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Volume 8 No. 51 Thursday, december 23, 2010

WEB: www.whitmanexpress.com E-MAIL: [email protected] NEWsrooM: 781-293-0420 AdvErtIsINg: 781-934-2811 x23 HoME dELIvEry ($18/yr.): [email protected]“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” –– Charles dickens

Merry Christmas!

LENDING A HELPING HAND: CSL student Ryan Kelly (center) teamed up with members of the National Honor Society to organize the fundraising event Miles for Meals in November. The event raised $8,000. Last Monday Elsa Putural, Alex Celia, Ryan Kelly, Abbey Collins and Kathy Gabriel presented Hanson Food Pantry Director Sharon Kennedy a check for $4,000 and Whitman Food Pantry Director Bob Hogan a check for $4,000. Photo by Meaghan Glassett

Recall letter came too lateBowman family spreads word on Ford Windstar recall notice

Scout to build a sports wallAlex Clemens will install the new wall at WHRHS

Alex Clemens requests permission from the School Committee to build a sports wall between the high school fields for his Eagle Scout project. Photo by Meaghan Glassett

Whitman Fire Dept.receives SAFE grantFire safety prevention continues in schools

By Meaghan glassett, express staff [email protected]

During yet another tough budget season, the Whitman and Hanson fire departments were able to continue the Stu-dent Awareness of Fire Educa-tion program after receiving funding from the state Depart-ment of Fire Services.

Both Whitman and Han-son were awarded $4,815 for the 2011 Fiscal Year S.A.F.E. Program.

The governor and the leg-islature fund the S.A.F.E. Pro-gram through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the program is administered by the state De-partment of Fire Services.

The S.A.F.E. Program al-lows specially trained fire educators to work with class-

room teachers to deliver age-appropriate lessons on fire and life safety. The key fire and life safety behaviors meet both the requirements of the De-partment of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Health Curriculum Frameworks and the state Department of Fire Services Curriculum Planning Guidebook.

“Our firefighters enjoy working closely with our school teachers to help young-sters learn what they can do to prevent fires, to survive those that do occur and how to re-spond correctly to fires and other emergencies,” Hanson Fire Chief Jerry Thompson said.

The funding from the state will supply materials to the stu-

By Jared trout express contriButor

When Whitman-Hanson senior Alex Clemens was considering possible Eagle Scout projects, he remem-bered kicking a ball against a wooden wall when he was a student at the Indian Head School.

“We would play kickball during recess. It was a way for kids to get outside,” Cle-mens said.

The wall at Indian Head has since been taken down. But Clemens remembered the old wall, and he also no-ticed that his high school did not have one.

“The school is always looking for improvements, and the athletic program is sometimes short of funds. I thought that if I built a wall,


Family members of Sean Bowman received a recall no-tice for his 2001 Ford Windstar one week after he was killed in an early-morning crash. He was on his way to school on Oct. 15 when the rear axle of his car split in two.

His widow, Justine Bow-man, of Whitman, said the re-call came too late.

She was the first person to be contacted by the hos-

pital. She said that, when an employee from the hospital told her there had been a bad accident involving Sean, she thought someone was playing a trick on her.

Bowman said the accident had happened just down the street from her home. She said she went to the scene to see for herself because she didn’t be-lieve it.

“It’s scary to think if it had been a half hour later more peo-

continued on page 14

continued on page 11continued on page 12

2 Thursday, December 23, 2010The Express – Your Hometown Newspaper!

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around toWn. We welcome news of your life milestones, including birthdays, anniversaries, births, honor rolls, wed-

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When children and parents put their heads down to

go to sleep on Christmas Eve, there is one person who will be scurrying around the globe to make sure wishes and dreams come true. Others may call him Kris Kringle or Saint Nicholas, but he is known to most of us as Santa Claus or simply Santa. Working with a crew of nine reindeer and too many elves to count, Santa has a job that is a year-round commitment with all of the present making, list tracking and distribution plan-ning. Despite his busy schedule, Santa made some time during a recent pre-Christmas visit to Whitman to sit down and chat with the Express.

Are the children of Whit-man on the naughty or nice list? You have some very nice boys and girls in Whitman They have been doing many good things over the year. My helpers and I have noticed them mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, helping mom with din-ner, cleaning their rooms and even being nice to their broth-ers and sisters! That doesn’t mean that everyone is on the nice list. We do have some who have been naughty. I am going to be watching them over the next few days to see how they end up.

Do you make all the toys in the workshop? We make most in the North Pole. Now with all this online shopping, Mrs. Claus will scan the Inter-net for some of the items. It is just easier on the elves during the busy time. We also do not have all the equipment to build some of the high-tech gadgets that are on the market.

Did you go to any of the Black Friday sales? No, I was too busy getting ready for the big day to get caught up in the middle of that. Besides, I am not sure that I could have start-ed shopping at midnight and been awake enough to meet all the boys and girls.

What are the hot presents for this year? That is a tough question. As always, I have lots

of Barbies, LEGOs, fire trucks, books and train sets. I always get people asking for sports equip-ment and video games. This year, many of the lists from the little boys and girls have things like iPads, iPods, Xbox Kinect and My Pillow Pets.

How can you make it to everyone’s house in just one night? It is much easier now that I have a GPS attached to my sleigh. One year, even with Rudolph’s nose, we almost got lost because I took a wrong turn in Schenectady, N.Y. We now have some additional people helping out. There are a couple of elves, Homer and Felix, who are dedicated to planning our route. They look at things like the weather in different parts of the country, what planes are flying in the sky and how many presents I can carry un-til we need to reload. We also need to work with some moms and dads and send presents to some homes ahead of time. If you want to follow my journey across the world, you can go to noradsanta.com.

What is your favorite treat when stopping at each house? I like them all! Each one is so special because they come from the heart. It is very nice when the boys and girls leave a little extra treat for the reindeer because they get hungry pull-ing the big sleigh around. I also appreciate the notes that some children leave for me.

How has technology changed your job? Have you

thought about taking Christ-mas to social media like Face-book and Twitter? It has really helped. I have a large database that has replaced all of the pa-per lists that I used to have to track all of the boys and girls. We have also used computers for our new inventory system, which makes sure we have enough toy dinosaurs and not too many Baby Alives — one year that happened and we had a mess all over the workshop.

The people at Facebook have asked me to wait a little while before putting up a page. They are afraid I will get too many friend requests and bring down the system. Twitter was an option, but I am thinking tweeting is for a bird.

What do you and Mrs. Claus do after Christmas? Usually we take a long vaca-tion. Last year, we went to Ha-waii and I got to surf a little. This year my knee has been bothering me so we are going to take it easier. We have a trip planned to a small island in the Caribbean. I hope to do some scuba diving and see some ex-otic fish.

When do you start pre-paring for next Christmas? It is really a full-time job for the elves and I. I also cannot forget how important Mrs. Claus is to this. As soon as I get back from vacation, we start the planning and building process for all the toys for the next year. I also be-gin to work on my naughty and nice lists.

Santa Claus, also known as Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas and by other names, will be stopping in Whitman on Dec. 24. Follow his progress on Christmas Eve online at noradsanta.com. Courtesy photo

A visit with Santa ClausTechnology helps toymaker keep up with demand

3Thursday, December 23, 2010

Help support your Hometown newspaper. please tell our advertisers you saw ‘em in tHe express!

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The Plymouth County Commissioners recently re-ceived the Inspector General’s report findings that Commis-sioner Tim McMullen collud-ed with the owner of Burgess and Capeway Pest Manage-ment Company for a 2010 Pest Control Contract with the county.

“In accordance with the Inspector General’s recom-mendations, we are forward-ing the report to the Attorney General, State Ethics Com-mission and the District Attor-ney. They may wish to pursue charges from the violations in the report,” Plymouth County Commissioner Chairman An-thony O’Brien said.

According to the conclu-sion of the report, on Feb. 24 McMullen was informed by the county executive assistant that Burgess and Capeway Pest Management Company’s quote for the pest control con-tract was not the lowest sub-mitted quote. The report said that the executive assistant furnished the quotes from all three vendors that partici-pated in the bid process. On that same day, Burgess and Capeway Pest Management Company submitted a second quote identical with the lowest quote that had been submitted by Griggs and Browne three weeks before, according to the Office of the Inspector Gen-eral.

During the bidding pro-cess, Plymouth County is re-quired to seek written or oral quotations from three or more vendors providing a particular service. In this case, the bid was for pest control and when the cost of the service is esti-mated to be $5,000 or greater but less than $25,000.

McMullen admitted to speaking with the president of Burgess shortly before the sub-mission of the second quote, informing him that his quote for the contract was high, said the Inspector General in the report. The report goes on to state that, although McMullen denied giving Burgess the ac-tual cost of the quotes from the other vendors, it is suspicious that the quote was identical to another bidder’s quote.

The president of Burgess denied receiving information from McMullen. The report said the president of the com-pany’s denial contradicts Mc-Mullen’s admission. “McMul-len lost his re-election in the November state election, so he will be leaving our office in January,” O’Brien said. “We will wait for the Attorney Gen-eral, State Ethics Commission and the District Attorney to advise us on action they rec-ommend.”

