May 27, 2020
During a recent walk in Hingham, a local neighbor noticed that landscaping around the Hingham Armory, did not reflect the beauty of springtime. Home to our local National Guard, the Armory and the Guard within are providing transport and other vital services during the pandemic.
Inspired to improve this site, the neighbor reached out to members of our community who would share interest in this effort and be able to guide how this landscape improvement could be facilitated. US Navy, SCPO Keith Jermyn, Director of Veterans' Services for the Town of Hingham and State Senator Patrick O’Connor introduced the small neighborhood group to Colonel Timothy Mullen of the Massachusetts National Guard. In coordination with the National Guard, the group and Colonel Mullen collaborated to have new signs produced at Hanscom Air Force Base, and private citizens would supply fresh plantings around the front of the Armory.
“The support from our community came swiftly and generously,” one of the neighbors, Mr. Marco Boer shares, “and it has been inspiring to see many small acts of kindness result in an impressive change.” The Hingham Garden Club proposed design concepts that take into consideration height, maintenance, safety, and historical context of the Armory and were approved by the National Guard. There will be a multi-phase approach to the landscape renovation with the first phase consisting of planting two Kousa dogwood and one white red bud tree. The second phase will include new plantings along the entrance walkway placed this Fall. A small group of community members raised the funds for the recommended plantings being supplied with a generous contribution by Weston Nurseries, in Hingham. Additionally, LawnPro of S. Weymouth offered to fertilize the lawn at no charge.
Mr. Boer was also touched by the response of the Hingham High School Rowing Association. Members of the team were quick to show their support for this effort and volunteered to dig the holes and plant the 300-500-pound trees. Community service is an important HHSRA team value and there is exceptional encouragement and support for teammates and classmates entering the service, especially Midshipmen JT Jermyn (USNA 2022), Midshipman Reed Schilb (USNA 2023) and Claire Schnorr (entering USNA this June, Class 2024). “It is an honor to be asked to help with this project that hopefully brings a bit of joy to those who do so many quiet acts of service for us,” notes Claire Schnorr.
Mr. Boer is inspired by the community support for this endeavor, “This effort was a great reminder to me that during a time that limits our ability to act or work in many ways desired, we are still able to perform small acts of kindness that make a difference. Often small acts by few can make a significant impact on many.”