Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor, Author at Whitman-Hanson Express • Page 148 of 170

Recreation panel in limbo: Resignations not accepted or rescinded, leaving confusion

August 25, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — No one seemed to walk away satisfied with the outcome of the Board of Selectmen’s Tuesday, Aug. 23 discussions on the Recreation Commission’s recent mass resignation and conveyance of Camp Kiwanee oversight to Town Administrator Michael McCue.

Selectmen did not vote on accepting the resignations and, while at least three members indicated a willingness to wait for Labor Counsel Leo Peloquin to complete his investigation, or audit review, none offered to rescind their resignations.

“You can accept my resignation or not accept it, but I will not serve on the Recreation Commission any longer,” said former Recreation Chairman James Hickey.

Selectman Bruce Young angrily walked out of the meeting about an hour later — before business had been concluded.

His action came during a discussion before the special Town Meeting warrant was closed, changing his vote on placing an article seeking a request for proposals (RFP) on management of Camp Kiwanee.

“I don’t like what’s going on here,” Young said before he walked out. [See related story, opposite page]

The evening started with a large group of former Recreation Commission members, ex-caretakers and their supporters — holding signs and small red Solo cups — seeking public support outside Town Hall. The cups were in reference to the heated exchange in April between Young and then-interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera over alleged improper drinking going on at the camp. LaCamera walked out of that meeting, leaving his resignation on his desk.

Signs for support

The sign-holders filled the Selectmen’s Meeting Room for the vote on the Recreation Commission’s resignations, asking questions about the process, status of the review and how McCue would oversee the camp.

“Typically, we don’t speak about resignations, we have not in the past,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan. Resignations are usually voted on with no comment other than an occasional expression of regret.

When the vote to accept resignations came up, there was no second made to the motion, so no vote was taken.

“I want to make it clear that, consistent with this board’s prior position, the board is not going to entertain discussion about the substance of the ongoing investigation into Camp Kiwanee,” McGahan said. “It’s not posted on the agenda. I can’t talk about that because we’d be in open meeting violation.”

He noted some town departments have run into problems doing that in the past, and pledged to hold an open meeting to fully discuss Peloquin’s report when it is complete. McGahan said he wanted to see that review completed by the end of September.

“I have asked Leo to make damn sure its done by the end of September,” he said.

The report will also be made public as is required by state law, according to Young, including all minutes of executive session discussions.

“The goal of the board and the town has been and continues to be to ensure that Camp Kiwanee is operated appropriately,” McGahan said. “Notwithstanding the recent developments, we intend to see to it that the scheduled events and programs take place.”

He said the town would appreciate the help of staff and volunteers in meeting that goal.

McGahan cautioned the audience would be gaveled down if “things got out of hand,” and did so on a few occasions, including prior to Young’s later walkout.

One resident asked if the resignations were accepted before the investigation concluded, it wouldn’t be doing a disservice to “our good citizens” on the Recreation Commission. Another wondered how McCue would run Camp Kiwanee. It was also asked if a vote on the resignations could be postponed.

McGahan countered that the board should move ahead with a vote and, when the positions came open again, members who resigned could reapply. He also declined to comment on what would be done if the investigation bore out a single person’s improper actions.

The lack of a vote left that situation a bit confused.

“How can we expect people to fill these positions if we allow the current Commission to resign?” asked Whitman resident Lillian Dignan, a former longtime Hanson resident.

“I don’t know,” McGahan said. “To me, that’s not germane to accepting the resignations.”

Young added that Selectmen are obligated by town bylaws to appoint a Recreation Commission, noting that the town administrator would step in to manage Camp Kiwanee on a temporary basis.

“That’s a stopgap measure,” Young cautioned. He did not second the motion to accept the resignations, and said he would not vote for it in hopes that the members — other than Hickey — would withdraw their resignations. The statement was met with loud applause.

At least four of the seven-member commission would have to return to resume oversight of the camp functions.

“I think this an unfortunate hot mess,” said Hanson resident Kimberly King, who has experience serving with an appointed authority, the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Board. “I think both sides have legitimate concerns, but I find it extremely upsetting that the Recreation Commission would just throw in their resignations before asking to go on the agenda in a public meeting to have this discussed. … Good people make mistakes and I think that’s where a lot of this comes from.”

Former commission member Susan Lonergan said that couldn’t be done because Selectmen are not part of the investigation and they were instructed by an attorney not to talk about it with them.

