Deputy Chief  Rob O’Brien prepped  Henry Wrightington for his shot during a clinic at Hanson Middle School Friday, Feb. 5, in which the communitiy’s seniors age 75 and over received a COVID-19 vaccine. Jack Concree, right, received the vaccine as he was joking that it was not painful at all. See more photos, page 9.

As snow storms go, this week’s edition was not a big boost for snowlovers, as the few inches the region got was largely washed away by overnight rains Monday into Tuesday. But there was some work to get done. The Whitman Department of Public Works cleared the sidewalks as the weather forecast predicted a freeze of the slushy snow. A Blue Heron picked its way through reeds at the shore of Wampatuck Pond in Hanson on Tuesday, making for a beautiful winter scene following the days long drenching rains. See more photos, page 8.

By Stephanie Spyropoulos
Express staff

Looking for a good read?

If you are looking for love this Valentine’s Day or a guide to a new hobby, the topics are endless at your local library. There are also a host of books in every genre waiting to intrigue you.

Public libraries may be closed to foot traffic in Massachusetts due to COVID-19 restrictions, but there are plenty of ways to effectively use the libraries to remain involved; from children’s and teen book clubs to adult motivational and crafting events.

“They are monitoring State wide restrictions in hopes of resuming by appointment visits,” said  Karen Stolfer Hanson’s library director.

Activities are done via Zoom and use the sign up and reserve your spot method via their website or by calling the library directly.

Hanson has taken their yoga time with Miss Kate to a virtual mat-visit in which families can create relaxation and exercise.

Both towns are offering a “take and make” style crafting which is available through curbside pick up.

Whitman’s theme for the February holiday will be a Girl Scouts-sponsored valentines’ craft. Both towns have had a penguin craft befitting the cold weather. The popularity of the themed grab and go style crafts reached 80 to 100 items which are pre-made with instructions and in a paper bag for pickup so when they run out they make more, according to Whitman’s Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Young.

Both Hanson and Whitman are updating social media pages daily with current events through Zoom and curbside arrangements

Recently via Facebook they shared photos for book lovers -humorous in nature -to remind patrons that they can still read, cuddle up in a warm blanket and enjoy a cold day with a satisfying book.

The Mind in the Making grant recently provided an outdoor, oversized, story- book walk on the front pavement at Whitman Library.

The pages of a children’s book are printed on large displays for families to read and interact in an outdoor setting.  The jacket I wear in the snow, by Shirley Neitzel and illustrated by Nancy Winslow Parker was January’s featured book.

Like hundreds of libraries throughout Massachusetts inventing ways to stay connected with patrons has been the intentions of staff.

In requesting materials “book bundles” have been made for patrons. Providing their library card number, for children include their age, as well as genres, or specific books by title and author the library will put the books together for your contact free pick up.

Hanson is offering mobile hot spots an internet connection for remote learning and with sign up and reservations the offering is available for one week checkouts.

A pre-sign up craft for teens and adults is a mug with marker design. It requires adult supervision for the final steps in heating the project.

Once a month teens can join In the Middle Book club sponsored in memory of Hanson resident Grett  Lozeau  a long time educator.

  The event is hosted via Zoom and the club discusses new books, plays trivia and online games.

Information on taking part in the listed activities and upcoming dates for the months ahead can be found on Hanson’s Facebook page or their website calendar of events at [email protected] or hansonpubliclibrary.org.

Whitman has recently announced their signups for a craft of paper lanterns in celebration of Lunar New Year in the first two weeks of February. Visit whitmanpubliclibrary.org.

WHITMAN — The first round of COVID-19 vaccinations have arrived in town.

Whitman Firefighters received the Moderna vaccine this starting Wednesday, Jan. 13.  First responders are some of the primary front ine workers to receive the vaccination in a state wide effort against COVID.

Whitman Fire Chief Timothy Grenno, Medical Director Dr. Daniel Muse of Brockton Hospital Signature Health Care and Whitman fire personnel combined their efforts to get the area town fire departments the vials of the anticipated inoculation.

The minimum of 200 people required for a vaccine site was not met so the department had to pool together and Brockton Hospital Signature Health Care was nice enough to take on all area departments, said Matt Busch Whitman fire’s EMS officer.

