Fred Corrigan
Special to the Express
Route 106 in Halifax was treated to a facelift last week when a process “Hot-In-Place” asphalt recycling was used. Hot In-Place is an eco-friendly asphalt paving method.
The surface recycling is done by “ovens” heating the existing road surface up to 350 degrees, then scarifying teeth dig into the existing road to a specific depth. The asphalt is then combined with a rejuvenating polymer oil applied to the asphalt with recycling agents, heated and the hot mess is recompacted. Next a paving screed makes the roadway flat again and a new finish layer is applied and a roller compacts the asphalt. The new surface is left to cure for about a week .then the final surface layer can be applied.
This Hot In-Place process eliminates the need to scarify and haul away the asphalt to be recycled in another area and saves on the use of oil. The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement began in the 1970s in response to the oil embargo.
The pictures are of a section of route 106 east of route 36 and is complete to the Kingston line.
Kingston Public Library to host Gravestone Girls “Past the Cemetery Gate” talk Thursday, Oct. 10
Join us for a talk on interpreting and researching historic cemeteries and gravestones, presented by Brenda Sullivan of the Gravestone Girls at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St., Kingston, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
“Past the Cemetery Gate” is a 90-minute presentation where attendees will learn to ‘read’ the cemetery for clues and information. Using both direct observation and deductive reasoning from objects such as the writing, art, geology and the cemetery landscape, much new insight can be revealed that can answer questions, create new inquiries and open doors for further detective work. For more information visit their website here: https://www.gravestonegirls.com/#/
Three graduate Firefighting Academy
BRIDGEWATER— State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine announced last Friday the graduation of 13 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, three of whom were from the Kingston Fire Dept.: Firefighters Mark Leary, Caroline Reed, and Daniel Shannon.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”
The graduating firefighters of Class #BW31 represent the fire departments of Canton, Franklin, Hull, Kingston, Mansfield, Norton, Norwell, Seekonk, West Bridgewater, and Wrentham.
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack.
KFE presents $60,000 to schools
The Kingston Foundation for Education (KFE), a parent-run, non-profit organization committed to enhancing the educational experience for Kingston students, presented their 10th annual check in the amount of $60,000 at the Sept. 16 school committee meeting. Since 2014, the KFE has raised nearly $1 million to directly support Kingston schools.
Over the last year, KFE has funded the repaving of the Kingston Elementary School recess yard and the new KES outdoor classroom project that just broke ground in August 2024. This outdoor classroom is a space designed for educational activities that takes place outside of a traditional indoor classroom. It can be used for a variety of purposes such as nature-based learning, physical education, art and creativity, team-building, science experiments, mindfulness, and exploring local history and cultures.
At Kingston Intermediate School, KFE funded the purchase of new camera and AV technology, as well as five TouchView Interactive displays. Having these new displays on carts gives teachers flexibility on how they structure their room layout vs the fixed projector. The adjustable height stand gives even the youngest students the ability to interact with the board. The built-in PC with wireless keyboard/mouse means all a teacher will need to do is plug the unit into power and have it all hooked up and ready to go!
Traditionally, KFE will raise money by planning several fun, charitable events including the Booster Fun Run and Parents’ Night Out fundraiser event called Back-to-School Brews at Mayflower Brewery. Back-to-School Brews took place this year on Friday, Sept. 20, with the. SLHS alumni band, The Rippers, back again with their musical talent, amazing raffle prizes donated by many of our Kingston business community members, and a thrilling pong tournament. It was such a success last year, that we plan on doing it year after year!
Our mission is simple: to help members of the Kingston community channel their positive energy into improving the already phenomenal public school system. As parents, we all love our kids, and we want to set them up for success. And we also want them to have the best opportunities and latest technology available when it comes
Halifax TRIAD meeting hosts CPA presentation
At the monthly TRIAD meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the H.O.P.E. Committee (Halifax’s Opportunity to Preserve and Enhance) Committee did an informational presentation on the November ballot question (#6) to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA allows cities and towns in Massachusetts to create a local fund specifically for open space acquisition, historic preservation, community housing and outdoor recreation projects. Cities and towns that adopt the CPA also receive funds from the State’s Community Preservation Trust Fund each year for these same purposes. Currently 196 cities and towns in Massachusetts have adopted the Community Preservation Act. The presentation highlighted several impressive projects completed by area towns.
