HANSON — As staff and patrons continue coming to grips with the loss of late Library Director Nancy Cappellini, work is underway to keep the facility running smoothly and name a successor.

“I think right now people are still in a state of shock,” Library Foundation Chairman Jennifer Hickey said last week. “I give the staff a lot of credit for putting on a brave face and for working through very difficult circumstances. … You find out what people are made of — and these are good people.”

At the same time, Hickey said the sooner the director’s position is filled on a permanent basis, the better it will be for the facility’s role as a resource for residents.

Selectmen voted Jan. 10 to appoint interim Library Director Karen Stolfer as the Library’s Records Officer. The board’s Wage and Personnel Subcommittee met Tuesday, Jan. 24 to review and approve an updated library director job description. [See page 5.]

“We’ve been working since [Cappellini’s] death to update the job description, because the last time we updated the job description was 2004,” Hickey said. “It’s a lot more technology and programming that has to be done.”

In the past, librarians concentrated mainly on book weeding, acquisition and storage, Hickey said, but that now there is a great deal of programs on all the different devices upon which patrons obtain information in addition to books.

“We had to make the job description match how quickly times have changed,” she said, noting that Town Administrator Michael McCue has been a valuable resource on the protocol of what steps the Foundation must take in the process. “We wanted to make sure we are dotting our ‘i’s’ and crossing our ‘t’s’.”

Stolfer has indicated she is considering applying for the permanent director’s position, but said her first priorities have been the fiscal 2018 library budget and planning February school vacation activities.

“I’m trying to get a sense of whether it’s a good fit [on a permanent basis].” Stolfer said. “Hopefully this will give me an idea of whether I want to try for this official position.”

She admits she is filling some big shoes while she also continues her role as reference librarian and teaching computer classes.

“It’s been tough, but it’s been exciting at the same time,” Stolfer said. “I’ve been trying to get things figured out and putting a budget together … it’s been a lot of work. It’s a learning curve.”

A 13-year library employee, this is the first department budget she’s had to compile.

Hickey said the budget process is an area in which Stolfer’s reference expertise is coming in handy as she pieces information together.

“No one dies at a good time, but this is the budget time,” Hickey said. “I believe we’re already in an extension.”

The first draft had been due Dec. 31 — a time when the staff was still processing Cappellini’s Dec. 22 funeral and patrons’ grief.

Stolfer also said plans for February vacation plans are underway. Kate Godwin is again offering yoga classes as well as a paint class. A children’s sewing class will also be offered.

The job posting will be done through Town Hall, offered first to internal staff for the first two weeks. Stolfer graduated with her MLS in 2005 from Simmons College and started working at the Hanson Public library in September of 2003. A master’s degree in library science is a primary qualification for the job.

“It’s beautiful how it worked, that she already has the qualification,” Hickey said. “I think Karen is going to keep the ship running in the right direction. She’s been doing a very good job under what I consider to be not great circumstances.”

“Karen was the first person Nancy hired,” the library’s Technical Services/Systems Director Antonia Leverone told McCue. “I remember still being the Acting Director when Nancy and I interviewed Karen. … She was a patron as a school kid before she went to Wheaton. Since she came into the reference position she has been a tremendous asset to the library with her computer and reference skills [as well as her] friendly way with the patrons. The staff all think very highly of her, both professionally and as a colleague.”

The rest of the library staff have taken on extra hours to fill in for Stolfer’s reference and desk duties for the time being.

“We’ve been lucky to have had Nancy both as Children’s Librarian and Librarian,” Hickey said.

Cappellini had worked at the Hanson Public Library for about 17 years. “She’s been a welcoming face — people come here and it’s kind of a home away from home.”

The School Committee heard updates Wednesday, Jan. 11 on the three pillars of the district’s strategic plan adopted in September  — Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds, Curriculum Instruction and Safe and Secure Schools — as the budget process begins.

“We felt we were in quite a good place in terms of meeting our goals,” said Superintendent of School Dr. Ruth-Gilbert-Whitner. “We have also looked at what are the financial implications of achieving these plans, and as we’ve developed the budget for FY ’18, we’ve prioritized, over time, what are the key items that we believe the district needs to have funded to be able to meet the goals of our strategic plan.”

Based on a level-service budget, which adds no new programs, the fiscal 2018 budget is expected to increase by $1.58 million based on the higher price on fixed costs such as salaries, health insurance, transportation and custodial services.

“It’s the same forecast we have every year — expenses exceed revenue and we’ve got to figure out how to make it work.”

No-cost full-day kindergarten, now estimated to cost about $400,000, is not included in the budget increase at this point.

Department officials gave presentations on the progress toward goals within their pillars.

Administrator of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Dr. John Quealy and Food Services Director Maureen MacKenzie talked about the Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds goals.

“In a nutshell, the goal of Pillar I is to develop a learning environment that fosters social, emotional and academic growth for all of our students,” Quealy said, guided by a Wellness committee of representatives from each school and district officials.

One of the programs being planned is a spring Wellness Fair to include representatives from North River Collaborative, Whitman-Hanson Will and outside organizations in an effort to highlight services available to families. He is also working to expand mental health support services, such as are offered at the high school for students transitioning from hospitalization back to the classroom, to the middle schools.