They are operating under the umbrella of Brockton Hospital who does all the ordering to meet the state mandate.

They received 24 doses for department members, which were distributed over two days. The second shot will be in 28 days for the two part vaccine.

Whitman Fire rescue went through a long process with the state to get their Massachusetts Immunization Information certification, said Firefighter Steve Foster infection control officer.

They are now registered as an inoculation site for the state of Massachusetts when and if the time comes Whitman fire will be able to administer vaccinations.

The criteria and information is all pending decisions through the State, which has not been currently established.

HANSON — Raising funds toward his Eagle Scout project, TJ Woodward of Hanson — a junior at South Shore Technical High School — hosted a can and bottle drive last weekend at the Nathaniel Thomas Mill parking area.

For several hours on Jan. 9 and despite the bitter chill, his supporters did not disappoint in the first step of fundraising towards his project he has neared his monetary goal to start gathering materials.

His purpose in the venture is to create a parking lot with leveled gravel, a trail kiosk with a map of the trail system to Poor Meadow, which has over 300 acres of town owned land.

Currently the area which abuts Saw Mill Lane and is about 1/8 of a mile from the railroad tracks is marked by a small sign and is a rough, dirt pull off.  Having the area accessible and clearly marked will create better opportunities for people to explore nature.

Woodward is planning to complete his Eagle Scout project by June of 2021.

His proposal and approval, through both the town of Hanson and Mayflower Counsel, which oversees the region including his Troop 68 was completed on Oct. 26, 2020.   

The beneficiary of the project is Hanson Conservation Commission.

The can drive will aid in funding his materials, and the five plaques highlighting some of the areas in Poor Meadow.  He is still developing ideas on that portion of the project, which will be approximately one to two miles of nature trail.

Woodward received many warm wishes from former Scouts and residents who read about his can drive and dropped off large quantities of bottles.   

With offers of assistance from several attendees during the can drive Woodward said he was pleased with the fluid crowd who kept socially distant in drive up and drop off style.

“I definitely think it was nice – the turnout we had and donations of bottle and cans.  A lot of people mentioned where they saw the event posted and mentioned our signs. They were excited to see that they could drop off their cans, he said.    

During the early restrictions of COVID-19 closures recycling center had limited drop offs and hours. People were saving cans and bottles, which TJ benefited from.

As of now the main materials he is looking for are lumber and recycled gravel or recycled asphalt, he said if anyone still wishes to contribute.

In his deciding factors for his Scout project Woodward knew this vicinity needed sprucing up.

“For me I realized it was a great area of opportunity it will provide a great area for the town to use.

Adding a couple more walking trails to enjoy and see all the nature we have in our town,” said Woodward.

HANSON — Surrounded by branches on nearly three acres of land 10 Nigerian Dwarf Goats were busy munching on Christmas trees at Channel Homestead in Hanson this week.

Goats are known for their fondness of forest fare, making them perfect disposal units for discarded holiday trees.

Christanie, Matt and Hunter Channell  1½,  live on the homestead and are busy with dozens of daily tasks to keep the farm in motion especially during the pandemic.

They recently posted on local town Facebook pages that they were accepting drop-offs of Christmas trees in all varieties. While there is no fee involved, they do ask that the trees are still alive. There are great nutrients for the goats and a natural de-wormer for their chickens.

This past weekend, a pile of nearly 100 trees and counting were lined against their penned property and in their pickup truck bed — waiting to be served.

Due to COVID-19 the family are currently not allowed to  have visitors come to see the  Nigerian Dwarf Goats, but as restrictions change they will be welcoming people back for visits. They plan to continue having themed family farm days similar to last year, which they said were successful.

Among their livestock are Flemish giant rabbits, blue Swedish ducks, Wynadotte chickens and two horses, that are available for riding lessons.

Christanie teaches individual riding lessons in the afternoons as well as rising early to care for the animals. 

The COVID pandemic gave her the push to expand all of her products she had begun to work on Christanie said. She is aiming to add additional products in the future but currently  handmakes body soaps, lotions hand sanitizers, shampoo and conditioner bars and body scrub products as well as bath bombs all with their own goat milk just to name a few. Lavender-scented calming room spray has been a hot product as she is already working on new items for the coming months.

