Day of tears and pride

WHITMAN — Whitman firefighters held their annual Firefighters Memorial ceremonies on Sunday June 7 to honor those who served and have passed on. This year, sadly there was another name to add to the department’s memorial walkway — the late Glenn Coughlin.

Joyce Coughlin, her daughters, extended family and friends attended the event honoring her husband’s years of service in the Whitman Fire Department. They unveiled the brick engraved in his memory at the front of Fire Station on Temple Street.

The family was presented a certificate and an encased flag, which had flown over the Capitol building in Washington at the request of U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass.

“My dad passed away January 26, 2014,” said Dalyce Coughlin, the second youngest daughter of the retired firefighter. She was present Sunday with her three sisters Debbie, Donna, and Lisa. “He was a firefighter for 32 years. The support we received from the Fire Deptartment at his time of passing was so overwhelming.”

Joyce and Glenn were heading to Florida with their truck and camper, when he suffered a heart attack at a Virginia campground.

“The fire services and police of Virginia were right there for my Mom,” Dalyce said. “It was just unbelievable the amount of people that were there for her at her time of need, when us girls couldn’t be. It meant so much to us. We are such a close family.”

Dalyce described her dad as an amazing husband, father, grandfather and firefighter.

“The presentation of the flag and certificate from Congressman Lynch was just outstanding,” she said.

“It was a beautiful day for a tribute to our father. We appreciated it so much. Everyone who turned out for the dedication,” said Donna Coughlin-Saccone, Glenn’s second-oldest daughter.

Bob Schmitt, 87, also in attendance spoke briefly at the memorial. He was a call firefighter for 47 years, was a colleague of Coughlin and a longtime friend.

During the wreath-laying ceremony, Schmitt announced that the plot of land at the firefighters’ memorial site in Colebrook Cemetery will now be turned over to the Whitman Fire Department.

Schmitt, who has been married 66 years this fall, is a lifelong Whitman resident. He was the organizer and founder of the Whitman Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). They began in 2003 with approximately 100 people participating and 20 committed to serve the town. He also commanded the Whitman Emergency Management for the last 16 years before his retirement.

Schmitt also announced a windfall for the surviving members who had contributed to a now-defunct insurance plan.

“Way back in 1895, our town formed an insurance plan through the state for volunteer firefighters. We each donated 10 cents a month towards the plan -there were about 40 volunteers at the time,” said Schmitt.

One hundred and twenty years after the account’s inception, Schmitt made the request to cancel and dissolve the fund. The benefits will be distributed to its last nine surviving  members.

“I am one of the oldest involved in the program,” he said. “It provided a death benefit or if there was a need, due to illness.”

Firefighter’s memorial Sunday was also a part of the organization’s

Inauguration in 1960, which is why so many names are read during the bell toll, he said.

“There is a lot of tradition,” Schmitt said. “There is great camaraderie and they take care of themselves and each other. … You look out for the person before you and behind you because that is who takes care of you.  Firefighters are trained to back up someone else at all times.”

Schmitt had the opportunity to be a full-time firefighter in Whitman but also had another career as a vice president of the American Sandpaper company in Rockland. He remained a career volunteer until he retired.

Among the many town officials and honorable guests who attended Sunday’s services was Chief Timothy Grenno, who formally announced the installation of the Rev. Josh Gray as the new official chaplain of the Whitman Fire Department. Gray is also the minister at the First Congregational Church in Whitman.

“We are looking forward to having him as a familiar face. He will be greatly involved,” said Grenno.

“I would like to thank the men and women of the Whitman fire services for all they do in the community,” Gray said. “I have lots to learn about what you all do. I am looking forward to it.”

The service concluded with a march back to the station after the prayer at Colebrook Cemetery.

Whitman Fire/Rescue posted a special thank you on their social media to Whitman Police, Whitman American Legion, Knights of Columbus, State Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman; Selectman Dan Salvucci, Town Administrator Frank Lynam and a special thank you was extended to  Lynch for his special presentation to the Coughlin family.

