HANSON — The Hanson Water Department’s ban on outside watering is lifted as of June 11, however water restrictions will now be in effect.

Hand-held hoses only will be permitted between the hours of 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information,  contact the Water Department at 781-447-1200.

HANSON — Town Administrator Ron San Angelo has been offered the job as town manager in Southbridge, which is located in southern Worcester County near Sturbridge.

The Southbridge Town Council voted 8-1 on Thursday, June 4 to make the offer.

San Angelo was among three finalists — including North Kingstown, R.I., Town Manager Michael E. Embury and Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik.

There had been 22 applicants, seven of which were considered finalists, according to Council Chairman Shaun Moriarty. Of the seven, four were invited to interview, with one withdrawing.

Knapik received the one other vote cast in Southbridge.

“Ron has a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” Moriarty said. “He has a proactive attitude and he’s definitely a go-getter.”

The Town Council has heard positive reports about San Angelo, Moriarty reported.

“From everything we heard, he’s a stand-up guy,” he said. “I’m sure each town has their own dynamics.”

Moriarty said the town manager position in Southbridge “has more authority delegated by town charter than in most town administrator communities.”

Both San Angelo and Embury also interviewed as finalists for the post of Brewster town administrator to succeed Charles Sumner, who is retiring after 29 years on the job, according to the Cape Cod Times, which reported Tuesday night that Embury had been offered the Brewster job.

San Angelo had informed Southbridge of the Brewster interview, which took place Monday, as did Embury’s. Brewster Selectmen interviewed Harwich Town Administrator Christopher Clark Tuesday night before voting to offer the job to Embury.

Ironically, Clark had been Southbridge’s town manager until August 2013, about the time San Angelo was hired in Hanson.

The next step, according to Moriarty, is the contract-negotiating phase.

“He was offered the position pending successful contract negotiations and those negotiations are currently underway,” Moriarty said. “We’ll see how quickly both sides come to terms.”

Southbridge Town Council has already met to discuss its frameworks for a deal and has appointed a negotiations committee to work with San Angelo toward trying to come to terms on a contract.

“Hopefully [that will happen] the sooner, the better so we can move forward,” he said, noting that it is hoped San Angelo could start early to mid-August.

San Angelo’s current Hanson contract includes a 60-day notification before he would leave to work elsewhere.

Hanson Selectmen are in the process of reviewing that contract as some board members see unacceptable differences between San Angelo’s pact and that of former Town Administrator René Read.

San Angelo requested an evaluation and renewal of his contract out of consideration for his family’s security this spring following conflict with the board. He posted a copy of the letter to Selectmen on the Voices of Hanson Facebook page.

“The Board of Selectmen is in a position to immediately offer me a new contract if you believe that I have done a good job for the citizens of Hanson,” he wrote on March 24. “It is my intention to begin looking at long-term options for the security of my family.”

At the same time, he listed more than a dozen accomplishments and stressed his “strong commitment” to Hanson and a wish to remain on the job.

Selectman Don Howard said at a meeting last month that he has “no qualms” about working with San Angelo, the third town administrator he has worked with over seven years.

“He’s from another state, and sometimes he gets carried away because he’s been a mayor and a manager,” Howard said. “As far as what we hired him for as an administrator for the town of Hanson, in my opinion he’s doing his job.”

“I agree the job’s getting done,” said Selectman James McGahan. “I question, sometimes, the way he does it.”

McGahan said there are three specific points in the contract that concern him, including the indemnification clause.

“Under the old contract, if he was guilty of misconduct the TA was dismissed,” he said. “There is nothing of such in this contract.”

In April, Selectmen approved a policy under which access to town counsel by individual selectmen requires approval only by the Selectmen’s chairman or vice chairman. The town administrator would be notified of such requests, but would not have the power to approve or deny them.

That same month, San Angelo interviewed for a town administrator job in Norwell as one of three finalists. Norwell Selectmen hired Braintree Town Solicitor Peter J. Morin by a 4-1 vote.

