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Second graders’ art featured at Kingston Library

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The featured artists for the month of December are the second graders at Kingston Elementary School. There are more than 60 gratitude feathers on display in our circulation area and art gallery.
The project was most recently completed by all of the second-grade classes as the students were inspired by the picture book, “A Children’s Book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity,” by Alicia Ortega.
The classes began by using tempera paints to create two pieces of painted paper, allowing students to explore layering colors and texture through various scraping techniques. In subsequent classes, they examined bird feathers for reference, focusing on their shape, texture, and design. Each student had the artistic freedom to design their feather, utilizing oil pastels for distinctive effects.
Ortega’s book was read to each class, prompting students to compile lists of what they are grateful for in their lives, followed by discussions on the significance of gratitude. From their lists, each child selected one item to incorporate into their art.
“We are thrilled to present these gratitude feathers to our community, with the sincere hope that our artwork will inspire others to take a moment to practice positivity and appreciate the blessings in their lives,” said art teacher Jamie Rossi. Thank you for attending our exhibit! I am extremely proud of my students’ hard work and very grateful to be their art teacher!”
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The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NESB among best places to work

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EASTON – North Easton Savings Bank proudly announces that it is ranked one of the Top Places to Work for 2024 in the mid-size business category by The Boston Globe. This is the 3rd consecutive year the Bank has been recognized by The Boston Globe as a Top Places to Work.
This 2024 Top Places to Work award arrives at the end of an award-winning banner-year for the Bank: Previously winning USA Today’s Top Workplaces USA, Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship, and Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces Awards in 2024.
The annual study bases the awards solely on employee feedback and surveying and recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state. The survey measures employee opinions about their workplace’s direction, leadership, pay and benefits, commitment to employee well-being, and professional growth, among other criteria.
Rankings are broken into four size categories with North Easton Savings Bank in the mid-size business grouping. The Bank has achieved a top 50 rank each of the past three years.
“For the third year, we are honored to be included on this esteemed list,” said Rich Spencer, President & Chief Executive Officer of North Easton Savings Bank. “Our bank is known for valuing its employees and the diverse perspectives and backgrounds they bring to the team – all with the common goal of helping our customers thrive.”
Added Spencer, “Heartfelt gratitude to our incredible employees across the organization who every day, diligently support our customers and the communities we serve. I thank them for their camaraderie, mutual support of one another, and for creating an exceptional environment where building a career is truly rewarding.”
North Easton Savings Bank offers a full slate of comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement and professional development, employee recognition programs, and an employee assistance program. The Bank has also instituted formal employee feedback loops, multiple annual employee events, and employee led social clubs.
About North Easton Savings Bank
Recognized as the leading alternative to using a big-bank, NESB is an award-winning local bank with over $1.6 billion in assets. Founded in 1864, North Easton Savings Bank has a proven track record of growing the community through fair banking practices, local reinvestments, and philanthropy. All deposits are insured in full at North Easton Savings Bank. North Easton Savings Bank is insured by the FDIC and the DIF and is also an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit NESB.com.

