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Hanson Rec panel resigns

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HANSON — And then there were none.

As of 8:15 a.m., Monday, Aug. 15, the entire seven-member Hanson Recreation Commission had resigned, stating their ability to function effectively has been “severely compromised” by the prolonged investigation of Camp Kiwanee operations.

Chairman James Hickey had resigned during the Recreation Commission’s Thursday, Aug. 11 meeting.

Camp Kiwanee’s operations, including Cranberry Cove, are not affected by the resignation, officials say.

The resignation letter, signed by six of the commission members [see page 12] described a “shroud of secrecy and impending doom outside of our control” which they had been instructed not to speak about as the investigation continued.

“This brings the total number of volunteers and caretaking staff who have been hounded and harassed by the Town Administrator [former interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera and current Town Administrator  Michael McCue] and labor counsel to 17,” according to a former staff member.

McCue and the Board of Selectmen maintain that, on the whole, the commission has been less than helpful throughout the process.

“With few exceptions, Commission members and Commission employees, including those of longstanding tenure, have been less than fully cooperative,” McCue stated. “Dealing with the lack of cooperation has delayed the conclusion of the investigation.”

He and Selectmen “regret that it has come to this but we respect their decision,” McCue said.

“Monday morning, this office and the Board of Selectmen received the resignations of the remaining members of the Recreation Commission,” McCue said. “When it was brought to the attention of the Board and this office that there were issues with the way business was being conducted at Camp Kiwanee, an investigation was compelled and began in late March.”

Selectmen voted 5-0 Tuesday, April 19 to continue an audit review begun by interim Town Administrator Richard LaCamera under the oversight of town labor counsel Leo Peloquin, rather than starting over again when McCue began work on May 9.

That investigation is not yet complete, costing the town $27,572.50 since February 2016 [see chart].

The town’s auditor — Lynch, Malloy, Marini LLP — had made some suggestions and comments concerning documentation of employee work hours, integration of the Camp Kiwanee computer system into the town’s system, adherence to the fee schedule for rental facilities, improved tracking of receipts, the need for an inventory log and a better process for issuing beach passes.

LaCamera was also taking a “closer look at some of those issues” after the December 2015 audit.

LaCamera had resigned abruptly during an April 12 Selectmen’s meeting  following a heated exchange with then-Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young over the Bluegrass on the Bogs contract negotiation that involved allegations of drinking at Camp Kiwanee. LaCamera’s scheduled departure date had been April 22.

“Mr. LaCamera started this project as a result of findings by the town auditor in the town’s annual audit,” Young said at the time. “The inquiry started by the town administrator is not complete. It must be completed with a report and recommendation provided to the Board of Selectmen.”

The investigation will continue, officials maintain.

“Notwithstanding the recent and past resignations, the inquiry will continue to its conclusion,” McCue said. “The goal of this office and the Board has been, and continues to be, to insure that business operations are conducted appropriately at Camp Kiwanee. The Board and this office intend to honor all scheduled events and programs, now and in the future, at Camp Kiwanee.”

In July eight non-union employees resigned due to the extreme scrutiny of unsubstantiated claims, according to the former staff member, adding that one commission member resigned in January due to extreme online harassment by anonymous Facebook accounts. On May 2, the Board of Selectman dismissed Recreation Commission Chairman David Blauss citing his non-cooperation in the Camp Kiwanee Investigation, they said.

Hanson mourns Mann, legacy

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HANSON — Former State Representative and Town Moderator Charles W. Mann is being remembered by friends and colleagues on both sides of the political isle as an effective and dedicated public servant.

Mann, 81, died Friday, Aug. 12 after a long illness. [ See obituary, page 13]

The House of Representatives will be adjourning in Mann’s honor on Thursday, Aug. 18, at the request of state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury.

“After being elected [state representative] he would meet with the Democratic Town Committees and others that had not supported him — he was adamant that campaign ended after election night and that he was the elected official for every constituent of the district ­­— supporter or not,” said his daughter, Karen Barry. “Dad was known as a spokesman for our agriculture industry, especially for our cranberry growers.

Mann’s own father had been a vice president of sales for Ocean Spray, credited with the introduction of the company’s juice products.

“Legislatively he worked extremely hard for farmers and the conservation of woodlands,” Barry said, noting that, “On a lighter note [Mann] was named “Best Dressed” in the Legislature on more than one occasion.”

She said it has been wonderful to talk to people who have reminded the family of things her father had done.

Born in Pittsfield, Mann  lived most of his life in Hanson. His mother had encouraged him as he began his life in public service, beginning with the Hanson School Committee. The dedicated Republican later served eight terms as a state representative in the 6th Plymouth District — Hanson, Pembroke, Duxbury and parts of Marshfield. While in the General Court, he served on the Ways and Means, Personnel and Administration and Banks and Banking committees.

