SWAMPSCOTT — The Select Board honored resident and former member Donald Hause, who has been battling cancer for the past decade, for his service to the town.
Hause’s experience includes 12 years as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, before being elected to the Select Board in 2016. In 2022, he decided not to seek re-election.
Board member David Grishman shared a personal story about how Hause once requested Grishman purchase a rare type of beverage for the pair to enjoy together.
“The cashier looks at me like I had 12 heads and tells me I’m looking for a unicorn,” Grishman said. “Everything happens for a reason, perhaps the comment from the cashier was telling me something: Don (Hause) is a unicorn… truly a unicorn with nearly 20 years of service to our town.”
He added that Hause served as a mentor when Grishman first joined the Board. Grishman expressed admiration for Hause’s dedication for remaining to serve on the Board despite his health challenges.
“Please know, your work mattered,” Grishman said to Hause.
The Board then presented a citation for Hause that highlighted his accomplishments while serving Swampscott, such as maintaining five years of consistent tax rates, support for the new elementary school, and acquisition of numerous town properties to preserve open space.
Hause spoke about how being celebrated for his work is especially meaningful to him, as he said he never desired or ultimately expected it when he first decided to be a part of town politics.
“It’s been 10 years that I’ve been able to fight this and still continue to persevere,” Hause said regarding his cancer. “It is a fascinating view into people, and friendships, and self-efficacy, and looking in the mirror.”
Hause’s long-time friend and Nahant resident Dan Dill recounted how they became friends when Dill owned Tides restaurant, and Hause was a frequent customer.
Dill presented Hause with letters of recognition from the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives.
