Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express

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Second Chapters Book Club December choice

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Linda Redding
Special to the Express

Members of the Second Chapters Book Club met at the Holmes Public Library on Nov. 18  to discuss the thriller “Paranoids” by Lisa Jackson.  Librarian Lynnette Toohey led the group in discussion. .

Second Chapters is a cooperative book club between the Holmes Public Library and the Halifax Council on Aging.  Meetings usually take place at 2 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month in the community room of the Holmes Public Library.  Due to the Christmas holiday the December meeting will be held on Dec. 9.   Discussion will center on “Silent Night” by Robert B. Parker with Helen Brann.  This Spenser for hire mystery takes place in Boston around the Christmas holiday. The book was started by Parker before his death in 2010. Parker’s longtime agent Helen Brann completed the novel.  Copies of the book in various formats are available through the Holmes Public Library.

In addition to Second Chapters, The Holmes Public Library hosts three other adult books clubs scheduled with meeting choices of afternoon or evening.  One of the book clubs is focused on nonfiction. Call the library at 781-293-2271 for more information or visit the library website at holmespubliclibrary.org

Pint-sized hero honored at Dennett

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State Fire Marshall Peter Ostrosky provides Cayden Galambos, 5, with a Young Hero Award and a special T-shirt from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Cayden heard the carbon monoxide alarms sounding in his home and woke his mother to get out of the house.  Cayden had attended an assembly instructing children what to do in such an emergency only the week before.  Looking on are Plympton Fire Captain John Sjostedt, State Representative Kathy La Natra, Cayden’s brother Blake, and his parents Shannon and Steve Galambos.  For more photos see page 7.

Girl Scouts and Firefighters toy and food drive

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On Saturday Dec. 4, the Halifax Firefighters Association  and  Girl Scouts will team up
with Santa and Mrs.  Claus for its 23rd year, to
collect new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food.

Gift certificates are encouraged. All items collected are distributed through the two
local Churches and kept in town helping families in need.

The drop off center is at the Town Barn, 60 Hemlock Lane, behind the Town Hall, on the
day of the event. Please do not bring items to the Halifax
Fire Station.

We will also be parading through the neighborhoods on
this day, collecting toys/food along the way. Items may be left
curbside.

If you are unavailable on Saturday or have any questions,
please call Christine Markunas at 781-588-4886.

Please do not bring
items to the Halifax Fire Station. If your street is not listed, look for the street closest to yours for the time the truck will be in the area. Due
to some of the roads we are unable to make it down all the streets in town.

Estimated times of arrival, streets and locations:

10 a.m. – Fire station; 10:05 a.m. – Lydon Lane; 10:15 a.m. – Holmes St. to Aldana Rd.; 10:20 a.m. – Brandeis Circle; 10:25 a.m. – Colby Drive; 10:30: a.m. Harvard Street/McClelland Road;

10:35 a.m. Oak Street/Marilyn Way; 10:40 a.m. – Lawrence Road; 10:45 a.m. – Twin Lakes Drive; 10:50 a.m. –  Chestnut Road; 10:55 a.m.- Annawon Drive; 11 a.m.-  Cedar Lane/Baker Street; 11:10 a.m.- White Island Rd./Wamsutta Ave./Standish St..;  11:15 a.m.-  Ocean Ave./Upton St./Dwight St.; 11:20 a.m – Lingan St./13th ./Richview Ave./11th Ave.

11:25 a.m. – Indian Path Road break; 11:50 a.m.; – Clyde O. Bosworth Rd./Stoney Weir Rd./Pheasant Hill Rd;. 11:55 a.m.- Cranberry Drive; 12:00 p.m.- Old Plymouth Street/Christmas Tree Lane/Elm Street; 12:10 p.m. – Hudson Street 12:15 p.m.; Spencer Drive/Pond Street/Autumn Lane; 12:25 p.m.; – Furnace St./Circuit St.; 12:35 p.m. –  Thompson Street/Firefly Road/Orchard Circle; 12:45 p.m. Highland Estates; 12:55 p.m. – Summit Street/Kestral Lane/Harvest Lane; 1 p.m –  Walnut Street/Bourne Road; 1:05 p.m.- Thompson Street/River Street/Wood Street; 1:15: p.m.- South St. to Hayward St. to Franklin St. to South St.

What does a State Representative do?

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By State Rep. Kathy LaNatra

Most people understand, at least on some level, the work that a state legislator does. However, there’s a lot to the role that people may not be fully aware of. With that said, I thought it might be helpful to dedicate this particular column to explaining what a state representative does.

First and foremost, a state representative is a lawmaker. We draft and file legislation; we may co-sponsor a bill initiated by another representative, and we vote on proposed legislation that comes before us. Constituent opinion is very valuable; as a citizen in the district, you can call or write your representative and vice your view on different bills and issues. We representatives take all of these opinions into account when voting on legislation.

From the title “State Representative,” we of course are here to represent our constituents at the state level. I see an important part of my role as being your voice, and I value the opinions of the people in my district.

In addition to the role of lawmaker, we serve on committees, which is an important part of the lawmaking process. All bills go through committees prior to being voted on by the full House of Representatives.