He also served as deputy sheriff of Plymouth County and was an active member of the Hanson Republican Town Committee, of which he was chairman. Mann also volunteered with the W-H Citizen’s Scholarship Foundation — Little League, and the Hanson Kiwanis Club, serving as president for both; advisor to the Hanover Hi-Y Club and as director of the Squanto Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

For some residents, Mann’s public service was their first introduction to him.

“Charlie introduced me to Hanson town government when he appointed me to the Finance Committee,” current Town Moderator Sean Kealy said. “Over the years he became a friend and mentor. I was honored when he first suggested that I run for moderator after he decided to step down; in fact at every Town Meeting I continue to ask myself and others, ‘What would Charlie do here?’”

Board of Health Chairman Arlene Dias, recalled helping her parents campaign for Mann when she was about nine or 10 years old.

“The first political event that I ever went to was a Charlie Mann thing that my parents took me to,” Democrat Dias recalled with a smile about her staunch Republican parents. “They had me handing out pamphlets. I know it was some kind of a fundraiser and I always meant to ask him what office he was running for … I think it was the late ’50s or early ’60s.”

Mann had won election to the Hanson School Committee in 1963, according to the Republican Town Committee, which honored Mann for his five decades of public service on his retirement as town moderator. He was first elected to the General Court in 1966 for  two terms, returning for three more in 1970.

Kealy is among many in Hanson official circles who feel they have lost a friend as well as a colleague.

“We have lost a great public servant and I am going to miss him very much,” he said.

For other close friends in Hanson Town Hall, Mann’s loss was too difficult  for them to offer comment, but Selectman Bruce Young offered a salute to Mann’s legacy.

“Charlie was an excellent legislator, serving the town of Hanson very honorably as our state representative for many years, and his legacy as our town moderator for 20 years, acting fairly and impartially on all issues to come before Town Meeting,” Selectman Bruce Young stated. “He set a standard for all those who hold that office in the future and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

Republican Town Committee Chairman and former Selectman David Soper agreed.

“He was a civic leader who truly made a difference in our community and region,” Soper said. “He knew how to work with people and get things done. He was friend a mentor and all-around a good guy.”

Cutler also lauded his predecessor.

“Charlie Mann served the town of Hanson, and our entire Commonwealth, for many years with distinction and dedication,” said state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury, who now represents the 6th Plymouth District.” He was a true public servant who brought civility and dignity to the political process.”

Cutler said the loss will be felt by many Hanson residents on a personal as well as professional level and expressed his appreciation to the Mann family for sharing him with the community all these years, offering sympathy for his loss.

“Mr. Mann was a legislator, a moderator, a constable, but most of all a gentleman,” Cutler said. “I will miss hearing his stories, his sense of humor and his plain-spoken wisdom.”

In 1970, Mann joined Governor Frank Sargent’s administration as Legislative Secretary, returning to the House of Representatives in 1980 and served seven terms, including four in leadership as the Republican Whip. In 1992 he was elected in a write-in campaign for Hanson Town Moderator.

Mann’s first legislative action was to correct the application process to receive welfare, Barry said.

“Too often resources were limited and he was concerned that people of need would not get the assistance they need,” she said. “When he entered the legislature welfare benefits were administered through your local town hall.”

In 1987-89 was instrumental in the building of Duxbury’s Town Pier, Construction of the Powder Point Bridge and dredging of Duxbury Harbor. He worked closely with Duxbury Harbor Master Don Bears.

Whitman talks traffic: Hearing reviews Route 18 intersections plan

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WHITMAN — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) plan to redesign two intersections along Route 18/Bedford Street found that at least one local businessman is not happy with what he has heard so far.

James Loring, owner of TLC Auto Sales & Service at 746 Bedford St., told state and regional officials during a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 16 that he would take legal action if the plan encroached on his property in any way. His concern was that the plans would take 300 square feet from the corner where he displays the vehicles he sells.

“I’m greatly concerned,” said Loring, who has owned his business for 36 years ago and also operates a realty office at the Route 27 intersection. “I’ve got a ton of questions, but you’re not going to take my land. I’ll fight you to the bitter end for every square inch.”

Loring was assured after the hearing that the plans would not involve any taking of his land, and only required a temporary easement to allow workers to enter his property line to do sidewalk construction.

The sidewalk on that side of the intersection would stay exactly where it is now, according to Design Consultant Greg Lucas of BETA Engineering Group in Norwood.

“We’re not widening into your property, we’re not taking your property,” Lucas said. “Not a square foot. [The easement] is just to allow them to do the sidewalk work and to allow them to patch the asphalt — so they can do the work and then they leave.”

