*MEDIA STAGING*
Members of the news media covering the event may park on Winthrop Street near the lawn, and should stage in front of the entrance to the library.
WINTHROP – The Town of Winthrop and the Winthrop Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement wishes to share plans for a candlelight vigil this week to honor and recognize the victims of this past weekend’s tragic shooting.
WHO
- Interim Town Manager and Police Chief Terence Delehanty
- Andrea Baez, Chairperson of the Winthrop Commission of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations
- Senator Joseph Boncore
- Rep. Jeff Turco
- Town Council President Philip Boncore and Council members
- Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins
- Robert Trestan, Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League of New England
- The Winthrop Public Health Department
WHEN
Thursday, July 1, at 7 p.m.
WHERE
The lawn in front of Town Hall, 1 Metcalf Square
WHAT
A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. on the Winthrop Town Hall lawn, 1 Metcalf Square, to honor and recognize the victims of Saturday’s tragedy. The vigil is being hosted by the Winthrop Commission for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.
Road closures will be in effect in the area of Metcalf Square. Residents are encouraged to walk to the vigil if possible due to limited parking availability. Additionally, residents are encouraged not to bring chairs, coolers or backpacks. Candles will be provided to attendees on a first-come first-serve basis. Residents are welcome to bring their own candles as well.
Town offices and the Winthrop Public Library will close at 4 p.m.
Representatives from a multitude of support services, including the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, religious organizations, the Winthrop Public Health Crisis Intervention Team, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and the Boston Public Health Commission, will be present to assist residents who may be experiencing emotional responses, as well as provide support and resources for dealing with trauma.
School adjustment counselors and other school representatives also will be present at the vigil. The Winthrop Public Health Department will be on-site and available in the Harvey Hearing Room on the ground floor of Town Hall to connect with residents in need of support or counseling services.
The town is also planning to hold a community-wide meeting next week to discuss dealing with trauma and various stressors that may trigger emotional responses, and what to look for in friends and family who may need additional support following a tragedy. Details regarding this meeting will be released as they become available.
Additionally, the Public Health Department will hold a Neighborhood Drop-In meeting Wednesday evening, June 30, at the Winthrop Senior Center, 35 Harvard St., from 7-8:30 p.m.
Behavioral health support resources will be available for residents.
###