BOB DELEO RE-ELECTED SPEAKER
 You couldn’t feel anything but proud when Robert A. DeLeo received a standing ovation after he was nominated (and later re-elected) as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The State House, with all its history and marvelous design, was the perfect backdrop as Bob took office after receiving the unanimous support of his colleagues.
State Rep. Roselee Vincent of Revere had the honor of officially nominating “the gentleman from Winthrop” for Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“Bob DeLeo has been my friend for 25 years. I met when he was just, ‘Bob from Winthrop.’ I remember the day he was sworn in to his first term (in 1991) — and since then, it’s been an incredible journey, watching this freshman representative from Winthrop rise through the ranks to become Speaker of the House. Amazingly, in spite of the countless accomplishments, accolades, titles, and honors he has earned, he is still the same “Bob from Winthrop” I met so many years ago,” Vincent said.
We were fortunate to be at the State House Wednesday morning when Bob took that majestic walk to the podium to accept the honor of being Speaker of the House. It was a great moment for Bob, his family, and all of his constituents in Winthrop and Revere.
As Rep. Vincent told her colleagues, “As we look forward to the future, it’s reassuring to me and each of us in this room and throughout our state to know that Bob DeLeo is looking out for us.”
Congratulations, Mr. Speaker, on your re-election to this powerful post in state government.
HERMON STREET PROJECT TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
That certainly looks like an interesting hearing coming up about the zoning change petition for the property at 60 Hermon Street, the former home to the Winthrop Playmakers. Councilor Paul Varone, who represents the residents of Hermon Street, said that 29 neighbors are opposed to the project, which proposes apartments for at least six units. We know the Rules and Ordinance and Public Safety Committees will make a thorough evaluation of the petition and determine whether the development is in the best interests of the town and the neighborhood. It should be a lively discussion as people want to know about the development and all sides have a right to be heard in a cordial discussion. The property owner, Ocean City Development, has a well-thought out development proposal for the property that would enhance the neighborhood and we’ll see how officials vote on the development.
TEMPLE PROPERTY
 GRAND OPENING
The long-awaited Feldman Seaside Apartments that were built on the Temple Tifereth Israel property are set for the grand opening ceremony on Thursday, January 22. For those who have driven by the property on Veterans Road, it certainly looks great and we look forward to welcoming the new residents to our town. The Chelsea Jewish foundation, Affirmative Investments, the Temple Tifereth Israel Congregation (led by president Sandra Pellegrino), Town Manager James McKenna, and the Town Council, particularly Councilor Linda Calla (whose district encompasses the new apartments) all deserve credit for helping to make this project a reality.
CHAMBER EVENT
SET FOR JAN. 23
Tickets are selling fast for the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce’s 24th Annual Kickoff Dinner and Awards Night that will be held Jan. 23 at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel in East Boston.
The event is always a festive occasion and the speeches are heartwarming as the town recognizes those who made Winthrop a better place to live over the past year and in the course of their lives in our town. These are prestigious awards and it’s nice that Betsy Shane has continued this great tradition in her capacity as the executive director of the Chamber of the Commerce.
GO, PATS!
We know where most Winthrop residents will be Saturday afternoon — in front of their television sets, watching the Patriots embark on their quest for the Super Bowl and the Vince Lombardi Championship Trophy. We really believe that this is the year that Tom Brady and Company return to the very top of the National Football League.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t congratulate former Red Sox pitcher Pedro Martinez on his much-deserved election to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Who can ever forget the excitement that Pedro brought to the mound for each one of his starts that culminated with a victory in Game 4 of the 2004 World Series over the Cardinals that brought us our first World Series title in 86 years and ended the Curse of the Bambino?