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Friday, July 27, 2018
Thousands flock to Revere Beach Audits to continue in wake of parking dept. findings annual Sand Sculpting Festival Two placed on unpaid administrative leave during AG’s investigation By James Mitchell
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Pavel Mylnikov of Moscow, Russia took first place in the Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival’s overall competition for a second year in a row. He is shown with his awardwinning piece, “Vanishing Muse.” See more photo highlights from the event on pages 10-15. (Advocate photos by Katy Rogers)
By Sara Brown
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t was estimated that over half a million people flocked to Revere Beach for the 15th Annual International Sand Sculpting Festival this past weekend. The three-day festival showcased music, food, fireworks and impressive sandcastles. Fifteen artists molded a 15ton pile of sand brought in two weeks ago from Hudson, N.H., into a masterpiece. The competition included artists from all around the world. This year the competitors were Helena Bangert of the Netherlands, Deborah Barrett-Cutulle of Saugus, Mass., Melinge Beauregard of Quebec, Canada, Jonathan Bouchard of Montreal, Canada, Enguerrand David of Belgium, Ilya Filmonstev of Russia, Remy Hoggard of Bulgaria, Paul Hog-
gard of England, Sue McGrew of Tacoma, Wash., Fergus Mulvany of Ireland, Pavel Mylnikov of Moscow, Russia, Rachel Stubbs of England, Steve Topazio of Tiverton, R.I., Abe Waterman of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and Jaku Zimacek of the Czech Republic. Everyone seemed impressed by what was created this weekend. “I’ve been coming for the last couple of years, and I am always blown away by what they accomplish,” said Lynn Schonfeld. Schonfeld said her favorite sand sculpture was the centerpiece, which focused on the festival’s theme of literacy. “I loved seeing favorite childhood characters,” she said. “It added a sentimental touch to the festivities.” The weekend was also filled
with live bands, sand-sculpting events for children, sandcastlemaking lessons and a Cirque du Soleil show. A million people were expected to visit Revere Beach over the course of the weekend. Schonfeld, a New Hampshire native, said she never knew how scenic and beautiful Revere Beach was until the festival. “I had a lot of assumptions about here,” she said. “However, I was wrong. This is really a wonderful place. I look forward to coming now every year.” This year’s sponsors include Red Bull, Global Petroleum, CDM Smith, Atlantic Properties, Geico, The HYM Investment Group, Eastern Bank, Wheelabrator, Sparkling Ice, Chevrolet, MGH Revere, Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, Xfinity, D’Ambrosio Brown LLP, TMobile, AL Prime Energy, To-
FESTIVAL | SEE PAGE 2
n a telephone interview on Wednesday, Mayor Brian Arrigo said his administration will be looking at five other departments following the results of two reports, the first by CliftonLarsenAllen, a consulting service that reviewed the city’s policies and procedures and sparked a review and findings about the city’s Parking Dept. by the Certified Public Accounting firm of Roselli, Clark and Associates. Subsequently, two of the department’s employees were placed on unpaid administrative leave. Arrigo revealed to the City Council on Monday evening the results of the CPA firm’s audit that revealed $2.2 million of the city finances and how the parking department has been in disarray for years. Arrigo said to the council on Monday that he called for the audit in March 2016 after he first took office, seeking a review of all of city departments and their finances. According to the mayor, $790,000 of the $2.2 million will be returned to the city’s general fund and the remaining funds will be returned to federal and
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state sources. “We need to look at the other departments as well,” said the mayor, referring to the other city departments that also collect cash. Those departments include the Dept. of Public Works, Elder Services, Inspectional Services, Parks & Recreation, and Treasurer/Collector. The audit took two years to complete, which was longer than Arrigo expected. Some councillors recently have grown frustrated with the mayor, repeatedly asking for the audit in recent months.
AUDIT | SEE PAGE 19
Necco closing stuns Revere Special to The Advocate
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ews that its new owners abruptly closed the Necco candy manufacturing plant on Tuesday both surprised and disappointed Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo. “We are disappointed that Round Hill [Investments LLC] could not follow through on the enthusiasm it expressed when it acquired Necco barely two
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Mayor Brian Arrigo discusses the result of the city’s audit with the City Council Monday night.
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months ago,” said Mayor Arrigo. “We received no advance word about the situation from any representative of any of the involved parties and only learned about it after receiving media inquiry. Obviously, we would have preferred, at the very least, some fundamental notification.” Mayor Arrigo has jumped on the opportunity to try and connect displaced workers with prospective new employers.“Job termination is never good news, but the regional economy is strong and, hopefully, able to absorb these people who have a demonstrated work ethic and experience in the food production industry.” Mayor Arrigo has been in touch with government and business contacts to open communication between them and prospective employees. “Already,” Mayor Arrigo said, “six private com-
NECCO | SEE PAGE 8