Broadlands, Va. —Oct. 31, 2024 — Hanson Middle School has received a grant from the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning (FILL) and Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program to help combat hunger due to food insecurity in the community. Hanson Middle School is proud to be selected as one of the grant recipients of this year’s Explore.Act.Tell Program.
The Explore.Act.Tell. Program helps students in grades 6 to 12 recognize food insecurity issues in their neighborhoods. The students learn skills needed to be responsible citizens and advocate for community service. This initiative is funded by Nourishing Neighbors, a charitable program of Albertsons Companies Foundation, which seeks to ensure at-risk children, adults, seniors and families have access to the food they need to thrive. Since 2020, FILL has been partnering with Nourishing Neighbors to recognize students’ efforts as they work to end hunger in their communities throughout the United States.
The students partnered with the Hanson Food Pantry and the Hanson Fire Department. Their efforts helped the Hanson Food Pantry provide food for those in need.
More than 210,000 students and nearly 2,500 teachers and educators nationwide participated in this year’s program, which engages young people in service learning by practicing leadership and civic engagement. Through four interactive lessons, students define food insecurity issues facing their communities and then create and implement a hunger solution project. Finally, the students share their stories and results by developing promotional PSA videos.
“The success of the Explore.Act.Tell. Program is a direct testament to the incredible passion with which students and educators have embraced our curriculum and message,” said Diane Barrett, Executive Director of the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning. “As another school year begins, we are excited to observe how students learn to collaborate, plan actions and research hunger and food insecurity in their communities.”
Christy Duncan Anderson, President and Executive Director of Albertsons Companies Foundation Nourishing Neighbors said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with Hanson Middle School in our shared mission to end hunger in our neighborhoods. Together, we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry. This partnership is a testament to our dedication to building stronger, healthier communities.”
This fall, Explore.Act.Tell. will be launching the fifth year of the program. Designed for students in middle and high school, Explore.Act.Tell. works in all settings and subject areas such as class, clubs, homeschoolers and youth groups. Interested teachers can visit exploreacttell.org for registration updates, additional details and information.
About the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning
The Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning is an IRS tax-exempt 501c3 organization that has developed and executed cross curricular educational programs and resources for schools since 2003. Our resolve is to bring important resources to educators and students with the help of our generous donors. www.fill.foundation.
Whitman’s Emmet Hayes is honored with Beacon Award
Former Whitman State Representative Emmet Hayes was honored by UMass Boston as the recipient of its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award at a ceremony Thursday November 7th at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston.
Hayes was recognized for his decades of service to his community, state and country. A Vietnam Era Navy veteran, Hayes served both as a Whitman selectman and State Representative. He led the fight to create the Massachusetts Revolving Loan fund that has provided $8 billion for cities and towns to finance sewer and clean water projects. Hayes won multiple national and international awards for his work as chair of the Baird & Maguire Superfund Advisory Committee which resolved one of the nation’s most hazardous waste site issues in Holbrook. The entire South Shore area benefitted from his leadership when he successfully fought to restore commuter rail service in the late 1980s.
The past alumnus recipient in 2023 was the former head of the EPA.
“After years of building a clean water coalition, I was thrilled when we passed the law creating the Clean Water Revolving Loan fund,” Hayes said in his address. “That fund has lowered fees for 97 percent of Massachusetts water and sewer rate payers.”
He said the Clean Water fund helped pay for the large egg-shaped digesters one can now see across the bay, as well. But it’s another sight that really shows the program’s success.
“That’s nature’s way of saying that the team that I worked with for many years created a healthier environment for people AND animals,” he said. “I am pleased that some of the people who helped get this done are here tonight. And I’m proud that UMass Boston has recognized the role I played in this effort.”
Hanson OK’s single tax rate for fiscal 2025
HANSON – The Select Board, meeting at Needles Lodge, Camp Kiwanee on Tuesday, Nov. 19, held the annual tax classification hearing, opting unanimously to continue Hanson’s tradition of adopting a single tax rate for fiscal 2015.
Assessor Denise Alexander, in introducing herself and Board of Assessors Chair Patricia O’Kane urged residents to consult the Assessors’ page on the town website – hanson-ma.gov – for more information, or to follow along with the classification hearing.
She informed the board that Hanson’s excess levy capacity for fiscal 2025 is $3,946.58.
“The purpose of the classification hearing is to determine whether the town of Hanson will continue to [use] a single tax rate for all classes of property, or split the tax rate, shifting the burden toward commercial/industrial and personal property,” Alexander said. “We are here to present the information complied by our office for allocating the percentage of levy to be borne by each property class.”
