Helping Hands for Haiti Disaster Relief Drive
Mayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett in partnership with the North Shore Evangelical Missionary Church (NSEMC) will be hosting a “Helping Hands for Haiti Disaster Relief Drive” on Sunday, September 19 between 12 – 5pm. The event will occur in Everett Square at the entrance of the School Street Municipal Parking Lot.
“It was heartbreaking to hear that there was another earthquake in Haiti on August 14,” said Mayor DeMaria. “Partnering with the North Shore Evangelical Missionary Church to host this event will help so many people in Haiti. The City of Everett is offering our full support to our community members and their families.”
The drive is occurring to help provide aid and support to those who have been affected by the earthquake in Haiti that occurred on August 14th. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2 and left many homeless, orphaned, and struggling to survive.
During the drive, the NSEMC will be collecting goods to send to Haiti. These goods include:
• Nonperishable Foods – Canned Foods, Rice, Pasta, etc.
• New or Gently Used Clothing – Adult and Children Clothing for Warm Weather
• Undergarments – Underwear, Bras, Socks
• Linens – Towels, Sheets, Face Cloths, etc.
• Health & Wellness Products – Feminine Hygiene Products, Shampoo, Soap, Diapers, Baby Wipes, etc.
• Medical Supplies – First Aid Kits, Band Aids, Pain Relievers, Alcohol, Ointment, etc.
• Electronics – Flashlights, Batteries, Walkie Talkies, etc.
The drive will begin with a brief program where members of the Everett community and the NSEMC will be speaking and providing words of hope and encouragement. All members of the community are encouraged to attend and provide support to those affected by the earthquake.
Wellington Circle Study Public Meeting
Virtual Working Group public meeting on August 31.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is holding the third working group public meeting for the Wellington Circle Study from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31. It will be a virtual meeting to review feedback collected at the Public Information Meeting held on June 24, review the alternative development process and initial insights, and discuss next steps. The meeting will be recorded.
The Wellington Circle Study develops and analyzes alternatives that could improve connectivity and mobility throughout the Wellington Circle area in Medford. The study will examine vehicular, transit, bicycle, pedestrian and land use and will consider cost, and resulting economic, social and cultural impacts.
More information is available on the project website: www.mass.gov/wellington-circle-study.
Foundation Trust Awards Grant to Eliot Services in Everett
The Foundation Trust is delighted to award a grant to the Eliot Center in Everett to enhance their trauma-focused mental health services for low-resource, high-risk clients.
The grant establishes the Trauma Recovery Fund at the Eliot Services Everett outpatient clinic, and allows for the expansion of the Adjunctive Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Program. EMDR is an innovative, evidence-based therapy to help people process distressing memories of past traumatic experiences and strengthen their internal coping resources. The new Trauma Recovery Fund will make this specialized treatment approach available to people who may not have been able to access it before, as EMDR sessions are 90 minutes in length and often not covered by Medicaid or third party insurance.
“This award has made it possible to offer extended-length EMDR sessions to clients, train staff in advanced EMDR protocols, and provide the books and equipment needed to provide the best care. We are excited to be able to broaden our scope of treatment to include complex trauma, OCD, phobias, panic disorders, and early trauma experiences,” says Eliot’s outpatient clinical supervisor, Julie Foss.
Dr. Joseph Spinazzola, the Executive Director of the Foundation Trust and an expert on complex trauma commented that “exposure to trauma, abuse, and violence are pervasive, and affect people of all ages and from all walks of life. Community mental health facilities play a vital role; many people with the highest need don’t have the resources to access specialty services through private practice. That’s why we are particularly impressed with how Eliot Services in Everett, spearheaded by Julie Foss, brings these advanced treatment approaches to diverse clients. The Foundation Trust is thrilled to be able to support Eliot Services in overcoming economic disparities in access to state-of-the art, trauma-focused interventions.”
The Foundation Trust is a private operating foundation committed to uplifting vulnerable individuals and communities. Through our unique combination of philanthropy, grantmaking, educational resource development, scholarships, outreach and training, we are honored to be a part of efforts to advance inclusivity, overcome diversity, and transform trauma worldwide. To learn more, visit www.FoundationTrust.org
If you are interested in hearing more about the Adjunctive EMDR program at Eliot Services in Everett, please contact Julie Foss, LICSW, MBA, 781-388-6228, [email protected]
September Senior Social Planned
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and The Council on Aging have planned the monthly Senior Social for Wednesday September 15 at Anthony’s Restaurant, 105 Canal Street, Malden. Our event begins at 11:45am. It is a Pizza Party. The menu planned is as follows; Minestrone Soup, Antipasto Salad, Pizza, Coffee, and dessert. You will also enjoy dancing to the song stylings of Ray Cavicchio. Ticket sales for this event are September 2,3,7,9 & 10 between the hours of 9am and noon. For additional information please call us at 617.394.2323 or 617.394.2260
Florence and Chafetz Expands Assisted Living Memory Care with Twelve New Apartments
Florence and Chafetz Home, a specialized memory support residence operated by Chelsea Jewish Lifecare, is pleased to announce the expansion of its assisted living memory care residences on September 1,2021. The twelve newly open private studio apartments, each with a private bathroom, showcase bright and airy common spaces that foster resident interaction in a secure environment.
