HANSON — A prognosis of complete recovery and riding her longboard are the two things Jess Nihan, 22, of Hanson desires with undeniable determination. She knows only time will restore her health and bring her these rewards but for now she is happy to be alive and at home with her family.

“Every day I think of a reason to be happy. My life is better than a lot of people’s and I am lucky the whole way through,” Jess said, smiling at her mom.

Jess, a graduate of Whitman-Hanson’s Class of 2017 suffered a stroke as a result of arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which is shaped during uterine development. AVM is a snarl of abnormal and inadequately formed blood vessels present at birth but in most cases — such as hers — it is never discovered.

According to Brigham and Women’s website, the tangle of arteries and veins usually develops before birth or shortly after. Occasionally, an AVM forms later in life, though it is unclear if the risk for an AVM is passed down through families genetically. For someone with an AVM, an increase in blood pressure is a risk factor for rupture.

The sequence of events and emotions surrounding Jess’ stroke are still raw for mom Julie Nihan, who spoke with gratitude as she recounted the hours following Jess’ brain bleed the day after Thanksgiving. She credited the quick assessments made by EMS, which saved valuable time during her daughter’s medical crisis.

In each step the medical professionals made all the fastest and most accurate decisions in saving Jess’ life, she added.

Following the November holiday, Julie and husband Greg had their sons home and a sister visiting, who happens to be an ICU nurse.

The Nihan’s had a relatively quiet day.

Jess had come downstairs for Tylenol complaining of a migraine and returned to her room but in minutes was calling for her aunt. A seizure ensued as Hanson Firefighters/Paramedics were called.

Jess has no recollections of the incident or the four weeks following.

She was transported to the Brockton Hospital by Hanson firefighters and paramedics and was evaluated with imaging in the Emergency Room. The ER doctor diagnosed the bleed and she was airlifted to the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston within the hour.

Jess comforted her mom with a tissue-taking a break from medical facts and talked about her short hair, which is just starting to grow back.  Her scar is thick and resembles a zipper where her skull was removed then replaced as her brain healed.

With a giggle she called her scar “Bad Ass” when she described it — in the sense it is a sign of her survival — as a reminder of her resilience and her determination to recover.

She keeps an eye on her mobile independence physically but she also cannot wait to drive again in due time.

Her work at The Home for Little Wanders as a social service residential relief counselor gives her insight to the lives of less fortunate youth.  She cannot wait to return to the work she loves, she added.

Jess is passionate about her profession and strives to be a positive role model in their world.

Describing herself as goofy, thankful and lucky for her life she talked about the appreciation that she has gained as her family has surrounded her every step of the way.

Nihan is working intensely on regaining her speech. Her mobility is slower but she is intentional with skills such as: drinking from a glass. Her rehabilitation is intense and has become her purpose. Recovery after this medical crisis can take a year or more, according to data from Brigham and Women’s Hospital AVM treatments and diagnosis.

Jess’ Neurosurgeon Dr. Nirav J. Patel of Brigham and Women’s Hospital performed her repairs needed to stop the bleed and correct the entangled vessels from AVM.

According to his in-depth discussion on AVM treatments and diagnosis Patel explained what AVM is on his patient page which includes videos of the type of repairs he makes to the brain.

“The tangle of arteries and veins usually develops before birth or shortly after,” according to data on Brigham and Women’s website (AVM and Neurological specialties). “Occasionally, an AVM forms later in life, thought it is unclear if the risk for an AVM is passed down through families genetically. For someone with an AVM an increase in blood pressure is a risk factor for rupture.”

For more information on AVM and data on recovery from the procedure such as Jess’ visit  brighamandwomens.org.

Jess is the only girl with three brothers one of whom is her twin — she has always been close to her mom and now more so than ever.

This month when she returned home after three months at Spaulding Rehabilitation in Boston Jess still has her appointments for outpatient services as she continues to gain her strength. She was welcomed with an outpouring of messages, well-wishes and flowers.

“Living in a small town all the training helped save her life, said Julie when every second counted.

The family is grateful for each person who had a hand in the positive out coming.

Deputy Chief  Rob O’Brien prepped  Henry Wrightington for his shot during a clinic at Hanson Middle School Friday, Feb. 5, in which the communitiy’s seniors age 75 and over received a COVID-19 vaccine. Jack Concree, right, received the vaccine as he was joking that it was not painful at all. See more photos, page 9.