Halifax STM for MBTA special zoning Monday, Dec. 16

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Voters in the Town of Halifax will meet on Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Halifax Elementary School, 464 Plymouth St. to see if the town will approve either of two articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Article I, the most well publicized, is the MBTA Communities Act and Zoning Requirements. This article states that there shall be a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, and is located not more than half a mile from a commuter rail station, substation, ferry terminal or bus station if applicable. It shall also have no age restrictions and be suitable for families with children.
The deadline for Halifax to achieve district compliance is Dec. 31, 2024.
All MBTA Communities must comply with the Law. Communities that do not currently have a compliant multi-family zoning district must take steps outlined in the DHCD guidelines to demonstrate interim compliance. Communities that fail to comply with the Law may be subject to civil enforcement action.
Non-compliant MBTA Communities are also subject to the administrative consequence of being rendered ineligible to receive certain forms of state funding. Importantly, MBTA Communities cannot avoid their obligations under the Law by foregoing this funding. The Law requires that MBTA Communities “shall have” a compliant zoning district and does not provide any mechanism by which a town or city may opt out of this requirement.
MBTA Communities that fail to comply with the Law’s requirements also risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws. The Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Law11 and federal Fair Housing Act12 prohibit towns and cities from using their zoning power for a discriminatory purpose or with discriminatory effect.
An MBTA Community may violate these laws if, for example, its zoning restrictions have the effect of unfairly limiting housing opportunities for families with children, individuals who receive housing subsidies, people of color, people with disabilities, or other protected groups.
ARTICLE 2
To see if the Town will vote to: Add the following clause to Halifax General Bylaw Chapter § 62-2-D. Personal watercraft operation.
The use of Personal Watercrafts (PWC), including jet-ski watercrafts, surf jet watercrafts, and wet bike watercrafts is prohibited on East and West Monponsett Pond without a resident PWC permit, which is to be displayed prominently on the PWC at all times.
The Board of Selectman will establish a reasonable annual fee to acquire such a permit, any appropriate regulations regarding the use of such PWC’s, and a fine of not less than $300 for violations of this by-law.
Resident PWC permits are to be issued by the Halifax Police Department Resident PWC with a permit, may only be launched from one of the two town-owned ramps located at 4the Ave. or Rte. 36. PWC are prohibited from launching from the Rte. 58 State boat ramp (Wamsutta Landing). No PWC are allowed on any town owned beaches other than for the immediate purposes of launching or taking out. No PWC operation shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Or take any other action relating thereto.
Proposed by Steven Goodman
and one hundred and fifteen (115) others

Silver Lake Warriors D7B OCYFL Super Bowl champs

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Marc R. McGarry
Special to The Express
The 2024 Silver Lake Warrior D2 Peewee’s football team is compiled both of fifth and sixth graders. Due to the amount of skilled fifth graders, we decided to also volunteer for a D7 team within Old Colony Youth Football. This allowed these talented athletes to also play to potentially win their own Super Bowl.
On Nov. 17, the D7B Silver Lake Warriors made it to play in the 2024 D7B Super Bowl against the Scituate/Cohasset Sharks.
The game was a straight defensive battle right from opening kick off. During the first quarter, neither offense teams could get the ball going. Also, both defense teams were playing a straight “Smash Mouth Football” game.
In the second quarter, Beckham Rondeau (#37) caught a running back screen pass from quarterback Jack Kelley (#7). Rondeau’s catch made an outstanding run up the sideline defeating tacklers to reach a forty-six yard touchdown. This would be the only touchdown in the game!
A special shout-out goes to Warriors  quarterback, Jack Kelley. Kelley’s “18 keeper” has been his trademark play throughout the season. Kelley’s skill allowed him to consistently run two-point conversations, without the help of head coach, Marc McGarry.
Coach McGarry considers the unsung heroes of the offense team is not just a skilled position, but he also considers it the “meat of the line”. These five hard-hitting players consistently complete their blocks, and it is the reason the team scored a touchdown.
For the remainder of the game, the Warriors continuously faced a defensive battle. The defensive line held strong keeping the SciCho Sharks from the red zone all game! Every tackle was a team effort, and there was never just one Warrior on a tackle. Every time SciCho got the ball, they saw a “sea of red”. Coach McGarry said it was hard to pick out just one defensive player that made a game-changing play. The Warriors on defense made the game.
Throughout the entire game, the Warrior fans were on their feet, eyes glued on the game. The supportive cheering encouraged every athlete making it a truly amazing game.
Coach McGarry would like to send a special thank you to all of the parents for their hard work and dedication for the past three months. This season has had it challenges, but winning the 2024 D7B Super Bowl was a true representation of everyone’s hard work!

 

Cutlines
Silver Lake Warriors D7B super bowl champions
Head coach Marc McGarry receiving Super bowl trophy from OCYFL president Bob Long
Offensive line unsung heroes
Team Mom Erin Mota congratulating her son 93 Kayden Mota after victory.
The Sea of Red DEFENSE
7 Jack Kelley two-point conversion
37 Beckham Rondeau 46 yd touchdown
Captains walking out to the coin toss Head coach Marc McGarry

