By Melissa Moore-Randall
As the school year winds down, it was a typical day at the A.C. Whelan School. Second graders were enjoying their lunch in the cafeteria including students in Mrs. Nelson’s class Giancarlos Guerrero Ayala, 7 and Jason Marenco Calderon, 8.
Guerrero Ayala.
Giancarlos and Jason have been friends since meeting in 1st Grade. However, their friendship took an amazing turn when Jason saved Giancarlos who was choking on a hot dog. Jason jumped into action and used life saving skills to help him. Jason, who is a huge Celtics fan, said he learned how to do it by watching videos on YouTube.
Giancarlos was extremely grateful. “It was amazing! Jason is the best friend I have ever had.”
Jason, who was extremely humble, said he was just happy he was able to save his friend. “I saw him choking and crying and just wanted to help him. I am happy he is ok.”
School Resource Officer Bryan Brenes and K9 Charlie presented Jason with an official Certificate of Recognition for his “extraordinary acts and heroics that helped save the life of a classmate.”
Superintendent Dr. Dianne Kelly and Jason’s teacher, Mrs. Lauren Nelson, are so proud of Jason and his heroics.
Mrs. Lauren Nelson – “Jason is the kindest boy in the world. I am so proud of him and his bravery.”
Superintendent Dianne Kelly – “We are so proud of Jason and thankful for his quick action. Perhaps one day he will consider being a first responder or a doctor and continue to save lives. He and his family should be very proud of his bravery!”
All-Abilities Day at Revere Beach is set for August 17
The Revere Commission on Disabilities held its regular monthly meeting last Tuesday, June 11, via Zoom. Chair Ralph DeCicco, vice-chair Pauline Perno, Ellie Pagan Vargas, Annmarie Fiore, Jason Barone, and Mario Grimanis were on hand for the session.
DeCicco provided an update about some of the details of the All-Abilities Day at Revere Beach that will be held on Saturday, August 17, from 10 AM-2 PM. The program is being funded thanks to a grant from Save the Harbor/Save The Bay’s Better Beaches Program.
He noted that although the event will be free of charge, those wishing to attend must register on-line prior to the event. DeCicco said he will be coordinating with the Revere Parks and Rec. Dept. for the on-line registration.
DCR will be providing sandmats and beach wheelchairs in order to provide for access to the beach. DeCicco added that a DJ will be on hand to provide entertainment. “We want to be able to provide access so that disabled people in our community can enjoy Revere Beach, which is in our own backyard, and have the equipment there for them to be able to do so,” said DeCicco.
DeCicco also briefly discussed grants for which he is applying from the Mass. Office of Disabilities (MOD) in order to make the city’s municipal buildings more user-friendly for persons with disabilities.
DeCicco also reported on the most recent monthly Zoom meeting of CODA (the Commissions on Disabilities Alliance) that was held on June 5. He noted that the main topics of discussion were:
— The Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) spoke about the housing bond bill that is presently being discussed in the legislature. This bill includes housing funding for people with disabilities. Fiore briefly discussed a legislative amendment that would allow up to a two-bedroom ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) to be added to a single-family home;
— COD Commission members from various cities and towns discussed hybrid and remote meetings; and
— COD Commission members mentioned that they are working on trying to complete the state MOD grant application. DeCicco said he is splitting his application into separate requests, rather than just one big grant. He noted that he had obtained a $250,000 grant in 2019 that was used to assess the city’s municipal buildings for compliance with the accessibility laws.
DeCicco also noted that the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Perkins School for the Blind will be conducting a ”White Cane Awareness Day Celebration” to celebrate the independence of the white cane and help raise awareness of the White Cane Law in Massachusetts, which requires drivers to identify and yield to pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog at street crossings.
The event will be held on Friday, October 18, from 10 AM–1 PM in the Massachusetts State House Great Hall, 24 Beacon Street. Registration is required and space is limited. The link is: 2024 White Cane Awareness Day Registration – Formstack Or https://massgov.formstack.com/forms/2024_white_cane_awareness_day_registration
The Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) reported that the group’s next meeting will be in the fall when school resumes.
DeCicco then read the regular monthly reminder:
The Commission on Disabilities office number is 781-286-8267. Residents can also call Revere 311 directly and speak to their staff Monday through Friday. They will answer most questions, but if they are unable to or if you want to speak to our department directly or schedule an appointment, please ask to be transferred to the Disability office. If we are unavailable, please leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
As always, please tell us if you want something discussed or added to our monthly meeting agenda. You can let us know if you would like to speak on any issue or concern. The Commission is here to help and assist all the disabled residents and families of Revere.
The commission will not be meeting in July. The next meeting (via Zoom) will be held Tuesday August 13, at 6 p.m.
