Dog licenses are available as of Thursday, June 1, 2023, and late fees for unregistered dogs will be charged starting at the close of business on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2023.
Residents can submit their dog license registration in-person, by mail or by using the drop-box located at the Town Hall parking lot entrance. Please include cash or a check payable to the Town of Halifax, a completed Dog License Registration form, rabies vaccination certificate(s), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Alternatively, residents may process their dog license registration online at https://www.halifax-ma.org/
The cost of a dog license is $10.00 for neutered or spayed dogs and $15.00 for dogs that are not neutered or spayed. An owner who has not licensed their dog(s) by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2023, will incur a late fee of $50 per dog plus the cost of the license(s).
An owner who has not licensed their dog(s) by Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, will be issued a court citation of $25 per dog, plus the late fee of $50 per dog in addition to the cost of the license(s). All dogs must be licensed in accordance with Massachusetts General Law.
The Town Clerk’s office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Download Dog License Registration Form (PDF) from the town’s website.
New Beginnings at Sirrico Field
Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance was played by the Silver Lake Band, as students filled the stadium, passing by the game shirt and photo of Aiden Ramsey, one of their classmates who lost his life to suicide last Dec. 28.
The Massachusetts Army National Guard Honor Guard placed the colors into their stanchions, as CTE Student of the Year Benjamin Harrison Carroll led the Salute to the Flag.
The National Anthem was performed by the Select Choir and Senior Band members, conducted by Theodore Madsen, followed by the Select Choir’s rendition of A New World, conducted by Ms. Kelley DePasqua. The Modern Band and Select Choir Seniors then performed Rivers and Roads by The Head and the Heart.
Carson Patrick Rose, President of the Class of 2023, introduced by Lily Grace Canniff, vice-president, recounted some of the challenges during their past four years, including the loss of a loved classmate. His message was you can learn something from everyone. “Graduates, ask your parents about balancing a checkbook or changing a tire, and parents, ask your child about changing a password and solving algebra equations. The truth is, you can learn something from everyone.”
Aislin Aki Dalyrmple, Class Treasurer, introduced the invited faculty speaker, Sean Donovan, AP psychology and sports psychology teacher, who told the audience, “We are in good hands. The young people you see in front of you, ‘they got this.’”
Salutatorian Ella Pamela Hughes was introduced by Adeline Grace Hamilton, Secretary, who proclaimed Hughes a “truly exceptional and extraordinary person.” Hughes spoke about her loss of her cousin Aiden Ramsey, or “Ramsey”, as he was known, and the challenges she and her class faced through the four years at Silver Lake, and how they all came together to overcome these times. “As we head toward the future, I will always remember my Silver Lake family.”
Class Historian Rosella Marie Hoffman introduced Valedictorian Sarah Patricia Thomas, as one of the most “remarkable, tenacious, and benevolent students to ever walk these halls.” Thomas asked the audience to remember the loss their dear friend Aiden Ramsey, his infectious passion, his radiant personality, and his unwavering care for others. “Our time as a class has certainly been a whirlwind of emotions, happy and sad moments, of fear and hope, of chaos and resilience.” Thomas concluded by saying, “There is nothing weak about rest and there is no shame in caring for yourself over all else. Our most brilliant triumphs begin in our minds and in our hearts, so take care of them.”
Halifax BOS fields requests and complaints
The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, May 23. Selectman Naja Nessralla was not able to attend. The Board did a quick recap of Town Meeting and Selectmen Chair John Bruno said the only real complaint he heard was regarding the acoustics in the meeting room. “To the extent possible, I think we should always use the other room, because you can hear better,” he explained.
Noise Complaint
Bruno said they had a noise complaint regarding Fieldstone Farms. The complaint came from a neighbor on Plymouth St. Health Agent Bob Valery sent correspondence to the Selectmen letting them know that he has had numerous site visits and he cannot substantiate a noise complaint. “We’ve investigated this for four years and nothing has ever come of it,” Bruno said. “Mr. Valery does a great job and he’s gone out there several times and he’s very detailed in his reports so unfortunately, there’s not much we can do,” Town Administrator Cody Haddad said.
