HANSON — Mark Davis has a new following as he continues his decades-long talent as a piano man.

A Hanson resident of more than 20 years, he plays a concert “brought to you live” on Saturday nights.

Just six months ago if you told Davis he would be “streaming from his basement” you would have been speaking a foreign language.

This week he had more than 12,000 views — a first — since he began his home concerts on his music channel Mark Davis Piano Music on Facebook. The live  music starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday nights, the sounds brightening the evening for so many.

As is the case with many Americans, the coronavirus has affected his work.

“I wanted to help bring a smile to others… what’s going on TV (news) is all doom and gloom,” he says.

Retired from his 9-5 job at age 65, he continued to grow and pursue his music career.  His regular music gigs vanished along with a steady income.

He admits he had very little experience with technology but set out on a mission with a baby grand, a finished basement, transparent tape, and his phone — which he admits fell off the cement pillar a couple times while he tried to create a studio set and learn how to live stream.

He enlisted the aid of his adult son Scott, who also has a musical background and his girlfriend Tatiana Alverez  The pair now run the behind the scenes technology from the kitchen on Saturday night.

The Beatles, Sinatra, and his well-liked repertoire of American Song Book with 1950-1980 music sheets are his most popular requests.

Davis’ musical background began as he grew up in Quincy with a multi- generational home with his family and his grandparents under one roof.

The piano he plays now at his Hanson home was the original piano he learned on in his grandparent’s house. It was restored and refurbished more than in eight months by a local company and later gifted to him by his two brothers Glenn and Richard, who financed the project.

His brother came across the original piano sales receipt, which — Davis has now framed – the Marshall and Wendell instrument was purchased in Sept. 29, 1925 in Boston for $869.99.

The sitting room in the old Quincy dwelling was considered a proper room with oriental rugs and protected furniture, which were for guest visits making the room slightly less accessible for foot traffic on the average day.

Davis admits he loved playing and reviewed his lessons during the week with help from his grandparents making the sentimental black and white keys priceless.

He laughed as he recounted his grandfather’s operatic form of singing and although he knew he came from a strong set of musical genes on each side of his family he just couldn’t stand opera music.

Little did he realize it was not that he disliked the music rather his grandfather’s talent elicited a teary reaction to the beautiful sound. His sensitivities and discovery of his love of music developed from the age of 8, as he learned to play by ear as well as read music.

However reading music especially classical pieces were not his niche’ he wanted to play the tunes that were of the era.  A music teacher who knew he had talent taught him to read chords similar to the guitar and he evolved from there. It also aided in molding his likeability as a teen at the  talent show in junior high school where he admits he did not fit in as an athlete.

He was the last one picked for the team and stuck in the outfield with a fellow music lover.

“They would never see the ball fly right by them as they talked about favorite albums,” he said. “We didn’t care about the sports our music was much cooler.”

His wife Pat, who is a fan, recently pointed out that his talents, and musical gifts had been there all along.

Davis has seen that as a motivation that his life is going in the right direction.  As things progress into a “new normal,” he foresees returning to play live at cocktail parties, weddings and other events reconnecting with local businesses. For now he will watch for a thumbs up and fill music requests on his site. He asks the music requests be available a few days  prior to the concert so he can prepare his music roster. Visit markdavispianomusic.com.

Vanessa Healey, of Whitman,  turned 8 years old this past week.  She had a birthday parade with lots of pizzazz from … across the street — social distanced Covid-19 birthday. Her family, like so many others with younger ones who may be missing their friends and social connections, helps make these celebrations meaningful.  Led by the Whitman Police and Fire, many of Vanessa’s friends and family members drove by, with honking horns, with signs and balloons for the birthday girl as they waved. Sisters from left clockwise Samantha, Mellissa, Vanessa and Tabitha Healey reacted as the cars passed by. A friend dressed like Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen waved from the back seat.See more photos, Page 6.

Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak said that, despite Gov. Charlie Baker’s announcement last week that schools would not reopen this year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has indicated that parents should not expect major changes to the home-learning plan.

There are 37 more school days’ of remote learning left on the school calendar.

