town of winthrop

(UPDATE #8: 6/30/21 5:20 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Issues Security Reminder for Thursday’s Vigil

(UPDATE #8: 6/30/21 5:20 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Issues Security Reminder for Thursday’s Vigil

WINTHROP – Terence Delehanty, Winthrop Police Chief who also serves as the community’s interim Town Manager wishes to provide an update regarding security precautions at Thursday’s candlelight vigil, which follows the shocking and hateful murders that occurred in the community last weekend.

“The Winthrop Police Department is treating the security of this vigil and the safety of mourners and attendees with upmost care and consideration. We have brought in the vast and exceptional mutual aid resources at our disposal and are in constant communication with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Police,” Chief Delehanty said. “As we are expecting relatives of both murder victims to attend and speak, it is our aim to provide a proper, safe and solemn platform on which to grieve and remember the lives lost.”

There will be a significant police presence, and security will be a top priority to ensure a safe and secure vigil. Absolutely no backpacks, handbags, coolers or bags of any kind will be permitted. While there have not been specific threats received against the vigil, the Winthrop Police Department and its public safety partners are taking all precautions.

Mutual aid resources including NEMLEC member agencies, State Police and Boston Police will be assisting Winthrop Police. The department has also been in communication with federal law enforcement agencies.

The vigil will have a limited speaking program at the request of the victims’ families. The Town of Winthrop wishes to provide a proper forum for these families to remember and mourn their loved ones, and the vigil has been planned with significant input from the families.

Members of the area’s inter-faith religious community will lead and introduce the vigil program.

Town offices and the Winthrop Public Library will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday to prepare for the service.

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.

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Missing Winthrop Juvenile Found Safe

Missing Winthrop Juvenile Found Safe

Chief Terence Delehanty reports that the Winthrop Police Department has safely located a juvenile resident who had been missing since Sept. 17.

The 13-year-old female went missing from Winthrop late Thursday night. She was found safe by the Winthrop Police Department.

The Winthrop Police Department would like to thank the community for their assistance and support in locating the missing female.

The Winthrop Police Department has no reason to believe that any foul play was involved.

 

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Winthrop Police Department Warns Residents of Gift Card Scams

Winthrop Police Department Warns Residents of Gift Card Scams

Chief Terence M. Delehanty and the Winthrop Police Department wish to warn the public about gift card scams.

On Wednesday, July 22, it was reported that an elderly Winthrop woman was attempting to purchase several thousand dollars worth of gift cards at CVS Pharmacy to send to a new government program.

Believing that the woman was a victim of fraud, staff immediately notified the Winthrop Police Department, who confirmed that this was a scam.

Chief Delehanty would like to remind residents that the government will never contact anyone through text message and will never request gift cards as payment.

Additionally, within the past 90 days the Winthrop Police Department have also received 18 reports of identity fraud.

Chief Delehanty also warns that residents should NEVER give personal information, social security numbers or credit card numbers to people through social media, or to people who call their homes or cell phones unsolicited.

“We would like to commend the CVS employees who immediately notified us of this situation,” Chief Delehanty said. “It is crucial to be vigilant and wary of anyone requesting payment in an illegitimate form, such as gift cards, so that you do not become a victim of this type of scam.”

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of the following types of gift card scams:

  • Utility Scam: Scammers pretending to be from a utility company, telling you to pay your bill by gift card or they’ll cut off your power or water.
  • Online Auctions: Sellers on online auction sites who ask for gift cards to “buy” big items like cars, motorcycles, boats, RVs, tractors and electronics.
  • Service-Member Scam: Scammers pose as a service-member to get your sympathy, saying they have to sell something quickly before deployment and needs you to pay by gift card.
  • Sweepstakes: Callers who say you’ve won a prize, for a sweepstakes you probably never entered – but first, you have to use a gift card to pay fees or other charges.
  • Checks: Someone buying something from you, probably online, who sends a check for more than the purchase price – and asks you to give them the difference on a gift card.

Sending money via money order or pre-paid debit card is as good as sending cash, and if money is sent to a criminal, it is gone forever and cannot be recovered.

To help prevents similar scams, the FTC recommends the following:

  • Do not take calls from unknown numbers. Caller ID is not always accurate. A call from a “local” number might not be coming from a local person or organization.
  • Do not share personal, identifying information like social security numbers, account numbers, or mother’s maiden names.
  • Never pay with a gift card or by wiring money.
  • Be wary of sellers who talk quickly and pressure you to make a decision quickly.
  • Do not buy a product or service because of a “free gift.”
  • Get all information in writing before making a purchase.
  • Verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating.
  • Before making an investment that a caller or email sender is offering, check with the state securities regulator to make sure the offer is properly registered.
  • Do not send cash by messenger, overnight mail, or money transfer. If you pay for a product or service with cash or a money transfer, you run a risk of losing the right to dispute fraudulent charges.
  • Don’t accept an offer that requires a registration or shipping fee to get a prize or gift.
  • Beware of offers to “help” recover money that you already have lost. Scammers sometimes pose as law enforcement officers who will help get money back for a fee.
  • Tell the Federal Trade Commission about any type of scam or fraud you detect at ftc.gov/complaint, or call toll-free: 1-877-FTC-HELP.