The recent graduates of 2015, recognized for their achievements during the May 29 commencement, were very talented art students, their teacher, Christine Maher said this week — and in upcoming sophomore and junior classes that tradition of talent will continue.

Art students at WHRHS will be honored with prestigious opportunities in the weeks to come as the school year comes to a close.

Mikaela Bukow and Brittany Lynch, both currently juniors, were chosen to work with an elite group of art students — Art Stars at the South Shore Art Center 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset will be part of the 60th annual art festival June 19-21. The exhibit called Earth, Wind and Fire, juried by Carl Belz, will be unveiled at the event. Both girls worked on the exhibit, with murals that are sixteen feet long. Visit ssac.org  for further information and program times as there are events for the entire family.

Bukow was also a first place winner at a Statehouse art exhibit sponsored by state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury. She finds inspiration in the colors of dusk, landscapes and observing things out the window. She especially enjoys painting with acrylics.

“I will take a photo and then paint it later,” she said about when she sees something inspiring.

Lynch placed second under painting submissions and tied for third were Alyssa Johnson of Whitman and Hailey Hennessey of Hanson all in the same medium. Several other students from W-H placed in various other media. The contest, which is held in the fall, was open to Sixth District Student Artists at the high school level.

More than a dozen art students also took part in the Memory Project, a heartwarming portrait program supporting the world’s orphan children again this year.

They worked for several weeks to complete portraits using a photo assigned to them by Memory Project organizers. They completed the portraits, which were then taken to India and given as gifts to the children. For some students such, as junior Ian Davis, working with pastels presented a challenge, but found it rewarding to make something for someone less fortunate. This compelled him to try something new.

W-H chose India from the nonprofit program list of several countries with which Memory Project is currently working. Last year they worked on portraits for Mexican orphans.

“The orphans in these centers don’t have baby photos and this is something we were able to give them to keep,” said Maher who has taught at W-H for nearly two decades.

The idea of giving from the heart and creating an image of the child who may never have a photograph of themselves or a story of who they were at a young age is such an inspirational project, she said.

The Memory Project organization also followed up by creating a video so student artists were able to see the orphans receiving their portraits.  Several of the older children in India who spoke on tape said, “Thank you for making me this portrait,” as their faces lit up.

The younger children were seen dancing and twirling with excitement as they realized the portrait was of them.

A $15 participation fee was required to defray costs for volunteers and to create an art therapy program in the orphanage.

The Memory Project was developed by Ben Schumacher as a graduate student of social work at the University of Wisconsin.
In 2003, while volunteering at an orphanage in Guatemala, Ben learned that the kids had few special belongings to represent moments of their childhood. They had very few photos, for example, to serve as memories from their early years. Since Ben had always enjoyed making portraits in school art classes, he had the idea to get art students involved in creating portraits for the kids.

“To date the project has created nearly 50,000 portraits for kids in 34 countries, and we intend to keep going as long as possible,” according to the official website memoryproject.org

Davis and fellow junior Eric Lander will spend the weekend June 12-13 with other students handpicked for the prestigious Art All State. Fewer than 100 Massachusetts students were chosen to participate in the program, which will be held at UMass, Dartmouth.

The entry process included an interview, a review of their art resume, a written essay and questionnaire.

After the interview process the students are then notified on their acceptance in the program.

“They will have a wonderful opportunity to work with   small groups and professional artists,” Maher said. “They may be given cardboard and paint for example, and the entire room becomes a formed room of art.”

During the culmination of the program family members are invited to view the installation projects created by the students.

One past exhibit included thousands of colorful strings and wires, said Davis who said he had researched some of the years past projects aheaad of his trip. He enjoys working with ceramics and creating with his hands, and is passionate about drawing.

Lander enjoys pen drawing. He creates cartoons and usually finds himself working with acrylics. He is inspired by unique facial features and transforms people he knows into characters.

“It is rare that we would have two students chosen for the same program. This is the second year W-H has had two students chosen. Sometimes schools don’t have anyone chosen,” said Maher.

