Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor, Author at Whitman-Hanson Express • Page 150 of 171

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 Tbryant@MyMutualBank.com or call Dick Avery @ 781- 447- 4238.

Dog’s death at Whitman kennel is investigated

August 4, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

WHITMAN — With a necropsy scheduled next week, state and local officials are investigating the death of a German shepherd dog boarded over a weekend at Annie’s Clean Critters.

Animal Control, Whitman Police and the Animal Rescue League are investigating the death of the dog, named Maximus, owned by Abington resident Robert Foley.

The Board of Health is not involved in the investigation at this time, according to staff members there.

Foley stated in a memorial Facebook post about his dog that he was told by Annie’s Clean Critters owner Annie Brown Monday evening that the dog died of stomach bloat — after he had spent an entire day trying to contact someone at the business to pick up the dog after a weekend away with his family.

An official cause of death will be determined by the planned necropsy.

Foley wrote that he had gone to pick up Maximus at 10 a.m. Monday, but “there was not one person in the shop and they never returned voicemails, emails, or Facebook messages, only a sign on the empty store saying ‘will be back at 4.’” By 5:30 p.m., there was still no one there.

Foley said when he contacted an employee, they had Brown contact him and he was then told the dog had died between 3 and 5 p.m. He lamented that, in the time it took him to find someone at the shop, he could have taken Maximus to a vet where the dog could have had a “40- to 50-percent chance of survival.”

Foley also alleged that the business refused to show him a surveillance video of his dog’s stay. He said he had boarded his dog at Annie’s Clean Critters before and that “things seemed to go well,” which is why he tried them again.

Contacted by the Express Tuesday, Brown said she was “devastated for the family, but we have no comment at this time.”

Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton said he could not comment on an ongoing investigation, but confirmed humane authorities are investigating and had “taken action.”

According to published reports, Lt. Alan Borgal of the Animal Rescue League has inspected the business and found unsanitary conditions and a lack of shade at the Annie’s Clean Critters outdoor kennel.

Lt. Borgal did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Brown, whose business has operated for 14 years in Whitman has also been the East Bridgewater animal control officer for some 30 years.

“We have been made aware of an ongoing investigation in the neighboring town of Whitman involving a contractor of the town of East Bridgewater who provides animal control services,” East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “It is the procedure of our Police Department that we will not utilize these services pending the outcome of the investigation. The East Bridgewater Police Department is in contact with neighboring communities and law-enforcement agencies to provide animal control resources on a mutual aid basis in the interim.”

This is the second canine fatality at a Whitman pet care business this year. In May, a Bermese Mountain Dog named Bailey died after suffering seizures during a grooming visit at a Bedford Street business.

After the owners of that business had received threats, Whitman Police issued a press release on its determination that there had been no indication of abuse or neglect by that business.

“The rush to judgment and attacks directed at [the business] through social media as well as phone calls to the business is very disturbing,” the department stated at the time.

Walking for Sam: Memorial 5K benefits Samaritans

August 4, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

HANSON — It was a hug in motion for a grieving family in the community on Sunday, July 31 as more than 200 area residents shrugged off oppressive humidity and rain to honor the memory of eighth-grader Samuel Andrews and aid the suicide prevention work of the Samaritans.

“My sister [Stacey] had an idea that we had to do something, and she suggested a walk,” said organizer Meredith Wigmore, a friend of the Andrews family. “She was the mastermind and I just got volunteers.”

That idea became the Do It For Sam 5K.

She said the fundraising goal was $5,000 and was certain it would be exceeded, thanks to the generous donation of gift baskets for raffles, which included a Wahlburger’s basket complete with a signed T-shirt, fitted hat and photo of Paul Wahlberg. One of Wahlburgers’ employees in promotions lives in Hanson and delivered the prize.

Wigmore said Monday that more than $9,000 was raised at the event.

“If we could help just one kid, one family, then we’ve done our job,” Wigmore said. “The town of Hanson has totally stepped up … I had people contacting me [asking], ‘What can I do?’”

One woman alone made up three of the raffle baskets. Hanson Police provided traffic control and the Fire Department had firefighter/EMTs driving the route on an ATV in case of a medical emergency.

