What if you were told you could acquire a priceless collection? This would not be a collection of things like coins, cards, or antiques, but a collection of human abilities and ideas from some of the brightest local people in your community that evoke, inspire, and motivate. This collection would be compiled in a beautiful package and delivered to your mailbox or door. Anyone would likely be thrilled at such a prospect but this is the reality of anyone who obtains an issue of Artypants Magazine.
Founder and Editorial Director, Maryann Gibbons, is a lot like her magazine -a creative powerhouse with a varied, meaningful collection of experiences and stories gathered into one person. In addition to her position with the magazine, Gibbons is a Marketing Director for a biotech company, but she started as a social worker for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. “The career of case management and triage required me to don many hats -too many hats. I found myself burned out,” Gibbons explains. In an attempt to remedy her exhaustion and facilitate healing Gibbon’s turned to plants.
Never one short on entrepreneurial spirit, Gibbons turned her adoration for plants, specifically houseplants, into a business. When she wasn’t busy establishing a 501c3 to found the Kingston Farmers Market, she focused on building her dream shop. “I was learning about merchandising, mailing lists, clients, and anything to do with running a small business in addition to learning and sharing about plants,” says Gibbons. Named after her two daughters frequently featured hairstyles shared alongside plants on her Instagram account, Plants and Ponytails was established.
Gibbons nurtured a growing following and had success at the Kingston Farmers Market which gave way to two pop up shops -one in the Derby Street Shops in Hingham. With her expertise in plants meeting the fine art of pottery, Gibbons developed a unique aesthetic and her business gained enough momentum to establish a brick-and-mortar shop in Merchants Row in Hanover. In the wake of Covid, however, Gibbons decided to close Plants and Ponytails. What could have been viewed as a defeat was seen by Gibbons as a crucial stepping stone in embarking on her next creative adventure. Plants and Ponytails was not merely a plant shop, it was a thriving community. Gibbons reflects, “I found the checkout register became a special place -a place where people opened up to me about their ideas and visions. It almost felt like a confessional for creative minds to share and connect. I kept in touch with many of these people and vital, meaningful connections were made.” Plants and Ponytails planted the seed and energy and community grew -eventually becoming the foundation on which Gibbons would build her next dream.
While waiting at a Cambridge café for her coffee, Gibbons looked around and noticed everyone on their phones. “I looked around and wished I had seen people reading something tangible, Gibbons recalls, “and I realized it would need to be bright yellow to distract them from their phones.” She then thought of paper dolls and their cut-out pants and how anyone could “put on their arty pants” and create -thus the name Artypants came about. This coffee shop “aha!” moment immediately gained traction and Gibbons contacted Portland designer, Chandlyr Kay, who previously collaborated with Gibbons for Plants and Ponytails by making yellow banana pots for plants. Gibbons knew Kay’s style would be the perfect, funky, editorial vibe she wanted for the magazine so she brought her on as Brand Director.
With a design and purpose firmly established Gibbons began the process of turning an idea into a physical product. “I went to Webster Printing in Hanson and got samples of paper,” says Gibbons, “I wanted to feel the weight and texture of it. I went home, blindfolded my family at dinner, and asked what papers they felt and liked the best.” Once uniquely sturdy paper was selected Gibbons decided to use what is called “perfect binding” rather than “saddle stitch” binding. Although the widely used saddle stitch is ideal for print and magazines to lay flat, perfect binding is a better option for longer, durable products that have a more permanent purpose. This was an intentional choice as Gibbons wanted Artypants to be a collected and treasured item much like a beloved book rather than a magazine that heads to the recycling bin after reading. “It would feel like throwing away a book. I wanted Artypants to invite the reader back for more after the initial read.” The final design resulted in a striking 7×10, 48pp print project in a bright yellow jacket, inspired by magazine stacks of the past, that felt more paperback book than mass produced magazine. Inside featured the very first collection of artists and creatives sharing their passion and brilliance in what Gibbons describes as, “A paper portal that transports your mind, senses, and spirit to a place your soul already knows.”
Now that Artypants was taking shape, Gibbons needed content. Luckily, the community of artists she discovered through Plants and Ponytails, as well as her increasing interest and involvement in local art shows and galleries, provided the ideal curation of like-minded individuals to initiate the mission of the magazine: Highlighting New England creatives. One of the biggest challenges with the first issue of Artypants was not the creation of content or the design and printing process. “The trick was in convincing people it was a real magazine -a real product to be bought,” Gibbons explains, “I had no physical proof yet so people were buying my idea and trusting that I would compensate their trust with something real.” Gibbons persevered and through her virtual collaboration and partnership with Kay, as well as her innate ability to find solutions and connect, she was able to promote Artypants enough to print the first issue, “Artypants 01” in November of 2023. As is common in the world of local print, the process and work do not stop even for a moment. Gibbons and Kay got to work on a second issue titled, “Summer Places” that was released in June of 2024. For this issue, however, Gibbons did not have to recruit all the contributors. This time she had artists and creatives approach her to be included in the magazine.