MacKenzie reported the district is holding steady at 29 percent of students on free or reduced-price lunch programs. A pre-paid purchase system also protects privacy. She has also begun offering sound nutrition and exercise guidance through age-appropriate newsletters and menus students want.

“If our students are not mentally healthy, they are not going to be available to learning,” Gilbert-Whitner said.

Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator Brian Selig; History, Social Science Curriculum Coordinator Robert Davidson; Science Curriculum Coordinator Mark Stephansky and Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator Amy Hill spoke of progress being made under the Curriculum Instruction pillar.

Selig said the main goal is to provide equal access to a high-quality curriculum and the resources to support it, “regardless of what room, what building or which town they’re in” to ensure every student is career and college-ready.

In elementary grades, Davidson said that means to expand from the initial two grade levels from which the math and science programs began and creating new curricula in social studies and English language arts. Professional development for teachers is also vital.

“It’s easy to forget that elementary school teachers teach four academic subjects, and the content is no joke,” he said.

“I think you’re going to see that this is a game-changer in W-H,” Gilbert-Whitner said. “It creates a cohesive learning system — it also keeps a focus on what needs to be done.”

At the middle school level, Stephansky said developing a coherent and cohesive curriculum across the two towns is an important goal. That makes an easier transition to the high school where, Hill said, a whole new set of challenges comes before graduation, including state testing, SATs, PSATs, AP exams and courses.

The 16 new late-start days during the school calendar year have proven invaluable for teacher research, training and collaboration, she said.

security

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Dr. Patrick Dillon and Facilities Director Ernest Sandland addressed Safe and Secure Schools goals. A Dec. 27 active shooter drill at the high school for school officials and first responders was an important part of safeguarding schools.

“We have great passion in this area,” Dillon said, noting a district-wide Safety and Security Committee has been formed to work on developing safe practices. “There is an amazing partnership with our first responders.”

Dillon and Sandland are also touring the schools to solidify facilities and maintenance plans and will be modifying the entrances to both middle schools over the coming summer.

WHITMAN — Town officials and others who  knew former state Sen. Edward “Ned” Kirby well are mourning one of the last of those government officials who respected and worked well with those on the other side of the political fence.

“He’s got quite a history of helping the citizens of Whitman and Plymouth County and he’ll be greatly missed,” said Selectman Brian Bezanson, the chairman of the Whitman Republican Town Committee. “Back in the day, you could disagree on policy and still be cordial and respectful of each other and that seems to be a lost art now.”

“He was a terrific public servant to the town of Whitman — he loved Whitman and we loved him in return,” Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski, a member of the town’s Democratic Town Committee. “He leaves a big hole. Legislatively, his shoes have been filled for a while, but he was a presence in town and I liked  him a lot — in fact, ‘liked’ is probably too mild a word — and I will miss him.”

A staunch Republican, Kirby was a state representative for three terms — the youngest on Beacon Hill when he was first elected in 1961 from the old 5th Plymouth District — a Plymouth County Commissioner for eight years and a six-term state senator. In the state senate he served on Ways & Means, Transportation and Judiciary committees and held the post of assistant Minority Leader. He was also appointed Administrative Law Judge during the Weld administration and was an Appeals Judge in Workers Compensation. [See inset, page 2]

“He was a true statesmen,” Bezanson said. “He wasn’t just a politician. He was a true gentleman, he was an inspiration.”

“The last of the gentlemen,” agreed Town Administrator Frank Lynam. “Ned had a robust history with the town of Whitman … and has applied his sense of commitment to community into pretty much everything he did.”

Kirby was also a faithful member of the Holy Ghost Church, where he met many current town leaders as they first moved to Whitman.

Lynam was one of them, as was Kowalski.

“When I first moved into town I went to church at Holy Ghost and met him there — he introduced himself and welcomed me,” Lynam said. “He was an all-around good guy.”

“He was one of the first people I met when I moved to Whitman 45 years ago,” Kowalski said. “I came out of church and I met this guy and we started talking. He was just very welcoming.”

Before he knew it, Kowalski was serving as a lector at the parish, and later served on a Jewish War Veterans’ scholarship committee with Kirby. Lynam noted that Kirby served on the Holy Ghost Parish Council and the Parish Finance Council, on which Lynam also served. Kirby also supported community groups including the Whitman Food Pantry and the senior center.

“It’s so sad,” said James Davidson of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. “He was such a nice guy.”

Davidson said Kirby was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society for about nine years and was always willing to help do “whatever he could to help those less fortunate in town.”

“He was a very sincere, very generous guy,” he said. “They don’t make them like that anymore.”

“Ned was a true gentleman and a scholar — a class act all the way,” Kowalski said. “He and his wife Mary Alice were always very kind to my family.”

A Whitman resident since 1960, Bezanson recalled being a member of the Jaycees in the 1980s and, after a period of inactivity in civic affairs, he said Kirby encouraged him in his interest in joining the Republican Town Committee in 2002.

