KINGSTON – Members of the Kingston Agricultural Commission are looking to build upon last year’s successful fair and announce that the Kingston Agricultural Fair will take place Sunday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Kingston Town Hall, 26 Evergreen St.
Admission to the event is free. Come and see what the fair has to offer; including 4-H members and local farmers with their animals, informational tables from regional organizations, the opportunity to see antique farm equipment, items for sale such as local flowers and eggs. Additionally, there will be live music, a variety of food and beverage trucks, and representation from a number of Kingston Town Departments. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a drawing for a free, handmade braided rug by Sandy O’Fihelly and see Kingston’s newly constructed Veterans’ Memorial.
The Silver Lake Regional High School Class of 2025 will benefit from the “Cow Plop” fundraiser which will be held during the fair. Grid tickets will be available for $20 through the school, and on the day of the fair. When a cow “goes plop” on a certain grid the winning prizes include a JBL speaker, $100 worth of gift cards, or $500 in cash. Monies raised will help with the cost of the senior picnic, dinner dance, and prom. The cows are provided courtesy of the 4-H Club.
“Last year’s event was a huge success and we’re hoping for another great turnout,” said Debra Mueller, the Town’s Animal Inspector. “There’s something for everyone. It’s a chance to see firsthand the importance of agriculture and aquaculture in our lives, and to have some fun at the same time.”
Admission is free. For additional information, please contact Agricultural Commissioner Jean Landis-Naumann, jln12@comcast.net or (339) 832-0782.
Dec. 16 STM scheduled for MBTA zoning
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Halifax will hold a special town meeting on Dec. 16 to address MBTA Communities zoning requirements and other zoning changes. The Select Board set the date during its Aug. 27 meeting, citing the need to comply with state regulations by year’s end.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad outlined a timeline leading up to the December meeting. The planning board is expected to hold a public hearing on proposed zoning changes around Oct. 18, with the special town meeting warrant closing on Nov. 4.
“We would have liked to have had this done earlier…we were able to send it back to the state for kind of a preliminary approval,” said Select Board Chair John Bruno. “We sent it to them and said, well, do you see any problems?”
Haddad noted the state took 97 days to respond with only minor changes required.
“It’s unfortunate we have to wait until practically the 11th hour to hold the special town meeting, but it was beyond our control to do that,” Bruno added. “It also has to be done. We do have to make a vote.”
The town must comply with MBTA Communities zoning regulations by Dec. 31 to remain compliant with the law and remain eligible for many state grants.
Board member Jonathan Selig stated, “Am I psyched that it’s in December? No. But I feel better that we didn’t try to push this through any faster than we can because you really can’t. You have to follow what we need to follow.”
The board plans to review all zoning articles and make recommendations to the planning board at its Sept. 10 meeting. They will also vote to open the special town meeting warrant, set to close on Nov. 4.
A public workshop on MBTA zoning with the Old Colony Planning Council and state delegates is planned for the week of Oct. 8.
The board agreed to mail out the warrant to all residents to ensure widespread awareness of the proposed changes.
“Where you say this is a lot of moving parts, I’m a fan of actually sending it out to folks in advance,” Selig said.
The special town meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 16, with Dec. 17 set as a backup date in case of inclement weather or lack of quorum.
Haddad also presented a comprehensive update on the town’s goals, highlighting numerous accomplishments.
“I think what you see is we have done a lot in the town in the past year,” Haddad said. “This is a testament to you guys on the board, but really the staff here. You don’t accomplish these things without a really good team in place.”
Key achievements included securing a $75,000 grant for online permitting services, combining part-time positions to create more efficient full-time roles, and adopting a code of conduct for elected and appointed officials.
Selig reacted, “I am floored at how much we’ve done in a year, and kudos to you, Cody, and kudos to the board, and kudos to people here at town hall.”
The board will now focus on developing new goals for the upcoming year. Haddad emphasized the importance of aligning future objectives with the board’s vision for the town.