With the second issue Gibbons wanted to provide an opportunity for contributors to connect in person, so she created a speed networking event where instead of meeting someone for a few minutes as a date, they were artists meeting to exchange ideas and information with each other. “Artists often create in solitude and I wanted to give them a chance to share their ideas with other artists,” says Gibbons. Gibbons is not only committed to keeping artists connected, she is committed to supporting them and assisting in any way she can to help them make a living from what they do. Gibbons recently collaborated with Frame Center to provide a showcase for contributors featured in the third issue of Artypants, “Labyrinth”. “The artists got 80% of the profit if their art sold at the show,” says Gibbons. With many artists having to dedicate most of their time and energy to jobs or careers that do not allow them to work in their art form, Gibbons wants to provide a chance for them to spend more time creating. “I want to help put gas in their tanks,” Gibbons states, “It is amazing to know what a difference you can make for an artist in purchasing even just one of their pieces. Not only are you validating their expression, you are possibly paying their rent for the month.”
With Gibbons and Kay’s released third issue of Artypants they found they had more creative content offered up than they could include in one issue. “We actually had to turn some people away until a later time because we did not have room,” says Gibbons. With 41 contributing artists in “Labyrinth” and the support of 19 partnerships and wholesale businesses, Artypants is well on its way to becoming what Gibbons hopes will spread past the South Shore to become a multi-regional, New England magazine with each region having their own Artypants featuring their specific community creatives and artists. Gibbons is learning to navigate all that is required to make this a reality. “I find about 70% of my time is spent working to get the cost of publishing and distributing Artypants covered.” Gibbons, however, is up to the challenge. “I hope to democratize art – to take away the snootiness of it and help people realize that art is for everyone. I want to reinvigorate print, amplify creatives, and inspire creativity in the readers.” With Gibbons as the curator for Artypants, creativity on the South Shore is in good and capable hands and it will be a privilege to see the local beauty and authenticity she collects and shares with all of us along the way.
For more information on how to apply to be featured in Artypants Magazine is to join our newsletter, to know when submissions are open and what the next theme will be. Artypants also needs writers and photographers. Please email hello@artypantsmagazine.com for subscription information.
Seniors at Stoughton Adult Day Health Complete Digital Literacy Course
STOUGHTON, MA… Nine older adults at Stoughton Adult Day Health recently celebrated completing a six-week basic computer skills course through the “Traveling Computer Lab – Digital Literacy for Older Adults” program. Offered by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the program aims to bridge the digital divide and equip seniors with essential technology skills for greater confidence and independence.
The digital literacy course, tailored specifically for adults aged 60 and older, provides in-person, hands-on instruction with the goal of enhancing independence, social connectivity, and access to vital online resources. Over the span of six weeks, participants attended a total of eight engaging sessions held at their familiar community setting.
During the course, the group gained confidence using laptops. Core topics covered the basics of computer use, along with using Microsoft Windows to improve typing skills and learning how to navigate the internet.
“The class was really helpful—most older adults were hesitant to use computers before, but they feel more comfortable now,” said Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager at OCES.
The Traveling Computer Lab is a mobile program that rotates monthly to new sites across the region, bringing digital literacy training directly to older adults in Councils on Aging, senior centers, and housing communities. By providing all necessary equipment, including laptops, Wi-Fi, and printed materials. The program removes common barriers to access and ensures participants receive personalized, step-by-step guidance at their own pace.
Through this initiative, OCES is not only teaching older adults how to use technology, but also fostering greater confidence, social connection, and safety in the digital world.
For more information about the Traveling Computer Lab or other services offered by OCES, visit ocesma.org or call (508) 584-1561.
Plympton Selectmen Question $60,000 Historic Door Project
The Plympton Board of Selectmen spent significant time at their August 18 meeting debating a Community Preservation Committee-approved project to replace the front entrance doors at the town house facing Palmer Road. The $60,000 project, already approved by both the CPC and town meeting, would replace deteriorating doors that are currently bolted shut due to weatherproofing issues.
Board Chair Dana Smith raised concerns about the expense, noting that the doors would serve no functional purpose since the building has two ADA-accessible entrances on either side. “It just seems to be a very steep price tag,” Smith said. “It’s still a door that’s not going to be utilized in this building.”
Fellow Selectman and CPC Chair Mark Russo defended the project, explaining that it represents historic preservation work that qualifies for Community Preservation Act funding. “This project was seen as the first step on much, much more that will have to be done up front,” Russo said. He emphasized the thorough vetting process, noting the project went through multiple meetings before town meeting approval.
