Winthrop Transcript - Winthrop Massachusetts Newspaper

Teacher of the Year

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:57:26 +0000

Winthrop teacher Mary McGunigle was the recipient of the Educational Excellence Award at the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner Friday at the Hyatt Harborside. She is pictured at the dinner with her husband, Paul Sr., and their sons, Paul Jr. and Brian.

Making Them Laugh: Mikey Coleman’s Band is One Funny Group

Cary Shuman — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:56:54 +0000

The Super Bowl is not only about the game but about the commercials and few can better understand the buzz that a catchy tune, phrase, or campaign can create than Winthrop resident Mikey Coleman. A few years back Coleman was the writer and lead actor in the unforgettably funny WBZ-Radio “Dumb Guy” commercials that aired on television. In those promo spots, Coleman would give inane responses to topical questions, the theme being that you should listen to WBZ-AM News Radio 1030 to stay informed on news, weather, and sports. How could someone’s portrayal of a dumb guy be so brilliant – which is somewhat of an oxymoron, we believe, but Coleman pulled it off masterfully and left viewers wanting more of his “un-informed-ness,” the type of non-word that Coleman’s character might have used. Boston TV fans weren’t alone in their high regard for Coleman’s creativeness and humor. He was nominated for a national Emmy for his work. The 52-year-old Coleman, who grew up in Somerville and attended UMass Boston, has lived in Winthrop since 2001. He and his wife, Georgeane, who is very active in the community, have two sons Aidan, 11, and Ethan, 9. Though he has a full-time [...]

Former Resident Honored for Mentoring by Obama

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:56:25 +0000

President Obama honored former Winthrop resident, Dr. Karen Panetta as an Outstanding Science, Math and Engineering Mentor. On December 12, when former Winthrop resident and Winthrop High School graduate, Dr. Karen Panetta entered the West Wing of the White House, she couldn’t help but be in awe of the Marine standing perfectly frozen at attention as she passed him. The corridor walls were lined with Norman Rockwell paintings, which depicted scenes of famous people waiting in the same area as Karen Panetta now found herself, waiting for her appointment with U.S. President Obama. At the end of the hallway, a door opened and out stepped U.S. President Barack Obama welcoming and inviting Dr. Panetta and her fellow colleagues into the Oval Office. For the first time in her life, the Tufts University Professor found herself speechless. Dr. Panetta was among nine individuals and eight organizations that President Obama has honored as recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. Administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring is awarded by the White House to individuals and organizations in recognition of the crucial role that mentoring [...]

Mild Winter is a Boon: Town’s Snow and Ice Budget Appear to Be in Good Shape

Joe Domelowicz — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:55:27 +0000

With virtually no snowfall to speak of during the first two months of Winter, new Public Works Director Steve Calla has to feel that he’s leading a charmed life, especially when considering that last year at this point his predecessor, Dave Hickey, was in the midst of one of the worst winters on record. “Obviously, it’s been a lot milder winter this year for me, than last year was,” said Calla this week. Indeed, during the winter of 2010-2011, the Winthrop snow and ice removal budget had already been impacted by at least six plowable snow storms and several other road de-icing operations, that left the public works department over budget for snow removal heading into the snowiest month of the winter. “This year, other than some repairs we needed to make to icing and snow plow equipment, and which came out of the snow removal budget, we’ve had to make almost no expenditures out of that budget,” continued Calla. “ Gearing up and planning for spring However, just because there haven’t been any snow storms so far in 2012, doesn’t mean that things are quiet at DPW. According to Calla, the department is getting ready to go out to bid [...]

Well Deserved: Mary McGunigle Exemplifies Outstanding Teaching

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:40 +0000

The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce held its 21st Annual Awards Night Dinner last Friday at the Hyatt Harborside. Once again it was another first-class event that drew a large crowd which is why is has become one of the most anticipated social events on the local calendar. Chamber President Bernice MacIntyre, her leadership team, Executive Director Eric Gaynor, and the Chamber members did a great job organizing the event and recognizing those individuals who make Winthrop a better place to work, live, and do business. It’s clear that everyone involved in the event recognizes the prestige involved in receiving one of the awards. The presenters’ speeches were thoughtful and comprehensive and you could sense the pride among the award winners in their acceptance speeches. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Educational Excellence Award to Mary McGunigle, who has been a teacher in the Winthrop school system for more than two decades (She is currently a reading specialist at the Cummings Elementary School). As her proud husband and two children looked on, Mary received a well-deserved standing ovation. She is a true symbol of the dedication and professionalism that Winthrop schoolteachers display on a daily [...]