He updated the School Committee at its Wednesday, April 22 meeting.

Summer learning and special education program plans have not been firmed up as yet, according to Szymaniak. Conley Camp and some other recreation-based programs have been halted for now with the ending of the school year.

“We don’t really know what it’s going to look like in the fall,” he said.

Graduation and end-of-the year events have been a big topic of discussion among superintendents.

“We have not canceled graduation,” Szymaniak said. “It’s not going to happen on the traditional graduation day at this point, but we’re looking at dates in July and August — the later, the better.”

He said he has receive emails from about a dozen people outlining various ideas for graduation ceremony alternatives and they have been forwarded to the seniors for feedback.

“The students really [have] appreciated what the teachers, what the administrators, what the community has done for them during this time,” Szymaniak said was the most important message coming out of the Superintendents’ Council’s conference call. “We’re still trying to be optimistic, although cautiously, of what we can do.”

One option is a drive-by parade so seniors can say goodbye and thank-you to teachers.

A plan has also not yet been devised by which students can retrieve belongings from school desks and lockers.

South Shore Tech’s Superintendent-Director Dr. Thomas J. Hickey said Saturday, April 25 that, while nothing has been decided yet, school officials have been communicating with seniors and that the Class of 2020 seems to prefer doing “something face-to-face when it is appropriate.”

“If they had to choose between something virtual in June and something face-to-face in the fall, they’d prefer to actually walk across a stage somewhere in some fashion,” Hickey said, indicating that could even mean waiting as long as Thanksgiving when college students would be home from break.

Some colleges and universities are also discussing keeping students off campuses until January 2021.

The traditional congratulatory lawn signs, a project of the Parents’ Association, and Class of 2020 T-shirt distribution will go on as scheduled.

“We need to mark the occasion of what would have been the graduation with something,” Hickey said. The end of the school year paperwork will also go on as usual.

“For the most part its just an ongoing experiment,” he said of the remote learning situation.

W-H School Committee members stressed that the communities have to do something to celebrate thee Class of 2020.

“What about a parade?” said Committee member Fred Small. “Maybe the towns do something as well as the school district to acknowledge what these kids are actually missing.”

Szymaniak also suggested a recognition ceremony for W-H graduates who have earned an associate’s or bachelor’s degree from colleges and universities that have also canceled graduation ceremonies this spring in a local ceremony following the high school graduation when it happens.

“Once a Panther, always a Panther,” Szymaniak said. “The challenge for that is, we don’t have a timeline because of this virus.”

Small and member Dawn Byers lauded the idea of a local ceremony for college and university graduates.

Byers also raised questions middle school parents had asked about learning expectations and grading. Szymaniak said it is a challenge, but parents can reach out to school administrators for help in keeping students engaged.

He has also asked public safety personnel to do wellness checks on families that have not been connecting to the schools, to make sure there is no need for other services such as food for the family.

DESE is surveying school administrators about what technology needs they are facing, as well as expected federal stimulus funds for school cleaning and technology.

WHITMAN — On Sunday, April 19, a steady parade of vehicles stopped in front of the LaMattina house on River Birch Circle all morning. They stopped long enough for Selectman Randy LaMattina or his wife Michelle to load something in the back before driving away.

Residents were taking delivery of 18X24 Whitman Strong lawn signs, designed by 14-year-old Clare LaMattina to benefit the Whitman Food Pantry. She has raised $4,000 so far.

“Awesome! Great idea!” one woman said as the signs were loaded into her vehicle.

By afternoon, the signs were popping up on front lawns or windows of homes and businesses all over town — with photos posted on social media. The signs are intended to show solidarity and support of frontline essential workers and community spirit, as well.

A member of the Girls in Action Club at Thayer Academy, where she is an eighth-grader, Clare has sold about 220 of the signs at $15 each in four days. Of those, 80 were sold in the first two hours. Some residents have made “overwhelming” donations above the purchase price, and the extra cash will be used to purchase gift certificates to area restaurants, which will also be distributed through the food pantry.

“We’ve been thinking that people who can’t afford groceries, probably can’t afford to go out for a pizza, and how much would their kids love that?” Michelle said.

