Whitman-Hanson Express

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Whitman OKs COLA, assessment

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WHITMAN — The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, May 26, voted to provide a 2 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) to town employees  this year and to set the school assessment. The latter vote was 3-2, with Selectmen Dan Salvucci and Brian Bezanson voting against it.

Town Administrator Frank Lynam said language on the school assessment issue would not be inserted into the warrant until town counsel approves it.

The COLAs add $105,000 to the budget under a warrant article funded by free cash. There is $1,026,000 in free cash also being looked at for capital costs

The schools line in Article 2 now stands at $15,367,392.

“The budget was prepared under the assumption that we would be offering no COLAs this year and also under the assumption that we would reach an agreement for an assessment process [for] W-H and would have an assessment resulting from that agreement,” said Lynam, noting Hanson’s Town Meeting is no scheduled for July 20. He said everything Whitman has done has been predicated on the statutory method and four new teachers.

Selectman Dan Salvucci, noting that the school budget— adding the four teachers — increases Whitman’s assessment by $758,000. While Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak was able to trim that assessment increase by $211,000 — finding savings in other areas, he asked why Szymaniak doesn’t continue to do that to save even more funds.

He argued that, since Hanson is looking to an override to fund its portion of the school budget’s assessment compromise, that town should seek the full amount to pay for its full statutory formula obligation. Szymaniak should also continue to find areas, such as excess and deficiency where cuts have already been made, for potential savings, Salvucci argued, so Whitman can pay COLA to town employees as Hanson and the School District contracts are doing.

“There’s only so much money to find,” Selectman Justin Evans said. “It gets into the same problem of one-time money that we have every year.”

Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski said he saw the COLA, which he described as a good thing to do, is linked to accepting Szymaniak’s “hybrid” assessment and budget.

If the agreement method were still in place, Whitman’s budget share would have been $16.2 million, Selectman Randy LaMattina said.

“We do have a considerable savings entertaining this offer,” he said.

Selectman Brian Bezanson said that while town employees do deserve raises for their efforts to see the town through challenges posed by the pandemic, there are residents who have had income setbacks or job losses — and some have still not seen stimulus checks.

“While I believe that they deserve [raises], I would be hard-pressed to fight that fight to the citizens that are out of work right now — 25 or 30 percent unemployment,” he said. “I don’t believe that, in this crisis, anybody should get a raise.”

Lynam said he has noticed that the cost of living has increased dramatically over the past few months.

Selectmen on Tuesday, May 19 opted to wait until this week to vote on a compromise school budget splitting the increase in assessments to the two towns before moving to a statutory formula next year. Whitman’s assessment will increase by $211,000 for fiscal 2021.

Salvucci said he does not support the compromise because Whitman employees would be foregoing raises, while Hanson employees will not. Bezanson also expressed opposition to the agreement.

“We have to hold our line in the sand,” Bezanson said. “I can’t sleep at night knowing how this is going to go. I will vote no.”

LaMattina, meanwhile, had urged the board last week  to wait for an opinion about the agreement’s legality by town counsel. Kowalski agreed, even as he described himself as leaning toward it, noting there is enough in free cash to cover the $211,000 as well as raises for town employees, if the town so decides. But, he said, Whitman may have to be sterner at the bargaining table in the future.

“If Whitman approves this … it’s doing a pretty solid service to the town of Hanson because if they were not to accept this, they get hit with a very big bill July 1,” LaMattina said. “When we talk about consensus and compromise, this would be a very solid offer by the town of Whitman.”

Bezanson also noted on May 26 that the Finance Committee is adamantly opposed to the 50/50 assessment plan.

“If we were to vote this tonight, their heads would be exploding,” Kowalski said.

“I heard a lot of diatribes and …” Bezanson said.

“… slander, maybe?” Kowalski said. “‘Frank has a law degree,’ ‘there are terrorists on the Board of Selectmen,’ is that what you’re talking about, Brian?”

While Bezanson said he agrees with the FinCom’s position on the 50/50 agreement, it presents a personal conflict for him. Kowalski agreed, but noted his long-standing support for education meant he would not object to helping the schools for another year.

“I’m leaning to one more time to make sure the kids don’t suffer,” LaMattina said.

TOWN MEETING

Lynam said that, while the WHRHS street address is in Whitman, the building is entirely in Hanson, a fact that could threaten the opportunity to use the school’s gym for Town Meeting.