The debate revealed tension between fiscal concerns and established municipal processes. Selectman Nathaniel Sides supported continuing the project despite cost concerns, stating, “I think the process was there. It was followed. It was followed to the T.” However, he suggested looking for ways to reduce costs by 20%.
Residents Art Morin and Deb Anderson participated in discussion about the town house door project. Morin suggested using Silver Lake vocational students to reduce costs, while Anderson defended the CPC process and emphasized that structural repairs justify the expense. Both highlighted the importance of fiscal responsibility while maintaining historic preservation standards.
Morin’s suggestion involving Silver Lake Regional High School’s vocational program gained support from other board members. “The vocational department has built houses from Metal Fab,” said Highway Superintendent Robert Firlotte, who attended the vocational school. “If you have an architect design it, they can do it.”
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy clarified that most of the project cost involves structural repairs around the doors rather than just door replacement. The doors are currently causing maintenance issues, with the custodian having to repeatedly clean up falling plaster and deal with plastic weatherproofing that blows down.
The board ultimately voted 2-1 to ask the Town Properties Committee to revisit the project “in a more fiscally responsible way and looking at things to be done outside the box.” Russo cast the dissenting vote, expressing concerns about setting a “horrible precedent” by second-guessing approved CPA projects.
In other significant business, the Highway Department received approval for a comprehensive update from Superintendent Robert Firlotte. The department finalized a new waste management contract with an 8% increase after initially rejecting a much higher proposal. Firlotte reported that Waste Management had initially sent “the wrong contract” with “huge” increases before providing acceptable terms.
The board also addressed several infrastructure projects, including catch basin replacement on Colchester Road and culvert work on Winnetuxet Road. Furlong reported that the department’s flail mower was totaled in an accident, with insurance providing $17,000 toward a $40,000 replacement.
Sides, recently elected after serving on the Finance Committee, expressed frustration with the annual line item transfer process. The board approved $139,683 in year-end transfers, with Sides noting that some departments exceeded their budgets by 6-8%. “That didn’t happen overnight,” he said, requesting quarterly budget updates to avoid surprises.
Looking ahead, Dennehy reported that Animal Inspector Brian Kling will retire in January 2026, giving the town time to find a replacement for the specialized position. She also announced completion of the town’s MBTA zoning compliance application and ongoing work to upgrade the municipal website to be mobile-friendly.
Halifax Board of Selectmen Select Blair Crane as New Town Administrator
The Halifax Board of Selectmen voted unanimously August 18 to offer the town administrator position to Blair Crane, current Public Works Director in Norfolk, following interviews with two finalists selected from an initial pool of 20 candidates.
The appointment is contingent upon successful contract negotiations and background checks. Crane, who has served as Norfolk’s Public Works Director for more than six years, would be a first-time town administrator.
“I believe that every town has its challenges,” Crane said during his interview. “I think that society, not just in Halifax, but probably most towns within the Commonwealth, are feeling the pressure of budgetary constraints.”
The selection comes as Halifax faces significant financial pressures, with five union contracts requiring negotiation within the next year and potential discussion of a Proposition 2½ override. The town operates on a $21 million budget.
Board Chair Jonathan Selig described the upcoming period as particularly challenging. “I think the next year or so is going to be challenging,” he said. “Just with a couple things that are coming down the pike, like most communities in this area, we’re under an extreme budget crunch where there’s talk of possibly a two and a half override.”
Community Paradigm Associates consultant Bernie Lynch, who managed the search process, explained the competitive market for municipal administrators. “For some years now, the market for town administrators, town managers, has become very, very competitive in terms of the supply of people for these positions is not as great as the demand for the positions,” Lynch said.
The search began with 20 interested candidates, but several withdrew during the process. Three candidates obtained other positions, and six were deemed to lack sufficient municipal government experience. The screening committee ultimately interviewed three candidates before recommending two finalists to the Board of Selectmen.
Crane manages a $50 million budget in Norfolk and oversees nine divisions with 18 to 25 employees. He holds certification as a Municipal Chief Procurement Officer (MCPPO) after completing the program following a procurement issue in Norfolk that resulted in questions from the state Attorney General’s office.
“That was part of the reason why I went through the MCPPO certification course, to do that and to learn from it,” Crane explained. “But there was beyond them asking a lot of questions, there was never any fines or any sort of ramifications from that other than for all intents and purposes, this is a learning curve here.”
The new administrator will face immediate challenges beyond budget negotiations. Halifax currently is not in compliance with MBTA zoning requirements, which limits the town’s eligibility for certain state grants. The town is involved in litigation with the state over the issue.
“We’re currently in litigation with the state, so we’re waiting on a decision,” Selig told Crane during the interview. “And once that comes, we’ll deal with it.”