Based on currently available figures, with a 1.5% surcharge and the exemptions for the first $100,000 of residential and commercial property value, in addition to the low/moderate income exemption, Halifax would generate approximately $238,000 per year. This figure does not include the annual disbursement Halifax would receive from the state’s CPA Trust Fund, which would be in addition to the local CPA revenue raised. The annual cost to the average Halifax homeowner would be approximately $84 annually payable in two installments of $42 each.
For more information see H.O.P.E.’s website: halifaxmahope.org, Facebook: Halifax’s Opportunity to Preserve & Enhance- HOPE.
Please send any questions to hopeforhalifax@gmail.com
Muratore wins endorsement from former Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito
PLYMOUTH—Monday, Sept. 16, State Representative Matt Muratore’s campaign for State Senate announced that it has been endorsed by former Governor Charlie Baker and former Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We can’t think of a better candidate for State Senate than our friend Rep. Matt Muratore. Matt has the public and private sector experience that makes him ready to work in the State Senate on day one,” Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito said in a joint statement. “Whether it’s advocating for local aid for schools, bridges and roads; working to end the migrant shelter crisis; or providing superb constituent services, Matt was one of our favorite legislators to work with during our time in office—and a successful one, at that! We enthusiastically endorse his candidacy to bring his public service to the next level. He’ll bring an important, balanced voice to the State Senate, and he’ll deliver for his district just as he always has,” they added.
For much of his two terms as Governor, Baker consistently ranked as one of the most—or the most—popular Governors in the United States. His collaborative, bipartisan approach is sorely missed in the Commonwealth today.
“I’m very honored to have the support of Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito,” Rep. Muratore, candidate for State Senate, said. “I look forward to bringing their same brand of competent, bipartisan, and balanced leadership with me to the State Senate. While national politics can seem so negative and divisive, our campaign will continue to focus on the issues that matter in our communities. It’s time that we come together and work for the betterment of all 8 communities in the Plymouth & Barnstable district.”
The Muratore for State Senate campaign has also been endorsed by the State Police Association of Massachusetts; the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts (Mass Retirees); and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.
To learn more about Rep. Matt Muratore and his campaign, please visit www.MattMuratore.com.
Zoning changes top STM agenda
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
HALIFAX – The town will hold a Special Town Meeting on December 16 to address zoning changes, including a proposed MBTA Communities overlay district.
The Zoning Bylaw Review Committee has completed its work after a year-long process, presenting two main recommendations for consideration.
Board of Selectmen Chairman John Bruno explained, “We’re making two recommendations. One is a revision and updating to the current zoning bylaw. It’s very detailed.”
The proposed changes include reorganized sections, combined definitions, and updates to the site plan review process. A new section on accessory dwelling units has been added to match recent state law changes.
“And we added in a section on blighted properties, which gives the town a little bit more ability to deal with properties that have become an eyesore, become dangerous, that type of thing,” Bruno said.
The most significant proposal addresses the MBTA Communities law, which requires towns to establish a zoning overlay district allowing multifamily dwellings within a half-mile radius of train stations.
After reading a brief statement explaining his concerns with the mandate for an overlay district, Bruno described the proposed solution: “What we are proposing then is to place an overlay zone on this area, identifying Twin Lakes development property and certain abutting property to more precisely describe what is already in place.”
The proposed overlay district largely encompasses the existing Twin Lakes Condominiums development, which already supports multifamily housing.
“Since the law does not require that anything new actually be built, and since Halifax already has an area supporting a multifamily development, putting the proposed zoning change in place resolves any issue about compliance with the state decree,” Bruno explained. “I liken what we are proposing to giving a fresh coat of paint to an existing wall. Nothing of substance changes except what it is being called.”
Town Administrator Cody Haddad noted that the state has preliminarily approved the town’s plan, with only minor adjustments requested.