“With what we have to deal with in Whitman this year, I wouldn’t want to split those hairs,” Lynam said noting that legislation pending since May 4 to allow municipalities to go outside boundaries to find larger spaces to safely conduct town meetings, the current law could delay town meeting if the issue is not resolved. He is still working on locating the Town Meeting at the high school, however.­­­­­­­­­

Play us a song, piano man

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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.

Of birthdays, thanks and hope

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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.

Virus poses Memorial Day challenge

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The divide between Whitman and Hanson select boards concerning the school assessment formula remains even as talks continue.

Whitman Selectmen on Tuesday, May 5, reaffirmed their commitment to the statutory formula even as they left the door open to a compromise proposal from Hanson.

The towns also opted to find alternative ways to honor those who served on Memorial Day this year. Whitman Selectmen canceled parade plans with no announced plans for an alternative observation yet, while Hanson Selectmen are looking toward a scaled-down ceremony to be televised on local cable access television as well as possible citizen participation.

At the end of a lengthy a joint session with the Finance Committee, which devolved into a heated debate on a possible compromise vs. staying the course, Whitman Selectmen voted 4-1 to stick by an earlier vote to base the school budget on the statutory assessment formula. Whitman Selectman Justin Evans, who is on the negotiating subcommittee voted no.

Later in the meeting, however, Selectman Randy LaMattina argued for a reconsideration that, while not approved, left the door open to hearing out any Hanson compromise. Selectmen Chairman Dr. Carl Kowalski made that motion initially suggesting replacement with wording expressing the board’s willingness to continue discussion about how the current budget is funded, but moving to the full statutory formula next year.

LaMattina suggested the language be changed again to commit Whitman to acknowledge any offer from Hanson in a public meeting for discussion “at a minimum.” He argued that such a move puts the ball back in Hanson’s court.

“I think we’ve drawn a line in the sand tonight,” LaMattina said. “By principle, I think, [it’s a situation] where we’re absolutely right. It’s just one of those things where we may be cutting off our nose to spite our face.”

He said there was a lot of negativity expressed in the meeting that was cast at the wrong group of people, which he found frustrating.

“If [Hanson] came to us, we would be doing the same thing, we would be in the same position,” LaMattina said, arguing that the source of the divide is evident in the recordings of the previous regional agreement meetings, viewable on WHCA-TV’s YouTube Channel.

“[School] Administration, at that time, knew there was an issue,” he said. “They did not tell the towns, plain and simple.”

He argued it would be wrong to paint the town of Hanson as they enemy now. While he said he believes Whitman is in the right, LaMattina questioned whether it was worth risking the regional partnership over it.

“This is crunch time,” he said. “My vote came tonight because we need a path forward.”

Whitman Town Administrator Frank Lynam said if there was a way to keep the door open to Hanson, it is to Whitman’s mutual benefit.

Whitman Selectman Brian Bezanson asked how long Whitman’s kindness would be taken advantage of, reminding the board that their fiduciary responsibility is to Whitman residents.

“The stakes are pretty high on this and I think it’s at least worth trying,” said Selectman Justin Evans.

Hanson Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett noted to her board the same evening, that Whitman officials seemed divided.

“One camp in Whitman is proposing that we split the difference between what would be the statutory method and the per pupil method,” she said. “Some have suggested that they’d be willing to transition after that to fully statutory at some point in the regional agreement, and some have suggested that they would want it to be statutory immediately after this year.”

Other Hanson board members expressed cautious interest in compromise talks.

In Whitman, Selectman Dan Salvucci said he did not see what reconsideration in favor of a compromise could accomplish. “Closing the window to negotiation is not a good idea, in my opinion, however, I do agree that there should be a limit on what we are willing to pay,” said Whitman Finance Committee member John Galvin.

The towns were more in accord with their approach to alternatives to a Memorial Day Parade. Whitman Town Administrator Frank Lynam suggested postponing a parade until either July 4 or combining it with the Veterans Day parade.

“Are we cancelling it?” LaMattina asked.

“If we don’t have a Memorial Day parade on Memorial Day, it’s considered cancelled,” Kowalski said.

Hanson has also been considering the alternatives.

“I’ve been thinking about this for awhile,” said Veterans’ Agent Timothy White. “It’s really all unknown and it’s kind of hitting the period between Mothers Day and Memorial Day.”

He suggested three options — cancellation, as 90-percent of towns are said to be doing; postpone it until the fall in combination with the planned 200th Anniversary parade; or coming up with an alternative observation akin to a rolling rally in their cars under escort.