She allows everyone to participate in contests or juried programs at their own levels and categories, and considers how well they will best succeed. Her classes, from beginning to advanced, have numerous opportunities and yearly programs outside the school. Their strengths and potential as well as their personalities — sometimes the interview process or speaking at the conference can bring them out of their shell and grow in self-esteem, she said.

Last month students Elizabeth Ingram, Leah Ricciarelli and Caroline Woodward who all worked on portraits for the Memory Project were also chosen to attend and speak at Stone Hill College in Easton at a day-long convention.

“We sat on a panel; we gave an explanation of our orphan portraits and also answered questions,” said Ingram who is a sophomore. “It was a new experience being able to present our project.” She was recently awarded eight places in showing her works in the Art in Bloom at W-H, a reception celebrating the arts.

Ricciarelli who said she has been drawing forever recently drew a Kurt Cobain scene of the singer on stage. Although before her time, she enjoys Nirvana music and knows the story behind Cobain’s troubled life.

Woodward has always enjoyed art since a young age. She calls her art therapeutic. She uses pastel and charcoal. She understands and uses gesture drawings, which is a concept of movement. Maher called the technique challenging but said Caroline meets the challenge well.

A Civil War re-enactment group fires a salute in Hanson.
Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos.

HANSON — Lining the streets with patriotic colors, adults and children alike waved and snapped photos as their family members, friends and neighbors marched by in the Hanson Memorial Day Parade Monday. Undoubtedly, many were enjoying the sunshine and warm weather at last, following our long, dreary winter.

Local veterans, church groups and town officials welcomed and reminded guests what the true meaning of the day and the cost of such freedom.

Veteran Drew Kitchen of Hanson was an infantry officer who grew up in Holden and graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 2003.  He spoke at the Colebrook Cemetery about the significance of Memorial Day. A combat veteran on the front lines he served for 10 years in the United States Army, recently completing his service. He served in Iraq and Africa totaling 24 months of active tours, which included battle.

“I will never forget the many soldiers who fought alongside me and those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

He thanked his family for their support and strength while he was away as well as Hanson Veteran’s Agent Bob Arsenault for providing him confidence and courage to speak on a day, which is so difficult in the memories of his fallen comrades.

“I still remember the excitement and fear I felt giving my wife and daughter a kiss for one last time before boarding the plane to Iraq the first time,” Kitchen recalled. “As I looked at them I remember thinking ‘God please let me come home,’ and as I looked at my fellow soldiers I thought ‘God please let me bring them home.’”

Over his combined decade of service he returned home with 15 fewer soldiers.

He reminded those who live in freedom to not only honor them on Memorial day but to live in gratitude every day.

He ended his speech with an Army motto “No mission too difficult no sacrifice too great duty first.”

“God Bless America” was sung by all in attendance at the cemetery and later a medley of song was played by the middle school marching bands of Whitman and Hanson.

Ceremonies at Town Hall included a wreath-laying at the Civil War memorial along with a firing squad salute and the reading of “The Gettysburg Address” by Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young.

See more photos here.

HANOVER — The Sixth annual Credit for Life Fair, a highly interactive seminar that helps students learn the basics of personal finance, was held for seniors at South Shore Vo-Tech on Tuesday, April 7.

The event, sponsored by area businesses including major sponsor Rockland Trust, was attended by 133 students, according to school spokesman John Creed. Nearly two dozen local food and event sponsors and volunteers also worked with students at 14 booths.

The goal was to create a realistic budget reflecting the students’ lifestyles and occupations — while keeping within their means. Booths covered the many necessities of life including major purchases of housing, transportation, to health and nutrition. Luxury items included going to a baseball game, owning a cell phone with a data plan, buying birthday gifts and spending the night out with friends.

Many businesses donated gift certificates, breakfast and  lunch items as well as welcome coffee and pastry to all in attendance.

Many students chose to have roommates to split costs and make the most of housing choices.