McCue’s role

For his part, McCue was not particularly eager to oversee Camp Kiwanee, but said remaining staff members had indicated they will stay on and he would only be signing contracts or invoices and dealing with any personnel issues that might arise.

Teresa Santalucia asked if McCue would consult with the Recreation Commission on any problems that might crop up.

“We’ve run into a kind of gray area,” McCue said. “The board still has a letter of resignation from all these people in front of them. Until a majority of those people — if they so choose — rescind those resignations, I don’t have a board with whom to speak. … If there was a board to speak with, I wouldn’t be doing this.”

That prompted School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes, attending the meeting on another matter, to suggest asking if any Recreation Commission members wished to stay on until a report comes back.

“You’re putting them on the spot right now,” Hickey said.

McGahan said that was not the intention of asking who might wish to stay on.

“It’s your choice,” he said.

After a brief recess of discussion among the commission, three — Lonergan, Janet Agius and Sheila Morse — said they would wait until the investigation was completed before going ahead with their resignations.

“We have to work together on this,” Lonergan said. “We have to be heard and we haven’t been heard.”

Resident, and former Recreation Commission member, chairman and longtime Camp Kiwanee volunteer Joseph Baker asked how McCue would be able to manage the facility.

“Do you know how to pump the toilets? … How are you possibly going to manage the camp?” Baker asked. “This is a great asset to the town and now what we’re doing is causing this big [crap] storm. … How is this guy going to run the camp? He doesn’t know a thing about the camp.”

“We’re going to do the best we can on this,” McGahan said.

“What is the alternative?” Young said. “We don’t have four members who are willing to rescind their resignations.” Selectmen voted 5-0 to convey the oversight of operations to McCue.

The weeds got your goat?: Hanson tries goatscaping

August 18, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — What controls weeds, invasive plants and poison ivy while fertilizing the landscape and reducing use of harmful herbicides?

Goats — more precisely their use in the work of goatscaping — and they’re cute, too. But don’t touch or feed them. The extra food would only interfere with the work at hand and the plant oils from poison ivy can linger on their faces.

Hanson’s Conservation Commission has employed four of the “staff members” at The Goatscaping Company of Plympton for a project on town conservation land. The four Alpine goats have been hard at work chewing their way through the underbrush in the Poor Meadow Brook Conservation Area off West Washington Street since Wednesday, Aug. 3.

By Thursday, Aug. 11 it was time to move the fenced-in area to a new portion of the property.

“It just seems that they never stop eating,” said Rebecca Nehiley, administrative assistant to Hanson’s conservation agent.

Co-founders of Colchester Neighborhood Farm Elaine Philbrick and James Cormier started the goatscaping business five years ago after reading a newspaper account about how golf courses were using goats to control the weeds.

Before long, a job at the Cohasset Golf Course had expanded to other assignments at other courses, the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, town parks and cemeteries, abandoned buildings and private homes from Gloucester to Wellfleet, according to the company’s website gogreengoat.com.

“Elaine started it because she believed in an economically and ecologically sound way of doing landscaping and land clearing,” said company account manager Susan Schortmann, noting that Philbrook, is a mother interested in limiting chemical herbicides. “Back in the day that’s how land was cleared, using goats and other types of animals.”

Labor of love

Conservation Commission member Philip Clemons estimated the goats have a few more weeks of work ahead of them in Hanson.

The goats don’t seem to mind.

The commission has also recruited a team of about 10 people to look in on the animals twice a day to “monitor the goats’ safety and success and to provide water.” The company also placed a corrugated metal hut inside the enclosure for the oats to sleep in and to provide shelter from the rain.

A 600-foot, solar-powered electric fence, clearly marked as such, delivers a mild shock akin to that of a nine-volt battery to keep the goats in and predators out.

Goatscaping puts a modern twist on an old practice.

“We heard about, then saw with our own eyes, the whole goatscaping concept — it’s not new,” Clemons said of the decision to use the animals. “A few of us grew up with grazing animals and we know how that can work.”

When the commission was in the process of working with the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts in Duxbury to acquire the land, trust officials raised the goatscaping idea after walking the property.

“Since the property was successfully purchased by the town, we want to do the things we said we would do … have a few nice trails accessing the view, but we’re confronted with poison ivy that’s taller than your knees,” he said.

Ivy eaters

Goatscaping Company employee Zach Brown, 17, said the poison ivy doesn’t bother the goats.

