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Author James Parr to visit Adams Center

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Author James Parr will discuss his book “World War II Massachusetts,” on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St., Kingston, at 6 p.m.
Over 500,000 Massachusetts residents responded to the call of military duty during the Second World War, while many of the commonwealth’s citizens fought the war on the home front. Everyone around the state – including pets – found creative and essential ways to contribute to the war effort.
Thousands worked in factories, volunteered for Civil Defense, watched for enemy aircraft, and took part in salvage collections and bond drives, all while dealing with rationing, blackouts, rumors, and a host of other wartime inconveniences. Numerous more served on its military bases that were crucial to the nations defense. Parr reveals the stories of these brave and dedicated citizens – from the famous to the ordinary – as they faced wartime challenges.
Parr taught elementary school in Malden, Needham, and Framingham for 34 years before retiring in 2022. He has been a long-time volunteer at the Framingham History Center, where he created popular programs such as the Haunted Halloween Trolley Tour. His other History Press titles include, Dedham: Historic and Heroic Tales from Shiretown, Framingham Legends and Lore, and Murder and Mayhem in Metrowest Boston (with co-author Kevin A. Swope).
To register for this event, please visit our website at kingstonpubliclibrary.org. For more information, you can contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at [email protected].

 

New York man charged in Walmart theft

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A New York man was held in custody on $50,000 bail in connection with the theft of multiple high-priced ink cartridges from the Walmart store in Halifax, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz has announced.
Travis Moore, 44, is charged with one count of Larceny Over $1200 related to a July incident where he is accused of removing lamps from two cardboard boxes and stuffing the boxes with ink cartridges before paying the listed price for the lamps at a self-checkout station and exiting the store. Moore is also accused of stealing a cellphone charger. The total value of merchandise that was not paid for was $1435.85, according to Walmart Asset Protection personnel.
At a hearing held Thursday, Dec. 19, after the defendant presented himself in court, the Commonwealth moved for $250,000 bail. Judge Shelby Smith set Moore’s bail at $50,000 and set conditions of release which include staying away from any and all Walmart locations if released on bail.
Moore is next scheduled to appear in court on January 16 for a probable cause hearing.

New life for Plympton Almshouse

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Deb Anderson
Express staff
Wednesday, Dec. 18, upper Main Street in Plympton closed to traffic to allow something seldom seen these days – a house moving down the road.
From 65 Crescent St., diagonally across from the Dennett Elementary School down the street and around the corner, the house was moved to its new location at 112 Main St.
The building, a classic Cape Cod style house, was also known as the old Plympton Almshouse. Jen Macdonald and Mike Lemieux, owners of Full Circle Homes, saw the potential in the project and hired Gordon Building Movers, the oldest family-owned and operated business in Hingham, who have done this sort of thing countless times in their storied 125-year plus history. Five generations of Gordons have been involved in this business, so Jen and Mike chose a business with lots of experience.
The move itself took more than six hours to accomplish, and the house now sits on its new location.
Jen told The Express, “It is now sitting on our lot at 112 Main St. for a further renovation and we are excited to restore it.” Mike is also enthusiastic about the new project, “It was quite the endeavor, and we still have a ways to go!!”
We can’t wait to see how this one comes out.
You can follow Mike and Jen of Full Circle Homes on their youtube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowhOniFhPVT4GdwdWClHCQ where they plan to show the journey of the Almshouse as an episode. See lots of in-depth details of how to’s there.

Brockton firefighter, of Halifax, succumbs to line of duty cardiac arrest

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Brockton Fire Chief Brian Nardelli announced on Sunday the line of duty death of Firefighter Jeffrey Albanese of Halifax, just after 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
He had suffered a cardiac arrest while responding to an incident on Dec. 9. He was resuscitated by his brother firefighters, Brewster EMS, and the medical staff at Signature Brockton Hospital.
Firefighter Albanese was transferred to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, where he received incredible care, according to the Chief’s announcement. “He fought very hard but succumbed to his injuries. Firefighter Albanese fought a courageous battle with his family and brother and sister firefighters by his side.”
He leaves his wife and teenage twins.
Arrangements will be announced once complete.