“He took me under his wing and mentored me. What I thought was community service and what I had done, really was just the tip of the iceberg,” Bezanson said. “He taught me how to stand by your beliefs, to serve the community and treat people with respect. Forever I’ll be thankful for his making me a better person and a better selectman.”

State Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman, tells a similar story of reaching out to Kirby and receiving support and political counsel.

“Before I made the final decision to run for State Representative, KathyJo and I went to Ned and Mary Alice’s house to ask for their support,” Diehl recalled last week. “Ned showed me around his home office and explained to me some of the goals he set and achieved. Mary Alice, who was also a big part of his political life, filled us in on much of what we needed to know for campaigning.”

Diehl said it was such an honor to have their support and that he highly doubts he would have been able to get elected without all the help the Kirbys provided over those early years.

“In his final years, Ned was not only having a hard time hearing people but also remembering names and conversations,” Diehl recalled. “But that never stopped him from proudly wearing his Army uniform to attend Veterans functions and town events. He remained, to the end, very proud of being able to serve his country, the state of Massachusetts and his home town of Whitman.”

Lynam said Kirby also had strong political opinions as a conservative Republican, noting that his position on gay marriage might have ultimately cost him his state Senate seat, as Therese Murray defeated him after redistricting.

HANOVER — The South Shore Regional Vocational-Technical School District is seeking a 3.73-percent increase in its fiscal 2018 budget proposal.

The $12.9 million proposed budget, rolled out at the Wednesday, Dec. 21 SSVT School Committee meeting, incudes an increase of about $464,860. That increase reflects a half-dozen capital projects totaling about $367,000 — including $80,000 for equipment needed for a new horticulture program, $96,239 for three new staff members, guidance outreach hours and a one-time expense to cover a transitional hire to over a retirement in the payroll office; and covers an 11-percent increase in health insurance costs for active employees.

Enrollment among all eight towns is relatively stable. Hanson’s, for example is unchanged as of Oct. 1, while Whitman is up by one student.

Some of the impact on member towns may be offset by an increase of $140,000 in nonresident tuition to lower assessments.

Superintendent-Director Dr. Thomas J. Hickey stressed that the zero-based budget helps the district control costs, requiring detailed funding requests that are reviewed in November and December.

Hickey said he does not expect an increase in Chapter 70 funds.

“I think, going into this year with a stable enrollment — barring some inflationary increase — we shouldn’t bank, we should never bank, on that Chapter 70 money being higher,” he said. “We’re going to assume level.”

A public hearing on the budget proposal is slated for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Brass Lantern restaurant at SSVT.

“We build a budget from zero,” Hickey said. “I think this budget accomplishes several things.”

In addition to curriculum and technology resources, the need for expanded instruction and transportation are addressed in the proposed budget, Hickey said. While capital plans for security, facilities and vocational-technical programs are planned, investment in a stabilization fund for building renovation is also continuing.

“We continue to chip away at things we consider a priority,” Hickey said. “We’re not sitting and waiting, blaming anyone else for what needs we might have.”

Future plans

An MSBA statement of interest submitted in April 2015 seeks support for building renovation to address the school’s heating system, lack of classroom space and small science labs, an aging modular unit, need for vocational program expansion and inadequate weight room and locker facilities. If SSVT is accepted into the program, the school will need to obtain towns’ approval and feasibility funds within 270 days.

That’s where the stabilization fund comes into play.

The fund now has a balance of $325,000 with an additional $50,000 sought in the FY ’18 budget. Hickey’s long-range goal of $500,000 in stabilization would avoid a spike in assessments or a draining of the excess and deficiency account.

“We focus on long-range planning and keeping the surprises to a minimum,” he said. “We’re very aggressive in applying for grants … our industry connections provide us with vocational equipment donations.”

Unlike other school budgets, SSVT must also provide some costs that towns would otherwise fund — health insurance, retirement contribution, payroll taxes, debt service, unemployment and snow removal, for example — total $2,138,573. That is 16.6 percent of SSVT’s total fiscal 2018 budget.

“This is true of all regional school districts,” Hickey said.

Goals for the next fiscal year include ongoing efforts to narrow the proficiency gap in math and science; growth in English language arts scores; career planning, cooperative education and work-based learning as well as increasing educational space and programs to assist traumatized students.

One of this year’s new programs is an online math enrichment course for all freshmen and sophomores, which is included in the math and science proficiency goal. The addition of a horticulture and landscape construction program and the inclusion of plumbing in the HVAC program are also planned next year.

Hickey also included an overview of the school’s accomplishments over the past year including a North River Collaborative project with the collision repair technology shop, completion of the boiler project, continued improvement of employer connections and curriculum improvement, development of post-secondary partnerships, security improvements and returning a soccer program to the athletics department.

Curriculum changes have involved a required civics course in the social studies department and development of a Design and Visual Communications — providing two possible career pathways on graduation — and Engineering Technology shops under Chapter 74 approval.

Top student

In other business, senior automotive student Jack Perkins of Hanover, was recognized as the student of the month for December. A student-athlete who plays ice hockey and lacrosse, he is “known to be a tremendous worker and a hard-nosed player” at work and in sports, Assistant Principal Sandra Baldner said.