McMullen did not return a message left for comment from the Express before press time.

O’Brien said before this incident, the Plymouth Coun-ty Commissioners discussed developing a County Code of Ethics to address issues that include elected officials dis-closing contractor bids.

“This report will acceler-ate our efforts to develop a County Code of Ethics also recommended in the report,” O’Brien said.

During the meeting of the Plymouth County Commis-sioners, they also discussed the county’s current budget that has a $2 million shortfall.

O’Brien said the county is in the process of selling land which is no longer being used or valuable to the county.

The commissioners have begun working on next year’s budget as well.

“I think this budget will be even more difficult for us because we don’t rely on the state of federal government for money. O’Brien said most of the county’s funding comes from the Registry of Deeds, the county’s gravel operations and the assessment to the towns.

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Inspector General finds county commissioner colluded with bidder

Christmas tree pick up

Whitman Cub Scout Pack 22 will pick up and dispose of your Christmas tree for a $5 donation. Call 781-523-9185 to schedule a pick up. Trees should be placed by your door, not on the curb.


MonDAy, DeC. 131:12 p.m. Walk-in party re-

ported a domestic disturbance on Crescent Street. Police ar-rested Christianne M. Winslow, 30, of 34 Crescent St., for an assault and battery.

6:58 p.m. Walk-in party reported fraud at CVS on Bed-ford Street.

7:25 p.m. Motor vehicle was stopped on Raynor Avenue and Benson Street. Police ar-rested Michael S. Souza, 44, of 418 South Ave. Apt. 33, for three counts of possession of a Class C drug and a marked lanes passing violation.

8:49 p.m. Caller reported a motor vehicle accident with in-juries on Harvard Street. Police arrested William A. Avery, 35, of 503 Harvard St., for a second offense OUI-liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and marked lanes passing vio-lation.

TuesDAy, DeC. 149:01 a.m. Police assisted a

citizen at the MBTA parking lot on South Avenue.

12:09 p.m. Caller reported a dog not on a leash near Con-ley School on Forest Street.

1:15 p.m. Motor vehicle was stopped on Auburn Street. Police arrested Michael Par-sons, 24, of Hanover, for op-erating a motor vehicle with a suspended license.

7:07 p.m. Caller reported a motor vehicle breaking and en-tering on English Place.

WeDnesDAy, DeC. 153:55 a.m. Suspicious ac-

tivity was reported at the DPW yard on Essex Street.

6:12 p.m. Caller reported a motor vehicle stolen at Jamie’s Pub on Bedford Street.

THursDAy, DeC. 1610:18 a.m. Violation of a

restraining order was reported

at Compass School on South Avenue. Police issued a sum-mons.

8:35 p.m. Motor vehicle was stopped on Bedford and Pine Street. Police issued a summons.

FriDAy, DeC. 172:14 p.m. Caller reported

a breaking and entering at stor-age unit on Auburn Street.

6:42 p.m. Walk-in party reported larceny from a pocket-book turned in to Papa Gino’s on Bedford Street.

10:51 p.m. Motor vehicle was stopped on Raynor Avenue and Lazel Street. Police arrest-ed Robin A. Donovan, 50, of Rockland, on a default warrant.

sATurDAy, DeC. 181:21 a.m. Motor vehicle

was stopped on Auburn Street and Newland Drive. Police ar-rested Anthony David Gargano, 23, of 264 Raynor Ave., for an OUI-liquor and plate number violation. Alex Oksanen, 23, of 123 Stetson St., was arrested for intimidating a witness, dis-orderly conduct and threat to commit crime.

3:18 p.m. Police assisted the Fire Department with entry to a home on Harvard Street for a water leak.

sunDAy, DeC. 191:01 p.m. Caller reported

larceny of a pocketbook at Johnnie’s Foodmaster on Bed-ford Street. Police arrested Mi-chael Candito, 20, of 35 Pine Oak Way, for breaking and en-tering a vehicle daytime for a felony and larceny over $250.

8:07 p.m. Caller reported an attempted robbery at Auto Crafting Unlimited on Auburn Street.

11:55 p.m. Caller reported a domestic disturbance on Con-stitution Circle.

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business owner scares away suspect after attempted robbery

Police received a call from the owner of Auto Crafting Unlimited reporting a intruder in his business.

The owner told police the male party en-tered his business located at 1215 Auburn St. on Sunday at approximately 8:07 p.m. and de-manded money, Police Chief Christine May-Stafford said.

She said that the suspect did not show a weapon.

The owner chased the suspect out of his business and the suspect fled on foot behind Watertown Engineering, May-Stafford said.

The Whitman Police were assisted in the search for the suspect by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s K9 unit and the East Bridgewater Po-lice Department.

The suspect was described in his late 20s to early 30s. He was not disguised and was wearing a dark blue jacket, dark knit cap and jeans, according to May-Stafford.

May-Stafford said that victims are not en-couraged to fight back because it is not usually known if the perpetrator is carrying a weapon.

Anyone with information regarding the at-tempted robbery should call the Whitman Po-lice at 781-447-1212.

– M. Glassett

Man charged with stealing purse

A female fell victim to a purse snatching when she was putting her groceries into her car in the Johnnie’s Foodmaster parking lot on Sun-day afternoon.

At approximately 1:01 p.m. the victim re-ported a male had tried to steal her Coach bag from her car.

Police Chief Christine May-Stafford said the victim told police that she had put her purse in the car and was putting away her groceries when the suspect opened the door of the vehicle and stole her designer purse.

When the victim yelled at the suspect, he dropped the purse in the parking lot and fled to-ward Marcello’s Sub Shop, May-Stafford said.

While police were interviewing the victim, they were able to find two witnesses that posi-tively identified the suspect as Michael Candi-to, 20, of 35 Pine Oak Way. Police went to his home and arrested him for breaking and enter-ing a vehicle in the daytime for a felony and larceny over $250.

The victim said the purse cost $325 and had several items inside including her credit cards and phone.

May-Stafford said that it is important that people always be aware of their surroundings. She added that the victim did nothing wrong by placing the purse in her vehicle, because often-times when a purse snatcher strikes, it has been left in the carriage.

May-Stafford said drug addition and the state of the economy often leads to cases simi-lar to this.

– M. Glassett

I'M GOING TO DISNEY: Minnie Mouse, Geoff Diehl, Kaylee Diehl (9), KathyJo Boss, Emily Diehl (4), Kathy Boss (holding the Whitman Express), Joe Boss and Mickey Mouse share a moment on a recent family vacation to Disney World.

Calling all teensThe Whitman Public Library will open the

Community Room on Dec. 28 from 1-4 p.m. to area teens who are looking for something to do during school vacation week. There will be board games, Wii, pizza and snacks. No need to register, just drop by and join in for some gam-ing fun! On Dec. 29 you are invited for an af-ternoon screening of “Despicable Me.” Popcorn and snacks will be provided! Teens and families are invited to attend.

New book club at libraryA new book club has started at the Whitman

Public Library. Strong Women and Literature is open to all, and the January book is “Infidel” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Join the discussion on Thurs-day, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. Call or stop by the library to order a copy of the book. Call 781-447-7613, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Knitting for beginnersA Knitting for Beginners class will start

on Feb. 3 at the Whitman Public Library, 100 Webster St. and continue on Thursday eve-nings in February from 6-7:30 pm. Register in advance, as space is limited. Call the library at 781-447-7613, or e-mail [email protected]. No experience is necessary; this class is aimed for complete beginners.

Free legal adviceAttorney Ron Whitney offers free legal

consultations to elders by appointment at the Whitman Senior Center. The next scheduled date is Tuesday, Dec. 28. Call 781-447-7619 to schedule an appointment.




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Barbara W. (Savary) Phil-brook, 89, died Sunday, Dec. 19 after a period of failing health. She was the wife of the late Earle K. Philbrook.

Born in Quincy and raised in Weymouth, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Eva (Kimball) Savary and a graduate of Weymouth High.

For over 30 years, she had been waitress at Woolworths of Brockton and had remained with the company until their closing. She was known to

her many loyal customers as the “singing waitress.”

Prior to moving to Hanson, where she was a resident for over 45 years, Barbara had re-sided in South Weymouth and was a member of the Rebecca Lodge there.

She was also an avid and talented bowler and a member of several area leagues.

She leaves her children Earle “Skip” Philbrook and his wife Linda of Hanson and Shirley Cavicchi and her hus-

band Peter of Hanson. She is also survived by eight grand-children and ten great grand-children as well as four neph-ews. She was the sister of the late William Savary.

Her funeral service was held Wednesday, Dec. 22 in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Whitman. Burial followed in the Riverview Cemetery, Groveland. Donations in her name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Robert L. Solari, 89, of Hanson, died on Dec. 15 at the Coyne Healthcare Facility in Rockland.

He was born in Haverhill, son of the late Lewis and Mar-ion (Loring) Solari and was raised and educated there. He was a graduate of Wentworth Institute and Fitchburg State College. Mr. Solari was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II.

