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Flower & Soul plans June opening

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There’s a new guy in town – and he is enthusiastic about opening in Halifax.  “I want Flower & Soul to be a part of the community,” Brian Wall said on Friday.  His cannabis dispensary is due to open this month and he expects great things.

The building, at 894 Plymouth St., Route 106 in Halifax, has a bright blue and white sign making it hard to miss.

Wall, a finance person, credits the pandemic with part of the impetus to start the business.   “We want to educate the customer who is looking for information,” Wall said.  All of our Flower clerks will have at least 40 hours of instruction in the products we sell so they can assess what customers want and provide good sales advice as to which products might bring what they want.

Cannabis products range from edibles, concentrates, and flowers to CBD and THC salves and tinctures that deliver relief.  Wall said he is all about encouraging small businesses and he buys mainly from small growers with high quality product,

Rich Coward, General Manager and director of operations, said that customer care is paramount at Flower & Soul.  On entering the building, clients sign in, are buzzed into the secure area, and are invited to consult with a member of the team.

“Our aim is to provide our communities with the highest quality cannabis products tailored to the needs of each individual we serve. Each soul is unique and deserves a positive cannabis experience.”  For those who are familiar with the products and know what they want, they may enter their order at a freestanding kiosk to have it packaged.

There is plenty of parking, and a striking beautiful blue and white interior to Relax Your Mind.

Now it Begins!

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The Friday evening, June 3 graduation celebration of Silver Lake Regional High School saw a class full of determination and resilience stride across the stage to accept their diplomas.

The resounding theme of speeches by Class President and Salutatorian Hailey E. Beatrice, Valedictorian Delaney R. Arendt, Vice-president Will P. Canniff, Class Secretary Colleen M. Gabriel, Treasurer Caroline S. Dean, and Historian Stephanie K. Murphy was the obstacles they had overcome and come through stronger and more capable than they ever would have thought.

Class President Beatrice chose resilience, constantly interrupted, and unpredictable, as the words to mark her high school career.  Being able to get through a gas leak, school shutting down, a remote year – these  made her class stronger.  Having met those obstacles, she proclaimed her classmates are “ready for great things.”

Anthony Weber, history teacher and invited faculty member, said through it all the class of 2022 “demonstrated a maturity far beyond your years … setting an example for those who follow.”

Class Valedictorian Delaney R. Arendt, whose brother Lt. Logan Arendt attended graduation through Facetime from his military posting, said, “we have a wealth of high school knowledge to build on… Time, failure, and experience…   I learn nothing from an A; failure keeps us humble, motivates you to try harder.  And with all the lessons learned at Silver Lake, “I think we’ll be all right.”

Michaela Gill, principal of Silver Lake Regional High School told the class, “Had you asked four years ago I never could have imagined a global pandemic, a worldwide shutdown, an unprecedented national school closing…there is no greater honor than to know that your students are leaving your school as thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”

Dr. Jill Proulx, Superintendent of Schools, told about her heroes, and being a part of something much bigger than yourselves.  She told the class of 2022 to dream big dreams.  You can make mistakes and get up.  Rejoice in the possibility of a better tomorrow.  “In the end we are all stories… make it a good one.”

Plympton Police Blotter

MONDAY, MAY 30

1:48 a.m.  Burglar alarm investigated at the Dennett on Crescent Street.

8:19 a.m.  Outside fire extinguished on Brook Street.

7:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of Plympton ambulance to Fuller Street in Middleboro.

7:50 p.m.  Outside fire extinguished on Brook Street.

8:24 p.m.  Medical services rendered on Sheffield Park.

9:37 p.m.  Transport/escort services completed on Upland Road.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

11:54 a.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity at PD on Palmer Road.

4:33 p.m.  Services rendered at inside investigation on Grove Street.

5:36 p.m.  Erratic motor vehicle investigated on Montello Street.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

6:30 a.m.  Animal control services rendered on Brook Street.

7:56 a.m.  Services rendered at detector issue on Ring Road.

3:51 p.m.  Hospital transport of Plympton ambulance to Wapping Road in Kingston.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

9:06 p.m.  Report taken of threats at PD on Palmer Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

11:27 a.m.  Investigation at follow-up on Spring Street.

3:13 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency on Thomas Blanchard Drive.

5:19 p.m.  Services rendered at lost/recovered property on Pleasant Street.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

1:34 a.m.  Citation issued at motor vehicle stop on Palmer Road.

