The governmental flowers of spring continue to be planted this week.
Budget writers are busy writing the Fiscal Year ‘22 budget. Town Election candidates are collecting signatures. The Community Preservation Committee is debating which projects to recommend for a vote at the Annual Town Meeting. And Abington’s first responders may start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as this week — another sign the pandemic may start receding in the coming weeks and months.
Abington’s COVID-19 numbers continue to be elevated (along with the rest of the state and nation). The number of active cases still haven’t reached the spring high, which peaked at over 200. The town’s case load spiked in the days after Thanksgiving. But we’re now 17 days out from Christmas and 11 days out from New Year’s Eve, so any additional spike could hit in the coming days.
Abington Public Health Agent Marty Golightly during last week’s Board of Health meeting again begged people to stay at home and not send their kids to school if they show any COVID-19 symptoms or are awaiting test results.
TOWN ELECTIONS
Nomination papers are available for anyone interested in running for elected office this spring. Town Elections are currently scheduled for April 24. Currently, Alex Haggerty and Christine Henrikson have taken out papers for the Board of Selectmen. Currently Board Chairman Tim Chapin has indicated he will run again. Selectman Jim Connolly, who’s term is also up this year, said he will not seek re-election. Anyone with questions can contact the Clerk’s Office at 781-982-2112.
DOG TAGS:
Still time to get dog tags. The tags are available through the Town Clerk’s Office and cost $10. A current rabies vaccination certificate — including the date the vaccination expires — is required. Because Town Hall is currently closed to walk-in business, dog owners should call the Clerk’s Office at 781-982-2112 or email the Town Clerk: lmadams@abingtonma.gov before stopping by. All the information, a check, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope can also be left in the drop-off box outside Town Hall.
FLU CLINICS:
All students in Massachusetts are still required. The original Dec. 31 deadline has been pushed back to Feb. 28.
The Abington Board of Health is sponsoring two flu shot clinics this week to help parents get their children vaccinated. The first is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 1-4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Both events will take place at the Abington Senior Center.
“It is a medically important thing to get,” Golightly said.
SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS:
The deadline for small businesses to apply for state grants is this Friday. Small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for a state grant up to $75,000 to help cover the costs of employees, rent, and outstanding business loans. The grants are part of a $688 million program launched by the state to help struggling small businesses, particularly, restaurants, bars, indoor recreation spots, and retail shops. More information is available at the Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation website.
RETAIL MARIJUANA SHOPS
For those interested in the progress of retail marijuana shops in town, Green Harbor Dispensaries, located at 1410 Bedford St., will appear before the Conservation Commission Tuesday. A portion of the property’s rear lot line is located within a wetland buffer zone.
MEETINGS
Monday
Board of Selectmen, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes a moment of silence for Gerald Walls, a common victualler license for Ole Ole Cantina (the former location of Stix and Stones); Fire Chief John Nuttall with a fire station update; appointing members to the Affordable Housing Trust Committee.
Community Preservation Commission, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes discussion about recommended projects for the 2021 Town Meeting
Board of Library Trustees, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes building upgrades, and the FY 22 budget.
Tuesday
Conservation Commission, 6 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes the upcoming sewer main replacement project between Summer Street and Brockton Ave., the retail marijuana shop at 1410 Bedford St., and projects at 1238 Bedford St. and 300 Walnut St.,
Thursday
Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., via Zoom. Agenda includes requests for 36 Strawberry Lane, 103 Central Street, 208 Centre Avenue.
GREEN WAVE SPORTS
Boys Basketball
Tuesday, 6:15 p.m. @ Mashpee
Friday, 6 p.m., @ Middleboro
Girls Basketball
Tuesday, 6:45 p.m., vs Middleboro
Wednesday, 5 p.m., vs Notre Dame Academy
Friday, 6:30 p.m., vs. Middleboro