“This is a good opportunity for us to reflect and pivot,” Haddad said. “As the chief policy makers of the town, the direction that you want to see go in the next year, several years, right? Because this isn’t a yearly document.”
The board approved an agreement with National Grid to install four level 3 electric vehicle charging stations near HOPS Playground. The $296,000 project will be fully funded by National Grid and its partners, with no cost to the town.
Level 3 chargers are “fast chargers”, with charging time measured in minutes instead of hours. The board praised Energy Manager Kathy Stanley for her work on a number of energy initiatives, including these chargers.
The board also addressed the recent elevation of Halifax to high risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Aerial spraying is set to begin in the town, with residents advised to check the Board of Health website for precautions.
“Bob Valery, our health agent, does an excellent job of keeping that updated,” Haddad said.
The Board also met the night before, Aug. 26, with a single focus, interviewing representatives from two law firms as potential new town counsel, exploring options to enhance legal services for the municipality.
They met with attorneys from Clifford & Kenny and Mead, Talerman & Costa to discuss their approaches to municipal law, experience, and fee structures.
Both firms emphasized their expertise in land use and zoning issues, which Select Board Chair John Bruno identified as a primary concern for Halifax.
“Our bigger issue is probably zoning and land use, some general government stuff, making sure that our town meeting runs efficiently,” Bruno said.
The board expressed interest in training programs for volunteer board members, particularly in technical areas like conservation and zoning.
Jay Talerman of Mead, Talerman & Costa highlighted their firm’s commitment to education, stating, “We do all of that. Now, sometimes it doesn’t require curriculum as much as it does like a let’s get around the table and talk about it kind of thing.”
John Clifford of Clifford & Kenny emphasized their firm’s responsiveness and accessibility, noting, “If there’s something serious going on, and it doesn’t happen that often, but when there’s a crisis going on, it’s mainly Jamie and I, we’ll get calls from all the board members on a regular basis, and that includes nights and weekends.”
Both firms discussed their approaches to town meeting preparation and attendance, with representatives from each firm assuring the board they would prioritize Halifax’s annual meeting.
The Select Board is expected to make a decision on new town counsel soon, with board members indicating they would check references before finalizing their choice. Town counsel contract was one of the stated reasons for an executive session at the start of the August 27 meeting.
How we voted in Tuesday’s primary
The first Tuesday in September marks the State Primary Election for state and some federal positions. Sept. 3 saw towns throughout Massachusetts cast ballots. Though turnout was predictably low, 17.53 percent in Plympton, and few contests on the ballot, 443 people came out to mark their choices.
PLYMPTON
Plympton’s populace put Democrats Sen. Elizabeth Warren, uncontested, on the November ballot with 195; Rep. Bill Keating with 197 votes; Joseph C. Ferreira got 182 votes for Councillor; Dylan Fernandes won 188 votes for Senator in General Court; Representative in General Court: Kathleen R. LaNatra – 191; Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon- 196; Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 187. The only contest on the Democratic ballot was for County Commissioner, where the best two out of three will advance to the November Election: Scott Vecchi – 117, Rhonda, Nyman – 106 and Greg Hanley – 104.
The Republican ballot had two contests: Senator in Congress: John Deaton – 152, Robert Antonellis – 47, and Ian Cain – 18; Senator in General Court: Mathew J Muratore got 119, Kari MacRae – 92, Dan Sullivan -178 votes for Representative in Congress, and Eric J. Meschino won 188 votes for Representative in General Court. The two positions of County Commissioner saw Jared Valanzola win 128 votes and Anthony O’Brien Sr 133 votes. Clerk of Courts and Register of Deeds had no candidates.
The Libertarian Party had a ballot but no candidates. There were two Libertarian ballots in Plympton.
KINGSTON
There were 4,058 ballots drawn in Kingston, 2310 Democrats, 1740 Republicans, and 8 Libertarians.
