Representative Wayne A. Matewsky being sworn in by Governor Deval Patrick with House Speaker Robert DeLeo watching.

Everett Common Councilor Wayne A. Matewsky, who won both the Primary on March 5 and the State Election on April 2, was sworn in by Governor Deval Patrick on May 1 in the Massachusetts House of Representative Chambers. The inaugural ceremony was in attendance by the Lieutenant Governor, Timothy P. Murray, members of the Governor’s Council and State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump.

Watching Wayne Matewsky take the oaths of office were his mother, Marion Matewsky, father Anthony and sister Wanda Huizenga, as well as dozens of friends and supporters, who thronged the House Gallery.

After a short speech given by the newly sworn-in Representative Matewsky, a reception was held in the House Member’s Lounge. Representative Matewsky was honored to have Chairman Paul J. Donato, State Representative for Medford and Malden, Governor’s Councilor Terence W. Kennedy, former Everett State Representative Michael DeVito, former Governor’s Councilor Dan Hurley, Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen Local 1 President Charles Raso, former city councilors Henry Belmonte, Nicholas Saia, Lenny LaRusso, Charles Greathead and Dorothy Martin in attendance. Also attending the reception were current Everett City Councilors Cheryl Landry and Leonard Jordan.

During the reception, Representative Matewsky thanked his campaign Chairman Kevin Santos, campaign Treasurer Gerald Ostrofsky and his wife Rose, campaign Managers Jerry Delloiacono and Brian Durkin for their outstanding work on the campaign.

School Committee Chairman Allen Panarese and ETA President Kimberly Auger made a joint public announcement of the settlement.  The contract covers some 552 local teachers and will be in force through August 31, 2015.

“The new contract,” said Mr. Panarese, “is a classic example of two parties coming together in a spirit of cooperation to achieve a common goal.  Both the committee and the association wanted very much to continue the upward course that our schools are on and to recognize our teachers for the key role they serve in our system.”

Ms. Auger said, “It took us a while to get there, but the end result is very good.  Under this contract, the rates of compensation are realistic and fair, and the changes in policy are reflective of progressive developments in education.  We see this as a win for the students, a win for the city and a win for the teachers.”

By the end of the contract, Everett teachers will have received an average annual salary increase of 2% over a span of five years.

“In the Everett schools, we strive to act in the best long-term interests of the students and the community,” said Superintendent of Schools Frederick F. Foresteire.  “Certainly, that’s how the school committee approached these latest contract negotiations.  And one could certainly say that an average annual pay hike of 2% is consistent with that long-term approach.”

The consecutive annual percentage increases for local teachers during the five school years beginning in 2010-2011 are: 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%.

Over the life of the contract, the raises are expected to lag slightly behind increases in the overall cost of living, Mr. Foresteire pointed out.  Figures from the Social Security Administration, for example, show the cost of living going up an average of 2.65% per year in 2012 and 2013.

Other notable features of the new ETA contract include:

• A 33% reduction in annual sick time, from 15 to 10 days, for all teachers hired in the 2012-2013 school year and in subsequent years

• A provision that work attendance be a factor in annual teacher performance evaluations

• A doubling of the time teachers must set aside after school to provide extra help to students, from 30 minutes once a week to 30 minutes twice a week

• Establishment of the Friday before Labor Day as a school day and teachers must report to work.

Reducing sick time costs is “essential to keeping the school budget in balance and ensuring that we have the resources, through our sick leave bank, to care for the people that experience serious medical problems and have no choice but to be out of work for extended periods,” Mr. Foresteire said.

As of January of this year, approximately $700,000 had been paid to teachers utilizing sick time.  That figure is expected to climb to $1.4 million by the end of the school year in late June, a fact that underlines the urgency of addressing this issue, said Mr. Panarese, the School Committee Chairman.

“It’s important that we do something to bend the sick time cost curve,” he said.  “There aren’t many workplaces where every person gets three weeks of sick time every year, so we can make a change here without having an undue impact on our teachers.  With the 10-day limitation applying only to teachers hired this year and in the future, that’s definitely the case.”

The change won’t produce big immediate savings, Mr. Panarese said, “but it will have significant positive effects on the budget over the long term.  Five to ten years from now, we’ll be very glad we did it.”