A second batch of signs was being ordered for delivery to the LaMattinas on Wednesday.

“We really focus on giving back to our community,” Clare said of the club. “I wanted to bring it back to my home community to support people who were less fortunate during this time and to help support them.”

Whitman Food Pantry President Bruce Perry stopped by the LaMattina’s to talk about the need in the community his organization serves.

“We have seen an increase [in demand], but only around 10 percent,” Perry said. “We were expecting a lot more. We have a lot of food at the food pantry and we’re just waiting for that surge.”

He noted news photos of lines of cars streaming to food pantries in other areas of the country.

“People may be afraid or embarrassed to come,” he said.

Normal pantry procedure has clients provide their income information for government statistics. But that is being waived during the pandemic.

“We’re not taking names, we’re not taking any information, the only thing we’re asking is that they show proof of Whitman residency,” Perry said. Residents are asked to call ahead at 781-447-8560 and leave a message that will be returned. When a time to stop at the pantry is provided, a box and a couple of bags of food items will be brought out to one’s vehicle at the 44 Blake St., loading dock. No one is allowed in the pantry at this time.

Those ordering signs are asked to drive around the cul de sac and stop in front of the house at 6 River Birch Circle, where they give their name for Clare to check off her list while one of her parents loads the signs.

Physical distancing is observed in that way, and the LaMattinas wear masks and/or gloves while handling the signs. Buyers were asked to post a photo of their sign on Facebook, once placed.

Some people asked for the signs to be delivered.

“We’re thinking once they are out in circulation, it’s going to boost it again,” Michelle said.

At first the sale was only posted on Michelle LaMattina’s Facebook page, but it was later posted to the Whitman Connection page, which helped sell another 100.

“We knew we had to put Whitman Strong on it,” Clare said. “Then a heart, because we’re supporting everybody and we want to spread the love and the paw, because we’re the Panthers.”

She said the Whitman Food Pantry was selected as a beneficiary because it’s harder for people to afford food when they lose their jobs.

“We’ve helped with the food pantry before, whether it’s through school or town committees, but we said we don’t want people to feel embarrassed to go to the food pantry, that’s why it’s there,” Michelle said. “This is a trying time. It’s a great thing in the community that people put a lot of effort into.”

Right now, food donations are not being accepted at the pantry because the virus can live on surfaces for a couple of days. Donations like Clare’s allows the Whitman pantry to purchase from the Greater Boston Food Bank for 29 cents per pound, where items are cleaned and have been sitting for the requisite time.

“We want people to call,” Perry said. “You can take the money you saved and pay a bill or something. Please call. … We have tons of volunteers that want to help.”

Perry also said the gift card donations help, because the pantry is not permitted to write a check to businesses for them due to federal regulations.

Businessman Richard Rosen has also made a donation to the project.

“I just think what she’s doing is so admirable,” Rosen said of Clare LaMattina’s project. “For a young person to take on a challenge like that is just amazing.”

He said it showed a sense of moral resoponsibility as well as a shot in the arm for the pantry.

“The food pantry desperately needs funds all the time,” he said. “That’s why we donate half of what we make on every year’s road race. There’s need, and this year, more than ever, there’s more need. … And you really need to support something like that. It’s great for the community.”

The McGuiggan’s 5K Road Race is being postponed at least until September, Rosen said.

From residents brightening people’s day with clouds of bubbles or an offer to walk the neighbors’ dogs, to Hanson firefighters helping seniors with grocery or pharmacy errands — and a trade school putting its 3D printer to work making protective masks for area hospitals — people in the region continued to step up during the coronavirus emergency last week.

Adhering to the rules of social distancing this reporter sought fresh air and sunshine and grabbed a quick walk outside in Whitman Park this weekend.

It appears that families are starting to feel the strain of self isolation  in attempts to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Ernesto Hernandez of Whitman has tried to generate a smile for others as he and his daughter Thalia Hernandes, 5, spent their lunch time at the Whitman Park blowing bubbles this week.