Crane acknowledged the grant funding challenge but suggested exploring private sector partnerships as potential alternatives. He also emphasized his experience with grant applications, noting he received a $146,000 grant from the Department of Ecological Restoration for a bridge culvert project in Norfolk on the morning of his Halifax interview.
The Town Administrator position requires extensive availability beyond normal business hours. Halifax’s administrator typically attends evening meetings for various boards and committees, including the Finance Committee, Conservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
“My average for the past six years has been about 47 and a half hours, 48 hours a week, although I’m paid for 40,” Crane said. “If I have one downfall, it’s probably that I’m a bit of a workaholic.”
Crane described his leadership philosophy as collaborative, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with both board members and town employees. “The Town Administrator, in my opinion, first and foremost, is to bring everybody together,” he said. “No one person is going to do everything.”
His background includes military service in the Air Force and experience as an EMT. He previously worked in Cheshire in the Berkshires, where he served on the master plan implementation committee as Chair while working as Public Works Director.
The second finalist was Rana Mana-Doerfer, Assistant Finance Director and Director of Procurement in Dedham, who has seven years of public service experience. Board members praised both candidates’ qualifications during their deliberations.
“I thought both candidates were very strong again kudos to the subcommittee the screening committee for delivering two very solid candidates,” Selig said.
Board member Tom Pratt noted the difficulty of the decision. I really could go either way and saying that I think both of them would bring something to the town,” he said.
The board will meet in executive session at a future meeting to establish contract terms before beginning negotiations with Crane.
Lynch noted that municipal administrator turnover has increased significantly across Massachusetts. “Roughly 80%, maybe a little bit higher, of the communities in Massachusetts have changed their administrators and their managers over the last five or so years,” he said.
The board emphasized the importance of finding someone committed to staying in Halifax long-term. “I’d like for someone to choose this to be their spot as well to lead us and work with us,” Pratt said.
Crane expressed his commitment to the position, noting Halifax was the only community where he applied. “I believe to throw it out there for something you really believe in,” he said. “I think this is a great community and would like the opportunity.”
Exploring the Great Beyond
The sun moves at an unnatural speed across the daytime sky, sinking into a curved horizon and giving way to a night so clear and vivid that everyone around, yourself included, oohs and aahs. Moments later you are soaring in deep space, speeding past planets, careening towards nebulas, and a black hole comes into view. You can’t help feeling infinitesimal and helpless floating through the cosmos. Then, dim lights come on. You sit upright from leaning back in your chair and adjust to the reality that you have not just returned to earth from an exciting mission in space. You are at the Blake Planetarium in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
“We want you to have a butterflies-in-your-belly, sensory-immersive experience here,” says Alison Riordan, Administrator Program Coordinator for the Plymouth Public School District and Director of OpenSciEd Massachusetts. Providing the community with unforgettable learning experiences has been part of the legacy of the Blake Planetarium for over fifty years. Original to the 1973 building now housing Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) the Blake Planetarium has been a hub of cosmic and science learning even when the equipment was much simpler. PCIS was built amidst the years of the cultural phenomenon known as the Space Race and its unique construction includes “branches” that connect to a central point. The branches are named after the space programs Mercury, Gemini, Ranger, and Apollo. The cafeteria, library, and planetarium are located in the central meeting point of these branches.
The “star” of the planetarium in those days was the Spitz projector -a disco ball shaped orb with lenses and mirrors that had to be hand screwed and placed to project the stars onto the domed ceiling. “It would have lasted 700 years,” jokes Riordan, “But the problem was that you could only present things from one point of view -from earth looking up into space. You couldn’t go ‘up into’ space and it limited what we could explore in terms of learning experiences. It limited perspective. Still, we were lucky to have the old Spitz for as long as we did.”
Former Planetarium Director, Russell Blake, started the planetarium program in 1973. Back then PCIS was called Plymouth Carver Intermediate School. Blake taught astronomy and science supporting grades K-12 within the Plymouth School District and surrounding towns. Blake also taught Celestial Navigation, helped run astronomy clubs, and assisted numerous students in organizing field trips and astronomy outreach programs. Blake used the planetarium to give audiences “space rides” in which the participants reclined in their seats while he projected the ‘stars’ on the domed ceiling by spinning the Spitz projector in all directions to give the feeling of flying through space. When Blake retired in 2008 Plymouth Public School District honored him by naming the planetarium after him.