“When we embarked upon the expansion, our goal was to create memory care apartments with an open concept setting,” said Kristen Donnelly, Executive Director of Florence & Chafetz Home and Cohen Florence Levine Estates Assisted Living. “Most importantly, these new living spaces enable our residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia to walk about freely yet safely.“
Interior design elements such as bright color schemes and an abundance of natural light were specially selected to enhance the warm, calm, and comforting environment.” The apartments feature individual heat and air conditioning control, handicap accessible bathrooms, and showers with seats. Many of the new spaces overlook the expansive grounds and courtyard. Common spaces include living room, café with fresh baked goods, library, courtyard, dining room, salon and huge activity room.
“We have been receiving so many requests for memory care assisted living,” said Jennifer Fazekas, Director of Marketing for Chelsea Jewish Lifecare. Added Jen, “It is gratifying to offer the local community new living options for those who need specialized care.” Located on scenic Admiral’s Hill at 201 Captains Row, the assisted living offers 69 studio and one bedroom apartments for traditional assisted living and 36 for memory care.
For information and/or to book a tour, please contact Jennifer Fazekas at [email protected] or call 617-887-0826.
Better Bus Meeting
The MBTA will be hosting a virtual Better Bus meeting on Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting will discuss the Better Bus Project and how the MBTA is working to improve the bus experience for riders through initiatives including real-time arrival information, bus transit priority, and other bus service improvements. Presentations will be given by project teams from across the MBTA, including the following: Bus Network Redesign, Bus Transit Priority, Bus Stop Accessibility Improvements, Bus Operations, Silver Line Extension, Bus Electrification/Facility Modernization and Bus Stop E-Ink Signs.
Attendees may also join breakout rooms for in-depth discussion, and to share thoughts and feedback with the project teams. Members of the public can register for the meeting online. Once registered for this Zoom event, an email will be sent with a link to join the meeting when it goes live at 6 PM on August 26. The meeting will also be recorded and posted online for those who cannot attend.
Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings at the Connolly Center
Mayor Carlo DeMaria, The Council on Aging and Cambridge Health Alliance are thrilled to announce Blood Pressure Screenings have returned to The Connolly Center for seniors over the age of 60. Screenings will take place the fourth Monday of each month, beginning Monday August 30, that 10am. The Connolly Center is located at 90 Chelsea Street, Everett. CHA has arranged for a trained clinician to assist with this program. For additional information please call Camille at 774.360.7521 or 617.394.2323.
Central Avenue Park/Hale Park Meeting
Mayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that he will be hosting a community meeting at Hale Park on Glendale Street on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m. to discuss the renovations of Hale Park and Central Ave Park.
“After hearing concerns from neighbors, I thought it was best to organize a meeting to gather feedback regarding Hale Park and Central Ave Park,” said Mayor DeMaria. “Our parks and recreational spaces are an important part of our City and I look forward to meeting with the residents of this community to learn more about their thoughts.”
Over the past few weeks, residents have expressed their unhappiness with both Hale Park and Central Ave Park. Mayor DeMaria and the Administration want to hear the community’s feedback to make improvements to the current conditions.
“Aging Backwards” at the Connolly Center
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and The Council on Aging are very excited to welcome back Everett’s own, Jill Tiberi Martin, to The Connolly Center for a new class” Aging Backwards” every Thursday at 11am beginning September 16. This slow paced program is a full body workout, created by Miranda Esmonde –White. It aims to release tight muscles, rebalance joints, restore your body, relieve pain, and stimulate your cells to increase energy and your immune system. This program is available to seniors aged 62 and over. For additional information, please call 617.394.2323 or 617.394.2260
Vaccine Clinics
Some 68.6 percent of Everett residents have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and there are more vaccine opportunities from the mobile vaccine van coming up this week.
The schedule is as follows, and no appointment is necessary.
•Aug. 26, Meadows Park, 4-7 p.m.
The clinics are in partnership with Curative and will be offering the Pfizer vaccine.
A Message from the Elections Office
The City of Everett is looking for Poll workers!