If anyone has questions or believes they have been victimized, they are encouraged to call the Winthrop Police Department at 617-846-1212.

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Winthrop Officials Share Fourth of July Safety Tips

Winthrop Officials Share Fourth of July Safety Tips

Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Massachusetts

As the Fourth of July and summer celebrations approach, Town Manager Austin Faison, Public Health Director Meredith Hurley, Police Chief Terence Delehanty and Fire Chief Paul Flanagan would like to provide residents with tips to safely celebrate this year.

Town officials encourage residents to be mindful of COVID-19 and practice social distancing while celebrating the holiday. Residents should keep interactions small and avoid larger groups this Fourth of July.

All Fourth of July town-sponsored activities and events are cancelled out of an abundance of caution to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Although we have seen a decrease in COVID-19 transmission in Massachusetts, we are diligently monitoring severe spread in other parts of the country, which has been closely tied to increased social interactions without face coverings,” Director Hurley said. “We ask that residents continue to adhere to current public health guidelines while partaking in Fourth of July activities.”

The Winthrop Board of Health recommends the following:

  • Residents should not gather in groups larger than 10.
  • People are required to wear face coverings when outside of the house or when unable to keep a distance of 6 feet apart from one another.
  • People should continue to wash their hands for 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizers.
  • If feeling unwell (body aches, cough, chills, fever, diarrhea, loss of smell/taste), stay home and contact a medical provider.
  • Avoid sharing food.
  • If visiting the beach, residents should not gather in groups larger than 10 and remain at least 12 feet apart from surrounding groups. They should also continue to use face coverings if in groups.

“We recognize that Winthrop is a community rooted in traditions, with the Fourth of July being at the top of the list,” Town Manager Faison said. “As we pause traditions for this year, it is important to continue our efforts to prevent an increased spread of illness in our community to be able to resume these traditions in the near future.”

Fireworks Safety

It is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks of any kind in Massachusetts, including Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane fireworks.” Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners, cherry bombs and more. Additionally, residents are prohibited from purchasing fireworks elsewhere and transporting them into the state.

“During the summer months, fire departments across the United States see an increase in calls for fireworks related incidents,” Chief Flanagan said. “We ask that our residents protect themselves and our firefighters by refraining from illegal fireworks use this summer.”

From 2010-19, 858 major fires and explosions were reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS) due to the use of illegal fireworks. These incidents caused 12 civilian injuries, 40 firefighter injuries and a loss of approximately $2.9 million.

Winthrop officials recommend that residents only attend displays put on by a licensed professional to ensure safety.

“We would like to remind our community members that all town-sponsored Fourth of July events are cancelled in the best interests of public health and to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19,” Chief Delehanty said. “With town events cancelled, we strongly discourage residents from throwing their own parties. Social distancing is still an important method of prevention, and fireworks displays put on by non-licensed individuals is illegal.”

Residents should always:

  • Call 911 if anyone gets injured by fireworks.
  • Set a positive example for children by not using illegal fireworks. If kids see adults using them, they may not realize the dangers and could be encouraged to pick up matches or lighters.
  • Be careful around even the smallest fireworks. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees and could easily cause severe burns and injuries.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the misuse of fireworks can cause death and injuries including severe burns, contusions, lacerations, eye injuries and more.

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Update #5 (9:15 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

Update #5 (9:15 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

Two Confirmed and Zero Presumptive COVID-19 Cases Identified in Winthrop

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to update Winthrop residents on the latest information involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Winthrop Public Health Department is continuing to conduct “contact tracing” with each case of Coronavirus in town. The Public Health Department identifies the close contacts of each case and alerts those individuals. The community would be informed if either case were in a public space while infectious.

The Public Health Department remains vigilant in conducting these investigations rapidly and are being transparent in the process.

The Town of Winthrop activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice.

The Town’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 617-539-5848, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

If any resident is currently under self-quarantine for symptoms or travel history, please contact the EOC at 617-539-5848 or COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us. All information will be confidential.

Municipal buildings will remain closed to the public at this time. Residents can pay taxes, parking tickets and apply for resident parking stickers online or drop payments and applications in drop box located at the Town Hall front door.

Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes are due March 25. The Town is not currently extending this deadline. Contact the Treasurer/Collector’s Office with any questions. The Treasurer/Collector’s Office will be available by calling 617-846-1750, Monday through Thursday, from 9 to 11 a.m., until further notice.

The town is coordinating volunteer efforts to assist with those in self quarantine and its vulnerable population. Please contact Matt Rodes at mrodes@town.winthrop.ma.us to learn more about volunteer opportunities in Winthrop.

Visit our Town website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us/where to learn more.Residents can report DPW safety issues online here.

