Whitman-Hanson Express

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Dunkin’/Speedway reopens

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HANSON — The Dunkin’ Donuts and Speedway convenience stores at 318 Main St., reopened this week — a few days after the Hanson Board of Health closed the building following the discovery of rodent droppings on food prepared and left uncovered in a cooler last week.

The Dunkin’ location occupies and rents space inside of the Speedway.

After the findings, Dunkin’ was closed on Wednesday, July 10 and Speedway was allowed only to sell gas during the closure and decontamination of the entire structure.

In an update following the reopening this week, Health Board Vice Chairman Gil Amado said that Speedway was primarily responsible as Landlord but Dunkin’ as the tenant was also responsible for the cleanup. There were approximately 20 people working on cleaning the location for two days inside the Speedway convenience store and the Dunkin’.

“The health and safety of customers is our top priority,” the Dunkin’ Brands stated in a Tuesday July 16 press release. “We have stringent food safety and quality standards that we require all franchisees to comply with, and we take great pride in the food and beverages served to our guests every day. The franchisee who independently owns and operates the restaurant, which is located within a mixed use building, addressed the issues noted during the recent inspection. We also immediately sent one of our certified operations managers to meet with the franchisee and inspect the restaurant with regard to our safety and quality standards.

Hanson BOH inspection documents, which were obtained by The Express along with notes filed verbally through an independent inspector, documented the cleanup plan moving forward and her initial consultation with Dunkin’ manager Casey Sorrentino who stated all of the food products that were affected had been removed immediately. Neither Amado nor BOH notes supported or could confirm initial reports that the food had been served despite its contamination.  The BOH inspection stated there were no violations found related to any food borne illness.

The locations have since been in compliance and were declared reopened with recommendation of proper daily clean up and shift required cleaning along with nightly and monthly cleanings. The shared coolers and storage at the back of the building were shared responsibility according to the BOH documents.

Photos that accompanied documents through the BOH were released and clearly showed encrusted floors, and build up of dirt; both near and inside walk-in coolers and refrigeration of the shared use structure.

Mouse traps were placed in the interior of refrigerated cases along with plastic-wrapped bottled drinks as seen in the photos. In cleanup and inspection notations Independent Inspector Kathleen Piemonte stated a problem had been reported two weeks ago for a rodent issue by the manager at Speedway. They reportedly had a pest control company respond as soon as they were alerted by Dunkin’ management.

Back on June 29 through July 5 there were photos and documentation filed to the BOH regarding the rodent issue.

Last week Amado said a rodent-control company was on premises following the cleanup declarations.

“We felt that it needed immediate attention and they were shut down due to an imminent health hazard,” he said at the time.

He said originally the board had received a report that there was open food in the cooler and that it was “being nibbled on by mice and that mice were defecating in the trays. We walked in the cooler and that’s what we saw,” Amado said.

The same Dunkin’ store had been shut down over health concerns in the past, but the independent inspector, contracted by the town, had found no major violations at the location during an inspection a few months ago.

Because the mice move around the whole building, both businesses were ordered to cease selling food, he noted.

“After passing subsequent inspections by both the Health Department and a certified operations manager from Dunkin’ Brands, the store has since reopened and is once again serving our loyal guests,” Dunkin’ Brands stated.

The Express had reached out to franchisee Carol Porter who had no comment and referred to the Dunkin’ brand for media comments.

Whitman Fire promotes 2

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WHITMAN — Newly sworn in Whitman Fire Deputy Chief  Al Cunningham and promoted Lt. Nick Grasso were sworn in during the Whitman Board of Selectman’s meeting in a ceremony held at Town Hall Whitman on Tuesday July 9.

Among family, friends and colleagues Chief Timothy Grenno applauded the careers and advancement of both firefighters and acknowledged the work of retiring Deputy Chief Joseph Feeney in his 32-year career in Whitman.

Lt. Nick Grasso was pinned by his wife Jennifer. He was also presented his new helmet shield as commander of shift four from Grenno.

Cunningham was pinned by his wife Kate Cunningham and joined by his adult daughters Emma and Laura.

Grasso is the first firefighter in his family. He pursued a career and has been with the department nearly two decades.

He expressed excitement and the new responsibilities in a department he has grown with starting as a call firefighter in his college years.

I am looking forward to it. I am very appreciative of the town giving me the opportunity,” said Grasso.

