Supports proposal
Dear Editor,
I read in the June 11th Sun Transcript that the School Committee is seriously considering school-based health services at the new middle/high school. From what I read, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) would offer services such as physical exams, vaccination shots, pre-screening for concussions, counseling and early intervention for substance abuse and reproductive health issues.  Dental hygiene services and x-rays would also be part of services rendered. Parents would not have to take off work for student medical appointments, and students wouldn’t miss school
Again, from what I gleaned from Ms. Salza’s article and Bernadette Thomas, Chief Nursing Officer at EBNHC, the school-based health center would, with school approval, also provide reproductive health education and services related to sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy prevention.
As past Chairman of the Health Education Review Committee (HERC) that ran from 1985-1997, I can’t tell you how enthused I am about the whole concept of school-based health services. Before the School Committee of 1987-88 approved “Growing Healthy,†then Superintendent Peter Finn, sanctioned the HERC to involve parents, school personnel, School Committee members, and administrators to research and deliver a health education curriculum that equipped Winthrop students with “factual health information so that they could make informed decisions about their physical, emotional, and social health.â€Â Prior to this, two health committees’ recommendations had failed to pass the School Committee.
Back in 1987 and 1988 when the Middle and High School health education curricula were approved respectively, there was new discussion of school-based health centers. At the time, however, that effort was beyond our reach. I am so pleased to hear that a school-based health facility may be a part of our Winthrop Public Schools.
Donna Segreti Reilly
Farmers Market back in French Square
Dear Editor:
As spring gives way to summer and the days grow longer, we are pleased to announce that the Winthrop Farmers Market will be returning to French Square in the heart of Winthrop Center starting in just a few weeks!
Our all-volunteer committee has been busy planning the 2015 season and we are excited to unveil an expanded lineup of farms, artists, vendors, and food trucks. With support from East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, JW’s Restaurant, Highland Real Estate, and MSA Mortgage, we have extended the Winthrop Farmers Market season to include 10 events, running every other Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the following dates:
July 5 and July 19
August 2, August 16, and August 30
September 13 and September 27
October 11 and October 25 (Halloween & Season Finale)
As we prepare for the upcoming season, we would like to formally thank the many people that contributed to making our 2014 events such a success:
- Six local farms which brought their fresh and tasty produce to town
- Seven talented entertainers who filled the air with cheerful music
- Three food trucks that delivered unique and mouth-watering menus
- 28 small-business vendors which made the day more colorful with pottery, jewelry, bread, jam, guacamole, and so much more
- The Town of Winthrop, especially the Town Manager’s Office, Board of Health, DPW, and police/fire officials, which provided logistical support for the markets
- The dedicated volunteers who planned, promoted, and made each event happen
- Last, but not least, our many friends from Winthrop, East Boston, Revere, and further, who joined us at each of the markets!
The Winthrop Farmers Market provides a unique opportunity for local residents to connect as one strong community, with healthy food, fun crafts, and great music. With your generous support, we were proud to assist seven non-profits raise nearly $1,200 at our events!
Please join us as we open another fun-filled season!
The Winthrop Farmers Market Committee