizAl2VWk$`̰׉ 7cassandra://ENYmIxWrioTD-9R9AfnQwbenABZG1EMx_3dHqfitzTIh͠`%ޕ[!fxY?ʑנ`%ޕ[!fxY?́ فe9ׁHhttp://www.ic3.govׁ ׁ Ј׉E#Page 12 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 FBI Cautions Public to Beware of Romance Scammers Looking for More Than Love T he FBI Boston Division is continuously working to raise awareness about online romance scams, also called confidence fraud. In this type of fraud, scammers take advantage of people looking for companionship or romantic partners on dating websites, apps, chat rooms, and social networking sites with the sole goal of obtaining access to their financial or personal identifying information. Romance scams are prevalent, especially during this time of year. Increased isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has also resulted in more people looking for love online. The criminals who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do. They spend hours honing their skills, relying on well-rehearsed scripts that have been used repeatedly and successfully, and sometimes keep journals on their victims to better understand how to manipulate and exploit them. In some cases, victims may be recruited, unknowingly, to transfer money illegally on behalf of others. “The consequences of these scams are often financially and emotionally devastating to victims who rarely get their money back and may not have the ability to recover from the financial loss,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “While we recognize that it may be embarrassing for victims to report this type of fraud, it’s important to do so, so that the FBI and our law enforcement partners can do everything in our power to ensure these online imposters are held accountable.” According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which provides the public with a means of reporting internet-facilitated crimes, romance scams have resulted in one of the highest amounts of financial losses when compared to other online crimes. Nationwide in 2020, almost 23,768 complaints categorized as romance scams were reported to IC3 (4,295 more than the previous year), and the losses associated with those complaints total approximately $605 million. Here in the Boston Division which includes all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, 569 complaints were filed with financial losses totaling approximately $11.7 million. 57 victims in Maine reported financial losses totaling $1,514,636. 361 victims in Massachusetts reported financial losses totaling $8,006,260. 71 victims in New Hampshire reported losing $820,326. 80 victims in Rhode Island lost approximately $1,381,336. The reported losses are most likely much higher as many victims are hesitant to report being taken advantage of due to embarrassment, shame, or humiliation. Be careful what you post online because scammers can use that information against you, and always assume that con artists are trolling even the most reputable dating and social media sites. If you develop a romantic relationship with someone you meet online, consider the following: • Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you. • Research the person’s photo and profile using online searches to see if the image, name, or details have been used elsewhere. • Go slowly and ask lots of questions. • Beware if the individual seems too perfect, or quickly asks you to communicate “offline.” • Beware if the individual attempts to isolate you from friends and family. • Beware if the individual claims to be working and living far away, whether it’s on the other side of the country or overseas. • Beware if the individual promises to meet in person, but then always cancels because of some emergency. • Beware if you’re asked to send inappropriate photos or financial information that could later be used to extort you. • Never send money to anyone you don’t know personally. • Never help anyone move money through your own account or someone else’s. You could become an unwitting money mule for the perpetrator helping to carry out other theft and fraud schemes. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately and if you have already sent money, it is extremely important to report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. City develops call center to assist seniors with COVID-19 vaccine sign up M ayor Carlo DeMaria announced that City of Everett employees, led by the Constituent Services Department, on February 1 assisted hundreds of Everett senior citizens in making appointments to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Understanding the need of our seniors, the City developed a phone bank–type calling system where City employees assisted residents in signing up through the state’s website. Appointments were made available beginning at 8 a.m., and by 2 p.m. all 800 appointments were filled. Vaccines will be administered to Everett residents only ages 75 and over on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7 at Pope John XXIII High School. “My Administration is committed to helping the community and I could not be more proud,” said DeMaria. “I wanted to ensure that our seniors were able to make an appointment even if they did not have internet access. I am grateful to the Constituent Services and 311 Department and all employees who provided assistance.” Seniors were able to make the appointment on their own online; however, they were encouraged to call 311 for any questions or assistance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. City employees formed a phone bank system to provide supCALL CENTER | SEE PAGE 14 ׉ 7cassandra://CJwOE4uUBChbLY_hGwCDjaB6p42GfmEtJjoMS2gNGmg&"`̰`%ނ[!fxY?