During this time he hopes to make things a bit more bearable despite the CDC guidelines for the six-foot distance we are supposed to be from one another. Every day last week they walked around the town and Whitman Park at lunch time with bubbles to brighten other people’s day. Hernandez is homeschooling Thalia while his wife works remotely from home, he said. He kept her away from others as they enjoyed the fresh air.

“Having some bubbles pop on your cheek can break up the monotony,” he said. “It is great that everyone is doing what is needed, he added, “but you can’t seclude humanity.”

As the bubbles blew across the park they shared a dance in the sunlight. They were distributing a little bit of cheerful optimism in Hernandez’ day as well.

“Who doesn’t love bubbles?” laughed Hernandez.

Making masks

Alerted to the need for personal protective masks issues by Massachusetts General Hospital to all entities that own 3D printers, South Shore Tech Superintendent-Director Dr. Thomas J. Hickey, said his school is helping produce PPE. The formula for the masks had been posted online, according to Boston media outlets.

“I immediately gave it to the people smarter than me,” Hickey said. “Our engineering instructor is now networked about nine 3D printers and we’re making 30 to 50 face shields a day. I’ve got a couple of staff volunteers and we’re bringing them to South Shore Hospital [and] Brockton Hospital.”

Hickey said he is also talking with a Whitman woman who used to work at Children’s Hospital as well as Beth Israel-Plymouth, Hanover fire and EMS for whom SST is also making face shields.

“This one individual is just stepping up in a big way and, to his credit, it’s not about him and he really doesn’t want any attention,” Hickey said. “Even though the building’s closed and most people are working remotely all the time, he’s going in to keep the 3D printers firing.”

Hickey said the mask design posted online was fine, but not at a quality that was needed and the teacher suggested the face shield would be a better option.

“Everyone we’re talking to is saying thank you, thank you,” he said. “Now we’re getting requests for replacement masks.”

Running errands

In Hanson, Firefighter Tim Royer developed a program, along with Deputy Fire Chief Robert O’Brien Jr., offering to pick up prescriptions or other needs — within reason — for any Hanson seniors that are home-bound. They met with Senior Center Director Mary Collins to arrange for the project.

“They first need to go through Mary Collins, [who] will get the contact information for us,” O’Brien said. “They’ll reach out to us, let us know what they need and we’ll try to go and get it.”

Only a couple of hours after launching the program, Royer was out picking up a prescription for a senior citizen. He has already discussed the project with CVS, Shaw’s and Osco Drug as well as other surrounding pharmacies. The firefighters’ union fronts the money when they pick up an item and seniors reimburse the union account by check. For more information, call Mary Collins at 781-293-2683.

“This is just for senior citizens,” O’Brien stressed. “It can’t be for the average homeowner. … It’s a free thing and the chief’s 100-percent supportive of it. This is our way of helping out the most vulnerable.”

Paw patrol

Amanda McKee, a Whitman middle schooler said she and her brother Zach, a WHRHS student, are both out of school do to the closings in the state. A position as a dog walker can be added to their résumés now that these siblings undertook a crash course in dog-walkery.

Last week they strolled with Shadow, Vera, and Murray at the Whitman Park. The canines belong to their neighbor and they got their recent employment with help from their mom, they said.

The McKee’s are helping out another family as everyone begins to adjust to new norms of balancing working, and home life.

The dogs did not quite understand social distancing with one another but made for a laugh as the instant dog sitters got a quick lesson in doggy duty.

With smiles from afar the respite of fresh air was much needed. An adult and child could be seen on the top of the sledding hill with a blanket and basket overlooking the park.

In the recent updates from Whitman town officials the strict guidelines of social distancing and staying home for extended periods will be in place to continue to slow the progression of the coronavirus.

(Express Editor Tracy F. Seelye contributed to this report.)

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor  and Kristy Zamagni-Twomey

With daily routines interrupted or halted due to coronavirus-forced school — and some business — closures, house-bound residents are being offered a variety of coping outlets.

Residents across many local communities are also trying to add a little sunshine during what could otherwise be a gloomy time.