Mr. Solari retired as a branch manager in 1981 from the Nissen Baking Co. in

Brockton. He had been em-ployed there for 27 years. After his retirement, he was a longtime permanent substitute teacher and administrative as-sistant at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School.

Husband of the late Kath-leen F. (Soper) Solari, he leaves his children, Steven R. Solari of E. Bridgewater, Da-vid L. Solari of Halifax, Greta C. Mitchell of Hanson, Lisa M. Grant of Maine and Robert and Judith Solari, both of Nor-

ton, and 12 grandchildren He was the brother of Alice Hoe-zel of Ariz

A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, Rockland. Burial fol-lowed in Fern Hill Cemetery in Hanson. Donations in his memory may be made to the Citizens Scholarship Founda-tion, 600 Franklin St. Whit-man, MA 02382.

Barbara W. Philbrook, 89, Hanson resident

Robert L. Solari, 89, World War II veteran

McLaughlin Chevrolet is sponsoring a blood drive and silent auction from 1-6 p.m. on Jan. 20. All auction proceeds are going to the “Prayers for Madison” Foundation. Madi-son Bergstrom is a 2½- year-old that was diagnosed this year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She has been under-going treatment since March. In order to accommodate her daughter’s needs, her mother, Shauna McLaughlin, has tak-

en a leave from her job. Madi-son’s uncle, Tom Mclaughlin, has worked in McLaughlin Chevrolet’s parts department for many years.

McLaughlin Chevrolet will be accepting auction bids on many great prizes. Also donations can be deposited anytime with checks made out to “Prayers for Madison” to any Harbor One Credit Union or mailed to: Lisa Sprague, Clinical Director, Goddard

Brockton Kidney Center, 907 Summer St., Stoughton, MA 02072.

Blood drive and silent auction scheduled

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For some menopausal women, hot flashes disrupt sleep and erode their quality of life. While estrogen therapy provides effective relief, it isn’t recommended for more than short-term treatment and is not an option for women who have had breast cancer. Recent randomized trials show that certain anti-depressants, including the selective sero-tonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac), can reduce hot flashes by 50% or more. However, par-oxetine and fluoxetine greatly reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex), which is prescribed to reduce the recurrence of early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Fortunately, a new study shows that the SSRI citalopram (Celexa) reduces hot flashes by at least 50% in postmenopausal

women without compromising the effect of tamoxifen. Hot flashes are mostly caused by the hor-monal changes of menopause, but they can also be affected by lifestyle and medications. If you have had breast cancer, your hot flashes can follow the same pattern as for women in general, or they can be more intense and last longer, particularly if you are taking tamoxifen and your body hasn't adjusted to it. For your family’s prescription needs, please call DUVAL’S PHARMACY at 781-447-0606. Located in Whitman at 571 Washington St., Rt. 27, we are also located in East Bridgewater at 1 Compass Way (508-350-2900). Happy Holidays! HINT: Citalopram (Celexa) is effective at as low a dose as 10 milligrams per day.

FLASH UPDATE!

StayinG connected: Former whitman, abinton, east bridgewater State representative Kathy teahan catches up on local news in the whitman express. Photo by Justin Graeber

traVelinG eXPreSS: catie and marisa rothwell catch up on hometown news while enjoying a visit to washington, d.c.

eaGle ProJect: whitman troop 22 life Scout nick anderson works on one of three new stairways at the whitman Senior center as part of his eagle project.

baSic traininG comPleted: brendan Sartori, son of bonnie and david Sartori of Hanson and a 2009 graduate of whitman-Hanson regional High School, has completed u. S. naval basic training at recruit training command, Great lakes, illinois. He is currently in Panama city, Fla. completing navy dive school training and will continue on to Pensacola, Fla. for additional training.

Whitman Troop 22 Life ➢Scout Nick Anderson got an ear-ly start on his Eagle Scout proj-ect recently, constructing one of three new stairways at the Senior Center. With the help of several other scouts and a few adults, the construction was the easy phase of the task. Coordinating the per-mitting and design with the Whit-man Building Department, Town Administrator Frank Lynam and C.O.A. Director Barbara Garvey took place this fall. The demoli-tion of the old stairs and con-struction of a new sidewalk by the Whitman DPW were also done in advance. Fundraising for the $1500 in materials will con-tinue through the coming months with the completion of the other stairways slated for April. Ander-son designed and printed (with sponsorship of several local busi-nesses) a 2011 calendar that de-picts other Troop 22 Eagle proj-ects. These calendars ($15) make great Christmas presents and have made getting in and out of the building a lot easier too! Stop by the Whitman Senior Center or call Nick at 447-4366 to pick one up for someone on your list.

This summer, ➢ Katherine Green Buckley, of Whitman, raised $4,695 for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute by riding up to 190 miles in the Pan-Massa-chusetts Challenge. Their effort helped the PMC raise $33 million and bring the organization’s 31-year total Jimmy Fund contribu-tion to $303 million.

Happy birthday to ➢ Chris Brewer and Doris Grindle (Dec. 26), Chris Brennan (Dec. 27), Carol Hammond, Mary Bar-ber, Brooke Chancholo, Juliana Borghesani (Dec. 28), Stepha-nie West and Laura Butman (Dec. 29), Rebecca Hanscom, Rachel Brown and Alexandria Kyriakakis (Dec. 30), Christine Brewer and Hilda Phillips (Dec. 31).

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Christmas traditions What is a sugar plum and why would it dance in a

child’s head the night before Christmas? Clement C. Moore wrote his immortal poem “A Visit from

Saint Nicholas” in 1923, a time when Victorian children in Eng-land were seen, not heard, and treats were given out sparingly less a child be spoiled. Most children worked as laborers and were denied an education; only the wealthy children enjoyed creature comforts and even these children led strictly structured lives. Christmas and its richness must have been a greatly anticipated day of indulgence for children. Sugar plums, a plum-less treat made from a piece of dried prune or cherry that has been swirled in fondant or rolled in decadent sugar, would have been an extravagant treat worth dreaming of on Christmas Eve.

Did you know that the lifespan of a fruitcake, another Christmas confection from Victorian England, is up to twenty-five years? According to the Joy of Cooking, a fruitcake can last a quarter of a century “when they are well-saturated with alcoholic liquors, which raise the spirits, and keep down the molds.” Times were tough and frugal families stretched the budget by making a sweet sponge cake with bits of dried fruits and soaking it in alcohol as a preservative. The left-

over cake wouldn’t be thrown away, but would be drenched in booze and more cake and fruit would be added to the leftovers the following Christmas. Get ready to celebrate; the oldest “living” fruitcake will turn 100 years old in December of 2011. According to the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, a man moved into an apartment in 1992 where he found a box of fruitcake with a note on top that said “Xmas cake, baked in December of 1911.” A note on the bottom says “Xmas cake baked by my mother’s brother Alex died on December 27. Was operated on Xmas Day.” Pierre Gerard trots out the storied fruitcake every year and sets it as a centerpiece at his Christmas table. What a conversation starter that fruitcake must be!

Yesterday, my husband’s family gathered for the annual Christmas party and Aunt Darlene served a simple pie that evoked Christmas at Grandmother’s house. The humble “Graham Cracker Pie” was elevated to rock-star status when I learned that Grandma Lil got the recipe from her mother, Nana Moynah. I glanced down the table at two and half year old Lilliana and realized that five generations separate this darling little girl from Nana Moynah. That piece of pie in front of her was just as magical today as it was when her great-Grandma Lil was two.

Graham cracker pie2 cups graham cracker crumbs½ cup unsalted butter, melted1 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon2 cups whole milk3 tablespoons cornstarch3 eggs, separated and yolks slightly beaten½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 400° F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, but-ter, and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a bowl. Set aside 1/2 cup of the graham cracker mixture. Add remaining mixture to a deep pie plate or pan and press into place. Bake the crust for 6 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside. Heat 1 3/4 cups of the milk in a medium saucepan until just boiling; lower heat to medium. In a small bowl, mix another 1/2 cup of the sugar with the corn-starch and remaining milk. Gradually whisk mixture into the hot milk and cook until creamy, about 2 minutes. Stir a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks; add this back into the mixture. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until the custard has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. While the custard is cooling, beat the egg whites with 1 tablespoon sugar until stiff. Stir vanilla into cooled custard and pour into graham cracker pie shell. Gently spread egg-white mixture over the top of the custard. Sprinkle with remaining graham cracker mixture and place in a 400° F oven for 2 minutes or until the meringue is slightly browned. Chill at least 4 hours before serving.

By Michelle conway [email protected]

ASL classes scheduled

A six-week American Sign Language session will begin Thursday, Jan. 6 at the Car-dinal Cushing School in Ha-nover. Two levels of instruc-tion will be offered. Beginner ASL is from 5-6:30 p.m. Ad-vanced voice off ASL will run from 6:30-8 p.m. The cost is $75, which includes all mate-rials. Certificates of comple-tion, PDP credits as well as EMT/Paramedic hours will be awarded according to state guidelines. A few slots remain in each level. Please contact Marianne Molinari 1-781-447-2470 or [email protected] to register. Attendees needing this instruction for reasons pertain-ing to deaf, or non-verbal fam-ily members will not be put on a waiting list.

