Faye George

Bridgewater poet Faye George read from her latest collection, World of Hard Use (WordTech, 2015), at the Holmes Public Library last week, to celebrate National Poetry Month. George explained that when she looked back through poems she had written she discovered that many of them shared the theme of work, which then became the theme of World of Hard Use. One poem George shared with the audience of seventeen poetry lovers who braved the evening’s cold rain was about the tragic Pemberton Mill collapse in Lawrence in 1860. Another, Pont du Gard, described the construction of the enormous stone aqueduct built by Roman slaves in the first century, A.D., preserved in southern France to this day. George also shared lighter poems, including one about getting ready for work in the morning called The Bathtub, the John, and the Sink. “Don’t laugh,” she joked. “The Paris Review took this one.”

The Friends of the Holmes Public Library sponsored this poetry reading on April 8. If you missed it, George will be reading again at the Lakeville Public Library on Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. and at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m.

‘A nicer man you would not meet’

By Deborah Anderson
Express Staff

Bruce Wood

Flags all around the South Shore were lowered on their masts to honor Bruce Wood, a 43 year veteran of the Halifax Fire Department and contract mail hauler for the US Postal Service, who was killed in a head-on collision Friday, April 10, at 2:37 p.m.

Bruce drove his box truck among the various South Shore post offices delivering and picking up mail, and on Friday left the Plympton post office with a cheerful comment to the mail clerk about it being a good day, and on his way to the Carver post office met a  truck head-on which, travelling north, had reportedly drifted into the southbound lane.  Wood was declared dead at the scene and the other driver, 35-year-old Joel Reed of New Bedford, was taken to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth with serious injuries. Reed, it is reported, was later transported to a Boston Hospital.  His condition could not be determined at press time.

Chief Patrick Dillon of the Plympton PD, said that the cause of the accident is under investigation by the Plympton Police Department and the State Police Accident Reconstruction division. State Police have custody of a cell phone which was found in the passenger compartment of Reed’s vehicle.

Wood’s funeral service will be held this morning, Friday, at 11 a.m. at the Halifax Congregational Church, 503 Plymouth St., Route 58, Halifax, following visiting hours at the Church at 10 a.m.  After the funeral service, Wood will be buried at the Central Cemetery in Halifax. Arrangements are by the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home.

A visitation was held at the Funeral Home, 4 West Washington St., Hanson.

Bruce was a lifelong resident of Halifax, and a 43-year member of the Halifax Fire Department.  He was also the department’s chaplain, Halifax Chief Jason Viveiros told the Express.  He was known for his smile and upbeat attitude.  “A nicer man you would not meet.”

Bruce was the only son of the late Myron “Bud” Wood Jr. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Alger) Wood. He was the loving father of the late Christopher Wood, his only son, who died in a motorcycle crash in 2009 at the age of 21.

He was the most wonderful brother and will be sorely missed by his sisters Beth Wood of Shelbyville, KY, Bonnie Wood and Brenda Pettingill and her husband Robert, all of Halifax. He also leaves aunts, uncles and cousins whom he truly loved.

Bruce graduated from Silver Lake High School, Class of 1970. He attended UMASS for two years and in 1974 worked at Armstrong Cork in Braintree. In 1972 Bruce joined the Halifax fire department and maintained his service till now working with many generations of firefighters and friends. He was most recently made Chaplin of the department.

He started driving early in life on a John Deere tractor on his grandfather’s farm. The seat felt so good he started driving professionally. Local businesses, Bosworth and Casoli’s, were predecessors to his eventual postal contract as a distributor of bulk mail to the local post offices. He enjoyed the rigorous schedule because of the great people he saw every day. He was active through his life with boats, motorcycles, fishing, hunting and enjoying the outdoors.  Since his son’s passing, he found great strength through local churches and the words they bring. Through this knowledge, he felt his greatest achievements were being able to help those in need.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to one of his causes: Bible Baptist Missions, PO Box 17615, Pensacola, FL 32522, or to any homeless charity in your area. It will make you feel good.  Visiting hours were held in the Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 West Washington St., at the corner of Rte. 58, Hanson, Thursday, April 16, from 4 – 8 p.m. Services will be held at the Halifax Congregational Church, 503 Plymouth St, Halifax on Friday April 17, at 11a.m.  There will be a visiting hour before service. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Internment will follow in Central Cemetery, Halifax.