Selectman David DeCoste voted for Hanson Town Administrator Ron San Angelo. In the end, however, the board decided Morin was a “better fit” for Norwell.

The Norwell Selectmen Chairman Ellen Allen had noted San Angelo was up-front about his history with Hanson Selectmen — both with the board that hired him and the current board. He did not mention it in his final interview.

“With the way he talked about that with the screening committee we all felt comfortable with his explanation,” Allen said. “But he’s kind of taken on that interaction with them in the public in a way that concerns me.”

Southbridge has a population of 16,719 and is one of 14 municipalities in Massachusetts with a city form of government, but which retain “town of” in official names.   The economy of “The Eye of the Commonwealth,”  was driven for many years by the American Optical Company, which closed in 1984.

WHITMAN — Scores of motorcycles growled away from the Whitman VFW Sunday in the second annual Sgt. Daniel Vasselian Motorcycle Memorial Run.

Chrissie Williamson and Trisha Griffith, both graduates of Whitman-Hanson were just two of more than 500 people who attended the second annual event June 7. The event was organized by the American Infidels Motorycle Club, a nonprofit group dedicated to the “promotion of the ‘American Way’” and passionate in its support of military members and veterans.

Vasselian, a native of Abington, was killed in Afghanistan in December 2013.

It was evident Sunday that small town heroes are not forgotten and that town lines did not separate, but instead gathered strangers and friends to honor the life of a young man who sacrificed his life for his country.

His widow Erin Vasselian and her mom Trisha Doyle were both among the hands in the crowd greeting and thanking guests for attending. Many groups connected as riders although others attended in support of food, raffles and vendors that drew in the large crowd. All were gathered in support of the Vasselian Foundation.

The Doyle’s own Cow Bells Café in Whitman center where her father David is owner and chef. He keeps a photo of his late son in-law on the café wall. There is even a special hamburger named in his honor.

“We have seen an outpouring from both our hometown of Abington where Daniel grew up and have been embraced by Whitman,” said Doyle.

“Erin is keeping busy. It is day-to-day. Sometimes it (losing Danny) doesn’t seem real,” he said. “But, she keeps busy and having the veterans group is helping her in support and getting through.

“Last year over 80 percent of riders who attended (in the rain) didn’t know Danny or the family and they came for him anyway. It is overwhelming.”

“The Sgt. Daniel Vasselian Memorial Fund was created in memory of the United States Marine, who was known to most as “Danny” or “Sgt V.”  He was killed in action in Afghanistan on Dec. 23, 2013 while serving his third tour of duty protecting our country.  Sgt Vasselian was posthumously awarded both Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star Medal with valor.

The foundation will honor his sacrifice by assisting veterans, active duty service members, and military families of Massachusetts who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of unavoidable circumstances.  The foundation also awards annual scholarships to graduating Seniors of Abington High School, according to the website mission statement.

A road race on Veteran’s Day in November will be held in his honor with money going toward the foundation. For upcoming events visit dannyvfund.org.

Day of tears and pride

WHITMAN — Whitman firefighters held their annual Firefighters Memorial ceremonies on Sunday June 7 to honor those who served and have passed on. This year, sadly there was another name to add to the department’s memorial walkway — the late Glenn Coughlin.

Joyce Coughlin, her daughters, extended family and friends attended the event honoring her husband’s years of service in the Whitman Fire Department. They unveiled the brick engraved in his memory at the front of Fire Station on Temple Street.

The family was presented a certificate and an encased flag, which had flown over the Capitol building in Washington at the request of U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass.

“My dad passed away January 26, 2014,” said Dalyce Coughlin, the second youngest daughter of the retired firefighter. She was present Sunday with her three sisters Debbie, Donna, and Lisa. “He was a firefighter for 32 years. The support we received from the Fire Deptartment at his time of passing was so overwhelming.”

Joyce and Glenn were heading to Florida with their truck and camper, when he suffered a heart attack at a Virginia campground.

