News Briefs

Town Provides Clarification on Property Tax Bills

Interim Town Manager Terence Delehanty and the Town of Winthrop wish to provide residents with an update on property tax bills.

Due to a software error, third-quarter tax bills displayed a 2021 assessed value on tax bills rather than the 2022 values they should have displayed. However, the amount due listed on individual bills is correct.

The Town of Winthrop has engaged the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services regarding the error.

“We would like to apologize for any confusion caused by this error, and encourage residents to reach out if they have any questions,” Delehanty said. “However, they should rest assured that the listed amount due is correct and no action is needed on their part.”

Residents may view their updated property valuation in the town’s online system, Vision, by clicking here. Any residents who would like an amended printed tax bill may obtain one by contacting the town treasurer/collector’s office at 617-846-1750.

The abatement period for third-quarter bills has been extended until May 2.

MVES Offers Virtual Healthy Aging Workshop 

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) will present a FREE Virtual Healthy Aging workshop series called My Life; My Health: Healthy Eating for Successful Living, offered on Mondays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm from January 24 to March 7, 2022 (no class February 21).  Throughout the series, you’ll learn more about how nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes can promote better health. This virtual workshop series focuses on heart- and bone-healthy nutrition strategies to help maintain or improve wellness and prevent chronic disease development or progression in older adults. Healthy Eating uses the USDA’s MyPlate as a framework.

 Mystic Valley Elder Services works with our neighbors in Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield, and Winthrop.

Learn how to connect virtually thru a Zoom platform and take the classes from the comfort of your home. Class size is limited so reserve your spot today. To register, or if you have any questions about the program, contact Donna Covelle at dcovelle@mves.org or call 781-388-4867.

 Celebrating 45 Years of helping older adults keep their independence, Mystic Valley Elder Services is a non-profit agency located in Malden, Mass., that provides essential home- and community-based care and resources to older adults, adults living with disabilities, and caregivers who reside in Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winthrop, regardless of their income level. Agency services include coordination of home care, transportation, Meals on Wheels, and information and referrals. For more information, please call (781) 324-7705 or visit www.mves.org.  

Archdiocese of Boston Extends Mask requirements for Masses

In the light of the continued growth in the numbers of new COVID cases, Cardinal Seán is extending the current mask mandate.

It is mandated that that throughout the Archdiocese of Boston all people attending public Masses, including weddings and funerals, wear masks. This is an extension of the mandate currently in effect, and expires on Thursday, March 3, 2022, which is the day after Ash Wednesday. 

Mass celebrants, deacons, readers, servers, choir members, and instrumentalists, must all wear masks except when they are speaking.

Children under the age of five are not required to wear masks. Children under the age of two should not wear masks. 

In addition, all churches must continue to provide a designated area in which social distancing is respected for those who want to use it.

Parishes should have masks available for people inasmuch as possible.

CHA Renames Obstetrics and Gynecology Centers

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Women’s Health Centers have a new name. All three centers in Cambridge, Somerville and Revere are now called CHA Obstetrics and Gynecology Centers. 

CHA Obstetrics and Gynecology Centers focus on providing safe and equitable gynecological, reproductive health as well as prenatal and postnatal care. “We care about all of our patients, every day,” said Kate Harney, MD, CHA’s chief of obstetrics and gynecology. 

In 2021, CHA’s Labor, Delivery and Postpartum services were named among the top 100 in the country by Newsweek magazine. This recognition, along with a Leapfrog A grade and distinguished awards from the Lown Institute for Value of Care, Health Equity, Cost Efficiency, Inclusivity and more, demonstrate the high quality Obstetrics & Gynecology care patients receive at CHA.

“One of the important reasons we were added to the list of best maternity services in the country is our commitment to equity,” said Dr. Harney. “The department prioritizes removing barriers to care and by changing our name, we’re making our centers more inclusive, especially for transgender and gender diverse patients.”