By Abram Neal
Express Staff

Tuesday evening the Halifax Board of Selectmen began on a sad note by acknowledging the tragic death of 43-year veteran Halifax Firefighter Bruce Wood in a head-on collision Friday afternoon, and offered their condolences to his family, several of whom also work for the Town of Halifax.

Presentations from the Beautification Committee and a dialogue with State Representative Thomas Calter were also on the night’s agenda.

Representative Calter was invited to explain to the Board why the town was moving forward with a non-binding ballot question asking if voters support continuing with the current Massachusetts Common Core Standards, or wish to go back to the MCAS curriculum framework that existed prior to 2010. John Shiavone stated from the audience that a group within town had formed opposing the Common Core Standards, and wanted to gauge where the rest of the town stood on the subject.

Representative Calter stated that about a year and a half ago he been to a forum, also attended by Selectman Kim Roy, which was clearly opposed to Common Core. He believed that decisions should be based on data, not emotions as at that forum. He left the Board with some data he had prepared for other legislators. Representative Calter stated that he did not want to take a stand on one side or the other.

Calter went on to say that critical thinking was the most important skill lacking in today’s youth. He then repeatedly stated that the Common Core Standards taught critical thinking, despite emphatically taking the position that he wasn’t taking a position.

Rep. Calter also pointed out that under either standard, area community colleges were reporting back that large portions of their budgets were being spent to teach remedial math and English to students who had passed S.A.T. and MCAS testing, seeming to indicate a severe deficit in education today. From a businessman’s standpoint, Representative Calter said that this was frustrating as mid-career employees were now filling jobs once held by entry-level college graduates, and college graduates were now graduating with only a degree, but without the right skill-sets needed to get jobs.

He said that there are plenty of jobs available, yet the employment rate lies artificially high because people are not being trained in the right job skills. He finished with a heart-warming anecdote of a friend’s daughter whom, when unable to decide what to do with her business degree,  he counseled to combine her two major interests from high school, sports, and writing, and become a sports writer, which she had never considered. She is now a well-known sports writer, but apparently had never been taught critical thinking skills before her encounter with Representative Calter, he said.

Two forums will be held for the public on the issue of the Common Core ballot question, one on Wednesday April 29 and again on Thursday May 7.

The Beautification Committee presented to the board three proposals for a spring and summer garden outside Town Hall. Selectman Roy, a self-described “former gardener”, seemed most interested, and the major debate revolved around which type of tree to plant in the middle and was it appropriate for the site. Selectmen were solicited for their ideas outside of the meeting. Work will begin in May and the garden is hoped to be ready for a dedication ceremony in June. Selectmen moved to allow the project to continue to go forward with the caveat that they be updated if any major changes are made to the proposal.

Russ Kleekamp, an engineer, updated selectmen on a grant for feasibility studies to put automatic flood controls on a dam on Monponsett Pond. He expects to be able to report back soon on the feasibility, cost and size of the project, but noted that it is a multi-faceted project with many stakeholders, and it might take some time before any work begins, if the grant is awarded.

Finally, a debate on issues regarding parking on a town-owned parcel at 15 Ocean Street was held, and was obviously a difficult subject for the Board. Town Counsel strenuously objects to neighbors or anyone else parking there, due to liability issues for the town. A Mr. Dale Anderson was present, and has an unregistered car on the site. It was a hardship for him to move his car until next week, despite the deadline being April 14 to have vehicles removed, as Selectmen voted last week. All selectmen were visibly torn regarding the issue of balancing Mr. Anderson’s hardship against the town’s liability. Mr. Anderson submitted a written letter to the Board asking for a one-week extension, which in a 2-1 vote, was granted, after a lengthy discussion by the Board. Selectmen Roy voted against, stating her duty was to the liability of the town and that this had been going on since January, and surprisingly during the actual vote vociferously exclaimed “No!.” after the first two “Yea” votes. Mr. Anderson thanked the Board for their time and apologized for putting them in that position.

In other news:

Police Officer Al Hingst was recognized for his work mentoring a young person through a difficult family situation. A letter was written by the person’s mother to the police chief who shared it with selectmen. The Board voted to send a letter of thanks to Hingst and also include a copy for his file.