Following Blake’s retirement, talk of grants began with a hope to upgrade the Spitz projector to a fully digital projector. The proposal was made and at a town meeting in 2016 the project was approved by way of the capital improvement budget. In order to make the projected images on the new digital system properly fit the unique shape and curve of the Blake Planetariums ceiling, however, two computers run dual images while a third one corrects the overlapping images to synchronize them and create a seamless finish to the viewer. The planetarium also had to remove the old Spitz projector from its place in the center of the room. “A large space in the center of the planetarium was left once the Spitz was removed so seats were added to take the seating from 60 seats to 72,” Riordan explains, “Now we have the only 4K full-dome planetarium south of Boston and we use the same system as the Science Museum in Boston.”
Having a state-of-the-art planetarium in Plymouth does not go unnoticed by the community. With a range of programs, from workshops teaching how to navigate the local night sky to being a destination for school field trips, the Blake Planetarium has become the learning resource it was intended to be. The planetarium is now run by a team of experts including Steven Davies, Karen Merrill, Paul Bonfilio, and Riordan. With a background in biology, neuroscience, astronomy, and teaching middle and high school, Riordan’s inclusion in the planetarium was unintentional though natural. “I went to Boston to do research on how to improve the Blake and was blown away by how they use the planetarium there. It was so much more than space.” Riordan goes on to explain that with the digital projector they can use it for multiple points of view of space exploration but also for things like programs about weather, earth sciences, and even mediation. Together the Blake Planetarium team offers the public an array of programs such as First Friday’s at Blake -their most popular public program that sells out nearly every time. First Friday’s was created by Davies -a former science teacher in Carver who has substantial knowledge of and a deep passion for astronomy. Davies wanted to make a program from the point of view of looking up from earth at the stars. This perspective is easier for children to navigate and understand in terms of their current location.
In addition to First Friday’s at Blake, the planetarium hosts 30 other programs including school field trips, private rentals, monthly programs, and summer programs. Groups like the Scouts and other community organizations can contact Riordan about scheduling a program. At the heart of the community outreach, Riordan says the Blake Planetarium’s goal remains the same: To give every student in the Plymouth Public School District a chance to experience the planetarium at least once. Students who attend the Blake can obviously enjoy programs about space but also things like Earth Science, dinosaurs, life and physical sciences -even programs featuring beloved childhood characters such as Big Bird and The Magic Treehouses’ Jack and Annie.
In order to acquire this incredible array of resources for the community, a great deal of behind-the-scenes work goes into securing licensing for said programs. Riordan says a large portion of the time and budget allocated for the planetarium goes toward purchasing and renting planetarium programming. Another part of the budget for the Blake Planetarium is used to provide bus transportation for all field trip attendees to and from the venue. “What we do is astounding for kids. We want them to get here, to experience learning like this,” Riordan says, “Our biggest customers, however, are the preschoolers!” Riordan points out that the planetarium offers a truly unique experience for the senses. “It takes what kids often have in their hands (phones) and makes it immersive. It’s an IMAX experience -a sensory directional presentation that entirely immerses the viewer. Knowledge presented like that is something you take home with you and remember.” Riordan also brings up another advantage of studying the night sky in a planetarium: “No light pollution,” she says, “Plymouth is drowning in it and it dulls the visibility of the stars substantially. At the Blake we can omit all of that in addition to giving you a lesson on what you are looking at.”
The fact that the Blake Planetarium is only a quick commute away from many in the area is a privilege not to be overlooked. Many have come to experience the magic of learning about the cosmos and our world under its domed ceiling. “We have approximately 8,000 people a year come to the planetarium,” Riordan states, “We can always welcome more.” Davies goals for every person who comes to the Blake align with Riordan’s. “I want to give them a feel for where they are in the universe. We are star stuff -to quote Carl Sagan. We are the universe experiencing the universe. It is lifelong learning that happens here.”
So the next time you are looking for a meaningful experience that can take you and your family and friends to the Andromeda Galaxy, or to a volcanoes edge just before it erupts, or down to a molecular level inside the human body, or just to learn how to find the Libra Constellation without any light pollution or lengthy travel involved and at a low cost, pay a visit to the Blake Planetarium. There, universes big and small can be explored and you just might find yourself renewed with wonder. Perhaps some younger patrons who visit the Blake will one day nurture what they first felt at the planetarium and take it with them on a real journey into space, but for now it can all be found down the road at a local school in Plymouth, Massachusetts with a touch of the cosmos at its center.
4-H Plympton’s Lucky Four Livestock to Show Again at Marshfield Fair
The Lucky Four Livestock based in Plympton at Revival Farm is excited to be at the Marshfield Fair again this summer. With sixteen sheep and four piglets at the fair, our club members spend the 10 days caring for their animals and sharing information with the general public. The piglets at only five weeks of age have been a big hit with many people asking if they could take them home for pets.
As Molly Quinn, age 15 of Middleboro explains “these pigs are meat breeds and unless you would enjoy having a 600lb pig as a pet, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”
Molly is just one of over a dozen 4-H youth that are part of the Lucky Four Livestock club. The members are from a number of local towns including Whitman, Halifax, Plymouth and Duxbury.