As snow storms go, this week’s edition was not a big boost for snowlovers, as the few inches the region got was largely washed away by overnight rains Monday into Tuesday. But there was some work to get done. The Whitman Department of Public Works cleared the sidewalks as the weather forecast predicted a freeze of the slushy snow. A Blue Heron picked its way through reeds at the shore of Wampatuck Pond in Hanson on Tuesday, making for a beautiful winter scene following the days long drenching rains. See more photos, page 8.

By Stephanie Spyropoulos
Express staff

Looking for a good read?

If you are looking for love this Valentine’s Day or a guide to a new hobby, the topics are endless at your local library. There are also a host of books in every genre waiting to intrigue you.

Public libraries may be closed to foot traffic in Massachusetts due to COVID-19 restrictions, but there are plenty of ways to effectively use the libraries to remain involved; from children’s and teen book clubs to adult motivational and crafting events.

“They are monitoring State wide restrictions in hopes of resuming by appointment visits,” said  Karen Stolfer Hanson’s library director.

Activities are done via Zoom and use the sign up and reserve your spot method via their website or by calling the library directly.

Hanson has taken their yoga time with Miss Kate to a virtual mat-visit in which families can create relaxation and exercise.

Both towns are offering a “take and make” style crafting which is available through curbside pick up.

Whitman’s theme for the February holiday will be a Girl Scouts-sponsored valentines’ craft. Both towns have had a penguin craft befitting the cold weather. The popularity of the themed grab and go style crafts reached 80 to 100 items which are pre-made with instructions and in a paper bag for pickup so when they run out they make more, according to Whitman’s Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Young.

Both Hanson and Whitman are updating social media pages daily with current events through Zoom and curbside arrangements

Recently via Facebook they shared photos for book lovers -humorous in nature -to remind patrons that they can still read, cuddle up in a warm blanket and enjoy a cold day with a satisfying book.

The Mind in the Making grant recently provided an outdoor, oversized, story- book walk on the front pavement at Whitman Library.

The pages of a children’s book are printed on large displays for families to read and interact in an outdoor setting.  The jacket I wear in the snow, by Shirley Neitzel and illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker was January’s featured book.

Like hundreds of libraries throughout Massachusetts inventing ways to stay connected with patrons has been the intentions of staff.

In requesting materials “book bundles” have been made for patrons. Providing their library card number, for children include their age, as well as genres, or specific books by title and author the library will put the books together for your contact free pick up.

Hanson is offering mobile hot spots an internet connection for remote learning and with sign up and reservations the offering is available for one week checkouts.

A pre-sign up craft for teens and adults is a mug with marker design. It requires adult supervision for the final steps in heating the project.

Once a month teens can join In the Middle Book club sponsored in memory of Hanson resident Grett  Lozeau  a long time educator.

  The event is hosted via Zoom and the club discusses new books, plays trivia and online games.

Information on taking part in the listed activities and upcoming dates for the months ahead can be found on Hanson’s Facebook page or their website calendar of events at [email protected] or hansonpubliclibrary.org.

Whitman has recently announced their signups for a craft of paper lanterns in celebration of Lunar New Year in the first two weeks of February. Visit whitmanpubliclibrary.org.

WHITMAN — The first round of COVID-19 vaccinations have arrived in town.

Whitman Firefighters received the Moderna vaccine this starting Wednesday, Jan. 13.  First responders are some of the primary front ine workers to receive the vaccination in a state wide effort against COVID.

Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno, Medical Director Dr. Daniel Muse of Brockton Hospital Signature Health Care and Whitman fire personnel combined their efforts to get the area town fire departments the vials of the anticipated inoculation.

The minimum of 200 people required for a vaccine site was not met so the department had to pool together and Brockton Hospital Signature Health Care was nice enough to take on all area departments, said Matt Busch Whitman fire’s EMS officer.

They are operating under the umbrella of Brockton Hospital who does all the ordering to meet the state mandate.

They received 24 doses for department members, which were distributed over two days. The second shot will be in 28 days for the two part vaccine.

Whitman Fire rescue went through a long process with the state to get their Massachusetts Immunization Information certification, said Firefighter Steve Foster infection control officer.

They are now registered as an inoculation site for the state of Massachusetts when and if the time comes Whitman fire will be able to administer vaccinations.

The criteria and information is all pending decisions through the State, which has not been currently established.

