 By Carol Meyer
I know we are all more than grateful for frontline workers and the tremendous sacrifices they are making during the current health crisis, even as things seem to have eased up a bit. And let's remember, frontline workers include not only first responders, and doctors, nurses and other medical staff, but also bus drivers, grocery store clerks, fast-food workers, and anyone who puts themselves at risk to provide services that make our lives healthier and better during this challenging time. Frontline workers put in long hours, give up family time, and lose hours of sleep serving those in need of their services. Making face masks for frontline workers has become a popular way to give back. And if like me, you don't sew! there are other ways to show appreciation -- including a simple "thank you for all you are doing" when we have that opportunity. Let's continue to appreciate their sacrifices and pray for their safety and for things to get back to normal as much as possible.
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 By Carol Meyer
Voting in this year's town election season is ongoing. That's because due to COVID-19, Hingham voters have the opportunity to submit absentee or early voting ballots ahead of -- and up to -- the actual Saturday, June 27, date -- postponed from May 2. In-person voting will take place on the day of the town election for those voters -- wearing face masks and keeping a social distance from others who are casting ballots -- who don't wish to submit either of the above ballots. The election features one race -- for school committee. William Ramsey is the sole candidate for the selectman seat currently occupied by Karen Johnson, who is not seeking reelection. Initially there was a race, but Kirk Shilts decided this week to withdraw his candidacy. There's a three-way race for two school committee seats among incumbent Michelle Ayer, Stephanie Gertz, and Jennifer Benham. Edward Schreier is not running for another term. Rita Da Silva is running unopposed for Ramsey's planning board seat, which expires this year. Several incumbents are running unopposed. Town Clerk Eileen McCracken is predicting a voter turnout (including early voting and absentee ballot submissions) of between 15 to 20 percent, which is typical of most town elections. The "turnout" could be higher because of the high number of absentee ballots that have been requested, she said. Go to https://hinghamanchor.com/absentee-and-early-voting-ballots-available-by-mail/#more-12214 for election information. For those who choose to vote in-person, here's where to go:
The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Be sure to exercise your right to vote!  By Carol Meyer
This year's Town Meeting -- set for Saturday, June 20, at the Hingham High School field -- will have a different look and feel, but presentation and consideration of the warrant articles will remain the same. New this year due to COVID-19: cooling, water, and hand sanitizing stations; tents where attendees will be able to seek temporary respite from the heat; seats spaced 10 feet apart; and shaded areas close by. Face masks are required. The meeting starts at 2 p.m.; registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers and staff will be present to help voters find the spot that best meets their needs and to help those in wheelchairs to the handicapped accessible bathrooms, which will be sanitized regularly. Microphones will be sanitized after each use. There are specific health guidelines spelling out when a citizen should not attend Town Meeting. A Town Meeting outdoor framework with all the details is posted on the town website -- hingham-ma.gov. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 20. The rain date is June 21. Be sure to bring your copy of the Town Meeting warrant, sunscreen, a hat, a face mask, water, and umbrellas for shade. See you there! By Carol Britton Meyer
Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, is proposing to transform an existing 149,000-square-foot warehouse on a 17-acre site in the South Hingham Industrial Park into a package delivery station. The planning board is reviewing the proposal for what would be a 24-hour operation that would generate an estimated 1,844 vehicle trips a day -- including on-site employees, delivery services providers, visitors, and others. The purpose of this facility is to make local deliveries within a 60-minute radius. The board is taking a close look at a number of considerations -- including traffic, parking, and pedestrian and vehicular safety and access. On-site parking would accommodate 458 vehicles. The hearing was continued until June 15, when more information will be provided. What do you think about this proposal? |
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