The Select Board voted on three points:
Deciding between a uniform or a split tax rate;
Whether or not to adopt the residential exemption; and
Whether or not to adopt the small commercial exemption.
Based on current information available to the Assessors’ Office calculations, the tax rate is at $13.3 per thousand, as a single rate, which coincidentally, is exactly the rate the town had last year, according to Alexander.
The primary tax class in Hanson is primarily residential, she noted – 93 percent. Commercial, light industrial and personal property make up the remaining 7 percent.
“Hanson has such a small rate of commercial property, that adopting a split rate would shift the larger burden onto commercial, industrial and personal property owners,” Alexander said. “The Hanson Select Board has always voted to maintain a single tax rate for this reason.” She also said that the Board of Assessors have voted to recommend a uniform tax rate for fiscal 2025 for this reason.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea at all,” Vice Chair Ann Rein said when Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett asked if any board members wanted to entertain dividing the tax rate to exact more in taxes from commercial and industrial taxpayers.
“Historically we’ve never done that because, frankly, we want to do whatever we can to welcome businesses here,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said.
The Select Board voted unanimously to continue with the status quo.
The Board also voted against a residential exemption on the Board of Assessors’ recommendation.
Alexander said there has been a recent jump in the values of such properties. Between 2023-24 there was a 9 to 10 percent increase in those properties’ values, but there was only a 3-percent increase in the past year.
“This is something we hear all the time, ‘They keep increasing our taxes, they’re increasing our taxes,’” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “Can you address that, because the tax rate is not increasing.”
“The tax rate’s not changing,” Alexander said. “The values are increasing due to the sales in town … Because the values are going up, everybody’s values are going up.”
FitzGerald-Kemmett also said she has heard residents complain that Hanson is increasing property values more than other surrounding towns, and asked Alexander how the valuations are arrived at.
“The deeds are proof of the value,” Alexander said. “Based on the qualified sales only – we don’t use private sales and foreclosures – once we have the qualified values set, it is an algorithm that our appraisal company has. Even the value of the land is done that way.”
FitzGerald-Kemmett also noted that the residential exemption is usually used by communities with a high rate of rental properties.
The board unanimously voted in support of the Board of Assessors in declining residential exemption in Hanson.
A small commercial exemption applies to small businesses doing under $1 million in business each year, with less than 10 employees. But the tax break goes to the building not the businesses. Hanson has 23 small businesses that occupy their properties, but they don’t own them. There are only about 15 businesses in town that would benefit, according to Alexander.
Maintaining a uniform tax rate benefits all businesses, FitzGerald-Kemmett said.
The board unanimously voted against using the small commercial exemption.
School Committe honors Fred Small
The family of the late Fred Small, who died in July after having served on the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee for several years, attended the Nov. 13 meeting to receive a plaque honoring him.
Supertintendent of Schools Jeff Szymaniak presented the plaque to the Small family, reading the inscription aloud: “In appreciation for your years of committed and dedicated service to the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District, 2012- 2024.”
“I also have his nameplate,” Szymaniak said. “You’ve got to keep his nameplate.”
He also presented the family with a letter, a copy of which they had already received, from fellow member Stephen Bois regarding the Chromebooks he donates to the district in Small’s name.
School Committee Chair Beth Stafford offered some remarks of remembrance for Small, as well.
“Fred and I have gone back many, many years – as a chair of the negotiation team with Fred on the other side, to being on the same team with him on the School Committee,” Stafford said. “Fred and I would disagree on many points, but there was always great respect, and with that great respect came a bond within the last couple of years … that I find very difficult now that he’s not here.
“I relied on Fred to give me background on past information – what happened – so we miss him this year with the negotiations because he was there though a lot of why this happened and why that happened,” she said. “He put his everything into the School Committee. He was so concerned with what went on with the children of the towns and with everything on the School Committee.
“He was always in touch with the Legislature, letting us know what bill was being done and what was happening next and where we should go,” she said. “He is a great loss, not only to his family, but to our family here at the Whitman-Hanson School Committee.”
Former School Committee Chair Bob Hayes also spoke during the brief ceremony.
“Bob Hayes would also like to say a few words … if he can say just a few words,” Stafford quipped. “I don’t know – Bob has a hard time with just a few.”
He offered what he described as a quick snapshot of Fred Small.
“Fred started on the Building Committee for this very beautiful building that we’re in.” Hayes said. “He served for many years, advocating for this building – whether it was holding signs downtown, because we had a couple of failed building [efforts], and Fred was always on it like a hornet.