Cunningham echoed that excitement for his own new position and the support of colleagues and family. He will be more involved in fire prevention and enforcement as part of his positional change along with working day shifts versus his decades of overnight shifts.

“I am really proud of the department I work for- going on twenty plus years now. I work with such a great bunch of guys that are so good at what they do both on the fire ground and EMS. We know that we can’t save everybody or every building but if there is a chance – that it can be done these guys will do it. I am proud to be second in command,” said Cunningham.

Hanson farm’s goat yoga program is a big hit

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HANSON — Early morning the sun shone on 25 yogis of varied skill levels that stretched on their mats Saturday, June 22.

Amid them were three very spunky, friendly goats nicknamed the ‘Golden Girls,’ after the TV comedy — Dorothy and Blanche, both miniature Nubians and Rose a Nigerian dwarf goat.

Red Horse Farm is a serene space set slightly back off 300 High St., in Hanson.

Each weekend they host Goat Yoga —just as it sounds, the yoga class is with goats. If you love getting an intense stretch and possibly a nose kiss from a curious, furry face you may have found your niche.

Nicole Riley owner and trainer of Red Horse Farm works with the goats as local yoga instructor Kristina Northrup teaches the class.

“The interest has been amazing! We thought we’d get a few people who’d want to attend, but we’re packed every weekend! And it’s not just Hanson; we’ve had people drive all the way down from Boston to attend… which blows me away,” said Riley.
The  goats are trained to participate with the group and introduce  slight, weight-bearing additions during several poses. Riley is inside the fenced area and entices the goats with food pellets. 

“Kristina Northrup, our yoga instructor, has done such a great job,” Riley said. “We needed to train the goats prior to launching the class in May and she’s just been game from the very start! She has such a great way about teaching and we’re lucky to have her.”

A mix of genders and ages attended the Goat Yoga class.

Nick Collazo of Taunton who was adept at yoga and fitness was in a full downward facing dog and held his pose as if he barely noticed the two Nigerian dwarf goats that gently danced on his back.  Eventually he lowered himself laughing with the people around him who also took a moment to snap some cell phone pictures.

Quite possibly the goats offer a balanced enlightenment to the perfection some impose on themselves during yoga.  The audible laughter and amusement blended well in the breezy, summer air.

Nicole and her husband Paul also shared their love of the outdoors and a fairytale wedding on the property when they married in 2015.  They purchased the property in 2014 and are close to completing their renovations on the homestead, which was built in the 1800’s.

Their friends who own Hobby Knoll Stables in Duxbury brought their wedding party down High Street in a horse drawn carriage with neighbors looking on in delight.

The bride called her wedding day “magical.”

The farm also hosts a hands-on program called Little Farmers Morning for children. They learn about the goats, chickens, and horses.  It is geared towards children ages 5 to 11, with hands-on learning of horsemanship skills, goat and chicken care, egg collection with an arts and craft project or storybook.

One of her favorite parts is watching the faces of the little ones light up.

“It is the best feeling,” she said.

The RHF is primarily a boarding farm but they wanted to add things that people could enjoy in the outdoor atmosphere.

“I think its fun for those not accustomed to being around horses to hear them neigh during class or see the chickens from the yoga ring’” Riley said. “The goats, ‘The Golden Girls,’ are a riot — each with their own hilarious personality. And there’s as much laughter during class as exercise!”

RHF also offers riding lessons, and farm fresh eggs.

They are located on three acres of land, which abuts conservation land with riding trails.

There’s just something about this little farm and it’s peaceful feeling …being in the fresh air with animals is good for the soul and we hope people enjoy visiting, she said.

Upcoming events and classes, which run through October along with sign ups, are located on their website.  RedhorseFarmHanson.com.

Juvenile charged in stabbing

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WHITMAN — A 16-year-old Whitman teen is in stable condition, recovering from extensive injuries following a stabbing on Sunday evening in Whitman.

Another 16-year-old was due to face charges of assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in Brockton Juvenile Court Monday.

Police Chief Scott Benton addressed the media at Whitman Police Headquarters on Monday to confirm the two unnamed juvenile males do know one another.

“There is a victim here that suffered a significant stab wound,” said Benton. “Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the victim that he makes a full recovery,.”

The Express was on scene just after 9 p.m. Sunday night as police cordoned off the yard with crime tape following a 911 call for a stabbing at a home at the corner of Washington Street and Belcher Drive.