Town Administrator Frank Lynam told Loring after the meeting that he would email a copy of the design plan for him to review.

The MassDOT Highway Division held the design public hearing at Whitman Town Hall Auditorium on a proposed project to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersections of routes 18 and 14 and routes 18 and 27. Project Manager Muazzez Reardon facilitated the sparsely attended hearing in which only Lisa Szamreta of the MassDOT Right of Way Bureau, Lucas, Selectman Daniel Salvucci and Loring spoke.

Reardon advised that, since the design phase is not yet complete, not all questions could be answered at the hearing. A form was provided in hand-out materials for audience members to submit comments or questions to the Highway Division.

The project, expected to cost $3.2 million is still in the design phase to be concluded in 2017, with construction not expected to begin until 2018. Little traffic disruption is anticipated during construction, officials said.

“The reason that we brought this issue to Old Colony Planning Council was because both our police chief and our fire chief had concerns,” said Salvucci, who also represents Whitman on the OCPC Joint Transportation Committee.

Lucas outlined the need for the project and how it is being designed to meet those needs.

“Crash rates are higher than the statewide average,” Lucas said of the two intersections, explaining that at the Bedford and Auburn streets (18/14) intersection the rate is 1.31 crashes per million or 46 over the last three years. The state average is .8 crashes. At the Route 27 intersection the rate is higher at 60 crashes over three years.

Among the problems are a lack of left-turn lanes and protected movement for left turns — that is, a green arrow light when all opposing traffic is stopped by a red light. Pedestrian accommodations, such as crosswalks and sidewalks, also need to be improved.

The design calls for new traffic signals with a protected left turn arrow, an exclusive left-turn lane as well as sidewalk, crosswalk and drainage improvements and a dedicated bike lane.

Salvucci asked if the new intersection design would permit right turns on red light. Lucas replied that would be allowed at some locations.

“Both intersections have school bus [traffic],” Salvucci noted. He also pointed out the problem with truck traffic on Washington Street because of truck route designation at Route 14. Whitman is already looking  into posting signs to restrict trucks from Washington Street.

Lawn areas and landscaping disrupted by construction will be replaced after work is completed.

“Affected property owners will be contacted by personnel from the Right of Way Bureau or consultants representing them,” Szamreta said. Permanent and temporary easements may be required, she said, but the number has not been determined, noting the MGL Chapter 79 protects property owners’ rights, as well as federal regulations where they apply.

Pirates sailed to New England? Ayuh: Suffolk University lecturer speaks to Hanson Historical Society

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HANSON — He teaches one of the more hedonistic entries in boston.com’s list of “10 College Courses You Wish You Registered For.”

Suffolk University Senior History Lecturer Stephen O’Neill’s “The History of Piracy” made that list — along with a study of Surfing and American Culture at Boston University and the Culture of Burlesque at Emerson and others from anime to board game strategies in business. the Pembroke native has taught the course for 11 years and has researched the topic for 20 years.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, O’Neill brought his knowledge of the pirate life to the Hanson Historical Society for a program titled “New England Pirates.” He is also the new executive director of the Hanover Historical Society.

New England pirates?

“Everyone is fascinated with pirates,” O’Neill said, noting that the Johnny Depp “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie made more than $600 million to date. “But pirate stories have been around since pirates were sailing the seas.”

Among notable authors to write on pirate themes have been John Steinbeck, Emily Dickenson, Edgar Allen Poe and Washington Irving, O’Neill said.

“There were pirates in ancient Rome, ancient Greece … in all parts of the world,” he said. “Piracy is basically the theft of portable wealth at sea. … We’re talking a global economy in the 1690s.”

Turns out, New England was more than just a place where pirates went to die on the scaffold — after enduring a lengthy sermon on the sins of their trade from Puritan minister Cotton Mather.

More on that later.

As early as 1646, three pirate ships visited Plymouth and their crews’ resulting bender probably salvaged the settlement’s fledgling economy, according to O’Neill. The pirates were under commission to prey on Spanish shipping by the Earl of Warwick, who also had arranged the patents and charter for the Plymouth colony.

“These crewman under Capt. Thomas Cromwell really spent so much money drinking that they literally bailed out Plymouth, which was bankrupt,” O’Neill said. “[Puritans] had actually voted in early 1646 to abandon Plymouth and move the capital of the colony out to Eastham.”

Cromwell’s commission also protected him from a murder charge, for which he was acquitted, while ashore in Plymouth.

O’Neill also related the origin of the term buccaneer — with its root in the Caribbean Arawak word buccan, for the wooden frame on which meat was smoked. They used to go ashore on Hispañola to hunt feral pigs and cattle from an earlier, abandoned settlement and smoked the meats to preserve them for sale on Tortuga to supplement their piracy.