8:56 a.m.  Burglar alarm investigated on Upland Road.

3:12 p.m.  Report taken of disturbance on County Road.

4:38 p.m.  Hospital transport of suspicious activity on County Road.

Halifax Police Blotter

MONDAY, MAY 30

12:43 a.m.  Suspicious activity investigated on Beechwood Road.

12:11 p.m.  Services rendered at lost/recovered property on Plymouth Street.

4:09 p.m.  911 call confirmed on Ferndale Drive.

5:10 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Third Avenue.

6:11 p.m.  Citation issued at parking complaint at beach on Fourth Avenue.

7:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Parsons Lane.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

6:31 a.m.  911 call investigated on Thompson Street.

12:29 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical alarm on Oak Street.

1:47 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity at HES on Plymouth Street.

4:20 p.m.  Report taken at medical emergency on Monponsett Street.

5:10 p.m.  Report taken of fraud on Oak Street.

10:06 p.m.  Services rendered at inside investigation on Plymouth Street.

11:24 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 call on Twin Lakes Drive.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

6:37 a.m.  Services rendered at animal control on Beechwood Road.

11:18 a.m.  Written warning issued at motor vehicle stop on Walnut Street.

1:58 p.m.  Report taken at investigation on Hickory Road.

2:20 p.m.  Investigation by animal control on Bow Street.

7:03 p.m.  Report taken at suspicious activity on Plymouth Street.

9:21 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle lockout on Holmes Street.

10:36 p.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Monponsett Street.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

12:51 p.m.  Hazmat spill investigated on Plymouth Street.

7:29 p.m.  Hospital transport of 911 call on Palmer Mill Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

11:44 a.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle lockout on Plymouth Street.

2:12 p.m.  Report taken of erratic motor vehicle at HES on Plymouth Street.

2:46 p.m.  Services rendered at investigation at PD on Plymouth Street.

6:19 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chestnut Road.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

8:43 a.m.  Arrest at suspicious activity on Marjorie Drive.

10:24 a.m.  Services rendered at noise complaint on Annawon Drive.

10:50 a.m.  911 call investigated on Walnut Street.

11:17 a.m.  Report taken of larceny on Plymouth Street.

3:12 p.m.  Report taken of disturbance on County Road in Plympton.

6:24 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle crash/other at library on Plymouth Street.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

2:25 p.m.  Report taken of threats on Beechwood Road.

2:27 p.m.  Services rendered at threats on Hayward Street.

5:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of suspicious activity on Plymouth Street.

7:51 p.m.  Vandalism investigated on Plymouth Street.

10:57 p.m.  Hospital transport at fire alarm on Palmer Mill Road.

Kingston Police Blotter

SUNDAY, MAY 22

8:55 a.m.  Served in hand at assist of FD on Foster Lane.

10:12 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

10:41 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

11:28 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

12:46 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:47 p.m.  Legal document served in hand on Summer Street.

5:45 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Kingston Collection Way.

6:09 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Tremont Street & Dillingham Way.

7:36 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

MONDAY, MAY 23

7:57 a.m.  Hospital transport at police officer request on Brook Street.

9:46 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Crimson Harvest Drive.

10:57 a.m.  Hospital transport of well-being check on Oldfield Drive.

12:26 p.m.  Report taken at serving of legal document at PD on Main Street.

12:43 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Summer Street & Duxbury Road.

1:02 p.m.  Services rendered at follow-up investigation at PD on Main Street.

1:08 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Pembroke Street.

1:42 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

2:22 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle query on Main Street.

3:26 p.m.  Report taken of identity theft on Wapping Road.

4:04 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Duxbury Road & Bay Path.

4:41 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Rocky Nook Avenue.

4:53 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Pilgrim Street.

5:21 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Grove Street.

5:39 p.m.  Services rendered at unwanted guest on Grove Street.

5:50 p.m.  Report taken at follow-up investigation on Lake Street.

5:53 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash on Wapping Road.

8:21 p.m.  Report taken at follow-up investigation on Ring Road.

TUESDAY, MAY 24

6:04 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Green Street.

8:49 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

9:08 a.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Elm Street.

10:36 a.m.  Report taken of missing/lost property on Smiths Lane.

12:05 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Pottle Street.

12:49 p.m.  Report taken at found/seized property on Gallen Road.