“His teachers tell us he is a perfect representation of what SSVT is all about,” she said. He plans to attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy next year.

Teacher honored

Computer technology teacher Stanley Zavatsky was honored as staff member of the month. Students nominate faculty and staff members for the award, which Assistant Principal Mark Aubrey presented Dec. 21.

“Mr. Zavatsky is not only a leader during the school day, but his dedication to our students extends beyond the school bell,” Aubrey said, noting Zavatsky is an advisor to the school’s Business Professionals of America Chapter which is active in community projects, and teaches two dual-enrollment classes at SSVT.

HANSON — Behind the headline of a recent motorcycle crash that killed Hanson resident John Edwards, is a love story that endures within the warm smile and optimism of his widow Lorraine as she carries on.

Her family says she is struggling to walk now — determined she will in due time.

In a moment the pair, who were enjoying a motorcycle ride, was separated forever following a head-on crash that took John’s life on Oct. 16 in Lakeville — Lorraine lost her sweetheart of 56 years.

“I don’t know how she has such a smile on her face, but she smiles because she is thankful to be alive,” said her adult daughter Christine Moniz.

Moniz spends much of her time by her mother’s side these days. She is the youngest of three children and still mourns her father. These are the first holidays they will spend without him. She attempts to steady her emotions with wounds still fresh, yet, she is inspired by her mother’s strength.

On Oct. 16 the Edwards were out for their ride  — John and Lorraine together as usual — with son Andy, and a family friend each following behind the other. A driver struck John and Lorraine head-on and, as daughter Christine related the words of witnesses to the scene, it resembled “a war zone.”

She said off-duty Brockton fire Lt. Scott Sweet was at the right place at the right time and, with a local nurse, did all the right things immediately, rendering first aid.

“They likely saved my mother’s life. They tied her leg to control the bleeding,” said Moniz.

Lorraine was taken by medical helicopter to the Rhode Island Trauma Center where she received multiple blood transfusions, along with the first of several surgeries. Ultimately amputation of her leg below the knee was required, and she had sustained multiple breaks in the bones in all her extremities including her hands, as well as her back and ribs.

The casts have been removed in the weeks following the crash, but she is unable to walk yet as her amputation and remaining bone heal.

In an effort to ease the family’s financial burden, a fundraiser and meat raffle were recently held by Whitman VFW Post 697 to help defray Mrs. Edwards’ medical costs. Post Quartermaster Al Rainey said the fundraiser event and an impromptu “pass the hat” collectively raised $12,000, which has already been given to the family.

Whitman VFW Post employees Michelle Piers and Dan Greenwood co-organized the fundraiser for someone they remembered as a “jolly man, who told jokes and enjoyed life.”

John Edwards, by all accounts, was a lover of the open road and enjoyed going out with his wife Lorraine who joined him in motoring adventures after they raised their four children.

He was a member of the VFW post and a member of the South Shore Hogs, and all four of his children have motorcycle licenses.

Most recently, John was the veteran’s liaison for the VFW. He would occasionally add something as part of the meeting, but if he had nothing to add he would say “ride safe,” Moniz said.

South Shore Hogs traveled the route of the fatal accident one weekend later erecting a memorial sign near Tamarack Park in Lakeville the sign bearing John’s name with those very words — “ride safe.” The community has also reached out and as Lorraine advances from rehabilitation she will need accommodations to the home including accessibility.

“We want her to be healthy enough to return home,” said Moniz.

Moniz talked about her mother’s resilience, lamenting that she may never ride a motorcycle again herself after this tragedy.

“We are told (mom) is the ‘talk of the therapy department’ because she is willing to work and she is always smiling,” said Moniz. The family is hopeful the six-month time frame given from her doctors will provide an uplifting outlook on the prognosis. They will know more as time passes.

With deep roots on State Street in Hanson, three generations have resided in the home — built in 1713 — of Moniz’s grandmother, whose maiden name was Munro then Hammond.

The bridge on State Street is named in memory of Moniz’s great uncle Robert Hammond. Grandma is now 100 years old and the last surviving sibling of the Hammond’s.

Moniz has heard from numerous local residents who knew the four Edwards siblings growing up as graduates of WHRHS. Among the countless visitors  three days after the accident many of the family returned to Lorraine’s side, including her son Wayne who resides in Ohio, and son Jack who resides in Florida.

Her father worked at Halliday Lithograph Co., in Hanover for more than 18 years. He was originally from Joplin, Mo., and was a Navy metalsmith. Lorraine was set up with John on a blind double date, after which the pair began courting and married in 1960. Lorraine graduated from South Hanover high school in 1959.

“My father used to walk from the Naval Base in Weymouth all the way to see my mother in Hanson.”

Edwards bought a motorcycle and started riding early in the ’60s and Lorraine joined him after the children got older. The pair made their way across country Route 66 once to Seattle, and also to California (to see son Wayne who was stationed there at Ft. Edwards.)

“We are all dealing — in our own way,” Moniz said.

The family will host a memorial at First Congregational Church in Hanson with dates to be determined in the spring.