Kingston Luminaries Saturday, Dec. 21

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A Brief History
In 1986 a group of Kingston Call Force Firefighters initiated a volunteer program to rebuild the Surprize Hose House (circa 1888). Retired Firefighters Bud and Edgar Loring, Call Firefighter Dale Loring, and retired Deputy Chief, Dave McKee, finished rebuilding the Hose House during the centennial year of the Kingston Fire Department. Dale Loring stated, “We thought it would be nice to start a luminary night to promote the restoration of the Hose House.” Thus, the luminary tradition began on Main St., where just 30 candle-lit bags lined one side of the street, starting at the Hose House to the new fire station. The spectacular scenery presented included the newly refurbished hose reels that can still be seen today on luminary night. All call fire fighters’ wives would bake cookies and bring cider to give out to local people who carne to enjoy the luminaries. Today many new traditions have been added. It is held on the third Saturday of December. (Town of Kingston website)

Halifax STM votes huge NO on zoning

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Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
In a decisive move that could have far-reaching consequences, Halifax residents voted against adopting a state-mandated multi-family housing overlay district at a Special Town Meeting Monday night.
The decision puts the town at odds with Massachusetts’ MBTA Communities law, potentially risking the loss of discretionary grant funding and inviting legal action from the state Attorney General’s office.
The law requires MBTA communities to create zoning for multi-family housing near transit stations. Halifax qualifies due to its commuter rail stop, despite the station being miles from the town center.
The proposed Article 1 would have established a 194-acre MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District in compliance with Section 3A of the Zoning Act. The overlay district aimed to allow multi-family housing as of right in designated areas.
According to Chair John Bruno, the Board of Selectmen reluctantly put the zoning change to a vote to give residents the opportunity to comply with state law, while expressing “serious concerns” about the mandate itself.
Selectman Jonathan Selig expressed his conflicted stance on the issue before casting his vote against the article.
“Do I feel great about this? Absolutely not,” Selig said. “But, honestly, I would feel not great about voting either way tonight, because, quite frankly, there really isn’t a great option here, given our two alternatives.”
“We are not Quincy, we are not Braintree, or Weymouth,” said Selig. “People in those communities could conceivably lean on public transportation instead of cars, but our train station is miles away from our town center.”
Selig acknowledged the potential consequences of the vote, including the loss of discretionary grants that Halifax has historically relied upon.
“We’re a small town with a small business tax base,” he explained. “But, because of this, the town has historically used discretionary grants like the ones that will be in jeopardy to help the town move forward. And there’s no doubt about it, losing those will hurt.”
Fellow Selectman Thomas Pratt echoed Selig’s concerns while maintaining his opposition to the state mandate.
“Halifax is different than Hanson, different than Middleborough, different than every other city and town in the Commonwealth,” Andrews stated. “We don’t fit in a box, and we shouldn’t acquiesce to the state from their 40,000-foot view from above.”
Pratt warned of the long-term implications of compliance. “The problem is the state will never stop asking once you’ve given in,” he said. “The long-term view to protect the town, in my opinion, is a no vote.”
The Planning Board had previously voted not to recommend Article 1, while the Finance Committee made no recommendation, citing their understanding of “both sides of the equation and the financial impacts.”
Residents at the meeting expressed strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Jeff Bolger encouraged fellow voters not to fear the consequences of rejecting the overlay district.
“I don’t think anyone should be afraid of a no vote here,” Bolger said. “We’ve got a governor who goes nationally and says, I’m going to defy federal immigration law. If she can do that, we can certainly say no to this.”
Others, like Ed Murphy, pushed for an immediate vote without further debate. “There is nothing left to debate,” Murphy asserted. “Anyone who’s been involved in this issue knows what the issue’s about.”
The rejection of Article 1 leaves Halifax in a precarious position. Town officials now face the challenge of navigating potential financial repercussions and legal challenges from the state.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell has previously indicated her office would seek civil enforcement against towns that fail to comply with the MBTA Communities law. The Supreme Judicial Court is currently considering action against the Town of Milton.
The meeting also saw heated debate over a citizen petition to regulate personal watercraft use on local ponds, highlighting community tensions over lake access and environmental concerns.
Petitioner Steven Goodman argued the bylaw was needed to address problems with out-of-town visitors disrespecting local waterways.
“The out-of-town groups that come have specifically said to me they come here because we don’t have any regulation,” Goodman said. “And it’s not necessarily that they’re out of town, it’s that they don’t respect the waterways.”
The proposed bylaw would require residents to obtain permits for personal watercraft use and ban non-residents from launching at town ramps.
Supporter David Mascio cited safety concerns, saying he’s witnessed jet skiers operating within swimming areas and harassing kayakers.
“The people that are doing this, they do not comply, they do not care,” Mascio said.
However, longtime resident Charles Rogers opposed the restrictions, arguing for freedom of lake access.
“I believe that the lakes are a beautiful asset to our town,” Rogers said. “They attract people to the town. That’s the reason I moved to the town, because of the lakes.”
Other residents questioned why the bylaw would require permits from local users rather than focusing on out-of-town visitors.
After lengthy debate, voters approved the personal watercraft regulations in a show of hands.