7 Jack Kelley, 45 Marc McGarry Jr, 18 Declan Berte, 37 Beckham Rondeau, 5 Mason Carbone.

Dickensian Christmas celebration comes to Kingston

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True Repertory Theatre will celebrate this holiday season with its original adaptation of A Christmas Carol, by locals James Sullivan of Braintree and Donald Sheehan of Hanover.  The production runs December 13 and 20 at 7:30PM, December 14, 15, & 22 at 3:00PM, and Dec. 21 at 2:00PM at the Beal House, 222 Main St. in Kingston.
This production takes a fresh look at the beloved character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in this hour long play with music.  In typical True Rep fashion, the focus of this production is on the storytelling.
“It is our tradition to reinterpret this Christmas classic every year.  Returning audiences find a reinvented version of A Christmas Carol that honors tradition, while keeping it new and exciting,” said Donald Sheehan, Artistic Director of True Rep.
James Sullivan, a playwright whose original, award-winning work, Ellen’s Boy’s, has delighted True Rep audiences, will be playing Ebenezer Scrooge.  “I am thrilled to be back on the stage with such a talented group who give life to a story that will ignite the holiday spirit in the most hard-hearted among us.”
“This isn’t just a production, it is an event for families to enjoy,” says Victoria Bond, Assoc. Artistic Director.  She added, “At all matinee performances Mrs. Claus will make cookies for the children to decorate before the show, and Santa will join us after the show, for a visit and a sing-along.  We will also be auctioning off some Christmas gift baskets.”
The show will perform at The Beal House, 222 Main St. in Kingston, on December 13 and 20 at 7:30PM, December 14, 15, & 22 at 3:00PM, and Dec. 21 at 2:00PM.   December 21 is also the date of the Luminaries, for those who would like to have a full day of holiday celebration in Kingston.
As True Rep does every year, the theatre group is collecting canned goods for the Vineyard Resource Center in Kingston, and working with the Kingston Fire Department collecting new, unwrapped toys for the charity, Toys for Tots. Please bring these items with you to the show, if possible.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for seniors and students, and $20 for groups larger than 10.  Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.truereptheatre.com.

Kingston votes MBTA Zoning to save grant eligibility

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Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Kingston residents narrowly approved a controversial zoning change Nov.19, creating a district of potential multi-family housing development near the town’s MBTA station. The article passed 192-167 at a special town meeting, with supporters arguing it was necessary to maintain access to crucial state grants.
The new MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District (MCMOD) allows for higher-density residential development in two areas: near existing businesses along Marion Drive and at the struggling Kingston Collection mall. The bylaw change complies with a 2021 state law requiring MBTA-adjacent communities to zone for multi-family housing or risk losing eligibility for certain state funding programs.
Town Planner Valerie Massard presented the proposed district, emphasizing that Kingston negotiated a unique arrangement with state officials to focus development at the mall rather than within a half-mile of the train station as typically required.
“We know that our mall is failing. We know that Macy’s is going to close soon,” Massard said. “We asked the state, is there a possibility that we could waive that requirement and move some of this zoning so that it would be over top of the mall to help incentivize redevelopment of the mall? And they said yes.”
The plan allows for up to 15 dwelling units per acre in one subdistrict and 16 units per acre at the mall site. It also counts 282 existing apartments toward the town’s required total of 805 units.
Debate centered on balancing economic benefits against concerns about rapid growth and strain on town services. Selectman Tyler Bouchard, who initially opposed the concept, urged passage to maintain local control and capitalize on state grants.
“If they go 40B, we are in deep trouble,” Bouchard said, referring to the state’s affordable housing law that can override local zoning. “ And on top of that, there’s going to be a bunch of towns that don’t go for this thing. So why don’t we go and get every single grant we can over the next two or three years while the doors open to the Bank of Massachusetts. Let’s bum rush it.”
Opponents raised concerns about school overcrowding, traffic congestion and loss of community character. Selectman Kim Emberg spoke against the measure, arguing it represents an unacceptable loss of local control.
“At the end of the day, I’m opposed to this article because I refuse to support the loss of local control. We, the voters of Kingston, establish our zoning bylaws based on how we want to grow sustainably and how we want to build our community,” Emberg said. “I say no to state overreach. I say yes to Kingston.”
The zoning change opens the door for future development proposals but does not approve any specific projects. Any multi-family or mixed-use developments would still require site plan review by the Planning Board.
Massard noted the town recently lost access to some grant programs due to outdated zoning language and stressed the importance of maintaining eligibility for infrastructure funding.
“We rely heavily on it here in Kingston,” she said. “We received $8.28 million in the last 10 years in order to do our sewer and water infrastructure to support Lowe’s, Amazon, Elevated Roots, and the apartments at the Kingston Collection.”
Town Administrator Keith Hickey emphasized the potential financial benefits of mall redevelopment. He said property tax revenue from the site has plummeted from $98 million in 2009 to just $9 million today.
“When you add the taxable revenue that we’ll receive from the redevelopment of the mall along with the apartments that will be constructed, we aren’t in a revenue deficit. We’re a revenue surplus, and we need to look at this in the bigger picture. “ Hickey said.