“The fire services and police of Virginia were right there for my Mom,” Dalyce said. “It was just unbelievable the amount of people that were there for her at her time of need, when us girls couldn’t be. It meant so much to us. We are such a close family.”

Dalyce described her dad as an amazing husband, father, grandfather and firefighter.

“The presentation of the flag and certificate from Congressman Lynch was just outstanding,” she said.

“It was a beautiful day for a tribute to our father. We appreciated it so much. Everyone who turned out for the dedication,” said Donna Coughlin-Saccone, Glenn’s second-oldest daughter.

Bob Schmitt, 87, also in attendance spoke briefly at the memorial. He was a call firefighter for 47 years, was a colleague of Coughlin and a longtime friend.

During the wreath-laying ceremony, Schmitt announced that the plot of land at the firefighters’ memorial site in Colebrook Cemetery will now be turned over to the Whitman Fire Department.

Schmitt, who has been married 66 years this fall, is a lifelong Whitman resident. He was the organizer and founder of the Whitman Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). They began in 2003 with approximately 100 people participating and 20 committed to serve the town. He also commanded the Whitman Emergency Management for the last 16 years before his retirement.

Schmitt also announced a windfall for the surviving members who had contributed to a now-defunct insurance plan.

“Way back in 1895, our town formed an insurance plan through the state for volunteer firefighters. We each donated 10 cents a month towards the plan -there were about 40 volunteers at the time,” said Schmitt.

One hundred and twenty years after the account’s inception, Schmitt made the request to cancel and dissolve the fund. The benefits will be distributed to its last nine surviving  members.

“I am one of the oldest involved in the program,” he said. “It provided a death benefit or if there was a need, due to illness.”

Firefighter’s memorial Sunday was also a part of the organization’s

Inauguration in 1960, which is why so many names are read during the bell toll, he said.

“There is a lot of tradition,” Schmitt said. “There is great camaraderie and they take care of themselves and each other. … You look out for the person before you and behind you because that is who takes care of you.  Firefighters are trained to back up someone else at all times.”

Schmitt had the opportunity to be a full-time firefighter in Whitman but also had another career as a vice president of the American Sandpaper company in Rockland. He remained a career volunteer until he retired.

Among the many town officials and honorable guests who attended Sunday’s services was Chief Timothy Grenno, who formally announced the installation of the Rev. Josh Gray as the new official chaplain of the Whitman Fire Department. Gray is also the minister at the First Congregational Church in Whitman.

“We are looking forward to having him as a familiar face. He will be greatly involved,” said Grenno.

“I would like to thank the men and women of the Whitman fire services for all they do in the community,” Gray said. “I have lots to learn about what you all do. I am looking forward to it.”

The service concluded with a march back to the station after the prayer at Colebrook Cemetery.

Whitman Fire/Rescue posted a special thank you on their social media to Whitman Police, Whitman American Legion, Knights of Columbus, State Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman; Selectman Dan Salvucci, Town Administrator Frank Lynam and a special thank you was extended to  Lynch for his special presentation to the Coughlin family.

The recent graduates of 2015, recognized for their achievements during the May 29 commencement, were very talented art students, their teacher, Christine Maher said this week — and in upcoming sophomore and junior classes that tradition of talent will continue.

Art students at WHRHS will be honored with prestigious opportunities in the weeks to come as the school year comes to a close.

Mikaela Bukow and Brittany Lynch, both currently juniors, were chosen to work with an elite group of art students — Art Stars at the South Shore Art Center 119 Ripley Road, Cohasset will be part of the 60th annual art festival June 19-21. The exhibit called Earth, Wind and Fire, juried by Carl Belz, will be unveiled at the event. Both girls worked on the exhibit, with murals that are sixteen feet long. Visit ssac.org  for further information and program times as there are events for the entire family.

Bukow was also a first place winner at a Statehouse art exhibit sponsored by state Rep. Josh Cutler, D-Duxbury. She finds inspiration in the colors of dusk, landscapes and observing things out the window. She especially enjoys painting with acrylics.

