GOOD LUCK FOOTBALL TANNERS! ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #67
Peabody, MA POSTAL CUSTOMER
Vol. 3, No. 43
-FREE-
www.advocatenews.net
Higgins Middle School launches Hawk Shop By Christopher Roberson
T
wo years ago, it became painfully apparent that there were a significant number of students at Higgins Middle School with “incredible financial needs.” During the Oct. 23 School Committee meeting, seventh-grade social studies teacher Amanda Viga-Cianciolo recalled a instance where a student said he could not attend a field trip even though the school had already covered payment. She said the boy told his homeroom teacher that if he went on the field trip he would not get lunch, as there was no food at home. “We went home and cried that night and made him a lunch for the next day,” said Viga-Cianciolo. Although teachers had been providing students with different items “under the radar” for a number of years, there were simply too many students. “The need was so great,” said
Viga-Cianciolo. She described the free cluster table that she and the other teachers created in response. “We explained that they could take whatever they needed, no questions asked,” she said, adding that the cluster table increased to include the entire school and establish what is now known as the Hawk Shop. “It’s very powerful, you definitely tugged at heart strings,” said Mayor Edward Bettencourt. “You see things that a lot of us don’t.” School start times and Peabody GIVES In other news, the School Committee announced that the parent results had been received from the School Start Time Survey. Although the results will be discussed in-depth during the Nov. 13 meeting, Member John Olimpio emphasized the importance of identifying the
HAWK SHOP | SEE PAGE 10
Info@advocatenews.net
978-777-6397
Friday, October 26, 2018
Trunk or Treat, Mateys
Shown at the city’s annual “Trunk or Treat” at the Higgins Middle School on October 20 are Carrie Bamford (back) and, from left to right, Maggie Bamford, Sophia Costa, Charlotte Bamford and Evelyn Bamford. The event, held in the school’s parking lot, provides a safe trick-or-treating experience for the city’s children. See more photos on page 6. (Advocate photo by Christopher Roberson)
Tanners playoff-bound despite loss to Panthers
Challenger for 13th Essex District seat likes chances of victory By Christopher Roberson
D
Abe Kaba reaches pursues the Beverly Quarterback during the Tanners 28-7 defeat at the hands of the Panthers last Saturday. Despite the loss, the Tanners will still move on to the Div. 2 North playoffs, facing off against Reading in a round one away game tonight, October 26 at 7 p.m. See story and photos on page 9. (Advocate photo by Greg Phipps)
anvers Town Meeting Member Mark Mezzina has been pleased with the progress he has made in his campaign to unseat incumbent state Rep. Theodore Speliotis. “I’ve gotten my message out; if I can finish strong down the stretch, I think my chances are very good,” he said. “I believe the work I have put in has paid off as well or better than I expected.” Mezzina also highlighted what separates him from Speliotis. “I will vote for lower taxes; he consistently votes for higher taxes,” said Mezzina. “I will not accept taxpayer-funded pay raises; he gave himself a $30,000 pay raise. People are tired of seeing their tax rates go up and politicians cashing in by granting themselves large pay raises.” Mezzina also said he would improve the district’s overall representation on Beacon Hill. “I chose to run because I
Mark Mezzina Candidate for State Rep.
felt that I would do a better job sticking up for working people and seniors than the current representative,” he said. Despite being 40 years younger than his opponent, this is not Mezzina’s first political rodeo. In 2014, he assisted Peabody resident Thomas Lyons in his campaign against Speliotis.
CHALLENGER | SEE PAGE 4