Local Leaders Support Furloughed Employees

(Robert Fowkes from Rep. Stephen Lynch’s office; Rep. Joan Meschino from Hull; Sen. Patrick O’Connor; and Hull Selectman Jennifer Constable)

January 30, 2019 By Carol Britton Meyer

Leaders from around the South Shore gathered together with dozens of volunteers at Hingham Community Center on Sunday, Jan. 27,  to show their appreciation for workers affected by the government shutdown.  While the furlough was declared “over” on Jan. 25, the government is funded only until Feb. 15.

(Stan Blackmur and Hingham Selectman Paul Healey)

Many local leaders, including Rep. Joan Meschino of Hull, Senator Patrick O’Connor of Weymouth, Hull Selectman Jennifer Constable, Hingham Selectman Paul Healey, and Robert Fowkes from Representative Stephen Lynch’s office attended the event and stressed their concern for the government workers moving forward.

The intent was to gather local service providers such as Wellspring Multi- Service Center, the Hingham Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Weymouth Food Pantry to discuss what resources are available in the community on an ongoing basis for those affected by the shutdown as well as other individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.  Keith Jermyn, Hingham’s Director of Veterans’ Services, was also on hand to detail resources that may be available to furloughed workers during this uncertain time.

(Left to right, Hingham Veterans’ Services Officer Keith Jermyn and his wife, Lisa; event organizer Diane DeNapoli; and School Committee member Carlos DaSilva and his wife, Rita.)

As the organizer of the event, Hingham resident Diane DeNapoli expressed appreciation for Mary Ann Blackmur, Executive Director of the Hingham Community Center, for “opening its doors to host this wonderful event”and also for the Greenside Grille and Hingham Institution for Savings, Sadie Mae’s, Trader Joe’s, Big Y, The Fresh Market, The Fruit Center, and countless other donors for supporting this effort.

Individuals in need of assistance in the Hingham area are encouraged to contact the following organizations: Hingham Interfaith Food Pantry (781) 740-8180, Wellspring Multi-Service Center (781) 925-3211, Project Bread (617) 723-5000, or South Shore Community Action Council, Inc. (508) 746-6707.