“If you watch any pirate movie, Tortuga and Port Royal are always mentioned,” O’Neill said. “Those are the great pirate havens of the 17th Century.” An earthquake eventually sank most of Port Royal under the waves.

New England did not miss out on the action in the heyday of piracy, however.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow, who sat on Capt. Cromwell’s jury, left  Plymouth Colony in 1647 for Port Royal, Jamaica and ended up on a fleet also underwritten by the Earl of Warwick to take Hispañola from Spain. He never returned, having died at sea.

Sir William Phips, the first royal governor of Massachusetts, was also a salvager of shipwrecks, who used buccaneer tactics in his failed attempt to capture Quebec in 1690.

Some of the true buccaneers also headed this way after they were driven out of the Caribbean, O’Neill related.

Capt. Thomas Paine, (not to be confused with the later “Common Sense” pamphleteer) who had attacked St. Augustine as a buccaneer, retired to Jamestown, R.I., in the 1670s. He had married the governor’s daughter and founded Trinity Church — before being called on to protect the colony from French pirates in the 1690s.

Not all New England pirates had such a successful retirement.

The infamous Capt. Kidd was arrested in Boston for trial in London where he was hanged and gibbeted — coated in tar after death and suspended in an iron cage — as a warning to other would-be pirates.

The only gibbeted pirate in New England was the body of Capt. William Fly on “Nixes Island” in 1726. Now only a concrete marker remains, as legend has it, a pirate’s curse led to the island being washed away.

On June 30, 1704, Capt. John Quelch and five crewmen were executed in Boston after the first trial for piracy by the British Admiralty Court held outside of England.

“Gallows were erected halfway between the high and low watermarks, symbolic of the jurisdiction of the admiralty court,” O’Neill said. “Rev. Cotton Mather made a specialty out of pirate execution sermons.”

The condemned men were forced to stand before Mather’s pulpit while he orated against their sins for “two and a half hours in the morning and two and a half hours in the afternoon,” O’Neill said.

One of Quelch’s condemned crewmen, John Lambert, hailed from Salem.

Capt. Edward Lowe kidnapped Marblehead sailor Phlip Ashton who famously refused to join the pirate crew, eventually jumping ship on Rowatan Island. It took Ashton three years to make his way back to Marblehead.

“I don’t know why some of these stories haven’t been made into really great movies,” O’Neill said.

After his talk, O’Neill answered some of the audience’s questions.

Youths learn to be safe at home

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WHITMAN — Being home alone isn’t as easy as it used to be for kids — the days of heading outside for a day of unsupervised play and adventure “until the streetlights come on” seem to be over as parents worry more about their children’s safety.

That’s where Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups comes in.

On Thursday, Aug. 4, 10 boys and girls in the grade six-to-eight age group, learned the safest practices for being at home when their parents or other adult family members are out. The first two days covered adult and pediatric CPR and first aid.

“I sat down and looked at all the different things that possibly could go wrong, or that kids in this age group needed to be trained on for safety,” said Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups developer Windy Winters-Harrington of Whitman. “I just think that I am aware of the world today and that more kids are staying home alone.”

She researched and developed her idea for the business over the course of 14 months with her husband police officer Kevin Harrington, who aided with the Home Alone component, on the philosophy that knowledge is power. Winters-Harrington is a former administrator in pediatrics at Floating Hospital and in the W-H School District behavior department, as well as a certified CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) instructor. Officer Harrington is experienced in school safety and is a national crime prevention specialist.

“It’s a different world,” Winters-Harrington told participants at Whitman Public Library last week. “There’s more pressure on your age group. I think it’s tough for you because you’ve got to manage a lot of different things … there’s not always a lot of kindness going on.”

To teach, not scare

That said, the object here is to arm kids with information, not the stuff of nightmares.

“We wanted to make sure we got the information out there that you understood and that made an impact so, in case these situations ever happen, you’re prepared,” Winters-Harrington told the children. “I’m not trying to scare you, I’m not trying to make you feel anxious or worried … but I want you to be prepared and aware.”

Winters-Harrington facilitated two free summer camps at Whitman Public Library from July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4.

“We had a wait list for both classes,” said Library Director Andrea Rounds. “It was one of the most well-received programs we’ve ever hosted at the library.”

Campers received two-year certifications in CPR/AED and first aid from the American Red Cross and a Safety Savvy Kids Home Alone Certificate.

“We have had baby-sitting courses in the past, and they teach certain important life skills, but this program incorporates a whole lot of other really important skills like how to safely answer the door,” Rounds said. “So often children do stay home alone and feel unprepared. We’ve had a lot of demand for courses such as these for children, specifically.”