Poll workers:
• Must be a registered voter in Massachusetts
• Willing and able to go to any precinct given to you
• Assure that the election laws of the state are followed
• Ability to sit for long hours
• Bi-lingual preferred
On the day of the election, you must report to the polling place by 6:30 am and remain until after the polls close at 8:00 pm.
The current pay starts at $200 per election and there is one mandatory training – training typically lasts one hour and we offer a morning and afternoon session for your convenience.
If you are interested, please contact the Election Commission office at 617-394-2297 or stop by Room 10 at Everett City Hall for an application.
End of Summer Extravaganza
The rain washed away the Independence Day celebration but as promised, the City will host an End of Summer Extravaganza on Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. in Glendale Park. There will be live entertainment, food and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. Free admission, and rain date of Sept. 4.
Zion Church Community-In-Unity Block Party
Zion Church Ministries, 757 Broadway, invites all to join them on Saturday, September 18, from noon to 3 p.m. for their Annual Community-in-Unity Block Party. Enjoy free food, entertainment, a Gaming Truck, activities for children, free health screening, giveaways, and more. It’s time to have some fun, so mark the calendar and come celebrate at the Community-in-Unity Block Party.
Luma Announces Multicultural Fest
LUMA Director Lucy Pineda this week announced they will hold the 14th annual Everett Multicultural Festival all day long on Aug. 29 at the Lafayette Playground.
The event is free of charge and has moved from Sacramone Park to the Lafayette after not having a festival last year. There will be lots of music, including Grupo Los Nitidos, Carlos Latin Band and others – as well as food from around the globe and traditional dancers.
Everett Seniors on the Road Again!!
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and The Council on Aging have planned a long awaited trip to Maine for our annual Lobster Bake for Wednesday September 22, 2021. Our luxury Silver Fox coach will pick us up at The Everett Stadium Parking lot at 8:30am. Our first stop is the famed Stonewall Kitchen, where you will have time to browse through the many jellies, jams and other onsite made goodies. Our next stop is the fabulous Foster’s for a traditional Down East lobster bake. Our meal includes, New England clam chowder, Steamed mussels and Maine Clams, Fresh lobster (or chicken) baked potato and dessert. After our feast, we will stop at When Pigs fly artisan breads, and then to Yummies Candy emporium, featuring over 10, 000lbs of bulk candy, packed sweets and vintage products. Reservations must be made in person with our trip coordinators Hazel McNeil and Carol Dello Russo, at The Connolly Center August 9 through August 13. Please make checks payable to The City of Everett. For additional information please call 617.394.2323 or 617.394.2260
COVID Testing Site
The Stop the Spread COVID-19 testing program will continue through October 31. The City of Everett’s COVID-19 testing site will remain at Rivergreen Park at 1 Rivergreen Drive in Everett. Below please find the schedule:
Testing times include:
•Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
•Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.
Cataldo Ambulance Services will continue to administer these tests. This is a walk-up only site. No appointment necessary.
Meditation for Senior Citizens
Mayor Carlo DeMaria and The Council on Aging are happy to announce Mindful Meditation for seniors at The Connolly Center. The schedule is as follows; Fridays, August 20 and September 3 at 8:30 a.m. This class is designed for you commune with your inner self, promoting self-awareness and the well-being of mind body and spirit. Please join Anna Noble from East Boston Health for this rewarding class. Reservations are required by calling 617.394.2260 or 617.394.2323. Class size is limited to 20 people.
Volunteers Needed
The Bread of Life mobile food pantry at the Lafayette school in Everett needs volunteers to help distribute free groceries on Thursdays from 3 to 5pm. Call Charlene @ 781-824-0564 or email [email protected] The Bread of Life mobile food pantry distributes food to needy families every Thursday from 3-5 p.m. at the Lafayette School in Everett.
Good News at the Connolly Center for Seniors
Mayor Carlo DeMaria, The Council on Aging, Cambridge Health Alliance and The Everett Foundation for Aged persons are happy to announce “Fitness Programming is Back” The weekly schedule is as follows;
•Monday at 9am: Low Impact Aerobics with Miguel
•Monday at 10am: Healthy Steps with Julie
•Monday at 11am: Country Western Line Dancing
•Tuesday at 9am: Zumba Gold with Miguel
•Thursday at 9am: Chair Yoga with Miguel
•Thursday at 10am: Senior Cardio with Christian
•Thursday at 1pm: Belly Dancing for Seniors with Sue
•Friday at 9am: Mindful stretching and gentle movement with Christian
•Friday at 10:15am: Low Impact Cardio and balance with Calvin
A gentle reminder, participants must be age 62 and over. Please wear proper footwear. Please check with your doctor before participating in our programming. For additional information please call 617.394.2323 or 617.394.2260.