In my case, I sit on the Committees on Ways and Means, Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight and Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. This session, I was also honored to be chosen to serve as Vice Chair of Export Development, whose job it is to promote Massachusetts products nationally and internationally. Each committee votes on bills that deal with a certain issue pertaining to their committee; and if the bill receives a favorable vote from the committee, it then goes to the full House for a vote.

A State representative is also an advocate for her/his district. We are fully involved during the yearly budget negotiations. The negotiations are what lead to the allocation of state funds. We frequently file amendments to the overall state budget which, if successfully voted, will allocate money for our districts. These funds support schools, senior centers, infrastructure projects or anything else that the district may need.

State representatives can additionally assist our constituents with many issues they may be having. Whether this is an issue with unemployment or MassHealth or MassDOT, we can often connect constituents with the appropriate state agencies to solve issues they may be having. In this instance we can act as a liaison between the state and constituents.

Not all the activity takes place up on Beacon Hill, though. There’s a lot that takes place in the district, which could be providing a commendation from the legislature to a business on its 20th anniversary, recognizing the heroic actions of a fire department, or simply meeting with people during district office hours.

Antique sampler given to library

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Judy Shea of Halifax has found a good home for her antique sampler.   In a presentation on Tuesday, Judy and her husband John, of John the Barber fame in Halifax, presented the needlework sampler done by Selah Wright, one of the many Wrights of Plympton, to the Plympton Public Library.   Accepting it on the library’s behalf was librarian Mike Slawson.

When approached by Judy’s brother, Plympton Selectman John Traynor, to see if the gift would be welcome, Slawson replied, “This is really interesting and a very kind gesture from Judy.   I would love to have this in the library.”   The Selah Wright sampler, done by her hand at the age of 10, has come home.

Selah Wright was born May 11, 1798 in Plympton, the 2nd great-granddaughter of Adam Wright (1645-1724) who is considered by most as one of the first, if not the very first white man to permanently settle in the place now named Plympton.   The Wrights have a long history in town, Traynor said.   Selah died in Plympton April 9, 1827, and is buried in Hillcrest Cemetery in Plympton.  Her gravestone inscription reads:

“In memory of

MISS SELAH WRIGHT

dau. Of Isaac Wright Esq.

& Mrs. Selah his wife;

she died April 9, 1827.

Aged 28 years, 10 mo’s

& 28 days

Traynor leads the informal genealogy group at the Plympton Public Library that meets monthly.

Judy told The Express that she had been offered $1200 for the sampler – it is in remarkably good condition – about 30 years ago, but she believes the proper home for the sampler is Selah’s home, Plympton.

In 1680 the birth of John Wright to Adam Wright and his wife Mehitible (Barrows) was recorded in the (Western Precinct) of Plymouth, now Plympton.  Adam’s first Plympton house was built near his first mill.  The Wrights owned a great many Plympton land grants and from these Wrights numerous descendants through the centuries have served Plympton in about every official capacity.

~  Deb Anderson and John Traynor

Plymouth Philharmonic to perform season’s favorites in Holiday Pops event

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A wide variety of seasonal favorites and new musical experiences are the features of this year’s Holiday Pops with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Steven Karidoyanes.

“We are thrilled to again present our joy-filled Holiday Pops in person to our friends and family!” exclaimed Karidoyanes. “To make this season’s program extra special, we’ve invited back guest performers who have entertained and charmed us in previous holiday concerts. I can’t wait until we’re all together!”

The Phil performs Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, famously from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes’ annual Christmas Spectacular, music from the 1994 remake of the classic holiday film, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Rockin’ Christmas, a medley featuring Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bell Rock.

Soprano Kristen Watson and tenor Matthew Anderson, who each have been featured separately to great acclaim in previous Holiday Pops, join forces this season as duo artists. They’ll perform with the orchestra selections from Irving Berlin’s Broadway musical White Christmas, inspired by the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Also rejoining the orchestra are the talented young choristers from the Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) 6th Grade Chorus and their director, Jessica Fuller. They add their own spin on music from stage and screen when they sing Somewhere In My Memory by John Williams from the film score to Home Alone, and We Need a Little Christmas from the Broadway musical Mame.

As in previous seasons of Holiday Pops concerts, all are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to contribute. Collection bins will be located outside Memorial Hall for patrons to deposit on their way into the concert hall. Collected toys will be distributed to deserving families by the Children’s Holiday Fund, sponsored by the Old Colony Memorial and administered by the Plymouth Area Coalition.

There are two performances on Saturday, December 11th at 3 PM and 7:30 PM, and a 3 PM concert on Sunday afternoon, December 12th. All three weekend performances are in Plymouth’s Memorial Hall and include the PCIS 6th Grade Chorus, Ms. Watson, Mr. Anderson, and the orchestra.

Newfield House is the Pops series sponsor. The media sponsors are the Wicked Local, Old Colony Memorial, and WATD 95.9 FM. The Phil’s 106th season is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which received support from the State of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets are now on sale. Memorial Hall is fully accessible. Individual ticket prices are $25, $50, $60. Limited cabaret-style table seating is still available for $100 per ticket. Advance tickets may be purchased online at plymouthphil.org or calling the Phil office at 508-746-8008.