The Thursday, Aug. 4 class on being home alone started off with a review of the Heimlich Maneuver and other first aid skills learned on the first two days before Winters-Harrington launched into the day’s topic.

“You can do these classes separately because they are so different,” Winters-Harrington said, noting that one girl attending the class had not been present at the first aid classes.

Common sense

Winters-Harrington emphasized to the class the importance of calling 911 in an emergency and before contacting their parents.

“A lot of this is common sense,” she said, offering an illustration to consider — if your mom is in Braintree, who would be able to get there first in an emergency? Mom or the police?

She said two considerations families must weigh are whether a youngster wants to stay home alone and if they are mature enough to handle the responsibility. About half the class had been at home alone, but only a couple raised their hands when Winters-Harrington asked if they liked doing so.

In Massachusetts, there is no minimum age at which a child may lawfully be left home alone, but the national Safe Kids Campaign recommends that no child under age 12 should be left alone.

Winters-Harrington led a PowerPoint program punctuated by online videos, which raised discussion points.

The discussions centered on best practices should they be followed home: a stranger comes to the front door, they are approached online or via their cell phone by a stranger and what to share and not share on social media.

Hands shot up as the children asked questions or offered opinions during the discussions.

Should they find themselves being followed out along a road, with no access to a cell phone, Winters-Harrington told them to draw attention by screaming and making a scene.

“Are all people bad?” she asked. “No. There are good people who will help you.”

Scheduled check-in times with parents or a guardian and a family code word were advised, as well as learning from mom and dad how to operate household alarms and establish fire escape routes.

The “nevers” include opening the door to strangers.

An assertive attitude when the doorbell or telephone rings is a must, said Winters-Harrington, and if a stranger won’t leave the property, or tries contacting you via phone or social media, the solution is the same. Call 911.

After a break for a snack, topics included outdoor safety such as street smarts, what to do if one finds an improperly disposed of hypodermic needle, shopping mall and movie theater safety as well as water and ice safety.

Library gift

“We are so grateful to the program sponsor, Mutual Bank of Whitman, which provided $2,400,” Rounds said. “There was absolutely no cost to any of the children who took the class, the first or second session. … They have been huge community supporters of this library.”

Rounds stressed that extra educational and entertainment programs are funded exclusively through donations, not taxpayer dollars. Either the Friends of the Whitman Public Library, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and donors such as Mutual Bank make such programs possible.

“If we could secure funding we would absolutely offer another program like this,” she said.

Winters-Harrington also thanked Mutual Bank for its financial support as well as the library for use of the Community Room.

Future programs are planned in partnership with the Massasoit Community College’s Community Education programs for Brockton, Canton, Middleborough and Plymouth. For more information, look for the Safety Savvy Kids & Grown-Ups page on Facebook.

Hanson PD adds two new officers

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HANSON — The Hanson Police Department officially welcomed two new officers, and promoted another to the rank of sergeant, during swearing-in ceremonies at the Tuesday, Aug 9 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Town Clerk Elizabeth Sloan administered the oath of service to the officers after they were introduced in turn by Police Chief Michael Miksch. Each then had his new badge pinned on by a family member followed by a reception in the Town Hall kitchen area.

“I want to welcome the two new officers and I want to thank the rest of the department — most of them have shown up tonight to show their support — and I want to thank Sgt. Calogero for taking on the responsibilities that he has,” Miksch said. “Given some of the things that have gone on in the past few years in policing, to see people want to come into this job and to forward themselves in the job, is extremely important. It’s a testament to the families who are here tonight, too.”

Sgt. Peter Calogero is a veteran of the department, having served Hanson for more than 20 years, Miksch said. His father Frank, a retired Cambridge police officer did the badge-pinning honors as Sgt. Calogero’s wife Jennifer, children Peter, Sarah and Jake and his mother Marie — along with some other members of the department and their families — looked on.

New officer Christopher Dominguez, who joins the HPD after serving as a correction officer with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s office and deputy in the patrol division with the Hillsborough County, Fla. Sheriff’s Department, where he served for three years.

“I’m not sure why he left sunny Florida,” Miksch joked. “But Chris grew up here and he’s returned home.”

He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Endicott College. His wife Jenny pinned on his badge as his father Ed, a 29-year veteran of the Boston Police Department looked on.

New officer Brent Peterson, who holds a degree in criminal justice from Western New England and had served as an officer with the Plympton Police Department since 2012, where he also served as a court prosecutor and evidence officer as well as a patrolman. He also served with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department.

Peterson’s wife Dawn and daughter Abigail pinned on his badge. His parents John and Gwen also attended.

