News Briefs

WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee Postpones 2020 Induction

 John Domenico, President of the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, regrets to inform members of the public that the 2020 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, November 20, 2020, has been postponed due to the tenuous situation caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic

“Any nominations that have been submitted will be considered for the next Induction Ceremony,” Domenico said.  “Voting on any nominees already received, as well as additional ones submitted in the future, will not take place until after the date for the next Induction Ceremony has been established.”  A tentative date in November of 2021 is being explored.

Membership in the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame is open to those individuals who have made significant contributions to the Winthrop High School athletic programs, either through their participation in athletics or their association with Winthrop athletics as a coach, faculty member, or through exceptional service.

To be eligible as an individual athlete or as a team, the individual or team members must have graduated from Winthrop High School, and must have been part of a class that was graduated at least ten years prior to the nomination.

The WHS Athletic Hall of Fame also recognizes other significant individuals, such as administrators and others, who have made special contributions to the Winthrop High School Athletic Program.

In addition to President John Domenico, the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee members are: Peg Bailey, Howard Conley, Robert DeGregorio, Dale Dunbar, Susan Freedland, Jim Lederman, Bill Schmidt, Richard Thibeau, and Chris Tsiotos.

Winthrop Ferry Resumes Service

The Town of Winthrop is excited to kick off our seventh season of ferry service. Please order your tickets via www.thewinthropferry.com and all passengers must wear a mask on board. We are limiting our seating to 40 passengers instead of 73. So we highly recommend that you book your tickets online to confirm a space on the vessel. Happy sailing!

Yard Waste Drop off Facility Holiday Hours

Due to the July 4 holiday, the facility will be open Thursday, July 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.

Winthrop’s green waste drop-off site is located at the end of Kennedy Drive, where residents may bring their yard waste. 

What is “green waste”?

Green waste includes grass, leaves, vines, hedge timings and small to medium size branches. Root balls and branches over six inches are not accepted. Operational concerns require that the branches must be separated from the other green waste.  Branches should be stacked loosely with the butt end sticking out. Grass, leaves, vines and hedge trimmings can be contained in any manner that you see fit provided the container or bag is not left behind. It is not necessary to purchase special compost bags to participate in the program. It is essential that other wastes, such as rocks, plastic, construction material, trash or animal waste do not mix with green waste. This waste can damage the Town’s equipment or result in failed testing parameters. Your assistance is very much appreciated.

Facility Policies

Residents

Free disposal of leaves and grass clippings for Winthrop residents.  Please be prepared to show a   driver’s license or other proof of residency.

Residential Branch load tickets will be available at the DPW Building located at 100 Kennedy Drive Monday through Thursday during regular business hours.  The cost is $20.00 per ticket. (Check or money order only)

Branch loads are not to exceed ONE TRUCK LOAD ( 5 YARD MAXIMUM).

Branches larger than 4 inches in diameter will not be accepted at the compost.

Tree stumps, trash, stones, dirt and other debris is strictly prohibited.

Any Dirt or Debris Will Result in Load Refusal. All Loads Will Be Inspected.

Questions call Public Works Cemetery Department 617-846-1341

Markey Campaign Shows Its Grassroots Reach 

The Ed Markey for U.S. Senate campaign demonstrated its grassroots power and statewide reach over the past weekend as it hosted an evening of virtual house parties with over 300 supporters and volunteers, joining from 35 different Zoom locations organized by supporters, for supporters, including in Dorchester, Somerville, Cambridge, Tufts University, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. 

Senator Markey spoke to the virtual grassroots group as Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins, State Representative Nika Elugardo, and State Representative Tricia Farley Bouvier–all of whom have endorsed the Senator–also made appearances throughout the event. The house party also featured live music from Wheatus lead singer, and progressive activist, Brendan Brown. 

“This is another example of our grassroots organizing success,” said Campaign Manager John Walsh. “Our campaign is based on relational organizing — friend-to-friend and neighbor-to-neighbor engagement. During this challenging  time, we continue to organize in new and innovative ways, and our house parties are part of the enthusiasm and dedication of our supporters. And while we can’t yet have house parties in the traditional sense, we can still come together.”

The Markey Campaign’s grassroots organizing has adapted to the public health crisis through social media, livestreams on the work Senator Markey is undertaking to combat the coronavirus pandemic, benefit concert, and digital outreach. 

After winning 70 percent of the support at local city and town caucuses earlier this year–a significant grassroots achievement–the Markey campaign then turned in over 27,000 nomination signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office. 

The campaign’s digital team has also designed a breakthrough grassroots tool allowing anyone interested in becoming involved with the Markey Campaign to create and distribute their own supporter page at: support.edmarkey.com. After launching the tool earlier this spring, hundreds of supporter pages identifying thousands of supporters have been created.

Winthrop Veterans Food Bank

The Winthrop Veterans Food Bank will be open  July 8,  August 5- and Sept. 2 with a pick up from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30  at the American Legion Hall , next to Town Hall.

Veterans must register on Facebook (Winthrop Veterans) or register by phone at 617-846-3065. Donations to the food bank are always welcomed.

Summer Tips for Pets

The Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) annual safety campaign, Too Hot for Spot, reminds pet owners about the dangers pets face when temperatures begin to rise. Even when it’s below 80 degrees, the threat for heat stroke still exists.

Five  tips to keep your pet safeare as follows:

Prevention is best. Whenever possible, leave your pet at home in a cool humidity and temperature-regulated room.
If your pet must be outdoors, find a shady spot with ample air flow to prevent overheating.
Hydration is key, so keep a bowl of cold water accessible at all times.
Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours when temperatures are coolest.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car—even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked.
⚠️ If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian!

Spot an animal in imminent danger or distress? Call 911 or contact your local Animal Control Office, Fire Department, or Police Department.

Winthrop Senior Center News

The Senior Center remains closed at this time. While lunch is not being served, Meals on Wheels continues to operate. Residents who are in need and are not currently on the list to receive meals through Meals on Wheels can call Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-324-7705, with their name, phone number and address to be included in the program.

Exercise with Ernie Sarro: WCAT will present Exercise with Ernie Sarro Monday – Friday at 10:30am on Channel 3.