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Plympton Girl Scout Bridging at Harry Jason Park June 17

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Friday night we had the Plympton Girl Scout Bridging at Harry Jason Park in Plympton. Daisies to Cadettes were there for the ceremony Scouts hold to wrap up the year of scouting and for a couple of the troops it was their turn to bridge to Brownies, to Juniors and to Cadettes.

After the ceremony we all enjoy some s’mores and for the second year in a row we’ve had a camp out for those who want to spend the night. We had about 15 families spend the night. It was a beautiful night up until the thunderstorm came through but it didn’t put a damper on the fun.

Silver Lake Class 0f 2016

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Graduates stand for the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Ashley Arroyo, Historian of the Class of  2016. The graduation was held outside on the stadium field.  Luck was with them as they had a gorgeous day.  The lawn was lined with family and friends watching and cheering for the graduates.  Many had umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun. 

Community coalition fighting substance abuse announces new name and mission

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A recently-formed coalition of community members concerned about trends in substance abuse and the current opioid epidemic has formalized its group name and mission statement.  Now known as Tri-Town FACTS, the group serves Kingston, Halifax and Plympton with a mission to support and strengthen the regional community in a collaborative effort to promote holistic wellness through prevention, education, enforcement, and advocacy, and to empower healthy lifestyle choices.  “FACTS” stands for Families, Adolescents, and Communities Together against Substances. It is a brand established by the South Shore Hospital’s Youth Health Connection and used by several coalitions in the surrounding area.

The growing group has brought together 25 – 30 people at initial monthly meetings held in March, April and May, representing parents, teachers, school administrators, students, law enforcement, public safety, behavioral health professionals, faith leaders, grandparents, elected officials and those affected by addiction. The group is seeking new members from all three towns, including volunteers interested in leadership roles who can help advance the mission through initiatives and programs to be developed. Currently chaired by Kingston parent, Amy Belmore, the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 7, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Silver Lake High School Library and is open to all.

A grant provided by the Solstice Foundation has funded the services of an experienced facilitator, Julie Nussbaum, who has assisted in the launch of similar coalitions in the region. Nussbaum, who will work with Tri-Town FACTS until March 2017, said “According to the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, (CADCA), communities that have anti-drug coalitions have lower youth drug and alcohol rates. Furthermore, research has shown that addressing the issue of underage drinking reduces the risk that youth will go on to use opioids and other substances (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2012).  I will be taking the coalition through a process that guides the selection, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based, culturally appropriate, sustainable interventions addressing substance misuse and abuse.”

Steering Committee member, David Kennedy, who also serves on the Kingston Board of Health, recently carried the Coalition’s suggestion to pass a regulation preventing the sale of synthetic marijuana and synthetic drugs in Kingston stores to fellow Board of Health members. Following a public hearing held on May 2 to address the health impacts of Spice, K2, bath salts, and others not meant for human consumption, the Board of Health immediately put the new regulation in place.  Said Kennedy “the Synthetic Drug Regulation was discussed back in 2014 within the Board of Health and I am grateful the board wanted to discuss and approve such regulation on May 2.  It’s important in the early stages of the Tri-Town Coalition to achieve short-term goals, and clearly this was one. Synthetic drugs are very dangerous and side effects are fatal. Even though the Regulation is important, we need to educate our youth on these drugs and help them make healthy choices.”

The Coalition is currently focused on assessment and data collection, and will be implementing surveys, focus group discussions with students and parents, and interviews with key stakeholders to help guide their next steps.  Anyone from Kingston, Halifax and Plympton who wants to learn more or get involved is encouraged to attend the next meeting, or contact tritownFACTS@gmail.com.  The group also has a Facebook page and is on Twitter @tritownFACTS.

Cicone runs for HES school seat

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Dear Halifax Residents,

My name is Kim Cicone and I am running for Halifax Elementary School Committee.  I am running for School Committee because I am a concerned parent and taxpayer.

In the seven years that my children have been at HES I have been an involved volunteer at the school. I have spent the past four years on the board of the HES PTO.  I spent two years as the President and the past two years as the Vice President.  During this time I have worked closely with the administration and have a good idea of how the school is run.  I also have a close relationship with many of the teachers and students at the school.  In addition, I have been the Secretary of the HES School Committee since August 2015.  Prior to my involvement with the PTO I was on the Board of Trustees of the Holmes Public Library for four years.

I hope to add the voice of a parent to the School Committee (currently only one of the five members of the committee has children in the school).  I would like to look out for the best interests of our students and teachers while keeping an eye on the budget.  In attending the School Committee meetings over the past year it seems that not all of the Committee members have the best interest of the students in mind when making decisions. I sincerely hope that adding my voice to the committee will change that.