Flowers for Sam

Walkers — and a few runners — stepped off a bit after the planned 9 a.m. start time, making their way from Botieri Field up Indian Head Street to School and Maquan streets, and back to Liberty Street, via Andrew Lane and Gorwin Drive, and then up High Street to Fern Hill Cemetery and back to Botieri Field. While at Fern Hill they were given water to beat the heat and humidity, and multi-colored carnations by Sam’s grandparents, Eugene and Phyllis Andrews, to place on his grave. The Abington Stop & Shop donated the flowers.

Members of the Andrews family expressed gratitude, when they could find the words, for their community’s support. Sam’s mother Melissa was unable to say much in the emotion of the day. His dad Phil was also deeply affected.

“It’s wonderful,” Gene said before choking up over the community’s support. “It’s unbelievable. From Day One, it’s just been … you realize we’re still a small town and a small community.”

“The turnout has just been phenomenal,” Phil said of the walk. “I can definitely feel Sam here with everyone and … I’m at a loss for words. I’m so glad we’re supporting a great organization like Samaritans.” He lauded the group’s work and said he hoped the fundraiser could help someone else in crisis.

Before the event started, DJ John Zucco introduced Abington Samaritans 40-year volunteer and board member Tom Burke to speak, followed by a prayer by the Rev. Michael Hobson of St. Joseph the Worker Church and a performance of the national anthem by Hanson resident Mary Drake.

Burke thanked organizers for the invitation and participants for the “wonderful tribute to Sam.”

Samaritans is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide by befriending individuals in crisis and educating the public about effective prevention strategies. It also provides support for survivors of suicide attempts.

“The family reached out and got to know us and we got to know them,” Burke said after the walk. “They invited us to come down and we were happy to help.”

The Boston Samaritans chapter offers training workshops, grief support and reach to at-risk groups such as seniors. They also provide programs for schools. Burke said they handle as many as 125,000 calls and texts per year on the organization’s 24/7 phone befriending service: 1877-870-HOPE (4673) or text to Samaritans.

“It’s sad, but it’s needed,” Burke said. “We talk to about 12,000 people a year from schools … to explain the causes, the symptoms, how to cope, how to deal with it and who your resources are.”

All Samaritans services are offered at no cost.

“We also like to talk to police and first responders for two reasons,” he said. “First because they are involved and, second, because they are at risk.”

A great kid

Selectmen Chairman James McGahan, attending the walk, said it was a great example of a small town supporting one of its families at a time of pain.

“Sam was a great kid, I knew him and his dad when I first ran for office,” McGahan said. “They came down and met me down at Sandy’s coffee shop. He was a great boy and [his death] hit hard.”

He said his daughter was good friends with Sam.

“She misses him and couldn’t be here today, so she asked me to stop by,” McGahan said. “I think a lot of people are still kind of hurting from it, but this is a way for us to remember him.”

Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV volunteer Richard Green, who was among those attending the event who lost a loved one to suicide, too. He found the event brought back deep emotion and felt a connection to the Andrews family.

“We came to know him through what you people are doing,” he said of Sam. “It’s a very emotional day. … If you can help one person, that’s all you can do in this big world we live in.”

Green steps down: Plans to apply for Whitman ATA position

August 4, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

WHITMAN — Lisa Green has resigned from the Board of Selectmen, effective July 29, in preparation for submitting an application for the vacant assistant town administrator position.

Whitman has been without an assistant town administrator since Greg Enos left in April to take a human resources manager job in Ashland.

“While we haven’t fully pinned it down yet, we know we’re going to be seeking an assistant town administrator and she wants to be in the running for that,” Town Administrator Frank Lynam said. “We haven’t fully determined yet how we’re going to fill this job. Obviously we’re going to be advertising and seeking qualified candidates.”

Selectman Chairman Carl Kowalski agreed.

“We haven’t decided what we’re going to do with the position yet,” he said. The board meets next on Aug. 30. “At that point we’ll discuss the procedure for applying for the position, I expect she will be one of the applicants and I expect her to do well during that process, although I have no idea who else is going to apply.”

Kowalski said Green has been “a terrific selectperson while she’s been on the board, using her experience and ability as a lawyer for the town and for its citizens,” noting he is sorry to see her go, but that the process for hiring a new assistant town administrator would be an interesting one.