“The VFW graciously offered their hall.

They have been a great support,” she said. “They have also offered medical equipment, a ramp to assist in making the home handicap accessible.”

Celebrating life with 11 grandchildren Lorraine has had visitors from several states, members of the church, the South Shore Hogs, Whitman VFW, friends where she most recently worked The Christmas Tree Shop along with Former associates of past employers.

“They have all come to see her, see how she is doing,”said Moniz.

Now with the holidays upon us the family will approach each day with optimism as they celebrate the life of their father and guide their mother to recovery.

HANSON — A traditional English Christmas carol celebrates preparation for the holiday as people “deck the halls with boughs of holly,” but Marc Benjamino, a junior at WHRHS, had a more meaningful decoration job to do on Saturday, Dec. 17.

On the strength of his private fundraising effort in support of the Wreaths Across America program, for which he raised $3,000 to pay for Christmas wreaths to decorate the graves of fallen military, Benjamino was invited to participate in placing 250,000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.

Benjamino found the opportunity to be very moving,

“It was an experience, let’s just say — words can’t really describe it,” he said Monday, noting that there were thousands of others who also made the journey to ensure the nation’s fallen servicemen and women are not forgotten at the holidays.

“It was a very honorable experience,” he said. “I would say that it was just awe-inspiring. It hit very close to home. It was a shame to see that all of these people have died for our country, however it was very nice to see that everyone came out … and our country gives them the respect they deserve. There’s a monument for every single one of them.”

A cadet with the Forest Hill Military Army Cadet Corps in Kentucky, and as a person with veterans in his family, Benjamino said he understands the service and sacrifice made by Arlington’s fallen and encourages others to volunteer with Wreaths Across America.

“It was a really emotional and honorable experience,” he said.

While he is not entirely comfortable with the attention his gesture has received, Benjamino is committed to paying the fallen the respect due them.

Closure

“They need to be honored and they need to be remembered,” he said, describing the experience as a warm feeling that brings closure as the nation remembers that these servicemen and women sacrificed their lives for the rights all Americans enjoy.

His family and school community are just as honored by Benjamino’s fundraising effort on behalf of the Wreaths Across America cause.

“As Marc’s teacher, when I heard he was taking his time out to do this to recognize the men and women who dedicated their lives [to country], I just thought it was a must that he be recognized for this,” said Chris Googins, who is also WHRHS dean of students. “I know he’s probably upset about that, because he’s such a humble kid, but he’s an exceptional kid and he’s one of the best kids I’ve taught at W-H in my 20 years here.”

Googins said Benjamino’s passion for history helped spark his interest in the project.

Benjamino is taking an elective course on WWI, and is a member of the W-H History Club, which has also received a gift of about $500 from Wreaths Across America.

“I respect the fact that he is going above and beyond to make our community better and I’m proud to have him in class,” he said.

Founded in 1992 by the Worcester Wreath Co, the Wreaths Across America project aims to distribute holiday wreaths to graves of deceased soldiers at various cemeteries across the country, but focuses attention on Arlington.

The wreath-placing Dec. 17 followed a remembrance ceremony “so that we may pause to think about what these soldiers have given us and to remember them and honor them during this holiday season,” Benjamino wrote of the event before departing for it.

giving back

“He did this on his own,” Principal Jeffrey Szymaniak told the School Committee Dec. 14. “It wasn’t a school-funded thing. He did raise some money for the History Club, but [this is the] kind of social programs that we give back during the course of the day here. People don’t know it, but we have some wonderful, wonderful, wonderful kids here.”

Benjamino raised the $3,000 as an independent fundraiser for Wreaths Across America, going to parent-teacher conference night, Veterans Day parades and various companies and organizations to discuss the program and ask for wreath sponsorships.

He said Wreaths Across America welcomes anyone who wishes to help place wreaths, but the organization encourages fundraising first to help purchase the greenery.

HANSON — Selectmen and the Planning Board in collaboration with Environmental Partners, Inc., of Quincy, held a joint meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6 to introduce and discuss the proposed Route 14/Maquan Street Reconstruction Project in Hanson.

It was the first of what is expected to be a series of meetings on the proposals.

Selectman Don Howard, who began working to get the project on the state/federal transportation improvement program (TIP) a year ago, chaired the meeting. Planning Board members Don Ellis and John Kemmett and Selectman Bruce Young also sat on the dais for the meeting, which was broadcast by W-H Community Access TV.

“I can’t see Hanson in the middle … just to sit there an have nothing done,” Howard said. “It seems to me Hanson, in the past few years, [has received] nothing from the federal or state governments and I think it’s about time we get a little bit of service.”

The proposed project — which is viewed at about five years away — is anticipated to include improvements to traffic circulation and safety, pedestrian and bicycle facilities and roadway flooding along Maquan Street from Liberty Street (Route 58) and Indian Head Street to the Pembroke Town Line, a distance of approximately 1.2 miles.  It will also include reconstruction of School Street (approximately 0.25 miles long to link pedestrian and bicycle accommodations from the existing Indian Head School, Maquan Elementary School, Hanson Public Library and sports fields with Maquan Street and its abutting neighborhoods.