Investigators seek public’s help in Kingston fire

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Structure fire led to nearby brush fires
KINGSTON—A fire early Sunday morning in a building under construction led to a complete structural collapse and spread to nearby brush, said Kingston Fire Chief Mark R. Douglass, Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
Local and state officials are asking for the public’s help as they investigate the fire at 123 Wapping Rd., which was first reported just after 1:30 am on Sunday, Nov. 17.
The Kingston Fire Department responded to find the two-story, wood-framed structure fully involved with nearby brush burning as well. The building, which was under construction for commercial use, sustained catastrophic damage and began to collapse shortly after firefighters arrived. The blaze sent large embers into the surrounding area, sparking brush fires around the building and across the street. Firefighters battled the fires for about three hours successfully containing the fires and keeping them from spreading to the surrounding wooded areas.
The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Kingston Fire Department, Kingston Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
“This was a difficult and dangerous fire with the potential for much greater spread due to the ongoing drought conditions,” said Chief Douglass, Chief Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Davine. “We’re asking anyone with information on the cause to share it with investigators. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”
The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes. The toll-free hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-682-9229. Arson Watch is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association.
Mutual aid companies from Plympton, Plymouth, and Pembroke supported the effort at the scene and provided station coverage.

Thanksgiving lessons learned

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By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to The Express
My Grandfather Cyril, better known as Spud, and his two brothers owned a local cranberry bog in the 1960s. Grampa and my Grandmother Edrice also worked for the National Cranberry Association in Hanson that eventually was renamed Ocean Spray. Grampa worked the press and Gram screened the berries. The berries were picked by hand back then, scooped and put in wooden boxes where they stayed dry and protected until they were taken to Ocean Spray to be made into juice and sauce. Grampa stored the boxes of berries in the loft of his barn which was across the street from their house and diagonally across from ours.
My friend Donna, who was 12, and a year younger than me, lived next door with her aunt and uncle and their four sons. One Friday after school I asked my mom if Donna could come to supper and stay overnight. She said it was okay if it was okay with Ann, Donna’s aunt, which it was. It was a warm November afternoon and Donna and I went for a walk in the pine grove off of Elm Street. On the way back we passed by my Grampa’s barn and walked into the barnyard to visit Mike the ram who was a big white sheep with no horns. He was gentle and let the smaller kids ride on him.
I opened the barn door so Mike could go in. The smell of hay greeted us and brought back memories. I remembered grampa putting me on a three-legged stool when I was about five. He put his big hands over my little ones and we milked one of the cows. He turned our hands to one side where the barn cats were waiting for a taste and we squirted milk into their mouths. They were so cute and funny that we laughed. Donna brought me back to the present when she said, “Let’s go up to the loft.” We climbed the stairs and saw wooden boxes full of cranberries stacked on both sides of the loft. We looked at each other. “I got this side, you take that side!”, I said and so it began. I saw something move as I ran to the other side of the loft. Mike was perched on top of a pile of hay watching us.
Through shouts and squeals of laughter we threw handfuls of berries at each other.
There were berries strewn all over both sides of the loft and the floor below. I saw the sun setting through the window and knew it was getting close to supper time. I told Donna we better get going or we’d be late.
It was getting dark when we left the barn and walked down the street the short distance to my house. Mom greeted us with a big smile and the aroma of spaghetti sauce filled the kitchen, making me very hungry. Donna and I washed up and set the table for mom.