“I will take a photo and then paint it later,” she said about when she sees something inspiring.

Lynch placed second under painting submissions and tied for third were Alyssa Johnson of Whitman and Hailey Hennessey of Hanson all in the same medium. Several other students from W-H placed in various other media. The contest, which is held in the fall, was open to Sixth District Student Artists at the high school level.

More than a dozen art students also took part in the Memory Project, a heartwarming portrait program supporting the world’s orphan children again this year.

They worked for several weeks to complete portraits using a photo assigned to them by Memory Project organizers. They completed the portraits, which were then taken to India and given as gifts to the children. For some students such, as junior Ian Davis, working with pastels presented a challenge, but found it rewarding to make something for someone less fortunate. This compelled him to try something new.

W-H chose India from the nonprofit program list of several countries with which Memory Project is currently working. Last year they worked on portraits for Mexican orphans.

“The orphans in these centers don’t have baby photos and this is something we were able to give them to keep,” said Maher who has taught at W-H for nearly two decades.

The idea of giving from the heart and creating an image of the child who may never have a photograph of themselves or a story of who they were at a young age is such an inspirational project, she said.

The Memory Project organization also followed up by creating a video so student artists were able to see the orphans receiving their portraits.  Several of the older children in India who spoke on tape said, “Thank you for making me this portrait,” as their faces lit up.

The younger children were seen dancing and twirling with excitement as they realized the portrait was of them.

A $15 participation fee was required to defray costs for volunteers and to create an art therapy program in the orphanage.

The Memory Project was developed by Ben Schumacher as a graduate student of social work at the University of Wisconsin.
In 2003, while volunteering at an orphanage in Guatemala, Ben learned that the kids had few special belongings to represent moments of their childhood. They had very few photos, for example, to serve as memories from their early years. Since Ben had always enjoyed making portraits in school art classes, he had the idea to get art students involved in creating portraits for the kids.

“To date the project has created nearly 50,000 portraits for kids in 34 countries, and we intend to keep going as long as possible,” according to the official website memoryproject.org

Davis and fellow junior Eric Lander will spend the weekend June 12-13 with other students handpicked for the prestigious Art All State. Fewer than 100 Massachusetts students were chosen to participate in the program, which will be held at UMass, Dartmouth.

The entry process included an interview, a review of their art resume, a written essay and questionnaire.

After the interview process the students are then notified on their acceptance in the program.

“They will have a wonderful opportunity to work with   small groups and professional artists,” Maher said. “They may be given cardboard and paint for example, and the entire room becomes a formed room of art.”

During the culmination of the program family members are invited to view the installation projects created by the students.

One past exhibit included thousands of colorful strings and wires, said Davis who said he had researched some of the years past projects aheaad of his trip. He enjoys working with ceramics and creating with his hands, and is passionate about drawing.

Lander enjoys pen drawing. He creates cartoons and usually finds himself working with acrylics. He is inspired by unique facial features and transforms people he knows into characters.

“It is rare that we would have two students chosen for the same program. This is the second year W-H has had two students chosen. Sometimes schools don’t have anyone chosen,” said Maher.

She allows everyone to participate in contests or juried programs at their own levels and categories, and considers how well they will best succeed. Her classes, from beginning to advanced, have numerous opportunities and yearly programs outside the school. Their strengths and potential as well as their personalities — sometimes the interview process or speaking at the conference can bring them out of their shell and grow in self-esteem, she said.

Last month students Elizabeth Ingram, Leah Ricciarelli and Caroline Woodward who all worked on portraits for the Memory Project were also chosen to attend and speak at Stone Hill College in Easton at a day-long convention.

“We sat on a panel; we gave an explanation of our orphan portraits and also answered questions,” said Ingram who is a sophomore. “It was a new experience being able to present our project.” She was recently awarded eight places in showing her works in the Art in Bloom at W-H, a reception celebrating the arts.