The grant application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for replacing the roof at Halifax Elementary was submitted by Superintendent John Tuffy.

Selectmen voted to extend the third year of a 3 year contract for gas and diesel fuel with Dennis K. Burke.

Selectmen will not meet next week.

By Abram Neal
Express Staff

PLYMPTON – Monday evening Plympton Selectmen met to continue to work on the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting on May 13th.  The Finance Committee also reported to selectmen where they stand on their recommendations for final budget warrant articles.

Town Coordinator Dale Pleau stated that most of the articles are completed, but he continues to edit the language in several.

One important question is whether and how the town will contribute to the South Shore Community Action Council, a non-profit group that provides assistance to needy citizens. The selectmen had previously voted to donate $2,000, but cannot directly donate in this way according to Town Counsel.

Concerns were raised to Selectmen that the heaviest users of the services provided by the SSCAC, the Council on Aging, are not satisfied with services rendered. Chris Maiorano, Director of the Council on Aging, later told the Express that the Council was either not aware of services offered, or found that services were cost prohibitive.  Maiorano has called Plympton’s representative to the SSCAC, Janis Morrison, to COA’s next meeting. Selectmen did pass a motion to make the gift if a financial vehicle to do so is found. FinCom will consult with the board further on the matter.

FinCom was invited to the meeting and presented some preliminary findings, but also sought advice from Selectmen on whether areas of the budget needed further funding. They were very clear that the budget was in near  final state but preliminary, and that they, “needed to make sure it all added up,”  Funding for D.A.R.E. was previously removed, but FinCom was optimistic that moving some money around could restore it. Furthermore, the Town Clerk’s office asked for further funding at a previous Board meeting, and the Selectmen agreed that it was needed.  Selectmen were so strongly in favor of the Clerk’s request that they asked their salaries be reduced to $0 and the money appropriated to the Town Clerk’s office.

The FinCom stated there was no money to further fund any other departments this year. The only other major concern was that the animal control budget looked high this year, which will be looked into, and Board Chairman Mark Russo otherwise thanked FinCom for keeping the budget under control.

An audience member voiced his concern about an item that was glossed over in correspondence last week. Eversource had sent a copy of a letter to the Board that was addressed to the Board of Health stating that they are going to be spraying herbicides along their power line right-of-way to reduce unwanted vegetation. Last week the Selectmen seemed satisfied that all proper permits had been pulled and that they didn’t need to sign off on anything. This week, the Chair of the Board of Health, Art Morin, confirmed that Eversource had acted properly. The audience member asked to know specifically when and where the spraying would take place, as he was a bee-keeping hobbyist. He also had concerns over chemicals seeping into groundwater and stated that this had been a concern in neighboring communities and Cape Cod. Mr. Morin told the audience member that he would forward documents from Eversource to him and the Board of Selectmen decided that they may address the issue as an agenda item at at next week’s meeting.

An ongoing issue with fire inspectors and town assessors making home visits at the same time, concerning some residents, has not been resolved. It seems that the issue more specifically now is that the assessors are not identifying themselves as such. Residents do have to allow in fire inspectors, but not assessors. The Board and Town Coordinator are waiting for further advice from Town Counsel.

Finally, Mr. Russo read a letter of commendation from Police Chief Patrick Dillon regarding life saving action taken by Officer Brent Peterson. An unresponsive adult male was found by a family member, who called 911 and began CPR. Officer Peterson arrived at the scene and administered NarCan, a medication that is an opioid antidote. He then took over C.P.R., provided 6 cycles of twenty chest compressions and two breaths, reviving the patient and restoring normal heart function and breathing. The Board commended Officer Peterson as well, who will receive a “Life Saver Day” (a paid day off).

In other news:

Due to the Patriots’ Day holiday, the next Board of Selectman meeting will be held  Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m.

By Abram Neal
Express Staff

On Tuesday morning, April 14, TRIAD held its monthly meeting at the Halifax Police Station. The Guest Speaker was Larry Erickson, Director of Programming for Carver-Halifax TV.

Guest Speaker Larry Erickson, also joined by board member John Shiavone of the non-profit that owns and operates what is currently known as CHAT, or Carver Halifax Access Television, updated the meeting on what is going on with Public Access Television. CHAT broadcasts town board meetings, educational programming and locally produced programming.

