Local author and Kingston resident Marianne Leone will talk about her new release, “Five-Dog Epiphany,” at the Adams Center, 33 Summer Street, Kingston, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
In her third memoir, “Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy,” Leone writes a moving and sometimes funny exploration of grief and the mutual healing that can occur between rescue dogs and people, who have experienced soul-crushing loss. Leone and her husband, actor Chris Cooper, lost their only child suddenly in 2005. Jesse was seventeen, a straight-A student, and a brilliant poet, who was also a quadriplegic and nonverbal except with the assistance of a computer.
After six-year old Jesse miraculously blurted “dog” to Santa, Goody appeared on his bed on Christmas morning. Goody was followed by Lucky, Frenchy, Titi, and Sugar, all rescues adopted after Jesse’s passing. After Jesse’s death, Leone grew a tumor the size of her premature son at birth, her husband disappeared into dark acting roles, and Leone fainted during the filming of a scene in “The Sopranos,” where she was standing in front of her television son’s coffin. The novel is the story of a bereaved couple and a pack of rescue dogs finding their way to a new life, everyone licking their wounds, both corporal and spiritual, and rediscovering joy.
Leone is an actress, screenwriter, and essayist. Her other memoir, “Ma Speaks Up,” was published by Beacon Press in 2017. She had a recurring role on HBO’s, “The Sopranos,” and has appeared in films by David O. Russell, Larry David, John Sayles, and Martin Scorsese. Her essays have appeared in the Boston Globe, WBUR, and other publications. Her two other memoirs are titled, “Jesse: A Mother’s Story,” and “Ma speaks up: A first generation daughter talks back.”
You can learn more about Leone at marianneleonecooper.com. Books will be on sale following the author talk.
To register for this event, please contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at smiller@kingstonma.gov.
The Strawberry Quik Kid and the Hobo
Linda Hurd
Special to the Express
It was Halloween and the last school bell rang as we headed out to board our buses for home. Those of us in junior high were excited and talking about the Halloween party being held at the Indian Head school auditorium that night where there’d be dancing and prizes for the best costumes. I was going with friends and still hadn’t decided what to wear.
The Jack O’Lanterns, as they were called in our house, had been carved the night before and were nicely arranged on the steps leading to our kitchen door. As soon as I walked into the house, I heard mom and my siblings going on about something and I heard my name mentioned.The main rooms of our house were all open. As you entered, you were in the kitchen. The spacious living room was to the right with two steps going down into it and a big fieldstone fireplace along the back wall. My sister Penny and I helped load the stones that built it into dad’s truck from my Grampa’s field when we were ages six and nine. A wide square archway in the kitchen led into the dining room where mom and my brother and sisters were. My six-year-old brother Davey wanted my help with a costume. Mom found something for Barb and Penny but Davey kept saying no to all her suggestions.
I went down the back stairs to the cellar to look around for anything that might catch my eye or give me an idea. I found a cardboard box that was just about Davey’s size, a little red cap and a pair of red tights; I instantly knew what I could do. I grabbed the can of Nestle’s Strawberry Quik out of the cupboard and took it with the box to my room, shut the door and went to work. I copied the picture of the little figure from the can onto the box and colored it in with crayons. I cut holes in the box for Davey’s head and arms.
When I was done I went to show Mom. She looked up with a big grin saying how clever it was. Davey was excited and let me put a touch of rouge on his cheeks and I even talked him into wearing the little red felt cap but when it came to putting on the tights, he balked. We put him in front of the full length mirror and Mom, Penny and I were showing him the picture of the little figure on the can who’s hat was red with legs to match and telling him how much better the costume would look if he wore the tights. We convinced him and altho he wasn’t too happy about it, he wore them. While mom fixed some supper, I had to find something to wear to the Halloween party.
In my room I found a scuffed up pair of sneakers and old raggedy dungarees in my closet. I tacked a few colorful patches on the pants with a needle and thread. Rummaging through mom and dad’s old steamer trunks down cellar I found a man’s brown sports coat that was frayed and thin with a few holes in it and not too awfully big, an old stained t-shirt that looked more grey than white and a piece of rope on dad’s workbench that I used for a belt; all I needed was a hat. I took one of mom’s long handled beat up aluminum pots out of the kitchen cupboard, taped a big patch on it and put it on my head. Perfect!
I put makeup on my eyebrows and across my chin and cheeks to make it look like I needed a shave and walked out into the dining room. Mom, Penny and Davey started laughing. Barbie was only three and looked scared and dad just stared. He finally asked if I was really going to appear in public wearing a pot on my head which made us laugh even harder when I said yes. To that he said, “geez, one wearin’ a box and one wearin’ a pot” and he just shook his head.