Ricciarelli who said she has been drawing forever recently drew a Kurt Cobain scene of the singer on stage. Although before her time, she enjoys Nirvana music and knows the story behind Cobain’s troubled life.

Woodward has always enjoyed art since a young age. She calls her art therapeutic. She uses pastel and charcoal. She understands and uses gesture drawings, which is a concept of movement. Maher called the technique challenging but said Caroline meets the challenge well.

The Class of 2015 has already made its mark on the world.

During commencement exercises Friday, May 29, Principal Jeffrey Szymaniak noted many of the 260 graduates’ accomplishments both in school and the community.

The weather, as noted in the yearbook —“Remember when school started with a hurricane two years in a row?” — and speeches — also made an impression.

“I think we should take a moment to thank our parents, for not only supporting us but for having us in the year they did, which eventually put us in the senior class of the endless snow days,” noted student speaker Sandra Ford.

“Every class and each senior year have their own unique characteristics, and this class is no exception,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Gilbert-Whitner.  “Not only was your senior year the snowiest on record, you arrived at today’s commencement exercises having completed a school year shortened by nine school cancellation days. You are One Efficient Class! You were able to get it all done in record time.”

But at heart it was a ceremony of pride in the academic and public service accomplishments of some extraordinary young people.

During his commencement remarks — broadcast on Whitman-Hanson Community Access TV and streamed live at whrhs.org — Szymaniak recognized seniors receiving awards and participating in school programs and community service projects.

Class officers, Student Council members, honor societies members, the six students entering the military, as well as the class advisors Brian Dempsey and Kristen Thomas, school staff who organized the commencement event, and faculty members retiring this year, were applauded during the ceremony.

Megan Concannon, Julia Lewis and Madeline O’Brien were saluted for steering the National Honor Society’s annual Miles for Meals fundraiser to a total of $4,200 which was divided between food pantries in Whitman and Hanson. The NHS annual movie night raised more than $600 to support Special Olympics.

Concannon and her fellow members of the Student Environmental Awareness Club, which installed  “No Idling” signs at the school’s driveway and began recycling and composting programs at W-H, were also applauded.

Sports team captains also led a community service day, performing cleanup projects for both towns while collecting more than 2,000 pairs of shoes donated to charity.

Szymaniak also noted that: 73 students qualified for John and Abigail Adams tuition scholarships to state colleges and universities based on MCAS scores; nine students received prestigious book awards from major colleges and universities; five students received major science and technology awards such as the Bausch & Lomb Science Award and the Renssalear Medal; 11 students were winners of music competitions or held leadership positions in the school bands and choirs; senior art students and DECA members of the senior class were recognized as well as those participating in Community Service Learning internships.

The 177 members of the Class of 2015 were also applauded for their participation in W-H sports programs, including 48 senior captains and the senor sportsmanship, All-Star and All-Scholastic honorees were also recognized during the ceremony.

Almost 40 members of the Class of 1965 were also included in the ceremonies, receiving 50th anniversary diplomas.

Szymaniak noted some of the changes the Class of 1965 has witnessed in the world since their high school commencement:

“When you graduated in 1965, you couldn’t download your favorite song on iTunes, but you could blast “This Diamond Ring,” “My Girl,” “Help Me, Rhonda” or “Satisfaction” on your 8-Track tape player,” he said. “A gallon of gas cost 31 cents, eggs were 53, milk was 95 and a phone call — on a pay phone — was a dime.”

College cost $1,000, at public or private schools, for both tuition and board.

In her remarks, Gilbert-Whitner spoke of the value of self-reflection.

“As you reflect upon your graduation from the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, ask yourself: Who am I? Go beyond your name to expand your answer,” she advised. “What do I believe in? What matters the most to me? Who do my friends, my parents, my relatives, my boss, my co-workers, and my teachers think and say I am?”

Student speeches by Ford, Class President Stephen Gronlund, Salutatorian Krista Anderson and Valedictorian Caroline Mulrey touched on themes of their high school journey of self-discovery.

