It’s upon us. The last days of classes before Abington’s 2,100 students are unleashed upon the town’s video arcades and penny candy stores and baseball sandlots. Just kidding, those aren’t really summertime kid things anymore. Maybe instead they’ll be playing “Jackpot”, “Super Smash Bros.”, and with their Hatchimals.
But in our editorial opinion, Abington’s students should get a broad pass on their choice of summertime relaxation activites. It’s been quite a year that started in hybrid learning, switched back briefly to full remote, back to hybrid over the winter, and finally to in-person learning in April. They’ve had their classrooms turned upside down and eaten lunch in gymnasiums and under tents, and they’ve nimbly adapted to every change thrown at them. Remember when we were worried about how could students – especially kindergartners and 1st graders – POSSIBLY be expected to spend their schoolday with a mask on? Yea, they crushed even the most optimistic expectations.
We at Abington News also hope the town’s teachers and administrators are able to find some quality time to decompress this summer. The quickly-changing working conditions imposed upon them by the state often required fancy footwork that looked less like ballet and more like a ska dance. I never had to, but I better go knock on wood that things will look near normal when classes resume 11 weeks from now.
REC SUMMER SIGNUPS UNDERWAY
Signups for the Abington Parks & Rec Department slate of summer camps are still underway. Residents can sign up for memberships to the Island Grove Pool, as well as baseball, basketball, tennis, and art camps. However, the ever popular Eager Beaver camp is already full, according to town recreation officials. Limited day passes for the Island Grove Pool are also available.
BUSY SELECTMEN’S AGENDA MONDAY
The town’s executive board has a full agenda Monday night. As Abington’s licensing board, it needs to consider renewing all the town’s commercial garage licenses, as well as approve a liquor license change at Tiki Garden on North Quincy Street (the new place will be called Two Gals Sports Bar & Grille). The board will also get updates on 267 North Quincy Street, 0/22 Hjelm Street, and 662 Adams Street — each of which are commercial properties where substantial zoning and code enforcement issues have been raised. Last month, Fire Chief John Nuttall said the owners at 267 North Quincy Street had essentially stopped cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Since the Board of Selectmen last met, Town Manager Scott Lambiase and Building Commissioner Marshall Adams came to an agreement that led to Adams’ exit. With the position empty – and selectmen frustrated with the number of public complaints about the condition of commercial properties in town – Lambiase and the board are expected to discuss Monday night a possible Town Hall reorganization that would create an inspectional services department. In addition, selectmen will entertain a request to have music at the popular weekly food truck rodeo nights, hear an update on the summer concert series, and discuss a possible policy around responding to social media posts (insert the Michael Scott “curious” gif).
PUBLIC INPUT WANTED ON BEAVER BROOK PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT PROJECT
The committee looking into tearing down the existing, wooden Beaver Brook Playground, and replacing it with a more modern structure is holding a community information session next Tuesday, June 22, from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Senior Center. According to a meeting notice that went out Monday afternoon, “Community members are encouraged to attend to receive information on the rebuilding of the Beaver Brook Playground. If you cannot attend but have questions please send them to beaverbrookplayground@gmail.com.” It’s believed the existing wooden structure, which was constructed as part of a large community build 30+ years ago, is at the end of its useful life and can’t be properly maintained anymore. Town Meeting has approved nearly $250,000 in Community Preservation Act dollars over the past two years for the replacement effort.
CORNHOLE TOURNEY TO BENEFIT VETERANS
There’s still time to sign up for the Abington Veterans Services’ first annual cornhole tournament, which will be held on Sunday, July 25, at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Hancock Street. Start time is 11 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the American Legion, VFW, and Post 2. Cost is $25 per player and $50 per team. Anyone interested can call 781-857-8135.
MEETINGS
MONDAY
Griffin Dairy Farm Committee, 5:30 p.m., Senior Center. Agenda includes discussions about the community garden, new Christmas trees, carpenters for the new well shed, and the need for volunteers to mow.
Board of Selectmen, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes licensing requests and renewals, updates on commercial properties, discussions about the food truck rodeo and summer concert series, and more.
TUESDAY
Council on Aging, 6 p.m., Abington Senior Center. Agenda includes the election of new board officers, and a report from the senior center director.
WEDNESDAY
Abington Housing Authority, 6 p.m., 71 Shaw Avenue. Agenda includes a review of financial comparatives, election of officers, and the approval of bills.