“It doesn’t necessarily satisfy everyone,” White said of the latter option, noting that not all veterans drive. “The older generation is at severe risk for coronavirus and we don’t have a clue who is a carrier.”

He also said there is a contingent of folks who would insist on Memorial Day be observed on the actual holiday, but FitzGerald-Kemmett said she did not feel right subjecting vulnerable veterans to possible coronavirus exposure.

“If we really respect these folks who have served our country — which we do — and we really want to honor them, we don’t want to be exposing them unnecessarily,” said FitzGerald-Kemmett. “If you really care about them, perhaps this is not the year we’re going to push the envelope and … I, for one would think it heartbreaking that something that we did would unwittingly cause a veteran to get infected with COVID.”

Selectman Matt Dyer suggested a call to action throughout the town, like the display of a flag or asking families to individually plant flowers on a veterans’ grave. FitzGerald-Kemmett said the latter idea might provide the PTO with an opportunity to involve the town’s children in the observation by sharing home projects with the community.

White indicated he was concerned about maintaining social distancing at the cemetery.

Selectman Kenny Mitchell said he felt the best option would be to cancel the parade. Selectman Jim Hickey suggested that WHCA-TV televise a small ceremony at which a prayer, wreath-laying and “Taps” could be featured, and Selectman Wes Blauss agreed that it was a good idea, volunteering to assisting any way he was needed. Executive Director Eric Dresser said he would be willing to discuss the logistics of that proposal.

How to celebrate graduation?

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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.

Keeping ‘Whitman Strong’

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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.

Hanson May tax bills deadline extended to June 1

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HANSON — Residents will receive an extra month to pay tax bills due May 1, as the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, April 14  votes to extend tax bill payment deadlines to June 1.

Meeting remotely via the Go To Meeting teleconferencing app, Town Administrator John Stanbrook told the board he has met to discuss the issue with Tax Collector Jean Sullivan several times over the past week to go over a new law passed last week with the Department of Revenue.

Hardship appeals, as advocated by Selectman Matt Dyer last week, are not allowed under the new law which only permits towns to either change the due date or not.

Bills can’t be limited to real estate or personal property, either. Penalties and interest must be waived on all bills — motor vehicle excise, real estate and personal property taxes and water bills issued after March 10.

“It’s either all or nothing,” Stanbrook said. “We can’t set a due date in between May 1 and June 30 to start charging interest. It’s either we set the date at May 1 or we set the date at June 30 … there’s no gray area in between.”

The three options open to Selectmen were to move the due date of all the bills from May 1 to June 1 with interest or penalties kicking in after June 1; keep the May 1 due date with no interest or fees applied until June 30; or make no changes at all.

Sullivan recommended the first option, which would mean the loss of only one month’s interest, according to Stanbrook.

In 2019 interest and fees revenue for May was $19,329 — $9,700 for motor vehicle excise; $7,900 for real estate and personal property and $1,640 for water bills in rounded figures. June interest and fees were $12,890 — $5,800 for motor vehicle excise; $6,200 for real estate and personal property and $800 for water bills in rounded figures. The total for both months was about $32,200.

Dyer asked if postponing payments would be detrimental to the town’s financial health. Stanbrook said he did not think so.

“It’s significant money, but it’s not break-the-bank, there’s-no-way-we-can-recover money,” Stanbrook said. He agreed with Dyer that the amounts owed are not forgiven, the due dates are just being pushed back.

“I think we have to look out for the little guy that may not be able to afford that bill because they were laid off from their job this time, and help them out where we can,” Dyer said. “We’re here to serve the public.”

Selectmen also voted to declare Recreation Department employees as non-essential during the corona virus emergency, and to establish an official town Facebook page.

Stanbrook had made his initial designation of essential and non-essential personnel in accordance with Gov. Baker’s March 12 emergency declaration. Town Counsel, however, has determined it is up to the Board of Selectmen to make such designations.

The recreation director, administrative assistant — both working from home — and caretaker are being paid, but the caretakers are not working, Selectmen Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett said, adding there are maintenance tasks that could be done while observing physical distancing.

Town Counsel Kate Feodoroff has told Stanbrook that caretakers can be considered essential if their work is needed to ensure safety and sanitation at Camp Kiwanee or if the lack of maintenance could have long-term impacts.

Dyer said that, with little to nothing scheduled at the camp, there is no need for staff there, but recommended that the director inspect the camp at least once a week to make sure there is no vandalism in addition to police patrols.

