HANSON — A Star Wars Symposium was held at the Hanson Public library on Dec. 28 with several local families and Star Wars aficionados gathering for a visit over winter vacation.

Peter Struzziero, a “Star Wars” buff since childhood, brought his collection of toys dating back to the first trilogy, which began in 1977. He joked that the toys were out of the boxes, which may have disturbed a fanatical fan. The group was gifted with time and touch for each of the visitors. Exploring and handling the collection of toys in a form of a movable museum was all things “Star Wars.” Struzziero shared his knowledge with ages ranging from five to 55.

He presented memes and humorous videos in a short introduction poking fun at both himself and other enthusiasts that have every toy and collectors dream cabinet full with Star Wars-related memorabilia … but they never free any of it from its original packaging.

During the movie clips, the toys from Struzziero’s collection appeared to take on different shapes and colors as the lights were lowered. The children laughed hysterically over YouTube Lego  and cat related Star Wars humor.

Struzziero fired trivia at some of the teens, who could recite nearly entire portions of the epic space opera.

Their vast knowledge was impressive and they provided explanations that solved or at least debated the trivia answers.

Will Clements, 11, of Hanson donning an X Wing Star Fighter helmet and later was seen in a harmless lightsaber duel.  He attended with his father and they talked with other enthusiasts about which movies they saw and will be seeing in re-runs and new on demand releases.

Danny, 4, and Ryan, 6,  Delue of Hanson along with their three sisters all attended the symposium with their mom.

They were in costumes and played with each of the loose figurines along with the Skowyra brothers of Whitman.

Matthew, 5, was Darth Vador and his brother Zack, 7, was a storm trooper and with help from his mom tried on the matching helmet from Struzziero’s collection.

Matt Lawson, 12, of Hanson wore a Chewbacca mask as he watched the movie with John Goodrow, 15, also of Hanson.   The pair laughed at similar parts of the memes.  Richard Goodrow father of John said he didn’t really get in to the “Star Wars” phenomena until the movie Rogue one from 2016.

The pair now shares a common interest however John could easily play mind tricks on his father with his intense, endless facts on “Star Wars” characters, creatures, and galactic battles.

When this reporter confessed that she did not know anything about the “Star Wars” sagas there was a gasp and then silence fell over the room.

It was the perfect time to learn …and until next time “May the Force be with you!”

HANOVER — Chris Herren, who once wore a Celtics jersey, lost every dime he ever earned to his drug habits. As a former American national basketball player who also played on various teams overseas, he stood before the entire school last week at South Shore Tech to tell his story.

Herren described his longing to taste that “item” that had such an immense hold on his dad — he wondered how that little can of beer could be so powerful that it made his mother cry and was crumbling  the family life around him.

As a curious teen he tried beer behind the shed of his house where he got caught and promised his mother he would never do it again. But addiction took hold and rapidly escalated  until pills, and eventually heroin owned him.

In the clutches of the opioid epidemic Herren he was in a fight with  the devil as he tried over and over to detox and stay clean but it eventually took another downward spiral with overdoses and the continuous cycle ensued.

He was an open book for the students, sharing all the details of his recovery and sobriety, chronicling details of his lowest of lows.

He recounted the biggest moments in life when he still  purchased drugs only hours after his baby was born; his wife still in the hospital from her delivery. He returned to heroin to get high.

He described his behavior, his need to get a fix at all costs even playing in the NBA high on drugs, on which he was dependent on emotionally and physically.

Herren’s presentation began with a short film that  highlighted his career both the rise and fall with interviews from his coaches and how he over the years made his new mission to speak in his rawest form, to share his story with thousands in his 11 years in sobriety — to give hope to others that sobriety was possible.

He appeared to have so much but there was no way his confident façade could hide his inner demons, he said.

It became visible that his drug use was taking over and cost him his basketball career — he was labeled a “risk” for teams to sign. He had a few opportunities that brought him back to the game again, but he blew those chances with time, as well.

Herren spoke intentionally, confessing and evoking conversation on the same level in the room of an intensely focused audience.

Teachers and students became emotional, tears streaming down faces of those who listened to Herren. The obvious energy palpable as high schoolers fidgeted and tapped their feet lightly on the floor, nervously shifting in their seats. In expression of grief friends hugged one another in the gymnasium at the hour-long assembly.

Herren also touched on topics of self-harm and mental health, both he had experienced in hearing from teens who reached out to him in the past and understood that addiction begins somewhere else first in most situations.

After falling time and time again, he said he realized after telling his own story that many  youngsters  had stories of their own — critical for healing to both the younger generation and himself.

Herren acknowledged that a conversation such as his is a difficult one, but as he told his story he also reminded students and staff that — with no exception —they each had a hand in helping sometimes just listening was the beginning step.