Christmas dinner at Church Hill United Methodist Church

Church Hill United Meth-odist Church will serve a Christmas Day dinner in the fellowship hall behind the church at the corner of River and Church streets in Norwell. All are welcome at no cost on Dec. 25 for refreshments be-ginning at 12 p.m. with a com-plete turkey dinner at 12:30 p.m. followed by entertain-ment at 1:30 p.m. Call Melissa at 781-826-4763 or Gail at 781-545-1666 to make a reser-vation. Transportation will be provided if necessary.


Thursday dec. 23Library and senior centers closed for Christmas holiday.

Rockland-Hanson Rotary Club. 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Olde Hitching Post Restaurant in Hanson.

Friday dec. 24Senior centers and libraries closed for Christmas holiday.

saTurday dec. 25Merry Christmas

Christmas dinner at Church Hill United Methodist Church. Christmas Day dinner in the fellowship hall behind the church at the corner of River and Church streets in Norwell. All are welcome at no cost on Dec. 25 for refreshments beginning at 12 p.m. with a complete turkey dinner at 12:30 p.m. followed by entertainment at 1:30 p.m. Call Melissa at 781-826-4763 or Gail at 781-545-1666 to make a reservation. Transportation will be provided if necessary.

Monday dec. 27Hanson Senior Center. 10 a.m. chorus rehearsal, l p.m. Tai Chi ($5) and knitting group, 5 p.m. potluck supper.

Whitman Senior Center. 9 a.m. around town, 10 a.m. Wii bowling, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1 p.m. bingo, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. BP clinic.

Tuesday dec. 28Hanson Senior Center. 9 a.m. nails by Julie, 9:30 a.m. card games,10 a.m. beginner’s bridge, 1 p.m. bowling at the Hanson Athletic Association.

Hanson Library. Pumpernickel Puppets Show. The Friends of the Hanson Public Library presents the Pumpernickel Puppets’ show, “Sir George and the Dragon” on Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. This is a free event.

Whitman Library: 1-4 p.m. In appreciation of school vacation week, the library will open the Community Room to area teens who are looking for something to do. Today, there will be board games, Wii, pizza and snacks. No need to register, enjoy some gaming fun!

Whitman Senior Center. 8 a.m. Walk the park, 8:30 a.m. food shopping, 9 a.m. hairdresser, art class, fuel assistance by appointment, 10 a.m. line dancing at Legion, 11 a.m. Panda Palace, Weymouth, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 12 p.m. Atty. Whitney by appt., computer class, 1 p.m. knitting/crocheting, bowling.

Hanson Food Pantry. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Main Street.

Wednesday dec. 29Hanson Senior Center. 9:30 a.m. card games, 10 a.m. poker, 1 p.m. cookie decorating, 1:30 exercise with Cindie ($5).

Whitman Senior Center. 9 a.m. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, 10 a.m. chair yoga, 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1 p.m. Bingo at Harvard Court, Mah-Jongg.

Whitman Library: 1-4 p.m. Calling all teens! Come in from the cold and join in for an afternoon screening of “Despicable Me.” Popcorn and snacks will be provided! Teens and families are invited to attend.

Whitman-Hanson Kiwanis Club. Meets on Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. at

the Hitching Post Restaurant. For more information, call Mike at 781-447-6501.

Thursday dec. 30Hanson Senior Center. 9 a.m. hairdresser,10 a.m. Cracker Barrel, 1 p.m. line dancing class.

Whitman Senior Center. Foxwoods Casino, 7:30 a.m. center pick up, 7:45 a.m. home pick up, 8 a.m. Walk the Park, 8:30 food shopping, ll:30 a.m. lunch, 12:30 p.m. fuel assistance by appt., 1 p.m. cribbage.

Friday dec. 31Hanson and Whitman senior centers closed.

Hanson Library closed.

Whitman Library closes at 3 p.m.

upcoMing evenTsLearn to Skate in 2011. Pilgrim Skating Club offers Learn to Skate lessons on Wednesdays from 5:35-6:30 p.m. from Jan. 5-Feb. 16, or Saturdays from 12:30-1:20 p.m., Jan. 8-Feb. 19, seven weeks for $135 (plus $15 annual registration fee for new students). All classes held at Hobomock Arena in Pembroke. For more information, call 781-294-7575 or visit pilgrimskatingclub.com.

Whitman Public Library. Strong Women and Literature Book Club is open to all. The January book is “Infidel” by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Discussion on Thursday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. Call or stop by the library to order a copy of the book. Call 781-447-7613, or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

American Sign Language Classes. A six-week ASL session begins Thursday, Jan. 6 at the Cardinal Cushing School in Hanover. Beginner ASL is from 5-6:30 p.m. Advanced voice off ASL will run from 6:30-8 p.m. The cost is $75, which includes all materials. Contact Marianne Molinari 1-781-447-2470 or [email protected] to register.

Jobs Week. Whitman Public Library, 100 Webster St., Jan. 10-14. On Monday, Jan. 10 from 1:30-3 p.m. there will be an Optimal Resumé workshop. Perfect your resumé and cover letter with the assistance of Samantha Duckworth, reference librarian, as she guides you through the new software program that

creates and edits job documents. No registration is necessary.

Blood Drive and Silent Auction. 1-6 p.m., Jan. 20 at McLaughlin Chevrolet in Whitman. All auction proceeds benefit the “Prayers for Madison” Foundation. Madison Bergstrom is a 2½- year-old that was diagnosed this year with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Donations can be deposited anytime with checks made out to “Prayers for Madison” to any Harbor One Credit Union or mailed to: Lisa Sprague, Clinical Director, Goddard Brockton Kidney Center, 907 Summer St., Stoughton, MA 02072.

Preschool Information Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Performing Arts Center at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. The meeting is for all Whitman and Hanson parents of children who will turn three years old on or before August 31, 2011.

ongoing evenTsHanson Library On the Go. Book delivery library service to the homebound. For more information, call Donald at 781-293-2151 x101.

Hanson COA Day Care. This is for elders who need some activity and companionship. This is a non-medical program that runs five days a week with a hot lunch served daily. For more information, call Diane McCarey at 781-293-2683.

Whitman Hanson Public Health Clinic. Blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, nutrition counseling, immunizations, TB skin test (fee), Tuesday, 2-4 p.m., Thursday, 2-4 p.m., except on the fourth Tuesday of the month, there is an evening clinic with hours 7-9 p.m. Whitman Town Hall, South Avenue. For more information, call 781-681-1013.

Whitman Library-To-Go. Free delivery service to homebound Whitman residents, regardless of age. Those with temporary health restrictions are also eligible. Inform the staff of your favorite subjects and they will choose materials for you. This service makes deliveries and pickups on Wednesday for registered participants. To sign up or for more information, call Barbara Bryant at 781-447-7613.

Line Dance Lessons. Enjoy line dance lessons by Rhythmic Motion on Wednesday’s from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the East Bridgewater

Commercial Club, 1 Nielson Ave. East Bridgewater. $10, all welcome.

Whitman Knights of Columbus Meat Raffle. Second Saturday of every month, 3-6 p.m., Rt. 18 Whitman. Five meat raffles, comeback prize and two 50/50 drawings, free refreshments.

Hanson Community Preservation Committee. Meets the third Wednesday of the month at Town Hall at 7 p.m.

Senior Book Club. Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, 1 p.m., at the Whitman Senior Center. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. To sign up, call 781-447-7619.

Community Yoga Class. $5, Joy In Christ Church, 21 S. Bedford St. Abington, Mondays at 7 p.m.

Rockland-Hanson Rotary Club. 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at the Olde Hitching Post Restaurant in Hanson.

Hanson Tri-Town Lions. Meet the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the community room at Meetinghouse Lane. For information, call Tom Powers at 781-293-9008. New members are always welcome.

Hanson American Legion Post 226. Meets the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at 92 Robinson St., Hanson.

Hanson Sons of American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. Meet the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., 92 Robinson St., Hanson.

Free Reiki Clinic. Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and on the first Friday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Hanson Holistic Center on Liberty Street, admission is free. Donations accepted. For more information, call 781-293-7110.

Ladies Auxiliary Meeting. Meets on the second Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m., at the VFW Post #697, Whitman. For more information, call Marilyn at 781-447-2343 x16.

Film Night. Last Thursday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at the Whitman Public Library. Admission is free, titles can be found on the Web site or at the library.

Bingo. Monday. 6:30 p.m. at the K of C Hall in Whitman. Sponsored by the Whitman Knights of Columbus to support youth and community programs.

Bingo. Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., at the K of C Hall on Route 139 in Pembroke.

Adoption and Foster Care School Project. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m., at the Lydia Drake Library on High Street in Pembroke. For more information, call Charlotte Simpson at 781-293-3341.

Hanson Garden Club. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 7-9 p.m., at the Congregational Church on High Street from September through June. Annual dues are $25. For more information, call Joan Godwin at 781-837-1195.