Children are being challenged to create rainbows and hang them in the windows of their home. Then, while safely practicing social distancing, families can go on a rainbow hunt either on foot or from their vehicles.

In addition to rainbows, some have taken to placing hearts on their doors or windows as a way of thanking the healthcare workers and others on the front lines of this pandemic.

Corey Hickey and Brooke Scriven, owners of On Stage School of Performing Arts in Whitman, were quick to respond, temporarily suspending physical classes on March 14 and launching a Zoom site with virtual dance, theatre, and voice classes available to her clients before the start of the next week of classes.

Hanson residents Brett Miller and Anna Dunbar, of 110 Fitness in Rockland, have been using a “Cast Away” theme to keep their clients, especially Parkinson’s patients who participate in their Rock Steady Boxing program, engaged and healthy.

Whitman Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Timothy J. Grenno and Police Chief Timothy Hanlon have shared tips to help residents alleviate any stress and panic surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while people practice physical distancing.

“We’ve gotten such wonderful feedback from our On Stage parents thanking us for staying connected in such a personal way, calling us one of the few bright spots in the past week,” Hickey said of the On Stage offering, which took working 12 to 24-hourdays on Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15 to organize. This past week, the staff at On Stage stayed connected with their students by sending technique videos, strength and conditioning classes, and choreography. Sometimes the parents took the classes and challenges right along-side their children.

Starting Monday (March 23), Hickey and Scriven will be adding the live component that will include real-time classes with On Stage faculty, Q&A sessions, and special guest artists from Broadway exclusively to On Stage students.

“We asked some of our Broadway friends to teach virtual classes as a special treat to our kids who were really missing their classes at On Stage,” Hickey said. This will be in addition to the content already posted, which includes story time videos, challenges, sheet music, and vocalizing.

“That means more to us than they will ever know,” Hickey said of the positive parent feedback they’ve received. “In times of crisis, it’s important to keep some normalcy and structure for children. It’s vital to keep a connection with their teachers and friends.”

Help for parents

On Stage Dance Director Jenna Liberty has also added a yoga class as a way to offer parents a self-care opportunity.

Dunbar is also offering remote yoga instruction, said Miller, owner of 110 Fitness.

“We are all being told to stay home and to keep our immune systems healthy,” said Miller, who is also a physical therapist. “Part of keeping our immune system strong is continuing to exercise. Exercise is great for our mental health too as it decreases stress and anxiety by releasing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine into our bodies. This is why I am adamant about creating and sharing these virtual workouts.”

Cost — especially for those dealing with a job loss or furlough — should not be a barrier, according to Miller.

“I also know that everyone is starting to struggle financially, which is why I am providing these workouts at no cost and anyone can access,” he said. “You do not have to be a 110 member to do these workouts at home.”

Keep Moving

The workouts shared by Rockland-based110 Fitness are for all populations and include boxing, yoga, drumming, high intensity interval training, plyometrics, and strength and conditioning. However, one of 110 Fitness’s largest populations are individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.

“Lack of exercise and isolation along with stress and anxiety will exacerbate their symptoms,” Miller said. “This is why it is crucial for these members to access the virtual workouts by 110 Fitness and to keep moving. We want to keep them connected and we want to keep them fighting back against Parkinson’s Disease.”

Search “110 Fitness” on YouTube to access the free virtual workouts. For more information e-mail bmiller@110fitness.org or call 781-616-3313.

Grenno and Hanlon, meanwhile, have emphasized that the COVID-19 outbreak and fear of becoming ill can cause stress and panic for people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are many ways to manage anxiety and stress about the situation:

• Share the facts about COVID-19 to understand the actual risk to yourself and other individuals. When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them. Avoid posting or re-posting unverified information, claims, bogus medical information or conspiracy theories, as it only works to heighten emotions.

• Take breaks from listening, watching and reading the news.

• Tend to your body. Stretch, mediate and take deep breaths. Try to eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.

• Try to do other activities that are enjoyable.

• Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

• Reassure children and teens that they are safe and that it is okay if they feel upset or stressed.

