WPD Plays Major Role In Success of Middle School Open REC Program

The Winthrop Police Department, in partnership with CASA (Community Action for Safe Alternatives), is seeing the important benefits of its Middle School Open Recreation Program, with teenagers participating in weekly recreational activities at the old Middle School gymnasium under the supervision of police and CASA personnel.

Police Lts. Mary Crisafi and Steve Rogers, and Det. Samantha Ferrino are the key leaders of the program that has been drawing more than 60 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students on a regular basis to the drop-in sessions which are held Fridays, from 6 to 8 p.m. The program is free of charge for participants.

State Rep. Jeff Turco, who was instrumental in securing a state Shannon Grant for the program, and Police Chief Terence Delehanty made a special visit Friday to show their support of the program.

Turco, who is the father of six children, has earned plaudits for his work in the advancement of after-school programs and youth enrollement in supervised extracurricular activities in a safe, structured environment.

Program leaders credit Turco’s leadership at the state level.

“Jeff was able to assist the town in obtaining the Shannon Grant, and that funding has allowed us to operate our program on Friday nights,” said Crisafi. “He is a big supporter of the Open Rec program.”

Crisafi said the program gives teenagers the opportunity to interact with each other in basketball and other activities.

“Our teenagers play mostly basketball, board and trivia games, or just show up to socialize with their friends,” said Crisafi.

The Open Rec Program will continue through the end of the school year in June.

Crisafi said the goal is to open a permanent youth center at the old Middle School gymnasium.

“We would love to work with Parks and Recreation Director Sean Driscoll, who does a great job with his program, and establish a community youth center there,” said Crisafi. “The Middle School has been vacant for several years.”