Express Community

Calendar

Express Community

Calendar

Send all calendar items

by noon on Tuesday to

[email protected].

A calendar for Hanson & Whitman events, meetings, classes, courses, workshops, plays,

dances and volunteer opportunities!

Calendar items are published on a space available basis.

Preference is for non-commercial Whitman or Hanson events.

WHITMAN CENTER RTE 27

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Conley students perform ‘The Magic School Bus’Members of Miss

Hart’s first grade class presented

“The Magic School Bus Cel-ebrates Holidays Around the World” at the Conley School on Tuesday morning. Miss Frizzle’s class globetrotted in their magic bus to learn about other culture’s holiday tradi-tions. The class ends the play by singing “It’s A Small World After All.”

Marissa Herlihy plays “Magic School Bus” teacher Miss Frizzle.

Bella Palaza and FJ Gorman have their speech about Italy interrupted as the magic school bus falls over.

Claire Berman, Bryan Coughlin, Jake Googins, Sean Manning and Shelby Osborne sing “It’s A Small World After All.”

Lexi Sadler and Devin Hammond talk about holiday traditions in Sweden.

The class sings “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as they get ready to begin their play.

Emily McCormack and Sam Ennis describe how Christmas is celebrated in Mexico.

Sarah Bulger and Caden Boomhower tell the students about Dawali as the bus arrives in India.

Ana Flynn and Sean Brennan greet the students from Miss Frizzle’s class in Chinese as they tell them about Chinese New Year.

Photos by Dave Palana


Send itemS for the opinion page to

[email protected].

the deadline for all letters & commentaries

is tuesday at noon.

What’s on your Christmas wish list?By Kristy Kennedyq u e S t i o n o f t h e w e e k

Aiden Fahey Age 8, Whitman

“That’s a tough one… anything Pokemon!”

Claudia Sagastume Age 10, Whitman

“I really want a new bike, or maybe a My Little Pony set!”

Kayleigh Fougere Age 6, Hanson

“I hope I get an American Girl doll”

Danielle Longemare Age 6, Hanson

“All I want is a Wii!”

Owen Frazier 15 Months, Whitman

“Anything Elmo!”

Christmas preview with the gang of four plus oneHerself and I are blessed with having a large, extended

family who live reasonably close by, and who actu-ally like each other as we head into the mid to late

autumn of life. On three big holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter most of three generations of the whole clan gather for an enjoyable several hours of feasting, story telling and joy-ful noise. As a matter of fact, if the middle generation continues

to procreate as they have been, we shall soon have to rent a hall to get everyone together in one spot.

Now at Christmastime Herself wants her private time with the grandkids and the task is getting more complicated each year as the gaggle of cousins is more interesting than the old folks. A mere detail to Herself who has decreed that in our family there will be two

Christmas celebrations: one with the extended family and one with our brood the weekend before. Ergo this past Saturday was pre-Christmas for us, the boys, their wives and the grandkids, the erstwhile gang of four Bop, Boo, Mad Dog and Eefie who were reinforced this year with a new cousin recruit Baby Jonah. He’s only 8 months old so he hasn’t been inducted into the mob as yet, nor has he earned a nick name from Princess Boo who is charged with these details.

Now there was a time in our lives when an invasion of five crazed Christmas elves, all under six, would have been

a traumatic event, but magically mellowness comes on with age and

experience; besides we know they have to go home with their parents at some point. Bop is on his best behavior as he is a mature young gentleman who will be six in two weeks. Besides, his mom, the lovely Jennifer, has threatened him with solitary confinement until he is twenty-one if he doesn’t keep it real. The Princess Boo is fresh from her dance school holiday pag-eant where she has once again wowed her adoring public and is ready to hold court with grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin. She is decked out in red sweater, black lace skirt and black tights. Her hair is still in its star turn “do.”

The twins, Mad Dog and Eefie are ready for their first Christmas of self propulsion and spin into action as soon as they hit the floor. Baby Jonah just sits, observes and studies. Next year he too will be ready for action.

One gift for everyone then Herself decrees that dinner is served while everyone is still calm enough to at least go through the motions of eating. Bop eats nothing, Boo revels in salad, the twins eat everything in sight and Jonah settles for a sippy cup. Adults gorge on shepherd’s pie, salad, Irish bread and a soft drink or a Guinness depending on who is on duty. It’s very organized if chaotic.

Mad Dog is determined to be chief elf in charge of gift dis-tribution from tree to family member. Gift designation is not an important detail for him. All gifts go to his uncle or his Mom. He will not be dissuaded from his self appointed rounds. He also knows instinctively that giving is more fun than receiving. Bop wants to take apart all gifts which require assembly and Dad has to convince him this is not a good idea since every-thing has to be transported home. Eefie lays claim to everything that passes in front of him. Princess Boo is playing with a stuffed animal that purrs and growls. It’s an hour into this after dinner exercise and everything is spinning nearly out of control. The witching hour has arrived. The place is trashed. The kid cacophony is at its height. The fire in the hearth is dying down and, frankly, things are just wonderful!

It’s time for the gang of four plus one to leave. We’ll see them Saturday. The cats magically reappear and take up their duty station on the sofa. Christmas is all about love and in our little family love is chaotic, noisy, a little messy and a whole lot of fun. Some how we think the Baby Jesus probably meant it to be that way.

By EmEry maddocks

GeTTinG real

The newly elected Plymouth County Charter Study Commission held its first meeting on Saturday, Dec. 18, at

Hanover Town Hall. In the state election last month, voters voted to create the commission to study the form of county government and voted for members of the commission from through-out the county in accordance with state laws. The commission will meet until the next state election in two years when it could propose a change in the form of county government to be placed on that ballot for county voters to de-cide.

Saturday’s meeting was convened by Charles Markham of Norwell, the commission member who received the most votes in the state election. Plymouth Town Clerk Laurence Pizer officiated over the swearing-in of com-mission members.

The election of officers began with mem-ber Caitlin Cavanaugh of Hanover nominating Daniel Pallotta of Hanover for chairman of the commission and William Harris of Duxbury nominating Charles Markham. Markham was elected chairman by a vote of 12-6.

John Donahue of Wareham was elect-ed vice-chairman, Richard Zaccaro of Brock-ton was elected treasurer and Carl Harris of Hingham was elected clerk.

Discussion included objectives of the com-mission including future reviews of assets, personnel and finances of the county. A sub-committee for providing information about previous county charter study commissions in Massachusetts will be led by Carl Harris and Robert Wisgirda of Brockton.

The remaining commission members in-clude Thomas McGuire of Middleboro, Gordon Andrews of Halifax, Theodore Bosen of Plym-outh, John Franey of Carver, Michael Cunning-ham of Abington, Steven Foote of Brockton, Anthony Marcucella of Whitman, Andrew Bur-bine of Abington, Dennis Denapoli of Brock-ton, and David Fitzgerald of Kingston.

The next meeting of the commission is Thursday. Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. at the Registry of Deeds in Plymouth.

Anthony O’Brien, Chairman Plymouth County Commissioner

PlymouthCountyMass.us

Plymouth County Study Commission meets ––––

The Whitman Wildcats have been fundraising for the past few months and will continue to fundraise in an

effort to send the team of talented and dedi-cated boys to Cooperstown, New York to play baseball this summer 2011. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the community for their generous donations to the Wildcats. In

return, the boys have collected some donations for the Whitman Area Toy Drive in an effort to give back to the community that has been so giving in their donations to our team. We truly appreciate every donation.

Deborah MurphyThe Whitman Wildcats

Thank you from the Whitman Wildcats –––––––




the students and athletes could benefit from it,” Clemens said.

The idea is that student athletes, especially soccer and lacrosse players, can use the wall to sharpen their skills and to practice their passing and shooting.

“They can practice their sports by rebounding the ball off the wall,” Clemens said.

Clemens speaks from ex-perience. A veteran of both soccer (though he did not play soccer this year) and lacrosse, he intends to play a final sea-son of lacrosse in the spring.

Clemens also hopes that his wall will attract students who enjoy a game of wall ball after school. Wall ball is a game of dexterity in which

players take turns throwing a tennis ball hard off a wall and catching it.

Currently, soccer, lacrosse, and wall ball players are in the habit of practicing their cho-sen games wherever they can. Sometimes this means throw-ing balls at the side of the high school or the maintenance house by the turf field.

Clemens is hopeful that his wall will be a place where students can practice hard and play hard without damaging school property.

The proposed wall will be located on the lower fields between soccer, baseball, and softball fields. The dimensions of the wall will be 24 feet by 8 feet - the size of a soccer goal. The wall will be composed of pressure-treated lumber and

plywood. To keep the wall in place, concrete will extend four feet into the ground.

To help pay for the wall, Clemens has drafted a fund-raising letter for donors and local businesses requesting money and materials.

“Stewart Fence has been helpful in planning the design and in helping to ensure that the wall is sturdy and will last a long time,” Clemens said.

Stewart Fence has also lent an augur - a large drill to help drill the holes as the cold of winter closes in.

