WHITMAN – Fire Chief Timothy Clancy has banned all outside burning in Whitman through 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15.
“The current fire danger in the entire New England region is at an all-time high,” he stated in a message read by Select Board Chair Dr. Carl Kowalski during the Tuesday, Nov. 12 meeting. “Depending on the weather conditions this may be extended.”
Clancy has cautioned residents if outside fires do occur, “they have the potential to develop rapidly and spread over large areas of ground cover.”
The red-flag conditions will continue until the area receives measurable precipitation, the chief stated.
Kowalski also read a letter from the state’s Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Terence Reidy, received by the Fire Department on Oct. 2.
The Ready commended firefighter-paramedics Russell Lucas, Jerry Thompson, Zachary Baldwin, Justin Everson and Joseph Lasko will be honored for outstanding acts of heroism and bravery at the 35th annual Firefighter of the Year Awards ceremonies at 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 18 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
Drass honored
The board had opened the meeting by honoring officer Stephen Drass on his retirement from the Whitman Police Department.
Police Chief Timothy Hanlon said Drass had been an auxiliary officer for a long time, making his way through the ranks, including reserve officer, full-time officer, detective for a number of years and he also did other assignments. Drass had been the department firearms instructor, the RAD and RAD kids self defense instructor and was an evidence officer, as well.
“He’s done a lot of work here on the department,” Hanlon said. “He came on before me full-time – he came on in 1999 and I was 2000, with my academy mates, but by 2005, we were both assigned to the detective unit and we worked together closely on many cases.”
Drass has always been looking to attend training, using his knowledge and experience to keep the town safe, Hanlon said.
“He exemplifies what it means to be a police officer and, through his dedication to the profession, he has brought many suspects to justice and helped many victims along the way,” the chief said, congratulating Drass and presenting him with his retirement badge “to add to his collection.”
Union President Kevin Shanteler also honored Drass with congratulations and wished him a long and happy life with his family, as well as a plaque in recognition of his “25 years of service and dedication to the Whitman Police Department and the citizens of Whitman.”
Kowalski then read a proclamation from the board in recognition of his 39 years of service to the community.
Celebrating Whitman
Richard Rosen then updated the Board on plans for the town’s 150th anniversary celebrations next year.
“As you know, 25 years ago, the town had asked me to organize and conduct the events for the 125th anniversary,” Rosen said. “We did a number of events – I think there were a lot of very good events that went on – and as you know, some months ago, I was asked to organize and conduct the events for the 150th anniversary. I agreed and contacted a lot of the people who were on the 125th and, frankly, I don’t know why they answer the phone when I call.
“But I can guarantee you that I will not be standing here doing the 175th,” he said.
In a very short time, Rosen said, the committee as met, discussed and organized what they wanted to do.
“We want to make it a fun event,” he said. “A fun series of events with some historical value moved in.”
The kick-off dinner had been held at Ridder’s Country Club 25 years ago. This time, the kick-off dinner will be held the evening of Saturday, April 5 at the Spellman Center.
“There’s a lot of people in this town that don’t realize that Cardinal Spellman, who they referred to as the American pope, was actually born and raised in Whitman,” Rosen said. “There is some historical value in conducting [the kick-off dinner] there.”
A time capsule will be buried, as was done 25 years ago, with both remaining in the ground until another 75 years has passed for each.
North Easton Savings Bank is helping procure the time capsule itself, and run the project, including serving as the drop-off point for artifacts to be included.
Other activities planned include a talent show, cornhole tournament, chicken bake, a road race and a concert and fireworks display on Whitman Day, June 14. All the events are planned for the period between April 5 and the end of June.
The final event the committee has planned is what Rosen hopes will be the “largest parade Whitman has ever seen.”
“We said that 25 years ago and I think we did have the largest parade Whitman had ever seen,” he said. Scavenger hunts for both kids and adults, with an historical theme as well as an historical quiz tournament are also planned.
Among the projects the Historical Commission is planning is refurbishing and a rededication of the WWI Memorial Arch next to the Fire Station. A students’ essay contest is also among the events planned so far.
“We have a lot more things coming,” Rosen said. “There will be merchandise, like for the 125th anniversary – in terms of sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats and those metal mug things, whatever they are.” Anniversary flags are also being made – not with the town seal, but with an updated, color version of the 125th anniversary logo.