“They love poison ivy,” Brown said. “That’s what most of the jobs come from, because people hear that goats eat poison ivy and nobody wants to go near it.”

While neither he nor fellow goat crew member Justin Dudley, 17, plan to pursue agricultural careers, they find the job interesting and rewarding. Brown plans to pursue art or engineering and Dudley aims to become a mechanic.

“Nobody I know works with farm animals, especially for this purpose,” Brown said. “I guess what’s nice, too, is explaining to people exactly what I do and the purpose of having the goats. I always get a lot of questions.”

The goats, at $600 per week for a team of four goats, has proved to be an economical way of reducing the poison ivy. Volunteers can then go in and trim out sapling twigs the goats have stripped of leaves, and remove the trash their grazing has uncovered, while starting to manage the property.

“It’s going to take a number of steps and a lot of volunteer work,” said Clemons, noting there are likely several projects within the property that could keep an Eagle Scout candidate busy.

“It needs to be inviting,” Clemons said. “Why would you go to it if you didn’t know it’s there? … We’d like to have a little trail that goes from the parking lot over to the edge of the river.”

Goatscaping also helps eliminate invasive plant species such as the fast-growing (and now unlawful to sell) burning bush or the glossy buckthorn, which has shiny green leaves that look nice but chokes out native plants like wild blueberry.

The goats may not totally denude the property of such pests, but will chew them down to where it is possible to stay ahead of them.

“If you have a plant and you mow it down year after year, eventually the roots will die,” Clemons said. “When the goats leave, we’ll see what we’re up against.”

While they’ve no doubt been noticed by bemused motorists, the goats seem to be settling in well.

“The goats seem unperturbed by the traffic going by,” Clemons said. “But they jump if they hear a branch snap.”

While poison ivy doesn’t bother the goats, there are plants that are poisonous to goats, such as milkweed and Lily of the Valley. The animals generally avoid them, but The Goatscaping Company asks that customers alert them to the presence of toxic plants, which are listed on its website.

“We also advise [potential clients] to be prepared for an influx of neighbors,” Schortmann said. “Many neighbors enjoy having the goats around almost as much as they do.”

Hanson Rec panel resigns

August 18, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — And then there were none.

As of 8:15 a.m., Monday, Aug. 15, the entire seven-member Hanson Recreation Commission had resigned, stating their ability to function effectively has been “severely compromised” by the prolonged investigation of Camp Kiwanee operations.

Chairman James Hickey had resigned during the Recreation Commission’s Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting.

Camp Kiwanee’s operations, including Cranberry Cove, are not affected by the resignation, officials say.

The resignation letter, signed by six of the commission members [see page 12] described a “shroud of secrecy and impending doom outside of our control” which they had been instructed not to speak about as the investigation continued.

“This brings the total number of volunteers and caretaking staff who have been hounded and harassed by the Town Administrator [former interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and current Town Administrator Michael McCue] and labor counsel to 17,” according to a former staff member.

McCue and the Board of Selectmen maintain that, on the whole, the commission has been less than helpful throughout the process.

“With few exceptions, Commission members and Commission employees, including those of longstanding tenure, have been less than fully cooperative,” McCue stated. “Dealing with the lack of cooperation has delayed the conclusion of the investigation.”

He and Selectmen “regret that it has come to this but we respect their decision,” McCue said.

“Monday morning, this office and the Board of Selectmen received the resignations of the remaining members of the Recreation Commission,” McCue said. “When it was brought to the attention of the Board and this office that there were issues with the way business was being conducted at Camp Kiwanee, an investigation was compelled and began in late March.”

Selectmen voted 5-0 Tuesday, April 19 to continue an audit review begun by interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera under the oversight of town labor counsel Leo Peloquin, rather than starting over again when McCue began work on May 9.

That investigation is not yet complete, costing the town $27,572.50 since February 2016 [see chart].

The town’s auditor — Lynch, Malloy, Marini LLP — had made some suggestions and comments concerning documentation of employee work hours, integration of the Camp Kiwanee computer system into the town’s system, adherence to the fee schedule for rental facilities, improved tracking of receipts, the need for an inventory log and a better process for issuing beach passes.

LaCamera was also taking a “closer look at some of those issues” after the December 2015 audit.

LaCamera had resigned abruptly during an April 12 Selectmen’s meeting following a heated exchange with then-Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young over the Bluegrass on the Bogs contract negotiation that involved allegations of drinking at Camp Kiwanee. LaCamera’s scheduled departure date had been April 22.