Democratic ballot
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 1069
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 1092
Councillor First District: Joseph C. Ferreira – 1012
Senator in General Court Dylan Fernandes – 1023
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 1084
Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon Jr – 1015
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 1040
County Commissioners, choose two: G. M. Hanley -609, R.L. Nyman – 648, S.M. Vecchi – 535; Write-ins – 114
Republican ballot
Senator in Congress: R. Antonellis – 195, I. Cain – 84, J. Deaton – 563, and 4 write-ins.
Representative in Congress: D. Sullivan – 751, Write-ins 26
Senator in General Court: K. MacRae – 302, M. Muratore – 542
Representative in General Court: Eric J. Meschino – 702
County Commissioners, choose two: Jared L. Valanzola – 486, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 490, Write-ins 6
There were no candidates put forward for the positions of Councillor, Clerk of Courts, or Register of Deeds.
Libertarian ballot
There were 8 Libertarian ballots voted, with no candidates printed on the ballot. For any write-ins to be counted, there would need to be at least five of the same person to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
HALIFAX
Democratic ballot
There were 562 Democratic ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 512, Others – 10
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 563, Others – 1
Senator in General Court: Michael Brady – 503, Others -1
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 265, Rebecca W. Coletta – 246
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 503
County Commissioners, choose two: Gregory M. Hanley – 319, Rhonda L. Nyman 292, Scott M. Vecchi, 201
Councillor: Tamisha L. Civil – 128, Muriel Elaine Kramer – 61, Sean Murphy – 278, David S. Reservitz, 39
Clerk of Courts: Robert S. Creedon Jr -491, Others – 1
Republican ballot
There were 550 Republican ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Rovert J Antonellis – 123, Ian Cain – 63, John Deaton – 358
Representative in Congress: Dan Sullivan – 474, Others – 2
Senator in General Court: No candidate. Others – 82
Representative in General Court: Jane L Cournan – 93, Kenneth P Sweezey – 165, Eric J. Meschino – 230
Register of Deeds: No candidate
County Commissioner: Jared L Valanzola – 488, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 347, Others – 1
Councillor: Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. – 455, Others – 3
Clerk of Courts: No Candidate. Others – 39.
LIBERTARIAN
There were 9 Libertarian ballots drawn. There were no candidates printed on the ballot and no write-ins to total five or more to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
Republican State Senate hopefuls debate over taxes, immigration
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Republican State Senate candidates Kari MacRae and Mathew J. Muratore faced off in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Plymouth area Thursday night, highlighting their differing approaches to key issues facing the district.
The candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in the Sept. 3 primary for the Plymouth and Barnstable District seat. The district includes Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth and Plympton in Plymouth County. MacRae positioned herself as a political outsider focused on citizen involvement. “Well, my qualifications are simply I’m a citizen. I’m a citizen of the Commonwealth. I am passionate about making sure that everybody has opportunities. I’m on the school committee in the town of Bourne. I’ve served now two terms and was re-elected. And I think it’s important that everybody gets involved with local politics,” MacRae said, emphasizing her passion for ensuring opportunities for all.
Muratore touted his experience in government and the private sector. “I’ve been serving as a state legislator for ten years now. I think that coupled with my business experience as a small business owner, my community involvement, involved in all sorts of different community organizations such as the Economic Foundation, the Rotary Club, etc., plus,being a father of six daughters gives you a lot of life experience. And so, I think that’s what makes you the most qualified for this,” Muratore said. Both candidates identified affordability and the migrant crisis as top issues facing the district.”We have an affordability issue in this state,” Muratore said. “We are recently ranked as the number one place to live in Massachusetts. But one of the most expensive places to live.” MacRae agreed, linking affordability challenges to immigration: “Immigration, illegal immigration, is taking a lot of resources from our citizens. That is a big problem.” The candidates diverged on tax policy. MacRae advocated for eliminating the sales tax entirely, arguing for fiscal responsibility in state spending. “I say we should get rid of the sales tax and make sure that they’re being more fiscally responsible with the tax dollars that they’re taking from us up on Beacon Hill,” she said. Muratore supported more targeted tax cuts, including reducing the sales tax to 5% andproviding incentives for small businesses. He expressed concern about wealthy residentsleaving the state due to high taxes.