Jingles the cat versus the Christmas tree

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By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to the Express
Our Dad was very particular about Christmas trees and the right way to put them up. Every December, when it was time to get our tree, the four of us kids would bundle up and follow him through the snow across our back yard and field, past the brook and blueberry patch and up into the pine grove to pick one out.
We all had a say in which tree we liked the best. Dad always seemed more patient, relaxed and happy in the woods, taking his time and even smiling. When we all agreed on which tree we wanted, he’d chop it down. He pulled it behind him as we plowed back through the snow, following the path we had made on the way to the woods to make the going easier. When we got back home, Dad propped the tree up beside a bucket of dirt near the kitchen door as it was closer to the living room. He told us to go in through the back door shed and take off our boots and hang up our coats.
Once inside, Jingles our cat would meow and walk in front of us as if to tell us to follow her. Mom called to my younger brother and sister from the living room, saying she needed help to lay an old sheet on the hardwood living room floor, then asking my sister Penny and me to carry the big box of ornaments in from the storage shed.
We could hear Dad outside moving the dirt in the bucket around with his shovel. He opened the kitchen door and stuck his head in, asking Mom if she was ready yet. When she was, Mom, Davey and Barb stepped off the sheet and Penny and I put the big box down on the hearth in front of the fireplace while Dad wiped his feet on the mat and brought in the bucket of dirt. He placed it in the middle of the sheet and told us all to stand back while he brought the tree in. Jingles was perched on the arm of the couch and as the tree came in the door, she dove under the coffee table, her eyes as big as saucers.
When Dad would step down the two steps into the living room with the tree, Jingles usually took off like a shot, running into the other room. It made us laugh and we figured she was hiding under the dining room table or one of the beds. Every year it was a ceremonious occasion as Dad carefully carried the tree across the room, placing it snugly into the bucket of dirt he so carefully prepared. He watered it and packed it in some more until he was satisfied. He told mom to let it set while we had supper and then we could decorate it.
Our favorie Saturday night supper was hotdogs and beans. While mom was getting it ready and after Penny and I set the table, the four of us watched our favorite program, “Roy Rogers,” with Dad. While we watched, Penny and I finished stringing popcorn and cranberries to put on the tree and trying not to eat it. Jingles quietly came out to have some of her supper and disappeared again.
When supper was over, all of us were excited about trimming the tree.
Dad always went first, placing the star at the top and then adding the tree lights. The garlands of popcorn and cranberries were next and then came the ornaments. Each of us had a favorite one and some survived the test of time; I still have several. Mom and Dad would lift Barbie and Davey up so they could hang their ornaments on the branches they chose. Mom preferred to string the tinsel herself as she used it sparingly which always made a beautiful final touch.
We were almost finished decorating the tree when Jingles generally showed up on the two steps that came down into the living room, perched on the top one, her tail switching wildly. Dad stamped his foot and clapped his hands and away she ran.
Mom reached for the box of tinsel and Dad plugged in the tree lights. I heard something and looked up. Before any of us could do anything, Jingles leaped off the step and was flying through the air like a jet at top speed landing head first high into the tree. Dad let loose with a stream of expletives that were more colorful than the Christmas decorations. Jingles got her bearings and soared back into the air, landing on the kitchen floor, clawing the linoleum as she raced to get away and almost crashing into the wall turning the corner to get into the dining room. Mom and us kids were laughing so hard we couldn’t stop. Dad disappeared down into the cellar, slamming the door behind him. We went with Mom to find Jingles to see if she was okay, which she was. She sat washing herself as if she was very proud.
When Dad came back he had a hammer and screwdriver in one hand and a metal object in the other. He went into the living room behind the tree where there were two windows. He screwed the metal piece into one of the window frames behind the curtains. He informed us that from now on there would be a rope tied to the inside of the tree attached to the metal holder that would keep it in place and withstand any mishap. It may still be there to this day.
Like Jingles, Dad seemed very proud of his solution. We helped Mom and Dad fix the tree and interestingly enough, had no more problems with Jingles.

Linda Ibbitson Hurd is a resident of Halifax who grew up in Hanson in the 1960s in a much gentler time.

Second graders’ art featured at Kingston Library

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The featured artists for the month of December are the second graders at Kingston Elementary School. There are more than 60 gratitude feathers on display in our circulation area and art gallery.
The project was most recently completed by all of the second-grade classes as the students were inspired by the picture book, “A Children’s Book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity,” by Alicia Ortega.
The classes began by using tempera paints to create two pieces of painted paper, allowing students to explore layering colors and texture through various scraping techniques. In subsequent classes, they examined bird feathers for reference, focusing on their shape, texture, and design. Each student had the artistic freedom to design their feather, utilizing oil pastels for distinctive effects.
Ortega’s book was read to each class, prompting students to compile lists of what they are grateful for in their lives, followed by discussions on the significance of gratitude. From their lists, each child selected one item to incorporate into their art.
“We are thrilled to present these gratitude feathers to our community, with the sincere hope that our artwork will inspire others to take a moment to practice positivity and appreciate the blessings in their lives,” said art teacher Jamie Rossi. Thank you for attending our exhibit! I am extremely proud of my students’ hard work and very grateful to be their art teacher!”
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The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NESB among best places to work