Selectman Kenny Mitchell said he was “on the fence” and that, either all staff should be working or they should all stay at home. Selectmen James Hickey and Wes Blauss agreed that, while office staff can work at home on bookings for functions next year, there is no pressing need for caretakers to be there right now.

“We’ve been discussing social media or engaging citizens for three years, now,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said on the official town Facebook page issue, noting that Stanbrook picked up on work begun by former Town Administrator Michael McCue. “This is another way to reach people.”

IT Director Ryan McGonniagle has been working to link town websites to permit updates to post to the town’s Facebook page if officials choose, including agendas, Town Meeting warrants, voting information and other similar information that only Stanbrook or Executive Assistant Greer Getzen would be permitted to post. The comment section on the page would be closed to the public at the strong recommendation of Town Counsel, but contact information would be included.

Dyer added a provision that a two-person citizen at-large committee be appointed to assist in running the page.

The vote was 3-2 with Hickey and Blauss voting against the proposal. Blauss was concerned about people without Facebook missing important information.

“I feel it’s going to make for an uneven playing field,” Blauss said, favoring a single town website and worrying about the fake news aspect of the social media platform. “Somewhere down the road it’s going to bite us when, for a hearing or something, someone says ‘Well, I don’t have Facebook, so I was never notified.”

Hickey expressed concern about the time it would take Stanbrook and Getzen when there are so many other more pressing matters before them, advocating putting the change on hold for now.

Learning at home

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Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey Szymaniak announced a remote learning plan the district will be rolling out Thursday, April 2, during the School Committee, April 1 meeting.

“We have met as a leadership team — principals, curriculum folks, technology, operations — as far as what that learning environment is going to look like,” Szymaniak said.

School is not currently slated to reopen until May 4.

The plan took effect Monday, April 6 and will “look different at all levels,” according to Szymaniak, who stressed that safety and social-emotional health of all students during the pandemic remains a priority.

“This isn’t going to be one-to-one teaching, this isn’t going to be an online class for our kids,” he said.

Szymaniak said he was aware that parents are concerned their children will be required to sit in front of a computer for long periods of time despite a required two- to two-and-a-half-hour period of engagement each day through middle school and three hours for high school students. Teachers might use learning activities based around backyard outings or looking at a recipe in a cooking exercise.

Teachers will be using a variety of check-ins with students, especially from kindergarten through grade eight.

New material will not be introduced and K-8 students will not be grades, according to Szymaniak, but parents should not be concerned about matriculation to the next grade.

“We’re looking at information previously presented and gaining a level of mastery with our students through engagement,” he said. “Teachers will be reaching out to those kids in a variety of ways. … Really, what we’re going to try to pinpoint are kids that aren’t engaging and reach out to them or their parents, either through the teacher, a counselor, the assistant principal or the secretary of that building to make sure everything’s going OK at home or if they need something.”

For high school students, the plan may look different, Szymaniak said, with the possibility of new material being added depending on the equity of the classroom. They will be looking at a credit/no credit grade system for the rest of the year.

“It shouldn’t be a stressful time for parents or for students,” he said.

Food services began a different procedure on April 6, as well.

“We’ve been inundated,” Szymaniak said. “That’s a good thing because we’re helping people.” The district had been delivering meals, which has become problematic.

Food Services Director Nadine Doucette has developed an app through which parents can sign up for food services and pickups will be held in the high school bus loops on Mondays and Thursdays.

Deliveries will still be available for families that need them, but Szymaniak said the district can’t do it for everyone that wants it.

“It’s really on a need basis,” he said.

The district is providing meals for about 120 families right now.

The district has also distributed 460 Chromebooks to students with another roll-out held Tuesday, April 7, for which parents had to sign up by April 3 to give the technology department time to prepare them.

It was the last distribution, involving three different checkpoints and the use of masks and gloves by district personnel of Chromebooks.

Schools are closed during the Good Friday and April break period and the district is looking for guidance from the Commissioner of Education concerning whether April vacation days will be counted as school days toward the end of the year, if they are worked as instructional time during the shut-down.

“Right now, it’s on our calendar as the School Committee-approved April vacation,” Szymaniak said. “If we decide to … work through April vacation, we’d have to speak to the [teacher’s] union, first and foremost, as it’s in their contract.”

He said a conversation has already been held to lay out the groundwork of what that would look like and said he would communicate to the School Committee what the commissioner’s guidance on the issue would be.

Stepping up to help others

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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.)

Rainbow connections

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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.