Dad would be in charge of passing out the candy while Mom was walking the kids around the neighborhood, and I was at the party. We were all preparing to leave and I felt a little hand slip into mine. I looked down and Davey’s big blue eyes were staring up at me. He asked if I would please come with them. Penny walked over to us saying, “it won’t be the same without you.” Dad came up behind us and said to me, “if you want to go with them, I’ll bring you to the party when they come back, it’ll still be going on.” I was torn for a minute then Barbie wrapped her arms around my leg. I took the pot off and told them yes, I will come.
Looking back, I’m so glad I did. Davey got many compliments on his costume. Barbie looked like a little doll in a hand-made Cinderella dress. Penny wore her cowgirl outfit and mom and I managed the stroller and the bags of candy. Jack O’Lanterns were lit up on every lawn. One porch decorated with ghosts, skeletons and spiders had spooky music coming from it that could be heard from one end of Elm street to the other. There were smiles and laughter as we met friends and neighbors along the way and saw how we all were dressed. Dad did take me to the Halloween party, pot on the head and all, and I won a prize for the most creative costume.
Trunk or Treat at the Dennett
Sunday afternoon the grounds of the Dennett Elementary School were jumping with costumed kids and decorated vehicles to celebrate the coming of Hallowe’en. Kids had great fun, and collected enough candy treats to last until Thanksgiving!
State Rep. candidates clash on forum
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
In a political forum hosted by WATD, incumbent Democrat Kathy LaNatra and Republican challenger Eric Meschino presented their cases for representing the 12th Plymouth District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The district includes Kingston, Plympton, precincts 1 and 2A in Halifax, as well as parts of Middleborough, Pembroke, and Plymouth.
Immigration emerged as a contentious topic, with Meschino taking a hard line. “First thing I think they should do is stop funding [the migrants]. Simple as that. You know, people have a problem with illegal immigrants in this state, in our district. Kathy’s fault. She voted for that.”
LaNatra, defending her record, emphasized the need for federal immigration reform while acknowledging the complexities of the issue. “We’ve made reforms to the right to shelter law, and we will continue to make reforms,” she said, noting that some immigrants are here legally on protective status.
On affordability, both candidates recognized it as a pressing concern for the district. LaNatra highlighted recent legislative efforts, including a $1 billion tax cut package. “We did that this session. It extended the [two dependent child] cap… That significantly helps families,” she said.
Meschino, however, argued for a different approach. “What makes it unaffordable? Taxes. Everything keeps going up,” he said, advocating for less government intervention and lower taxes.
When asked about the Governor’s recent emergency preamble on the new gun law, Meschino said “Licensed gun owners are the single most law-abiding citizens in this country,” he said, criticizing the underlying bill. “Where’s the emergency? It’s nothing more than a gun grab.”
LaNatra reminded listeners about her vote against the gun law but supported the Governor’s emergency preamble. “Emergency preambles are done quite frequently, so it’s not uncommon that the governor would call that,” adding “if [the repeal folks] want to put it on the ballot, absolutely. It’s their right to do that.”
The candidates also diverged on the issue of auditing the state legislature. Meschino strongly supported the idea, stating, “The state auditor was elected to audit. I think they should open up the books.” LaNatra, while not opposed to audits, suggested an independent auditor would be more appropriate than the state auditor.
On education, the candidates discussed the potential elimination of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. LaNatra supported the change, saying, “I do think we should eliminate it as a requirement to graduate.” Meschino disagreed, arguing, “We need some kind of standards.”
In their closing statements, the candidates summarized their positions and appeals to voters. LaNatra emphasized her experience and bipartisan approach, saying, “I’m a seasoned leader who listens, acts, and delivers.” Meschino positioned himself as an agent of change, stating, “If you want change, I can be a change agent. If you want the same thing you got now, vote for Kathy.”
The two candidates vying for the vacant 6th Plymouth District seat also squared off on WATD. The district is made up of Duxbury, Precinct 2 in Halifax, and parts of Hanson, Marshfield, and Pembroke. Republican Ken Sweezey and Democrat Becky Coletta addressed topics ranging from the migrant crisis to affordable housing during the hour-long forum moderated by Christine James and Tom Gorman.
The candidates clashed most sharply on the state’s response to the migrant crisis. Sweezey called for a residency requirement for the right to shelter law, arguing, “This is a math problem. There’s no inflammatory language here. It’s a math problem. We cannot afford it.”
Coletta countered that the focus should be on expediting work permits for migrants. “I would work as hard as our governor has been working to get work permits and get people to work. It doesn’t cost money if we have these people working,” she said.