HANSON — Raising funds toward his Eagle Scout project, TJ Woodward of Hanson — a junior at South Shore Technical High School — hosted a can and bottle drive last weekend at the Nathaniel Thomas Mill parking area.

For several hours on Jan. 9 and despite the bitter chill, his supporters did not disappoint in the first step of fundraising towards his project he has neared his monetary goal to start gathering materials.

His purpose in the venture is to create a parking lot with leveled gravel, a trail kiosk with a map of the trail system to Poor Meadow, which has over 300 acres of town owned land.

Currently the area which abuts Saw Mill Lane and is about 1/8 of a mile from the railroad tracks is marked by a small sign and is a rough, dirt pull off.  Having the area accessible and clearly marked will create better opportunities for people to explore nature.

Woodward is planning to complete his Eagle Scout project by June of 2021.

His proposal and approval, through both the town of Hanson and Mayflower Counsel, which oversees the region including his Troop 68 was completed on Oct. 26, 2020.   

The beneficiary of the project is Hanson Conservation Commission.

The can drive will aid in funding his materials, and the five plaques highlighting some of the areas in Poor Meadow.  He is still developing ideas on that portion of the project, which will be approximately one to two miles of nature trail.

Woodward received many warm wishes from former Scouts and residents who read about his can drive and dropped off large quantities of bottles.   

With offers of assistance from several attendees during the can drive Woodward said he was pleased with the fluid crowd who kept socially distant in drive up and drop off style.

“I definitely think it was nice – the turnout we had and donations of bottle and cans.  A lot of people mentioned where they saw the event posted and mentioned our signs. They were excited to see that they could drop off their cans, he said.    

During the early restrictions of COVID-19 closures recycling center had limited drop offs and hours. People were saving cans and bottles, which TJ benefited from.

As of now the main materials he is looking for are lumber and recycled gravel or recycled asphalt, he said if anyone still wishes to contribute.

In his deciding factors for his Scout project Woodward knew this vicinity needed sprucing up.

“For me I realized it was a great area of opportunity it will provide a great area for the town to use.

Adding a couple more walking trails to enjoy and see all the nature we have in our town,” said Woodward.

HANSON — Surrounded by branches on nearly three acres of land 10 Nigerian Dwarf Goats were busy munching on Christmas trees at Channel Homestead in Hanson this week.

Goats are known for their fondness of forest fare, making them perfect disposal units for discarded holiday trees.

Christanie, Matt and Hunter Channell  1½,  live on the homestead and are busy with dozens of daily tasks to keep the farm in motion especially during the pandemic.

They recently posted on local town Facebook pages that they were accepting drop-offs of Christmas trees in all varieties. While there is no fee involved, they do ask that the trees are still alive. There are great nutrients for the goats and a natural de-wormer for their chickens.

This past weekend, a pile of nearly 100 trees and counting were lined against their penned property and in their pickup truck bed — waiting to be served.

Due to COVID-19 the family are currently not allowed to  have visitors come to see the  Nigerian Dwarf Goats, but as restrictions change they will be welcoming people back for visits. They plan to continue having themed family farm days similar to last year, which they said were successful.

Among their livestock are Flemish giant rabbits, blue Swedish ducks, Wynadotte chickens and two horses, that are available for riding lessons.

Christanie teaches individual riding lessons in the afternoons as well as rising early to care for the animals. 

The COVID pandemic gave her the push to expand all of her products she had begun to work on Christanie said. She is aiming to add additional products in the future but currently  handmakes body soaps, lotions hand sanitizers, shampoo and conditioner bars and body scrub products as well as bath bombs all with their own goat milk just to name a few. Lavender-scented calming room spray has been a hot product as she is already working on new items for the coming months.

These products, several varieties are unscented, are for sale at the farm stand at the front of their property.

She has received feedback from customers on the benefits of their goat milk products, which has been helpful for people with sensitive skin, eczema and other skin issues.

They also have product with activated charcoal and two CBD oil soaps- made in a tea tree and a citrus scent. ‘’It’s as good as you can get for your skin’’, she said. They are committed to using all natural, raw ingredients in their cold process.

Jarred honey, honey sticks, candy and eggs direct from the farm are also available for purchase.  Spring will be full of activity as they have planned breeding for several of the animals for their own as well as client breeding services.

The spacious barn has also been host to bridal showers. They have pre-order custom favors and seasonal gift baskets. They also schedule on location, outdoor pony parties.