During the hour and 40-minute session, desginer Dan Fitzgerald of Environmental Partners presented a PowerPoint program on the preliminary concepts and alternatives for improving safety and roadway drainage.

Traffic volume and projections for intersections involved, taken during peak, midweek commuter times were reviewed as well as current stop sign placement.

Among the proposals for traffic alternatives up for consideration is a roundabout at from Liberty Street (Route 58) and Indian Head Street, as has been done at the Pembroke end of Route 14 and changes to other intersections along Maquan Street.

“It’s just an idea —it’s your town — but I think it’s a worthy alternative,” Fitzgerald said of the slide illustrations. “These are not full designs, these are just initial ideas based on space that we can see out there.”

He stressed that roundabouts are safer than the larger rotaries are built for more high-speed traffic.

Present roadway conditions have also been reviewed, including average speeds — 85 percent of traffic has been registered at 41 mph where the speed limit is 30 to 35 — and wetlands near the road. Residents attending the meeting expressed concern about the speeds now seen on Maquan Street.

Kemmett also asked for a cost projection of maintaining the roadway paint needed in the plans shown. Utility poles along the route will also have to be relocated.

The town owns 45-foot rights-of-way. Bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of the road within a 43-footplan are proposed. Pembroke’s end of the project, which was planned before design rules changed, does not include the same bike lane and sidewalk designs now under consideration for Hanson.

Another alternative would use a narrower vehicular roadway, with a paved area for pedestrians and bicyclists to share, separated by a median. Another called for bike lanes on both sides and a sidewalk on one.

Residents at the meeting preferred the paved area for pedestrians and bicyclists to share, separated by a median option.

Fitzgerald also said any wetlands impacted by retaining walls  required by the project would have to be replicated.

HANSON — A lawyer for five former Recreation Commission members named in labor lawyer Leo Peloquin’s report on mismanagement of Camp Kiwanee has filed a report refuting Peloquin’s findings with Peloquin, who has forwarded copies to the Board of Selectmen.

The report dated Nov. 28 charges that Peloquin’s findings were “designed for the sole purpose of justifying the expenditure of $62,905 … for an investigation that far exceeded its scope,” according to attorney George H. Boerger of Duxbury, who is representing Kiwannee caretaker James Flanagan and former Recreation Commission members Maria McClellan, Sue Lonergan, Dave Blauss and Janet Agius.

At the Nov. 29 Selectmen’s meeting, however, the issue was not posted on the agenda at the recommendation of Town Administrator Michael McCue, following discussions with Selectmen Chairman James McGahan and Peloquin.

“There was information provided that went to town counsel and he’s reviewing it,” McCue told Selectmen at the Nov. 29 meeting. “I believe town counsel will be before the board at the next meeting on Dec. 13 to advise the board on his recommendations and findings.”

McCue assured Boerger in an email about the agenda decision that he would “make the Board aware of your request to come before the Board at a future meeting,” McCue.

McCue was not available for further comment this week due to illness.

Boerger’s report said his clients do not have the resources to respond to every single allegation in Peloquin’s report, but highlighted “key facts and errors, which should call into question most, if not all of the allegations.”

According to Boerger’s report:

• The original audit conducted on Camp Kiwanee’s operations did not lead to the investigation ultimately conducted;

• The Recreation Committee had been prohibited from accessing camp files for the last two years;

• There was cooperation among commission members with the investigation;

• Issues raised concerning the Kiwanee Cash program were resolved more than two years ago;

• Allegations of improper rates charged are not accurate;

• David Blauss’ cousin was permitted to stay at the camp to bolster security and stopped when ordered to; and that

• Criticism of his clients for attempting to micromanage the camp are unjust.

• He also stressed that McClellan was not the “administrator” of Kiwanee Cash, as Peloquin had repeatedly described her, but had only volunteered to type records because, as a retiree, she had the time.

cooperation

Boerger wrote that investigation interviews with Lonergan, McClellan and Dave Blauss were either never scheduled by former interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera or were delayed. McClellan, for example offered to meet with Peloquin as early as May 3, but was not contacted for an interview until Sept. 19.

McClellan, Lonergan, Dave Blauss, Agius and James Flanagan are now hoping they will have their chance to review Boerger’s report in a public meeting.

“I am so disappointed in this investigation and the people who could have handled it so differently,” McClellan wrote in an Oct. 20 letter to McCue and McGahan attached to Boerger’s report. “You have beaten up some very great people by accepting evidence from people with clear agendas to keep their own jobs and destroy other people.”

Boerger also opined that the scope of the investigation and Peloquin’s report were “an attempt to destroy the reputation” of his clients as well as being extremely detrimental to the town, which relies on volunteers to fill many positions.

“Could operations of Camp Kiwanee been improved? Certainly,” Boerger wrote in his conclusions. “Was there ever any intent by the respondents to gain any improper advantage from their role with Camp Kiwanee? Absolutely not!”

under review

Selectman Bruce Young, who has been supportive of the Recreation Commission, declined comment on the rebuttal report at this time.