Vacation Carryover Requests
The Selectmen took up requests for many members of the Police Department to carry over significant vacation time. Bruno asked why so many of them were not taking their vacation time. Haddad said, “His explanation was they were without a couple of officers for much of the last calendar year.; They were down a couple of officers, so their officers were required to work overtime and not use their vacation. There was one officer who is going on a trip next fiscal year who is looking to carry over the time – you know, cases like that, that’s very reasonable, if you have a planned event that you’re looking to use, but you know, just continually carrying over isn’t necessarily a good practice,” Haddad said. Bruno made a motion that the Selectmen indicate that it will be the policy of the Board to look closely at any vacation carryovers in the future. “That they are expected, and the default is that the vacation be used in the year that it is accrued,” Bruno said. The Board and Haddad agreed.
Live Entertainment Permit Requests
Raun Jerome came before the Board to request a live entertainment permit for July 8 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jerome said it was for a cookout for friends and family. It had previously been approved by the other necessary town Departments. The Board approved.They also approved a live entertainment request for Generations for a DJ at an animal festival on June 4 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Requests of Various Committees
Haddad told the Selectmen that the Veteran’s Service Officer Steve Littlefield had requested that the Board create the Veteran Services Committee. Littlefield requested that it consist of the Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO), the two Assistant VSOs, the Cemetery Director, and two members at-large. Haddad read, “The Committee will assist in serving the Veterans in Halifax on a year-long basis with a special emphasis on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day celebrations while also providing services to our Veteran community.” The Selectmen approved the request and voted to create the Committee.
Jeremy Gillespie of the Halifax Beautification Committee appeared before the Board to request permission to plant trees in various locations throughout town. Haddad said that the approval would be contingent upon Steve Hayward’s approval since he serves as the Tree Warden. The trees were awarded as part of an Earth Day essay contest sponsored by the Beautification Committee. There was a winner for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade.
The Board also discussed the status of the Bylaw Review Committee. Bruno said that it was his belief that the current iteration of the Committee has never met. Bruno recommended to Haddad that they organize a meeting to get started.
Building Commissioner Search
“As you know we are recruiting for our Building Commissioner – I wanted to bring before you, the process for determining who the next Building Commissioner should be. Historically, the Board has interviewed several individuals for the position. My recommendation would be to not do that… by requiring an interview of the full Board you deter qualified applicants to apply because they may not want their existing employer to know… my recommendation would be to form an internal team to sift through, conduct preliminary interviews, and then make a recommendation to the Board of a finalist,” Haddad explained. Haddad recommended only presenting one finalist before the Board. Bruno said that he would feel comfortable leaving it up to the Committee to have the discretion to determine the number of candidates to present.
MBTA Action Plan Update
Regarding the MBTA Action Plan, Bruno said they received a letter back from State Representative Josh Cutler. Previously, Bruno had sent a letter expressing his concern over the requirements of the MBTA Action Plan that the other Selectmen had co-signed. “We didn’t hear much from the other representatives,” Bruno said. He continued, “Our problem is that our townsmen, people, I haven’t heard anybody say that they are in favor of this; I would like to go back to them and thank Mr. Cutler for his thorough response but ask them to say, ‘look will you come in here and talk to us and explain about this program and why it’s a good idea’… there are rooms full of angry people and I’m not going to justify it.” Haddad said he reached out to a group of about 50 Town Administrators and said that he has received an “overwhelming response” from about 25 other local Town Administrators who plan to meet to discuss next steps. The MBTA Community Action Plan requires that towns served by the MBTA zone for a district of reasonable size to be used for multi-family housing. Failure to comply will result in the loss of certain grant funding.