“Mr. LaCamera started this project as a result of findings by the town auditor in the town’s annual audit,” Young said at the time. “The inquiry started by the town administrator is not complete. It must be completed with a report and recommendation provided to the Board of Selectmen.”

The investigation will continue, officials maintain.

“Notwithstanding the recent and past resignations, the inquiry will continue to its conclusion,” McCue said. “The goal of this office and the Board has been, and continues to be, to insure that business operations are conducted appropriately at Camp Kiwanee. The Board and this office intend to honor all scheduled events and programs, now and in the future, at Camp Kiwanee.”

In July eight non-union employees resigned due to the extreme scrutiny of unsubstantiated claims, according to the former staff member, adding that one commission member resigned in January due to extreme online harassment by anonymous Facebook accounts. On May 2, the Board of Selectman dismissed Recreation Commission Chairman David Blauss citing his non-cooperation in the Camp Kiwanee Investigation, they said.

Hanson mourns Mann, legacy

August 18, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — Former State Representative and Town Moderator Charles W. Mann is being remembered by friends and colleagues on both sides of the political isle as an effective and dedicated public servant.

Mann, 81, died Friday, Aug. 12 after a long illness. [ See obituary, page 13]

The House of Representatives will be adjourning in Mann’s honor on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the request of state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury.

“After being elected [state representative] he would meet with the Democratic Town Committees and others that had not supported him — he was adamant that campaign ended after election night and that he was the elected official for every constituent of the district — supporter or not,” said his daughter, Karen Barry. “Dad was known as a spokesman for our agriculture industry, especially for our cranberry growers.

Mann’s own father had been a vice president of sales for Ocean Spray, credited with the introduction of the company’s juice products.

“Legislatively he worked extremely hard for farmers and the conservation of woodlands,” Barry said, noting that, “On a lighter note [Mann] was named “Best Dressed” in the Legislature on more than one occasion.”

She said it has been wonderful to talk to people who have reminded the family of things her father had done.

Born in Pittsfield, Mann lived most of his life in Hanson. His mother had encouraged him as he began his life in public service, beginning with the Hanson School Committee. The dedicated Republican later served eight terms as a state representative in the 6th Plymouth District — Hanson, Pembroke, Duxbury and parts of Marshfield. While in the General Court, he served on the Ways and Means, Personnel and Administration and Banks and Banking committees.

He also served as deputy sheriff of Plymouth County and was an active member of the Hanson Republican Town Committee, of which he was chairman. Mann also volunteered with the W-H Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation — Little League, and the Hanson Kiwanis Club, serving as president for both; advisor to the Hanover Hi-Y Club and as director of the Squanto Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

For some residents, Mann’s public service was their first introduction to him.

“Charlie introduced me to Hanson town government when he appointed me to the Finance Committee,” current Town Moderator Sean Kealy said. “Over the years he became a friend and mentor. I was honored when he first suggested that I run for moderator after he decided to step down; in fact at every Town Meeting I continue to ask myself and others, ‘What would Charlie do here?’”

Board of Health Chairman Arlene Dias, recalled helping her parents campaign for Mann when she was about nine or 10 years old.

“The first political event that I ever went to was a Charlie Mann thing that my parents took me to,” Democrat Dias recalled with a smile about her staunch Republican parents. “They had me handing out pamphlets. I know it was some kind of a fundraiser and I always meant to ask him what office he was running for … I think it was the late ’50s or early ’60s.”

Mann had won election to the Hanson School Committee in 1963, according to the Republican Town Committee, which honored Mann for his five decades of public service on his retirement as town moderator. He was first elected to the General Court in 1966 for two terms, returning for three more in 1970.

Kealy is among many in Hanson official circles who feel they have lost a friend as well as a colleague.

“We have lost a great public servant and I am going to miss him very much,” he said.

For other close friends in Hanson Town Hall, Mann’s loss was too difficult for them to offer comment, but Selectman Bruce Young offered a salute to Mann’s legacy.

“Charlie was an excellent legislator, serving the town of Hanson very honorably as our state representative for many years, and his legacy as our town moderator for 20 years, acting fairly and impartially on all issues to come before Town Meeting,” Selectman Bruce Young stated. “He set a standard for all those who hold that office in the future and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Republican Town Committee Chairman and former Selectman David Soper agreed.

