Why we are part of Winthrop Working Together.

Read about some of our founding members and why Winthrop means so much to them

Cassie Witthaus

“Finding a home in Winthrop felt like finding the community my family has searched for. The walkability, locally owned shops, proximity to Boston, and small-town feel appeal to our desire to have our child grow up able to move freely through the community. Bumping into people we know when we go out to eat or walk to school is wonderful. I joined Winthrop Working Together because our community has many longstanding issues which need to be addressed in order to ensure our community has a stable and bright future. Change is the only thing that is dependable and being engaged with town leadership ensures that community members guide the process. Accountability and transparency are my focus through all of the issues we need to create solutions for. I look forward to my child creating lifelong friendships with the people she meets at the park, GFB, gymnastics, and WSPA. Finding a forever home is a special thing and I believe Winthrop is that for my family.”

Scott Mahoney-Wright

“Being part of the Winthrop community for the past eleven years has enhanced my life [and that of my husband] in many ways. It is how I have come to understand the issues and challenges we face as residents. More importantly, it has taught me that by working with other residents and those in our town’s leadership, we can strive to create a place where everyone feels welcome and valued. Nothing is more important than a sense of connectedness and belonging no matter where you live or the kind of place you reside in. Every city and town has things that need to be improved upon. That is part of what makes communities thrive and remain successful places to live. Collaboration and community spirit are two reasons why I joined Winthrop Working Together. These people and how much they care about Winthrop and those who live here inspire and fuel my passion for our amazing town by the sea.”

Leonora (Lee) Foley

“Having been raised in Winthrop in the home my father grew up in with his nine brothers and sisters, I always had a desire to move back after living overseas all of my adult life. When I did make the move in 2021, it was in an extremely tense political environment. While living away, I missed the community feel and knowing my neighbors. When I moved back, I recognized how lucky I was to have experienced a wide range of cultures, languages, religions, and outlooks all of which only enriched my life. I wish we could celebrate and lean into the changes taking place in America right now. I hope Winthrop Working Together can help create an environment where more people feel their voices matter, and that as long as we approach an issue with civility, goodwill and openness to learn, we can find solutions to our problems.”

Carl Rothenhaus

“I believe all politics is local, so getting involved in the community is very important to me, especially in tight-knit places like Winthrop. That’s why I was excited to join Winthrop Working Together. WWT provides me with a constructive outlet through which I can do my part in making Winthrop a better, more equitable place for everyone, and I’m excited to work alongside others who share that same passion for our community.”

Alyson Casey Dewar

“This is where I live. This is where my house is. Living by the ocean is amazing. The proximity to Boston is amazing. Some of the people, these people and others, are also amazing. The town has flaws, as does every place. The only way to fix them is to get to work and do it;  to move the needle a little bit in a positive direction. If that’s going to happen, someone has to do the work. Those in Winthrop Working Together have both personal and professional experience doing the work. They have ideas and strategies. They are not keyboard warriors aimed at hampering any and all progress. They are welcoming, kind, and smart. I want to be associated with people like that. I want to work with people like that. With people like that Winthrop can actually achieve the “welcoming, hidden gem” moniker that it has given itself but never really achieved. 

I believe everyone who lives here is as important as anyone else who lives here, regardless of whether they have lived here from birth or since last week. In order to be the best place we can be, we need to be honest about our flaws and our strengths and how to fix the former and bouy the latter. I believe that offering a variety of housing options, transportation options, and business options, with a sprinkling of fun and education, mixed in while working on things like climate resilience and the environment will make Winthrop all it can be.” 

Brian Martynowicz

"Since moving to Winthrop two years ago, I quickly recognized a vital need for proactive leadership to cultivate a sense of community and unity. Despite witnessing bigotry, vitriol, and bullying in public forums—often brushed off as the norm—I was driven to make a difference. Joining Winthrop Working Together was a natural step, allowing me to align with like-minded residents who were already making significant impacts locally. This group does more than just address community issues; we sponsor events, foster civic engagement, and create opportunities for social interaction. Volunteering with this dedicated team has enabled me to contribute to our town’s welfare and encourage a culture of inclusivity and respect."