Town Administrator Updates
Haddad told the Selectmen that the Park Commissioners finally submitted their proposed uses for the Economic Development Bill funding. The first use is for landscape cleanup to the area to the left of Fourth Ave down to the water’s edge and the driveway and gateway near Sixth Ave. The cleanup is estimated at $9,500. They are also looking for a conceptual design as part of the beach re-nourishment process. The Board approved the two projects.
Regarding training for Department heads, Haddad said they received special training so that they could control their own Web page within the town Website. “We hope that it will help the functionality of our Website, allow residents to be more engaged, have more up-to-date information,” Haddad said. The Selectmen and Haddad also discussed the plan to hold Selectmen’s meetings at various locations around town to highlight buildings and Departments.
Haddad thanked Tommy Schindler for providing free lunch to all town employees recently. He said he is starting a new business called Teddy’s Hot Dogs. Haddad said he had the “bacon and mac dog” and noted it was “very good.”
Haddad also said that he recently started an employee of the month program. The first recipient was Peggy Selter of the Board of Health and Conservation Commission. “She’s been going above and beyond in the absence of some Building Department staff, some Zoning Board of Appeals staff, Planning Board staff; she’s taken on the Conservation Commission. Peggy is great in every aspect,” Haddad said.
Haddad also told the Selectmen that they received word from MASS DEP that Halifax was awarded a Host grant that provides funding assistance for the town. The town makes money and all they need to do is provide an office space in the recycling center. They also get access to a State DEP employee who will be housed in the building.
The Annual Fourth of July Fireworks event will be held on July 1 this year. The Selectmen voted to approve the event.
Town Counsel rules Selectmen rule
Deb Anderson
Express staff
Plympton Board of Selectmen met Monday, May 22, and gave the results of Town Counsel Greg Corbo’s opinion as to who has the authority to site the well in the new, proposed town complex. The well will serve the police station, the new fire station, and the library. It will not serve the Town House, which has its own well in the basement of the building.
Plympton selectmen, the Board of Health, and Jon Wilhelmsen of the Town Properties Committee met earlier in May to discuss siting the well for DEP approval and there was some question as to where the final authority lay. At the request of Selectman Chairman Christine Joy and Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy, Plympton sought the advice of Town Counsel to properly delineate the roles and responsibilities associated with siting the well at the new Town Complex.
Dennehy pointed out that it does not include the well at the Town House, whose issues the Board of Health is working on with the Department of Environmental Protection; it only includes the new well that will serve the Town Complex.
Corbo’s letter to the board in part states that the authority to site the well belongs to the Town Properties Committee as representatives of the Board of Selectmen. The new well, a small public water system, serving the fire station and library, will need to be approved by the DEP, but the siting for the well rests with the Board of Selectmen and/or its designees, and also noted that the Board of Health does not have the authority to override the decisions of the Board of Selectmen.
Responding to Joy’s question as to whether the ruling is clear, Selectman Traynor said, “Absolutely. I think it is about as clear as you can get.”
In other business, selectmen appointed Sean Fitzgerald as a part-time police officer as recommended by Chief Matt Ahl. They also approved the use of the Deborah Sampson Meeting Room for a cooking demonstration with samples, for June 8, at 6 p.m., approximately 20 people will be attending. The Board of Health has already granted their approval. It will be put on by the Plympoton Public Library, featuring Chef Thomas Mottl of RTC Network, Pawtucket, RI.
Under correspondence, Russo read a letter to the board from Nancy Denman on Ring Road, concerning the MBTA Housing Mandate forced on Massachusetts cities and towns. She went on to say that she was at the meeting at the library where State Senator Susan Moran was asked by Russo what Moran could do to support small towns in their quest to retain control over their character and community. Denman said that she felt Moran’s answer was “disappointing.” Denman asked Russo to communicate with other towns in similar situations and form a united front to fight the mandate.