A knife was removed by detectives and evidence could be seen on the grass.   

A red shirt, a water bottle, and several items were lying on the lawn while detectives from Whitman police and Plymouth County sheriff’s officers investigated.  An area at the back of the house where the suspect lived was also being combed over by officers who carried a brown evidence bag to a patrol car. There were reportedly other juveniles at the Whitman home during the incident.

Detectives were due to speak with the victim at the hospital on Monday, according to Benton.

Adults who were standing on the front lawn speaking with law enforcement personnel Sunday night, declined to speak to the media. They were later seen going in to the home and closing the door.

Benton reiterated Monday that the case is ongoing and active with many details not being released due to the juveniles involved. He could not elaborate on the area in the backyard or how the disagreement began because of the ongoing investigation.

“The case involves juveniles so there is not a lot I can say,” he said.

Jared Wark, 18, of Whitman said he knows both the victim and suspect as a friend and former basketball teammate. He was not at the scene of the incident, he said.

Wark told the media outside the Whitman police station that the victim and suspect were “talking smack” and threats were made via social media.

“It is surreal. I never thought any of this would happen,” said Wark. “There were threats. No one thought he was serious and they were friends.”

He called the town of Whitman a “tight town” — a very small town.

“I love my town. We are all connected and word spread around very quickly. It is past shocking,” he said.

Benton would not confirm further details about the role of social media or the exact cause of the escalation.

“We are talking about juveniles,” Benton said. “There is nothing that I can imagine in your life, that at the age of 16, that is … (pause) could possibly cause the death of another person, “said Benton.

Plymouth County District Attorney Cruz’ office is reportedly handling the case going forward. The suspect was released to his parents and was due at Brockton Juvenile court on Monday.

The victim is expected to make a recovery but he has a long road ahead, Benton said.

Juvenile arrested after Whitman stabbing

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WHITMAN — A 16-year-old Whitman teen is in stable condition, recovering from extensive injuries following a stabbing on Sunday evening in Whitman.

Another 16-year-old was due to face charges of assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury in Brockton Juvenile Court Monday.

Police Chief Scott Benton addressed the media at Whitman Police Headquarters on Monday to confirm the two unnamed juvenile males do know one another.

“There is a victim here that suffered a significant stab wound,” said Benton. “Certainly our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the victim that he makes a full recovery,.”

The Express was on scene just after 9 p.m. Sunday night as police cordoned off the yard with crime tape following a 911 call for a stabbing at a home at the corner of Washington Street and Belcher Drive.

A knife was removed by detectives and evidence could be seen on the grass.

A red shirt, a water bottle, and several items were lying on the lawn while detectives from Whitman police and Plymouth County sheriff’s officers investigated.  An area at the back of the house where the suspect lived was also being combed over by officers who carried a brown evidence bag to a patrol car. There were reportedly other juveniles at the Whitman home during the incident.

Detectives were due to speak with the victim at the hospital on Monday, according to Benton.

Adults who were standing on the front lawn speaking with law enforcement personnel Sunday night, declined to speak to the media. They were later seen going in to the home and closing the door.

Benton reiterated Monday that the case is ongoing and active with many details not being released due to the juveniles involved. He could not elaborate on the area in the backyard or how the disagreement began because of the ongoing investigation.

“The case involves juveniles so there is not a lot I can say,” he said.

Jared Wark, 18, of Whitman said knows both the victim and suspect as a friend and former basketball teammate. He was not at the scene of the incident, he said.

Wark told the media outside the Whitman police station that the victim and suspect were “talking smack” and threats were made via social media.

“It is surreal. I never thought any of this would happen,” said Wark. “There were threats. No one thought he was serious and they were friends.”

He called the town of Whitman a “tight town” — a very small town.

“I love my town. We are all connected and word spread around very quickly. It is past shocking,” he said.

Benton would not confirm further details about the role of social media or the exact cause of the escalation.

“We are talking about juveniles,” Benton said. “There is nothing that I can imagine in your life, that at the age of 16, that is … (pause) could possibly cause the death of another person, “said Benton.

Plymouth County District Attorney Cruz’ office is reportedly handling the case going forward. The suspect was released to his parents and was due at Brockton Juvenile court on Monday.

The victim is expected to make a recovery but he has long road ahead, Benton said.

