March 25, 2020 by Hilary Jenison (photo above of Nancy and John Thomas by Irish Eyes Photography)
John Thomas, a long-time Hingham resident who lives on Stoddard Road, turned 80 yesterday and local neighbors wanted to make sure it was a birthday he’ll never forget.
John and Nancy Thomas listen to neighbors sing Happy Birthday.
Everyone on the street went out to their front lawn with handmade birthday signs in hand to sing “Happy Birthday” to John Thomas at 10:00am.
A neighbor plays Happy Birthday on her ukulele for John Thomas.
Neighbor, Teri Howard shared with the Anchor, “We wanted to celebrate this special milestone birthday for this beyond special man. John has lived in Hingham ‘forever’ and takes such joy in sharing stories of older times, like when cows ‘roamed down Stoddard’ when he was just a boy.”
The Kelley Family shares their Happy Birthday sign!
Howard continued, “He is the first neighbor to wave and the first neighbor to help, and we can’t imagine our neighborhood without him- he is our rock!"
Irish Eyes Photography captures the Thomas' as part of her "Front Steps Project" - a gift from the neighborhood.
As part of the surprise neighbors reached out to Kerry Railey, local photographer and owner of Irish Eyes Photography in Downtown Hingham, to capture John and Nancy Thomas as part of the “Front Steps Project.”
The Columbus Family takes part in the Front Steps Project. Photo courtesy of Irish Eyes Photography.
The Front Steps Project was started by Cara Soulia, a photographer in Needham, as a way to capture the joy that is happening at home during these unprecedented times and a way to give back to local communities. She asked other photographers to join her mission and Kerry Railey jumped at the opportunity to bring it to local residents on the South Shore.
The Anderson Family on their front steps. Photo courtesy of Irish Eyes Photography.
Kerry is currently offering the sessions for families in Hingham, Weymouth and Cohasset. Donations for each session will help fund the Hingham and Weymouth Food pantries. You can learn more about Kerry’s “Front Steps Project” and sign-up by visiting the link below:
Our hearts are so warm from all of these positive community stories! Keep them coming, Hingham.
And, a big Happy Birthday to John Thomas from the Anchor.
Thank you Kerry for helping us to celebrate as well! Easy to do, a great cause and smiling faces:)