1:21 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Riverside Drive.

4:57 p.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Pottle Street.

5:01 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

5:12 p.m.  Arrest made of 43 y.o. Kingston male at warrant service on Main Street.

5:29 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Main Street.

6:05 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Main Street.

7:12 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency at PD on Main Street.

9:53 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency on Indian Pond Road.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

6:18 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Riverside Drive.

7:02 a.m.  Services rendered at building/property check at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

8:02 a.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Summer Street.

8:49 a.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Pembroke Street.

10:18 a.m.  Report taken of motor vehicle complaint at Brookdale & Winter streets.

10:22 a.m.  Services rendered at found/seized property on Captain Jones Way.

10:36 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

11:49 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:03 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request at Pilgrims Hope on Bishops Highway.

1:12 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

1:49 p.m.  Services rendered at building/property check at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

2:04 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

3:45 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Duxbury Road & Route 3 SB.

4:35 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Main Street.

4:39 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

4:43 p.m.  Animal services rendered on Landing Road.

5:06 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Main Street & Center Hill Road.

5:44 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

6:25 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

8:32 p.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Wapping Road.

8:47 p.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Brook Street.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

7:58 a.m.  Arrest made of 27 y.o. Kingston male at warrant service on Silver Lake Drive.

8:00 a.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

8:05 a.m.  Report taken of damage/vandalism on Prospect Street.

9:30 a.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRMS on Pembroke Street.

11:01 a.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Grandview Avenue.

12:39 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on South Street.

1:33 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Kingston Collection Way.

5:15 p.m.  Legal document served in hand on Elm Street.

6:42 p.m.  Report taken of larceny on Brook Street.

7:58 p.m.  Services rendered at found/seized property at Summer & Green streets.

9:09 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request on Round Hill Road.

11:06 p.m.  Party spoken to at suspicious activity on Millgate Road.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

1:55 a.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle query on Main Street.

6:47 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

11:20 a.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Wolf Pond Road.

12:39 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:24 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Evergreen Street.

2:14 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Pembroke Street.

2:33 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Kingston Collection Way.

2:51 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency at Smiths Lane & Crescent Street.

3:20 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on West Street.

3:34 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

4:01 p.m.  Vehicle towed at motor vehicle crash on Pembroke Street.

7:16 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Arbor Hills Drive.

7:45 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 hang-up call on Silver Lake Drive.

8:55 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Kingston Collection Way.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

12:20 a.m.  Party spoken to at noise complaint on Wharf Lane.

1:04 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Brentwood Road.

2:03 a.m.  Party spoken to at suspicious activity at beach on Grays Beach Road.

9:30 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Summer Street.

11:05 a.m.  Animal services rendered on Kingston Collection Way.

11:57 a.m.  Written warning issued at motor vehicle stop on Winter Street.

12:15 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 hang-up call on East Avenue.

12:59 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Chipman Way.

1:56 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Orchard Avenue.

3:14 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request on Oldfield Drive.

3:57 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

4:11 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Kingston Collection Way.

4:48 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Summer Street.

5:50 p.m.  Services rendered at larceny on Kingston Collection Way.

  6:19 p.m.  Report taken of larceny on Kingston Collection Way.

7:51 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Pembroke Street.

10:13 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Blair Drive.

10:37 p.m.  Vehicle towed at motor vehicle crash on Seaver Avenue.

What’s happening at Halifax Elementary?

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On Thursday, June 2, Halifax Seniors from Silver Lake High School came to Halifax Elementary School and paraded through the hallways in their caps and gowns.  Current HES students made signs and clapped and wished them well.   We wish all the Silver Lake High School seniors the best for their futures.   We know they will do great things!

TRIAD group hears Halifax history

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History buff Marc Valentine spoke at the last TRIAD meeting bringing answers to questions you might not have known to ask, such as “Did Buffalo Bill ever come to Halifax?”

He did.  The famous frontiersman and showman visited the area on several occasions and the stories were written in The Brockton Enterprise.  Buffalo Bill was interested in the Native American artifacts and vistied Sachem Rock.

What is the connection between famous Charles “Lucky” Lindberg and the Town of Halifax?

According to the front page of the Brockton Enterprise dated May 20, 1927, the “Lone Wolf” in his monoplane “The Spirit of St. Louis”was sighted in Halifax, flying a mere 100 feet of the ground, skimming treetops and coming dangerously close  to the steeple of the Congregational Church, one of the highest points in Plymouth County at the time.

