WHITMAN — They call him Walter the Warrior, and the police escort he and his parents Amber and Ryan Merck received to welcome him back to their Harvard Street home, Friday, Sept. 17 was worthy of a hero.

State police and local police from all over the South Shore led them with motorcycle unit lights and sirens as they left Brookline following Walter’s nine months of treatment for brain cancer at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Walter’s grandmother was an administrator at the Whitman police department and their family remain longtime Whitman residents. Walter will continue to receive care with weekly appointments in Boston as all his physicians monitor his health and development.

Turning 1 year old and starting to grow peach fuzz on his head are just two of the daily milestones Walter and his family have celebrated recently. The family is now complete and readjusting to home life with all four children — ages 9, 7, 5 — all under the same roof.

Walter has been battling choroid plexus carcinoma; a very rare and extraordinarily aggressive form of cancer that infects the brain and spine.

Their family was handed the fight of a lifetime as their 10-month-old became sick around Christmas time of 2020. He was originally thought to have had a viral infection but as his health deteriorated he lost milestones such as crawling. He had changes in his temperament and was inconsolable. Amber and Ryan knew that something was wrong and his journey began at Boston Children’s Hospital with January 2021 revealing a grapefruit sized tumor taking up half of his tiny head. In the days to follow he endured an 18-hour brain surgery with embolization and tumor resection.

As the rarity of his tumor was discovered, and genetic testing was performed, the Mercks learned he has Li Fraumeni Syndrome a rare genetic disorder, which increases the chances of getting multiple kinds of cancer at a young age and throughout his life.

Walter also has retesting of his hearing in October to see if there is further damage from his treatments, said mom Amber.

The diagnosis of his brain cancer led to months of treatments including: chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, innumerable transfusions, and countless, daily medical procedures only the tip of the iceberg.

With his siblings anxiously waiting to see their brother, Walter — or Mr. Wrinkles, as he is lovingly nicknamed by his dad —Sept. 17 they passed the time with baseball and outdoor toys in the front yard on Harvard Street. The family all wore Walter the Warrior matching gray T-shirts, along with dozens of neighbors, friends and family lining the roadside.

“Life sure is good to be able to be whole as a family again. Now we continue the road of advancing Walter’s milestone achievements,” Ryan wrote on his son’s updates and in his thank you to those who made Walter’s trip home so special.

Ryan has written a blog over the last nine months letting family know how their baby is doing and capturing photos of silly times they have shared.

Listening to all types of music Walter likes to jam. In some of the posted videos, and even with tubes attached, his precious smile and giggle are contagious.

In some ways, it’s therapeutic for the couple to document the day-to-day experiences of a family with a critically ill child, and the Mercks also found humor in their moments with Walter. As he interacted with toys, rode in a wagon to his medical treatments in the stark hallways, and was even given an “Elmo-rific” first birthday in his hospital crib they documented his life. His room decorated by his nurses who brightened their darkest days and through writing they kept other families facing a similar battle in touch with each other.

In a phone interview, Ryan credited the “outstanding” care Walter received at both Dana Farber and Boston Children’s Hospital where he had the top pediatric neurologist and oncologist, he said.

In their blog, Ryan and Amber have expressed being able to lean on each other. Amber says she gets her strength from seeing how much better their baby is doing and feels gratitude for the nurses who cared for Walter and often reminded her to take a walk or step outside on days the stress of seeing and being helpless over their baby’s health got the best of her.

Walter is crawling now and has been phasing out his G Tube feedings where he gets medications and nutrients, she said in a phone interview.

Although he is on a strict diet he is slowly learning how to chew and swallow food.

In late August the Mercks were transitioned to the Boston House for families facing medical crisis who need to be near their hospital and care centers but “escape the hospital setting” with the intentions to transition to their Whitman home as Walter’s health allowed.

As the family attempts a new normal they juggle school, work, and medical bills and around the clock care for Walter with help from Amber’s mom — who also works in the Whitman school system — they are trying to keep a schedule for their other three children all in elementary school.

When asked how the community can help lend a hand Amber said they struggle at meal times, which can be stressful under normal circumstances. Amber and Ryan have had an outpouring of care and support which they have gratefully acknowledged and offered thanks to all who have assisted in this last year through their blog on Facebook.

To contact the family or offer gift cards follow their story or reach out in a private message, visit   GoFund Me or by a  link for Walter’s medical bills at Facebook.Walter the Warrior Baby Fights Cancer page. If anyone wants to make donations they may contribute directly to Boston Children’s Hospital in Walter Merck’s honor.