W-H’s triple threats

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The newly graduated Whitman Hanson class of 2019 is sending hundreds of motivated, bright students into their next stages of life’s adventure. For two families, that adventure has already included being part of a set of triplets.

The Express recently sat down separately with The Davis and Trongone triplets the first double set of triplets to graduate in the same year from Whitman-Hanson.

Ryan Trongone and his sisters Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ and Madison ‘Maddie’ of Whitman along with the Davis family of Hanson —Daniel ‘Dan’ and his sisters Ashley and Kathleen (not necessarily in birth order) celebrated graduation Friday, May 31. However they posed in birth order in their graduation photos.

Each of the triplets has unique personalities and are endlessly busy like average teens, but one thing they all agreed on was sitting and posing for photos needed to be in birth order. It may have been partially so their parents didn’t mix them up but both sets laughed about whether intentional or not they all approved it was a triplet thing.

Even though they are used to coming in a set they all articulated they were raised with self-sufficiently in mind and were encouraged by their parents to succeed independently of one another.

College prep: Ryan Trongone will dorm at Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he is most interested in the engineering program with a possible minor in computer science. He will be playing football there in the fall.

“I’m so excited,” he said.

It will be a tremendous change from living with his two sisters and having a mom who works from home. The transition is filled with emotions of anticipation and change.

“I feel it will be nice at first but then I will probably miss them,” said Ryan.

Maddie  and Gabby are both attending, but rooming separately, at Salve Regina College in Newport, R.I.  It will be a huge modification as they shared a bedroom through early high school.

Maddie is double majoring in teaching and special education. Gabby will be in pre-med and plans to also major in biology as part of the Pell Program.

The girls were surprised at first as neither knew the other was interested in the same school.

Currently they have similar shared groups of friends. They see this as helpful and supportive as they jointly form new freshman friendships.

Ashley Davis will be residing at The University of Mass at Boston and will be pursuing a nursing career.

Daniel is undeclared but is aiming towards working with numbers- his strong point.  Kathleen will pursue biologic-research in a lab setting among her long-term goals. They will commute to Bridgewater State University in the fall.

How do you feel about separating for colleges?

“It will be weird at first and I expect it to be a hard adjustment. I am not sure how I will feel, “said Ashley.

The Davis girls excelled at dance with Ashley also doing cheer for many years. They attend Manomet School of Dance — their aunt owns the studio where they have danced for 15 years.  Kathleen will remain as a student teacher. Having that performing connection has also been a strong bond for them.

Ryan is anticipating a good balanced taste of independence and being close enough to Hanson when he needs some home cooking and family time.

“I will be able to drive home but far enough that my mom can’t make my lunch every day,” he laughed.

They also sympathize with their mom having an empty nest. Being one of three means always having someone to talk to and having someone to hang out with the same goes for the parents having a full house as soon as the car pulls up in the driveway.

Sharing: Although most siblings do rival one another and quickly learn that nothing is just for YOU when you are one of multiples.  They all seemed to view sharing as a gift (most of the time) They are looking forward to a joint graduation party. Like all multiples they shared a birthday but their mom always got them their own favorite, special birthday cakes inviting friends and family to celebrate. Singing Happy Birthday three times may have been only when they were younger.

A positive for both families all the bathrooms will be freed up — enough said.

“Car sharing will be easier for us.” Daniel Davis said laughing.

The Davis girls still share a room and Daniel shares a room with his younger brother.

Both sets of triplets shared a classroom through middle school when teachers and classes began to rotate preparing for high school. The upside of sharing came in handy when forming friendships as most singletons understood their families automatically came as a group… it arranged friends for all of them.

The Trongones said they still distribute themselves amongst the same groups of friends and live close enough too many; even cousins who were as close as siblings to them.

The Davis’ travel in different social circles but their friends all get along with one another.

  Comfort:  Being one of three means always having someone to talk to and having someone to hang out with.

We never have to be by ourselves or if you had a nightmare there was always someone’s bed to jump in, said Maddie.

Fast facts

  Do triplets feel one another’s pain and finish one another’s sentences?

Yes and no. Both sets of girls answered at the same time, giggled and made similar statements as they reminisced with the Express.

They again answer in unison so the  Express would say ‘yes’ they finish one another’s sentences.

But the boys in both families disagreed with a ‘no’.

Healthiest eaters? The Davis girls playfully ganged up on the Daniel. Who was most likely to have Wendy’s or fast food in his hand.