Clemens hopes to have the wall completed by Febru-ary, in time for his eighteenth birthday on March 5 and his senior season of lacrosse.

And perhaps a little wall ball.

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Wall to be finished this wintercontinued from page one

Fuel assistance availableThe Whitman Senior Center is assisting residents with fuel

assistance applications on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons by appointment. You will need to bring the following documenta-tion with you to your appointment: picture ID for head of house-hold, Social Security cards for everyone in the household, proof of housing costs (if renting-proof of rent payment and a copy of your lease), if you are a homeowner (mortgage bill, real estate tax bill, water/sewer bill, homeowner’s insurance bill), a heating bill (gas, oil, propane) and an electric bill. Call 781-447-7619 to schedule an appointment.

Spelling Bee set for Feb. 5The Whitman-Hanson Education Foundation will hold

its first annual Adult Spelling Bee from 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 5 in the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School’s Performing Arts Center. Businesses, PTOs, neighborhood and community groups, town and public safety organizations, are all encouraged to form teams from three to eight spellers. Not everyone on the team needs to be a speller [...] a team can designate one or more members of the team to spell and the other team members can help the spellers and cheer them on. Competition will be intense to win the coveted Bee trophy. Teams are encouraged to wear costumes and really get into the spirit! Nonprofit groups are wel-come to set up informational booths to showcase their organiza-tion so that attendees may learn more about them. The entry fee for each team is $150 and is tax-deductible. To enter, print and send an Adult Entry Form to Whitman-Hanson Education Foun-dation, PO Box 270, Whitman, MA 02382. Call 781-294-1261 or e-mail wheducationfoundation.org, [email protected] with any questions.

Sushi for lovers and Others

On Saturday, Feb, 12 at 1 p.m. Japanese Chef Kevin Soucy will be at the Whitman Public Library for a free work-shop on sushi rolling! Just in time for the holiday, come learn how to make a gourmet meal for the special person (or people) in your life. You will learn the basic techniques for hand rolls and maki rolls, with and without fish (cooked and/or raw, according to your pref-erence). Space is limited, so sign up early!


dents to support the pro-gram. The grant also funds when an instructor is out teaching a class and the station needs to be backfilled, Thomp-son said.

“This is the 16th year of the S.A.F.E. Program in Mas-sachusetts and we are truly reaching our goal of raising a fire safe generation of chil-dren,” State Fire Marshal Ste-phen D. Coan said.

“Since consistent compre-hensive fire education is the one thing we are doing for children that we are not do-ing for every other age group, I think it’s fair to say we are proving fire education works,” Coan said.

The Hanson Fire Depart-ment has been offering the S.A.F.E. Program for 10 years. Thompson was the first in-structor of the program before firefighter Rob O’Brien took over.

Hanson structured their S.A.F.E. curriculum toward students in grades one through four. O’Brien has also taught CPR classes at the Compass School and worked with the senior center.

The students are taught a different concept each year: the first graders learn match and lighter safety, second grad-ers are taught escape plans and also participate in touring the S.A.F.E. trailer, while third graders learn the importance of smoke detectors and fourth graders focus on fire safety in the kitchen.

In February, five-year-old Christian Silvia was awarded the Young Heroes Award for responding appropriately dur-ing a medical emergency in-volving his grandfather.

“He learned what he did from home, but it was rein-

forced by what he was taught through the S.A.F.E. Pro-gram,” said O’Brien.

Both Whitman and Han-son S.A.F.E. instructors teach 23 key fire safety behaviors and focus on those that are age appropriate.

Whitman has been offer-ing the S.A.F.E. Program for four years.

In the spring, Whitman firefighter Tom Ford com-pleted classes to become a S.A.F.E. instructor for the Du-val and Conley schools. He also attended a conference in September for life educators.

Ford said that when he is working with preschool and kindergartners he teaches them how to crawl low under the smoke. To demonstrate how to stay low, he has the students crawl under a blan-ket. Ford said he teaches first

graders that there are two ways out of every room. Third graders are taught how to form an escape plan. In every class Ford stresses the importance of smoke detectors.

He said he tries to make the class fun by bringing in props such as blankets, posters and smoke alarms.

Ford said the program is really geared toward making sure the students don’t get scared during an emergency.

“I say don’t be scared … Be prepared,” Ford said.

Ford said the best part about teaching the students fire safety is hearing that they took something out of the pro-gram.

“It’s real important for children to know what to do in case of an emergency and know how to react appropri-ately,” Ford said.

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Town gets $4K S.a.F.e. grantcontinued from page one

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Computer class at the senior center

Enjoy a computer class on Tuesday, Dec. 28 from 12-2 p.m. at the Whitman Senior Center. Richard Stanton will explore “ease of access” issues including using the magnifier for larg-er screen display and using speech recognition to reduce typing. Bring in your hard-ware and software issues and questions.




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Jobs Week at the library

Monday, Jan. 10: from 1:30-3 p.m. there will be an Optimal Resumé workshop. Perfect your resumé and cover letter with the assistance of Samantha Duckworth, refer-ence librarian. No registration is necessary, just come to the Whitman Library at 100 Web-ster Street.

Tuesday, Jan. 11: from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Gary Gekow will lead a workshop called “Changing Careers and Re-inventing Yourself.” Whether you need to re-examine your approach to job seeking, want to start in a new field, or just need some inspiration to guide your job search, this workshop will help you with your 2011 resolution to get a job.

Wednesday, Jan. 12: from 10-11:30 a.m. One Life at a Time is hosting a workshop on “Creating a Job Portfolio.” Professional career counselors will be on hand to critique re-sumés, cover letters and other job search documents, and provide valuable advice on how to structure a portfolio for job applications.

Thursday, Jan. 13: from 6-7 p.m. Monthly Networking Group. This month’s topic is “Linked In Boot Camp.” Learn about this networking Web site and how to leverage personal connections that could lead to job opportunities. A profes-sional photographer will be on hand to take head shots for your Linked In profile.

Friday, Jan. 14: from 1-2:30 p.m. Free Library Resources to Aid your Job Search. Learn how to research potential employers and com-panies, update your skill set, boost your resumé’s visibility, and more, all through free li-brary tools.

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The Conley School first graders performed “The Magic School Bus’ this week. Pictured are members of Miss Frizzle’s class boarding the magic school bus for their next adventure.

Photo by Dave Palana


ple would be out and he could have hit someone,” Bowman said. “From what we saw, and the marks left from fluid that came out from the car, the ac-cident started near Marylous’ News and he tried to fight for control up until where he hit the building.”

Ford announced in August that 575,000 Ford Windstars were recalled due to concerns about axle corrosion as a fac-tor in failures.

Bowman said that experts have looked at Sean’s vehicle hicle and from their reports it is clear that it was corrosion that rusted the rear axle from the inside out. She said that the rear axle broke on the left side and the right side also showed fractures.

“The initial recall was is-sued in August and mailings began in September,” Bowman said. “Sean’s was postmarked three days after the accident.”

Ford announced in Au-gust it was recalling 575,000 older-model Windstars over concerns the rear axles can corrode and break. Bowman said last week another 37,000 Windstars have been recalled.

As of last week, Bowman began sharing her story with as many media outlets as pos-sible.

“I know this is something I need to do because I don’t want anyone else to have to go through what we went through,” Bowman said. “Last night, I sat with a crying four year old who wouldn’t go to bed because she misses her fa-ther. I don’t want anyone else to feel the pain they feel. In my eyes, by doing this, if we can save somebody then what happened to him, as awful as it is and my kids still have to deal with that, it won’t be for nothing; he would have saved someone.”

Bowman said her children are four and seven and they are just starting to live their lives and they will never have their dad.

“They are devastated; they miss their father. He was a very good father and his kids were his first priority always. He was going to school full-time and working part-time, and still had the kids every weekend. Sean was supposed to graduate this month [from Massasoit College] with a de-gree in architectural technol-ogy. He was going to school to better the lives of his kids.”

After the accident, Bow-man said someone told her they heard there was a recall on the older model Ford Wind-star.

“When the recall came it was infuriating,” she said. “If he had gotten it a week earlier, he would still be here […] If it were a few hours later, the kids would have been with him.”

The Office of Defects In-vestigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Ad-

ministration opened a prelimi-nary evaluation to investigate allegations of the rear axle beam failures in model years 1999-2003 Ford Windstar in May. According to documen-tation from the National High-way Safety Administration, the office has received 234 reports of rear axle beam failures. The document states that many of the complaints indicate axle corrosion as a factor in the failures and 225 were submit-ted by consumers residing in Salt-Belt states.

In July, the NHTSA began conducting tests of the rear axle. A video made in Novem-ber by NHTSA can be viewed on YouTube.

“To me, when they did the test and saw how serious it was, they should have pushed quicker for the recall,” Bow-man said.

When Bowman heard in November that only 75,000 owners of the 575,000 recalled

vehicles brought their cars in to be repaired, she didn’t feel it was being taken seriously.