Superintendent Foresteire emphasized that school personnel who suffer from major illnesses or injuries will continue to be treated fairly and compassionately for as long as they legitimately need to recover.  “We want our system to take care of those who have bad luck, not those who have bad behavior,” he said.

The new mandate that teachers be available for 30 minutes of extra help twice a week will mean that students get the help they need when they need it the most, the Superintendent asserted.  In the Everett schools today, many teachers go beyond the contract and tutor students after school two and three days a week, if not more.  “This new provision ensures that a best practice already seen in our schools is adopted system-wide,” said Mr. Foresteire.

In conclusion, Chairman Panarese praised his colleagues on the School Committee, the members of the ETA bargaining committee and the union membership as a whole for “reaching an agreement that is fair, reasonable and professionally sound” in all respects.

“Everett’s exceptional educational system will move forward without interruption or strife.  That’s the bottom line,” he said. “This new contract will produce stability, productivity and overall excellence.  “I’m very proud of everyone who was involved in, or supported, this process.”

On Friday, May 10, Mayor Carlo DeMaria once again welcomed Steve Wynn to the city of Everett during an event held at the Connolly Center. Mr. Wynn and representatives from Wynn Resorts returned to Everett to reveal additional renderings recently designed for the proposed Wynn Everett resort and casino. The event was well attended by state and local officials, residents, and numerous media outlets. (Advocate photos by J. Mitchell)

In an unprecedented display of unity and non-partisanship, elected officials and other city leaders have set aside political differences and heartily endorsed the proposed $1.2 billion Wynn Resorts hotel/casino for Everett.

The list of those publicly supporting the project is growing each day and the names are regularly posted at the Everett United Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/EverettUnited).

“It’s unusual to see such a display of unanimity, particularly among elected officials of both parties,” said Councilman and Everett United Honorary Co-Chair Michael McLaughlin. “But the widespread support speaks to the significance of the project itself and everything it can bring to the city of Everett.”

Support is building as the first city-wide vote nears for the community host agreement between Everett and Wynn Resorts nears. That vote is scheduled for Saturday, June 22.   In the agreement, Wynn Resorts has pledged a one-time $30 million payment during construction of a gleaming, bronze 19-story resort at the site of the former Monsanto chemical plant.

Annual payments to the city are estimated at $25.2 million, including $20 million in real estate taxes, $5 million to be spent on police and fire protection, and $250,000 in support of local community groups. Those payments will increase by 2.5 percent per year, according to the agreement.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the city,” said McLaughlin. “The agreement needs to be scrutinized and supported by all voters.”

Among those announcing their support in the Wynn project are Aldermen Michael Mangan, Michael Marchese and Salvatore Sachetta; and Common Council members Richard Dell Isola, Sergio Cornelio, Cheryl (Cherie) Landry, Jason Marcus, John (Leo) McKinnon, Michael McLaughlin, Rosemary Miller, Thomas Mills, Dominic Puleo and Eloy Lou Sierra. School Committee members: David Ela Jr., Joseph LaMonica, Bernie D’Onofrio, Allen Panarese and Frank Parker.

Everett United is a coalition of local residents and business leaders who support the idea of a resort hotel and entertainment complex in Everett. Its members believe this unprecedented opportunity for investment, jobs, economic development, environmental responsibility and new tax revenue will be a tremendous benefit for all of Everett. It encourages all of its friends and neighbors to stand together to show the Massachusetts Gaming Commission that they welcome this investment in the future of Everett and deserve to win the competitive site selection process. For more information visit www.evereettunited.com

Shown left to right, are; Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr., Betty Penta (third from right), wife of the late Lt. Joseph Penta who passed away in 2012 with daughter, Debra and her sons, J.R. and Nicholas with Chief Steve Mazzie during the annual Everett Police Dept. Memorial Service held in front of the Everett Police Station on Wednesday. (Advocate photo)

Authorities are investigating the deaths of two Everett residents, a man and a woman identified as Zouaoui Dani-Elkebir, 51, and Karima El-Hakim, 38. Chelsea police found the victims’ bodies in a crashed vehicle on Chelsea’s Crescent Avenue early Monday morning. The pair had been shot to death.

