Chelsea High School proudly hosted its Annual Early College Celebration on Wednesday, May 27 at Chelsea High School, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of all 327 students participating in the Early College program. The event brought together students, families, educators, and community leaders for an evening of celebration, reflection, and inspiration.

Attendees enjoyed a shared meal while hearing from a number of distinguished speakers who highlighted the hard work and dedication of Chelsea’s Early College students who have been completing coursework at Bunker Hill Community College. The celebration honored students for their academic achievements and commitment to advancing their education through college-level coursework.

“Early College is one of the most powerful equity strategies available to public education today.

It creates transformative opportunities for students, particularly first-generation college students, to experience college success while still in high school. The achievements we celebrate today are a testament to the hard work of our students and the collective commitment of our educators, families, and community partners. We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead,” said CPS Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta.

“We are incredibly proud of our CHS Early College students and all they have achieved! What makes this program so powerful is its ability to meet students where they are while providing the support and opportunities they need to grow—whether they’re exploring career pathways, building confidence through college-level coursework, or taking on the challenge of attending college full-time–special congrats to our 7 EC Next Pilot group! With the support of the Early College team, school counselors, and their professors, EC students are finding success through hard work and gaining the knowledge, confidence, and experience to shape their futures,” added Early College and Career Pathways Coordinator Jacquelyne Corbaci.

The evening’s celebrations included a recognition of 68 CHS students who earned 12 or more college credits at Bunker Hill. 222 Early College students achieved Dean’s List honors, which is nearly 70 percent of the students in the Early College Program. Additionally, 7 rising seniors in the Early College program attended Bunker Hill Community College full time during the academic year. This group was recognized with special pins at the ceremony as being part of the first-ever Early College “Next” cohort.

The event also featured remarks from several special guests, including Chelsea High School Principal Alan Beausoleil, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tamara Blake-Canty, City Manager Fidel Maltez, Steve Prudent, Director of Partnerships at Bunker Hill Community College, and Maria Figueroa, a Chelsea High School Class of 2019 graduate and former Early College student.

In attendance to celebrate the students’ accomplishments were Phylitia Jamerson, Executive Director of DESE Early College Programs, members of the Chelsea School Committee, Bunker Hill Community College Early College faculty and admissions staff, and Chelsea High School counselors, all of whom play an important role in supporting student success throughout the program.

Speakers congratulated students on their achievements and encouraged them to continue pursuing their academic and professional goals. Maria Figueroa shared her own experiences as an Early College student, offering a powerful example of the impact the program can have on students’ futures.

The Annual Early College Celebration served as a meaningful reminder of the strong partnership between Chelsea High School and Bunker Hill Community College, as well as the dedication of students, educators, and families who make the program’s success possible.

Congratulations to all of Chelsea High School’s Early College students on an incredible year of achievement.

The proposed 67-unit apartment development on the former Russo Tux and Limo property on Revere Beach Parkway will be back before the planning board later this month.

The project is also scheduled to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals at its June 9 meeting to review the traffic analysis and hear more feedback on the project. The developers of 320 Revere Beach Parkway are seeking a number of variances and special permits from the ZBA.

Under the city’s current inclusionary zoning policy, 11 of the 67 units would be affordable.

At last week’s planning board meeting, members said they would like the project to come back before the board at its June meeting for a further discussion on parking, traffic, and the unit mix for the project. 

Anthony Rossi, the attorney for the developer, said he expected that the project would not get a vote from the planning board in May and that there would be multiple meetings before the planning and zoning boards before final recommendations and votes were made.

Several residents spoke out at the May planning board hearing with concerns about the size and scope of the project and how it would fit into a neighborhood already facing traffic and parking issues.

As currently constituted, the project calls for 17 parking spaces, with 13 covered spaces and four outside tandem spaces.

Planning Board member Mimi Rancatore said she was concerned about the setup of the entrance of the building, as well as the parking for Ubers and deliveries, given that most of the residents would not have vehicles.

Rossi noted that the four outside tandem parking units would be largely used as short-term parking for rideshares and deliveries.

Board member Sarah Ritch asked that Rossi and the developers also provide a clear narrative on how people will navigate the site for the June meeting.

In other business, the planning board recommended approval of the special permits and variances for the construction of a six-family building at 82 Cherry St. That project will be before the ZBA next week.

The Cherry Street parcel is currently vacant, and the proposed four-story building would have three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom rental units, with a total of three off-street parking spaces for the building.

A new Charter Review Committee will be forming in the next several weeks, City Council President Roberto Jimenez-Rivera recently announced.

This Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the Chelsea City Charter in order to ensure that the city’s system of government adequately addresses and balances issues such as civic engagement, community input, and subject matter expertise. The Committee will evaluate each section of the charter and consider whether updates or reforms are necessary to strengthen transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and effective municipal governance for the future of Chelsea.

“Since I joined the City Council, multiple councilors – including myself – have raised concerns that portions of the charter no longer reflect the realities and needs of modern municipal governance,” said Jimenez-Rivera. “Community members have also raised concerns regarding the strength of community engagement during the 2020 Charter Review Process, which was severely disrupted due to the COVID pandemic. Although charter reviews are required to happen every 10 years in calendar years ending with zero, I believe there is consensus among the City Council that convening a charter review process at this time is a necessary step.”

The Charter Review Committee members will represent a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. The Committee will consist of the following members:

Three City Councilors;

One School Committee member;

Five Chelsea residents, to be selected from the pool of interested applicants.

Meetings of the Committee are anticipated to begin this July with the goal of completing its work by the end of the calendar year, according to the council president. Any proposed changes would then be submitted to the City Council for final approval before submission to the Massachusetts General Court in advance of their 2027 filing deadline.

Members of the Chelsea community interested in serving on the Committee are encouraged to submit a resume and short letter expressing their interest, background, and reasons for seeking appointment, no later than noon on Monday, June 22. 

Resumes and letters of interest can be submitted by email to rjimenez@chelseama.gov or dropped off at the City Council office in room #305 at Chelsea City Hall.

The Chelsea Fire Department is proud to announce four new firefighters, including the City’s first female latina firefighter, Marcela Castillo, of Chelsea, have graduated from the Boston Fire Academy this spring. Christian Mendez, Adrien Diaz, and Jorge Monzon join Castillo in this new cohort of firefighters.

“The department congratulates these promising new firefighters as they begin their careers in public safety,” said Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri. “Marcela’s achievement sends a powerful message that firefighting is a calling open to anyone with the drive and dedication to answer it.”

Their graduation comes at a time when the Fire Department is expanding its capabilities with proper staffing levels and the recent addition of Engine 4 to address increased call volume and to ensure the highest level of service to the Chelsea community.”

Prior to graduation, the recruits completed an intensive 20-week training program that included classroom instruction, hands-on firefighting operations, live fire evolutions, and scenarios designed to prepare them for fire service.

The four new graduates have since completed an additional two weeks of in-house training, a requirement before receiving their first assignments. This training focused on department operations, equipment, and emergency medical certification.

The Chelsea High School Financial Success Fair 2026 was an engaging event that brought real-world financial literacy to life for nearly 1,600 students. In a collaborative effort, the MPCU Team —including MPCU Marketing team Caitlyn Kenney and Leo Lemos, along with Everett Branch Manager Paulette Goodreau – joined forces with Jackie Boyd from AVID to create an unforgettable educational experience. 

Students embarked on a journey through real-world budgeting scenarios, visiting seven interactive booths that covered essential life categories such as Housing, Food, Transportation, and Luxury. These booths presented students with various lifestyle tiers and real-life costs, challenging them to manage a monthly budget effectively. 

Adding to the excitement, students encountered unexpected “Life Events,” ranging from surprise medical visits to car repairs, and even unexpected financial windfalls. This element provided a realistic twist to their financial planning, highlighting the unpredictable nature of real-life finances. 

At the conclusion of the event, students tallied their expenses to determine if they managed to stay within budget. This exercise underscored the complexities of financial planning and the importance of financial literacy. 

Months of meticulous planning culminated in a seamless event, made possible by the dedicated collaboration between MPCU and Chelsea High School. Special thanks are extended to Justin Lasko, VP of Retail Administration & Operations, and Michni Daley, AVP of the Medford Branch, for their invaluable volunteering efforts, which contributed significantly to the day’s success. 

About Members Plus Credit Union – To us, banking is personal. Serving the Community since 1940, Members Plus is 100% owned by the people who bank with us – making us 100% dedicated to their satisfaction. We have no stockholders or other interests. Whether you are looking for the best banking services or even better rates, we encourage you to contact a Member Service Representative at our offices in Medford, Everett, Adams Village, Dorchester, Mass Avenue Dorchester (open to Eversource Employees only), Norwood, Winchester, and Plymouth. Deposits are federally insured by NCUA, and all deposits above the NCUA limits are fully insured by MSIC. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit online www.memberspluscu.org.