Residents were looking skyward hoping to catch sight of the plane on its solo flight across the Atlantic to Paris.  They weren’t disappointed.  In fact many said they could read the tail numbers NX-211.  Their cheers and waves of encouragement were rewarded when “Lindy” sent a telegram to the town from Paris thanking them for their spirit.

Valentine, who is also known in the area as the keeper of the huge American flag, is quite a history buff and tells his stories, all documented, to willing listeners.

TRIAD meets in the meeting room of the Halifax Police Station, Route 106, on the first Tuesday of each month, offering speakers with topics of interest.   This month’s meeting, June 7, at 10 a.m. will feature the Sheriff of  Plymouth Coumty who will tell his audience about the history of the country’s oldest Sheriff’s department and share stories and anecdotes about some of the famous people who have been in custody there, as well as other historical items about the area.

Memorial Day post pandemic

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After two years inside it was obviously time to get out and celebrate.  Families lined the parade routes, veterans, kids, and adults marched, and solemn words were spoken to honor the fallen and those who served.

When the parade concluded and all the words were said, in Plympton, people went on to a cookout and a Touch A Truck display, both put on by the Plympton Fire Department.

Kingston rolled out the welcome mat and invited all to come celebrate at their post-parade cookout with some of Kingston’s best chefs preparing the food, alongside some well-known Town Hall persons..

Everyone was ready – and the weather couldn’t have been better.

Selectmen eye Carver progress

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met virtually on Monday, May 23. They began with a reorganization of the Board. Christine Joy was once again elected as the Chair while John Traynor was voted in as Vice-Chair and Mark Russo as the Clerk.

Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy provided an update on the North Carver Redevelopment Project. She said that they had received some correspondence from residents who live in the affected area regarding heavy truck traffic around Montello St. Dennehy said that a meeting was being arranged between the highway directors of both towns.

“I think they’ve already done some things that they shouldn’t have done, and I don’t think they’ve been very neighborly,” Joy said of Carver. She said that the town needs to take advantage of whatever room is available legally to make sure affected residents are taken care of properly. Russo suggested that a committee might potentially be put together to provide regular updates on the project to both Selectmen and citizens.

Traynor said that he would like to be somewhat aggressive in the town’s approach. He said that if Carver does not respond positively to their requests, they should block the road and make it open to local traffic only and enforce it with a police detail as needed. Russo said he agreed but did not feel that Plympton should have to foot the bill for that police detail. The Selectmen voted to have Dennehy see if there is counsel that can be secured to ensure the best interest of the town.

The Selectmen also discussed the consideration of amendment to the agreement for judgment and settlement with Borrego regarding 61 Upland Rd. (Crescent Moon Cranberry. LLC). Russo said, “there are some strong reasons not to pursue – a long history for a difficult situation, but I have been thinking hard about some of the reasons to proceed and they are tending in my mind to outweigh the reasons not to… this seems like very easy money with little cost to the town.” He went on to say that if the solar project doesn’t go through, the land would be at risk for development. He said that while he does feel Plympton could use more development, he would like it to be done well and with strong input from town government. “In truth, Borrego’s been a good partner,” Russo said adding that both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board have signed off on the project unanimously.

Joy asked if it would be possible to ask Borrego to purchase the entirety of the land and donate some of it back to the town for conservation to stop development. Jonathan Eichman of KP Law was on the call and was asked to please draft language asking Borrego if they would consider amending the settlement agreement as proposed. The Selectmen agreed to discuss further and make a decision during their June 6 meeting.

Dennehy brought to the Selectmen’s attention a historic outstanding balance in the ambulance fund. She said the auditor suggested having the Selectmen acknowledge the balance and write it off. The outstanding balance from the previous provider, COMSTAR, was just over $307,000. Dennehy described the accrued amount as “years and years of uncollected remnants of charges.” “I’m totally content to clear the books and it doesn’t seem to be a problem to periodically do this,” Russo said. The Selectmen voted to close out the account with COMSTAR.

The Selectmen also voted Monday to establish a policy regarding what flags can be flown on municipally owned flag poles. Town Counsel recommended two options, one of which was to prohibit the practice entirely outside of the U.S. flag, the State flag, and perhaps Plympton’s flag. The second option allowed more discernment on the part of the town’s government. Traynor said “I don’t want to be in the role of whose flag can go on the pole and who’s can’t. we have a lot of other things to do.” Joy and Russo agreed opting for the first option.

