Honoring a Legend

On December 19, Winchester honored local resident and rock and roll legend Herb Reed, founding member of the Platters, with a park bench. The bench is located at the small plaza at the Duck Pond on Main Street, adjacent to Karol’s Ice Cream.

The bench was purchased by Mr. Reed’s long-time personal assistant Gail Stewart as part of Winchester Chamber of Commerce’s beautification project. This project has replaced wooden benches in the Center with attractive, black metal units. The December dedication was scheduled to coincide with World AIDS Day, a humanitarian initiative supported by Herb Reed.

I was excited and pleased to participate in the dedication along with State Representative Paul Casey, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cathy Alexander and other friends and supporters of Herb Reed. Although I grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s, I was turned on to 1950’s music after seeing the film “American Graffiti”. The Platters’ music typifies the beautiful ballads of the 1950’s.

The bench dedication event was especially satisfying because I had the chance to meet Herb Reed. Despite his worldwide stardom, Herb is a down to earth guy with a great sense of humor. Winchester is honored to have Herb Reed as a citizen.

Thanks to the League of Women Voters

Last week, the League of Women Voters of Winchester sponsored their annual “Moveable Feast”, a holiday luncheon for the Town of Winchester’s employees. The program moves around each year to various municipal work sites. This year’s luncheon was held at the Department of Public Works facility on Lake Street. The luncheon provides an excellent opportunity for Town employees who would not otherwise meet one another to socialize and discuss their work in support of the citizens of Winchester.

On behalf of all employees of the Town of Winchester, I would like to thank the League for this kind gesture. It is very much appreciated.

Winter is Here

After several weeks of unseasonably warm weather, the appearance of snow in Winchester is a clear sign that winter is here. The sounds and images of the holiday season are all around and remind us of the onset of New England weather.

Winter for the Town means gearing up to keep the streets safe for travel. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for this activity. The DPW has become prepared by outfitting its trucks with plows and sanders and filling its storage shed with salt and sand. Typically, snowplowing operations begin with scraping, then treating main roadway surfaces with salt. After accumulation of three inches of snow, the DPW begins a full-scale operation consisting of 27 plow routes. During more intensive storms, the DPW will use contractors to assist with the effort.

The initial effort of the DPW is to clear a main passageway for travel. Throughout the storm, trucks will continue to plow snow to the sides of the road. This can be frustrating for residents who have cleared snow from their driveways and sidewalks, but is necessary to accommodate parking and future snow storage. Residents of Winchester can help the Town with its snow plowing operations in the following ways.

Clear hydrants and drains of snow

If possible, clear snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of your property

Keep fences, mailboxes, basketball hoops, bike/skateboard ramps, etc. away from the edge of the road.

Do not park on the road during snow plowing operations.

Limit your travel if possible.

Do not shovel, plow or blow snow back into the roadway.

Sand and salt is available to Winchester residents at the Transfer Station on McKay Avenue.