Special to the Record

One year after launching the State Land for Homes (SLFH) initiative, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has advanced plans for more than 5,600 new housing units across nearly 700 acres of underutilized state-owned land in 33 municipalities throughout Massachusetts, including groundbreaking at the Veterans Home at Chelsea. Authorized through Governor Healey’s Affordable Homes Act (AHA), the initiative is helping accelerate housing production, lower costs and transform surplus public properties into new homes and vibrant communities. 

“Massachusetts needs more housing, and we are using every tool available to build it faster and lower costs for residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through the State Land for Homes initiative, we’re turning underutilized state properties into thousands of new homes, creating new opportunities for families and workers, and helping communities grow across Massachusetts. It’s great to see after just one year, this program is having a meaningful impact and creating a pipeline of thousands of new homes across the state.” 

“We’re partnering with communities across Massachusetts to turn vacant and underutilized properties into housing that people can afford,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This initiative is helping move projects forward faster, support local growth and create new housing opportunities in every region of the state.” 

The State Land for Homes initiative was launched through the AHA to accelerate the redevelopment of underutilized state-owned properties into new housing across Massachusetts. By streamlining the process for identifying and disposing of surplus state land, the initiative is helping move housing projects forward more quickly while supporting affordability, economic growth and community development statewide. Over the last year, the Administration has rapidly expanded the inventory of available sites and advanced projects toward development, permitting and construction. 

“The progress made in just one year demonstrates the tremendous opportunity that exists on surplus state-owned land,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “By unlocking these sites for housing and continuing to identify new parcels on a regular basis, we are helping communities grow, supporting affordability and returning properties to local tax rolls, creating a new revenue source, as well.” 

“One year since we launched State Land for Homes, it’s clear that this initiative is working—taking underutilized properties and turning them into much-needed housing across the state,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “Through SLFH, we’re continuing to strategically leverage the state’s portfolio of assets to create lasting benefits for residents, communities, and the Massachusetts economy.” 

There are now nearly 700 acres of surplus state-owned land at various stages of development being advanced in communities across Massachusetts. Since the initiative launched, 14 additional parcels totaling more than 330 new acres have been added to the State Land for Homes inventory, representing the potential for an additional 1,500 housing units now in various stages of planning and review. Newly added sites include parcels in Sherborn, Plymouth and Salisbury, to name a few.  

By the end of July, the Administration expects to have another three developers selected for projects in Bedford, Bridgewater and Lowell, in addition to Northampton where the City designated a developer for a project at 33 King St. late last year, for a total of four developer designations.  

The Administration is also preparing to issue three new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) later in 2026 for major redevelopment opportunities including the Lindemann-Hurley buildings in Boston, the former Lancaster Industrial School for Girls campus in Lancaster and a portion of the MassBay Community College campus in Wellesley.  

For the Lindemann-Hurley buildings, an Offering Memorandum will be issued in the coming weeks, which will include detailed information about the historic site and redevelopment parameters. This major redevelopment opportunity is located in downtown Boston and presents an exciting opportunity to reimagine a large, complex site.  

“State Land for Homes is transforming underutilized properties into assets that will benefit communities for generations,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “Wherever possible, we are striving to collaborate with host municipalities and other stakeholders to develop project approaches that will not just yield housing units, but homes and communities that people can be proud of.” 

Several large-scale redevelopment projects continue to move forward with planning, as well. At the Monson Developmental Center campus, local zoning approval was recently secured for a project expected to deliver approximately 600 housing units while preserving more than 400 acres of conservation land. In Concord and Lancaster, planning and community engagement efforts continue on redevelopment opportunities that could collectively create hundreds of new homes. In Salem, the redevelopment of the South Campus into housing will not only create over 400 new homes, but the proceeds of the land sale will also enable Salem State University to consolidate its campus footprint and contribute to the SSU BOLD project as well.  

The Administration anticipates closing on 13 total State Land for Homes properties by the end of July, eight of which have already closed and are moving toward permitting and construction. A few of the projects that have closed, so far, include the former Fitchburg Superior Courthouse and five parcels that were auctioned in September of 2025 in Westborough, Northborough, Wilmington, Phillipston and Templeton. The five auctioned parcels are now in varying stages of development, and all five new property owners have taken steps to advance housing development on each site. An additional auction for the long-vacant former Lowell Superior Courthouse is taking place next week on June 10.   

Together, these projects are expected to create thousands of new homes in communities across Massachusetts. The Administration also anticipates two major project groundbreakings later this year: Olmsted Village at the Boston State Hospital campus and Veterans Home at Chelsea redevelopment – Phase 1. These two projects alone are anticipated to create 434 new homes for veterans, seniors and vulnerable youth in addition to almost 100 mixed-income homeownership units.  