Dennehy provided a Town Administrator’s update. She said that they were moving along with the Townhouse roof project. She also told the Selectmen that they are working with the Highway Department on another grant funding source that is becoming available. It will provide $115,000 for roadway type projects. Dennehy said they are also looking to secure pricing for several projects so that the Selectmen can look at some potential ARPA projects during their next meeting. She also said that $25,000 has been earmarked for conservation/recreation. She said the funds will help the Town Properties Committee in assessing the sports fields. She also said that it would be used for updates to boardwalks and signage at some of the town’s parks.

Dennehy told the Selectmen that she had correspondence from Finance Committee Chair Nathaniel Sides announcing his resignation from the Committee. Dennehy said she was hopeful he would reconsider. “It would be a shame to have him step down,” she said. Traynor said that he was aware that Sides was unhappy with how certain votes went at town meeting. He said that Sides felt that the town, with the Selectmen’s backing, went against the recommendation of the Finance Committee on certain articles. Russo recognized that working on the Finance Committee is often a thankless job and said that he also hopes that Sides would reconsider. “I absolutely admire Nate’s work along the way,” Russo said.

The Selectmen ended their meeting with their rants and raves. Traynor said that his rave was for town meeting. “The voters who turned out, the stellar job that our moderator does – he sets the bar very high, that’s for sure,” Traynor said. He did, however, have a rant for the small percentage of registered voters that turned out for the town election. “The town voting was 327 people… only 13.8 percent… it takes 15 minutes to go in and vote… people should at least go in and take the time to support; we basically work for nothing… I always feel validated when I see a higher percentage of the town voting than the towns around us and that wasn’t the case this time,” Traynor lamented. Russo also said that his rave was for town meeting. He also gave a rave for the Plympton Board of Selectmen and the work that is accomplished by the three of them. Joy agreed about town meeting saying, “mine would be town meeting as well – all of the work that goes into it.”

Getting ready for Memorial Day

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Getting the Plympton Town Green ready for Memorial Day was a job made much easier by the volunteered hours of Plympton’s Boy Scout Troop 53 and Kingston’s Troop 4480, under the leadership of Scout Master Mike Domey.

The Scouts cleaned and raked and mulched around the Plympton Public Library as well, putting down mulch and placing flags on veterans’ graves on Friday.  Vicki Alberti and Briggette Martins planted the flowers.

The Memorial Day Parade forms at the Old Town House at the intersection of Main and Center streets and steps off at 10 a.m. Monday morning, Memorial Day, The parade  will march to the Town Green where the benediction will be said, and the poems recited, and “What Memorial Day means to me,” read by a Dennett Elementary School student..

Plympton election sees low turnout – only 13.8 percent voted

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Only 13.8 percent of Plympton’s 2,368 registered voters made it to the Town House in Saturday’s sticky heat – over 90 degrees with 98 percent humidity – to cast their vote.  A dismal showing…

There were only two contests: political newcomer Jared A. Anderson, garnered 187 votes to incumbent Art Morin’s 110 for the three-year Board of Health position. There were also 29 blanks.  Paul D’Angelo, Jr.  retained his position for a three-year term on the Planning Board after being challenged by newcomer Jackson Long.  D’Angelo won with 198 votes to Long’s 78 votes.  There were five blanks.

Question 1 on the ballot saw signs throughout town asking voters to Defend Democracy and Vote No! to making the Town Clerk’s position an appointed, rather than elected position.   The majority of those voting agreed, with 219 voting NO and 101 voting YES.  Seven were blank.

Here’s how the rest of the ballot was voted:

Selectman for three years – John A. Traynor, Jr., 245, Blanks, 76, and various write-ins from Donald Trump to Mickey Mouse, 6.

Assessor for three years – Dean Jafferian won the position with six write-in votes.  There were also 219 blanks and two other write-ins.

The two Finance Committee five-year terms were won by Steven R. Lewis, candidate for re-election, and Michael Lemieux, who garnered nine write-in votes.  Blanks were 258 and others were 11.

Two three-year terms for Library Trustee got 644 votes blank and 10 others write-ins.

The Library Trustee term for two years saw Mark Eubanks win with five write-in votes.  There were 321 blanks and three other write-ins.