“He was a civic leader who truly made a difference in our community and region,” Soper said. “He knew how to work with people and get things done. He was friend a mentor and all-around a good guy.”

Cutler also lauded his predecessor.

“Charlie Mann served the town of Hanson, and our entire Commonwealth, for many years with distinction and dedication,” said state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury, who now represents the 6th Plymouth District.” He was a true public servant who brought civility and dignity to the political process.”

Cutler said the loss will be felt by many Hanson residents on a personal as well as professional level and expressed his appreciation to the Mann family for sharing him with the community all these years, offering sympathy for his loss.

“Mr. Mann was a legislator, a moderator, a constable, but most of all a gentleman,” Cutler said. “I will miss hearing his stories, his sense of humor and his plain-spoken wisdom.”

In 1970, Mann joined Governor Frank Sargent’s administration as Legislative Secretary, returning to the House of Representatives in 1980 and served seven terms, including four in leadership as the Republican Whip. In 1992 he was elected in a write-in campaign for Hanson Town Moderator.

Mann’s first legislative action was to correct the application process to receive welfare, Barry said.

“Too often resources were limited and he was concerned that people of need would not get the assistance they need,” she said. “When he entered the legislature welfare benefits were administered through your local town hall.”

In 1987-89 was instrumental in the building of Duxbury’s Town Pier, Construction of the Powder Point Bridge and dredging of Duxbury Harbor. He worked closely with Duxbury Harbor Master Don Bears.

Whitman talks traffic: Hearing reviews Route 18 intersections plan

August 18, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

WHITMAN — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) plan to redesign two intersections along Route 18/Bedford Street found that at least one local businessman is not happy with what he has heard so far.

James Loring, owner of TLC Auto Sales & Service at 746 Bedford St., told state and regional officials during a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 16 that he would take legal action if the plan encroached on his property in any way. His concern was that the plans would take 300 square feet from the corner where he displays the vehicles he sells.

“I’m greatly concerned,” said Loring, who has owned his business for 36 years ago and also operates a realty office at the Route 27 intersection. “I’ve got a ton of questions, but you’re not going to take my land. I’ll fight you to the bitter end for every square inch.”

Loring was assured after the hearing that the plans would not involve any taking of his land, and only required a temporary easement to allow workers to enter his property line to do sidewalk construction.

The sidewalk on that side of the intersection would stay exactly where it is now, according to Design Consultant Greg Lucas of BETA Engineering Group in Norwood.

“We’re not widening into your property, we’re not taking your property,” Lucas said. “Not a square foot. [The easement] is just to allow them to do the sidewalk work and to allow them to patch the asphalt — so they can do the work and then they leave.”

Town Administrator Frank Lynam told Loring after the meeting that he would email a copy of the design plan for him to review.

The MassDOT Highway Division held the design public hearing at Whitman Town Hall Auditorium on a proposed project to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersections of routes 18 and 14 and routes 18 and 27. Project Manager Muazzez Reardon facilitated the sparsely attended hearing in which only Lisa Szamreta of the MassDOT Right of Way Bureau, Lucas, Selectman Daniel Salvucci and Loring spoke.

Reardon advised that, since the design phase is not yet complete, not all questions could be answered at the hearing. A form was provided in hand-out materials for audience members to submit comments or questions to the Highway Division.

The project, expected to cost $3.2 million is still in the design phase to be concluded in 2017, with construction not expected to begin until 2018. Little traffic disruption is anticipated during construction, officials said.

“The reason that we brought this issue to Old Colony Planning Council was because both our police chief and our fire chief had concerns,” said Salvucci, who also represents Whitman on the OCPC Joint Transportation Committee.

Lucas outlined the need for the project and how it is being designed to meet those needs.

“Crash rates are higher than the statewide average,” Lucas said of the two intersections, explaining that at the Bedford and Auburn streets (18/14) intersection the rate is 1.31 crashes per million or 46 over the last three years. The state average is .8 crashes. At the Route 27 intersection the rate is higher at 60 crashes over three years.

Among the problems are a lack of left-turn lanes and protected movement for left turns — that is, a green arrow light when all opposing traffic is stopped by a red light. Pedestrian accommodations, such as crosswalks and sidewalks, also need to be improved.

The design calls for new traffic signals with a protected left turn arrow, an exclusive left-turn lane as well as sidewalk, crosswalk and drainage improvements and a dedicated bike lane.