In compliance

Green said Sunday that her resignation was timed to keep in compliance with state Ethics Commission rules requiring a 30-day period in which she has not served as a selectman.

“The law is very restrictive and they are very clear that I have to be off the board for 30 days in order for the Board of Selectmen to even consider my application [for assistant town administrator],” she said. “It was a very difficult decision. I enjoyed being a selectman for about five years now and I enjoyed working with all the other board members. It’s been a great positive learning experience.”

Her term would have expired in May 2017.

“I think Lisa has a lot to offer, however, we have to conduct a search and interviews — not a world-wide search, but we’re going to advertise,” Lynam said. “We’re going to see who applies. She’s certainly got a lot of things going for her. … She understands the system.”

Lynam said he finds Green’s legal background appealing.

Green said she would enjoy serving the town on a full-time basis rather than part time. She has served as a selectman for five years and is an attorney for the Commonwealth working for the Social Security Administration in claims investigation. She has stressed her interest in the management of the town.

“I do have a law degree,” she said. “I have been involved in a lot of things with Whitman in the last five years.”

She citied her participation in contract negotiations, among other projects that have “improved the well-being of the citizens of the town.”

She also said she has respectful and positive working relationships with Town Hall staff and could be helpful in securing grants for improving the town.

“I put my full heart into everything that I do,” Green said, noting that while her fellow selectmen — who have not been in contact with her, likely out of respect for ethics regulations — were probably not surprised by her decision.

“They know the position was open and they knew I had expressed interest,” she said. “It was an honor to serve the citizens of Whitman and I thank them for putting faith in me for the last five years and we’ll see what the future holds.”

The board voted on July 12 to review and update the job description of the assistant town administrator position and the approach to take in seeking a new person for that job. Selectman Lisa Green recused herself from the discussion because she is interested in applying for the job.

Job description

Lynam said the position remains a vital one as he currently has $163,009 in projects pending for the Green Communities grant to deal with, as well as three projects under the Community Compact — $25,000 for a wage and personnel study, $15,000 for solar energy project analysis and some $10,000 for the reuse plan for the old Regal property — in addition to other management duties.

“We are approaching a year with four contracts up for renegotiation,” he added. “I don’t think there’s any question in my mind that the town is best served by maintaining the position of the assistant town administrator and I would like the board to consider moving in that direction.”

Voters at the May Town Meeting approved the line item to continue funding the position’s salary.

“I think we need to look at the description of it,” Selectman Dan Salvucci said of the assistant town administrator post. “We felt as if we needed one before, and it seems we still need one. … Do we want someone that will step into [Lynam’s] shoes eventually, or do we want somebody that just wants to be a good assistant?”

Kowalski and Selectman Scott Lambiase volunteered to work with Lynam on reviewing the job description and salary — about $63,000 — offered.

“Clearly, we want to hire someone who’s capable of functioning in my role when I’m not here,” Lynam said. “My biggest concern right now … surrounding towns are compensating people at a much higher level than we are.”

He noted one of the factors in Enos’ decision to leave was the then-$61,000 salary, which is less than some of the department head with whom he was asked to work in a management or administrative role.

The town is negotiating with the Collins Institute at UMass, Boston to conduct a broad-based wage and personnel survey of Whitman town employees in part because of Lynam’s concern about salary parity with other communities as well as job descriptions and expectations.

“I don’t think this survey will prevent us from making a reasonable analysis here,” he said. “But I think we have to talk about it a little bit and recognize we’re not going to hire somebody at the funding that the line presently has.”

Depending on the hiring cycle, there may be sufficient funds available to offer more money to start, but another Town Meeting vote would have to follow to increase the salary going forward if that is done, according to Lynam.

Selectmen, meeting next on Aug. 30, should have more information from the job description subcommittee’s work, with an eye toward hiring someone by the end of September or early October.

The ingredients of great conversation: Whitman Library group puts cookbooks to the taste test

July 28, 2016 By Tracy F. Seelye, Express Editor

WHITMAN — They found little cause for elation in some of the dishes in “From Junk Food to Joy Food,” but are attracted to the possibilities ahead in “The Smitten Kitchen.”

Foodies and home cooks in the Whitman Public Library’s new Cookbook Club read, experiment with and prepare a recipe from a selected book to share and discuss at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

It’s already a big hit.