These products, several varieties are unscented, are for sale at the farm stand at the front of their property.

She has received feedback from customers on the benefits of their goat milk products, which has been helpful for people with sensitive skin, eczema and other skin issues.

They also have product with activated charcoal and two CBD oil soaps- made in a tea tree and a citrus scent. ‘’It’s as good as you can get for your skin’’, she said. They are committed to using all natural, raw ingredients in their cold process.

Jarred honey, honey sticks, candy and eggs direct from the farm are also available for purchase.  Spring will be full of activity as they have planned breeding for several of the animals for their own as well as client breeding services.

The spacious barn has also been host to bridal showers. They have pre-order custom favors and seasonal gift baskets. They also schedule on location, outdoor pony parties.

For more information on their services and contact information visit their webpage channellhomestead.org  they are also on Facebook at Channell Homestead

By Charmian Evans
[email protected]

PLYMPTON, England — Well, its been an interesting Christmas this side of the pond. The wartime spirit has been brought out in our village. The pubs and church might be shuttered, restaurant dining a thing of the past, but the sense of Christmas has not been dimmed.

At the beginning of the month, we organised a village advent calendar. People volunteered to decorate their windows as a living calendar. As the days passed, the street lit up. Bear in mind the newest house is about 150 years old, most 500 or so, and they’re built on a road that was put in in 1140, so the place looked pretty special.

Lockdown has brought out ingenuity and creativity in spades. Windows have had railways running round, angels flying, spectacular nativity scenes, the lot. One owner rigged up music to trigger with outside movement to co-ordinate with a Santa scene. That’s all fine, but he forgot to turn it off at night and every fox, car or cat triggered the booming tones of “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”

In the UK  earlier in the year we had “Clap for Carers” every Thursday when people would stand on their doorsteps and clap, whack a saucepan with a wooden spoon, anything to show we were thinking of those brave people who are in the front line dealing with the big CV.

So I had the bright idea of doing a doorstep carol service. Simple. I circulate the carols on the village What’s App and we all start chirruping at 6.30. Nope, not that simple. “We need a starting pitch”  said one. “The words vary, as do the tunes, which one are we singing?” said another. “What about those that don’t have What’s App” cried a voice.

Zoom, it seems, was the answer. So we set up a link. I then found the music to carols – but I had to find the words to synchronise with them. Have you ever researched how many variants there are to some of the best known carols? Let me tell you, there are loads.

I’d checked the weather forecasts. The night was to be clear and cold, perfect for our lanterns to shine, our Father Christmas Hats to add colour.   All I can say is that if my copy is as inaccurate as the weather predictions, I’d never work again. The rain fell in stair rods.

But we’re British and we man up to such occasions. Bravely, we took to our front doors and those of us that could, linked into zoom and those that couldn’t just joined in with printed words.

Bill Gates I’m not. Too late we realised, as people started to sing, that the zoom speed varied. So we had people singing the second verse as we were starting the third, and so on. Our sheet music turned to papier mache, but did we care? No – thanks to our wonderful publican who became the star of the show. Braving the Niagara-like rain he brought out hot mulled wine, socially spacing to serve it. Boy was it strong. By the second serving we were singing anything that came into our heads, wet through and huddling in the front door.
On Christmas Eve, locals got together and ingeniously turned an old pick-up truck into Santa’s sleigh. He came through the village with his team of, I have to say, rather portly and elderly elves who dished out enough sweets to the excited kids to ensure they would be running round the house until midnight.

I meanwhile had to think of the turkey. I’m so ingrained with feeding the 5,000 at Christmas that it’s impossible for me to do small. The home delivery grocer probably spent Christmas in hospital with a hernia, while I’m looking balefully at the remains of an 18 lb turkey. We’re only allowed six people over the Christmas period. One of those is a vegetarian. So if any of you make it my way during the year, there’ll be no surprise about what you’re eating.

We celebrate Boxing Day, a national holiday, on the 26th December. It’s an odd name,  though today could be apt with the Amazon deliveries we get. One explanation is that it comes from the days when servants were given their presents in boxes on the 26th –  the first working day after the 25th. The tradition of giving gifts for service extended beyond servants too, and included tradesmen such as milkmen, butchers and so on.