Erickson began by giving a brief history of the laws and development of the concept of Public Access Television, going back to 1972. He then went on to describe some of the current challenges with what is going on locally. At this time, there is just one channel being shared by both Carver and Halifax, Channel 13. The new television studio, at 96 North Main Street in North Carver, is being upgraded, and the goal is that each town will have its own Channel 14 and Channel 15.

One question is whether Plympton will join the alliance, which is causing delays in implementation of this plan. Plympton selectman John Henry felt strongly that they needed to bring this for a Town Meeting vote before moving forward.

Mr. Erickson enthusiastically described the possibilities of CHAT, noting that anyone can come in and make a show, learn how to be behind or in front of the camera, or borrow a camera and take it off site. He also described how the town will gain further “access points”, where live television can be broadcast. He put out a call for more programming, especially from Senior Citizens. The phone number for the new studio is 508-866-1019, and the website can be accessed for now at http://www.ccat.cc

Officer Herb Wiltshire, Senior Affairs Officer, presented briefly on phone scams going on in the area. Officer Wiltshire emphasized strongly that there were many scam-artists currently operating, targeting senior citizens in the area. They often seek out personal information so that they can commit identity theft. He stated that there is often not much that the police can do once information is given. Even worse, sometimes people are tricked into sending money via Western Union or another such wire service, and that money simply cannot be gotten back once it is in the hands of thieves. He also suggested not answering unknown phone numbers.

, because once the scam-artist knows it is an active number, they may try to use it again.

In other TRIAD news:

There is a Safety Assurance Program that provides an automatic call checking your or a loved one’s wellbeing everyday available through TRIAD.

There are pouches called “File of Life” available as well through TRIAD that contain all personal and medical information for glove compartment or wallet.

By Mike Melanson
Express Associate Editor

KINGSTON — The Silver Lake Regional School Committee and the Silver Lake Education Association on Thursday Jan. 8 ratified a new teachers’ contract.

The three-year contract is retroactive to July and provides pay raises of 1.8-percent, 1.9-percent and 2-percent over the next three years, according to School Committee member Maureen Springer of Plympton, who praised the teachers union members.

“We thank you very much for your patience. We hope we can work together well into the future as we have in the past,” she said.
High School English teacher Kimberly Orcutt, who is president of the SLEA, thanked the community for their patience and support, and said teachers are glad to be back into their regular routines.

“I wanted to thank you all, the community, the teachers, for working with us in the negotiations,” she said. “We’re back together again. Thank you.”

Level-services budget presented

Tuffy presented a draft $23.7-million fiscal 2016 budget that would increase spending by 5.3-percent or $1.2-million over this year. The budget is level-services because it assumes that all of this year’s programs funded this year will continue at the same level of service as next year, he said.
Tuffy said the spending plan would add a Grade 8 math teacher to address student scores and curriculum changes. It would also add funding for an assistant swim coach and freshmen volleyball coach at the high school, as both sports are popular.
The budget assumes that health insurance costs will increase by 5-percent. It also funds the new assessment the district must pay to the Plymouth County Retirement Board, and assumes an adjustment for Medicare costs. There are no adjustments for utilities and shared costs yet figured into the draft budget.
“This is the first time you are looking at it,” Tuffy told school board members. “Please take it home and look at it.”

Capital needs funding approved

The School Committee approved a $619,000 capital needs package, funding it in this year’s budget by drawing from the district’s $1.1-million in excess and deficiency or free cash funds.
“We’re using half of it. That’s conservative,” said School Committee member Mark Guidoboni of Kingston.
The plans includes funding to:

• Add indoor and outdoor cameras: $22,000.
• Set up a new campus-wide, two-way radio system: $22,000.
• Install a new middle school keyless entry system: $5,000.
• Replace the accounting system: $90,000.
• Fund the district’s OPEB liability: $100,000.
• Repair and resurface the track: $120,000.
• Repair and resurface the tennis courts: $30,000.
• Repair parking lot cracks: $11,000.
• Replace the JV baseball backstop: $19,000.
• Build one new athletic storage shed, do prep work for a second such shed: $60,000.
• Build a new middle school storage shed: $18,000.
• Buy additional high school and middle school furniture: $11,000.
• Install an additional 75 high school lockers: $17,000.
• Conduct an exterior envelope evaluation of the high school and middle school: $24,000.
• Resurface carpentry and metal fabrication floors: $40,000.
• Study the feasibility of installing solar generation facilities at the high school and middle school: $10,000.
• Make safety repairs to Sirrico field lighting poles: $20,000.