When we were almost finished eating, the phone rang. There was a wall phone in the kitchen near the dining room and Dad got up to answer it. He didn’t say much, just listened, ending with, “Yup, I agree”.He sat down at the table, looking across at mom, then at me and Donna while my siblings looked on. “That was Grampa on the phone”, he stated, giving us a harsh look. My heart sank and my stomach churned; Donna hung her head. “It seems when Grampa got home tonight he noticed the barn lights were on and his neighbor came out to tell him he heard a lot of noise in the barn this afternoon. Do you know why he’s upset?” Donna and I nodded in unison. “Grampa is meeting you both over there in five minutes, good luck.”
Donna grabbed my hand and was shaking and crying as we walked over. I was trying to calm her down even though I was scared myself. Grampa didn’t raise his voice but was very stern, telling us every single berry that wasn’t damaged needed to go back in the boxes and to make sure there was no hay on any of them.
He explained how important the berries were to people who made their living growing and selling them and what trouble he would be in and how much it would cost him if the berries were damaged and couldn’t be delivered. He told us how important it was that this get done tonight because they were being taken to Ocean Spray tomorrow morning to be processed. He also told us that each berry cost a penny and whatever we didn’t get back in the boxes, we would owe him. Before he left, he said he’d see us in the morning at eight o’clock at the barn and to be on time. We counted the berries that were ruined, and we owed Grampa a total of ninety two cents. We both took money out of our piggy banks to pay him. We finally got to bed that night at midnight.
We were at the barn on time the next morning and Grampa was outside waiting for us. He was a slender man, and a bit of light red hair was still visible through the strands of white and grey. He commended us for a job that he said was done even better than the mess we had made, which made us blush. He was looking at me and there was a twinkle in his blue eyes and a smile he was trying to hold back. “You are a true Ibbitson”, he said, “now you both take your money and put it back where it came from; I think you’ve learned your lesson well”.
With that, his brothers, Hollis and Edwin, who were my grand-uncles, drove up in their trucks. After greetings and goodbyes Donna and I each went home to our own houses, we were exhausted.
Thanksgiving was less than two weeks away and we were going next door to my grandparents that year. I was still feeling bad and ashamed at what I had done and so was Donna, even after we had apologized. I was also thinking about all I had found out about my grandparents that I hadn’t known. I knew they both worked but didn’t realize it was in the same place or that Grampa was part owner of a cranberry bog. I was also still perplexed about what Grampa said to me about being a true Ibbitson.
When Thanksgiving Day finally came, we could smell the turkey before we entered the house. Once inside, the mood was festive, and we all sat at the big round table with enough leaves in it to accommodate all of us. Grace had been said and we all dug into the delicious meal. Every year that I can remember, my four uncles, my dad and Grampa would start telling stories. That year it was about things they did growing up. The stories were funny, entertaining, some a bit daring and some tender and it dawned on me, I was just like them and that’s what Grampa meant. A very nice feeling encompassed me. I felt safe, accepted, loved and very thankful for my family.

Halifax bans all overnight on-street parking through March 31

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No overnight on-street parking will be permitted on any street in the Town of Halifax effective November 1st, 2024, through March 31st, 2025.
Residents must remove all basketball hoops, hockey nets etc. from within the town layout (i.e.: the side of the road). This will prevent them from being damaged when plowing occurs.
A warning will be issued for first-time violators. Vehicles will be ticketed or towed, if necessary, for repeat offenders.

Kingston dedicates memorial to its veterans

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It was Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2021, when founding member of the Kingston Veterans Memorial Work Group Rick Veno brought up the concept of a memorial to honor the service of all Kingston Veterans in each of the armed services. It was Veterans Day, 2024, when a large crowd of Kingston’s veterans gathered to see its completion and dedication on the front lawn of the Kingston Town House on Evergreen Street.
Selectmen Chairman Eric Crone gave opening remarks, noting the work by the Committee in building an enduring reminder of the meaning and significance of freedom, democracy, and the service of all veterans.
The Memorial gives a place of quiet reflection for appreciation of their service with the quote, “All Gave Some; Some Gave All.”
This year, Mark Beaton, who owns the Charlie Horse Restaurant and Plymouth Bay Catering, donated 140 meals for the Veteran’s Day luncheon.