On housing affordability, both candidates acknowledged the challenges facing the district. Sweezey estimated that a “ready to move in” home for $350,000 “doesn’t exist” in the area. Coletta suggested that an affordable apartment would cost around $1,900 per month, but added, “I don’t think it exists.”
The candidates also differed on the MBTA Communities Zoning Act. Sweezey strongly opposed the measure, stating, “This directly changes, and I would say ruins the character of our towns.” Coletta, in addition to criticizing the law, argued that it was itself deregulation “it was a Charlie Baker idea. It was a Republican principle of deregulation. Zoning is regulation of private property use. This was deregulation.”
On ballot questions, the candidates found some common ground. Both opposed Question 5, which would change how tip workers are paid. However, they diverged on Question 2 regarding MCAS testing, with Sweezey opposing the measure and Coletta supporting it.
On the one issue they’d like to be known to champion, Sweezey pointed to immigration, “the immigration issue touches so many things between budget and housing and affordability and everything. So the immigration crisis has to be solved.” Coletta highlighted affordability, “People need to be able to buy homes and live here at all stages of their life so that the communities can continue to be the diverse, welcoming places they have been in our lifetimes.”
The election for both seats will be held on Nov. 5..
Free the young River Herring from Silver Lake
Samantha Perry
Express correspondent
Pine duBois, Executive Director of the Jones River Watershed Association and President of Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center, is rallying the South Shore community in an effort to keep River Herring swimming through our waterways as nature intended.
In 1975, duBois rented a property on Kingston shores and fell in love with the ecosystem surrounding her. She has been an advocate ever since. As previously reported, JRWA posted a petition to “Free the Fish” on change.org. The goal of the petition is to convince decision makers in Brockton to restore Silver Lake’s water level in order for young River Herring to exit the lake and make their way to Cape Cod bay.
As mentioned in the petition, work is being done to find a long term solution, but time is almost up for this years’ population of River Herring and they have not yet met their signature goals. Consider signing in support of JRWA’s efforts to demand immediate action from the city of Brockton to resolve this issue before the cold weather hits.
These efforts are not just for the love of fish, though it may play into the motivation of some supporters, but to correct the far-reaching disruption Silver Lake’s critically low water level causes. When Silver Lake is at appropriate water levels, River Herring can freely migrate to the Jones River, the largest river in Cape Cod Bay, via a fish ladder. The health of Silver Lake and Jones River ecosystems contribute directly to the health of Cape Cod Bay and ultimately the Gulf of Maine fisheries. Right now, these areas are suffering because the River Herring were trapped in Silver Lake during the months that they typically migrate, July through September.
A significant number of South Shore towns were under water restrictions over this period of time, including towns that border Brockton such as Easton, West Bridgewater, and Abington. Brockton was not under any water restrictions, but they have seen success in increasing Silver Lake’s water levels through conservation in the past. During a long drought in 1986, Silver Lake was drained almost entirely. Massachusetts barred new water hookups in Brockton until they found an additional source for drinking water. This forced the city into funding the creation of the Aquaria Desalination plant now located in Dighton, Massachusetts. While this project was underway, Brockton took measures to conserve water and upgrade their pipes and meters which ultimately drove down water use and allowed Silver Lake to sustain the community again.
Present day, Brockton relies on the Silver Lake Reservoir as its primary source of water with the Brockton Reservoir and Aquaria Desalination plant as its second and third sources of water. According to the 2022 Brockton Annual Water Quality Report, the most recent report available on the city’s website, “the Aquaria desalination plant typically provides drinking water to the city during the summer months, when demand is highest.” With multiple sources of water available, the Jones River Watershed Association is calling upon Brockton Mayor, Robert F. Sullivan to direct these resources into Silver Lake to free the fish, and keep the South Shore of Massachusetts connected to the larger ecosystem.
“Fisheries are in major decline. There is no cod for people to catch because there are no juvenile River Herring to feed them. Everything is interconnected,” says duBois, “we want to help Brockton recognize that they need help, and they have options.”
To view the petition, read more about the River Herring migration and find ways to get involved, scan the QR code below.
Event site proposed for Plympton
The Plympton Zoning Board of Appeals hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, to hear the proposal for a special permit to allow Four Silos Farm event center, was rescheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. because a quorum could not be reached due to the illness of one of its members, and another member away.
About 30 people were in attendance and they asked proponent Jeffrey Perette to give an overview of his project, realizing that it would not count as an actual hearing, just an informative gathering.
ZBA Chairman Suzanne Jefferian told Perette “Honestly, we’re dying to hear about it.”