https://plymptonhalifaxexpress.com/230/

Dorothy Ellen (Keach) Lundsgaard, 92 of Halifax, formerly of West Roxbury, passed away on Wednesday September 17, 2014. Daughter of the late Perley A. and Mary I. (Bjork) Keach, she was born on March 23, 1922 in Boston. Dorothy enjoyed traveling, sewing, knitting, and enjoyed spending time at the Halifax Senior Center. She was a thesis typist for Boston University Medical Students, from her home, in the 1960’s-1970’s.

Dorothy was the wife of the late Niels Lundsgaard. She is survived by her daughter Donna M. (Derochers) Lovett of Halifax. Dorothy was the sister of the late John and Robert Keach and the late Arlene Pearce. She was the grandmother of Eric and Marc Derochers and the great grandmother to Ava, Samantha, and Caitlyn Derochers.

Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Homes, Corner Route 14 & 58, HANSON, on Sunday from 2-4 PM followed by a service at 4PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Cir, Plymouth, MA 02360.

Hearing on gravel removal is continued

By Tracy F. Seelye, Express editor
editor@whitmanhansonexpress.com

HANSON — The Board of Selectmen, following a site visit by members Don Howard and Bill Scott, Conservation Agent Laurie Muncy and a member of the Conservation Commission, will reopen a hearing at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30 on the application of Great Cedar Cattle Feeders Inc. of Halifax for a soil removal permit.

Howard has professional experience with bogs and gravel management, and Scott is a bog owner.

Great Cedar Farm Manager Demetrius Haseotes explained at the hearing Sept. 16 that the work involves removal of 3,400 cubic yards of soil from cranberry bogs at Pierce Avenue and Robinson Street in Hanson for use at the company’s agricultural property in Halifax. The company has already removed 600 cubic yards of gravel from the site.

He aplogized for beginning the work without a permit because he did not know it was necessary. The company’s bog manager Jesus Rivera was unable to attend the hearing.

“We had no idea we were to come before you,” Haseotes said. “What we were doing, we thought, was a routine operation and maintenance of our cranberry bog. We meant no disrespect to the board or any of the neighbors.”

Abutters expressed concern about the effect of the soil removal on drainage in the area, dust and traffic as well as the legality of the gravel removal operation if the project fits that definition. Selectmen all shared concerns voiced by abutters, but expressed the need for more information before rendering a decision.

“This is serious amounts of gravel being moved,” Selectmen Chairman David Soper said. “I ask this board to consider what we have going on here.”

 “Obviously it is a gravel removal operation,” Scott said. “Whether it’s consistent with the farm plan … and may or may not be an exemption to the farm, that may be something to be decided outside this forum.”

Haseotes said the objective for the work is to create a “landing area” for trucks during picking season for safer and easier access to the property away from wetlands and wildlife. He noted that his father had a dangerous car accident on site last winter when his vehicle skidded on ice and ended up rolling over the vehicle in a bog pit.

“That day, when things got settled, we started to look at the bog and how to make things much safer,” Haseotes said. “It could have been a lot worse.”

He pledged to do the work during “normal business hours” and assured selectmen it was not a commercial operation.

Soper said that, from the fenceline, it appears excavation is close to the fence on the Robinson Street side and the operation should be required to truck out soil via Route 27 to control traffic and dust.

“It’s a big dust storm down there,” said Pierce Avenue resident Alan Spera, whose property abuts the bog area on two sides. “The actual excavation area is approximately 120 feet from my property line.”

He said work began in the busy area in August — there are town ballfields, an American Legion Post and Boss Academy of Performing Arts also located on Robinson Street, which forms an “L” intersection with Pierce Avenue.

“The town specifically does not allow gravel removal operations in any zone,” Spera added. “The only exception is if there is an accessory use … [or] related to that use.”