• Be a role model to children and teens. Connect with friends and families while abiding to social distancing standards, including the use of video calling services like FaceTime.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional and South Shore Technical school districts have joined schools across the state suspending classes for three weeks, through Tuesday, April 7 — and as long as a month in some places — to help stem the progress of the coronavirus.

Town halls, libraries, senior centers and any activities that could attract more than 25 people are canceled or rescheduled in light of the state of emergency declared by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Public meetings in both Whitman and Hanson must be “attended” remotely by residents — and, in Hanson, via telephone link by all Selectmen for the duration of emergencies declared in both towns, effective Monday, March 16.

Town meetings will be rescheduled to June 15, but Hanson plans to keep the scheduled date of the Town Election as Saturday, May 16. Selectmen approved the refunding of down payments for planned events canceled at Hanson’s Camp Kiwanee.

Hanson Food Pantry will remain open, but will admit only one client at a time with social distance guidelines enforced, and chairs will be cleaned between clients. Residents have been asked to use food pantry services only in the event of clear need.

“Public meetings will be broadcast on cable access, either live or the next day on YouTube,” Town Administrator Frank Lynam stated in a reverse 911 call Monday.

“You’ll notice we are all socially distanced,” said Hanson Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett, as she convened the Tuesday, March 17 meeting, attended in person by only herself, Selectman Matt Dyer, Town Administrator John Stanbrook, Administrative Assistant Greer Getzen, Police Chief Michael Miksch, Health Agent Gil Amado, Health Board Chairman Arlene Dias and IT Director Ryan McGonigle — all at seated at CDC-recommended intervals. Selectmen Wes Blauss, Jim Hickey and Kenny Mitchell, Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr., and Town Counsel Jay Talerman attended remotely via telephone link.

“Tonight’s meeting will probably be the last meeting where we will see each other in person because we take this seriously and we want to make sure we’re leading by example and doing the right thing,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “We thought it was important to meet tonight, because we hadn’t yet worked out the logistics on the teleconferencing — and time will tell if we actually have worked them out, but we are going to give it our level best.”

Teleconference meetings will be recorded and posted on the town website with videoconference coverage available only for land-use board hearings where hearings can’t be delayed, where maps and other documents need to be viewable, FitzGerald-Kemmett said.

Lynam said that, while all town employees were still working, admittance to buildings will be by appointment only. The telephone number for all town departments is 781-447-7600.

Hanson town and school fields have also been closed to any organized sports or activities and will remain closed as long as the schools are closed. Whitman fields and recreational areas are closed to the public until further notice. Updates are available on town websites whitman-ma.gov and hanson-ma.gov. Municipal bills may be paid online or by check or money order deposited in drop-boxes at the town halls.

“We regret that these limitations are being established, but we are doing so to reduce the exposure to the [coronavirus] to the public and it’s town employees,” Lynam said in his message.

Restaurants are limited to carry-out or drive-through food business only.

“I think people shine in moments like this,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “You really see people’s true colors, and we’ve got a truly dedicated group of employees here in Town Hall, Fire, Police, Highway, Water — they’re all stepping up.”

Like Lynam, FitzGerald-Kemmett stressed some of the measures put in place with the state of emergency are for the protection of town employees as well as the public.

Materials can be taken out from the library by calling ahead. Staff will wipe down books and other media and bring it out to residents.

“There will be no person-to-person contact and they will be taking precautionary measures,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said.

Miksch said if the public finds police officers to be a little less friendly or are hesitant to roll down a window to talk, there is a reason for that.

“We have to stress that we’re trying to do our best to make sure the officers stay safe as well,” he said. “I hate to limit people from coming to the police station, but again, unless they physically have to be there, we don’t want them there.”

Firearms ID renewals are being handled online as much as possible.

Schools closed

W-H Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak told the School Committee at its Thursday, March 12 meeting that a conference call for Commissioner of Education Jeff Riley and superintendents around the state had been scheduled Friday, March 13 to discuss the decision.

Regardless of the decision, Szymaniak was willing to take parental concerns into consideration had the decision been made to keep schools opwn. [See pages 4, 5].

