News Briefs

Body found off Deer Island

The crew of a commercial fishing vessel discovered the body in the waters off Deer Island last Thursday, June 8 and radioed the U.S. Coast Guard. Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Boston Police Harbor Unit responded to the scene. The Environmental Police and Boston Police recovered the body from the water, according to Jake Wark of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

The body is believed to be that of an adult but was in a state of decomposition where age, gender, and ethnicity were not immediately apparent.

Funds being raised for fireworks

Yes, the fireworks are on Tuesday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m. and to celebrate and raise funds for the fireworks special t-shirts are being sold at the Winthrop Pro Shop, 72 Jefferson St. or at the Winthrop Fire Department at 40 Pauline St. shirts come in sizes S-XL for $10 and XXL and XXXL are $15.

The fireworks would not be possible without the sponsors, donors and supportive residents. One hundred percent of the expenses for the fireworks display depend on donations. The fireworks committee appreciates the any donations to make this year’s show outstanding.

Donations are greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to: The Town of Winthrop Fireworks and mailed to the Town of Winthrop, 40 pauline St., Winthrop, MA 02152.

Ferry offers sail rides

The Town ferry Valkyrie will be available on Saturday for the Sail Boston Parade of Sails. the ferry will leave at 8 a.m. from the town landing and will arrive back in port at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $75 and includes breakfast. There will be an afternoon departure at 12:30 p.m. which arrives back at 4 p.m. Tickets for this ride are also $75 and includes lunch. There will be reserved parking at the town landing for all customers who purchase tickets to the parade of the tall ships. You must print out your ticket receipts and keep it and show it to get down the street to the ferry. To purchase tickets go to www.winthropferry.com

DCR to hold meeting

On Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM, the Department of Conservation and Recreation will present pre-construction plans for Winthrop Shore Drive/Upland Improvements. The meeting will be held at the Robert A. DeLeo Winthrop Senior Center – Council on Aging, 35 Harvard Street, Winthrop, MA 02152.

House Passes “An Act for Language Opportunity for Our Kids”

The House of Representatives today passed legislation that will enable districts to implement alternative English language learner (ELL) programs. Understanding that Massachusetts’ ELL population is incredibly diverse, the proposed change will allow for more flexibility so that districts can tailor programs to better meet the specific needs of their ELL population.

English learners are the fastest growing student population in Massachusetts. While academic achievement has improved for other minority populations, significant achievement gaps persist for ELL students. This legislation seeks to remedy that discrepancy.

“Every student has unique needs, and it is our obligation to foster an environment where they are afforded an education tailored to them,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “Massachusetts education system is the best in the nation, and I believe that this legislation will enhance our standing while ensuring that education is indeed, the great equalizer.”

“This bill, at its core, is about allowing districts to exercise the flexibility in programming necessary to best serve their English learner populations – a student group that is not only increasing in numbers but is also very dynamic with a wide range of needs,” said Representative Peisch (D-Wellesley), Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I am grateful to Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Dempsey for their leadership on this critical issue and applaud the House for passing this bill.”

“Every student learns differently and it is impossible for the ELL students of the Commonwealth to succeed with a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Representative Jeffrey Sánchez (D-Jamaica Plain), sponsor of the bill. “Through flexibility and accountability measures, the LOOK bill creates a system where students are equipped with the tools necessary to not only learn English, but succeed academically and positively contribute to our growing economy.”

To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the legislation establishes a 17-person commission to review the collection and dissemination of ELL data and make recommendations on improvements. It also enhances existing reporting requirements to ensure ELL students are making academic progress as a result of classroom programming.

“I want to thank Speaker DeLeo for his leadership on this issue, and applaud Chairwoman Peisch and Chairman Sanchez for bringing forward this legislation which will help students in Revere and across the Commonwealth,” said Representative RoseLee Vincent (D-Revere).

In addition, this legislation further supports parental involvement for ELL families, requiring the establishment of English Learner Parent Advisory Councils in districts that serve more than 100 ELL students or in which English learners comprise more than five percent of the student population (whichever is fewer). It also expands the current waiver process to allow a school, on the recommendation of a teacher or guidance counselor, to obtain the waiver for the individual student.

The bill now goes to the Senate.

Massport Update on Summer Runway Work

Almost a month into work, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) is pleased to report that the critical Runway 4R-22L Resurfacing and Approach Light Pier Replacement Safety Project is progressing on schedule and will result in the rehabilitation of one of Logan Airport’s key runways and the replacement of a light pier used in operations. The runway is expected to reopen for use by June 23rd. This project is necessary to maintain the high standards of safety at Logan.

The runway reconstruction project began in mid-May with the closure of Runway 4R-22L and is expected to continue through June 23rd as critical work is done to maintain and repair one of Logan’s major runways. The paving in the majority of the phases has been completed, with pavement markings, landscaping and lighting work remaining. Additional work not requiring the extended closure of 4R-22L will continue through November.

The continuous work schedule and closure was agreed upon in consultation and coordination with the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration enhances safety and will reduce the overall construction timeline, bringing normal operations back faster. This important project is running on schedule and Massport expects Runway 4R-22L to be open again for use at the end of the day on June 23rd.

“Safety is Massport’s top priority,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “While routine, this project will repair one of our critical runways ensuring the safest environment for the traveling public, our employees and communities. We appreciate the patience of our neighboring communities and the travelling public as flight patterns have changed and apologize for any inconvenience this work may have caused.”

This work is part of routine, but essential, safety maintenance projects that occur annually throughout airport property. The main goal of this project will be to replace the asphalt pavement that has deteriorated. The pavements were last rehabilitated in the years 2005, 2006 and 2008.

This project will include work both on the runway and at the runway’s end to replace the light pier. The existing wooden pier will be replaced with a concrete pier designed to last 75 years; the current pier was originally constructed in 1955, with repairs last made in 2016. Work on the approach light pier replacement is progressing according to schedule.

Massport Community Relations can be reached at 617-568-3711.

Elliot Whittier Insurance Appointed to The Hanover’s President’s Club

Elliot Whittier Insurance recently was appointed to  The Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club, an elite group of independent insurance agencies from across the country.

Agencies named to the company’s President’s Club are recognized for delivering   outstanding value to their customers through insurance expertise and responsive service.

Elliot Whittier Insurance was one of only 125 independent agencies recognized with this distinction across the country. The Hanover partners with a select group of 2,200 independent agents nationwide.

“The team at Elliot Whittier Insurance truly understands the needs of its customers and delivers a top-of-the-line customer experience, providing expert insurance counsel and high-quality service,” said John C. Roche, president, Hanover Agency Markets. “We’re proud to partner with Elliot Whittier Insurance and appreciate its commitment to going above and beyond to serve its customers.”

The agency was formally recognized for its inclusion in the company’s President’s Club at a national business conference in Laguna Beach, Calif.

“This is a recognition of the value we place on providing specialized and innovative insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers,” said Steve Roy, Principal and CEO at Elliot Whittier.   “We are proud to be recognized with this honor.”

With offices in Danvers & Winthrop Massachusetts,   Elliot Whittier Insurance has been awarded the  Five Star Award of Distinction  from the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents.  Elliot Whittier Insurance is also a  Trusted Choice® Agency and represents multiple insurance companies, so it offers you a variety of personal and business coverage choices and can customize an insurance plan to meet your specialized needs.  You can visit Elliot Whittier Insurance online at  www.elliotwhittier.com or email [email protected] or call 800-696-3947.