Haseotes argued his work fits that definition, but Spera — while he appreciated the apology — countered that removing the soil from the site is not an accesory or related use.

“I think we need a lot more information before we can support what you want to do — if we, in fact, are going to do that — and you are going to have to supply that information to us,” Spera said.

Robert White, a Robinson Street resident, spoke about the effect of dust and truck traffic.

“It’s lit up when trucks come out of the bogs,” he said of his house. “We have to keep our windows shut because of the dust coming off the roads. … It looks like the Big Dig.”

He said there are people going in out of the bogs at all hours of the night.

Where the dust is concerned, Haseotes said this has been one of the driest seasons he has seen in 25 years of farming.

Indian Trail resident Kim Wilson was chiefly concerned with the effect of the bog work on drainage.

“I’m looking at it not to stop someone from using the property they own but what effect that might have on myself, financially,” she said. “Gravel is drainage.”

Haseotes said he does not think work is close enough to the buffer area to affect drainage, but Conservation Commission Chairman John Kemmett said the company’s farm plan should contain answers to a lot of the questions being asked.

“I think it’s important that the board see that plan so they understand if you’re in compliance,” Kemmett said.

Selectman Bruce Young asked how the farm plan applied to the work being done. Hiseotes replied it would improve access for updating the bogs for increased production as well as improve access roads at other crop-producing properties.

Selectmen requested a copy of the farm plan as part of the continued hearing.

Scott said good relations with neighbors are important for farmers and said Route 27 as an access for trucks and watering down dust would help with that effort.

“If you kind of overdo you exemption rights, that sometimes creates a problem for neighbors,” Scott said. “Try hard not to do that.”

Howard, who also has bog experience, said the periodic sanding of bogs does not require removal of gravel to his knowledge. He also expressed concern about the dust problem.

Silver Lake among districts receiving fake invoices

Fraudulent invoices for unordered supplies are appearing in area schools as the Better Business Bureau issued a warning to schools and districts across the country after the consumer group fielded complaints from 27 states, including Massachusetts.

One such fake invoice has already been received by the Silver Lake Regional School District, where the district’s purchase order system has prevented them from being paid, according to Superintendent John Tuffy.

“We only got one so far,” Tuffy said. “It was from Scholastic School Supply for several hundred dollars.”  Invoices coming in to Silver Lake must match up with purchase orders, which the invoice in question did not.  “We also noticed that the ‘remit to’ address differed from the one we have on file.” He does not rule out the possibility that more fake invoices may still be received, but stressed the checks and balances of the accounting system protects the district.

“If it doesn’t have a P.O. number, we question it.”

In the past few weeks, there has been a rush of complaints filed with BBB against “Scholastic School Supply,” which claim either a Nevada or New Jersey address that turn out to be mail drops.

The BBB has urged that schools not to pay the invoices but to send them to the local Postal Inspector and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as their state’s attorney general or consumer protection agency.

So far, none of the complainants have sent money; however, BBB has no way of knowing if any schools have unknowingly paid the invoice, since they would not have filed a complaint.

“Many of our customers have received invoices from a company calling itself ‘Scholastic School Supply,” read a statement issued by the global children’s publishing, education and media company. “Scholastic School Supply is not affiliated with Scholastic Inc., but rather is a company that is using Scholastic’s name and trademark without authorization. Scholastic recently became aware of this company and its actions, and has demanded that they cease and desist using Scholastic’s name and trademark, which they have agreed to do, but they seemingly have not done so as of the date of this communication.”
In addition, Scholastic stated it has been investigating this company and will continue to do so.

“If we determine that this company is allegedly violating any other laws or regulations, we will take prompt, appropriate action,” a company spokesman stated. “However, in the course of our investigation and through conversations with our customers who have brought this company to our attention, it appears that numerous schools and districts have referred “Scholastic School Supply” to various state attorneys general and the U.S. Postal Inspector in Nevada and New Jersey for further investigation.”

BBB Serving Southern Nevada received its first complaint against Scholastic School Supply on Aug. 20, 2014 and since then has received nearly 70 complaints from schools across the country. The company’s online BBB Business Review has also received more than 3,000 inquiries; there is an Alert posted there so that visitors are able to confirm the suspicious nature of the invoice. The company maintains a mail drop in Sewell, New Jersey, as well as Las Vegas, and BBB New Jersey has received more than 20 complaints so far.