Another theory is that it’s named after the custom of priests opening alms boxes in churches after Christmas. The poor and needy benefitted from the monies collected on the run up to Christmas and apparently some churches still open these boxes on Boxing Day.

Until the CV, Boxing Day is a day for nationwide leisure. Sales start in the shops, and it’s a major day for sporting activities. For others like us, it’s a day to hunker down, enjoy presents, and in our case, eat Turkey, lots and lots of Turkey……

Season’s Greetings to All!

HANSON — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, Dec. 15 voted to approve a draft special permit decision, with approved adjustments, for Impressed LLC’s proposed marijuana product manufacturing business at the town’s industrial park.

The Zoning Board of Appeals, for its part, approved the draft site plan approval as prepared by and with conditions assigned by town counsel.

Selectmen and the ZBA continued the public hearing for a special permit pertaining to the proposed for 15 Commercial Way back on Nov. 17.

The hearing had been continued regarding drainage and wastewater filtering, HVAC systems for odor mitigation and tax revenue to the town.

“Any waivers we would make or permits we would allow, a condition of approval would be conditional on Conservation Commission approval,” ZBA Chairman William Cushing said. “Since ConCom has jurisdiction over storm water, we should defer to them.”

Town counsel agreed with that assessment.

Installation of the HVAC system must undergo an independent third party peer review, by a firm hired by the town, to obtain a certificate of occupancy and a building permit, paid for by the business. After discussion, Selectmen changed the requirement to an engineering audit.

It also empowers the Zoning enforcement officer to issue cease and desist orders if problems arise from violations of the permit if an investigation were to conclude that took place.

Selectman Matt Dyer voiced concern over whether an independent auditer would know what they are looking for in conducting the inspection.

“Or be better qualified than the inspectors you have already hired,” agreed Selectman Wes Blauss.

“We need to ease up a little bit and deal with being more welcoming to businesses that do want to open up here because I don’t want to scare away businesses over permitting,” Dyer said. “I know what it’s like. My dad has a lot in town he was interested in doing something with, and at times, he was just ready to throw his hands up and walk away.”

He questioned whether other companies would want to bring start-ups to Hanson in view of the “nightmares” that have gone on.

“With the engineers looking at it and having it reviewed, I think it’s good enough,” Dyer said.

Selectman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmet strongly disagreed.

“I think our role is to be welcoming to businesses, but this is the first business of this type that we’ve had,” she said. “What’s the point of having a hearing and having people express what their concerns are … if we’re not going to advocate for the citizens.”

She said that she supports Impressed LLC and business in town generally, but said Dyer’s concern about discouraging other business is a false argument.

“When you’re operating a business of this size, $2,000 [should not be prohibitive],” said Cushing, noting the cost of a peer review  should not impose a hardship on the business.

Impressed LLC co-owner Ralph Greenberg said his company was willing to facilitate an engineering audit if the town required one.

Police issues

Selectmen voted to approve Police Chief Michael Miksch’s recommendation to appoint Richard Bekerian as a full-time police officer, effective Feb.1.

Miksch said the switch to a regional dispatch system cost the department its five civilian dispatchers and needs four sworn officers — to work in-station — to keep the station open.

“We’re kind of finishing up that hiring,” Miksch said. “We had somebody scheduled for an academy. They’re not able to take that academy in early February … and we have an alternate (Bekerian) lined up.”

Bekerian, of Bellingham, grew up in Whitman and has been a police officer in Hopedale for the past two years. He was an auxiliary officer in Whitman before that. Bekerian has also worked as a diesel mechanic and a building superintendent in North Easton.

“He wanted to be a police officer [so he] left his job as a diesel mechanic, sold his house, moved back in with his parents and used the funds from selling his house to put himself through a municipal police academy at the State Police Academy,” Miksch said.  He took a job at Hopedale because it was the first department that was hiring. He wants to join the Hanson department because he and his wife, who is from Weymouth want to come back closer to home.

“He’d be a great addition,” Miksch said.

Bekerian must pass medical and psychological examinations and a background check before he is sworn in.

Selectmen also approved memoranda of understanding with the police union pertaining to collective bargaining — including a 2 percent cost of living increase — and emergency dispatch issues.

