Friday, September 24, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Message from Chamber of Commerce - Taste of Winthrop: Wednesday, September 15

Taste of Winthrop: Wednesday, September 15


Over 30 of the area’s finest eating establishments will be participating in the 5th annual “Taste of Winthrop” on Wednesday, September 15 at the Winthrop Yacht Club, 649 Shirley Street.

This food extravaganza will run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm with samples of everything from appetizers and main courses to pastries and desserts.

Tickets are on sale now for $30 and may be purchased by calling 617-846-9898, in person at the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce office at 207 Hagman Road or Luna Boutique at 3 Bartlett Road.

Tickets will also be available at the door. Tables of ten may be reserved in advance for $300. This event is a fundraiser for the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Beautification Program.

Enjoy tastes from: Alia Ristorante, Amanda Oakleaf Cakes, Antonia's, Billy Tse's, Blackstrap BBQ, Café Delite, Café Rossetti's, Center Café, Companions, Costco, El Paisa, Hong Kong Dragon, Hot Diggitty, Kasbah, Kayem Foods, Kelly's Roast Beef, La Siesta, Letterie's, Moonstruck Café, Mount Vernon at the Wharf, Nick's Place, Off the Boat, Paellas by Antonio, Paesan's, Papa's Deli, Paul W. Marks Co., Panini's, Renzo, Royal Roast Beef, Spina's, Spinelli's, Tasty Plates Catering, Twist & Shake, Winthrop MarketPlace, and Woodside Ace Hardware.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Message from WCAT - Fund Raising Event - Cookout - Sept. 11 at Winthrop Elks

WCAT IS HAVING A COOKOUT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MUCH NEEDED EQUIPMENT.

JOIN US ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH AT 1 PM AT THE WINTHROP ELKS FOR A GREAT DAY OF FOOD, MUSIC AND FUN. THE GRILL WILL BE HOT ALL DAY AND OUR COOKS WILL BE SERVING THE BEST HOT DOGS, HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN AND MORE. THERE WILL BE LIVE MUSIC OUTSIDE BY THE HARBOR AND A FULL CASH BAR AVAILABLE INSIDE.

TICKETS FOR THIS ALL DAY EVENT ARE JUST $10 PER PERSON AND IT’S ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE >>>>>>> YOUR PUBLIC ACCESS TV STATION . . . . WCAT.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY WE’LL ALSO BE SELLING $10 TICKETS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A 40” HD TV. YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE PRESENT TO WIN SO IF YOU CAN’T MAKE THE COOKOUT YOU SHOULD STILL GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE GRAND PRIZE TV.

TICKETS FOR THE COOKOUT AND THE TV RAFFLE CAN BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT WCAT, 165 WINTHROP STREET OR AT THE ELKS ON THE 11TH. SO JOIN US FOR THIS END OF SUMMER BASH, HAVE SOME GREAT FOOD, MINGLE WITH SOME GOOD PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT WINTHROP ORGANIZATION. SEE YOU THERE.


Mike
Mike Cabral
Executive Director
WCAT
165 Winthrop Street
Winthrop, MA 02152
617-846-3400
http://www.wcat-tv.org/

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Swimmers and Boaters Urged to take Precautions During Hurricane EARL

Swimmers and Boaters Urged to take Precautions due to Possible High Weekend Seas - Esp. Before/During & After Hurricane EARL


State officials cautioned boaters and swimmers to stay aware of surf conditions as the projected path of Hurricane EARL is predicted to pass several hundred miles east of Massachusetts.  Even at that distance, Hurricane EARL is expected to have an impact on coastal regions.  Swimmers and boaters must take precautions given the potential high seas and strong currents expected to be associated with this event over the remainder of the week.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers these tips for those around the water, particularly swimmers and boaters.

• Always check surf conditions. Over this weekend, swimmers are urged to stay out of the water on the Outer Cape and Islands, due to the rough surf and threat of life-threatening rip currents.

• Always be aware of the dangers of rip currents. Remember to never swim against the current, but parallel to the beach to an area where the current is weaker and you can safely return to shore.

• Once the storm passes and swimmers can safely return to the ocean, swimmers should remember to never swim alone, preferably on beaches with lifeguards. If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.

• During these stormy conditions, never turn your back to the ocean, as you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning.

• Be careful standing on seawalls while watching the surf.

• Boaters should continually obtain the latest available weather forecast for your boating area as well as U.S. Coast Guard and harbormaster warnings and directives.

• It is recommended that recreational boaters avoid the waters off of the outer Cape and Islands over the weekend.