Perette told the assembly that it is his intention to make a quality venue at 387 Main St., across from Outback Arms. He admited, “I have a thing for antiques …” as he told about the white oak barn that he has purchased from Ohio that was built in 1793. “I’m trying to keep the rustic antique look.” The barn is truly breathtaking. That will be used for functions, weddings, birthday and holiday parties, In the future he hopes to have another barn strictly for equestrian use, including an indoor riding area, all tying in to the agricultural feel.
Vicki Alberti asked about the significance of the four silos. Perette answered that those four are stricktly decorative.
The venue will hold up to 400 people. Perette also noted that the five dots on the map are actual grain bins, that he plans to convert into lodging for overnight guests to the event.
He hopes to break ground in the spring.
Perfection Ballot Box retires at 100 years old
Town Clerk Tara Shaw met Plympton residents Saturday morning to officially retire the 100 year old “Perfection” ballot box, to be replaced by the Imagecast Precinct® beginning with the Nov. 5 presidential election.
While about 40 residents came to hear the presentation Saturday, Shaw is sure that voters will need a bit of instruction the first time voting. To help residents become accustomed to the new tabulator, a brief instructional video will be available on the Town of Plympton website and it will also be showing at the Town House during the hours voting is going on.
With the new vote tabulator, results will be available almost instantly when the polls close. The teams of ballot counters will no longer be needed; just a couple of counters to read the write-ins. The tabulator will count all votes on the ballot except the write-in votes which are put aside for a human count.
This is the end of an era for the town of Plympton and residents tipped a cup of coffee and enjoyed a slice of cake in Perfection’s honor.
Cape and Islands officials endorse Fernandes
Representative Dylan Fernandes, candidate for Massachusetts State Senate, is announcing endorsements by elected officials across the Cape & Islands.
“It’s an honor to have the support from local leaders across the Cape and Islands,” Fernandes said. “As the only candidate to support the Affordable Homes Act, Climate bill, and Roe Act there is a lot at stake in this election for Cape Codders around affordability, preservation, and healthcare access.”
Among the endorsements are Senator Su Moran, the current Plymouth & Barnstable senator, and Senator Julian Cyr, as well as Rep. Sarah Peake, Cape & Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois, and Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley.
Representative Sarah Peake spoke to Fernandes’ collaborative spirit: “Dylan is a collaborator. Over the past eight years I have worked with him and seen firsthand how he collaborates with colleagues in Boston, partners with people of all backgrounds on the Cape and Islands, and delivers real results for our region. From water quality to housing to sea level rise, Dylan is a leading voice on the issues impacting our coastal communities.”
Senator Julian Cyr highlighted Fernandes’ effectiveness: “Dylan has a track record of delivering results for his constituents, and we’ve teamed up on a myriad of challenging issues. Few elected officials are more effective or as grounded in the lived challenges that Cape Codders and South Shore residents face. The people of the Barnstable & Plymouth District would be very well served to be represented by Dylan in the Senate. He has my enthusiastic endorsement.”
Incumbent Plymouth & Barnstable Senator Susan Moran spoke to her confidence in Fernandes’ leadership: “I’m endorsing Dylan because I am confident he will continue the level of commitment to service that the District deserves.”
All Cape & Islands leaders endorsing Fernandes:
Su Moran, State Senator
Terry Murray, Former President of the State Senate
Julian Cyr, State Senator
Sarah Peake, State Representative
Bob Mascali, Falmouth Select Board Member
Kip Diggs, State Representative
Chris Flanagan, State Representative
Douglas C. Brown, Falmouth Select Board Member
David Weeden, Mashpee Select Board Member
John Cotton, Mashpee Select Board Chair Onjalé Scott Price, Falmouth Select Board Member
Mary Jane Mastrangelo, Bourne Select Board Chair
Melissa Ferretti, Bourne Select Board Vice Chair
Peter Meier, Bourne Select Board Member
Mark Forest, Barnstable County Commissioner
Sheila Lyons, Barnstable County Commission Vice Chair
Ronald Bergstrom, Barnstable County Commission Chair
Dirty Water Distillery named Manufacturer of the Year
State Representative Kathy LaNatra is honored to announce that Dirty Water Distillery of Plymouth is a 2024 recipient of the “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The company was presented with this award at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25th at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
“It is such an honor to be able to nominate one of the many impressive manufacturers that the 12th Plymouth district has to offer, and I was thrilled to be able to choose Dirty Water Distillery as this year’s Manufacturer of the Year, said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Dirty Water Distillery is one of those businesses that make Plymouth and the South Shore special and unique. From pivoting to making hand sanitizer during the COVID pandemic as one of the first to do so in the Commonwealth, to hosting many great community events in their taproom, Dirty Water is truly a steward of their community, and I was thrilled to be able to present them with this honor.”