Salvucci asked if the new intersection design would permit right turns on red light. Lucas replied that would be allowed at some locations.

“Both intersections have school bus [traffic],” Salvucci noted. He also pointed out the problem with truck traffic on Washington Street because of truck route designation at Route 14. Whitman is already looking into posting signs to restrict trucks from Washington Street.

Lawn areas and landscaping disrupted by construction will be replaced after work is completed.

“Affected property owners will be contacted by personnel from the Right of Way Bureau or consultants representing them,” Szamreta said. Permanent and temporary easements may be required, she said, but the number has not been determined, noting the MGL Chapter 79 protects property owners’ rights, as well as federal regulations where they apply.

Pirates sailed to New England? Ayuh: Suffolk University lecturer speaks to Hanson Historical Society

August 11, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — He teaches one of the more hedonistic entries in boston.com’s list of “10 College Courses You Wish You Registered For.”

Suffolk University Senior History Lecturer Stephen O’Neill’s “The History of Piracy” made that list — along with a study of Surfing and American Culture at Boston University and the Culture of Burlesque at Emerson and others from anime to board game strategies in business. the Pembroke native has taught the course for 11 years and has researched the topic for 20 years.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, O’Neill brought his knowledge of the pirate life to the Hanson Historical Society for a program titled “New England Pirates.” He is also the new executive director of the Hanover Historical Society.

New England pirates?

“Everyone is fascinated with pirates,” O’Neill said, noting that the Johnny Depp “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie made more than $600 million to date. “But pirate stories have been around since pirates were sailing the seas.”

Among notable authors to write on pirate themes have been John Steinbeck, Emily Dickenson, Edgar Allen Poe and Washington Irving, O’Neill said.

“There were pirates in ancient Rome, ancient Greece … in all parts of the world,” he said. “Piracy is basically the theft of portable wealth at sea. … We’re talking a global economy in the 1690s.”

Turns out, New England was more than just a place where pirates went to die on the scaffold — after enduring a lengthy sermon on the sins of their trade from Puritan minister Cotton Mather.

Youths learn to be safe at home

August 11, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

WHITMAN — Being home alone isn’t as easy as it used to be for kids — the days of heading outside for a day of unsupervised play and adventure “until the streetlights come on” seem to be over as parents worry more about their children’s safety.

That’s where Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups comes in.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, 10 boys and girls in the grade six-to-eight age group, learned the safest practices for being at home when their parents or other adult family members are out. The first two days covered adult and pediatric CPR and first aid.

“I sat down and looked at all the different things that possibly could go wrong, or that kids in this age group needed to be trained on for safety,” said Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups developer Windy Winters-Harrington of Whitman. “I just think that I am aware of the world today and that more kids are staying home alone.”

She researched and developed her idea for the business over the course of 14 months with her husband police officer Kevin Harrington, who aided with the Home Alone component, on the philosophy that knowledge is power. Winters-Harrington is a former administrator in pediatrics at Floating Hospital and in the W-H School District behavior department, as well as a certified CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) instructor. Officer Harrington is experienced in school safety and is a national crime prevention specialist.

“It’s a different world,” Winters-Harrington told participants at Whitman Public Library last week. “There’s more pressure on your age group. I think it’s tough for you because you’ve got to manage a lot of different things … there’s not always a lot of kindness going on.”

To teach, not scare

That said, the object here is to arm kids with information, not the stuff of nightmares.

“We wanted to make sure we got the information out there that you understood and that made an impact so, in case these situations ever happen, you’re prepared,” Winters-Harrington told the children. “I’m not trying to scare you, I’m not trying to make you feel anxious or worried … but I want you to be prepared and aware.”

Winters-Harrington facilitated two free summer camps at Whitman Public Library from July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4.

“We had a wait list for both classes,” said Library Director Andrea Rounds. “It was one of the most well-received programs we’ve ever hosted at the library.”

Campers received two-year certifications in CPR/AED and first aid from the American Red Cross and a Safety Savvy Kids Home Alone Certificate.

“We have had baby-sitting courses in the past, and they teach certain important life skills, but this program incorporates a whole lot of other really important skills like how to safely answer the door,” Rounds said. “So often children do stay home alone and feel unprepared. We’ve had a lot of demand for courses such as these for children, specifically.”

The Thursday, Aug. 4 class on being home alone started off with a review of the Heimlich Maneuver and other first aid skills learned on the first two days before Winters-Harrington launched into the day’s topic.