The bogus invoices have been for $647.50 for the bulk purchase of “English-Language Arts Practice Books” or $388.50 for math workbooks (although the amounts and products could change at any time). Complainants have said they cannot reach the company to inquire about the products or amounts allegedly owed, and all have denied ever doing business with the company previously, according to the BBB.

To date, BBB has received complaints from schools in 27 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Due to BBB’s process for handling complaints, which gives a business up to a month to respond, the complaints received to date are still considered pending.

“Contact information available on the invoices was initially just going unanswered, but now email is bouncing and the phone number has been disconnected,” the BBB stated. “BBB has been unable to locate any corporation filings, business licensing, or documentation to substantiate a physical location in Nevada.”

Earlier this week, an agent in New Jersey filed as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) under the same company name, and the BBB there is investigating the connection. The UPS Store in Las Vegas is a BBB Accredited Business and is cooperating with the Postal Inspector and other agencies investigating the scheme.

To find out more about scams or to report one, check out BBB Scam Stopper.

By Mike Melanson
Express Correspondent

PLYMPTON — Plympton as a school district has made a comeback this year.

Last year, the Plympton district fell to a Level 2 status, as defined by the state education department.

This year, the district is back to Level 1, the top rank, according to assistant school Superintendent Joy Blackwood.

The ranking is based on MCAS scores, she said.

On Monday Sept. 22, Blackwood told the Plympton School Committee that the state has released MCAS scores.

Scores were to be sent home in children’s backpacks for elementary school students and by mail for secondary students on Thursday Sept. 25.

Blackwood said Grade 3 students did really well on the exams.

“Plympton did very well,” she said.

School Superintendent John Tuffy said 19-percent of school districts in the state are ranked as Level 1 districts.

Blackwood said the status shows the hard work of teachers and students.

She said the district’s special education needs were identified as a concern, and the town budgeted more money, so that Plympton was able to hire a second special education teacher.

Blackwood said she would do an in-depth presentation on the town’s MCAS scores at the October Plympton School Committee meeting, to be held Oct. 27.

Melissa Farrell, K-6 coordinator, will also discuss the results, she said.

Agreement reached

The School Committee and selectmen Chairman Mark Russo voted, 6-0, in a joint vote to accept an agreement negotiated with the Plympton Teachers Association.

The new contract runs for three years, with raises of 2-percent for the first year, 2-percent for the second year, and 2-percent for the third year, Tuffy said.

The agreement also allows teachers to request to use sick days as bereavement leave, subject to the discretion of the superintendent, he said.

Water treatment

Tuffy said school Business Manager Christine Healy has put together a request for proposals for a recommendation on whether Plympton should use a reverse osmosis, salt or green sand design for a water treatment plant.

The project was approved by Town Meeting for the Dennett Elementary School to deal with a high level of manganese, he said.

The School Committee would choose which system to use, and the consultant would then produce a design and biddable documents for engineering and design, and then would come construction, Tuffy said.

“You will get some information and be asked to make an informed decision on how you would like to proceed,” he said.

Tuffy said the reverse osmosis system is expensive and there is a high maintenance cost.

Fingerprinting

Tuffy said the state is changing a law that requires schools to fingerprint all newly hired employees.

The school district started fingerprinting new hires last school years. The prints are run through a national criminal history database, he said.

The new state law now says that all employees must be fingerprinted, over the next two or three years, although administrators are waiting to hear about a timetable for doing so from the state, he said.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” he said.

Tuffy said the fingerprinting is done not by police but by a private vendor. The cost for the fingerprinting is $55 for licensed teachers and $35 for employees without licensure.

Parent volunteers with supervised access to schoolchildren must still be subject to criminal background checks, but for those with unsupervised access, fingerprinting will be required, he said.

Tuffy said he does not see the need to fingerprint parent chaperones on field trips to public places, but an overnight trip would require fingerprinting.

School Committee member Gail Knight said it is hard to get volunteers already without asking them to take extra steps if fingerprinting is required of them.

“It’s a shame it has to be that way,” she said.

School Committee Chairman Brian Wick said the new state law seems well intentioned but not well thought out.