Changing Rec panel’s role?: Hanson plans working session to discuss proposed recreation goals

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HANSON — Selectmen Tuesday, Aug. 9 approved two goals for developing open space and recreation plans, paving the way for a working session on the latter between members of the board, Town Administrator Michael McCue and representatives of the current recreational and parks committees.

The goals, formulated seven years ago by a previous Select Board have been dusted off to ensure consistency in terms of management and style in how things will be handled, according to Selectmen Chairman James McGahan.

“These were two goals that were part of the open space and rec plan and that committee is looking for approval of those two goals or at least a review and agreement or amendment of additional goals,” McGahan said at Tuesday night’s meeting. “I think it’s time.”

The goals, which would allow the town to apply for grants, are expansion and improvement of recreational opportunities as well as protection of natural resources and biodiversity. They involve a review of recreational and parks committees (Recreation, Parks and Fields, Memorial Field and Town Forest) and considering the consolidation of two or more of the committees under a newly created Recreation Committee. There would also be an effort to improve the General Bylaws to be consistent with state regulation of off-road vehicle issues and to participate in state efforts to regulate use on a regional level.

McGahan noted that membership of the Memorial Field and Town Forest committees have dwindled over the years. He said merging the committees would permit a new Recreation Committee to expand into activities outside Camp Kiwanee.

“Basically we’d have to redraft its intent,” he said, which would have to go before Town Meeting.

“If we’re going to get into a discussion about this, I tend to agree with you that you would want the possibility — like other towns do it — where the Recreation Committee would take care of town-wide [events],” said Recreation Committee Chairman James Hickey. “But I also think that, if this was to go through, the Recreation Committee now as it stands would have to have [its] name changed to the Camp Kiwanee Commission, where it would strictly deal with Camp Kiwanee and Cranberry Cove.”

Hickey thought town events, such as the bicentennial celebration and annual Memorial Day parades, would be perfect projects for a new Recreation Committee. He added that Camp Kiwanee would be the only recreation facility generating revenue, and additional recreation demands would strain those funds.

McGahan said another possibility would be “vendoring out” Camp Kiwanee management, including the liquor license responsibility now borne by the town and inspectional responsibilities.

“It’s something to consider as an option,” he said during the meeting.

“We’ve got a board of volunteers who are doing the best job they can, but with turnover within the board things don’t always follow procedure,” he said Wednesday.

McCue suggested the working session of the boards involved as an “unofficial bandying about” of ideas in a “roll-up-the-sleeves” setting.

Selectman Bruce Young agreed that such a session would be a constructive one.

“That would also give us the chance to work with the representative of the Recreation Committee on firming up and establishing what the duties and responsibilities of a professional recreation director,” Young said.

Resident Audrey Flanagan also urged the working session because members of the individual Recreation, Parks and Fields, Memorial Field and Town Forest committees are passionate about what they are doing.

“Right now, the first step in the process is agreeing to these goals that were set for us seven years ago by a different board,” McGahan said.

“These are preliminary discussions,” Selectman Kenny Mitchell agreed. “Anything we do is going to take a process, it’s not going to happen overnight.”

Phil Clemons, one of three members of the Town Forest Committee, said that as the town forest has become a conservation property, it is redundant.

“We crave not being on the committee anymore, because there’s really nothing to do,” Clemons said. “That would be the easiest thing of all to have it just fade away.”

The natural resources goal simply coordinates town goals with state regulations.

“I’ve had a lot of people calling me concerned that motor bikes and ATVs are [being driven] where they should not be,” McGahan said July 26. “Obviously we want to enforce our state regulations for those.”

Selectman Don Howard said Tuesday night that he does not believe there is space in town for permitting off-road vehicles and insurance requirements would be prohibitive.

Dog’s death at Whitman kennel is investigated

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WHITMAN — With a necropsy scheduled next week, state and local officials are investigating the death of a German shepherd dog boarded over a weekend at Annie’s Clean Critters.

Animal Control, Whitman Police and the Animal Rescue League are investigating the death of the dog, named Maximus, owned by Abington resident Robert Foley.

The Board of Health is not involved in the investigation at this time, according to staff members there.

Foley stated in a memorial Facebook post about his dog that he was told by Annie’s Clean Critters owner Annie Brown Monday evening that the dog died of stomach bloat — after he had spent an entire day trying to contact someone at the business to pick up the dog after a weekend away with his family.

An official cause of death will be determined by the planned necropsy.

Foley wrote that he had gone to pick up Maximus at 10 a.m. Monday, but “there was not one person in the shop and they never returned voicemails, emails, or Facebook messages, only a sign on the empty store saying ‘will be back at 4.’” By 5:30 p.m., there was still no one there.

