Winthrop Transcript - Winthrop Massachusetts Newspaper

Stepping out in Style

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:08:28 +0000

This group of Winthrop High School students had a great time at the Sophomore/Junior Social that was held on April 27 at the Cottage Park Yacht Club.

Winthrop Safe Boating Day to Be Held on May 19

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:07:58 +0000

“Winthrop Safe Boating Day-Operation Paddle Smart” begins 2013 National Safe Boating Week on Sunday May 19th at Cottage Park Yacht Club from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Come and learn how to properly wear inflatable life vests & inherently buoyant PFD’s properly, use of visual distress signals, dockside instruction, with Coast Guard Boating Safety Resources. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be conducting vessel safety checks for Kayaks and paddle craft. All Recreational Boaters, Paddle Craft Operators and Youth Sailors welcomed. Sponsored by Winthrop Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 51 and Cottage Park Yacht Club. Free to the public. Winthrop Town Council President Peter Gill will read the Town’s Official Proclamation “Winthrop Safe Boating Day from CPYC head Pier at 10:30. Ray Julian, Coast Guard Auxiliary District Officer, is heading this Recreational Boating Safety event.

McKenna Downsizes School Budget

John Lynds — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:07:17 +0000

Winthrop Town Manager James McKenna released his recomended budget for Winthrop Public Schools totaling $16,563,000 last week. While the Winthrop School Committee voted to adopt a $16,722,000 level service budget McKenna approved slightly less but the budget still reflects a 2.87% increase from last year. McKenna applauded the WSC for its transparency during this year’s budget process. “The good news is that for the first time there is a full explanation line for line on revenue sources and dollar for dollar what the money is being used for,” said McKenna. Of the budget and his decision to recommend slightly less, McKenna said the $16.5 million should be sufficient to continue the WSC’s plans and visions to improve education in the Town next year. As School Superintendent John Macero said two weeks ago, the schools are looking at professional development and partnering with the Princeton Review through Title I funding that will allow the schools to train teachers at the Middle School level to better prepare students for SATs. Also McKenna said his recommendation should not have impacts on school staff and teacher levels. As Macero pointed out with retirements and class sizes the way they are currently, all are confident [...]

Ferry Service Slated to Resume on May 28

Cary Shuman — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:06:47 +0000

Town Manager James McKenna is “hopeful” that the town’s ferry service will begin this year on Tuesday, May 28. McKenna said the town has signed an agreement with a private business owner to run the ferry service that will carry passengers from Winthrop to Boston and back on a daily basis. “This is a water taxi service – it’s a smaller vessel that will hold 40-50 people,” said McKenna. “It’s not the larger vessel that we had gotten accustomed to.” McKenna said there was no federal or state subsidy for the ferry service this year. “The subsidies were for a pilot project and we passed that test, but the service has to survive on its own book of business.” The town received a $330,000 subsidy in the first year of the ferry service and a $175,000 subsidy in the second year. Boston Harbor Cruises operated the ferry service last year but informed the town that it would not be able to continues its operations in the town without a subsidy. The ferry service will commence with two runs in the morning hours and two runs in the evening hours. The town is hosting a Ferry Open House meeting on May [...]

Turco May Run for Council Pres.

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:06:08 +0000

Rumors were circulating in the town this week that former Council President Jeffrey Turco is considering a run for the position in the election in November. Turco served as president of the Council in 2010 and 2011. He was defeated by current Council President Peter Gill in the November, 2011 election. Turco, an attorney, will reportedly announce next week whether he will enter the race. Gill has announced his intention to seek re-election as president of the nine-member Council.

Honan Seeks Volunteers to Aid in Project

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:05:37 +0000

Richard Honan has announced that this Saturday residents will be cleaning the bronze veterans’ markers in the Winthrop Cemetery from 8 a.m. to noon. “Come on down and lend a hand as we honor those who have defended this great country,” said Honan. “Come on down, bring your children, work an hour or two or any time you can spare. Teach your children why we honor those who have defended our country.” Honan said the group will be meeting at the cemetery entrance at the intersection of River Road, Cross Street, and Bowdoin Street.

Jeff Allison to Speak to WHS Students

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:04:52 +0000

Jeff Allison, former professional baseball player, will be speaking to Winthrop High School students at an assembly this morning at the school. Allison was a first round Major League draft pick of the then-Florida Marlins in 2003 following a spectacular career as a pitcher for Peabody High School. He had a record of 9-0 with an amazing 0.00 earned run average and 142 strikeouts in 62 innings in his senior year. However, personal struggles with substance abuse hampered Allison’s professional baseball career. The Winthrop Wellness Committee is coordinating today’s event. The sponsors of the event are the Eruzione family’s Winthrop Charities, Friends Helping Friends run by Linda Vecchia, and Viking Pride.

Turco in Race?: Former Council President May Run

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:03:40 +0000

Certainly the news that is creating the most buzz in town these days is word that former Town Council President Jeffrey Turco is considering a run for the position in the November election. Turco served as president of the Council for two years and as an incumbent who had done many positive things during his tenure, it was regarded as an upset when Peter Gill defeated him in one of the most exciting town elections in recent memory. Turco brought a new and vigorous style to the most powerful position in town government and his effort to extend the contract of Town Manager James McKenna was one of many bold decisions that has paid big dividends. Peter Gill has already announced his intention to run for re-election and he is rightly proud of his and the Council’s many accomplishments during his term as president. His Parks Committee proposal will lead to a newly-renovated Pico Park this summer. The new schools proposal has advanced steadily and will be placed before the voters in the near-future. Winthrop residents will benefit by having two strong and established candidates who are willing to debate the issues and who in the last election offered varying [...]

Salute to Donnelly: Special Education Teacher Was a Gift

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:02:45 +0000

You can expect a big crowd on Friday at the Point Shirley Association when teachers and residents gather for a party to celebrate the career of Chris Donnelly, long-time Winthrop High teacher and director of the Life Skills Program. Mr. Donnelly will be on hand as people enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers and thank him for all he has done during his distinguished career in our school system. Mr. Donnelly created a program at the high school that became a model for all secondary schools in the education of students with special needs. His efforts in advancing the Spread the Word to End the R-Word campaign were commendatory and exemplary. Mr. Donnelly’s day did not end when he left school each day. He was always working hard to make each student’s experience one that would be beneficial to them in the future. He brought in other students through a Buddies program to help his students become involved in the full high school experience. The Fashion Show has become one of the signature events for the Life Skills Program. He’s helped countless students through the years and is a true hero to those students and parents whose lives he touched in [...]

Police Blotter 05-16-2013

Transcript Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:02:13 +0000

Monday, May 6 Caller on Jefferson Street requesting medical attention for wife who’s feeling discomfort. Report of a lifeline activation on Golden Drive. Fire will handle. DPW removing some of the banners on Crest Avenue from the light poles. At this time, there is no safety concerns. DPW is cleaning the park on Highland Avenue. Everything else appears to be quiet and routine. Call for vehicle parked facing the wrong direction on Crystal Cove Avenue. W93 reports the vehicle is parked legally, as the street is a two-way road. Officer Feeley reports going off with a parked motor vehicle on Hermon Street, which shows an expired registration. Status confirmed. Vehicle towed and citation issued. Caller on Governors Drive reports excessively loud music emanating from the above apartment. W91 reports speaking with the owner and having the music turned down. Another call from Governors Drive (above story) to report that the loud music is back on again. W93 reports music was extremely loud upon his arrival and wanted the occupants of the apartment that he will be seeking a summons for disturbing the peace if the complaints continue. Call from Kennedy Road regarding pick up of a firearm. W93 responded to [...]