Additional information about the initiative can be found on our website, and a dashboard which tracks the status of current and upcoming housing projects is actively in development and will also soon be available on DCAMM’s website as well.  

This program builds on the administration’s broader mission to make Massachusetts more affordable by increasing housing production, lowering costs, expanding homeownership programs and connecting residents with the stable homes and services they need to succeed. These include expanding down payment assistance and lowering mortgage rates to make it easier for Massachusetts residents to buy their first home.  

At the same time, to build more homes, the Governor has taken action to speed up the permitting process, convert downtown commercial space into new homes and create a first-in-the-nation fund to finance mixed-income development in a time of high interest rates.  

Governor Healey also legalized Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and this year, her administration is offering low-cost financing and free designs for anyone who wants to add an ADU to their home. To help people afford their mortgages and rents right now, she banned mandatory renter-paid broker fees, gave seniors up to $2,800 a year to help with housing costs, and expanded home inspection protections.     

We heard with sadness of the recent passing of Natalie Umanita Bloom, a Chelsea native who played a big role in the political dynamics of our city and our state more than 40 years ago.

Natalie was among the driving forces behind the founding of Fair Share, the group which highlighted the concept of income inequality in our country long before that notion became the movement that exists today.

Natalie’s legacy was evident when Fair Share was instrumental in bringing forward the ballot question a few years ago that created the so-called millionaire’s tax (on incomes above $1 million) that has brought tax fairness, not to mention billions of dollars, to our state’s finances.

But beyond her political achievements, Natalie was a wonderful mother and grandmother, an intelligent, dynamic, and creative woman who raised three children — daughters Kathleen and Maria and son Richard Schneiderman — as a young single mom in our city in the 1970s and early ‘80s.

We know we join with all of our fellow residents in offering our condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

High school graduation season is upon us, the time of year when communities across America celebrate the accomplishments of young people receiving their high school diplomas.

Graduation is a bittersweet occasion, marking both an ending and a beginning. For the grads, they will realize that the past four years, which they began as adolescents, are now culminating as they step into adulthood. They will be saying goodbye to their friends, teachers, and mentors who guided them through their formative high school years.

For every parent, watching a son or daughter stride across the stage as their name is called to receive their diploma will bring a flood of emotions, pride, and nostalgia. The sentiments expressed in the song, Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, often come to mind:

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
I don’t remember growing older
When did they?
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
Wasn’t it yesterday when they were small?

Even those without a direct connection to a graduate will smile at the sight of brightly-colored balloons and other festive decorations marking graduation parties in our neighborhoods. We will recall our own high school graduations and think about the happiness and expectations that filled our hearts and minds at that stage of our lives.

Today’s graduates will be tomorrow’s leaders who soon will be shaping our future. We will be counting upon them to make the world a better place. Let’s hope that we have supplied them with the tools they need to ensure that they can meet the challenges we are facing today and in the years ahead, both for the sake of their own generation and of those before and after.

We offer our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families, wishing them sunshine and blue skies not only on their Graduation Day, but in the years ahead.

Deja vu all over again with Iran

For those of us who were around during the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran from late 1979 to early 1981, the present situation involving the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by the Iranian government is deja vu all over again.

Both crises illustrate the two strengths of the Iranian regime: They excel at taking hostages and they know how to play the long game. In 1979, the Iranians seized and held 54 members of the U.S. Embassy, while today they are blocking the passage through the strait of hundreds of ships, wreaking havoc on the world economy.

Just as the administration of then-President Jimmy Carter made a series of miscalculations that underestimated the fanatical Iranian government, so too has the present U.S. administration failed to realize that the Iranians play by their own rules and on their own timetable.

The hostage crisis that undermined the Carter presidency lasted for 444 days, with the Iranians releasing the hostages only upon the swearing-in of President Ronald Reagan after Carter signed the Algiers Accords (which made a number of concessions to Iran) on his last day in office. The Iranians had simply wanted to humiliate Jimmy Carter up until the last day of his presidency.

The current conflict with Iran now is approaching 100 days with no end in sight. The disruption to the world economy and the rising rate of inflation in our country caused by the closing of the strait have served to underscore that this so-called war — which has not accomplished any of its supposed objectives (regime change? eliminating Iran’s nuclear bomb capabilities? destroying Iran’s missile and drone weapons? convincing Iran to support its proxies?) — was a fool’s mission undertaken by those who failed to learn the lessons of 45 years ago.