WHITMAN — If Saturday morning’s American Legion 9/11 ceremony was about national unity and patriotism, the evening ceremony hosted by the town’s public safety departments was an occasion for more personal reflections on the meaning of the day.

After Whitman firefighters again unfurled their huge American flag, suspended from the ladder truck, in the setting sunlight, federal, state and local officials were joined by Fire Chief Timothy Clancy and Police Chief Timothy Hanlon in reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001 and beyond.

“This gathering is good for the soul,” said U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass. “It allows us to remember and appreciate the heroism and the sense of unity that tragedy sometimes brings.”

Selectmen Vice Chairman Daniel Salvucci placed 9/11 as one of the three news events in his life that personally affected him — along with the Feb. 3, 1959 plane crash that killed rock and roll singers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and the Nov. 22, 1963 assassination of President Kennedy. He had been a fan of Buddy Holly and he had voted for the first time in 1960 and he could not understand why anyone would kill a president.

“My wife and I planned a vacation to Las Vegas … on Sept. 11, 2001,” Salvucci said. “The flight that took off before ours was the one that hit the second tower. A higher power was protecting my wife and I.”

They had briefly considered taking the earlier flight.

Lynch kicked off the program following W-H student Grace Morgan’s performance of the national anthem.

Lynch recalled his experience as a candidate on a primary ballot on Sept. 11, 2001 as he watched news coverage of the attacks and the selfless work done by police and fire personnel — and the passengers and crew of Flight 93.

“While there was much tragedy that day, I choose to remember the heroism,” he said. “When I first arrived in Congress, my swearing-in was delayed until Oct. 26, because following those attacks, there were antrax attacks on several of the [federal] buildings, including the U.S. Capitol.”

He recalled being assigned to the Oversight Committee, which was charged, among other work, to review the 9/11 attacks — work that required several trips to Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I will never forget [that] during our investigation, we had to review the radio transmissions of the firefighters and police from inside the World Trade Center,” Lynch said. “WE were amazed, listening to those tapes, and reading the transcripts, because … we tracked the progress of those rescue teams … The last transmission from the New York Fire Department was from the 81st Floor of Tower 1.”

He said there is no doubt in his mind that fire personnel “knew that they were in great peril and that they would probably not come out alive.” He said such heroism is what first responders like those in Whitman sign up to potentially face every day.

“We should be thankful, and grateful, for the commitment they make to our families on a daily basis, because it is unpredictable what the demands of that job might require them to do,” Lynch said.

State Rep. Alyson Sullivan, R-Abington had a similar message, but began her talk with her experience as an eighth-grader whose friend lost their father on one of the planes flown into the World Trade Center.

“As a 13-year-old, I remember how our country came together,” she said. “We thanked our police officers for the services that they gave to our communities. We thanked our firefighters … Our flag was a sign of pride and unity.”

She said her hope, going forward is that we continue to do those random acts of kindness, encouraging people to buy a coffee or lunch for a veteran and thank them for their service and to thank police officers and firefighters for their service of protecting their community.

“We must teach our children, to learn their history so they don’t repeat the mistakes of the past,” State Sen. Mike Brady, D-Brockton, said in thanking parents for bringing their children to the ceremony. “A house divided does not stand, so we should all work together …we all work together for the betterment of our community.”

It’s almost impossible to consider that the 9/11 attacks were 20 years ago, Selectman Randy LaMattina said, noting that he remembered exactly where he was that day.

“We join together to remember some extraordinary lives lost that day,” LaMattina said. “Tonight we honor the bravest — 343 New York City firefighters, 71 law enforcement officers, and countless other heroes, who on that day, met danger head-on and chose to selflessly put the safety and protection of others in front of their own. Their actions have not been forgotten.”

He also reflected on how, after that day people were more willing to compromise and worked together with pride in their nation and treated neighbors with more kindness.

“In the times that we face now, maybe that’s something else that should not be forgotten,” he said.

Town Administrator Lincoln Heneiman also spoke of the legacy of loss.

“The attack on Sept. 11 brought a sadness too deep to imagine, let alone name,” he said. “Furthermore, it happened on a day so bright that pilots actually have a name for it — it was a severe clear day. … A day that began with infinite visibility became a day of blinding grief. We shall never forget.”

Selectmen Justin Evans and Brian Bezanson also attended the event. Honor guards representing the VFW, Whitman Police and Fire departments also participated.