Foley said when he contacted an employee, they had Brown contact him and he was then told the dog had died between 3 and 5 p.m. He lamented that, in the time it took him to find someone at the shop, he could have taken Maximus to a vet where the dog could have had a “40- to 50-percent chance of survival.”

Foley also alleged that the business refused to show him a surveillance video of his dog’s stay. He said he had boarded his dog at Annie’s Clean Critters before and that “things seemed to go well,” which is why he tried them again.

Contacted by the Express Tuesday, Brown said she was “devastated for the family, but we have no comment at this time.”

Whitman Police Chief Scott Benton said he could not comment on an ongoing investigation, but confirmed humane authorities are investigating and had “taken action.”

According to published reports, Lt. Alan Borgal of the Animal Rescue League has inspected the business and found unsanitary conditions and a lack of shade at the Annie’s Clean Critters outdoor kennel.

Lt. Borgal did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Brown, whose business has operated for 14 years in Whitman has also been the East Bridgewater animal control officer for some 30 years.

“We have been made aware of an ongoing investigation in the neighboring town of Whitman involving a contractor of the town of East Bridgewater who provides animal control services,” East Bridgewater Police Chief Scott Allen said in a prepared statement Tuesday. “It is the procedure of our Police Department that we will not utilize these services pending the outcome of the investigation. The East Bridgewater Police Department is in contact with neighboring communities and law-enforcement agencies to provide animal control resources on a mutual aid basis in the interim.”

This is the second canine fatality at a Whitman pet care business this year. In May, a Bermese Mountain Dog named Bailey died after suffering seizures during a grooming visit at a Bedford Street business.

After the owners of that business had received threats, Whitman Police issued a press release on its determination that there had been no indication of abuse or neglect by that business.

“The rush to judgment and attacks directed at [the business] through social media as well as phone calls to the business is very disturbing,” the department stated at the time.

Walking for Sam: Memorial 5K benefits Samaritans

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HANSON — It was a hug in motion for a grieving family in the community on Sunday, July 31 as more than 200 area residents shrugged off oppressive humidity and rain to honor the memory of eighth-grader Samuel Andrews and aid the suicide prevention work of the Samaritans.

“My sister [Stacey] had an idea that we had to do something, and she suggested a walk,” said organizer Meredith Wigmore, a friend of the Andrews family. “She was the mastermind and I just got volunteers.”

That idea became the Do It For Sam 5K.

She said the fundraising goal was $5,000 and was certain it would be exceeded, thanks to the generous donation of gift baskets for raffles, which included a Wahlburger’s basket complete with a signed T-shirt, fitted hat and photo of Paul Wahlberg. One of Wahlburgers’ employees in promotions lives in Hanson and delivered the prize.

Wigmore said Monday that more than $9,000 was raised at the event.

“If we could help just one kid, one family, then we’ve done our job,” Wigmore said. “The town of Hanson has totally stepped up … I had people contacting me [asking], ‘What can I do?’”

One woman alone made up three of the raffle baskets. Hanson Police provided traffic control and the Fire Department had firefighter/EMTs driving the route on an ATV in case of a medical emergency.

Flowers for Sam

Walkers — and a few runners — stepped off a bit after the planned 9 a.m. start time, making their way from Botieri Field up Indian Head Street to School and Maquan streets, and back to Liberty Street, via Andrew Lane and Gorwin Drive, and then up High Street to Fern Hill Cemetery and back to Botieri Field. While at Fern Hill they were given water to beat the heat and humidity, and multi-colored carnations by Sam’s grandparents, Eugene and Phyllis Andrews, to place on his grave. The Abington Stop & Shop donated the flowers.

Members of the Andrews family expressed gratitude, when they could find the words, for their community’s support. Sam’s mother Melissa was unable to say much in the emotion of the day. His dad Phil was also deeply affected.

“It’s wonderful,” Gene said before choking up over the community’s support. “It’s unbelievable. From Day One, it’s just been … you realize we’re still a small town and a small community.”

“The turnout has just been phenomenal,” Phil said of the walk. “I can definitely feel Sam here with everyone and … I’m at a loss for words. I’m so glad we’re supporting a great organization like Samaritans.” He lauded the group’s work and said he hoped the fundraiser could help someone else in crisis.

Before the event started, DJ John Zucco introduced Abington Samaritans 40-year volunteer and board member Tom Burke to speak, followed by a prayer by the Rev. Michael Hobson of St. Joseph the Worker Church and a performance of the national anthem by Hanson resident Mary Drake.

Burke thanked organizers for the invitation and participants for the “wonderful tribute to Sam.”

Samaritans is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide by befriending individuals in crisis and educating the public about effective prevention strategies. It also provides support for survivors of suicide attempts.

“The family reached out and got to know us and we got to know them,” Burke said after the walk. “They invited us to come down and we were happy to help.”