Memorial Hall is located on 83 Court Street/Route 3A, Plymouth, MA.

For more information about the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s 106th Season, visit www.plymouthphil.org

Plympton Police Dept. Open House this weekend

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The Plympton Police Department has rescheduled its Open House to  Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. after the ravages of last week’s storm forced cancellation of the event.

Plympton people and friends are all invited to stop by to meet the new interim Chief Scott Benton and the new officers on the force, including Acting Sgt. Dan Hoffman and Acting Sgt. Matt Ahl.

Benton was selected to fill in as Plympton Police Chief after Chief Matthew Clancy accepted a position in Maine.

Refreshments and donuts will be served.

Volunteers Needed for Traffic Safety Committe and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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The Town of Halifax is seeking volunteers to serve on the Traffic Safety Committee and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Committee. Residents interested in serving on these and other committees and boards can complete a “Talent Bank Form” (available in the Selectmen’s Office in Town Hall or on-line at https://www.halifax-ma.org/board-selectmen/files/talent-bank-form-0) and send to the Halifax Board of Selectmen, 499 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338 or pamela.mcsherry@halifax-ma.org – For more information, call 781-294-1316.

Letter: Halifax is in the ICU; medical staff is locked out!

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Letter to the Editor and the Residents of Halifax

The Halifax Town Website calls Halifax “the Heart of Plymouth County” – in part due to its geographic shape and location within the county, but also for the friendliness of the community. Yet this “heart” has had a debilitating stroke, an erosion of sorts that has been taking place caused by the substitution of rage over rationality, and self-interest over public service. The exchange of ideas has seemingly become unwelcome or non-existent. Just as a stroke often inhibits speech, attempts to discuss or compromise matters raised by those considered to be the “opposition” are silenced, often dismissed before the question is asked or the statement made, and no effort is made to reconcile differences.

The incantation leading up to the last election was one of “if in vote out” and that “change” was the answer. However, when “change” leads to chaos, and even mistrust, it is not the answer, especially when used to disguise revenge for a perceived wrong.

The Board of Selectman has three members, the Chairman is Gordon C. Andrews, the Vice Chairman is long-time public servant for the town Troy E. Garron, and the newest member is Ashley DiSesa as Clerk, and a protégé it would seem of Mr. Andrews. A review of the YouTube videos (via Area 58)  of the various meetings of the Board of Selectman that involve  the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Building Inspectors Office reveal several instances of Chairman Andrews having to recuse himself from participating in the decision or discussion of town business due to a conflict of interest, leaving the vote on many motions to the remaining two members, which may be polar opposite in their views. Often the result is no decision. On other occasions the Chairman has suppressed any discussion from the audience. A review of the Annual Town Meeting for the last couple of years exposes the reason for Mr. Andrews’ recusals – his lawsuit against the town and the necessity for monies to be allocated to the law budget for the Towns’ defense. It is untenable that those elected to fulfill the duties of their positions of public service cannot do so because of their private interests and personal agendas or allegiances.

Traditionally, Selectman are scheduled to meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the evening. While COVID did alter in-person engagement, the public had some expectation to rely on somewhat “same time, same station” if their participation was desired or required. However, with the new “change”, Selectman meetings take place several times a month at varying days and times. Without some kind of discipline, it is basically impossible for the working public to keep up with and participate in so many meetings in real time.

The new “change” has created chaos as well as a tense and sometimes hostile environment in its quest to replace dedicated, knowledgeable and qualified personnel with less knowledgeable and unqualified and/or un-certified personnel.  Most recently, and of deep concern is that Charlie Seelig, Town Administrator for more than 25 years, has decided to leave Halifax and serve another town. This is a tremendous loss for the residents of Halifax, and it is questionable that an honest search based on qualifications and not on “connections” will be made for his replacement. What is evident of the “change” is the subversion of the Town’s government and smothering of any esprit de corps.

Halifax is in the Intensive Care Unit and the medical staff are locked out of the room.

Sharon Tavares,

Halifax

Mayflower Church to host 14th Annual Crafts Fair

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Mayflower Church will host its 14th Annual Crafts Fair Saturday, November 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Briggs Building at 207 Main Street.

 The public is invited to come and join in for a fun day of shopping, treasure-hunting and dining.

 The event is being sponsored by the Mayflower Women›s Club. The Fair features a number of talented crafters, as well as several tables that are sponsored by the Mayflower Women’s Club.

 Crafters will offer a wide variety of beautiful wares. Also there will be a bake sale.

 Fairgoers will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items; and, the Club is also looking for anyone with a product or gift certificate who might wish to donate it to the cause.

 Lunch is available, including hot dogs, chili, corn chowder, chips and beverages.

 The public is invited to attend to see the work of crafters from throughout the region, and purchase any items of interest.

 There is no admission charge to attend the fair.  Proceeds from the fair benefit local, state and global charities.

 Mayflower Church is located at 207 Main Street, Kingston, MA 02364. Reverend Anton Brown serves as Pastor. For additional information, please call 781-585-3167.