“You can do these classes separately because they are so different,” Winters-Harrington said, noting that one girl attending the class had not been present at the first aid classes.

Common sense

Winters-Harrington emphasized to the class the importance of calling 911 in an emergency and before contacting their parents.

“A lot of this is common sense,” she said, offering an illustration to consider — if your mom is in Braintree, who would be able to get there first in an emergency? Mom or the police?

She said two considerations families must weigh are whether a youngster wants to stay home alone and if they are mature enough to handle the responsibility. About half the class had been at home alone, but only a couple raised their hands when Winters-Harrington asked if they liked doing so.

In Massachusetts, there is no minimum age at which a child may lawfully be left home alone, but the national Safe Kids Campaign recommends that no child under age 12 should be left alone.

Winters-Harrington led a PowerPoint program punctuated by online videos, which raised discussion points.

The discussions centered on best practices should they be followed home: a stranger comes to the front door, they are approached online or via their cell phone by a stranger and what to share and not share on social media.

Hands shot up as the children asked questions or offered opinions during the discussions.

Should they find themselves being followed out along a road, with no access to a cell phone, Winters-Harrington told them to draw attention by screaming and making a scene.

“Are all people bad?” she asked. “No. There are good people who will help you.”

Scheduled check-in times with parents or a guardian and a family code word were advised, as well as learning from mom and dad how to operate household alarms and establish fire escape routes.

The “nevers” include opening the door to strangers.

An assertive attitude when the doorbell or telephone rings is a must, said Winters-Harrington, and if a stranger won’t leave the property, or tries contacting you via phone or social media, the solution is the same. Call 911.

After a break for a snack, topics included outdoor safety such as street smarts, what to do if one finds an improperly disposed of hypodermic needle, shopping mall and movie theater safety as well as water and ice safety.

Library gift

“We are so grateful to the program sponsor, Mutual Bank of Whitman, which provided $2,400,” Rounds said. “There was absolutely no cost to any of the children who took the class, the first or second session. … They have been huge community supporters of this library.”

Rounds stressed that extra educational and entertainment programs are funded exclusively through donations, not taxpayer dollars. Either the Friends of the Whitman Public Library, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and donors such as Mutual Bank make such programs possible.

“If we could secure funding we would absolutely offer another program like this,” she said.

Winters-Harrington also thanked Mutual Bank for its financial support as well as the library for use of the Community Room.

Future programs are planned in partnership with the Massasoit Community College’s Community Education programs for Brockton, Canton, Middleborough and Plymouth. For more information, look for the Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups page on Facebook.

Hanson PD adds two new officers

August 11, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — The Hanson Police Department officially welcomed two new officers, and promoted another to the rank of sergeant, during swearing-in ceremonies at the Tuesday, Aug 9 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan administered the oath of service to the officers after they were introduced in turn by Police Chief Michael Miksch. Each then had his new badge pinned on by a family member followed by a reception in the Town Hall kitchen area.

“I want to welcome the two new officers and I want to thank the rest of the department — most of them have shown up tonight to show their support — and I want to thank Sgt. Calogero for taking on the responsibilities that he has,” Miksch said. “Given some of the things that have gone on in the past few years in policing, to see people want to come into this job and to forward themselves in the job, is extremely important. It’s a testament to the families who are here tonight, too.”

Sgt. Peter Calogero is a veteran of the department, having served Hanson for more than 20 years, Miksch said. His father Frank, a retired Cambridge police officer did the badge-pinning honors as Sgt. Calogero’s wife Jennifer, children Peter, Sarah and Jake and his mother Marie — along with some other members of the department and their families — looked on.

New officer Christopher Dominguez, who joins the HPD after serving as a correction officer with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s office and deputy in the patrol division with the Hillsborough County, Fla. Sheriff’s Department, where he served for three years.

“I’m not sure why he left sunny Florida,” Miksch joked. “But Chris grew up here and he’s returned home.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Endicott College. His wife Jenny pinned on his badge as his father Ed, a 29-year veteran of the Boston Police Department looked on.

New officer Brent Peterson, who holds a degree in criminal justice from Western New England and had served as an officer with the Plympton Police Department since 2012, where he also served as a court prosecutor and evidence officer as well as a patrolman. He also served with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.

Peterson’s wife Dawn and daughter Abigail pinned on his badge. His parents John and Gwen also attended.