Hanlon thanked the residents and guests who attended and reflected on what could be learned from 9/11.

“Public safety encompasses many forms from the various departments,” he said. “We are your Whitman Police Department and we do much more than enforcing laws.”

He said police address many issues that have to do with the quality of life, like homelessness, unemployment and drug addiction.

“Agencies come together to achieve greater access to one or more of these resources to get people back on their feet,” in addition to the work they do that can put them in harms way as they protect citizens.

Clancy concluded the program by thanking the dozens of residents who attended to remember the defining moment in history that was 9/11 and the rallying phrase: Never forget.

“I can safely say we have not forgotten and we shall never, ever forget that day,” he said.

Rev. Joshua Gray, also a Whitman firefighter/paramedic offered the benediction, and Rev. Christy Coburn offered a closing prayer. Two moments of silence for the victims of the terrorist attacks in New York City, the Pentagon and over Shanksville, Pa.

By Jeff Szymaniak
W-H Superintendent of Schools

The Whitman-Hanson Regional School District officially opened its doors for the 2021-22 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 1. Many things have happened over the summer months both in staffing and in our school buildings to prepare for Opening Day.

The District continues to use the theme “Semper Ad Maiora” which means “always toward the greater.” We are committed to providing opportunities for growth for the students and staff and moving the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District forward and out of the middle.  Our mantra for this year is “All In.” Our staff is All In for students, for learning, for inclusion, for staff, for school, for community and for each other.   

We have three new administrators in the district. Dr. Joel Jocelyn is the new principal at the Indian Head School. Joel comes to us from Newton where he was Principal at the Franklin Elementary School. Paul Duprey is the new Principal at the Whitman Middle School. Paul comes to us from Franklin where he was Principal at the Remington Middle School.  John Stanbrook is the new Director of Business and Finance. Prior to Whitman-Hanson John was the town administrator in Hanson. This spring, the district budget included adding staff, or interventionists, for remedial services and to assist students whose learning was impacted by the COVID pandemic. Thankfully, the federal government provided grant opportunities to offset the cost of adding staff.  In total, the district hired 35 new staff members to replace retirements, resignations, transfers, and long-term substitute positions.      

There was tremendous activity in most of the school buildings during the summer. The new driveway was installed near the pre-school entrance at the high school. The operations crew was busy emptying out the multiple storage containers that held classroom furniture and materials that were moved to create the six-foot social distancing needed to open last September. These items were returned to the appropriate school building for teachers to place back in their classrooms. Deep cleaning, painting and other building maintenance was done throughout the summer in preparation for Opening Day. The Whitman Middle School Building Committee met during the summer as the district proceeds in the Feasibility Study stage of a potential middle school building project. Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) is funding 57.74 percent of the feasibility study. If all goes well, the district will have a project manager hired by Jan. 1, 2022 who will contribute to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) in determining the best solution for a new or renovated middle school building.   

All instructional staff reported to school on Monday, Aug. 30 for opening day activities. New teachers were introduced, staff were recognized for attaining professional status (tenure), and we celebrated teachers for their years of service. The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) as well as the District Accommodation Plan (DCAP) were discussed. To wrap up the formal part of the day, Eugene Hamilton, a unique speaker, delivered powerful message of motivation, the importance of teaching and kindness. A cook-out lunch, complete with an ice cream truck, was sponsored by Equitable Advisors, S.J. Services and Collegiate Press.

One of my goals this year is communication with parents and community members. The district has a Facebook page for members to follow. I also have a Twitter account @WH_Super where I will post district information.  We also have a new email address WHinfo@whrsd.org established for families to email their thoughts.  Please note that the email is public document and public record so please do not include personal or student information.  All school building principals and administrative support staff are available for questions or concerns as well as my office at 781-618-7412.

Let’s work together to make this a great year.

A DAY AT THE FAIR: Fair-goers slid down the giant slide in the mid-day sun on the opening day of the Marshfield Fair Monday, Aug. 23, after being canceled due to COVID last year. At right, Joe Keeley, 13, of Whitman with his goat, Alice, shared some time in the shade during the Marshfield Fair on Monday afternoon. See more photos, page 6.

Photos by Stephanie Spyropoulos

HANSON — A motorcycle crash took the lives of a father and daughter with ties to Halifax and Hanson on Friday night.

Former Hanson resident James Ripley, 58, and his daughter Jenna Ripley, 19, both of Halifax died following the crash on Route 58 Monponsett Street near Hill Road around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, according to District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz’ office.