The Boston Samaritans chapter offers training workshops, grief support and reach to at-risk groups such as seniors. They also provide programs for schools. Burke said they handle as many as 125,000 calls and texts per year on the organization’s 24/7 phone befriending service: 1877-870-HOPE (4673) or text to Samaritans.

“It’s sad, but it’s needed,” Burke said. “We talk to about 12,000 people a year from schools … to explain the causes, the symptoms, how to cope, how to deal with it and who your resources are.”

All Samaritans services are offered at no cost.

“We also like to talk to police and first responders for two reasons,” he said. “First because they are involved and, second, because they are at risk.”

A great kid

Selectmen Chairman James McGahan, attending the walk, said it was a great example of a small town supporting one of its families at a time of pain.

“Sam was a great kid, I knew him and his dad when I first ran for office,” McGahan said. “They came down and met me down at Sandy’s coffee shop. He was a great boy and [his death] hit hard.”

He said his daughter was good friends with Sam.

“She misses him and couldn’t be here today, so she asked me to stop by,” McGahan said. “I think a lot of people are still kind of hurting from it, but this is a way for us to remember him.”

Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV volunteer Richard Green, who was among those attending the event who lost a loved one to suicide, too. He found the event brought back deep emotion and felt a connection to the Andrews family.

“We came to know him through what you people are doing,” he said of Sam. “It’s a very emotional day. … If you can help one person, that’s all you can do in this big world we live in.”

DARE Camp sizzles at W-H: Program mixes fun, sobering safety message

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There was a lot to be loud and proud about last week at the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) Summer Program held at host school Whitman-Hanson July 25-28 as more than 600 campers cheered for their teams and took over the grounds for fun and education in the sun.

With the temperature reaching 90 degrees nearly all week, campers had both in and outdoor activities where special guest performers and educators spoke to them about DARE and avoiding situations or substances that could potentially cause them harm.

Lead Camp Organizer Peter Veneto spoke to families, campers and staff at the closing ceremony on Friday as campers from 20 of the 27 communities within Plymouth County gathered to share a week of non-stop fun. The camp celebrated its 22nd year in Plymouth County and is sponsored by Plymouth County D.A Timothy J. Cruz., The Plymouth County Police Chiefs and Drug education and resource officers.

“Your behavior was fantastic,” Veneto said. “As campers you have earned your T-shirts — wear them proudly as leaders in the community. Let your friends know who you are: Leaders of a drug-free community. Be proud of yourselves.”

Host town DARE Officer Billy Frazier of Hanson asked for a moment of silence honoring law enforcement officers slain in the line of duty across the United States over past few months, as well as three former DARE Officers who have passed away since the camp was established.

Awards honoring the former DARE Officers were presented to Peer Leader Liz Short of Hanson’s Team 5 in memory of Officer Robert Quigley of the Marshfield Police Department, student service awards were presented to Emma Wojag of Hanson in memory of Helen Gray and Brayden Ferguson of Whitman was presented with a student service award in memory of Officer Gerald Mont of Whitman police.

District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz pledged his efforts to continue the camp and reminded campers that it took many officers, and donations of food,  time, money and most of the things they were able to participate in were due to the generosity of so many local companies.

Cruz intends to see the camp grow and eventually have all 27 communities in Plymouth County have resource officers and participate in the camp.

On Tuesday, July 26 Cruz and Sherriff McDonald presented two Hanson natives — Chief Warrant 3 pilot Scott Landis and Anthony Celia — with recognition awards for their decade of service in the Army flying Black Hawk helicopters. The pair talked with campers after landing on the soccer field, giving a tour of equipment and allowing the kids to explore the aircraft.

Kudos

DARE Camp organizers thanked Fire Chief Jerome Thompson Jr. and the Hanson Fire Department for its help in making the Thursday, July 28 foam and water day a success as well as the following Plymouth County police chiefs: Christopher Delmonte of Bridgewater; John Crowley of Brockton; Marc Duphily of Carver; Matthew Clancy of Duxbury; Scott Allen of East Bridgewater; Walter Sweeney of Hanover; Michael Miksch of Hanson; Glenn Olsson of Hingham; Robert Sawtelle of Hull; Frank Alivihiera of Lakeville; Philip Tavarers of Marshfield; Theodore Ross of Norwell; Richard Wall of Pembroke; Michael Botieri of Plymouth; Patrick Dillon of  Plympton; John Llewellyn of Rockland; Michael Stewart of Scituate; Kevin Walsh of Wareham; Victor Flaherty of West Bridgewater and Scott Benton of Whitman. Thanks were also extended to Chief Christopher Cummings of the Massasoit Community College Police and Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald Jr.