As the oft-quoted philosopher George Santayana put it: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  

Special to the Record

As the City of Chelsea prepares to submit an application for State funding to redesign Bellingham Hill Park, Chelsea’s Housing & Community Development (HCD) Department is inviting residents to share how they currently use the space and their hopes for the redesign during a community meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at 5:30 p.m., at the park, located at 111 Bellingham Street in Chelsea.

“The City has selected Bellingham Hill Park for renovation through HCD’s annual park renovation program,” said Sara Han, Planner/Project Manager for Chelsea HCD Department. “Every year, the City applies for funding to renovate a park through the State’s Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities Grant Program, and community input is extremely important to the application process.”

Input collected during this meeting will be added directly to the City’s application for funding.

Han will host the meeting alongside redesign consultant CBA Landscape Architects. The meeting will be held in English with a Spanish interpreter.

The June 16 meeting is the second in a series; the first community meeting held on May 11. The park currently features a play structure, picnic table seating, a short walking path, and views of Chelsea and the Boston skyline.

With questions, community members can contact Han at shan@chelseama.gov or 617-466-4183.

Katherine G. “Kathy” Webber

Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives

A lifelong resident of Chelsea, Katherine “Kathy” Webber passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026 in Florida, after a lengthy, courageous fight against cancer.  She was 73 years of age.

Born in Revere she was the daughter of the late Joseph E. and Grace J. (Crouse) Mauzerol. Kathy attended Chelsea Public Schools.  She married quite young to her best friend and beloved husband Kenneth A. “Ken” Webber and they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. 

Professionally, Kathy worked as a bookkeeper for their family run business, Krazy Kats Embroidery in Chelsea, where she always greeted customers with a big, cheerful hello. Kathy had a unique ability to connect with people and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued.  Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives.  Her family will always remember her beautiful smile and one-of-a-kind laugh.  Kathy found joy in life, enjoying every party, laughing, and often times she could be found leading the conga line.

Kathy was an avid boater and enjoyed being on the water with her boating family.  She was affectionately known as The Admiral Kathy on their boat Sea Kindly. Kathy was a member of the Winter Hill Yacht Club in Somerville and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.  She was actively involved in the City of Chelsea, the community she grew up in and loved.  Kathy was an avid supporter of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and Chelsea Rotary Club, where she enjoyed attending their many events over the years. 

For the past 5 years, Kathy and Ken enjoyed spending winters in Ft Pierce, Florida, where they found a home away from home.  They cherished their time in Florida, forming new bonds and friendships wherever they went.  Kathy’s spirited energy will be forever cherished and loved by her family and her extended family and friends in Chelsea, neighboring cities and towns, her boating community and all the friends she met while in Florida.

In addition to her husband Ken, Kathy leaves behind her beloved sons, Kenneth A. Webber and his wife, Janice “Jan” of Saugus and Kevin Webber and his wife, Christina of Winthrop.  Kathy was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph E. Mauzerol III and Lawrence A. “Larry” Mauzerol and sister. Donna J. Mauzerol.  She is the dear sister-in-law of Carole Buonopane of West Peabody, Gayle Webber and the late Daniel Webber.  Kathy is also lovingly survived by four grandchildren, Kevin Webber, twins Kyle and Kenny Webber, all of Winthrop and Kendra Webber of Saugus.  She is the cherished aunt of Daniel Webber, Kelli Webber, Brittany Mauzerol, Richard Sjoberg, Thomas Sjoberg, Charles Capponi.  Kathy adored her pet cats, Lilly and the late Snuggles.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Ave., Chelsea on Thursday, June 11 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.   A Funeral Service will follow the visitation in the Funeral Home at 7:30 pl.m.  All services will conclude in the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741or on-line at www.cancer.org

We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.

Richard Howard Smith

July 31, 1960 – May 21, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard Howard Smith, Sr., who left us on May 21, 2026, at the age of 65. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Richie’s journey on this earth came to an unexpected close at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where he had bravely faced numerous health challenges, including a courageous battle with throat cancer.

Born on July 31, 1960, in Everett, to the late Leon Maxwell Smith, Jr. and Ruth Marie (Henderson) Smith, Richie was one of fourteen children and held his family close to his heart.

Raised in Chelsea, he completed his education at Chelsea High School and continued to thrive as a lifelong resident of this vibrant community. He dedicated himself to the craft of metal recycling, first working with Solomon Metals in Chelsea and Lynn, before becoming a self-employed entrepreneur with D&R Moving and Richie & Sons Scrap Metal. Remarkably, Richie continued to work up until his sudden passing, showcasing his unwavering dedication and work ethic.