For more information on their services and contact information visit their webpage channellhomestead.org  they are also on Facebook at Channell Homestead

The 20th annual Whitman Area Toy Drive is working hard to gather donations, as they are weeks away from the Christmas holiday in a year of apprehension and doubt.

“We want these kids to have something under the Christmas tree … and COVID is not going to stop Christmas in Whitman,” said a determined President of the Whitman Area Toy Drive Donnie Westhaver.

Along with Vice President and co founder Jane Plasse, Westhaver said the organization is unwavering in their mission to meet the need of families in Whitman.

Seeing the community prevail over this year’s health and financial challenges of 2020 has been heartwarming for organizers as they look toward another drive-by toy drop off  this week being hosted in Abington to benefit the Whitman Area  Toy Drive. The community is encouraged to provide a toy for those in need.

The call to lend a hand in filling Christmas wishes is being answered as members of the community have amped up donations.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, Whitman Police held their sixth Annual Stuff-A-Cruiser benefit to assist the toy drive outside at the Whitman police station — filling nine cruisers in total throughout the day. Sunday’s turnout was larger than years past.

School Resource Officer Kevin Harrington extended a thank you to everyone that brought toys to their annual Stuff-A-Cruiser. He also thanked his partners in the event Whitman Officer David Hickey, Plasse and Westhaver for what they do for the community.

“Without people like you those in need would not be able to provide a Merry Christmas for their families. A big thank you to the Whitman community for your generosity during these trying times!” Harrington expressed in a social media post.

The community support is unwavering even though the changes of this year’s drive started with “mild concern,” Westhaver said.

Toll booth fundraisers normally set up in the Town Center had been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions placing a deficit of $3,500 that the non-profit would have had at this time in December compared to past years, according to Westhaver.

Other donors have stepped in to help close that gap.

This week, Plasse and Westhaver were presented a “sizeable” donation from North Eastern Savings Bank on Bedford Street helping to offset the loss of other fund raisers that had been successful in past years but had to be cancelled this year.

We are concerned with the safety of all staff included (due to CDC regulations) we find that this is the safest way to continue the toy drive this year for the families to do their pick up via a drive through process, he said.

They are asking that residents be patient as they are answering as many direct messages and phone calls daily.

“We are taking a wish list for the children and we are going to do the best we can. We cannot allow parents to come in to the pavilion like in years past to pick out or handle the toys,” said Westhaver.

The plan, as in almost all events is to use the drive through method of distribution.

As of right now  there will be announced times for pick up as details become  finalized, organizers are asking for those in need to privately direct messages on Facebook to their  Whitman Area Toy Drive page.

In the meantime, the toy drive is also seeing people helped in the past, stepping up to give back.

Westhaver’s heart was warmed on Sunday after receiving toys from a woman who had been down on her luck several years ago.

She had received help from the toy drive and was giving back to help others now that she is back on her feet, he said.

Having a moment such as this was exactly why they continue to do the toy drive, he added.

An easier modification that can also assist the toy drive directly is a new Venmo account; reducing contact for people who wish to donate to cash orders but are socially distancing from outside events. Cash was used online for the Black Friday sales and free delivery specials allowing for increase in momentum as the shelves are expanding each day.

Residents are reminded Marcello’s sub shop, and Duval’s Pharmacy has a toy drop box as well as the main lobby at the Whitman police station.

Westhaver also commended the continued work of the Food pantry of Whitman St. Vincent De Paul who they work closely with in providing holiday meals.   A giving tree at the Holy Ghost church in Whitman is also a direct benefit to the Toy drive.

Abington Colony Cares for the Community located at 277 Washington Street on Dec. 11 from 5-8 is hosting a toy drive-up -drop off.  

Santa’s helpers will be outdoors with boxes excepting food pantry (non perishable) donations and unwrapped toys.

Some recent trends for tweens include LED lights in new decorating fads for bedrooms.  Westhaver said there are also requests for crafts, sketch pads, art supplies and gift cards to local businesses, nails salons, and coffee shop treats.

HANSON — This year residents appear to be decorating their yards and homes earlier in the milder days of November — with colorful lights, tied pine wreaths with red bows  and oversized ornaments hanging in trees — to create an aura of hope and holiday joy.

Instead of Black Friday shopping last week, several families were lining their yards with pre-lit holiday inflatable characters, setting up oversized reindeer and even an antique carriage with holiday floral.