Chelsea police responded to a 911 call just before 4.00 a.m. Monday morning, when a resident reported a car accident. The resident alerted the authorities after spotting the wrecked vehicle, a blue Ford Crown Victoria with livery plates, resting nose-first up against a building at the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Parker Street.  Emergency crews arrived to find the two bodies inside. The driver’s side window also appeared to be shot out. Incidentally, it does not appear that the car crashed into the building at a high speed.

Both bodies were removed from the scene before Monday afternoon. The police have not released more details about the victims’ wounds or the cause and manner of their deaths, and are waiting for their autopsy reports. The investigation is being handled by the Chelsea police and Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Chelsea Police at 617-466-4843 or the Suffolk County State Police Detective Unit at 617-727-8817.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may also call the Chelsea Police CrimeStoppers tip line at 617-466-4880, text the word CHELSEA and their information to TIP411 (847411), or submit information online at www.ChelseaPolice.com.

Family members of the three police officers who were promoted by Mayor DeMaria stand proudly by their side at the swearing-in ceremony at city hall this past week. Along with Chief Steven Mazzie and Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr., from left to right, are Sgt. John Bagley, Sgt. William Fox, and Lietenant Frank Hoeing. A packed audience of police officers, friends, and family filled the chambers in support of the newly appointed officers. The promotions take effect immediately. (Advocate photo)

Join the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria, and the Everett Department of Planning & Development for a public meeting to review the Everett Vision Plan on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Connolly Center, located at 90 Chelsea St. in Everett.

Participants will have a chance to share their thoughts about the future of Everett at this presentation of the “vision plan” for Everett. This forum will be the last opportunity for members of the community to come together and offer ideas and feedback before the city finalizes the Everett Vision Plan.

The process to create the vision plan kicked off in February of last year, with a series of community gatherings for local residents to start laying the groundwork for an eventual “master plan” for Everett, which will grow out of the vision plan. The vision plan incorporates the comments that were received from residents about transportation, jobs, new developments in the city, recreation, safety, education and more. It includes both short- and long-term actions the city can take to improve conditions.

All meetings in the Everett Visioning process are open to any member of the community. For information about how to get involved, contact James Errickson with the City of Everett at 617-394-2245 or james.errickson@ci.everett.ma.us, or Joan Blaustein from MAPC at jblaustein@mapc.org or 617-933-0755.

For more information about the visioning project, or to request accommodations such as translation of materials, language interpretation, documents in alternate formats or assistive listening devices, please contact MAPC as soon as possible and at least one week before the June 4 meeting.

THE CAPTAINS: Alea Martinelli, Janyne Sierra, Jess Wade, Franki Perreault, and Samantha Batres. (Advocate photo)

By Jerry DiStefano

The Everett High Crimson Tide softball team was able to get back on a winning path, and was able to record a 2-0 record last week with wins against Latin Academy and Medford.

Everett had no problems with the likes of Latin Academy, as the Tide dismantled Latin Academy 10-2 on the road last Wednesday (May 8). It was a rain filled game for the first five innings and the Tide was able to use that to their advantage early on. It was a 0-0 tie until the top of the third inning. Talia Riccioli was hit by a pitch and stole second immediately. Riccioli moved to third on a wild pitch. Alea Martinelli was walked and then she stole second. Riccioli would score a few pitches later on a passed ball, while Martinelli moved to third on the play. Everett would take a 2-0 lead at the end of the third inning.
“The rain really played in our favor,” said Everett coach Stacy Poste. “Their pitcher was having a hard time controlling the ball and we took complete advantage on the base paths.”

Latin Academy was able to cut the Everett lead in half in the bottom of the fourth inning (2-1).   The Tide had a five-run top of the fifth inning. Everett’s Martinelli reached first after being hit by a pitch, Martinelli wasted no time and stole second to get in scoring position. Samantha Batres hit an RBI double knocking in Martinelli. The Tides Janyne Sierra followed with an RBI double of her own knocking in Batres. Talia Mirra blew the game wide open, as Mirra hit a two-run home run to push Everett to a 6-1 lead. The Tide put up one more run in the inning to go up 7-1. Everett added its final three runs in the top of the seventh inning, when Sierra led off the inning with a home run and Sophia Merchant hit a two-run home run later in the inning to give Everett a 10-2 lead.

Tide pitcher Franki Perreault had no problems dealing with the elements or Latin Academy in this one (6 innings, 5 hits, 5 strikeouts, 2 walks, 2 runs, 1 earned).