Richie shared 35 beautiful years of love and extreme devotion with his beloved wife, Denise Ann (Brangiforte) Smith. Together, they nurtured a loving home for their children: Richard H. Smith, Jr., Amanda L. Brangiforte, and Michael R. Smith, Sr., and his wife, Cece Marsh, along with his daughter of cherished memory, the late Debra Marie Smith. As a devoted grandfather, he poured love into the lives of his five grandchildren: Alicia and Skylar Smith, Joshua and Jacob Gillis, and Michael R. Smith, Jr., who will carry his spirit in their hearts forever.

In addition to his immediate family, Richie is survived by his dear siblings: Leon Saunders, Leona Cruz, Dennis Smith, James Smith, Douglas Smith and Marion Smith. He will be remembered for his boundless love, dedication to family, and the incredible joy he brought into their lives. He was predeceased by siblings: Diane Fields, Ruth Smith, Ronald R. Smith, Leon Smith III, Wayne Smith, Maryann Smith, and Sylvia Smith.

Richie’s life was a testament to resilience and devotion, and his loss leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

In honor of Richard Howard Smith, Sr., A Memorial Visitation and Services were held at the Welsh Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 3rd with a gathering of loved ones and friends celebrating his remarkable life where he was remembered with stories, laughter and love and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind.

To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.

Marie A. Ells

October 5, 1945 – May 24, 2026

We celebrate the life of Marie A. Ells, who lovingly touched the hearts of those around her during her remarkable 80 years. Marie passed away on Sunday, May 10th at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, where she was embraced by the care of dedicated professionals following a brief illness.

Marie will be fondly remembered for her warmth, dedication and spirited nature. She was born on October 5, 1945, in Chelsea, to the late Harry M. Ells, Sr. and Alice (Ingvaldsen) Ells, growing up in a vibrant household as one of ten children.

Marie was a lifelong resident of Chelsea, where she attended local schools and proudly graduated from Chelsea High School and remained a proud resident of her hometown throughout her life. In recent years. Marie resided at the Margolis Building in Chelsea where she embraced new friendships and connections.

She devoted her professional life to her role as a bookkeeper for Rudolph

Electric, where her detailed-oriented nature and kindness left a lasting impression on her colleagues and friends.

Marie’s strong sense of community and faith shone brightly as a devoted parishioner of the former Assumption (French) Church, where her contributions as a Eucharistic Minister were greatly valued. A dedicated daughter, she lovingly cared for her mother Alice in their family home, nurturing deep bonds with love and tempered discipline for her family, including her numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

Outside of her professional and familial commitments, Marie engaged in life with joy. She enjoyed participating in Candlepin Bowling Leagues, sharing laughter and memories over spirited card games and creating cherished moments with her family.

Marie’s resilient spirit remains evident in the love shared among her surviving 19 nieces and nephews.  She is now joyfully reunited with her parents, Harry and Alice, her beloved siblings; Pauline M. Mahoney, Robert and Andrew Ells, Helen Arnold, Harry M. Jr., Charles, John, Francis, and William Ells, and those of her family who have passed before her, including three nieces and nephews.

 In honor of her beautiful life and legacy, we invite friends and family to join together for a Memorial Visitation and Funeral Service. The gathering will take place on Saturday, June 6, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, followed by a celebratory service that will commence at 2 p.m.

In reflection of her vibrant spirit and the lives she touched, we come together to celebrate Marie’s life, sharing stories, laughter, and love as we honor her memory. 

To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.

Natalie Umanita Bloom

May 16, 1943 – May 24, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Natalie Umanita Bloom, who departed this life on May 24, 2026, at the age of 83. A beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, Natalie found her final days at the Bostonian Skilled Nursing Home in Dorchester, where she received the compassionate care she so richly deserved.

Born on May 16, 1943, in the family home in Chelsea, Natalie was the cherished youngest child of Antonio and Anna (Minutoli) Umanita. Raised in a vibrant family of five, she nurtured her passions early on. An exceptional student, she attended the Shurtleff School and graduated from Chelsea High School before pursuing a diverse and fulfilling career. After training at beauty school, she pursued a brief career in mechanical drafting, finding satisfaction in the male-dominated field. She then ventured to U-Mass Boston graduating with a bachelor’s degree as a Para Legal. Her creative spirit propelled her to attend Parsons School of Design in New York, and the Museum of Fine Arts School at Tuft’s University, where her artistic talents flourished. Natalie’s artwork has graced the walls of various restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, and private collections, leaving a legacy of beauty in her wake.

A devoted single mother, Natalie raised her two daughters and one son in Chelsea. She then relocated to Queens, NY, where she welcomed her third daughter with ex-husband Ron Bloom, before settling in Marblehead in 1992.