Then he recalled how Small had called him to ask what he thought about Fred’s running for School Committee.
“I said, ‘I don’t know, Fred, it could go either way,’” Hayes recalled. “Fred started that journey in 2012 and he served four three-year terms. Fred was in his fifth term – he had just been re-elected when he passed.
“He called me two weeks before he passed – and this will tell you how much he was just all about Whitman-Hanson – he said, ‘Bob, what should I do? We’ve got this going on, and that going on,’ because he was the chair of the Whitman Middle School Building Committee, and I said, ‘Fred, do what you think?’ That’s the type of guy Fred was. It was right here,” he said, pointing to his own heart.
Members of Small’s family were too emotional to say anything.
Thank you for coming tonight and letting us honor Fred,” Stafford said.
– Tracy F. Seelye
Overseas study opportunities for high schoolers
Qualified high school students are offered a unique opportunity to explore the world by spending an academic year, semester or summer in Europe, Asia, North or South America, Australia or South Africa as part of the ASSE International Student Exchange Program. A non-profit, public benefit organization, ASSE is dedicated to promoting closer ties of friendship between the United States and other countries.
Students, 15 to 18 years old, qualify on the basis of academic performance, character references and a genuine desire to experience life abroad with a volunteer host family. Prior knowledge of the host country’s language is not a requirement. Scholarships are available Contact ASSE at 1-800-677-2773, visit www.asse.com or send an email to [email protected] for more information.
Families abroad are carefully screened, and students do not need to know the language of the host country prior to departure but will acquire the language skills through experiencing the day-to-day local culture and attending regular high school classes along with their new teenage friends.
ASSE also provides the experience of a lifetime to American families who are interested in hosting an international student from Spain, Italy, Germany, Ukraine, Thailand, Japan, and many other countries. These exceptional young students will attend the local American high school for an academic year or semester.
Students or families interested in learning more about becoming an ASSE exchange student or host family should contact ASSE at 1-800-677-2773, visit www.asse.com or send an email to [email protected].
Tournament time
The Whitman-Hanson Regional High girls’ soccer team is moving on.
The Panthers opened the MIAA Division 2 tournament with a 3-0 preliminary round win over Southeastern Regional on Sunday, Nov. 3. Keira Manchester put the Panthers on the board when she redirected an Elizabeth Kowlski corner kick into the back of the net. Kowlski would double the lead with a blast from 25yds out that found the top of the net. The score remained 2-0 until Madeleine Fitzgerald headed home another Kowlski corner. Anna Schnabel was outstanding in the midfield while the back line of Milly Mahoney, Brooke Bell, Shelby Bell and Caleigh Mahoney kept Southeastern from getting many shots off on Keeper Addison Hughes (two saves).
After posting its best regular season ever, girls’ volleyball fell to Hingham 3-2 (24-26, 22-25, 25-20, 25-15, 13-25) in the first round of the Div. 2 state tournament on Friday, Nov. 1. Seniors Brooklyn Buchanan and Sophie Ennis led the team with 12 kills each, while fellow senior Andrea Mulligan contributed nine. Buchanan and Senior Captain Brianna Eddy each added four aces for the Panthers. Other key contributors included senior Captains Caroline Gray and Hazel Carew, along with Sejuniors Molly Geddis, Leah Barnett, and freshman Nguyen Vo. The Panthers finished their season with a 15-4 record.
On the football field, Whitman-Hanson dropped their regular season finale to Marshfield 39-7.
Austin Breheny scored the Panthers lone touchdown.
Defensively the Panthers were led by Brady Markowski (7 tackles) and Bobby Walker (5 tackles). DeVaughn Marshall added a fumble recovery and Bryan Caliman had a sack.
Friends of Whitman Library hold membership drive
The Friends of the Whitman Public Library is currently conducting its 2025 Membership Drive. Memberships start as little as $5 for a Senior, $10 for an Individual, or $15 for a Family.
Membership forms are available in the library, on the Friends Table, and also online at WhitmanPublicLibrary.org under “Get Involved” and on the Friends Facebook page at “Friends of the Whitman Public Library.”
Members receive Preview privileges of book sales, the Friends Newsletters, and coupons or discounts at participating fundraisers.
If you do not wish to become a member at this time, a donation in any amount is always appreciated.
A donation can be made in memory of someone or in recognition of a special occasion, anniversary, or other event. These donations will also be acknowledged in our Newsletters.
Volunteers are needed in setting up many of the fundraisers. You can be involved as much as you are able.