Bouquets of flowers were seen placed at the base of a telephone pole on Sunday where the pair was killed. Jenna was pronounced dead at the scene, her father later passing away from his injuries at the Brockton Hospital.

A Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by James Ripley was heading south and left the pavement, according to Hanson Police in a written statement.

John Mahoney, who has owned the old Ripley Farm on Main Street for over two decades where the family grew up, said he knows them well.

He called the fatal accident “terrible.”

Jim’s father John Ripley who resides at the far end of the Main Street property was unavailable for immediate comment.

Ripley, who was known for his height, owned a tree company that he took over from his father. He was often seen driving through town hauling logs on his rig.

Mahoney described Ripley as a friendly, good guy, a burly guy — always waving as he drove by in his truck.

The accident remains under investigation by State Troopers, Hanson officers and officers assigned to the Plymouth County CPAC Unit according to District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz’ office.

WHITMAN — While August by no means signifies the end of summer vacation it is the culmination of seven weeks of the Whitman Park and Recreation summer program.

The summer experience, which has averaged 75 kids weekly, has been a joyous celebration of returning to see friends; engaging outdoors in nature and seeing unmasked   friends reunite after a long evolving school year.

New Camp Director Kathleen Woodward has been with the program for this past year. She emphasized that although recreation is finished this week the pool along with swimming lessons are still open and available.

Families can purchase pool passes and swimming lessons as part of the Town of Whitman. Information on the pool is available on the Town of Whitman website.

Camp Director of Recreation Gabby Callahan has served as both a camper and counselor over the last six years. She is now in her senior year of nursing at Fitchburg State University. She is leaning towards pediatrics.  She loves working with kids and is passionate about the recreation program. Along with her staff in the recreation department it is rewarding to have a hand in generating a positive outdoor experience for campers, she added.

The camp has been around for decades and has hosted countless families who undoubtedly have memories of the park including stories of squirrels that have finagled a lunch or two.

Callahan reminded the campers on Monday during day one of session seven that unzipped, unsealed snacks are fair game to the little critters in the park. The group shared a snicker at the incident in a previous session in which a tricky squirrel carried a brown-bag lunch up the tree before anyone noticed.

Each morning the campers check in, find their age groups, donning bright blue T-shirts they chat with friends until morning circle.

Rotation stations include entertainment such as: crafts, gym time and free play on the playground, swim time and sports with long time camp counselor Sports Director Nick Kardoose.

Themed crafts are always a suggestion as often times creative campers will come up with different ways to use the supplies such as: folding old fashion paper airplanes. The timeless generational pastime has been as popular as the Gimp braids used to make handmade bracelets.

Tether ball during game rotation is a hit as well as board games and free block that it is worked in for a lighter period of structure.

There is disc golf, kickball, relays, dodge ball, to name a few. Swimming is daily and for anyone who decides not to swim they can enjoy board games or sidewalk chalk.

Town Hall is the rainy day shelter when it is a complete washout for outdoor activities. It can be harder on rainy days but a new projector has allowed for movies. Camp counselors will bring in items that will engage or prompt activities such as a toy they had growing up. It can spark interest and is always age appropriate.  The location is in use for town related business so it makes it a bit harder to let go and run wild like the good old outdoors.

Science walks, lava lamps, using nature to create designs have been just a few of the hands on activities over the last two months.

Olympic week kick off during session number four was a build up to the Olympics. Campers created the Olympic ring symbol using paper circle plates among others daily projects.

“We had a huge emphasis on team building and working together so we incorporated mentoring with the older kids assisting the younger kids,” she said.

The recreation program did remain closed over 2020 during the height of the Covid Pandemic.

“We were so excited we got to run this year. It was up in the air and we received the OK. We are so excited. Kids need to be outside, interact and giving them something like this (program) is incredible,” said Callahan.

Reese Cordero a 2021 graduate of Whitman Hanson is also among the counselors this year at Park and Recreation. She was playing football during game time at the basketball courts. Taking turns with runners and hikers the lively group had a lot of energy to burn despite the dampness on Monday and looming rain.

Codero is planning on majoring in criminal justice at Roger Williams University in the fall. Her goal is to become a DARE Officer and work with the youth population.

She grew up in Whitman and said what she loves about Whitman Park and Recreation is seeing the happiness on their faces (campers) having fun and just being kids.

Visit the Town of Whitman website for information on sign-ups for all ages swimming lessons and family open swims which runs through Labor Day.