The event was informative and engaging to students who were overheard discussing everything from finding less expensive car choices to stating “I need a roommate.”

— Stephanie Spyropoulos

The ‘Waugh-riors’ fight back

PROGRESSIVE DISEASE: Bruce Waugh, who died of Parkinson’s last year, used physical therapy to improve his quality of life in the 10 years he lived with the disease. Courtesy photo, David Waugh

WHITMAN — Her husband always had a poised personality. He was a devoted father, a happy, caring individual, amused by life and family, but she eventually noticed something was ever so slightly altered about his normally laid-back demeanor. His primary care doctor referred him to a neurologist after he also observed fluctuations and a change in physical movement.

 Bruce Waugh lived nearly a decade with Parkinson’s disease after his diagnosis in 2005. He kept active and kept moving — key components to longevity in delaying the progression of Parkinson’s disease.

His wife Priscilla observed the one-year anniversary of her husband’s passing in August. It was a time of celebration and memories with family but also a time of healing. She has missed him greatly this past year, she said.

The “Waugh-riors” will also be moving for Parkinson’s disease and in honor of Bruce next weekend as a group of 21 strong. Moving Day-Boston will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at Artesani Park, 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Boston.

With 50 teams registered for the event, there will be numerous activities to inspire moving the body (known to extend the lives of those afflicted with Parkinson’s). Physical activity is key to keeping the muscles strong and delaying deterioration, according to the official Parkinson’s disease website.

They had a life full of love, laughter and adventure Priscilla recalled about the first time they drove down Washington Street in Whitman in 1968.

“I remember him saying ‘I’m home,’” she said.

Indeed, they were home. They planted their roots and celebrated 53 years of marriage in Whitman where they raised three children and welcomed grandchildren as the years went by.

He spent 28 years working at Pneumatic Scale of North Quincy and eventually as the recession brought change in 1982 he found permanent employment as the full-time assessor for the town of Whitman.

He held the position from 1982 through his retirement in 2002. Waugh also volunteered over the years on various boards before becoming an elected member of the Board of Assessors.

Priscilla realized that her husband’s physical therapy sessions were keeping him strong. They fought the disease together through sickness and health. Physical therapy sessions included strength exercises for the arms and legs, tossing and catching a ball for eye hand coordination and other various movements for day to day living.

Waugh also had a heart attack, which affected the progression of his Parkinson’s disease.

As the sole care giver of a loved one with Parkinson’s there are many aspects of adjustment.

Daily challenges

Personal care, healthy, proper eating and day-to-day changes that occur with the progression of the disease are challenges a caregiver undertakes. When some days are more challenging Waugh gives this advice to other caregivers.

“You are as strong as you need to be at the moment,” she said. “A new day arrives and it’s fine. You, in some ways, put your life on hold and you do it lovingly. But like myself, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.

One of their sons, David Waugh, who now resides in Florida will be taking part in the Miami “Moving Day,” event Oct. 5. He is the IT manager for the National Parkinson’s Foundation located in Miami. He is also among the travelers who will attend the Keep Moving-Boston event on Oct. 11.

“In the United States, 50,000-60,000 new cases of PD are diagnosed each year, adding to the one million people who currently have PD. The Center for Disease control rated complications from Parkinson’s disease as the 14th leading cause of death in the United States. Worldwide, it is estimated that four to six million people suffer from the condition,” according to the Parkinson’s disease nationwide website.

For more information on the disease, visit Parkinson.org.

Moving Day is the National Parkinson Foundation’s annual fundraising walk/run event. It is a fun and inspiring fundraising event that unites families, friends and communities both large and small in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. This celebration of movement will feature a family friendly walk course, a kids area, a caregivers relaxation tent and a special Movement Pavilion featuring yoga, dance, Tai Chi, Pilates, etc. all proven to help manage the symptoms of PD.

To sponsor Waugh in her efforts to raise money for the foundation visit her direct link   http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/pwaugh  http://www3.parkinson.org/goto/waughrriors