All donations support the Whitman Public Library’s programs including performers, crafts, and other items needed but not included in regular Town funding.
Thank you for considering becoming a member or volunteer of the Friends or the Whitman Public Library!
Time to turn the page
In the nine and a half years since Donald Trump descended his golden escalator, he has come to define American politics for the worse. After announcing he candidacy for President he immediately characterized people coming from Mexico as rapists bringing drugs and crime. Though he did qualify that “some…are good people.” Once elected, his inaugural address painted a bleak picture of “American carnage” that seemed lifted from a dystopian novel. He framed his tough guy persona as the solution, famously stating: “I alone can fix it.”
One can only ratchet up the temperature so far before “very fine people” begin to march on Charlottesville, spewing antisemitism and carrying torches. Before encouraging anti-vax mobs to “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” leads to a foiled plot to kidnap and execute the governor. Before urging the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” and inviting your followers to a “Big protest in D.C. on Jan. 6. Be there, will be wild!” results in a seditious conspiracy to overturn the results of an election. Of course, Trump’s actions preceding the violent mob’s assault on our Capitol would lead to his second impeachment, the resignation of a dozen members of his staff, and a federal criminal indictment in D.C.
And since that time his rhetoric has only grown darker. In 2022 he called for the termination of the Constitution to potentially reinstate himself as President. He joked about the assault on Nancy Pelosi’s husband. He referred to America as an “occupied country,” to Aurora Colorado as “invaded and conquered” and to the “bad genes” of migrants. He promised to seek retribution against his critics, at times suggesting the Justice Department or even the military would be used against “the enemy within,” referring to his political opponents. To Donald Trump, Jan. 6 is now “a day of love” and he speaks of those who stormed the Capitol using an inclusive “we.”
It’s really no surprise that his former Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, has called him a “threat to democracy,” or his former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley, called him “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person in this country.” His first Defense Secretary, James Mattis, concurred with Milley. His former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, said Trump is “a person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law.” In total, half his cabinet, including Vice President Pence—the people that watched him do the job for four years— are not endorsing him.
Trump’s third campaign for President is an intensified version of his first: the world is a scary place, and we need a strongman. But this time, the Supreme Court has said he is immune from prosecution for “official acts.” The adults in the room during his first term have all been replaced with a squad of opportunists and yes men riding his coattails. His allies have published Project 2025, a playbook aimed at consolidating power and edging the United States toward autocracy. We survived the first Trump term, and it ended with a violent mob storming the Capitol. Let’s not risk it again.
This democratic backsliding can only be defeated at the ballot box. I voted early last Saturday, and I voted for Kamala Harris.
Tough week for the home team
Whitman-Hanson football dropped a Patriot League battle with Hingham 27-6 on Thursday, Oct. 10.
After Hingham drew first blood to take the lead, 7-0, in the first quarter, Johnny Walker connected with Brady Markowski for a 40 yard touchdown for the Panther’s lone touchdown in the second quarter, but the extra-point kick was no good.
Markowski had 76 receiving yards on the night. Defensively, Walker (7 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 blocked PAT) and Markowski (10 tackles, 1 TFL) also led the way. Lukas Hamilton added an interception.
Whitman-Hanson is back on the road this week as they take on Plymouth North.
The W-H girls’ soccer team dropped their Patriot league matchup with Duxbury 3-1, on Thursday, Oct. 10. Anna Schnabel finished a pass from Maddie Fitzgerald to send both teams tied 1-1 at the half. Despite great performances from Shelby Bell, Mya Andrews, and Keira Manchester the Panthers fell at home.
The boys’ soccer team traveled to Duxbury Oct. 10 in a league contest. Cam MacKay and Evan Gillespie were able to find the net off Joey Sousa and Finn McKenna assists, but the Dragons were able to put away 5 for a final score of 5-2. The Panthers were back in action on Tuesday, Oct. 15, hosting Marshfield in a league matchup that finished Rams 3 Panthers 1. Jayden Turocy netted his first of the season for Whitman-Hanson bringing it within one, but a third goal sealed the win for Marshfield. The Panthers are back in action at Hingham on Thursday.
Halifax Estates annual Craft Fair
Halifax Estates, 33 Redwood Drive, Halifax, will hold its popular annual Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Saturday, Oct. 12.
Vendors will be selling, handcrafted gifts, such as jewelry, personalized kids gifts, photography, as well as knitted and hand-sewn items. There will also be a raffle of a variety of crafted items and gift cards, just in time for the holidays. Lunch will be available. All proceeds are donated to ensure a happy holiday for any underprivileged children of Halifax.
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