Barry DeCristofano will remain Town Moderator for the next three years winning re-election with 260 votes.  There were 67 blanks.

John Schmidt won his bid for re-election with 244 votes.  There were also 83 blanks.

Caitlin Johnson and Suzanne Jafferian are the new Dennett School Committee members with Johnson getting 27 write-in votes and Jafferian getting 16.   There were also 270 blanks and 5 other write-ins.

Jason W. Fraser won 249 votes in his bid for re-election to the Silver Lake Regional School Committee.  There were 74 blanks and four others.

It’s a new board for Halifax Selectmen

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Halifax voters made their voices heard in Saturday’s Annual Town Election, choosing two new selectmen, one for a three-year term and another for one year to fill the unexpired term for Troy Garron who retired on his 80th birthday.

Town Clerk Susan Lawless reported that out of 6,079 registerd voters in town 1,249 cast their ballots, either in person or by absentee, making 20.55 percent of the voters who let the town’s elected officials know their wishes..

Last year Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor took the microphone at Town Meeting to say that the atmosphere at Town Hall has been so divisive that she chose not to run for re-election after serving well in that position for many years.

Over the past year, Halifax  has lost several key people to retirement or to other towns, most notably Town Administrator Charlie Seelig who took his 20+ years of experience in Halifax to East Bridgewater.  Town Treasurer/Collector Pam Adducci packed up and followed a couple of weeks ago forcing a special election that will be held July 30.  Halifax’s Fire Chief, who has brought hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money to his Halifax Fire Department, as of Tuesday was hoping to, finalize contract negotiations with  the neighboring town of Pembroke.

Will the exodus stop?

Here’s how Halifax voted.

Selectman for 3-years:

Gordon Andrews, candidate for re-election, 384.

Alexander J. Meade, 809

There were also four write-ins and 52 blanks.

Selectman for 1 year:

Robert A. McCarthy, 231

Naja Robert Nessralla, 230

Jonathan H. Selig, 766.

There was one write-in and 21 blanks.

Planning Board for a 5-year term:

Gordon R. Andrews, candidate for re-election, 381

Robert G. Gaynor, II, 795.

There was one write-in vote and 72 left blank.

Halifax Elementary School Committee for a 3-year term:

Jessica Page, 585

Peter J. Parcellin, 504.

There were no write-in votes and 160 blanks.

Halifax Elementary School Committe for a one year term:

Jennifer Ann Carroll, 510.

Karyn Beth Townsend, 600.

There were no write-in votes and 139 blanks.

Silver Lake Regional School Committee for a 3 year term

Paula Hatch, candidate for re-election, ran unopposed and won 898 votes.  There were six write-ins and 345 blanks.

Board of Assessors, 3 year term.

Holly Merry, 416.

Robert Mullen, 438

Michael J. Schleiff, 237

There was one write-in vote and 157 blanks.

Constable, for a three-year term, vote for two.

The two candidates for re-election were re-elected.

Thomas M. Hammond, 679.

Thomas F. Schindler, 612.

Michael J. Schleiff, 419.

There were six write-ins and 782 blanks.

Water Commissioner for a  3 year term.

Donald A. Bosworth, candidate for re-election, was re-elected with 572 votes.

Robert McCarthy won 520 votes.

There were three write-ins and 154 blanks.

Board of Health, 3 year term.

Candice Lee Greene, 949.

There were 10 write-ins and 290 blanks.

Board of Library Trustees for a 3 year term.  Vote for two.

Susan Hill, 942.

Erin Nagle, 45.

There were 36 write-ins and 1475 blanks.

Park Commissioner for three years.

Thomas F. Schindler, 928.

There were 9 write-ins and 312 blanks.

Question regarding Senior Center

684 voting YES, 385 voting NO,  and 180 blanks.

Town meeting part two was over in an hour

By

Phase two of the Halifax Annual Town Meeting met Monday night, May 16, at the Halifax Elementary School, All-purpose Room.  Interim Town Moderator John Bruno, took the gavel for the evening as Town Moderator Robert Gaynor II was unwell.

Bruno called the assembly to order and in less than an hour the remaining 19 articles were read, discussed, and voted.  At the table on the stage, Selectman Ashley DeSesa was the senior member of the board, with newly elected selectmen Alexander Meade and Jonathan Selig seated beside her.