“Yes. I am happy with a hamburger and fries. Kathleen loves apples, and Ashley’s favorite food is an avocado on toast,” he said.

Both sets of triplets played several sports with the Trongone’s achieving multiple awards and accolades for numerous sports throughout their high school careers.

Who is the smartest?  Although all three made National Honor Society …   Ryan Trongone was quick to claim the title.

“I’m the smartest. They (my sisters) might be mad at these answers,” he laughed.

Maddie is the most laid back with Gabby definitely the most outgoing, which was agreed by all three.

Favorite food? They all agreed that dad’s culinary skill and home cooking will be the hardest to leave with family time around the table.

The healthiest eater? Gabby!  But sister Maddie  demures.

“I think I am the healthiest eater, said Maddie,” but Gabby is definitely most motivated to exercise on her own. That was settled.

Most likely to be late: Gabby Trongone was given this title by her siblings.  She refuted the comments stating she has the ability to get up later and still be on time to both work and school.

“I am always on time … they think I am late,” said Gabby.

She also won the title of Senior Girl: Most Likely to Break – the – Ice in the yearbook citing her outgoing personality.

Roles: The Davis’ admitted as a group they feel they can be predictable, however, only to one another and their mother who has raised them with their younger brother Jeffrey, who is now 14.

The roles are distributed evenly Kathleen is the communicator and is the most organized.

Ashley has the most fun and humorous.  She called herself “light hearted.”

Where will you be in five years? Daniel foresees himself involved in a career using math — his strong suit

As a commuter next fall his plan to stay home and help his mom and brother. His goal is to save money while majoring in something he will love.  He has been doing flooring trade work with a neighbor and also works part time.

In five years a self-proclaimed city lover Ashley hopes to be working in a pediatrics program in a hospital setting.  She gained respect for and influence from the pediatricians and specialists who helped her younger brother who has a chronic illness. She feels that is a strong contributing factor in her career goals.

Kathleen would like to go into a graduate program and hopes to get her masters. She is an AP student in science and said she would encourage girls who excel in science.

“I have always wanted to look at microbiology and genetics programs.  As we see more job opportunities involving sciences opening up for both genders- if it is something they are interested in -they shouldn’t feel held back by that blockade that was there. It has been broken,” said Kathleen.

She felt her teachers encouraged her when she was younger and science was introduced to her in a positive way allowing her to stay interested and develop her strengths.

Who gets along the best?  Ryan said he gets along better with Madison because the two are both very laid back.

Daniel felt they all got along and appreciated one another as they matured. The Davis’ felt they got along better now than at any other stage in their life.

Most cherished moments? Ashley and Kathleen called their prom the most cherished memory in their lives.

Ryan said he will always cherish their senior prom after seeing his sisters all dressed up and having fun.

Gabby cherishes her family time and will miss being close with Cousin Mike who is like their second brother.

“We will miss getting together with our friends and our best friend Sammi Smith.  We all grew up together and right across the street. It will be different they (my siblings) are my best friends” added Maddie.

Gabby felt the best family times and memories in her childhood were spent in New Hampshire with her dad’s home cooking. Maddie’s most current, cherished memories are from a recent family trip to Florida in April.

“It was a great family vacation before college,” she said.

They enthusiastically agreed they will be making more memories together and independently in their next chapters of what life brings.

They all decided on one thing for sure that no matter where they are, or where they go in their adventures one thing will not change. . .

They will always come as an extraordinary set.

Man is killed by MBTA train in Hanson

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By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
[email protected]

HANSON — MBTA Transit Police said a man was struck and killed by a commuter rail train in Hanson early Wednesday morning by an in-bound train at the Hanson station.

The name of the person had not been released at press time. According to transit police, the victim was trespassing on the right of way near Main Street when he was struck.

“A male, age unknown at this time, while trespassing on the right of way in the vicinity of 1070 Main St., was struck by an inbound commuter rail train on the Kingston/Plymouth line,” Transit Police said in a statement. to Boston elevision stations “Foul play is NOT suspected.”

The incident happened at 5:30 a.m. near the Hanson Station on Main Street. Commuters already on the train were seen departing the train after 7 a.m. to be shuttled to other stations by transit buses.

Service on the Kingston/Plymouth line was delayed with inbound passengers from the Hanson station redirected to the Whitman station.

Officials from the Transit Police, Plymouth County BCI and Hanson Police and Fire responded to the scene.