“I will refrain from making any comments on this, until we receive the formal response and possible amended version of the original investigative report from Atty. Peloquin,” Young stated in an email to the Express Tuesday, Dec. 6. Young noted that Peloquin is preparing a response to Boerger’s rebuttal, which he plans to email to Selectmen before the Dec. 13 meeting, and urged the board to hold off on permitting Boerger to make a presentation until after the board has received his response, “i.e., everything is in.”

McGahan said Dec. 6 that he felt the Recreation Commission already went over many of the points touched on in Boerger’s report at the Oct. 18 Selectmen’s meeting.

“I don’t want to go into complaints about how things were done,” McGahan said. “I want them to go into hard evidence. They’ve been accused of misusing the camp up there for their own purpose and I’d like them to come back with some sort of concrete evidence — ‘Here’s my cancelled check’ — but I’ve not seen anything to refute any of those specific charges.”

Recreation members have been seeking a public forum to present their rebuttal. In answer to a question from James Flanagan at the Aug. 23 selectmen’s meeting, McGahan said that, in his personal opinion, once the investigation was complete and on paper, it should be made available to all parties involved, which was done in October.

“I would like to see that,” McGahan had said, agreeing with James Flanagan’s request that a public session be held to discuss it, including refutations from those named in the investigation.

“Open discussion on that document would be open to the public,” McGahan said in August, but contends the Oct. 18 meeting provided that forum.

Selectmen, at that meeting decided that those named in the report could have until Nov. 30 to file corrections with Peloquin’s office.

McGahan had cited the Nov. 30 deadline in his statement against voting to appoint a new Recreation Commission at that meeting.

“Maybe something else is coming up, I don’t know,” he said. Selectman Kenny Mitchell agreed, saying he wanted the Camp Kiwanee issues behind them before a vote.

No replacements

Some residents have expressed dismay at the board’s decision not to vote on the slate of applicants which is: former Recreation Commission members Audrey Flanagan and Kevin Cameron, John Mahoney, Diane Cohen, Brian Fruzetti, Brian Smith and John Zucco.

“I felt we’re still doing the investigation on this [commission],” McGahan said Tuesday, Dec. 6. “I also want to check on what the director’s position description is, I want to make sure that’s where it should be.”

He also said he’d like to see some new faces on the commission.

Young asked when the Recreation Commission members could expect to publicly refute the report as they were told they could expect to do.

WHITMAN — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have become ingrained in the seasonal habits of many shoppers between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

A group of Whitman residents are hoping the community has come to know the Sunday after Thanksgiving as Whitman Area Toy Drive Day. For 15 years, volunteers have been taking time on that day to kick off the annual toy drive, setting up shop in the Whitman VFW Pavilion, 95 Essex St.

The drive, which will also host a Photos with Santa party at the pavilion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, is the first of several holiday events — many featuring St. Nick — in Whitman and Hanson. [See box].

On Sunday, Nov. 27 a small army of volunteers, including veterans, families, members of the Whitman Mothers Club and the WHRHS Drama Club gathered at the pavilion to sort gifts already donated onto tables representing gender and age ranges.

“What you see here now is maybe one-tenth of what we do through the whole Christmas season,” said toy drive founder Donnie Westhaver, gesturing toward tables already covered with toys. “We don’t want any kid to go without a toy. I don’t care where they’re from.”

The need

Westhaver said 90 to 95 percent of toys collected would go to Whitman families with the remainder to help families in need in Hanson, Abington and Rockland when organizations there run out of toys.

“I hope I’m around for another 20 years to be able to do this and when I’m not around I hope someone picks it up and keeps it going, because there are a lot of families out there in need,” he said. “There are actually families you wouldn’t expect — it might be your next-door neighbor. You might think they’re doing well, but they’re not.”

He said families that are just scraping by for the rest of the year have an especially hard time at the holidays.

“Christmas is for kids, but it’s also for us — you never lose that spirit,” Westhaver told his volunteers.

Large donations have been received from: Whitman VFW Men’s Auxiliary — $1,500; Whitman Mothers Club — $500; Sons of the American Legion — $500; Getchell Plumbing — $300; Whitman Firefighters Union Local 1769 — $250; and Fred Small — $250. Monetary donations helped the 501 (C)3 charity do some shopping on Black Friday for toys and boosted efforts to obtain grocery gift certificates at Wal-Mart for Christmas dinners.

Donations of $2,000 worth of toys from Brian Dennehy and his mother Jackie; toys collected at a family party hosted by Kevin Mayer and John Cookson at the Hanson AA and Reebok clothing from Kristin Nelson Ross were a few of those received already. Donation boxes, including three at WHRHS for the first time, can be found at the following businesses: Marcello’s Sub Shop, Whitman American Legion, Whitman VFW, Rockland Trust and Mutual Bank Whitman branches, Joe Goldsberry Photo & Video, O’Rourke Insurance, Whitman Knights of Columbus, Dancer’s Dream, Duval’s Pharmacy, Damien’s Pub in Hanson and Bailey’s Tri-Town.

For more information on donations or registering as a recipient family, contact Donnie Westhaver at 781-447-6883.

HANSON — The community is mourning the passing of a devoted couple who took an active role in their adopted hometown.