She is remembered fondly for her passionate devotion to her family, cooking, and hosting joyous holiday celebrations. As a proud grandmother, she adored her five grandchildren, showering them with love and warmth.

Beyond her family, Natalie was a fierce advocate for the less fortunate. She co-founded Mass Fair Share, lending her voice to those in need, and served on the board of directors for HAWC, supporting women impacted by gender violence. Her volunteer work with Girls Inc. in Lynn reflected her unwavering commitment to empowering young women. Her maiden name, Umanita, represents the word humanity in Italian, and the foundation of her passions lay in understanding and honoring the humanity in others.

Natalie was predeceased by her dear siblings: Angela Umanita, Charles, Anthony “Nino,” and Joseph Umanita and her loving nephew and nieces. Natalie is survived by her loving children: Kathleen Dobbyn, Maria Cheevers and her husband, Joseph, Richard Schneiderman and ex-daughter in-law, Lauren Rook, and Sarah Umanita-Bloom. She will be dearly missed by her grandchildren: Annie Elizabeth Cheevers, Natalie Eileen Cheevers, Calvin Rook, Whitney Rook and Ryan Jose. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to celebrate Natalie’s remarkable life during calling hours and a memorial gathering at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, today, Thursday, June 4th, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will begin from the funeral home on Friday, June 5th, at 9 a.m., immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea, at 10 a.m. We invite all who were touched by Natalie’s love and kindness to join in honoring her memory.

To send expressions of sympathy, visit www.welshfh.com.

Joan Delia Conley

She will always be Nana

Joan Delia (Keats) Conley, beloved wife, mother, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, in Falmouth, Massachusetts. She was 78 years old.

Born on July 29, 1947, in Chelsea, Joan was the daughter of the late James and Evelyn (Sullivan) Keats. She grew up in Prattville, rooted in a multigenerational Chelsea family, and carried that community in her heart for the rest of her life. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1965 and began her career with the telephone company as an information operator, a fitting start for a woman who always knew just what to say. Through dedication and quiet determination, she rose into management before retiring in 1992.

Joan was married to retired Chelsea Deputy Fire Chief Edward G. Conley Jr. for 57 years, a partnership built on love, laughter, and the mutual understanding that the best table in any restaurant is always at the bar.

Chelsea was Joan’s home in every sense of the word. She grew up surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends who made the city feel like an extended family. She raised her four boys in that same community, built friendships that lasted decades, and never lost her deep affection for the city that formed her. In her later years she and her husband settled in North Falmouth, but Chelsea never really left her, nor did the memory of Little Squam Lake, a place she loved from childhood and shared with her children and grandchildren.

Joan was the family’s matriarch in the truest sense, present through every holiday, hard time, celebration, and ordinary day, always steady and always glad to see you. She had a rare gift for making strangers feel welcome and making her family feel deeply loved. To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was simply Nana.

Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Edward; her sons Ed and his wife, Andrea of Gloucester, Sean of Marblehead, and Eric and his wife, Melissa of Hampstead, NH; her brother James “Reggie” Keats and his partner, Doris of Stoughton; her 15 cherished grandchildren: Caitlyn, Shannon, Eddie, Alex, Aidan, Max, Keira, Shea, Liam, Chloe, Chase, Jack, Nathan, Bella, and Ashlyn; and her three great-grandchildren: Emma, Johnny and Carolyn. She was predeceased by her parents; her son, Scott and his late wife, Elaine of Topsfield; and her sister, Janice Woirol of Michigan.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend visiting hours in the Carafa Family Funeral Home, 389 Washington Avenue, Chelsea, today, Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, 59 Nichols St. Chelsea on Friday, June 5th, at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan’s memory may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at t2t.org

We encourage family and friends to visit carafafuneralhome.com to offer condolences by means of the online guest book or to send a personalized sympathy card.

Glenda A. “Mickey” Mascis

A woman with a beautiful soul

Funeral Services and Interment were held privately for Glenda A. “Mickey” (Hoefer) Mascis who died unexpectedly at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Sunday, May 24th, she was 81 years old.

Glenda was born on July 11, 1944 in Chelsea to her late parents, George M. Hoefer and Gladys (Langille) Hoefer. She was one of three children raised and educated in Chelsea. Glenda was affectionately known as “Mickey” to her family. She attended Chelsea Public Schools.

Mickey was a loving devoted mother to her two children, a son and daughter. Unfortunately, in 1974 Mickey had to endure the pain of losing her 8-year-old daughter, Elizabeth due to a congenital disease.

