PROJECT 351 FUNDRAISER SUPPORTING MASS. MILITARY HEROES FUND
A student-led service organization is raising money and preparing care packages for active service members and veterans. Evangeline McCleary, Abington’s 2023 Ambassador to Project 351 – a statewide non-profit that strives to develop future service-minded leaders – is coordinating the local efforts. McCleary, a standout runner on the Green Wave track team, will be hosting a lemonade stand this coming Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Abington Knights of Columbus. All money raised will support the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, which helps the families of 9/11 victims and those who have served in the military in the days since. In addition, McCleary is collecting donations for care packages for soldiers and veterans. Requested items include facial tissues, body wipes, chapstick, instant coffee, and playing cards. A full list is included in the graphic below. Items can be dropped off at the Abington Police Station until Sept. 1.
REC DIRECTOR PRAISED FOR KEEPING CAMPERS SAFE DURING TORNADO WARNING
Last Friday’s violent storms, which generated an EF-1 tornado in South Weymouth, blew through on the final day of Eager Beaver Day Camp. But despite the heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and wind gusts, every camper stayed dry and safe.
Public Works Director John Stone gave credit to Recreation Director Kelly Johnson, who anticipated the weather threat and arranged to have the camp session moved to the Frolio School building for the day. And when the tornado warnings sprung up, she worked with camp staff to escort more than 4 dozen kids down into the school basement.
“Having all of those campers outside [Friday] morning could have been problematic,” Stone said.
(DISCLOSURE: The author’s spouse is chairwoman of the Abington Parks & Recreation Commission)
FINAL SUMMER CONCERT SHOW THIS SUNDAY WITH CHICAGO TRIBUTE BAND
In 1969, Jimi Hendrix described the band Chicago as sounding like it had a horn section with one pair of lungs and a guitar player better than he was. Chicago Total Access will pull from the original band’s 45-year catalog of hits when it plays at the Nisby Bandstand this Sunday.
The performance marks the end of the Abington Summer Concert Series’ 19th season. As always, the concert starts at 6 p.m , and is free to the public. Parking is available in the Town Hall/Library parking lots, as well as the adjacent Middle/High School lots. The Abington Lions will work the grill, and Cream will be there selling ice cream. Dogs are not allowed on town fields.
Funding for the concerts comes from sponsors, private donations, and a grant from the Abington Cultural Council. Abington News is one of this year’s concert series sponsors.
RODENTS BLAMED FOR ABINGTON CAM COMCAST OUTAGE
Abington Community Access & Media’s three channels on Comcast went black late last week. A hungry rodent chewing through transmission wires has been identified as the cause, according to Abington CAM Executive Director Kevin Tocci. Abington CAM broadcasts programming through three channels on both Verizon and Comcast: a channel reserved for public access shows, a channel reserved for education-based shows, and a channel reserved for government programming. On Comcast, these channels are 13, 14, and 15; on Verizon, they are channels 24, 26, and 28. Tocci said Comcast technicians found a partly chewed fiber optic cable at ground level near the Route 18 entrance to the Abington High School complex. Service has been restored on those channels.
$1,400 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS, WIDOWS OF VETERANS
Veterans in need of financial assistance, or their unmarried widows, can now apply for a one- time grant of up to $1,400 through the Abington Veterans Services Office. The town recently established the Abington SAVES Fund (Serving Abington Veterans with Emergency Support) using a $50,000 grant funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The money can be used for transportation, food, or heat/utility expenses, according to Veterans Services Office Adam Gunn. The deadline to apply is Sept. 30, 2023. Applications are available either through the Abington Senior Center or online.
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