MBTA officials did not make a statement at the scene, with press inquiries directed to Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan.

Hanson police shut down Route 27, which is near the tracks, from Elm to Phillips streets for the investigation. The road was closed for several hours. Regular service on the Kingston-Plymouth line did not resume until just before 9 a.m.

Local road traffic was redirected through Halifax via Elm Street for eastbound motorists out of Whitman and via Phillips Street for westbound traffic in Hanson.

Transit Police officials talk on Main Street in Hanson after a man was stuck and killed by a commuter train Wednesday morning

An MBTA commuter rail train was stopped on Main Street in Hanson for more than three hours after a man was struck and killed at the Hanson station

A Hanson Police officer escorts commuter rail passengers to waiting shuttle buses

Salute to nation’s fallen

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There have been 1.1 million U.S. military personnel killed in all American wars, including the ongoing Global War on Terror. Residents of Whitman and Hanson joined the nation in honoring those who gave that last full measure of devotion during parades and ceremonies Monday, May 27.

Whitman Girl Scouts carried posters bearing photos of that community’s war dead in the parade and, in Hanson, state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury, honored one of Hanson’s fallen during post-parade ceremonies at Fern Hill Cemetery.

“I’m standing here in what is known as the Unreturned Lot, which commemorates the lives of the 26 or 27 — we’re not exactly sure — Hanson men who were killed during the Civil War,” Cutler said, noting the 1.1 million who have fallen in all U.S. wars, such a huge number it almost becomes a statistic. “It’s hard to fathom that kind of loss. Memorial Day is an opportunity to narrow the gap between tragedy and statistic.”

Cutler did so by focusing on the loss of Tech. Sgt. Elmer R. Hammond, killed in action at the age of 21, in a B-17 on his 40th mission in the skies over WWII Europe.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 after the Navy and Marine Corps had turned him away because he was not an American citizen, Cutler related. Born in Nova Scotia in 1923, Hammond moved to Hanson with his family when he was 6. The Hanson American Legion Post bears his name.

“Tech. Sgt. Hammond was the first WWII soldier casualty from Hanson [and] he was laid to rest right here in Fern Hill Cemetery,” Cutler said. At the time of Elmer Hammond’s death, his younger brothers Sam and Gilbert were 9 and 7 years old.

“Sam later recalled that, ‘Elmer was a great guy who was brave, heroic and a guy I’d like to have as my back-up,’” Cutler said. “Sgt. Hammond is just one of the many heroes our town, our Commonwealth, and our nation have lost in war time. Today, I urge you to keep the memories of these men and women alive.”

Whitman’s Memorial Day Observances kicked off with morning wreath laying ceremonies in celebration of the 151st year honoring those who have honored their country at the cost of their lives.

Selectman Dan Salvucci addressed parade goers, citing one of his favorite local events honoring Memorial Day.

“We remember:  an event at Duval School where the kids commit to memory their relatives who have passed away and have given their all to serve to keep our country safe,” he said.

He thanked all who carried flags to honor those who passed. He shared a small narrative about honoring his late father in- law, a veteran, by carrying a flag in the parade something that he keeps close to his heart.

State Rep. Alyson Sullivan, R-Abington, thanked Pack 22 whose members had placed countless flags in honor of those fallen but not forgotten around multiple locations in Whitman.

She spoke of the sacred motivations behind celebrating Memorial Day and honoring those who have given their lives and also those who have returned as veterans some who suffer in silence with PSTD.

“Each and every war from the birth of our nation to our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has come at great cost,” Sullivan said. “As we do each year on this special day of reflection we gather, we pause we pray, we remember the heroes who served and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy these treasured gifts. … Today it’s our duty to and the duty of our grateful nation to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed.”

Three of Pack 22 scouts wrapped up the Town Hall services with a reading of prayer, moving on to lay wreaths in the WW I Memorial Arch, Colebrook Cemetery, the Town Park flag pole, Civil War Soldiers Monument and Veterans Monument all Wars -among the early morning honors several other memorials were paid tribute. The warm weather brought crowds in droves as they lined the South Avenue in front of the Town Hall and Post office.

“I really appreciate all the community support,” Hanson Veterans Agent Timothy White said during ceremonies at Indian Head School before the town’s parade stepped off.  “It’s very much appreciated.”

School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes handed a folded American flag to Scouts who raised it on the school’s flagpole to full-staff, before lowering it to half-staff for the observance before Hanson Middle School student Noah Roberts read Gov. Charlie Baker’s Memorial Day Proclamation.