Thank you for your time and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at kimander@yahoo.com. Also, please keep an eye on the election news so you can make an informed decision on Election Day, May 14, 2016.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Cicone

Parks Opening brings 100+

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By Alan Wheelock

Special to The Express

Despite some damp weather, more than100 people turned out  on Saturday afternoon, April 23, for the official opening and celebration of Plympton’s new parks. Visitors wandered throughout the network of trails and marveled again at the 600 foot long boardwalk that carried them comfortably across the wetlands surrounding Jones River Brook.. Since the trails, boardwalk and park benches were completed late last fall, the Parks have received steady use and drawn consistent praise from the townspeople who visit and see the beauty of Churchill Park, the impressive contours of Cato’s Ridge, and the expansive, picturesque views in the O’Neil Marsh.

The event started at noon. Residents gathered in what is known as the old gravel pit area, where a flatbed truck served as a stage for the The Keepers, a local acoustic bluegrass brand who provided entertainment. Children in attendance were excited to go off on a scavenger hunt (designed by Alison McSweeney and town librarian Deb Batson) that helped them learn about many of the natural features to be found throughout the park.

At 1 PM, Open Space Committee Co-chairs Vicki Alberti and Linda Leddy asked about 25 people who have been especially important to the Parks’ creation to join them up on the truck bed. Alberti kicked off the ceremony with an enthusiastic welcome to all the attendees, thanking everyone for their support these last 4 years, and reminding them that these 105 acres were acquired by the town for $20,000, thanks to Community Preservation Funds.

She then introduced Leddy, who began with a tribute to the late Gail Briggs, a Plympton Open Space Committee member whose forward-looking vision was the inspiration for the Parks creation. Leddy then introduced several individuals who made key contributions to the Parks’ creation. The first of these was Beverly Messinger, who worked with the town to ensure their family lands on Main Street would become a park.  The Messingers are descended from one of Plympton’s founding families, the Churchills.

Leddy then reiterated Plympton’s gratitude to Congressman Keating for his crucial help early in the project, when he facilitated solving an unforeseen issue with the IRS. The Congressman noted that the Parks were an outstanding accomplishment, especially for a town as small as Plympton, and that he was very proud of what a dedicated group of citizens had accomplished. He also spoke about the importance of conserving land, giving families a place to enjoy the outdoors and leaving a healthy environment for future generations.  Hearing children in the distance playing and laughing on the scavenger hunt, he remarked “That’s what it’s all about!”

The Wildlands Trust and the Compact of Cape Cod Land Trusts both received warm thanks for their ongoing technical services to help the town acquire and manage the Parks. Mark Robinson, Director of the Compact, commented “I am very jealous of Plympton.  You managed to create a 105-acre park for $20,000, and I cannot believe you have done it all with volunteer labor.  I work on the Cape where we recently spent two and half years raising $1.8 million to preserve 19 acres!”

Body of Halifax woman found in pond behind Nick & Angelo’s

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Special to The Express

BRIDGEWATER – Police Chief Christopher Delmonte reports that the Bridgewater Police Department is investigating a body recovered from a local pond Tuesday  night.

On Tuesday, April 19, police received a 911 call at 6:07 p.m. The caller reported that a woman’s body was floating in the middle of a pond behind the plaza at Nick’s & Angelo Pizza Place, on the Bridgewater side of 2105 Plymouth St.

East Bridgewater Fire retrieved the body of Cheryl Siegel, age 34, of Halifax. She was discovered by her boyfriend and boyfriend’s sister after she had been reported missing.

Initial inspection of the body revealed no obvious signs of trauma, but Bridgewater Police are waiting for the autopsy results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Although the investigation is ongoing, the woman’s death is believed to be a suicide.

The incident remains under investigation by Bridgewater Police Detective Joseph DeMoura and an investigator from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. Officers from the East Bridgewater and Halifax Police Departments are also assisting in the investigation, along with the Bridgewater and East Bridgewater Fire Departments.

Parks Opening party Saturday in Plympton

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The Plympton Open Space Committee reminds residents and friends that we are celebrating  the official opening of Plympton Parks on Saturday, April 23, from noon until 3 pm. This event will feature several special activities, including a “scavenger hunt” for children that focuses on the natural features of the Parks, guided tours of the trails and ongoing acoustic music for all to enjoy. 

At 1p.m., there will be a short ceremony to thank the organizations and individuals who have given their time and talents to make the Parks a reality. Invited guests include the descendants of the Churchill Family, Representative William Keating, the Wildlands Trust, and the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts. The old “gravel pit” is the location for the ceremony and the start of all other events.