Many of the club members participated in the first sheep show which took place on day one. Lindel Tucker , age 16 of Duxbury, took the top prize in both showmanship and fitting.
“This was the first time I got to show my sheep Denali and we did awesome together. He is a really special lamb”
Some of the 4-H youth look forward to the fair all year. Two of the Lucky Four Livestock members live in California and only get to participate in 4-H when they spend their summer in Massachusetts. Katherine, age 7 was recently asked by the Duxbury Mariner what she was looking forward to this summer and she said “showing her sheep at the Marshfield Fair.”
None of this would be possible without the generosity of Justin and Kathryn Shepard of Revival Farm which lease their farm to the group. Lucky Four Livestock really appreciate the opportunity that they have in Plympton and they look forward to other adopted hometowns proud! The next sheep show takes place on Friday, August 22 at 4 p.m.
Halifax loses grant due to MBTA Communities Non-Compliance
Halifax has lost a $61,608 Green Communities grant due to its non-compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, marking the first confirmed financial penalty the town faced for refusing to adopt required multifamily zoning, after redirecting a prior Silver Lake Regionalization Study grant to Kingston.
The Department of Energy Resources notified Interim Town Administrator Robert Fennessy that while Halifax was selected to receive the grant for energy efficiency projects in municipal and school buildings, the funds cannot be awarded due to the town’s non-compliant status under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A, Section 3A.
“Awards under this program are contingent upon a municipality being able to certify that it will comply with all applicable laws,” the department wrote in a letter to Fennessy. “To be eligible to receive awards under the Green Communities Competitive Grant Program, the town would need to remediate this noncompliance.”
The grant rejection comes as the state intensifies enforcement of the MBTA Communities Act. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities sent Halifax a formal non-compliance letter stating the town failed to submit a district compliance application by the July 14 deadline.
“Halifax remains non-compliant with Section 3A,” wrote Secretary Edward Augustus Jr. in the letter, which was copied to the town’s state legislative delegation. “As the Supreme Judicial Court held in Attorney General v. Town of Milton, compliance with the law is mandatory and enforceable by the Attorney General.”
Board of Selectmen Chair Jonathan Selig acknowledged the financial consequences were expected but said the town remains committed to its position.
“The town spoke. The Board of Selectmen is clear. We got the message loud and clear,” Selig said, referring to strong community opposition expressed at previous meetings. “We did warn the community that this is a distinct reality. It wasn’t a scare tactic. We just wanted to give those folks some foresight as to what was coming.”
Selectman Thomas Pratt called the grant loss “a formality” and said it came as “no surprise.”
“We kind of knew that’s where we were. We had some choices to make to get an interim compliance and we declined to do so,” Pratt said.
The town continues pursuing legal challenges to the MBTA Communities Act. Fennessy testified before the state legislature in July supporting three bills authored by Representative Ken Sweezey that would modify or repeal the act, though the bills have not advanced from committee.
Fennessy warned that more grant rejections may follow, noting that many applications now include compliance check boxes at the top.
“Unfortunately they know our status right now,” Selig said about the state’s awareness of Halifax’s position.
The MBTA Communities Act requires certain municipalities to create zoning districts allowing multifamily housing as-of-right. Halifax was required to zone for at least 1,750 new housing units but has refused to comply, joining a small number of communities statewide in active resistance to the law.
In other business, the board approved an Eagle Scout project by Paul Beauchesne to refurbish dugouts at the town’s minor baseball fields. The project will include cleaning, repairing, and painting the concrete dugouts, which Selig described as “lovingly referred to as the prison dugouts.”
“Those dugouts are really, really snug and really, really needing some TLC,” Selig said. The $500 project is expected to take about a week to complete.
The board also received an update on a veterans memorial honoring Josh Curtis, a Halifax resident who died in 2025. Veterans of Foreign Wars representative David Walsh said the polished granite bench is expected to arrive by late August or early September, with dedication planned for Veterans Day at 11 a.m.
“On the back it will say Joshua Aaron Curtis. Straight across. 1986 to 2025. Hero in combat. Hero in life,” Walsh said.
The board delayed action on a three-year asphalt rubber surface treatment contract with All States Construction after resident Frank Johnston questioned the lack of a not-to-exceed value in the agreement. The contract establishes unit prices for road work but does not cap total spending.
“I’ve never signed an open contract with no dollar value attached,” Johnston said. “It’s called a not-to-exceed and NTE attached to that contract.”
Board members agreed to table the matter until Highway Superintendent Steve Hayward can provide clarification at the next meeting.