“The recall of these older vehicles with millions of miles of dependable service was covered nationally by news media in September, and was followed by a government consumer advisory in Novem-ber,” according to Ford Safety Communications Manager Wes Sherwood. “Ford is com-mitted to safety and notifying customers of recalls. We send individualized letters to cus-tomers with affected vehicles, and go beyond government re-quirements for recall notifica-tions.”

Bowman said she and Sean’s brother, Jeff, are work-ing on spreading the word about the recalls. “My main concern is people know-ing [about the recall], so this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” Bowman said.

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The rear axle of Sean Bowman’s Ford Windstar broke in half, causing his vehicle to lose control and hit the Rosen Reality building.

continued from page one

Family speaks out about recall




Send School newS & PhotoS to [email protected]

the deadline is Monday at noon.

The end of the year is a natural time of reflection.

This year, as I think back on my first 160 days as the principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, I am amazed by the many accom-plishments of the student body in 2010.

First on my list is the reac-tion of the students and staff to the “pink issue.”

It was incredible to see how our students – especially the seniors – stepped up to protect their school from the outside media. It was a remarkable

d e m o n s t r a -tion of student l e a d e r s h i p and a great first step to-ward building a new culture

of acceptance and together-

ness. As a school community, we weathered this controversy and were able to have one of the best rallies that I’ve ever attended.

I’ve noted the public ser-vice announcement that was made by seniors as well as clips of the rally. I can’t say it enough: I’m so proud of your students for doing the right thing.

schooltube.com/video/ed00dc51e2affce5f625/PSA-for-Rally-2010

schooltube.com/video/b0200a58e36f7a9fbca3/WH-Fall-Rally-2010-Part-1

schooltube.com video/ 6faab79076a2a42d8 8dd/WH-Fall-Rally-2010-Part-2

Just this month, our Stu-dent Council brought Rachel’s Challenge to our school com-munity. Rachel’s Challenge was founded in memory of the first victim of the Columbine school shooting, Rachel Scott. The presentation was held on Dec. 6 and all students and par-ents were invited to attend an evening session. As students left the presentation, they were asked to make a commitment and sign the Rachel’s Chal-lenge poster to participate “in random acts of kindness, be-cause just one act can start the chain reaction.” This poster is proudly displayed in the en-trance to the Performing Arts Center and gymnasium.

It was great to watch the fall athletes play and dem-onstrate good sportsmanship in their various games and matches. League titles were won by girls’ soccer and boys’ and girls’ cross country. The cheerleaders won their league and also placed second in the state earning yet another bid to nationals. Although the foot-ball team didn’t make the play-offs, they were able to experi-ence history by participating in

the 100th annual Thanksgiving Day game between Whitman-Hanson and Abington. It was a cold day, and the Panthers fell to a very talented Abing-ton team, but I think everyone in attendance, including all the alumni, had a great day, reliv-ing glory days on the gridiron.

In addition, the school launched a 21st Century Com-munity Learning Center called Mission: Possible, which fo-cuses on helping students tran-sition from 8th to 9th grade. This grant, which will continue into the next years, funds a free after school program. Ten staff members oversaw a cohort of 60-plus students, helping them adjust to the high school envi-ronment. The program helped to reduce the percentage of freshmen student failures dur-ing Trimester 1, as compared to 2009-2010, and offered students a chance to make an easier transition to life as a Panther.

The Music Department held a very successful fall con-cert and recently celebrated the holidays by performing at the Hanover Mall, at both mid-dle schools, for the Whitman Council on Aging, and the Han-

son Senior Center. I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the members of the Drama Club and their performance of “Al-ice and Wonderland,” and the talented show choir who has competed at various schools around the South Shore.

The holidays are tradition-ally a time for giving and for community service, and Whit-man Hanson students are keep-ing with that time-honored tra-dition. Recently, the Whitman Food Pantry and the Hanson Food Pantry were awarded checks in the amount of $4,000 each from a Miles for Meals fun walk/run that was spon-sored by Ryan Kelly and mem-bers of the National Honor Society. The High School Stu-dent Council have continued “penny wars” with proceeds funding Special Olympics and coordinated the Holiday Concert and turkey dinner for the senior citizen groups men-tioned above.

These are just some of the many great things the students and staff have done of my first four months. I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings. I feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful school and district. Thank you for welcoming me into your community and for your support in these first months.

Please have a safe and hap-py winter break.

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December reflections

By Ruth CaRRigan, SpeCial to expReSS

W h i t m a n -Hanson Regional High School host-ed a Career Con-nections Fair in the library on Tues-day, Dec. 7. The fair was focused on the STEM (science, technol-ogy, engineering and math.) Over 20 professionals in those fields at-tended including radiology tech-nicians, marine biologists, chemi-cal and bridge engineers, and accountants. Businesses such as NSTAR, ImmunoGen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute along with several other local companies were also represented. In addition to career professionals, the fair also included a num-ber of college admissions counselors from various institutions that are known for their science programs including Wentworth Institute of Technology, Stonehill College and Ben Franklin In-stitute of Technology. Students were able to sit in small groups with these professionals and learn about what it takes to succeed in their field. Students left with a better understanding of what career opportunities await them in the STEM fields. The day was a big success and was a wonderful opportunity for students to network with local businesses and professionals.

Career Connections at WHrHS

CAREER CONNECTIONS: Whitman-Hanson students meet with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society during the Career Connections Fair.

By JEff szymaniakPrinciPal

W-H HigH scHool

By Dana MilleR, SpeCial to the expReSS

In what has become an annual November event, students at the Whitman Middle School demonstrated their caring for those less fortunate and their commitment to the community by rais-ing funds for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Over $3,800 was collected by more than 60 students who participated by competing in a “Math-A-Thon.” Students from grades 6 - 8 completed a booklet of math questions, earning pledges for each correct answer. In the four years that the Whitman Middle School has been part of the Math-A-Thon program, students at the school have raised over $10,000 to help children afflicted with various forms of cancer.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital was founded by the late Danny Thomas and the hospital treats children from all 50 states and all over the world. It is a pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatments not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment due to a family’s in-ability to pay. The funds raised by the Whitman Middle School will help to support over 270 children treated at St. Jude’s daily, and for research at St. Jude’s.

WMS CARES: Students collected over $3,800 by competing in a Math-A-Thon at Whitman Middle School. Funds benefit the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Photo courtesy of Dana Miller

Whitman Middle students care

17Thursday, December 23, 2010 The Express – Your Hometown Newspaper!


One hundred eleven stu-dent-athletes were recognized at the South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School annual fall sports ban-quet on Dec. 16.

Thomas Hickey, prin-cipal at South Shore, repre-sented the administration, welcoming the 220 in atten-dance. Hickey congratulated the athletes along with their coaches for their hard work and thanked the parents for their cooperation. The princi-pal gave special recognition to volleyball coach Mame Kell and her players for their May-

flower League Sportsmanship Award.

Kell’s team fell one win short of making the state playoffs. The Vikings had one all-star captain Deb Langley of A b i n g t o n and two oth-er Abing-ton players as honorable mention in the May-flower League, volleyball team captain, Lisa Osgood and Brenda Salino.

Peter Murphy, golf coach at South Shore Regional,

praised his squad on a great season. The

team was led by Nick Ar-thurs of Rockland, who not only was a

Mayflower League all-

star, but also was voted the league’s

most valuable golf-er. Other golfers who were named league all-stars were Rockland’s Thomas Donovan

and Bobby Balchunas of Ha-nover.

Head football coach

South Shore VoTech holds sports banquet SSVT open houseOver seven hundred

people attended the annual Open House at the South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School on Monday, Dec. 13. Princi-pal Thomas Hickey reported “all technical programs were staffed to explain to future students and their parents the many opportunities at South Shore. Anyone inter-ested in more information for the incoming freshmen or the other opportunities at South Shore should call the Guidance Department at 781-871-4153.


By Dave Palana, SPortS eDitor [email protected]

It wasn’t easy for the boys basketball team Tuesday night, but when it was crunch time, the Panthers stepped up and left the high school with a win.

The Panthers held off a Red Raider fourth-quarter rally to defeat North Quincy 50-41.

“We’re establishing an identity of a team that just plays really tough,” head coach Bob Rodgers said. “We’re still very young and we make those inexperienced mistakes, but we’re learning from those and hopefully we’ll get better.”

Whitman-Hanson opened the fourth quarter with a nine-point lead, but North Quincy closed to within two with less than 2:35 left to play. Miles Hoffman put the Panthers back up by four, and a steal and layup by captain Jason Steph-anksy ran the lead back to six. North Quincy answered, but a three-pointer by Hoffman made it a three-possession game with 1:35 left to seal the win for Whitman-Hanson.

“Miles is a scorer and he does so many good things on the court,” Rodgers said. “I think he’s going to get bet-ter as the season goes along and he sees the little things he can do to make everyone else better. When he starts doing that, he’s going to be tough to guard.”

The Panthers jumped out to a quick lead in the first

quarter, but struggled against the Red Raider press, allow-ing North Quincy to take the lead on a 7-0 run. The Pan-thers regained the lead before the end of the quarter and never relinquished it despite continuing to have problems with the press defense of the Red Raiders.