Attendees are asked to park at the Dennett School and use the Ring Road entrance to the Parks. Plympton police will be on hand to facilitate safe crossing of Ring Road for attendees and their families. If you require transportation to reach the gravel pit area, volunteers will provide you with a ride from the school area. Please call Jane Schulze at 781 585 4771 to request this assistance.

Rain date is Sunday, April 24. The Open Space Committee thanks everyone who has supported this project and hopes you will be there to help celebrate!

Cranberry Equestrian Team compete at IEA Nationals

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In the 2010-11 season, the Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team, “CET” for short, an Interscholastic Equestrian Team, was champion of Zone 1, made up of the six New England states, qualifying them for the IEA National Finals in Maryland.     Last weekend, five years later, the Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team once again finished in the top three of 18 teams at the Zone 1 Finals, qualifying them for the IEA National Finals once again, this year to be held in Lexington, KY at the Alltech Arena at Kentucky Horse Park.

The Cranberry Equestrian Middle School Team is based at Reunion Farm, Plympton Village, and is coached by Macaela Burnet, Geraldine Burnet, and Betsy Kupic.

The middle school team will travel to Lexington, KY to compete against 18 delegate teams from across the country April 20 through 24.

What does it take to bring a team of riders and a group of horses a thousand miles?  “It takes a lot,” said Geraldine Burnet, owner of Reunion Farm.  “A lot of effort and a lot of money.”  Burnet continued, “We are all proud of the effort our team put forth for a chance to compete at the national level, and hope we will be able to get them there.”

As you can imagine, there are large costs involved with the endeavor.  Each team member has to pay for airfare, hotel, coaching, local transportation, and meals.   

To that end, the Cranberry Equestrian Team will hold a fundraiser this Saturday morning, April 2, at Reunion Farm, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring the kids and treat them to pony rides, a petting zoo, and a bake sale. Saturday night, April 2, the indoor riding arena will become home to games and two big screen family friendly  movies from 6-9:30, bring the family!  The cost is $20 per child, with a $35 family cap.  The price includes popcorn, pizza, and soda.

This team will work hard to raise what they need to get where they need to go.  They hope the community will pitch in and give them a hand.

Throughout the school year, the Cranberry Middle School Team held practice sessions once or twice each week and competed in a maximum of five events per student so that the playing field is level for each rider.   Once a student has accumulated enough points, 18 this year, they qualify for post-season regional finals, which were held Feb 27 and 28 at Stoneleigh Burnham School in Greenfield, moving forward three riders per event onto the Zone 1 finals, held this year at Mt. Holyoke College, March 26, and 27.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association is made up of 350 teams from across the country, in grades 6-12, who enter competitions on completely equipped horses that are provided at each venue to the students.   

Since the horse is new to the rider, the scores are based upon horsemanship and equitation, and the skills the rider exhibits in controlling and bringing out the best attributes of the horse.

All disciplines offer a variety of ability levels from beginner through advanced. The IEA has set guidelines for the placement of new riders entering the IEA to allow for the unique program format of riding an unfamiliar horse.

For student equestrians in grades 6-12, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) was established in the spring of 2002 and held its first annual national finals event the following year in Willoughby, Ohio. A non-profit organization, the IEA has grown both geometrically and geographically each year. 

John Traynor is candidate for Selectman

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To all Plympton Residents:

I would like to announce my candidacy for Selectman of the Town of Plympton. A resident of the town since 1970, my wife Brenda and I have deep roots in the town. All three of our children went through Dennett Elementary and then onto Silver Lake Regional High School.

A graduate of Bentley College, with a degree in Accounting and Finance, I worked in private industry for over twenty five years in the business analysis and financial field, with an emphasis on long-range planning. During my eighteen years with Digital Equipment I made the transition from finance into consulting and sales as the senior corporate account manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I have previously served twelve years on the Plympton Finance Committee, eight years as a Plympton Library Trustee, and the last eight years as Town Moderator. In addition I am a member of the committee addressing the Department of Revenue recommendations for the town, as well as a member of the Committee working with the University of Massachusetts Collins Center, through a State grant, to develop financial forecasts, a capital spending plan, and financial policies for the Town.

A member of the Upland Sportsman’s Club since 1970 I have served in the past as Club President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Director. I am also a member of the Plympton Garden Club and the Plympton Historical Society.

I am running for the Selectman’s position because I believe it’s important to continue the work of developing sound financial planning for the Town and to provide the leadership necessary to balance providing services without an undue tax burden. Plympton has a unique character that we all want to preserve.  I believe my extensive experience and knowledge of the town will serve Plympton well.

I would appreciate your vote on Saturday, May 21st.

John Traynor

Crescent Street