The town received positive financial news with $555,544 in Chapter 90 highway funds from the state, including a supplemental allocation. Halifax also received the first payment of $93,655 from a PFAS lawsuit settlement with 3M, with additional payments expected over several years.
Fennessy said the PFAS settlement money, which could total around $400,000 for Halifax, will likely support ongoing landfill monitoring and maintenance costs.
The board approved library staffing arrangements for when Director Dylan Benoit takes paternity leave in late September. Maria Bumpus will serve as acting director at her previous interim rate, while Jean Gallant will provide substitute coverage at $18.88 per hour.
Halifax continues operating with an Interim Town Administrator while conducting a search for a permanent Town Administrator. Fennessy, who completed his first month in the role, praised the town staff and said he is “very excited to work here with these people.”
Local West Nile Virus Threat in Addition to EEE
On August 13th the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples in Plymouth and several other surrounding cities and towns. West Nile Virus is most often transmitted to humans via infected mosquitoes. West Nile Virus can affect people of all ages but people over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for severe infection. This news follows the announcement of positive mosquito samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Halifax. So far 168 local mosquito samples have been positive for West Nile Virus. 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus do not show any symptoms. About one in five people develop a fever with symptoms such as headache, body aches, gastrointestinal issues, joint pains, or a rash, according to the CDC. About one in 150 people who are infected will develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. It is strongly advised to wear mosquito repellent when outdoors containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus and to avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk and to eliminate standing water in your yard.
Plympton CPC grant application period is Sept. 1 through Oct. 15
PLYMPTON – The Plympton Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is currently accepting applications for fiscal year 2027 funding. The deadline for completed applications is October 15.
Recent projects include clapboard painting and window restoration and replacement at the “Old Town House”; repair and restoration of Town Green gazebo; creation of the 150-acre “Two Brooks Preserve” off Prospect Road; funding for improvements to the playground at the Dennett Elementary School; and the purchase and preservation of almost 300 acres known as Turkey Swamp.
The CPC takes very seriously its responsibility to administer Community Preservation Act funds and is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve and improve the town through acquisition and protection of open space, historical preservation, community housing and increased recreational opportunities.
New projects selected by the CPC for further consideration will be voted on for approval at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
Project guidelines and applications can be found on the Plympton town website at https://www.town.plympton. ma.us/community-preservationcommittee. Click on “Documents” at the left hand side of the web page to bring up the Plympton Community Preservation Plan which includes the application and criteria.
The CPC Plan and application are also available at the Town House and at the Plympton Public Library.
Questions can be addressed by contacting CPC Chair Alan Wheelock at
alan.wheelock10@gmail.com.
Rocking Horse Farm stepping high
If you happen to be driving along Palmer Road near the edge of Plympton, you may notice tucked among the quaint farm stands and antique houses, an idyllic-looking farm with a sign that easily hints at the name: Rocking Horse Farm. Always tidy and seasonally dressed with cheerful blooms in planters or pumpkins and mums tucked in every corner, Rocking Horse Farm is the epitome of countryside charm. Goats laze on wooden spool tables, two resident canines run about, toys in mouth, looking for someone to play fetch with. There are picnic tables, gardens, and white wooden fences, but what really makes this place special is what goes on inside the barn, stables, and arena: children and adults learning the beautiful sport of horseback riding.
Rocking Horse Farm was started in 1983 by Lillian Gilpin. Her parents, Paul and Dorothy Gilpin, purchased the land for their daughter immediately following high school so she could embark on her dream of running a barn. It began as a small garage and chicken coop and has grown into a 28-stall barn with a thriving teaching program. The program is now run by Katie Alemian Flannery, Gilpin’s niece. Flannery’s love for and involvement with horses began early in her life. “I began riding as soon as I could walk. My mom and dad were very involved with the horses when I was born. Once I started showing, my father took a back seat and let my mom and I continue to show.”
Flannery’s natural talent in the sport was nurtured as she spent nearly every day of her childhood on the farm where she quickly became one of the top students. She began to show at local shows such as Briggs in Hanover and at the South Shore Horsemen’s Council. Flannery then began to compete in leadline and walk trot classes at larger shows in the New England area. Gilpin was there for her niece every step of the way. “Lillian coached me throughout my junior exhibitor career, guiding me through new horses and new challenges almost always!” Flannery recounts. She then went on to compete at the Worlds Championship Horseshow in Kentucky multiple times and always came home with ribbons.