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to submit the proposed zoning bylaw changes and the MBTA zoning bylaw changes to the Planning Board for a public hearing.
The Special Town Meeting on Dec. 16 will provide residents the opportunity to vote on these proposed changes.
Halifax is set to lose approximately $185,000 in annual revenue due to changes in state regulations regarding marijuana dispensaries. Haddad explained that the 3% impact fee the town had been collecting from two local dispensaries will no longer be allowed under new state regulations. “Between the two dispensaries for the last fiscal year was around $185,000,” Haddad said.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a new Host Community Agreement template for one of the dispensaries, Flower & Soul, which removes the 3% impact fee but maintains other aspects of the original agreement.
Haddad noted that the town believes the new regulations do not apply retroactively to existing agreements. “We feel as though the legislation and the regulations that change that 3% are not retroactively applied to host community agreements that were signed prior to that date,” he said.
In other business, the Board interviewed three candidates for a newly formed Town Government Study Committee.
The committee will review Halifax’s current governmental structure and potentially recommend changes.
Sandy Dolan, the recently retired town accountant with 15 years of experience, expressed her willingness to serve. “I have a lot of municipal knowledge, not just of the way municipalities run, but the way the town of Halifax runs,” Dolan said.
Mary Gravinese raised concerns about the committee’s potential time commitment. “Looking at two years of this, I could never commit to that,” Gravinese stated, emphasizing the need for efficiency. She had previously petitioned Town Meeting to increase the size of the Board of Selectmen to five members.
Jim Walters highlighted the importance of public input. “We need to have public meetings, talk to the people out in the town, send out surveys through whatever fashion we want to send out surveys, look for input and feedback from them,” Walters suggested.
Board member Jonathan Selig expressed enthusiasm for the diverse perspectives represented by the candidates. “I think some of the best committees don’t always agree on everything,” Selig noted.
The Board plans to keep the application process open until Sept. 18 and make appointments at their next meeting on September 24. One candidate is already scheduled to interview on the 24th.
Chairman John Bruno stressed the significance of the committee’s task. “This is a big effort. What we’re trying to do is consider reorganizing how government works in Halifax. And it’s not something that we can make a decision on quickly.”
Kingston veterans wanted for photo
KINGSTON – The editors and directors of Tales of Jones River Village: Kingston’s 300 Years are inviting Kingston veterans to be part of a photo that will be taken on Veterans Day in front of the new Memorial in front of the Town Hall at noon.
The book’s directors are looking to highlight the service that veterans have provided over the years and are seeking volunteers to be photographed and be part of this celebration of Kingston’s 300th anniversary in 2026 and will be including a group photograph of the men and women who served the country in the military.
“Tales of Jones River Village: Kingston’s 300 years” will celebrate and commemorate Kingston’s 300th anniversary and will be available for purchase in the fall of 2025, ahead of Kingston’s 300th anniversary in 2026. There has been strong support from the community in the way of articles and photographs.
This new illustrated history will feature short narratives and fresh accounts which will add to established town histories, chronicling the town and its people through different eras. Contributors to the book have come from the community. The publishers anticipate that the book will be approximately 250 pages in length, and approximately 9.5 by 12 inches in size.
In addition to the photograph, there are a few opportunities remaining if anyone has wants to prepare a short article pertaining to their military service, or the service of a loved one.
“Our veterans have given so much to the community and the country,” said Ken Brack, a director and the project’s Managing Editor, who added, “We believe it is fitting that in this book we honor the service and sacrifice that these individuals have made. Please get in touch with us and be part of our town’s history in this upcoming book.”
The publishers anticipate that the book will be approximately 250 pages in length, and approximately 9.5 by 12 inches in size.
The publishers of this book are not affiliated with the town’s 300th committee; this is a separate venture. To learn more about the book, please visit http://www.kingston300book.com). To inquire about being part of the photo, or a related story, please contact Ken Brack, managing editor, kenbrack5@gmail.com,
Halifax’s Holmes Library to host Author Series
Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library will be kicking off Authors at the Holmes on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.. The featured author will be Anthony Sammarco highlighting his book The History of Howard Johnson’s.