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EASTON – North Easton Savings Bank proudly announces that it is ranked one of the Top Places to Work for 2024 in the mid-size business category by The Boston Globe. This is the 3rd consecutive year the Bank has been recognized by The Boston Globe as a Top Places to Work.
This 2024 Top Places to Work award arrives at the end of an award-winning banner-year for the Bank: Previously winning USA Today’s Top Workplaces USA, Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship, and Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces Awards in 2024.
The annual study bases the awards solely on employee feedback and surveying and recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state. The survey measures employee opinions about their workplace’s direction, leadership, pay and benefits, commitment to employee well-being, and professional growth, among other criteria.
Rankings are broken into four size categories with North Easton Savings Bank in the mid-size business grouping. The Bank has achieved a top 50 rank each of the past three years.
“For the third year, we are honored to be included on this esteemed list,” said Rich Spencer, President & Chief Executive Officer of North Easton Savings Bank. “Our bank is known for valuing its employees and the diverse perspectives and backgrounds they bring to the team – all with the common goal of helping our customers thrive.”
Added Spencer, “Heartfelt gratitude to our incredible employees across the organization who every day, diligently support our customers and the communities we serve. I thank them for their camaraderie, mutual support of one another, and for creating an exceptional environment where building a career is truly rewarding.”
North Easton Savings Bank offers a full slate of comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement and professional development, employee recognition programs, and an employee assistance program. The Bank has also instituted formal employee feedback loops, multiple annual employee events, and employee led social clubs.
About North Easton Savings Bank
Recognized as the leading alternative to using a big-bank, NESB is an award-winning local bank with over $1.6 billion in assets. Founded in 1864, North Easton Savings Bank has a proven track record of growing the community through fair banking practices, local reinvestments, and philanthropy. All deposits are insured in full at North Easton Savings Bank. North Easton Savings Bank is insured by the FDIC and the DIF and is also an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit NESB.com.

Halifax STM for MBTA special zoning Monday, Dec. 16

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Voters in the Town of Halifax will meet on Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Halifax Elementary School, 464 Plymouth St. to see if the town will approve either of two articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Article I, the most well publicized, is the MBTA Communities Act and Zoning Requirements. This article states that there shall be a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, and is located not more than half a mile from a commuter rail station, substation, ferry terminal or bus station if applicable. It shall also have no age restrictions and be suitable for families with children.
The deadline for Halifax to achieve district compliance is Dec. 31, 2024.
All MBTA Communities must comply with the Law. Communities that do not currently have a compliant multi-family zoning district must take steps outlined in the DHCD guidelines to demonstrate interim compliance. Communities that fail to comply with the Law may be subject to civil enforcement action.
Non-compliant MBTA Communities are also subject to the administrative consequence of being rendered ineligible to receive certain forms of state funding. Importantly, MBTA Communities cannot avoid their obligations under the Law by foregoing this funding. The Law requires that MBTA Communities “shall have” a compliant zoning district and does not provide any mechanism by which a town or city may opt out of this requirement.
MBTA Communities that fail to comply with the Law’s requirements also risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws. The Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Law11 and federal Fair Housing Act12 prohibit towns and cities from using their zoning power for a discriminatory purpose or with discriminatory effect.
An MBTA Community may violate these laws if, for example, its zoning restrictions have the effect of unfairly limiting housing opportunities for families with children, individuals who receive housing subsidies, people of color, people with disabilities, or other protected groups.
ARTICLE 2
To see if the Town will vote to: Add the following clause to Halifax General Bylaw Chapter § 62-2-D. Personal watercraft operation.
The use of Personal Watercrafts (PWC), including jet-ski watercrafts, surf jet watercrafts, and wet bike watercrafts is prohibited on East and West Monponsett Pond without a resident PWC permit, which is to be displayed prominently on the PWC at all times.
The Board of Selectman will establish a reasonable annual fee to acquire such a permit, any appropriate regulations regarding the use of such PWC’s, and a fine of not less than $300 for violations of this by-law.
Resident PWC permits are to be issued by the Halifax Police Department Resident PWC with a permit, may only be launched from one of the two town-owned ramps located at 4the Ave. or Rte. 36. PWC are prohibited from launching from the Rte. 58 State boat ramp (Wamsutta Landing). No PWC are allowed on any town owned beaches other than for the immediate purposes of launching or taking out. No PWC operation shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Or take any other action relating thereto.
Proposed by Steven Goodman
and one hundred and fifteen (115) others