On housing affordability, MacRae emphasized prioritizing citizens, veterans, and seniors for housing resources. “We need to make sure that we are prioritizing the citizens, prioritizing the veterans, and prioritizing senior citizens,” she said.
Muratore focused on the need to increase housing supply, stating Massachusetts is about 200,000 units behind in housing. He supported the recent $5.4 billion housing bond bill to create incentives for housing development. The candidates also differed in their approach to working within the legislature. MacRae argued for electing more Republicans to push back against the Democratic majority. “I think the biggest thing that we need to do is we need to get more Republicans and Independents elected,” she said. Muratore emphasized his ability to work across the aisle, stating, “The more you actually can work with people, whether it’s in your own party or on the other side, you’re able to, you know, affect change.”
Both candidates expressed support for increasing transparency in the legislature, with MacRae promising to always disclose her votes and reasoning to constituents.
The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 3, with the winner advancing to face Dylan Fernandes, running unopposed in the Democratic Primary, in November.
Mosquito spraying to prevent EEE
Aerial and truck-mounted spraying to control mosquitoes began Tuesday of this week, as communities in Plymouth County continued to register in the moderate to high risk levels for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, according to information from the Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources.
Three towns in Plymouth County are at the critical level, according to a risk map from Mass.gov -Arbovirus. The five stages of risk are Remote, Low, Moderate, High, and Critical. Plympton, Halifax, and Kingston are all rated at Moderate risk, meaning that some mosquitoes sampled in these towns have been found to carry the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. High risk would mean that animals have been found to be infected with the EEE virus, and a Critical designation means a human has been infected. Middleborough, Carver, and Plymouth have all been designated as High, as of Tuesday, Aug. 27. Four towns in southern Worcester County have been deemed Critical, due to a human case of EEE in Uxbridge.
The Plymouth County Mosquito Control project initiated aerial spraying in towns deemed Critical, beginning Tuesday, weather permitting. It will continue its truck-mounted spraying program, including spraying yards by request throughout Plymouth County. To see a list of the street-by-street itinerary for each town, go to https://www.plymouthmosquito.org/spray-routes-for-adult-mosquito-control.html. The spray routes will be posted at 3 p.m. for the following day. They list only the streets they expect to be on and not exact addresses. PCMCP honors all pesticide exclusion requests.
Residents can call up to eight times per season to be sprayed barring any spray restrictions in the area. The spray used will kill the mosquitoes in the area at the time that they spray and is not a preventative. Residents must make a request each time they have a mosquito problem, including name, address, phone number and email address. A confirmation email stating that PCMCP will come the requested property the next morning and a confirmation email on the day that spraying was done. Spray request phone calls are answered Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at PCMCP phone: (781) 585-5450 and Fax: (781) 582-1276.
Pesticide applications are made via an ultra-low volume sprayer that is on the back of a pickup truck. Typically spraying is done from the street and can travel up to 300 feet. Weather permitting, the sprayers are operating from 2 a.m. to ½ hour before sunrise each weekday.
There is no cure for the EEE virus and the best treatment is prevention, according to the Mass. Dept. of Public Health.
Leading reproductive rights organizations endorse Dylan Fernandes for state senate
Cite Fernandes as only candidate to support the Roe Act protecting women’s reproductive rights
Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and Reproductive Equity Now have both endorsed Representative Dylan Fernandes in his campaign for State Senate. These endorsements highlight Fernandes’ steadfast advocacy for reproductive rights and healthcare access, reinforcing his dedication to protecting reproductive freedoms across the state and citing the fact that he is the only true pro-choice candidate in the race.
“I am the only candidate running who supported the Roe Act protecting a woman’s right to choose and I will always support women and families across our district,” said Fernandes. “Women of the Plymouth and Barnstable District won’t go back. I am proud to be the pro reproductive freedom candidate and have the support of Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Equity Now.