“The difficult, trying times are the times when we grow, when we are given the opportunity to make something great and happy and beautiful out of our lives. The times when we learn to see the good in every situation and filter out the bad,” Mulrey observed. “I hope we realize that no matter how difficult it may have seemed at times, Whitman-Hanson will always be a part of us.”

“I hope you’ve made memories that you’ll never forget. I hope you’ve met wonderful people and traveled to amazing places and also met some crappy people and traveled to disgusting places because you’ll never truly appreciate beauty until you’ve seen ugliness,” Anderson said. “I hope you’ve felt amazed and terrified and happy and sad and overwhelmed — all at the same time. And if you haven’t, I want you to know that you have the rest of your life.”

“Years from now, when you reflect back on all the memories you have of our time together, you will start to realize how great a class we truly are and how much you are going to miss this school,”   Gronlund said. “I’m proud to say the Class of 2015 is a group of caring people who are poised to make a difference in the world.”

“If there’s one thing I know about my class, it’s that a little bit of each and every one of you makes this world a better place,” Ford said. “You should all be extremely proud of who you have become, and I know you will only become more and excellent as the years go on.”

By Tracy F. Seelye and
Stephanie Spyropoulos
Express staff

WHITMAN — Town Administrator Frank Lynam advised residents at about 5 p.m., Friday, May 29 that the order to boil water in the wake of a Brockton water main break on May 27 had been lifted.

Water conservation wherever possible is still advised, however, due to the lack of rain over the past few months. Hanson has imposed a total ban on outside watering since May 18.

Lynam’s message via reverse-911 calls to town residents announcing the end of the boil-water order was the second within an hour on Friday.

“I hope [this] is our last message regarding water,” Lynam said. “We have been advised that the city of Brockton has lifted its water ban and we now do the same.”

He thanked residents for their cooperation and said full use of tap water was safe.

The first call on Friday, at about 4:20 p.m., announced verbal confirmation of the town’s second clean water test, but Lynam noted that, since the water is delivered from Brockton, the “water ban cannot be lifted until Brockton lifts its ban” on consuming water unless it had boiled vigorously for one minute.

The state Department of Environmental protection requires successive testing of three water samples to determine no bacteria is present before it can be consumed without boiling.

Lynam said Thursday morning no information had been seen that indicated there was contamination.

“But its reasonable to conclude that, when a two-foot main breaks, and all the aggregate then drops and mixes in the water, there’s a good chance [contamination could be present],” he said. “It’s one of the primary pipes coming from Silver Lake.”

A state of emergency had been declared by Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter’s Office Wednesday, May 27 in regard to a major water main break on Central Street in East Bridgewater, the effects of which were felt in Whitman and Hanson. Whitman followed with an emergency declaration from Selectmen Chairman Carl Kowalski, in effect through noon Thursday, though the boil order had remained in effect for another 29 hours.

One of two 24-inch main feed lines on Central Street in East Bridgewater ruptured during the early morning hours. The pipes are 12 feet apart and workers were unable to determine which pipe had failed until 2 p.m.

Whitman, Hanson, East Bridgewater and Brockton were directly affected. The water is pumped from Silver Lake to Brockton with the interruption in the center of East Bridgewater. In Hanson, only residents of Main and Franklin streets and Sydney Lane were affected by the boil water order, according to the town’s Health Department.

A statement from W-H school officials was sent via auto connect to parents stated low water pressure was being experienced at WHRHS, Whitman Middle, Conley and Duval elementary schools. The other schools in the district were not affected and, while the pressure was restored at the schools by Wednesday afternoon, the boil-water order placed drinking fountains off-limits.

Bottled water was made available to students in the affected schools.

WHRHS Principal Jeffrey Szymaniak said the situation was “a pain in the butt” for schools.

The biggest issue was keeping bathrooms clean, he said. School administrators had decided Wednesday morning to serve lunch with disposable plates and utensils and to make bottled water available.

“The schools were prepared,” Lynam said.