In Hanson, Jan Pompeo had wrapped up Thanksgiving dinner and was hanging lights by Friday morning to start celebrating Christmas with her grandchildren.

“They are my life – all the therapy I need,” she laughed as she hugged a grandson. The pair enjoyed their time as they un-knotted a small set of white lights.

Her 14-year-old grandson Sam Pompeo of Whitman was doing the climbing as he hung the strands of lights from her arbor way; a giant, pre-lit, golden, wicker deer glistened at the front doorway.

Spending time decorating with his grandmother was a way of making memories, he said.

Sam had anticipated a Thanksgiving holiday and the upcoming Christmas season as still one full of excitement and he wasn’t feeling as though he missed out on anything given the CDC requirements for smaller gatherings.

Al and his son Michael Di Carlo who live on Indian Head Street decorate each year with inflatables spread out to create a splattering of colored lights across their yard they wave as they hear honks on their busy street.

Michael, who is a sophomore at Whitman-Hanson and works at Shaw’s in Hanson, enjoys social interaction and creating a Christmas vibe. His large, extended family of several generations normally gather for both traditional turkey and authentic Italian foods but this year was a smaller gathering non-the-less with great food.

“We keep spirit strong for the holidays,” said Michael, who agreed with his father it was time to flip the power on to blow up Frosty the Snowman. They shook out the plastic characters as they bloated themselves upright. He says like his grandfather he will accept the torch to carry on the holiday decorating tradition something he is proud to do.

At the other end of town off King Street The Holiday House of Hanson on 16 Woodbrook Lane is getting prepared to  host its Second Annual Scavenger Hunt to benefit the Hanson Food Pantry.

Owners Tim and Kimberly Young moved here in 1998. Their teenagers have grown up with the decorating, assisting and adding to the collections.

Each year the ornaments and inflatables have multiplied and increased in scale.

“Just come by… it will lift your spirit,” said Tim, who has dreamed up the yard design for just that purpose. “It is creating happiness, which is much needed at this time.

“I have always loved Christmas and that is how it started,” Tim said of his passion for the cheery collectables. He has kept his original collection of over 20 years ago the pieces are nostalgic amidst the newest characters of trolls, gingerbread men, nutcrackers and lots of Disney characters to list a few.

Young has favorite a T-shirts (his holiday attire) including one from from the iconic National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with the Griswolds.

Over the years they’ve received enormous feedback from families who stop, photograph, and walk the sidewalk to get a look at the collectables many whom return each year.

A family from Hanover who lives on King Street  stopped to say thank you and hello as they walked the sidewalk.

“This is so much fun and we came last year said the Ingle family who brought their 4-year-old Kaylee Ingle who was happiest to see the Trolls in the front yard.

The Young’s have a collection box, a letter to Santa mailbox (they are good friends with the guy in the big red suit) and as of last year were able to donate $900 raised through collected donations to the Hanson Food Pantry.

They also have four tubs of food prepared so far this fall, which they began to assemble for the food pantry during their Halloween light show.

As for a total tally of holiday inflatables Young would not create a spoiler alert because that is one of the questions on the upcoming scavenger hunt Dec. 12 and 13. The event is limited due to social distancing and participants need to fill out a form through their Facebook page to make an appointed time of arrival for the event. The details are listed on their page along with recent donations given to the food pantry.

Chris Cameron Director of Hanson Food Pantry was thrilled to hear of the upcoming event to benefit their program.

“The community support in Hanson is just amazing we are blessed to have so many caring people,” she said

The Pantry averages serving 100 families monthly and in compliance with the State regulations for COVID-19 they are using a drive up distribution.

“We are so blessed with donations,” Cameron said. “We are well stocked and work with the Greater Boston Food Bank, Target of Hanover and Shaw’s in Hanson.”

The Hanson Shaw’s location is currently hosting Turkey Bucks, which is to alleviate food insecurities via the food bank. Shaw’s regional headquarters has also given grants to the Hanson Food Pantry, according to Cameron. The drive-up distribution hours are Tuesday’s from 10 a.m. to noon and from 6 to 8 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt guests are asked to donate $10 that will go to the pantry.

Information can be found on the Facebook page The Holiday House of Hanson.

Guests can listen to Christmas music on radio station 105.3 as they watch the lights outside the home.

Weather such as high winds can affect the nightly viewing and the Young’s post on their Facebook page if there are any changes to create the best viewing possible for guests.