• Those who venture out to sea should identify hurricane holes and safe harbors in the area in case you are caught at sea.

• Boat owners should assemble emergency equipment and supplies, as well as all of the necessary gear on board to properly tie down their vessel. 

• Realize that you may not be able to pull your boat out of the water.  Precious time is lost if you are searching for gear as a storm approaches.

• Have a plan worked out with your marina operator so there are no questions or confusion when the time comes to tie up or pull your boat from the water.

• Insure your vessel is as watertight as possible. Use duct tape and plugs to seal hatches, ports, windows, doors and vents.

• Remove all electronics, valuables and non-essential items.

• Have your insurance policies, boat registration, a recent photograph and description of the vessel, gear inventory, marina or storage lease agreement and important telephone numbers (local harbormaster, U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, insurance agent) in a secure place off of the boat.

• When you are through, help your neighbor.  It only takes one poorly tied boat in a marina to destroy an entire dock.

• Do not stay on the boat and attempt to ride out the storm.

With hurricane season underway, it is a good reminder to take the proper steps to ensure your family’s safety.  Ensure that your Family Emergency Kit is stocked for a 3-5 day period, your Family’s Communication Plan is in place, and you have become informed of your community’s Emergency Plans regarding potential notification systems, emergency shelters and evacuation routes.

CLICK HERE for Coastal Tide Information for Boston Harbor/Deer Island.

MEMA Statement regarding "Pet Safety During a Hurricane"


Taking your pets along is the most important thing individuals or families can do for their animals during a hurricane evacuation.   Pets left behind can be injured, lost or killed during a storm, or in its aftermath.   Pet owners should include their animals in their Family Hurricane Planning, before a storm threatens.

“Sometimes the family pet can be overlooked until the final moments before you and your family are about to evacuate,” states Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Acting Director Kurt Schwartz. “Take the time now to develop a plan and assemble your pet’s Disaster Kit to ensure your animal’s safety and care if you are asked to evacuate.”

When you go, they go!

• Historically, only service animals are allowed inside public mass care shelters, although SMART (The State of Massachusetts Animal Response Team) now assists at many of these facilities with animal sheltering accommodations.

• Make plans ahead of time to take your pet to stay at relatives, friends or a kennel outside the affected area.

• Know the locations of pet-friendly hotels and motels.

• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

• Consult with your local animal control officer and Emergency Management office about possible temporary shelter facilities in your community.

• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have, as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

• Prepare an emergency kit for your pets; include collars & leashes, a 3-5 day supply of food and water, a manual can opener, bowls, litter boxes, photographs of you with your pet, and a week’s supply of medications that your pet may be taking, including instructions (in case you and your pet are separated).

• Have copies of your pets’ vaccinations, medical records and prescriptions in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container.

• Make sure your pets wear collars with current license and rabies tags, and identification tags that include information on where you will be staying during the emergency.

• Use a pet carrier for each of your pets to make transportation easier.

• Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to spray the birds' feathers periodically.  Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

• Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.

• Have a photograph for identification and leg bands.

• If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.

• Exotic or dangerous pets are generally dealt with on a case-by-case basis, to ensure that they are handled, transported and cared for by trained personnel at appropriate facilities.   To insure the safety of their animals, owners of this type of pet should have advanced planning preparations ready for their pet’s special needs.

MEMA OFFERS TIPS AS HURRICANE EARL APPROACHES

Hurricane Earl Tips
-----------------

As Hurricane Earl approaches, The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recommends a number of steps people can take to help minimize potential damage during hurricane or tropical storm conditions.

“Early planning and preparation can be the key to your safety,” states MEMA Acting Director Kurt Schwartz.  “It is important to use your time wisely and not wait until the last minute.”

Here are some examples of steps you should be taking:

• Trim back trees and shrubbery around your home. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown down, causing damage, during a storm.

• Clear clogged rain gutters. Hurricanes/tropical storms often bring torrential rain. Providing clear drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding.

• Bring in outdoor items to bring inside such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as a missile.

• Make sure storage sheds, children’s playhouses or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.

• Elevate articles in your basement that could be damaged from even minor flooding.

• Make temporary plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from breaking.

• Keep you vehicles fully fuelled.

• Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.

• Make a record of your personal property. Keep an itemized list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of a claim. Back it up with photographs or video.

• Protect your insurance policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit box or a watertight box. Many people back up important documents online.

• Learn where gas pilots and water mains are located and how to safely shut off all utilities.

• Lock doors and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against strong winds and rain.