By Thursday, the water main break had been repaired, and the City of Brockton was flushing its mains to remove sediment and discolored water, Lynam advised Whitman residents. Brockton then boosted its chlorine level to ensure clean water.

When Brockton completed the flushing process, Whitman flushed its mains and lifted the boil water order Friday evening.

Seeks Hanson officials’ help for utility costs

HANSON — Town officials will crunch the numbers to determine if more can be done to help the Hanson Food Pantry pay its utility bills.

Under the current lease agreement, the town picks up half the cost of utilities for the pantry, which is located in the former Nurses’ Building on the former Plymouth County Hospital site. The arrangement also keeps the pipes from freezing in winter in the front of the town-owned building, a space vacated last fall by the Plymouth County Extension Service. The Plymouth County Beekeepers Association also contributes funds toward utilities.

But the pantry, which has also been planning fundraisers to address the problem, is already facing a $4,000 deficit.

Fundraising Chairman Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett and Pantry Director Sharon Kennedy brought a request to renegotiate the lease, with the town underwriting all utilities, before the Board of Selectmen Tuesday night.

“What we’re here to talk about is the state of the union, if you will, with the Hanson Food Pantry — and we’re here to ask your help,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. “Already it’s become abundantly clear that the utilities and some of the additional expenses that come with being in your own building are more than this little fledgling food pantry had anticipated and more than they have in their coffers right now.”

FitzGerald-Kemmett estimated the additional cost could be $2,000 per month, but noted that is an estimate as the pantry has only been in the building since January. Grants are also being looked into, she said.

The revenue “we can absolutely count on” each year is $4,500, according to FitzGerald-Kemmett.

“This could turn into quite a dire situation,” she said. “If we had know earlier we would have told you earlier.”

Town Administrator Ron San Angelo said the timing is difficult as the fiscal 2016 budget had been finalized for the July 1 start, but indicated a willingness to work with the Town Accountant and pantry officials to see if a proposal can be drafted and brought to the October Special Town Meeting.

“Let’s get a handle on what’s actually being spent by who and how much,” said Selectmen Chairman Bruce Young.

FitzGerald-Kemmett’s committee is planning to begin an annual appeal letter as well as a Pack the Pantry Auction at the Hanson AA in September. They are also visiting churches and civic groups about scheduling each for an annual fundraiser on a specific month and collection cans are being placed at town stores.

“One thing I learned the day that you guys opened over there was that monetary donations were better than … food because [you] can buy the food cheaper,” said Selectman Kenny Mitchell.

He urged people donate money to the pantry.

“A dollar can be magnified by 10 times by us purchasing where we purchase,” Kennedy said. “We can buy [food] much cheaper that the average person.”

She said that, while people get a tangible satisfaction out of donating a food item or items to the pantry, if people can afford to give cash the pantry can do so much more with it.

“This is an important resource for the town of Hanson,” FitzGerald-Kemmett said. The pantry serves 3,500 people each year, most of which are from Hanson.  As a USDA-grant recipient pantry they cannot — and do not — turn away people who are hungry.

“Hunger doesn’t know any town borders,” she said, noting that, historically, the out-of-town clients have been Pembroke residents referred by Hanson churches with which they are affiliated. The food pantry has its roots in the town’s churches.

The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is staffed by volunteers.

In other business, Selectmen approved and signed a new 10-year license agreement for cable television services with Comcast by a vote of 4-1, with Selectman Don Howard against.

The contract includes provision for fiber optic improvements between Hanson Middle School and Town Hall in order to provide clearer transmission of public, educational and government access programming.

Howard’s objection was based on Comcast’s rate structure, which he said prices out many seniors on fixed incomes.

Selectmen also welcomed new Hanson Police Officer Jarod Meegan, who was sworn in during the meeting. Meegan comes to Hanson from the Wellfleet Police Department.

“I was very impressed with members of the Wellfleet Department saying he was highly respected,” said Hanson Police Chief Michael Miksch. “They described him as responsible, motivated, dedicated and loyal.”