Well, THAT was a parade!
Big time kudos to Jack Bailey and the Abington St. Patrick’s Day parade organizing team for putting together a tremendous event.
Congratulations to Extreme Auto, who won “Best Float” with its truck and boat entry.
The Model T Club won “Best Decorated Car”, Tom Reske won “Best Decorated Truck”, St. Bridgit’s School won “Most Spirited”, Greg Gouthro won “Best Use of Imagination”, and the Girl Scouts won “Best Entry by a School Group.”
And in Abington News’ opinon, best new marching band uniforms goes to the Abington High School Marching Band.
Well it’s officially spring, so that means it’s Town Election and Town Meeting season!
Abington News will start asking candaidates for contested office its Question of the Week starting April 3. Other groups also have candidates events in the works. Stay tuned.
TOWN MEETING IS APRIL 3
Abington’s annual legislative session — Town Meeting — will take place Monday, April 3, at 7 p.m., in the Middle/High School auditorium. All registered voters are eligible to attend and participate. This is the meeting where the town’s budget will be discussed and approved. The meeting can’t begin until 150 voters have checked in. The Town Meeting warrant — or agenda — is available here.
SCHOOL COMMITTEE TO START CONTRACT DISCUSSIONS WITH NEW SUPERINTENDENT
The Abington School Committee will meet online Wednesday to discuss contract terms for the district’s new superintendent. The board voted unanimously at its last meeting to forego a formal search process and name Felicia Moschella, a longtime administrator within the district, as the next Abington school chief. Current Superintendent Peter Schafer announced earlier in January that he will retire following the 2023-24 school year. The School Committee meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and will immediately proceed into an excutive session for the sole purpose of “discussing negotiations with non-union personnel Superintendent’s contract.” It will not return to public session. Schafer’s salary in 2021 was $185,904.
ABINGTON BAND INFO SESSION WEDNESDAY
The resurgent Abington HIgh School Band is holding an information session for students on Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The band is looking to continue rebuilding its visual/dance and marching percussion sections, but all musicians are welcome, including guitarists, bass guitarists, keyboard, and drum set players. Prior experience not required. In addition to performing at football games and other town events, the band will be performing at the New England State Championships in the fall.
CHESTER J. MILLET AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Have a favorite Abington teacher or support person? Nominations for the Chester J. Millet Jr. Award are now open. The Chester J. Millett, Jr. Award is presented annually by the Abington School Committee to both a teacher and an educational support person who by her/his performance has demonstrated a willingness to assume responsibilities and perform deeds well above and beyond those normally expected, thereby distinguishing themselves by their great examples, dedication, perseverance, and commitment to helping students. The deadline for online submission is Sunday, April 2 at Midnight. Winners will be announced during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, May 8-12.
MEETING SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Board of Health, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion on updating private well regulations
TUESDAY
Council on Aging, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a report from the director, and a discussion about meeting times.
Fire Station/DPW Building Committee, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about the project’s site, design, and budget.
WEDNESDAY
School Committee, 6:30 p.m., via Microsoft Teams. Sole agenda item is an executive session meeting to discuss a contract for the next superintendent.
Finance Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a review of the FY 24 budget, and all Town Meeting warrant articles.
THURSDAY
Historical Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes an update on Island Grove projects, CPA projects, and the Historic Properties Inventory.