Mickey was a hardworking and very courageous woman who enjoyed helping people all of her life. She began working as a Nurse’s Assistant at the Woodlawn Manor Nursing facility in Everett. Her career spanned over 26 years. She also worked evenings at the Dunkin’ Donuts on Everett Avenue in Chelsea for approximately 10 years.

Mickey was a very proud lifelong resident of Chelsea. She was very active in her community and in the building where she lived. She was an advocate for many people and helped them, along the way in life. She was known for canceling her own medical appointments to take a friend to a doctor’s appointment, sometimes in the same hospital. Mickey was also a lover of all animals. She helped nurse sick animals and took in many strays over the years. She was a woman with beautiful soul to help all of God’s loving creatures. Her family was always most important, and she demonstrated many life lessons through her actions.

The loving mother of Stephen C. Mascis and his wife, Cindy of Lynn and the late Elizabeth Mascis, she is the cherished grandmother of Adolfo Hernandez and his fiancée. Amber Guerrero, Robinson Mejia, Marsly, Wilton and William Echavarria and the adored great grandmother of Alia, Gabriel and Grace. She is the treasured sister of the late Gail D. Still – Daley and Robert “Guy” Hoefer and his surviving wife, Bonnie Hoefer of Tewksbury. She is also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the MPCA – Angell, Attn: Development, 350 South Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.

To send online condolences, please visit www.vertucciosmithvazza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere.

Special to the Record

The USS Constitution Museum has launched USS Constitution Mini Golf, a new free 9-hole course on the Charlestown Navy Yard designed to give residents and visitors a fun, accessible way to engage Boston’s role in the story of American independence.

Celebrated with a ceremonial First Putt event, the new course opened with a ribbon cutting by sword before civic leaders took the first putt. The newly designed course offers a fresh summer activity on Boston Harbor while inviting players to experience the city’s Revolutionary history in one of its most historic waterfront settings. Created especially for the 2026 season, the course combines play, place-based storytelling, and public access at a moment when Boston is looking ahead to America250.

Set beside the USS Constitution Museum, the course offers families, neighbors, and visitors an outdoor activity that is both entertaining and meaningful. As players move through the course, they encounter moments inspired by Boston Harbor’s central role in the Revolution, from protest and conflict to a broader path toward independence.  

As Boston looks ahead to America250, the course provides a timely and accessible way to celebrate the city’s role in the course of independence while offering a free activity in one of its most historic and scenic settings. USS Constitution Mini Golf is made possible with the generous support of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. 

“At its heart, this is about access,” said Jeff Draeger, President & CEO of the USS Constitution Museum. “We wanted to create something free, fun, and engaging for the public, while also connecting people to this extraordinary place and to Boston’s role in the story of American independence. It is a summer experience that reflects the Museum’s mission in a fresh and engaging way.”

“USS Constitution Mini Golf is a creative and welcoming way to bring Massachusetts history to life during this celebratory year,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “Experiences like this help visitors and residents connect with Boston Harbor and the stories that shaped America, while highlighting the history, culture, and sense of discovery that make destinations across Massachusetts so special and engaging for all ages.”

The launch event brought together civic and community leaders, including Representative Daniel Ryan, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Kate Fox, and CAPT (sel) Crystal L. Schaefer, Commanding Officer of USS Constitution.

“I want to thank the USS Constitution Museum for creating this exciting and inclusive new program for families in our neighborhood and throughout the region. Mini golf is fun for people of all ages and will bring even more people together to see the Museum’s award-winning exhibitions and programs,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico.

Representative Daniel Ryan added, “This is a fun and exciting way to kick-off the summer season. Families can enjoy their time together putting around while learning some of our illustrious Naval History here at the USS Constitution Museum. I thank Commander Schaefer for taking time out of her duties to help us get the season underway.”

Their presence underscored the broad community support for a new free, public activity that combines fun with learning and offers a fresh way to connect residents and visitors to Boston’s historic role in the Revolution.

USS Constitution Mini Golf is made possible with the generous support of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, whose partnership has helped make this accessible public experience available for a third year, with an entirely new course debuting for 2026.

The course is now open to the public in the Charlestown Navy Yard, inviting all to grab a putter and join the Revolution. 

For more information, visit usscm.org/events/minigolf/

The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution, America’s Ship of State, also known as “Old Ironsides.” Through award-winning exhibitions and programs, the Museum engages more than 300,000 visitors annually with the people, stories, and ideals that have shaped our nation. Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, the Museum is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of members and donors. Learn more at usscm.org/