Russo responded to Denman’s letter by saying that “I think it’s deeply challenging that the attorney general has opined that we put ourselves in legal peril if we don’t move forward.” One of the good things, he continued, is that the next step will have to be approved by town meeting. Any action taken between now and June 1 could potentially leave Plympton in peril without accomplishing anything. “The tenor of that letter, I totally agree with.” Russo furthered that the purpose of this legislation is excellent, encouraging more use of the MBTA, but it is not in tune with the times. It is absolutely blind to the unusual situation – that of small towns.
Traynor responded that he agreed with Russo’s remarks, but he wanted to be careful in Plympton’s response. Traynor noted that there is a meeting being put together with representatives from the towns. “I think we should go forward and make our concerns known, and I think that based on what I saw, it felt like everybody’s coming from the same place – that it’s unfair and doesn’t really help because small towns, really don’t have – especially like Plympton – we really don’t have the acreage.” Traynor said that he just wants to be cautious as we go forward.
Joy said that all the selectmen have expressed their support for affordable housing but it needs to be in a manner consistent with the town that we can support with the services that we offer.
Raves – Traynor shared with his board that Jackie Freitas asked to give a shout-out to the Silver Lake Regional High School graduate signs that are popping up on Plympton lawns. Also a rave to the townspeople’s response to the Pay as you Throw program. “Really, we have not had any major pushback – not even minor pushback – so a rave to the townspeople, the highway department, the transfer station …” Final comment – poor showing at the polls. He said he was disappointed that with over 2,000 registered voters we couldn’t get at least 10 percent.
Pine Street Bridge detours
The Pine Street, Halifax is closed to through traffic and detoured for the duration of the bridge replacement project.
The southbound detour will be Route 106 to Route 105 and northbound will be Route 105 to Route 106.
Emergency vehicles, deliveries, and homeowners on Pine Street will be able to get to their homes, but will only be permitted to enter and exit from the side of Pine Street bridge where the home is located. Pictured is a map of the detours that went into effect on Tuesday, May 30, and will remain in effect for the duration of the Pine Street bridge replacement project.
This map was created and provided by the Halifax Highway Department. If there are any questions, please call the Halifax Highway Department at (781) 293-1760.
Green – Northbound detour.
Blue – Southbound detour.
Red – Barriers; Pine Street at Thompson Street right-side blocked, left-side for local entrance and exit. Pine Street at Plymouth Street left-side blocked, right-side for local entrance and exit.
You should contact the Highway Department at (781) 293-1760 with any questions.
Memorial Day events honor those who served
Halifax Memorial Day parade event
The Town of Halifax Office of Veteran Services along with the Halifax Board of Selectmen will be hosting the Town’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony as well as a Memorial Day Parade on Monday May 29, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Halifax Country Club and conclude at the Town Hall, 499 Plymouth Street, at around 10 a.m. to begin the ceremony. The ceremony will be outdoors in front of Town Hall. The Office of Veteran Services and Board of Selectmen welcome anyone to join us in remembering and honoring all of the heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Halifax Generations, a 501(c)3 organization established solely to support the Halifax Council on Aging and community it serves, will be hosting an outdoor cookout following the ceremony which will include a hot dog, bag of chips, and bottled water for five (5) dollars. Proceeds will go towards supporting the Council on Aging’s expansion of programs and services. We invite everyone to stay and enjoy some fellowship after the ceremony.
For questions, you may contact the Office of Veteran Services by calling (781) 293-1724 or e-mailing Steve Littlefield, Director of Veteran Services at Steve.Littlefield@halifax-ma.org.
History of Memorial Day
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers.
During that first national commemoration, former Union Gen. and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there.
This national event galvanized efforts to honor and remember fallen soldiers that began with local observances at burial grounds in several towns throughout the United States following the end of the Civil War, such as the May 1, 1865 gathering in Charleston, South Carolina organized by freed slaves to pay tribute and give proper burial to Union troops.