Janet Hamilton, a U.S. Sanitary Commission re-enactor with the U.S. 22nd Vols., out of Rockland, was escorted by Selectman Jim Hickey in placing a wreath at the war memorial at the school. Hamilton, of Taunton, was dressed in Civil War-era mourning dress and veil to represent all widows of war dead. She was escorted by Selectmen Kenny Mitchell and Wes Blauss for a wreath laying at the town’s Civil War monument on Town Hall Green and by Selectmen Laura FitzGerald-Kemmet and Matt Dyer at the Unreturned Memorial at Fern Hill Cemetery.

The Mass. 22nd Vols. Fired a ceremonial rifle salute at each wreath-laying ceremony and members of the Hanson Middle School band played “Taps.”

“Let peace prevail among all the nations,” the Rev. Peter Smith of Hanson Congregational Church said in his prayer opening the day’s events.

Roberts recited the Gettysburg Address at Fern Hill and the Rev. Michael Hobson of St. Joseph the Worker Church closed with a prayer for blessings on the fallen and for their families’ peace of heart and mind.

Donnie’s on the road again

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WHITMAN — Not long ago, if you had asked Donnie Westhaver of Whitman what he would be doing in two years, driving a motorcycle would probably not be what you would have expected to hear.

Westhaver has been confined to a wheelchair after suffering devastating complications from spinal fusion surgery just two years ago. He now lives as a quadriplegic only recently gaining hand and arm strength with braces and grueling, twice weekly physical therapy.

Living in a wheelchair and the life altering circumstances does not define him, however. He has made his life mission and purpose about serving and helping others.

He admits that he struggles with having to rely on helpers to transport him to appointments although he has a handicap assessable van he is unable to operate it independently, yet. One day he hopes to have the arm strength to operate independently.  For now he gratefully relies on friends and family to take him out, he said.

Recently he began researching the Marine Mobility Conquest Trike, a handicapped assessable customizable trike that allows a wheel chair to fit compatibly and stably on a platform inside a motorized compartment. It was a limited product no longer being manufactured and Westhaver thought the chances were slim that he would cross paths with the bike.

But, as fate would have it, he received a call from his cousin in Texas who had seen the exact trike on EBAY. They tracked it down made a bid and the rest is history.

He has received encouragement from his family to gain some independence and a sense of freedom again.

The last few years have been emotional after losing his wife Susan from lung cancer. They were married for over 40 years. Having so many changes in a short period of time has not been easy, he said.

He sold his trailer and boat to free up funds for the trike.

“My family agreed that it was best to sell them now in order to be able to use something that would give me mobility to get around,” said Westhaver.

His attitude is infectious and giving back to the community re-energizes him. He has co-organized the Whitman Area Toy Drive for over a decade providing hundreds of families in need with toys, gift cards and food during the holiday. He also served as president of the VFW men’s auxiliary and is a past commander of the Whitman Sons of the American Legion. He helps and stays involved with other groups as well. He is the retired superintendent of the Whitman DPW, and a founder of Whitman Wheels for disabled Veterans and Citizens which provides medical mobility equipment to those that cannot afford the items due to lack of insurance or monetary reasons.

When the trike arrived it was comparable to Christmas morning.

The most incredible part of the mobility trike when it arrived was the 3-D artwork from front to back, he said.

“Seeing the photos online really did not do it justice,” said Westhaver.

As he poured over the artwork he wondered more about the drawings and what they meant. He reached out to the artist John Steven St. Clair of Florida the former owner of Metal Mafia Custom Painting in Orlando. He spoke several times with Westhaver explaining why the photos depicted on the moving mural meant so much to his customer and friend Mike. (Since the Express could not reach out to his family they are identifying him only by his first name.)

St. Clair relayed the stories of each piece of art to Westhaver. One of the most impressionable sections of the trike is a row of four faces all  Mike’s fallen military comrades — tributes to Pfc. Jay S. Cajimat,  Sgt. Andrew R. Looney,  Cpl. Durrell Bennett and Sgt. William Wayne Crow whose deaths were all related to their services oversees following  9-11 said St. Clair as he was told.

Westhaver has poured over the surface, which are emblazoned with emotional depictions undoubtedly a mix of memories and nightmares as Mike suffered from severe PTSD and took his own life several years ago.