The following warrant articles were acted on:

Article 9 asked the town to fund a 1% wage increase for the Police Sergeants who are in the union.  Article passed.

Article10 asked the town for $8,242 to fund a 1% wage increase for the Police Patrolmen who are in the union. The article passed.

Article 12 asked for $150 for the Plymouth County Cooperative Extension Service and its many programs that benefit the Town including the 4-H program.  The article passed unanimously.

Article 15 asked the town to spend $110,000 to purchase and equip a new marked cruiser to be used for patrol and a new unmarked cruiser to be used by the Chief of Police.  Frank Johnston of Elm St. asked why the town should purchase two vehicles this year because last year they purchased three vehicles, one with ARPA funds.  Police Chief Joao Chaves responded that the extra vehicle last year was a pickup truck that would not be used as a patrol car, but to tow various pieces of equipment as needed.  Both vehicles that are being replaced will either be passed along to other town departments if needed or auctioned.  The motion passed.

Article 16 asked the town for $5,000 to replace six bulletproof vests at $900 each as the department requires police officers to wear them.  The manufacturer’s recommended lifespan for the vests is five years.  The article passed.

Article 18 asked the town for $66,941 for repairs and replacement parts for the Halifax Elementary School elevator.  Two years ago, when the control board was replaced, the school was told that they had the last control board for the elderly elevator.  Matt Durkee, the Silver Lake Regional School District Facilities Manager, spoke to the article saying that they need to have a replacement board on hand when the current board fails.  Without this replacement board, the school would not have a working elevator.   The article passed.

Article 19 asked the town to move $200,000 to purchase a medium duty dump truck, equipped with plow and sander, to replace a 1995 Ford L800 that will be sold at auction.  Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward told the assembly that the medium duty truck will be more versatile and very useful, especially in snow. The motion passed.

Article 23 asked the town for $3500 to support the South Shore Resource and Advocacy Center for domestic violence intervention and prevention services.  The article passed.

Article 24 asked the town for $850 for a new time and date stamp for the Town Clerk’s office.  The Town Clerk is required by law to date and time stamp many documents that come into the office.  The article passed.

Article 25 asked the town for $1000 to purchase a new computer for the Holmes Public Library.  Library Director Jean Gallant told the assembly that this is the last computer to be purchased in the rotation program, so that all the library’s computers will be running Windows 10.   The article passed.

Article 27 asked the town to raise and appropriate $340,000 to purchase and equip a new ambulance for the Fire Department.  Fire Chief Jason Viveiros spoke to the article saying that the wait time for a new ambulance is now two years, due to the inability to get chasses.  This will replace the 2017 ambulance that will have more than 100,000 miles on it by the time the new one is delivered.  The article passed.

Article 30 asked the town for $520,000 for a Phase II project to upgrade outdated and failing components in the Town’s Richmond Park and YMCA Water Infrastructure to keep the plant in compliance with DEP regulations.  The article passed.

Article 31 asked the town to fund $36,000 for Halifax’s share of a part-time school resource officer at the Silver Lake Middle School.  The article passed.

Article 34 asked for $38,800 for a new intercom system for the Halifax Elementary School.  Silver Lake School District Facilities Manager Matt Durkee spoke to the article saying that the current system is old and failing and is a proprietary system that requires the school to use one vendor to make adjustments to the system, such as resetting the clocks for Daylight Savings Time, or after a power failure, at a significant cost to the town.   The new system is user friendly, non-proprietary, and will solve a number of problems.  The article passed.

Article 36 asked the town for $12,500 for IT as a next step toward centralizing Town-wide IT Communication services to include the Holmes Library and the Water Department.  The article passed.

Article 37 would use any remaining funds leftover to pay down the Plymouth County Pension Fund Liability Account.  The Finance Committee did not recommend it because if all articles were voted there would not be enough free cash left over to use.    The article was passed over at the Finance Committee’s recommendation.

Article 40 asked to remove the Fire Chief as a mandatory member of the Holidays in Halifax Committee.   In the past, when fireworks were being used, the Fire Chief was useful in planning the event.  Now, with no fireworks, the chief’s talents can be more useful elsewhere.   The motion passed.

Article 42 asked the town to change the Board of Selectmen from a three-member board to a five-member board.  The article was passed over to allow the new board of selectmen time to further investigate whether it is necessary.

Article 43 asked the town to limit the number of marijuana retailers to two.  The finance committee did not recommend it.  The motion failed.