“It was nice to see Franki not get effected by the weather in any way,” said Poste.

Everett had a much tougher time with conference foe Medford. The Tide was able to defeat the Mustangs 6-5 at home.

The Tide wasted no time and scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Martinelli led off with a single and a steal of second base.  Sierra followed with a single that moved Martinelli to third.

Martinelli stole home on a passed ball. Mira followed with an RBI double that scored Sierra to give Everett a 2-0 lead. Medford tied the game 2-2 in the top of the third inning. Everett retook the lead about 10 minutes later in the bottom of the third inning. Martinelli led off this inning with a triple. Batres followed with an infield bunt single, but Martinelli stayed at third on the hit. Sierra came up and hit a three-run home run to give the Tide a 5-2 lead. It was a 6-4 Everett lead at the end of six innings of play. In the top of the seventh inning, Medford hit a sac fly with no outs in the inning to cut the Tide lead to one (6-5). The Mustangs had a runner at third base with two outs, and Tide pitcher Perrault was able to strike out the last Medford batter to preserve the 6-5 win for Everett.

“The girls played very well and disciplined against Medford,” said Poste. “We would have liked to see more offensive production in this one but, we had timely hits which become vital in any win. Defensively we did not play our best, but we were able to get the big outs when we needed to. Franki pitched through some pain that she was feeling in her shoulder. We were very happy with her performance.”

The standings in the GBL are very tight. Medford has one loss in the, Malden has two, and Everett has two.

Representatives from Wynn Resorts, including their traffic consultant, Jeffery Dirk, from Vanasse & Associates, Inc., as well the City of Everett’s traffic consultants, Rich Benevento and Jim Fitzgerald of World Tech Engineering, will be in attendance to give presentations regarding traffic and transportation plans.  Residents thoughts and impressions on these topics are welcome.

“This is an essential meeting,” states Mayor DeMaria, “I know that a lot of people have questions regarding traffic and transportation, and these presentations will provide important information needed to make a well-educated vote in June.  I hope all residents will make an effort to attend.”

COUNCILLOR-AT-LARGE:  Leonard Jordan, 157 Estes Street; Peter Napolitano, 169 Cottage Street; Cynthia Sarnie, 338 Main Street; Rosemary Miller, 32 Gledhill Avenue; Michael Mangan, 104 Walnut Street; Richard Dell Isola, 13 Griswold Street; Joseph J. Santagate, 90 Swan Street; Thomas F. Mills, III,  15 Dean Street; Lorraine “Lorrie” Bruno, 90 Swan Street;  Michael McLaughlin, 9 Baldwin Place; John F. Hanlon, 173 Main Street.

COUNCILLOR WARD ONE:  Sergio Cornelio, 43 Luke Road; Peter Napolitano, 169 Cottage Street; Paul Randall, 15 Orange Court.

COUNCILLOR WARD TWO: Jason Marcus, 133 Dartmouth Street; Dennis J. DiBiase, 11 Prospect Street; Stephen Simonelli, 32 Fremont Avenue.

COUNCILLOR WARD THREE: Michael K. Marchese, 91 Elsie Street; Richard Dell Isola, 13 Griswold Street.

COUNCILLOR WARD FOUR: John Leo McKinnon, 27 Newton Street; Dominic Puleo, 96 Central Avenue.

COUNCILLOR WARD FIVE:  Rosa DiFlorio, 26 Dyer Avenue; Teke Ndi, 5 Union avenue; Thomas F. Mills, III, 15 Dean Street.

COUNCILLOR WARD SIX: Catherine Tomassi Hicks, 70 Oakes Street; Sal Sachetta, 49 Woodville Street.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD ONE: Alan L. Panarese, 35 Wolcott Street.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD TWO: Joseph A. LaMonica, 14 Lawrence Street.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD THREE: Francis A. Parker, Jr., 28 Freeman Avenue.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD FOUR: David M. Ela, Jr., 19 Henry Street.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD FIVE: Robert Carreiro, 90 Clark Street.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE WARD SIX: Thomas Abruzzese, 18 Peirce Avenue.

So what are you waiting for?  It’s a good part-time job at $15,000 a year.  Taking out nomination papers for mayor is the incumbent Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Jr. and aldermen Millie Cardello and Robert Van Campen.  Here we go again!