Dominique Lee, President of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts (PPAF), emphasized the importance of Fernandes’ candidacy: “Right now, patients here and around the country are counting on Massachusetts to make abortion, contraception, and LGBTQ+ health care as accessible as possible, especially in the face of a possible federal Administration hell-bent on eliminating access to this care. That’s why we must elect lawmakers that are bold, effective, unapologetic champions for reproductive freedom in every district. As Senator, Dylan will prioritize advancing reproductive health equity in Massachusetts, dismantling barriers to care, and ensuring safe, legal abortion is accessible to all. The stakes have never been higher in the fight for reproductive rights and health care access, and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund is proud to endorse and fight alongside Dylan.”
Throughout his tenure in the State House, Fernandes has championed numerous bills to safeguard reproductive rights and expand access to healthcare services. He is the only candidate to vote in favor of the ROE Act protecting women’s right to choose in Massachusetts. His Republican opponents have a zero rating on reproductive rights from Planned Parenthood and Reproductive Equity Now. Fernandes’ legislative record includes advocating for protections for reproductive healthcare, promoting gender-affirming care, and working to eliminate healthcare disparities.
Fernandes currently serves as Vice Chair of the Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources and holds positions on the Committees on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, and on Global Warming and Climate Change.
Marshfield Fair now in 157th season
The Marshfield Fair, the premier event for Plymouth County 4-H members and young people from across New England, offers open youth participation for kids ages 5-19 exhibiting livestock shows, equine events, dog shows and numerous agricultural opportunities.
Young people play an active role participating at the fair, including offering demonstrations, interacting with fairgoers, care and maintenance of the barns, and fair planning.
Youngsters learn valuable life skills through raising and showing animals including responsibility for others, public speaking, leadership, and community service. 4-H members and others also gain experience in animal science, local agriculture and volunteer experience.
The Marshfield Agricultural and Horticultural Society presents many awards for excellence in scholarship, livestock, agriculture, and country craftsmanship.
Among these is the Cave Canem Challenge Cup, honoring longtime Plympton resident Rita LaPointe, volunteer leader, teacher, and friend of 4-H young people. It is awarded to the Junior or Senior 4-H dog exhibitor who earns the highest total combined score in both Marshfield Fair Dog Shows.
The Marshfield Fair runs through Sunday, August 25.
Plympton CPC seeks grant proposals
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025 FUNDING
PLYMPTON – The Plympton Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is currently accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 funding. The deadline for completed applications is October 15.
Projects funded in prior years include a safe in the Town Clerk’s office to archive important historical records; installation of a chairlift and new insulation for the “Old Town House” building at 189 Main St.; a comprehensive drainage system to solve a chronic wet basement in the Plympton Library; funds to acquire and improve the 11 acre parcel on Main Street now known as Churchill Park which offers access to the abutting 87 acre parcel known as Cato’s Ridge thereby forming a large natural preserve with walking trails; improvements at Harry Jason Park to make it more accessible for family and recreational use; the installation of a chairlift in the Plympton Historical Society Building; renovation of the old Winnetuxet swimming hole into a recreational area; and facilitating the donation of O’Neil Marsh on Ring Road which offers additional access to Cato’s Ridge.
More recent projects include clapboard painting and window restoration and replacement at the “Old Town House”; repair and restoration of Town Green gazebo; creation of the 150 acre “Two Brooks Preserve” off Prospect Road; funding for improvements to the playground at the Dennett Elementary School; and the purchase and preservation of almost 300 acres known as Turkey Swamp.
The CPC takes very seriously its responsibility to administer Community Preservation Act funds and is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve and improve the town through acquisition and protection of open space, historical preservation, community housing and increased recreational opportunities. New projects selected by the CPC for further consideration will be voted on at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
Project guidelines and applications can be found on the Plympton town website at http://www.town.plympton.ma.us/community-preservation-committee. Click on “Documents” at the left-hand side of the web page to bring up the Plympton Community Preservation Plan which includes the application and criteria. The CPC Plan and application are also available at the Town House and at the Plympton Public Library. Questions can be addressed by contacting CPC Chair Mark Russo at Mrusso2@msn.com.