Busy Days Ahead: Town Council Has a Full Docket

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:38 +0000

With a rare five Tuesdays in the month of January, the Town Council did not meet Tuesday night in their usual every-other-week schedule, but they’ll resume their schedule on February 7. Town Council President Peter Gill and his colleagues have a busy year ahead. There are so many huge projects and ideas going on in Winthrop that the councillors will have much to do, the chief among them being whether to build a new combined middle/high school. There also are the major issues of the drainage project at Ingleside Park, street improvement projects, the decision whether to hire a firm to televise all board and committee meetings, the polling locations issue, and the continuing implementation of the consolidation plan. So, it’s back to the regular schedule for our councilors. We know our town is in good hands with Manager James McKenna, Council President Gill, and Finance Director Michael Bertino leading the way.

Let’s Go Pats: Revenge the Loss of 20

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:36 +0000

We know that Winthrop residents of all ages will be in front of a television set somewhere Sunday night watching our New England Patriots try to defeat the New York Giants and win the Super Bowl and the Lombardi Trophy It’s been a super year for Tom Brady and Company as they once again have repelled all challenges and qualified for the biggest event in pro sports. We’re hoping that Rob Gronkowski is healthy and scores a touchdown so we can see one of those awesome spikes in the end zone that we have to come to love so much. Here’s hoping that the Patriots can beat the Giants this time and reclaim their title as the champions of the National Football League.

Sports 02-02-2012

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:36 +0000

Vikings host Danvers for first place in the NEC Saturday Larsen Rink is sure to be rockin’ Saturday evening when the Winthrop High boys hockey team hosts Danvers with a share of first place in the Northeastern Conference’s North Division on the line. Face off time is 6:10. The Falcons edged the Vikings by a 3-2 margin in their initial encounter in December, which was the season opener for both teams. But since then, Coach Dale Dunbar’s crew has gone undefeated against its NEC rivals (though tied twice) and stands at 6-1-2 in the NEC, while Danvers has lost one game. Thus, if Winthrop can pin a second defeat on the Falcons, the Vikings will draw even with the same number of points in the conference. First however, Winthrop had to get past Swampscott last night (Wednesday) at Larsen to set up the battle for first place. The Vikings earned a solid 3-0 victory in their lone NEC contest of the past week, defeating Marblehead. Winthrop took a 2-0 advantage in the opening period on goals by Luke Hodgkins (Luke’s first varsity lamplighter), assisted by Matt Todisco and Jake McKinnon, and Todisco, who was assisted by Chris LeBlanc. After a [...]

Police Blotter 02-02-2012

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:34 +0000

Tuesday, January 24 Caller for a telephone pole on fire. Officers report. Pole is leaning over the street and they have Shirley Street blocked at Shirley Avenue and at Terrace on Shirley Street. Party on Shore Drive called requesting an ambulance and wants to go to the hospital. Call transferred to WFD. Officer conducted a field stop on a suspicious individual on Main Street. Subject gave several alias names and stories. Subject placed under arrest. The truck was towed and is not to be released to anyone but a licensed operator. Party reports he lost his wallet on Sea Foam Avenue. Female called earlier and reported that she found a wallet in the above vicinity. She was advised to drop if off at the Station but stated she would bring it to the owner’s address. Reporting party advised. 93 will assist Homeland Security as they attempt to interview a resident on Shore Drive. Operator reports hold up alarm activation on at the Deane Winthrop House. Officer report accidental activation according to Mr. Hubbard. Party reports her father observed an Asian male taking photos of the airport with his cell phone. Officer checked the area. Letter carrier reports a loose dog [...]

Obituaries 02-02-2012

Transcript Staff — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:54:32 +0000

Helen Goodearl Member of Many Winthrop Organizations Helen C. (Farrell) Goodearl of Winthrop died at the Chelsea Jewish Nursing Home on January 26. She was 90 years old. She was a member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club Ladies Bowling League, Treasurer of the former Winthrop Hospital League, the Winthrop Catholic Woman’s Club, and the Winthrop Improvement and Historical Association. The beloved wife of 65 years to Arthur F. Goodearl Sr., she was born in Revere, the daughter of the late Frank and Isabelle (Monarch) Farrell. She was the devoted mother of Nancy J. Goodearl of Winthrop, Barbara G. Simione and her husband, Nick of Reading, and Arthur F. Goodearl Jr. and his wife Mary of Winthrop; adored grandmother of Stephanie, Stacy and Nicholas Simione and Tom, Jenna, and David Goodearl; cherished great-grandmother of Catherine and Emma and dear sister of the late Winthrop Farrell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements were by the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, Winthrop. Burial was in Winthrop Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., Winthrop, MA,02152. For guestbook, go to www.mauricekirbyfh.com. - Antonino Di Maggio Chelsea Resident Antonino Di Maggio of Chelsea [...]