Many of us can recall the days of visiting a Howard Johnson’s and enjoying one of the 28 flavors of ice cream, the ‘tendersweet” clams, or the Howard Johnson’s Frankforter.
Future authors include John F. Gallagher on October 21st discussing A Monument to Her Grief offering details on the Sturtevant murders in Halifax. Chronicle reporter Ted Reinstein will talk about his book New England Notebook on November 18th. He will reflect on some of the stories he has covered all over the New England area.
The Friends of the Holmes Public Library is sponsoring the author series. All author talks will begin at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase.
Stolen Days of September …
By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to The Express
When we heard the peepers in August we knew Summer was coming to an end. September would bring Labor Day and the start of the school year which would replace our carefree days of fun and playing outside until it was so dark we couldn’t see. Then came the year things changed for a time. I always think of it as the golden, stolen days.
We were used to Hurricanes that came and went during the 1950’s but in September of 1960, along came Hurricane Donna. At the first mention of a bad storm, our dad had the Coleman stove, lanterns, kerosene and the sterno at the ready. Mom made sure there were enough baked and canned goods, candles, matches and other foods on hand that didn’t need much preparation. Laundry had been done and water frozen in the refrigerator for the cooler when needed. We were ready, now we wait.
Monday, Sept.12, no one went to work or school. Dad turned the radio on during breakfast while we still had power. The newscaster reported that Donna made landfall in Southern New England near Connecticut. and Rhode Island. The Blue Hill Observatory reported winds were 140 miles per hour and Donna was a category 4 storm. The four of us kids noticed the concerned look that passed between our parents.
A big expansive gravel and dirt driveway was between our house and the big two story, blue asphalt shingled house, where our dad’s parents lived. After a phone call from Grampa, we got ready and walked over to their house. Aunt Sam was already there with her kids.
The big old windows in Gram’s house shook and rattled as the whistling winds raised havoc. Trees fell before our eyes, landing in the side yard. Telephone wires came loose and thrashed about in the wind. At that point, Gram and Mom closed all the curtains, telling us kids to stay far away from the windows. Before darkness set in they turned their attention to lighting the lanterns. Aunt Sam took the kids into the dining room to play games. Fearing a tree might hit the house, I quietly retreated to the attic where I could look out at everything. Dad and Grampa were in the car listening to the radio. I saw them get out, hunching over to brace themselves in the wind as they made it to the kitchen door. I snuck back down before they came in.
To our surprise the news was good. The winds had been less ferocious in our area and Donna was on the way North to New Hampshire. The mood instantly lifted and there were hugs and smiles all around and a few tears of relief. Thanks to the old wood stove and Gram and Mom who made American chop suey and apple pie the day before, we had a good feast!
We woke the next morning to a beautiful day. My sister Penny and I were so happy there was no school. Dad was a bulldozer operator and was needed at his job. There was no damage to our house or yard except some debris scattered about which our younger brother and little sister helped us and mom clean up. After lunch, Penny and I went to see the trees that came down in the storm.
There were three good sized maple trees lying near one another about twenty feet from Gram’s and nearly the same distance from the house on the other side. We began climbing on the trunks and over the branches and leaves. Other kids in the neighborhood were drawn to the trees and soon there was a group of us walking and climbing all over them.
The September days after the hurricane were warm and golden. Where the trees lay became a haven for us kids in the neighborhood. Every day after breakfast we were there and we went back after lunch until it was time for supper. One of the boys was good at doing hand stands holding onto a branch that was close to the ground. Some of us liked balancing ourselves on the tree trunks while walking on them. The big leafy branches were good hiding places when we played hide and seek and they also became part of a tree house when we played the Robinson family from the book, Swiss Family Robinson. Another day we imagined we were in Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood hiding from the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The day we had to go back to school, we couldn’t wait to get home to the trees. When we got there, we stood and stared. Our hearts sank. Our haven was gone. It made us sad to see our trees cut up into piles of logs. We all turned away, no one talked on the way home.The stolen days in the September sun were a magical time that we all shared and reminisced about through the years.
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