In 1873, New York was the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and several states had declared it a legal holiday.
After World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all of America’s wars and was then more widely established as a national holiday throughout the United States.
Program of Events
A program of events is being finalized and will be available online at halifax-ma.org or by using the link below. Please continue to visit halifax-ma.org for updates.
Download 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade – Program of Events (PDF)
Kaitlin Rancourt Achieves Spring Dean’s List at Belmont University
NASHVILLE, TN – Kaitlin Rancourt of Halifax qualified for Belmont University’s Spring 2023 Dean’s List. Approximately 49 percent of Belmont’s 6,552 undergraduate students were named.
Belmont Provost Dr. David Gregory said, “For Belmont’s vision of becoming the leading Christ-centered university in the world to be realized, having a student body that is keenly committed to academic excellence, among other things is required.
Dean’s List achievements are consistently earned by a high percentage of the student body, giving evidence of an ever-increasing regard for scholarship across all programs. It is an honor to have a body of students as dedicated to stellar academic performance as it is to extra and co-curricular excellence.”
Dean’s List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
About Belmont University
Located two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University comprises nearly 9,000 students from every state and 33 countries. Nationally ranked and consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for innovation in higher education, the University offers more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees. With a focus on whole person formation and data-informed social innovation, Belmont is committed to forming diverse leaders of character equipped to solve the world’s complex problems. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.
Russo wins another term as Plympton selectman
Despite having only one contest on the ballot, 9.35 percent of Plympton residents cast their ballots in Saturday’s election. There were 229 votes cast out of the 2448 registered voters.
The position for selectman was the only contest on the Plympton ballot last Saturday and incumbent Mark Russo won handily with 176 votes over self-described newcomer Gary Somero’s 47. There were five blanks and one write-in.
Ethan Stiles won another three-year term on the Board of Assessors with 190 votes, and 39 blanks.
Arthur Morin Jr. won a three-year term on the Board of Health, with 155 votes, 39 blanks, and two write-ins.
Cheryl M. Davis and Douglas F. Reese were unopposed as constables, garnering 197 and 187 votes respectively, and 74 blanks.
Finance Committee members Marilyn Browne and Kathryn Shepard won 198 and 190 votes respectively, with 70 blanks for the three-year term.
Nate Sides won 187 votes for the one-year position, with 38 blanks and four others.
Library trustees for three years brought Rebecca Archambeault and Jonathan Mulcahy 198 and 195 votes respectively, with 64 blanks and one other.
Library trustee for two years elected James Lundgren with 195 votes. Jessica Lau won 34 write-in votes, and 226 blanks and three others.
Library Trustee for a one year term saw Colby Leoncio elected with 49 write-in votes., 175 blanks, and five others.
Joan Ann Beckwith won a five year term on the Planning Board with 194 votes, 35 blanks.
Daniel Cadogan and Robert Montgomery won three year terms to the Plympton School Committee with 187 and 21 write-ins respectively. There were 247 blanks and three votes for others.
Shea celebrates 60 years as a barber acutting
Sunday, May 7, John Shea, John the Barber, was celebrated at the Upland Sportsman Club in Plympton for his 60 years in business.
John’s son and fellow barber Darren Shea introduced John to the crowd.
John spoke about how he started his barber career working for Louie Gallerani in 1963 at Louie’s Barber Shop, Hall;’s Corner in Duxbury. After working there five years he decided to open his own shop in Halifax.
John spent 18 years at his shop at the Halifax King’s Market on Route 106 before moving up the street to the Cumberland Farms location at the intersection of Routes 58 and 106, where he continues to practice with his three other barbers: Darren Shea, John’s son; Corey Socha, nephew of Darren Shea’s wife; and Jared Traynor, John’s nephew.
A good size crowd stopped in to congratulate John, including his very first customer, Paul Barber. The furthest attendee came from Texas.
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