“Our defense was so good in the first half, so it was frus-trating to be giving them those easy points,” Rodgers said. “They only had 15 points I think eight of those were be-cause we couldn’t break their press. I think part of that is the inexperience, and we’ll get better the more we see it. At times we scored.”

The Panthers led by 10 at the half, and held onto their lead despite three three-point-ers by the Raiders in the third. Whitman-Hanson caught a break when North Quincy’s leading scorer, Dan Gould, fouled out with less than four minutes to play after he had drained two threes in the sec-ond half.

Hoffman led the team with 14 points while senior Declan Wirzburger added eight with six rebounds and Stephansky scored to go with five crucial rebounds in the final three minutes.

“That’s captain leader-ship,” Rodgers said. “I think it becomes contagious when you see someone hitting the glass hard. That is where we won the game tonight with-out question. In these first two games, we’ve dominated the glass like no team I’ve ever had, and that’s saying some-thing because we’ve had some really good teams over the years.”

Stephansky and Wirzburg-er are the only players return-ing from the Patriot League championship team from last year, and both played spar-ingly last season. With such an inexperienced varsity team, Rodgers said he was concerned heading into the season, but said the focus and work ethic of his team has him excited going forward.

“To have two guys coming back who didn’t really play and guys coming up from a JV team that struggled, it had us nervous,” Rodgers said. “But the trademark of our program of the last 10 years is how hard the kids work in the offseason. The want to be successful, and they don’t just say it, they go out and do what it takes. I watched the time these guys put in over the summer, and it really showed over these first two games.”

Last team strandingPanthers hold on against Red Raiders

girls basketballPembroke 19scituate 58

senior Miles Hoffman drives through a North Quincy defender for two of his team-high 14 points against the red raiders. Hoffman’s three pointer with 1:35 left to play sealed Whitman-Hanson’s win to stake the Panthers to a 2-0 start to the season.

senior captain Jay stephansky sinks a lay-up with less than three minutes to play to keep Whitman-Hanson in front of North Quincy. stephansky was big on the boards down the stretch for the Panthers with five rebounds in the final three minutes.

Photos by Dave Palana

Declan Wirzburger leaps for the tip-off. Wirzburger’s sky hook put the Panthers on top to stay at the end of the first quarter and finished with eight points and six rebounds.




Mientkiewicz captained the cross-country team to 10th in the All-State Meet this fall and is now playing on the basketball team. She’ll finish up her career at

Whitman-Hanson on the track and field team this spring. She shared her thoughts on...

...schools she’s looking at. My top choices for colleges are Stonehill and Keene State, but I’m also looking at Merrimack , URI, and Springfield.

...choosing a major. I’m not entirely sure on what major I want to pursue yet. I was thinking about psychology possibly.

...her favorite sport. My favorite sport is cross-country because I love how close the team is and how we work together to achieve the high expectations we set for ourselves. To me, there’s nothing more relaxing than taking a run with my friends. Plus, it’s a sport where you can push yourself to the limit mentally and physically and that takes a lot of toughness.

...her favorite sports memories. I have two favorite memories. The first is the last meet of the 2008 cross-country season when we went against Hingham for the league title on our home course. Both teams came in undefeated and a Hingham runner won first in the race, but our top four runners took second, third, fourth, and fifth to automatically win the meet for the team. We all finished under 20 minutes and within 10 seconds of each other because we worked together as a team. The second was the last regular sea-son basketball game of the 2010 season. We were play-ing New Bedford, a team that was 18-0 and had already beaten us that season at home. I remember we all had one common thought, we had nothing to lose. We played really hard and everything we did seemed to work. We ended up winning the game ruining their perfect season and shock-ing so many people.

...future goals. I want to run a marathon at some point and hopefully I’ll be able to run Boston. Other than that I’m not really sure, it seems so far away.


The Whitman-Hanson wrestling team has their en-tire league schedule ahead of them, and they made a state-ment on Saturday that they are the team to beat.

Alex Perry, Colin Mc-Sweeney, Jeff Bechen and Derek Cavender all won their weight classes as the Panthers racked up 234 points to win the All-Patriot League meet at the high school.

“It was a really posi-tive experience,” head coach Shawn Kain said. “The guys who wrestled were very en-thusiastic and aggressive, we had some JV guys manning the tables and some parents re-ally helped out all day to raise money for the program. It was a great day.”

Perry knocked off top-seeded Jake Buckley of Sci-

tuate in the 119-pound finals with an 8-6 decision, and Mc-Sweeney stunned Duxbury’s Pat Donovan with a pinfall

victory with 11 seconds left in the 140 finals.

“Colin had a great tourna-

ment, and his finals match was outstanding,” Kain said. “To come back and get a pin like

that was incredible.”Bechen squeaked out a

2-1 win over Hingham’s Max Goldstein in the 145-pound fi-nals, and Cavender won 16-8 over teammate Joe Petersen in the championship match at 152.

“That was an unbelievable match and I’m really proud of both of them,” Kain said of Cavender and Petersen. “Joe beat the top seed earlier in the tournament, and that was a big upset. It just goes to show how competitive those guys are.”

Panthers Mike Garrett (130), Chance Morocco (135), Chris Kellum (160) and Tom Condon (285) also earned sec-ond places in addition to Pe-tersen, and Mike Coles took 4th in the 135 division.

The Panthers begin their league schedule with Duxbury on January 5. Kain said the team made a statement to their league opponents on Saturday with their decisive win, but they need to keep progressing to win the league champion-ship.

“The captains have high expectations and we are really optimistic,” Kain said. “But we’re going to see all these teams again, so we definitely need to keep improving and

SENIOR MOMENTSA visit with girls cross-country

captain Kaley Mientkiewicz


Sophomore Chris Boussy scored eights second after play resumed and Nick Pike cut the lead to one with a tip-in with 3:42 left in the third pe-riod. However the Sailors kept the puck in the Panther end, preventing the Panthers from pulling the goalie until there was less than one minute left in the period.

The Sailors out-shot the Panthers 34-14 and the Pan-thers fell to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in the Patriot League with the loss. The Panthers lost their opener to Dennis-Yarmouth 4-1 after the Dol-phins held off a Panther rally in the third period and lost 6-2 to Bridgewater-Raynham on Dec. 15 when the Tro-jans scored three third-period goals.

Despite losing their third straight to the Sailors, Man-ning said it was the best effort of the young season for his team.

“I don’t think we’re ever going to win the shots on goal battle unless we dedicate our-selves to throwing pucks at the net from everywhere,” Man-ning said. “We’re not going to get a lot of pretty highlight

goals, that’s not what we’re about right now, but this was out best game of the year. We were inconsistent in our first three games, but we got behind in all three and didn’t quit. To-night we definitely battled a lot harder and for the full dura-tion. We accomplished a goal in that we really committed to the game tonight.”

Manning said the team will be a work in progress in the early stages of the season with so many underclassmen adjusting to the varsity game, but he added that watching his team hold their own gave him confidence moving forward that the Panthers will be com-petitive as they mature.

“A lot of these kids are learning on the job,” he said. “We have a lot of first-time varsity kids, so the speed and the strength of the game is new to them. But we showed what we can do when we play hard.”

Manning expects Scituate to win the league again this year, but said most of the other Patriot League teams are also rebuilding on the fly like the Panthers.

“I think there is a lot of par-ity in our league,” he said. “Sci-tuate may have the most talent, but the rest of us are going to have to work hard to compete. I think there are going to be a lot of close games.”

boys HockeyWhitman-Hanson 2scituate 3

Sailors hold off Panther rally

continued from page 24

Big catsWrestlers dominate League meet

Junior colin Mcsweeney celebrates winning the 140-pound finals with a surprise pin of Duxbury’s Pat Donovan after Mcsweeney trailed Donovan in the third round.

Photo anD Story By KriSty

KenneDy



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Getting closer

Chris Boussy is heating up and the young Panthers hockey team is starting to look better


The Whitman-Hanson boys hockey team staged a late comeback, but a three-goal lead against the reigning Division III South Sectional champions was too much to overcome.

The Scituate Sailors held on to hand the Panthers a 3-2

loss at the Hobomock Ice Are-na in Pembroke on Saturday.

Scituate scored on a re-bound with 1:24 left in the first period, and then added two goals in less than one minute in the second, forcing head coach Rich Manning to call a timeout.

continued on page 23

W-H youth LAX registrationThe Whitman-Hanson Youth Lacrosse 2011 registration is open until Jan. 15 at eteamz.com/

whlax/ for grades 1-8. Registration fees are as follows; Boys grades 3-8, $140 per player plus $25 U.S. Lacrosse dues (separate registration); Girls grades 3-8, $125 per player plus $25 U.S. Lacrosse dues (separate registration); Boys/Girls grades 1-2, $25 per player plus $25 US Lacrosse dues (separate registration).

W-H Lacrosse Girls Director Dan Sullivan reports there is a need for an influx of new players, especially with the girls program at all levels. The W-H High School lacrosse program continues to grow each year and boys program has qualified for the MIAA tournament the past two years.

whitman-12_23_2010

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