“I would like to tell the School Committee and the community, if [parents] feel that school is in session and you would like to keep your child home, you may,” he said. “We are looking at ways … for online learning in the event of that.”

In light of the emergency, the unexcused absences policy has been waived. Students on free and reduced lunch, will be provided for.

“Some of our students get breakfast, lunch and dinner here,” Szymaniak said. “We have to come up with a contingency plan to make sure our students are fed.” Services to students on individualized education plans (IEPs) must also be served according to their plans, he said.

There had been no cases of presumptive or real cases of coronavirus in the W-H community, Szymaniak stressed on March 12. He has been in communication via conference call with both town administrators and boards of health and Szymaniak had already canceled all field trips through Friday, March 20.

Before the decision to close the schools for two weeks, he said the Conley and Duval schools were slated for cleaning over the weekend, which would have cost $8,000 for the work and buses were being cleaned after every run.

MCAS exams are “on the table,” Szymaniak said. “There’s no agenda for this, there might be a closure, I’m not really sure.”

By Friday afternoon, the decision to close the schools for two weeks had been made.

SST Superintendent-Director Thomas Hickey also said his school is out for two weeks, encouraging students to stay engaged in learning through reading and enrichment activities. School officials will re-evaluate the situation at the end of two weeks before making a decision on how to proceed from there.

Teachers will use online resources and work planned based on what they have planned for students to do when school does return, Hickey said. Social-emotional outreach services will also be available to families from school counselors whiles school is out.

“It can be very difficult to ensure equity in lesson plans,” Hickey said of the varying resources students have at home. “Still anything is better than nothing.”

While school is out, few staff will be in the building other than custodians who will increasing the flu-season cleaning protocols already in place since December.

Hickey is also looking to technology platforms such as GoogleVoice to limit the number of staff in the building further — forwarding any incoming calls to their homes.

“One of the things that we’re trying to do is to make sure that there’s an opportunity to continue learning,” said W-H Assistant Superintendent George Ferro. “We have to take into account many different things.”

Access to the Internet for devices is one of those. While 93.46 percent of parents have such access.

“When you look at that, that is not everybody,” Ferro said. Chromebooks owned by the school district are set up for the school network, and some could be made available if parents contact the district.

“We also have to come up with the paper packet for those who do not have access,” he said.

“I would commend your leadership and thoughtfulness in what are certainly extraordinary times,” said Committee member Christopher Howard.

“You guys are dealing with a lot of crazy stuff all at once,” Small said.

School Committee member Fred Small noted the Whitman Public Library has Verizon hot spots. Hanson Library Trustees Chairman Corrine Cofardo said they have many patrons who drive to the Hanson Library to use the Internet from their cars.

“There’s 40 parking spaces there,” she said.

Szymaniak asked for patience from the community as the coronavirus is an “evolving situation.”

“This is a first time for all of us,” he said, noting MCAS and graduation implications have to be taken into consideration.

Hanson Selectmen also discussed the situation at the board’s Tuesday, March 17 meeting with Police Chief Michael Miksch, Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr., and Health Agent Gil Amado. [See story, this page]

Selectmen have discussed using their oversight of the W-H playing fields on Hanson property to halt all sports play until further notice.

Hickey noted in the board’s special meeting Thursday, March 12 that the NBA, NHL as well as major league soccer, MLB and the NFL have suspended and/or delayed their regular seasons, the NCAA basketball tournament — as well as state high school basketball championship games — have been cancelled and the Boston Marathon was rescheduled to Sept.14.

“I have seen people posting of social media that they’re concerned and don’t know what to do,” said FitzGerald-Kemmett, who had just canceled the St. Patrick’s Day fundraising dinner slated for Saturday, March 14 to support the Hanson Food Pantry. “There are a bunch of elderly people who volunteer at the food pantry and I can’t have that happening, I don’t want to be responsible for harming people.”

Mitchell also suggested that the swearing in of two new police officers and recognition of Sgt. Eugene Andrews, who is retiring, be postponed. The new officers would be asked to get sworn in by Town Clerk Beth Sloan.

“Then we can do the family gathering … at a later date,” Mitchell said. “We shouldn’t have a room full of people.”