Local Winthrop Updates

  • No gatherings of any kind of more than 10 people at one time, in one place.
  • All public schools in Massachusetts are closed until at least April 7.
  • All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
  • The Winthrop Public Safety website now has a COVID-19 Tip Hotline for those self-reporting or for a concerned member of the community. The hotpine can also be accessed from the main page on the Winthrop Public Safety website.
  • The Town of Winthrop will host a Winthrop Community Food Bank this Friday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Arthur T. Cummings Elementary School, at 40 Hermon St. Drop offs will take place on School Street (the back road that leads to the parking lot). The Food Bank is accepting donations and is looking specifically for canned goods, pasta, macaroni and cheese, non-perishables, toiletries, and sealed baby formula. Please contact Matt Rodes at mrodes@town.winthrop.ma.us to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
  • There will be a Community Forum on Friday, March 20 at noon, and it will be streamed live through WCAT. Public Officials will be reporting on the COVID-19 response taken thus far. The time of the forum may be delayed as public officials address concerns accordingly.

Winthrop Public School Updates

Winthrop Public Schools will be distributing Grab-and-Go Meals through Friday, March 27. These meals will be prepared by food service staff and are available for any WPS student in need.

Pick up location will be at the rear parking lot next to the baseball field and at the loading dock area of Winthrop High School. Pick up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of our families.

If you are not able to come to the location to access the Grab-and-Go Meals, please email the Superintendent. An alternative solution will be provided to ensure that your child has access to what they need. All information will be kept confidential. Email the Superintendent at lhoward@winthrop.k12.ma.us.

Online educational opportunities will be posted for students on the Winthrop Public Schools website, as well as each school home page on Wednesday, March 18. Families are encouraged to review the information and begin the process of having your student remain connected to learning experiences during this time of school closure.

The learning opportunities that will be provided by the WPS are not intended to be a replication of a school day and work completed is not going to be graded by teachers nor is it considered mandatory. We would like to stress that every student will benefit from staying engaged daily and staying connected to the routine of learning daily, and resources provided will have multiple levels of engagement access so that every child has access to learning opportunities.

Each Principal will reach out to families directly on Wednesday, to provide you with detail related to your student’s access to learning opportunities as well as access to teachers, school nurses and other essential staff.

Managing Stress

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for those experiencing fear and anxiety relating to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Coping with stress will make residents and those they care about, as well as the community as a whole, stronger and healthier.

Those who may respond to the crisis more strongly than others include:

  • Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
  • Children and teens
  • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, such as doctors and other healthcare providers, or first responders
  • People who have mental health conditions, including problems with substance use

Additionally, people with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.

For more information, parents, responders, people who have been released from quarantine and the general public can visit the CDC’s “Managing Anxiety and Stress” website here.

Latest Health Guidance

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.

For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, please email the EOC at COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between people to prevent the spread of infection, which includes handshaking and hugging. Residents are also encouraged to avoid group activities and events.

Other Guidelines Include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

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Update #4 (7:30 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

Update #4 (7:30 p.m.) Town of Winthrop Provides Latest Update on Coronavirus Situation

WINTHROP — Town Manager Austin Faison and Public Health Director Meredith Hurley would like to assure Winthrop residents that the town is conducting “contact tracing” with each potential case of COVID-19.

The Public Health Department identifies the close contacts of each case and alerts those individuals. The community would be informed if either case were in a public space while infectious, which was not the case in these instances.  

“We remain vigilant in conducting these investigations rapidly and are being transparent in the process,” Director Hurley said.

If any resident is currently under self-quarantine for symptoms or travel history, contact the Winthrop Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 617-539-5848 or email  COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us. All information will be confidential. 

The Town of Winthrop activated its EOC at 8 a.m. Monday, March 16, streamlining the COVID-19 response effort and ensuring the continued delivery of services to residents. The EOC will remain operational until further notice. 

The Town’s Emergency Operations Center can be reached at 617-539-5848 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., or by emailing COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

Municipal buildings remain closed to the public at this time. Residents can pay taxes, parking tickets, and apply for resident parking stickers online or drop payments and applications in drop box located at the Town Hall front door.

Motor Vehicle Excise Taxes are due March 25. The Town is not currently extending this deadline. For questions on this, or any other inquiries relating to the Treasurer/Collector’s Office, residents should call 617-846-1750, Monday through Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., until further notice.

Residents can report DPW safety issues online here

Visit the Town website at www.town.winthrop.ma.us/where to learn more.

Local Updates:

  • It is recommended that there are no gatherings of any kind of more than 10 people at one time, in one place.
  • All public schools in Massachusetts are closed until at least April 7.
  • All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.

The Superintendent of Winthrop Public Schools, in cooperation with its Food Services staff, will be preparing Grab-and-Go Meals to be picked up starting Wednesday, March 18 through Friday, March 27. These meals will be prepared by the district’s food service staff and available for any WPS student in need.

The pick up location will be at the rear parking lot next to the baseball field and at the loading dock area of Winthrop High School. Pick up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of families.

For residents that may be self-quarantined and require outside assistance or meal delivery, email the EOC at COVID19info@town.winthrop.ma.us.

Latest Health Guidance:

As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician.

The Town is also advising residents to practice social distancing by keeping six feet between people to prevent the spread of infection, which includes handshaking and hugging. Residents are also encouraged to avoid group activities and events.

Other guidelines include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
  • Keep your hands away from your face.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
  • Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

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