Former Town Master Plan Committee member Bob Sutter and his wife, long-time Water Commissioner Mary Lou Sutter died Thursday, Nov. 17, according to Town Administrator Michael McCue. The Sutters’ family plans to publish an obituary in the Express nest week.

“It took everybody here, as you can imagine, with a great deal of surprise,” McCue said Friday, Nov. 18, recalling a recent discussion he had with Mary Lou regarding her future concerns for the town’s Water Department. “It’s a shock and I’m deeply saddened. They were very kind and supportive of me and I will miss them.”

Mary Lou had served on the Capital Improvement Committee and Hanson Multi-Service Senior Center Director Mary Collins said Mary Lou had also been a dedicated eight-year member of the Friends of the Senior Center, of which she had served as president.

“She just wanted to be involved in her community,” Collins said, noting that when the Sutters moved to Hanson from New York, Mary Lou also became involved in supporting the schools. “This was their town as they aged. It was their choice to be here and they wanted to do as much as they could to be involved.”

Many who worked with them in town government joined Collins and McCue and the Sutters’ family in feeling their loss.

“Absolutely it’s a shock,” said Water Superintendent Richard Muncie said, noting Mary Lou had served as a Water Commissioner from 2003 to Nov 12, 2016. “We had a little celebration for her 13 years, we had a cake and told her how we appreciated all the things she and her husband had done for the whole town.”

“She just wanted to do the best for the town and she was always very positive,” Muncie said.

Selectman Don Howard, who also serves as a water commissioner, said Mary Lou wanted to make sure her post was filled before she retired.

“I don’t know what to say,” Howard said, noting Bob had been calling him recently about the work of the Final Plymouth County Hospital Reuse Committee. “They’ve done a lot for the town of Hanson that people don’t even realize.”

Bob Sutter had served on the original PCH Reuse Committee.

Community Preservation Commission Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett and her husband John Kemmett, a former Planning Board member, had known the Sutters for about 10 years.

“From all outward appearances, it seemed like an unlikely friendship,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “We had a 30-plus year age difference and vastly different backgrounds. Despite that, we found no end to the number of things we all enjoyed from woodworking to politics and everything in between.”

Unlikely friendship

She said Mary Lou and Bob left an indelible impression on them. FitzGerald-Kemmett had accompanied Mary Lou to the Nov. 1 Selectmen’s meeting at which she resigned as a Water Commissioner.

“They were a shining example of a life well-led,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “They were incredibly devoted to each other and despite their declining physical health they continuously strived to make a difference in their community and to help others who were less fortunate. We feel so blessed to have had these dear souls in our lives. We take comfort in the fact that neither of them was left to mourn the passing of the other and that they are no longer in any pain.”

Collins said she respected the way the Sutters worked with people of all political beliefs with respect and kindness.

“I will miss her,” Collins said of Mary Lou.

Those who met the Sutters more recently were also affected by their loss.

“I’m shaken to my core,” said Selectmen Chairman James McGahan. “Deep inside I feel a loss, although I was just starting to get to know them” McGahan said. “We’ve lost two great citizens who contributed a lot to the town and they will be sorely missed.”

McGahan said he had last spoken to Mary Lou at the Nov. 1 Selectmen’s meeting during which she announced her resignation from the Board of Water Commissioners due to health concerns. He and McCue had also recently spent  nearly an hour talking with the Sutters following a coffee he hosted at the Hanson Multi-Service Senior Center.

“[Bob] had built a model of Liberty Street and he wanted to show it to me … we never confirmed a date or time frame after that,” McGahan said. “I liked them very much and I thought they were community leaders. These people were ingrained in Hanson’s political life.”

McCue, too, recalled Bob Sutter’s architectural background.

“He had given me a book on architecture and he would bring me architecture magazines he thought I might have interest in that were applicable to municipal issues,” McCue said. “He’d come in and talk about different things the town could do moving forward.”

McGahan also noted that the Sutters had donated the funds to repair the lower-level doors at Town Hall, which are equipped with handicapped access buttons to open the doors for people who use walkers or wheelchairs. He also recalled that Mary Lou made it clear she preferred to be addressed by her first name.

The couple’s support for the failed new Hanson elementary school project as well as for override proposals to fund school budgets was also noted. They were strenuous supporters of the school building project, to the point of suggesting financial assistance programs such as food stamps and tax abatement volunteer work for those on fixed income.

The Sutters firmly believed every generation had a duty to educate their community’s children.

“Mary Lou and Bob Sutter were two very special people who were deeply committed to the Town of Hanson and the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner. “They will be missed and our memories of them cherished as we recall and reflect upon their unselfish contributions of time, energy, and talent to the community and to the school system.”

School Committee Chairman Bob Hayes, a Hanson resident, also lauded the Sutters’ dedication to Hanson.

“Mary Lou and Bob Sutter were probably two of the finest people in the town of Hanson,” Hayes said. “They did an immense amount of volunteer work on several boards and committees and they will be sadly missed.”

He said they were very active in the school system.

“I used to hear from them all the time,” he said. “They believed in education.”