On the day he spoke with the Express, Westhaver’s registration plate arrived via Gail Varraso of O’Rourke’s Insurance in Whitman. She was as happy as Westhaver who beamed from ear to ear as he held the numbered tag that would allow him a taste of the open road riding Mike’s trike. The freedom allotted to Westhaver has somehow been restored even in the smallest of amounts as he prepares to drive again.

Multiple fires keep WFD crews busy

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Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno, third from left, and Hanson Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr., third from right, talk with firefighters and residents of 81 School St., March 21. (Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos)

WHITMAN — The last several weeks have been exceptionally busy for first responders in Whitman, Fire Chief Timothy Grenno said Tuesday. Amid day-to-day medical calls, the department has responded to four separate house fires since Feb. 13.

One of the fires occurred at 4:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, only hours after firefighters returned from an extensive brush fire on the Whitman Abington town line.

Early Tuesday morning the Whitman Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 142 Raynor Ave.

A passerby noticed the fire and called 911 also waking the family inside and helping them safely get out of the house. There were no reported injuries, according to a statement through Grenno’s office.

When firefighters arrived, the single-family ranch-style home had fire showing from an outside wall of an attached garage. The fire had extended up the exterior wall and the interior walls of the garage. Abington fire department responded to the scene to provide assistance.

The fire was quickly brought under control and firefighters successfully prevented the flames from spreading further into the house.

The initial investigation indicates that the fire started accidentally due to the spontaneous combustion of oily rags that were used earlier in the day to strip a floor.

“I would like to commend the passerby for their quick actions in calling 911 and having the wherewithal to wake up the family and get them out of the house,” Chief Grenno said. “Anyone dealing with oily rags or cloths should never leave them in a pile and should hang them up to dry or lay them out on the ground. As the rags dry, they give off heat and if the heat is not released it can cause a fire.”

At about 2:30 p.m., Monday March 25, Whitman Fire Department helped in extinguishing a large brush fire that started in Abington on Brockton Avenue .

“Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the fire had spread toward the high tension power lines on the Whitman/Brockton town lines. The large swath of land sits near the town lines of the three communities. ‘Whitman deployed a brush truck, engine and shift commander to help coordinate extinguishing the flames’” Grenno said.

Firefighters from Abington, Brockton and Holbrook responded and were relocated to keep ahead of the flames.

It took firefighters about two hours to fully extinguish the fire, which burned about four acres of land. Firefighters successfully prevented the fire from spreading to any nearby buildings. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation, but is not considered suspicious at this time.

School Street

On March 21, a family was displaced at 81 School St., following a kitchen fire.

Later determined to be a grease firefirefighters from Whitman Hanson, East Bridgewater and Abington assisted in controlling and extinguishing the heavy fire and were able to prevent further spreading into the remaining multi family home.

No injuries were reported and four residents of the building were temporarily displaced due to fire, smoke and water damage to the home.

Initial investigation indicated that the fire was caused by grease in a cooking pan. The resident attempted to put the fire out with flour, but was unsuccessful.

The damage done to the home was estimated at about $60,000.

Chief Grenno commended the work of firefighters for their quick response and knockdown of the fire.

“Thankfully our ambulance had just returned from a hospital transport with two of our six on-duty firefighters on board,” Chief Grenno said. “Had the fire started 10 minutes earlier we would have only been able to send four firefighters and there would have likely been significantly more damage to the house. This incident, along with two other significant fires in recent months, highlights the importance of a properly staffed fire department.”

Firefighters responded to 134 Bayberry Road Feb. 23 for a reported chimney fire just after 9:30 p.m.

While en route, firefighters were notified that flames had extended into the one and a half story building.  A fire in a wood stove had extended to the chimney, exterior wall and ceiling.

The location of the fire presented firefighters with unique challenges, requiring them to do extensive work opening up of the home’s ceiling and wall in order to fully extinguish the flames.

“Our firefighters did an excellent job extinguishing a fire under complex circumstances,” Chief Grenno said.

There were no injuries as a result of the fire, and the home’s lone occupant spent the night with a family member.

Whitman firefighters were supported on scene by crews from the Abington, East Bridgewater and Hanson fire departments.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The damage to the home was estimated at $40,000.

The largest fire, which reached six alarms for man power and EMS occurred to a three story apartment complex in the early evening on Commercial Street Feb. 13 in Whitman.

The house has since been razed.