Abington Receives Final COVID Funding Check from Plymouth County
Town earmarks funds for mobile vaccination unit and stormwater projects
ABINGTON - December 9 - Plymouth County Commissioner Jared Valanzola presented Abington with its final check for COVID-related funding at Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting. The funds are designated for a mobile vaccination unit and stormwater remediation projects.
"We are actually winding down the appropriation of these funds. December 31st is the deadline," Valanzola said. "We've worked very closely with Scott and your leadership team here to execute some of these funds."
Valanzola indicated that Abington may have reached its funding cap from the county program.
State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida, who attended the presentation, praised the collaboration between county, town, and state officials in securing the funds.
"It's because of the legislators along with the County Commissioners that our town has seen more money than I think we would have seen if the Governor had control of that funding," Sullivan-Almeida said.
She added that the funds will help offset burdens placed on the town during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting also highlighted upcoming winter festivities in Abington. Board Chairman Kevin Donovan announced a series of events scheduled for this weekend as part of "Abington Celebrates."
Events include an Ugly Sweater Contest at the American Legion on Friday from 7 to 11 p.m. and a winter concert with sing-along at Abington High School at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, the Dyer Library will host an estate auction from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Later that day, "Christmas at the Grove" runs from 3 to 6 p.m., culminating in a Christmas tree lighting by the Fire and Police departments at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday's events feature "pup pics" at the dog park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a concert at the United Church of Christ at 3 p.m., featuring handbells and audience singing.
Donovan also announced that Mel's Kitchen will offer free meals for veterans on Sunday, December 22, from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans, widows of veterans, and dependents of veterans are eligible with proof of status.
In other business, the board:
- Accepted donations to the Veterans Gift Fund for banners and celebrations.
- Postponed discussion on the Strawberry Valley Golf Course to February 10 to allow the course committee time to meet and discuss the potential sale of a house on the property.
- Appointed Jack Davis and Francine Bell to the Veterans Services Committee.
- Approved one-day liquor licenses for 10th District Brewery for events on Saturdays in January and February.
- Renewed various business licenses, including Class 1 and 2 auto, alcohol, common victualler, entertainment, auto amusement, billiards, bowling alley, lodging house, and livery.
- Approved changes to operating hours for the American Legion - Lewis V. Dorsey Post 112.
The board also welcomed new Firefighter/Paramedic David Casper, who was officially sworn in during the meeting. Fire Chief Jack Glynn praised Casper's dedication during his training at the State Fire Academy.
"I'm happy to report that Abington resident David Casper, who we hired, he did fantastic in the interviews," Glynn said. "And he recently graduated this past week from the Bridgewater branch of the State Fire Academy."
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for January 13, where the school superintendent will discuss a proposed new school and its potential financial impact on Abington. The board will also begin budget discussions for the upcoming fiscal year.