Failure to address the epidemic and sweeping it under the rug was not an option. He encouraged communication and talk about the need for facilitation, services and helping one another.

In wrapping up his story Herren wondered aloud how many kids in the room knew a friend or family member who was struggling and didn’t know how to help. It was clear by the reactions that the drug and alcohol epidemic has spread far and wide in our communities.

Knowing beer is a driving force behind his father’s alcoholism he said he is aware that he will get a call someday that his dad has drank himself to his own death. He had already prepared in his mind that the day would come.

Answering a student’s question on what the one most regretful act during his drug use was Herren recalled not being able to keep his promises.

He was unable to keep his pledge of sobriety to his mother — she passed away before he gained a clean lifestyle. She never got to see him drug-free.

With question and answers at the culmination of the assembly Herren only received a few questions in front of the crowd — but the moment he turned off the microphone and stepped in to the rows of chairs he was hugged and tapped on the shoulder by dozens of students who approached him.

Murmurs and parts of conversations could be heard as he commended each student with a hug or high five just a moment of caring and he had a positive comment for each of them.

The students and staff had counselors available all day following the presentation.

Chris Herren has built a community around substance use prevention and recovery. He has shown us that even the best can falter, and even the most desperate can rise. An author, motivational speaker and wellness advocate, Herren has founded three organizations that provide programs and services with the goal of overcoming setbacks and navigating life’s challenges, according to his website. To read more about Chris Herren and his recovery, wellness programs and speaking engagements visit chrisherren.com.

WHITMAN — Getting down to the wire with wrapping and rushing to meet the holiday deadlines, many families took a break this weekend to slow down and share in free events offered by Whitman Recreation and to give back at the Whitman Police, through the annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event.

The Recreation party was a family friendly experience with crafts, face painting and other activities held at the Town Hall on Saturday with a visit from the big guy himself.

Photos were welcomed with Santa who read many lists from all the children.

A family movie night was also held with snacks and a showing of the movie “Polar Express” in the Town Hall Auditorium later in the day.

The week before Christmas is full of activity for Whitman Area Toy Drive as the group planned to assist local families — aiding some 500 families by season’s end.

Co-organizers Donnie Westhaver and Jane Plasse, who started Whitman Area Toy Drive to aid those in need 19 years ago said they  have seen an increase in need from years past.

Paul Colgate also a partner of the Whitman Area Toy Drive now in his fourth year came aboard with the organization after seeing the difference the collaboration was creating for people in hardship.

“I thought what they were doing is incredible and I have stayed ever since,” said Colgate who was accepting boxed toys.

With an influx of traffic through the parking lot, many families were pulling up to drop bags off and helpers were placing them in the backs of the two Whitman cruisers. At the end of the event the collection filled six cruisers to the roof.

Families who dropped in to also meet Santa were treated to light refreshments, cocoa and coffee served with a stuffed animal gift, which was given to the littlest ones in return for their kindheartedness. It was cold and breezy but thoughtfulness warmed the air.

Officers Dave Hickey and Kevin Harrington who along with other officers also had their families along to assist said during the event that it was going “awesome.”

Tillman the dog tried to assist with the toy donations with his owner Officer Hickey but he was too distracted by the crumbs from the sweets – he did, however, give plenty of kisses to everyone who greeted him as a thank you for the donations.

Julia Harrington, a senior at Whitman Hanson who is planning on majoring in forensic biology next fall, has attended the event for the last three years and volunteers with her father.

She said she is happy to see the difference the event makes and plans to return from college next year to attend.

“Giving kids the toys they may not be able to afford on Christmas… it means a lot,” she said.

In collaboration with the food pantry Westhaver said

They are planning to assist 500 families total from this event with a holiday meal and gifts.

The requests for toys this year included an increase in craft items and science-themed games and toys. Plasse posted a thank you message on social media on behalf of the Whitman Area Toy Drive.

Plasse extended her gratitude for the Sunday event, which was held at the Whitman police department parking lot.

“I would like to say thank you for everyone’s generosity … to our community,” she said. “With everyone’s help, we filled six cruisers with new unwrapped toys and gift cards for the older kids. These donations will help many families have a nice Christmas this year. I would also like to say a special Thank You to Kevin Harrington and Dave Hickey for putting on this annual event for the past four years to benefit the Whitman Area Toy Drive. Without this event many families would not be having a nice Christmas. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

FE-LINE FINE: Tommy Pelton, 4, of Hanson ran to get a quick hug from children’s book character ‘Pete the Cat,’ above, during the annual open house at the Hanson Public Library, Saturday, Nov. 16. Madison Harding, 3, was awestruck when she saw Pete the Cat walk in the room. See more photos, page 11.                                                                  

WHITMAN — The streets were lined with hundreds of locals from all over the South Shore Monday, Nov. 11 — many whom had relatives marching in the 66th annual Tri-Town Veteran’s Day Parade. This year’s parade hosted by Whitman was dedicated in honor of the 75 Anniversary of the Poppy — made famous by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” about the sacrifices made in the war.