Wording regarding the impact on work hours from the shift to a regional dispatch center was tabled until the next round of bargaining according to that MOA.

Selectmen had also voted during an executive session to approve a 2 percent raise for Chief Miksch, effective Jan. 1.

The 20th annual Whitman Area Toy Drive is working hard to gather donations, as they are weeks away from the Christmas holiday in a year of apprehension and doubt.

“We want these kids to have something under the Christmas tree … and COVID is not going to stop Christmas in Whitman,” said a determined President of the Whitman Area Toy Drive Donnie Westhaver.

Along with Vice President and co founder Jane Plasse, Westhaver said the organization is unwavering in their mission to meet the need of families in Whitman.

Seeing the community prevail over this year’s health and financial challenges of 2020 has been heartwarming for organizers as they look toward another drive-by toy drop off  this week being hosted in Abington to benefit the Whitman Area  Toy Drive. The community is encouraged to provide a toy for those in need.

The call to lend a hand in filling Christmas wishes is being answered as members of the community have amped up donations.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, Whitman Police held their sixth Annual Stuff-A-Cruiser benefit to assist the toy drive outside at the Whitman police station — filling nine cruisers in total throughout the day. Sunday’s turnout was larger than years past.

School Resource Officer Kevin Harrington extended a thank you to everyone that brought toys to their annual Stuff-A-Cruiser. He also thanked his partners in the event Whitman Officer David Hickey, Plasse and Westhaver for what they do for the community.

“Without people like you those in need would not be able to provide a Merry Christmas for their families. A big thank you to the Whitman community for your generosity during these trying times!” Harrington expressed in a social media post.

The community support is unwavering even though the changes of this year’s drive started with “mild concern,” Westhaver said.

Toll booth fundraisers normally set up in the Town Center had been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions placing a deficit of $3,500 that the non-profit would have had at this time in December compared to past years, according to Westhaver.

Other donors have stepped in to help close that gap.

This week, Plasse and Westhaver were presented a “sizeable” donation from North Eastern Savings Bank on Bedford Street helping to offset the loss of other fund raisers that had been successful in past years but had to be cancelled this year.

We are concerned with the safety of all staff included (due to CDC regulations) we find that this is the safest way to continue the toy drive this year for the families to do their pick up via a drive through process, he said.

They are asking that residents be patient as they are answering as many direct messages and phone calls daily.

“We are taking a wish list for the children and we are going to do the best we can. We cannot allow parents to come in to the pavilion like in years past to pick out or handle the toys,” said Westhaver.

The plan, as in almost all events is to use the drive through method of distribution.

As of right now  there will be announced times for pick up as details become  finalized, organizers are asking for those in need to privately direct messages on Facebook to their  Whitman Area Toy Drive page.

In the meantime, the toy drive is also seeing people helped in the past, stepping up to give back.

Westhaver’s heart was warmed on Sunday after receiving toys from a woman who had been down on her luck several years ago.

She had received help from the toy drive and was giving back to help others now that she is back on her feet, he said.

Having a moment such as this was exactly why they continue to do the toy drive, he added.

An easier modification that can also assist the toy drive directly is a new Venmo account; reducing contact for people who wish to donate to cash orders but are socially distancing from outside events. Cash was used online for the Black Friday sales and free delivery specials allowing for increase in momentum as the shelves are expanding each day.

Residents are reminded Marcello’s sub shop, and Duval’s Pharmacy has a toy drop box as well as the main lobby at the Whitman police station.

Westhaver also commended the continued work of the Food pantry of Whitman St. Vincent De Paul who they work closely with in providing holiday meals.   A giving tree at the Holy Ghost church in Whitman is also a direct benefit to the Toy drive.

Abington Colony Cares for the Community located at 277 Washington Street on Dec. 11 from 5-8 is hosting a toy drive-up -drop off.  

Santa’s helpers will be outdoors with boxes excepting food pantry (non perishable) donations and unwrapped toys.

Some recent trends for tweens include LED lights in new decorating fads for bedrooms.  Westhaver said there are also requests for crafts, sketch pads, art supplies and gift cards to local businesses, nails salons, and coffee shop treats.