“I was talking with two of our patrons who love to cook, because we love to read cookbooks, and we all said, ‘Gee, wouldn’t it be great to have a cookbook club?’” said Library Technician Ellen Donaghey, who facilitates the group along with Library Director Andrea Rounds, who launched it. “We’ve had a good response from the beginning. You come when you want to, but everybody who comes usually signs up for the next month.”

So far there are three men who attend along with the growing number of female members.

The club has tried Food Network star Ree Drummond’s “Pioneer Woman” recipes and “Good Cheap Eats,” by Jessica Fisher.

“Drummond’s book was a really good one,” Donaghey said. “Everything was step-by-step.”

At each meeting, members vote from about five cookbooks for the next month’s selection. Place cards are made for the food table with the name of the dish and its cook. Door prizes of donated kitchen utensils are awarded each month.

“We have been very fortunate to have everything from soup to nuts,” Donaghey said. “It’s a banquet — so much fun.”

As July’s featured cook book was “From Junk Food to Joy Food: All the Foods You Love to Eat, Only Better,” by nutritionist Joy Bauer, the buffet table groaned under more than 20 dishes — from appetizers to desserts — designed as lower-calorie versions of popular recipes.

Healthier versions of deviled eggs — “Angel Eggs” using hummus instead of egg yolks and mayonnaise — potato salad bites and cole slaw started off, followed by cold sesame noodles, zucchini linguine with pesto, chicken cacciatore and classic chili and topped off with desserts such as Boston cream pie parfait, no-bake key lime pie, chocolate crunch bars and mini chocolate cupcakes with vanilla icing.

“This cookbook has taught me that you don’t ‘healthify’ baked goods,” a home cook named Rachel, who loves baking, said. “If you’re going to have a cupcake, you might as well just have a cupcake and have a salad tomorrow.”

Another cook, named Hannah, agreed.

“I have a fundamental philosophical difference with this cookbook,” Hannah said. “I think that healthy ingredients can be good, but not when they are pretending to be not-healthy ingredients.”

She made avocado toast because she felt it was the only recipe that stood on its own and not, “Let’s take a recipe you love and take out everything you love about it.”

Rachel made both the “Joy” cupcake recipe and a regular one, because both she and her family were put off by the use of black beans in the cake and avocado in the icing. She found it tasted “OK,” but found the batter hard to work with and the icing …

“When you look at [the “Joy recipe] you’re going to say, ‘That’s vanilla icing?’ Because it’s kind of a funky color,” Rachel said. “It’s green because it’s avocado.”

Another cook put of by her recipe was Library Trustee Roberts Ellis Drews who said the Eggs Benedict was more difficult than it should have been. Others had better luck, or liked their recipe’s healthier ingredients, and club members shared their opinions and experiences as they sampled the dishes.

“I’m writing a book about everything that can go wrong with me testing these recipes,” Ellis Drews said with a laugh as she related the challenge in finding thick enough Canadian bacon and broiling without it and the tomatoes burning after the directed four minutes. She also found the yellow bell pepper, called for in the Hollandaise, sauce did not microwave or blend well.

“I blended the heck out of the thing,” she said. “After I was done, I had to put it through the strainer, because it wouldn’t mush and you’re supposed to liquefy it. Well, it wouldn’t liquefy, let me tell you.”

She did find the finished recipe delicious, though.

Donaghey, who made yummy chicken enchiladas, was less enthralled with the “super-sweet” chocolate peanut butter cups in which all one could taste was the ripe banana called for in the recipe. She did save the components of that recipe, however, as she felt the chocolate part made a good fudge sauce and the nut butter-banana combination might be good on toast.

The two cooks who prepared the cold sesame noodles had no complaints and said they might prepare it again. The Boston cream parfait, chili and chicken cacciatore were also big hits.

A member named Julie liked the chocolate crunch bark, but used Rice Krispies instead of puffed rice, which she had trouble finding in smaller packages.

Each participant received copies of all the recipes prepared for the session so they could try dishes they liked at home.

Next month they try and discuss recipes from Deb Perelman’s “The Smitten Kitchen: Recipes and Wisdom from an Obsessive Home Cook.” Billed as “fearless cooking from a tiny NYC kitchen,” the book by home cook, photographer and food blogger Perelman, “is all about approachable, uncompromised home cooking.”