EEE, West Nile Virus in Halifax, Plympton, and Kingston
The Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health reminds people in moderate to high risk areas, such as Whitman, Hanson, Halifax, Plympton, and Kingston, that the threat continues for both Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). To date, two males, one in Hampden County, in the 40-49 year old age group and one in Middlesex County, in the 70-79 year old age group, have contracted WNV. One animal has been found with EEE..
These mosquito-borne illnesses continue to be a threat to health and residents should take precautions when outside from dusk to dawn, prime time for mosquito bites. The threat will continue until a hard frost, usually in October..
Ken Vinton celebrates 90th birthday
Tuesday, Aug. 6, Ken Vinton, president of TRIAD, was surprised with a room full of birthday well-wishers at the regularly scheduled August meeting.
Vinton noted, before realizing that the celebration was for him, that there were a record number of attendees on Tuesday, 34 in fact, there at the August meeting.Asked how long he plans to remain president of TRIAD, Vinton responded that he was having a lot of fun with the group and that it’s always easy to get speakers.’
State Rep. Kathy LaNatra presented Ken with a Citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives praising his leadership and activities promoting senior citizens’ rights with Halifax TRIAD and congratulating him on the celebration of his 90th birthday. Plymouth County Sheriff Joe MacDonald presented Ken with a ball cap from the sheriff’s department.
A beautiful birthday cake was enjoyed by all.
Vinton introduced Fred Corrigan, this month’s speaker, an active 89-year-old Halifax citizen who spoke about growing up in the White Mountains in Randolph, NH, in a three-room house with his parents, his brother, and baby sister.
Years later, the little house was moved, as was the custom, to become a garage to another home. The owner would brag that she had the only garage with wallpaper on the walls, Corrigan told the group.
He showed a photo of the one-room schoolhouse in Randolph, NH, where he had the same teacher as his father. She taught there for 33 years, grades 1 through 8 in the one-room schoolhouse, where she had to keep an authoritarian rule on the group – the youngest in the front rows, and older kids in the back. There was a blackboard in the front, and another in the back, so she could teach separate lessons to separate age groups.
There was no electricity, no running water, and an outhouse in the back. Life was simple. High school was in Lancaster, NH with about 30 kids in the senior class, Corrigan told his audience.
Fred told about Saturday nights in Lancaster, where the entertainment was movies at the Rialto Cinema. “Drive from the three-room house in Randolph to Jefferson, then to Lancaster. It was shopping night, ‘because you don’t run that trip every day to pick up a loaf of bread,’” Corrigan said. “Shopping night was Saturday night; we stocked up for the week. While Mom and Dad went shopping, we three kids got to go to the theater to see whatever was playing. Fred’s brother was an usher at that theater. The cost to go to the Rialto theater was five cents. That theater is still operating today.”
Fred told some of the history of the area that was his home so long ago, and showed a photo of a sculpture of a wolf erected “to honor the brave men and women who redeemed Lancaster from the wilderness. This memorial is erected by their local sons and daughters upon the 150th anniversary of the founding of the town of Lancaster. July 6, 1913.”
“Lake Coos and the Presidential Range. Lancaster, founded in 1763, lies on the bed of glacial Lake Coos, formed as the glaciers receded 14,000 years ago.
“Today, the Connecticut, an American Heritage River, flows along the bottom of the ancient lake. You stand at a gateway to the Great North Woods Region.
“To the east, aligned from north to south, are Mounts Madison, Adams, Jefferson and Washington, the highest peaks of the White Mountains Presidential Range. Mt. Washington, at 6,288 feet, is the highest in the Northeast.
“The strongest winds ever recorded, 231 miles per hour, were measured on its summit on April 12, 1934.”
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