׉E THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 Page 13 MIAA Board: Lynn Classical and Lynn English formally approved to join GBL in Fall 2021 Board votes unanimously to waive 2-year wait rule; Schools will participate in athletics this year By Steve Freker M ake way for the Rams and the Bulldogs! The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association's (MIAA) Board of Directors voted unanimously, 240, at their regular meeting on Thursday to allow Lynn Classical High School and Lynn English High School to immediately join the Greater Boston League (GBL) as full participants for the Fall 2021 season. The MIAA Board voted to waive a standing rule where schools usually had to wait two years before leaving one league and joining new one. The Lynn Classical Rams and Lynn English Bulldogs had been charter members of the Northeastern Conference (NEC), over 40 years, before both decided to break away from the NEC at the end of 2020 in December. The GBL board voted unanimously in December to accept the two Lynn schools and the NEC soon followed suit and voted to allow the pair of schools out of their league agreement with no waiting period. The MIAA vote on Thursday sealed the deal offi cially and the two Lynn schools are now GBLers. The GBL now has no doubled in size in just four years, from four schools in 2017 to eight schools today: Chelsea, Everett, Lynn Classical, Lynn English, Malden, Medford, Revere and Somerville. "It is great news for those two schools and also for the Greater Boston League," said Malden High School sixth-year Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Charlie Conefrey, who is also a sitting member of the MIAA Board of Directors, casting his vote alongside his colleagues Thursday. "We as a league were thrilled when we heard last year as early as the fall, that Lynn Classical and Lynn English were interested in becoming GBL members." With the addition of the Lynn schools, the GBL becomes that much stronger and one of the best conferences in the state, according to GBL President Chris Mastrangelo, who is prinlar sports, but overall, it will be a very balanced league. All of the GBL schools, including our newest members, understand and look forward to that." The entry of Lynn English cipal of Malden High School. "We were already a strong league. With the addition of Lynn Classical and Lynn English, we are now the premier urban high school athletic league in Massachusetts," Mastrangelo said Thursday. "It will be an exciting future for our league in the coming years." "There is just a lot of common ground between all our urban-based schools, with demographics, geographic proximity and the competition levels," Conefrey said. "Of course there are some schools which are stronger in particumarks the entry of the twotime defending state boys basketball champion. English also has a strong track and baseball program. Lynn Classical has been a consistent participant in the football playoffs and also is highly competitive in boys and girls basketball, soccer and baseball. ׉ 7cassandra://VOaUOQRvp23X-roqDq0BWA125gHqkkLjAHuizAl2VWk$`̰`%ނ[!fxY?`%ނ[!fxY? 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New entry signs with lights will be added along Washington Avenue and the sign at the opposite end of Sargent Street will be relocated. There will also be a reflecting pool and recirculating fountain installed. There is currently insufficient water supply coverage throughout the cemetery and the lack of water supply has made lawn maintenance not only difficult, but costly. The reconstruction will address this issue by installing a new water supply line and self-draining faucets. The new system will help the cemetery become more cost efficient. The Civil War burial area will be renovated during the reconstruction as well. This area has been deteriorating over the years and will see improvements. There will be a new flagstone patio to anchor and support the Civil War cannon in addition to new loam and seeding will be planted. The city has contracted BSC Group as the designer and construction administrator for the improvements. During the time of construction, BSC Group has affirmed that they will do their best to be respectful of those visiting loved ones at the cemetery and of any funeral services that may occur. SCHOOL MEALS | FROM PAGE 5 basic needs of students. We’ve seen during the pandemic that it’s possible to expand access to school meals for the benefit of all children. Every child and every community is better off when all students are nourished and ready to learn. Massachusetts has the opportunity right now, to invest in the health and future of our kids, and to lead the nation in providing School Meals for All. It’s a necessary step to solving hunger permanently.” This is the first legislative session this bill has been filed. More information about the bill and the Feed Kids Campaign can be found at the FeedKidsMa.org. PARTNERS | FROM PAGE 2 needs and issues throughout the community. Everett Haitian Community Center, La Comunidad, Cambridge Health Alliance in partnership with Teens in Everett Against Substance Abuse, Eliot Family Resource Center, State Senator Sal DiDomenico and State Representative Joseph McGonagle, have all been invited to participate. MAPC anticipates the Digital Access and Equity Plan to be completed by the summer. SPEAKER | FROM PAGE 6 plans don’t listen to people on the ground. I’ve been diligent to pass along all the concerns which my office has received to the Administration, and I hope they will heed the Speaker’s call to use that feedback and feedback from other legislators to improve the ongoing vaccine rollout. CALL CENTER | FROM PAGE 12 port with the calls. As more vaccines become available from the Commonwealth, the City of Everett will share more information with the public. Residents ages 75 and over who were unable to make an appointment and called 311 have been added to a database. The City will reach out once there is another vaccination date. For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net ׉ 7cassandra://0uesm-xJt1RTevt7UPvFwBg_PnrBQAfpL6g8S09e_Zw`̰`%ރ[!fxY?׉E