The towns of Whitman, Abington and Rockland joined together to honor those who served and those who were lost.

Multiple generations were represented along the route. Youngsters waved flags and many marched in time as decorated soldiers and military groups passed by the viewing stand.

WWII veterans were mixed among those who served more recently, with each branch of military represented. An oversized flag flew over the start of the parade route by the Whitman Post Office as attendees remembered the fallen.

One family who celebrated their lineage in Whitman had four generations represented at the Veteran’s Parade.

Lillian Morgan, 98, of Whitman a Marine widow was tucked in with a heavy blanket in her wheelchair as she held an American flag. She donned a white ascot belonging to her late husband of 74 years Marine John J. Morgan Jr.  He served on a ship at Guadalcanal, according to his daughter Maggie Adams.

Adams walked a portion of the parade route pushing her mother to allow her a glimpse of her great-grandkids that were in the parade.

Along with Morgan’s granddaughter Julia Nanigian and her great-granddaughter Scarlett, the pair accounted for four generations at the Parade.

They made their way through the Colebrook Cemetery to view a service project by great granddaughter Scarlett’s Brownie troupe but  the terrain proved too bumpy for her chair.

Whitman Brownie Troupe 82685 had taken on a community project to upkeep a grave of a veteran and they were given the site of Medal of Honor recipient Lt. John R. Fox who served in WW II, and was killed in action on Dec., 26, 1944.

Following the parade, two of the families including troupe leader Christine Hadden and her daughter Nora Hadden, 7, stopped to see the shined and weed-free grave at the Colebrook Cemetery.

Michelle Roy and her daughter Clara, 7, pointed out some of the areas that were cleared including the special addition of a headstone that appeared in the last few months for Lt. Fox’s widow Arlene Marrow Fox who died on Dec. 11, 2015. (The group believes that a family member of Fox had the headstone placed over the summer).

Learning history on Fox, the Brownies shared how they felt about volunteering for the  cleanup Clara said she knew Fox was “really special” and explained the reason why the group painted rocks to spell the word hero, which they left over the top of the headstone.

She said they used patriotic colors that were also part of the colors of the American flag.

Both girls knew they were a part of something significant and said they were happy to help paint the rocks found at the graveside.

Nora Roy also wanted residents to know that she thought it was special that we celebrate Veteran’s Day every year.

“We celebrate that the people who served –(fought)  so they could save us from danger, ”she said.

The  group of elementary-age students will be cleaning in the spring and their leaders are hoping to get families involved in the project  with weeding and watering the site. They do not want the engraved memorial to become overgrown with moss again.

Every rock that was dug up from around the site was used in the secondary painting project. The painted rocks were formed into a heart shape with the word “Hero” in the center placed over the two headstones.

The before photos proved that the upkeep was necessary and befitting for a hero, and the group was pleased at their abilities to give back

Involving the youngest citizens and teaching them about the Veterans in our country will set the tone for continued involvement for generations to come.

Also along the parade route were scores of athletes representing all the sports teams at Whitman- Hanson Regional High School.

The groups were involved in a community project doing yard clean up for several veterans who needed assistance.

The group collectively agreed  when they finished raking that  participation in the yard work showed appreciation for local veterans.

Athlete Devin Walsh raked out the leaves from Mel Meehan’s yard. He was just one of the nearly 150 students who participated. Noting it was an important way — as a group – that they were giving back in a small way to those veterans who served, Walsh said.

Mel  Meehan  served in the  Army in Germany and has been a resident of Kendrick Street for nearly two decades. He was a recipient of lawn care by the WH athletics community service. He and his wife are caregivers for two grandsons; Logan, 7, who has special needs and Dustin, 5.

Veteran’s Agent Tom McCarthy, who stopped in to talk with families and thank Meehan for his service said he had an unbelievable feeling of gratitude when he heard that the W-H athletes not only supported the veterans at the morning parade but they were creating a community support project to give back, he said.

At the VFW in Whitman he shared the story with other veterans and he said the reaction was the same.

“They left a strong impression… by giving in such a meaningful way and coming up with the project on their own … made it even more special,” said McCarthy.

He was able to find several families in Whitman and Hanson who were in need for the yard clean-up and raking. McCarthy also credited the positive influences of W-H Athletic Director Bob Rodgers, who assisted with organizing where the students would be most needed.

Victoria Carlton a senior at Whitman Hanson said each team got assigned one yard.

‘’We had a huge turnout. We are all grateful that a lot of people attended,” she said on behalf of the yard full of fellow athletes many still catching their breath from raking.

Town officials, including selectmen, police and fire officials and former state Rep. Geoff Diehl also marched in Monday’s parade.