Showing and riding for fun were just the beginning for Flannery. She left Rocking Horse Farm to attend William Woods University in Missouri where she majored in Equestrian Science. Flannery worked with many top trainers during her academic years and loved it so much that she only came home for Christmas breaks. Although she enjoyed school in the South, she knew she wasn’t meant to stay there. “As much as I loved the South, I really missed New England and wanted to come home after school.” Flannery moved back and worked with Gilpin for several more years until she took over the business in 2019 -right before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. “This was so hard for me just staying on my own and many show clients moved when she (Gilpin) retired but my lesson program was what kept me going.” Flannery’s resourceful nature helped keep the barn afloat. She asked her students for continued financial support in lieu of tuition during lockdown. “Even though lessons couldn’t happen, horses still cost as much to care for,” she said. Once people were comfortable holding activities again, many found horseback riding and being outdoors cathartic and thus the barn recovered from this setback.
In keeping a barn and lesson program intact, in spite of such a huge disruption as a pandemic, Flannery has managed to take the business from surviving to flourishing. Being one of the only Saddle Seat barns on the South Shore, Rocking Horse Farm specializes in American Saddlebreds, horses known for their high stepping gait and powerful front action. “We do not jump, we do not do individual dressage patterns, but I like to say we put on a show!” Flannery explains, “Our horses perform their gaits in a ring and are judged on many specifications depending on division, to earn ribbons.” Flannery says there are sometimes as many as three judges in the center of the ring looking for techniques of the horse and rider working as a pair.
There are currently 50 lessons a week at Rocking Horse Farm and the riding program spans all ages starting at age six. The students are taught to be proficient in basic riding techniques and once they are deemed ready Flannery begins to take them to shows, beginning at local levels. As riders advance, Flannery has them show at larger horse shows throughout the Northeast. This summer Flannery is charting new territory as a teacher. “I am taking my very first student that I started from the beginning to our Worlds Championship Horse Show in Kentucky!”
Competitive horseback riding is a sport that demands stamina and the mastery of many skills, athletic and mental, of both human and horse. “Any student that wants to compete typically rides 2-3 times a week. Just like any sport the more you practice the better you get,” Flannery points out, “A lot of riding is the use of the core and the leg muscles, so the more you ride the stronger you become.”
Of course, it is not just the human athletes that put in hard work. The horses of Rocking Horse Farm are beloved, healthy, and trained to be at their peak. All of Flannery’s students who compete at higher levels own their horses and keep them at the barn. These majestic animals demand constant top of the line attention and care. “They are maintained just like athletes. They have an exercise routine that I maintain throughout the week and they are individualized for each horse,” Flannery explains. The students ride their particularly trained horses on Saturdays and use the Rocking Horse Farm lesson horses during the week. Flannery allows lesson students to take the lesson horses to shows to make sure they are enjoying the sport enough to make the commitment of purchasing a horse.
When asked what unique lessons riding horses teaches young (and grown) people Flannery replies, “Riding horses is so amazing for our youth because I feel like it teaches a responsibility that no other sport can teach. No matter how you’re feeling or how long of a day you have had, the horses still need you.” Flannery also models and teaches respect and admiration for the horses at Rocking Horse Farm. “I am thankful for the amazing group of lesson horses that I have and if you ask anyone that works for me, my expectations of their care is to always go above and beyond. They are the heart and soul of my program and I think it is important that all of my students know that.”
In addition to learning how to ride and show horses, students at Rocking Horse Farm are taught to care for them. They get their horses ready, clean their tack, and even clean their stalls. Rocking Horse Farm also runs a program called Paddock Pals where students come once a month and learn different aspects of horse care and farm maintenance, in addition to riding. Paddock Pals is open to anyone age six and above even if they are not enrolled as a student at the barn.
Rocking Horse Farm students also hold fundraisers to help purchase items the lesson horses may need such as blankets, new sheets, tack, etc. The farm also hosts two weeks of summer camp and day camps on holiday breaks.
In addition to a full schedule at the barn Flannery keeps busy with her family -including her twin sons, Joseph and Jameson, who will be two in October. Flannery’s husband, Nick, is also an intricate part of Rocking Horse Farm in spite of having no previous experience with horses or barn maintenance. Flannery remarks with gratitude, “He has put more than his blood, sweat, and tears into helping me almost completely rehab and maintain this older barn and I can’t thank him enough for it!” Flannery also makes sure to take time to work on goals for her own riding ventures. “I still show if we have new or young horses at the farm. This year I have been lucky enough to show my mom’s new horse, TickTock! He has been so much fun and now it’s time to turn the reins over to her.”
Flannery’s passion, not just for her career, but her way of life is easy to see and feel. Her positive enthusiasm sets the tone for Rocking Horse Farm and is a great benefit to the students and horses there. “Teaching is my passion,” Flannery says, “I love introducing kids to horses and watching them grow and learn with them.” Rocking Horse Farm’s success goes well beyond the collection of trophies in the viewing room and ribbons on the walls. Its success story is found in the many lives enriched by the life lessons learned and bonds forged between horse and human in the picturesque farm just off the side of Palmer Road.
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