First anniversary marks dramatic change of lifestyle

The food line outside the Grace Food Pantry on Church Street one year ago. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso)


By JOSH RESNEK

One year ago, the world changed overnight for most Americans.

About this time last March, former President Donald Trump announced to the nation that the pandemic wouldn’t amount to anything and that we had it under control.

Mayor Carlo DeMaria shut down the city and went to Aruba for a vacation.

The public schools closed. They are scheduled to reopen on April 5 after a year has passed.

One year later, and our world has been turned upside down.

Whether or not you believe the virus was deadly, we have endured a historic year, a year of loss and serious self-examination, a year of staying to ourselves and our families; a year apart from our families and loved ones; a year without movement as we have always known it.

One year ago, this week, six Americans had died of COVID-19.

We are now 530,000 deaths into the count from those who succumbed to the ravages of the COVID-19 virus – more per capita deaths than anywhere in the world during the past twelve months.

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The struggle against COVID-19

MARCH 20: Patrons at the Grace Food Pantry Everett collect food from the service one year into the pandemic. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Infections fall, but pandemic fatigue sets in

By JOSH RESNEK

Many of us from Massachusetts watch the television reporting of huge masses of drunken people swarming the entire length of Miami Beach and almost shutting down the city and we wonder – are we missing something?

With none of the partiers wearing masks on Miami Beach, and Florida basically wide open, again, we have to question ourselves: why aren’t we acting the same way as the partiers in Florida and in other states where mask are not required.

With deaths at more than 530,000 nationwide from the virus, and infections continuing to rise at about 60,000 every day, is the danger over from the COVID-19?

Is the pandemic done and finished?

No, it isn’t.

It appears to be under control, but this isn’t true, either. What is fact is that we are all tired of the restrictions on our lives but doubting about what comes next, and with good reason.

No one wants to get sick.

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Matewsky stricken while on vacation

Councilor hospitalized in Florida

By JOSH RESNEK

Councilor Wayne Matewsky suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida late last week.

Everett City Councilor Wayne Matewsky.

The popular and durable city councilor was placed in an induced coma until such time as surgeons will be allowed to operate on him.

As of Tuesday afternoon, he was resting comfortably inside his hospital room, out of the coma, conscious and aware.

Doctors refused to comment on his condition other than to say they are watching him carefully after what appears to have been a rather severe heart attack.

Two of Matewsky’s closest friends, former Representative and local businessman Stat Smith, and former councilor Nicky Saia, have both flown to Florida to be by Matewsky’s bedside.

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Tide strong to the hoop

John Monexant (11) moves through the Medford defense to the net during a varsity match against Medford High School at Medford High School. Everett topped Medford, 60-55. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso)

Varsity off to fast 3-0 start to shortened winter season

By LORENZO RECUPERO

In a pandemic-shortened season, Everett High School boys basketball is looking to capture the Greater Boston League title for the third consecutive year.

With opening, season wins over Medford, Malden, and Revere, the undefeated Tide (3-0) remain in the driver seat to try and clinch the GBL once again, doing so with big contributions from one of its most able leaders.

Head coach Stanley Chamblain has had the Tide ready to roll right from the onset, with his players eager to get back on the court and prove themselves after a full year of away from the sport.

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