Changing Rec panel’s role?: Hanson plans working session to discuss proposed recreation goals

August 11, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — Selectmen Tuesday, Aug. 9 approved two goals for developing open space and recreation plans, paving the way for a working session on the latter between members of the board, Town Administrator Michael McCue and representatives of the current recreational and parks committees.

The goals, formulated seven years ago by a previous Select Board have been dusted off to ensure consistency in terms of management and style in how things will be handled, according to Selectmen Chairman James McGahan.

“These were two goals that were part of the open space and rec plan and that committee is looking for approval of those two goals or at least a review and agreement or amendment of additional goals,” McGahan said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “I think it’s time.”

The goals, which would allow the town to apply for grants, are expansion and improvement of recreational opportunities as well as protection of natural resources and biodiversity. They involve a review of recreational and parks committees (Recreation, Parks and Fields, Memorial Field and Town Forest) and considering the consolidation of two or more of the committees under a newly created Recreation Committee. There would also be an effort to improve the General Bylaws to be consistent with state regulation of off-road vehicle issues and to participate in state efforts to regulate use on a regional level.

McGahan noted that membership of the Memorial Field and Town Forest committees have dwindled over the years. He said merging the committees would permit a new Recreation Committee to expand into activities outside Camp Kiwanee.

“Basically we’d have to redraft its intent,” he said, which would have to go before Town Meeting.

“If we’re going to get into a discussion about this, I tend to agree with you that you would want the possibility — like other towns do it — where the Recreation Committee would take care of town-wide [events],” said Recreation Committee Chairman James Hickey. “But I also think that, if this was to go through, the Recreation Committee now as it stands would have to have [its] name changed to the Camp Kiwanee Commission, where it would strictly deal with Camp Kiwanee and Cranberry Cove.”

Hickey thought town events, such as the bicentennial celebration and annual Memorial Day parades, would be perfect projects for a new Recreation Committee. He added that Camp Kiwanee would be the only recreation facility generating revenue, and additional recreation demands would strain those funds.

McGahan said another possibility would be “vendoring out” Camp Kiwanee management, including the liquor license responsibility now borne by the town and inspectional responsibilities.

“It’s something to consider as an option,” he said during the meeting.

“We’ve got a board of volunteers who are doing the best job they can, but with turnover within the board things don’t always follow procedure,” he said Wednesday.

McCue suggested the working session of the boards involved as an “unofficial bandying about” of ideas in a “roll-up-the-sleeves” setting.

Selectman Bruce Young agreed that such a session would be a constructive one.

“That would also give us the chance to work with the representative of the Recreation Committee on firming up and establishing what the duties and responsibilities of a professional recreation director,” Young said.

Resident Audrey Flanagan also urged the working session because members of the individual Recreation, Parks and Fields, Memorial Field and Town Forest committees are passionate about what they are doing.

“Right now, the first step in the process is agreeing to these goals that were set for us seven years ago by a different board,” McGahan said.

“These are preliminary discussions,” Selectman Kenny Mitchell agreed. “Anything we do is going to take a process, it’s not going to happen overnight.”

Phil Clemons, one of three members of the Town Forest Committee, said that as the town forest has become a conservation property, it is redundant.

“We crave not being on the committee anymore, because there’s really nothing to do,” Clemons said. “That would be the easiest thing of all to have it just fade away.”

The natural resources goal simply coordinates town goals with state regulations.

“I’ve had a lot of people calling me concerned that motor bikes and ATVs are [being driven] where they should not be,” McGahan said July 26. “Obviously we want to enforce our state regulations for those.”

Selectman Don Howard said Tuesday night that he does not believe there is space in town for permitting off-road vehicles and insurance requirements would be prohibitive.

Whitman Kiwanis Memorial Golf Tournament

August 5, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

This year the Kiwanis Club of Whitman will hold its Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, Aug. 15, at the Halifax Country Club. Registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7 a.m. Since they’ve had great success in “Florida Style” (best ball) format, this style will be used again this year. Join them for 18 holes of golf, a McLaughlin Chevrolet-sponsored hole in one, a closest to pin prize on all other Par 3 holes, team prizes, target awards, championship prizes as well as door prizes — all for $125 per person. There will also be a great buffet meal to finish off a fun-filled day.
Hole or tee sponsorship is always welcome and much appreciated. The cost for this is $100. Please remember all proceeds from this event go to the children of the Whitman/Hanson community. For additional information please contact [email protected] or call Dick Avery @ 781- 447- 4238.