Dirty Water Distillery, a micro-distillery in Plymouth’s Cordage Park, has been crafting unique artisanal spirits since its founding in 2014. As the first distillery to open in Plymouth and only the 12th in Massachusetts at the time, it has become a local favorite. Owner Pepi Avizonis, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, leads the operation alongside a head brewer, Andrew Hill, who balances his passion for distilling with his career as a high school English teacher. Together, they bring creativity and expertise to their craft, producing a distinctive range of artisanal liquors.
“We were surprised, thrilled, and honored to be State Rep. Kathy LaNatra’s nominee,” said Pepi Avizonis, Owner of Dirty Water Distillery. “We are proud and humbled to be considered among the state’s best, and we love doing what we can to support our community.”
Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight many of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy manufacturers and celebrate their successes as leading manufacturers in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 50 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is chaired by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).
Private roads will not be plowed
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Residents of Kingston’s private roads expressed frustration at a Board of Selectmen meeting Tuesday, Sept. 24, over a new policy that may halt snow plowing on some streets this winter. The board agreed to revisit the issue and hold a public hearing Tuesday, Oct. 8, to address concerns about safety and communication.
The policy, approved by the board in August 2023, would stop town plowing on private roads that don’t meet minimum standards, including a 10-foot-wide roadway with 2-foot shoulders on each side. Residents whose roads do not meet these standards were told they would need to make improvements or lose plowing services. Those residents say they were blindsided by letters sent out in early September informing them of the changes.
Several residents voiced worries about emergency vehicle access and the financial burden of maintaining their own roads. “I just cannot believe that I’m even here because I was never even notified,” said Victor Hult of Stagecoach Drive, who has lived on his road for 48 years.
Paul Brokmeier of Stagecoach Drive said he received estimates as high as $28,500 to bring his street up to the town’s standards. “I don’t really wanna hear that they’re not gonna plow my street when I won’t be able to get an ambulance into my home,” Brokmeier said.
Scott Bishop of Main Street, not an affected road, asked, “Why are you stopping services to citizens who pay taxes? What are you doing to ensure that emergency services are going to be available to these people? What are you doing to maintain upkeep of town property on these roads?”
Violet Berry of Meadowbrook Road recounted how town officials promised to plow her street when she moved there in 1960. “Now, when I was growing up, my father was, had his own business.… He never in his life signed a paper or had anybody sign the paper. He would quote a price, they’d shake on it and that was the legal document, so my feeling is, I’d like that honored.”
Berry added “I’d like to be able to continue living on Meadowbrook Road. It would be a hardship for me if I had to start putting out thousands of dollars or whatever to keep the road going.”
Highway Superintendent Paul Basler explained the policy aims to protect town plowing equipment and address a shortage of plow drivers. He said the town maintains about 80 miles of accepted roads and 35 miles of unaccepted private roads.
“We are having a big problem getting these plow trucks in anymore because A, insurance rates are high, the price of trucks is 70 or 80 grand, and nobody wants to put a plow on a truck, or an 80 grand plow truck, and have the transmission blow, or have the truck break down because it hit something on the side of a road,” Basler said.
“We’re trying to save the private plows and trucks from damage,” He added. “We need to keep our old trucks running to serve everyone in town who pays taxes.”
The new rules require private roads to meet minimum width and clearance standards. According to Basler, most issues involve overgrown trees and brush that need trimming.
Board members acknowledged the policy rollout could have been handled better. Selectman Kim Emberg apologized for the late notification.
“I apologize for it not going out until now. We voted it August of 2023. My understanding was that notifications would go out then. They didn’t, so I am apologizing to everyone for that, and we are trying to remedy that in a future meeting,” Emberg said.
The board voted to hold a public hearing on Oct. 8 to further discuss the policy and potential modifications. They also requested updated information on which streets don’t meet requirements and what specific repairs are needed.
“We’re not trying to postpone it and not have it done being closer to November. We’re trying to solve it,” said Chairman Eric Crone. “I mean, I’m telling you, we’re all residents of the same town.”
Emberg suggested the board could consider delaying implementation for a year or making tweaks to address concerns while still protecting town equipment.
“We could keep the policy as it is, not change anything, which I don’t think is fair at this point, given that people didn’t have the notification that was intended,” she said.
“So that leaves us a middle ground, which is either delaying the policy until next year, or figuring out maybe some tweaks for this season to address the concerns about the trucks, but also try to get to as many private roads as possible.”
The public hearing on the private road plowing policy is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. in the Kingston Town House.
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