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You are here: Home / Archives for Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Obituary for: Anne L. Springer

September 20, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Anne L. Springer, age 101, a woman of deep faith, was called home on September 17, 2018. Anne, a resident of Jefferson, Maine, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law for the past 15 years, enjoyed a fulfilling and well lived life. She was the oldest of 10 children and took over a mothering role for her siblings when their mother died at the age of 50. She was deeply loved by all her brothers and sisters.

 

Anne attended Punchard High School in Andover, MA and graduated in the Class of 1935. She married Leslie G. Springer in 1940 and they made their home in Leslie’s hometown of Plympton, MA. Shortly after their marriage, Leslie was called to serve in the Army overseas during World War II. Upon his return, they started their family of 5 children and in 1959 established a general store in Plympton that included the best tasting homemade ice cream on the Massachusetts south shore, aptly called Anne’s Homemade Ice Cream.

 

Leslie and Anne retired to their farm in Jefferson, Maine in 1976 where they spent countless hours renovating the homestead and grooming the fields for their large gardens. They also built a winter home in Vero Beach, Florida that provided many happy years gathering with friends and family. Both Leslie and Anne were hard workers and always had projects to tackle. Anne expressed her creativity in many ways. She took up oil painting in her 50’s and continued to paint until her death. She enjoyed acrylic and water color painting also, many of which she gifted to her family and friends. She also enjoyed creative cooking and rug hooking and was an avid reader.

 

Anne remained active in the St. Denis Seniors Group, enjoying the many friendships formed with her faith community. Anne’s steadfast faith was the ballast that supported her throughout her life. A lifelong dream became a reality when she visited Rome in 2004 at the age of 88 and also traveled to the Grand Canyon, Oregon and many visits to Florida. She lived her life with grace, acceptance and generosity.

 

Anne is predeceased by her husband, Leslie and her son William. Her loving family includes her son David and his wife Gale of Clermont, FL, son Richard and wife Maureen of Plympton, MA, son Earl T. and wife Lois of W. Barnstable, MA, daughter Marian and husband Bill of Jefferson, ME, and daughter-in-law Ana of Vero Beach, FL. Anne was also the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

 

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Denis Catholic Church, 298 Grand Army Road, in Whitefield, followed by a reception at the church hall.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s name to St. Michael’s Parish, Re: St. Denis Church, 24 Washington Street, Augusta, ME 04330, Transfiguration Hermitage, 205 Windsor Neck Road, Windsor, ME 04363, or Maine General Hospice, P.O. Box 828, Waterville, ME 04363.

 

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.

 

Condolences may be shared at www.hallfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: More News Right, News

Steampunk at Schoolhouse Farm

August 9, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

It’s the most anticipated party invitation of the summer – the AHG, Alberti Hurdy Gurdy – that sees the pastoral Schoolhouse Farm transformed into a weekend-long venue for music, dancing, barbecue, and laser light shows, all leading up to the burning pinnacle of the evening!

What started out 21 years ago in East Bridgewater as a graduation party for Dave Alberti’s son has grown over the years into a gala few could imagine!

Plympton’s C.J. Quinn, with his good friends Dave and Vicki Alberti, take the better part of a year preparing for an AHG Theme Party – this year’s was “Steampunk” – with all the side events that make their party unique.   Eight bands, some of them have played on the outdoor stage since the first one, and three glass-blowers added to the atmosphere this year.   In keeping with the Steampunk theme, there was also a working display of steam-powered engines built by north shore artist Todd Cahill who Dave and Vicki saw at the annual Watch City Steampunk Festival in Waltham earlier this year.

Many of the AHG guests brought tents and sleeping bags and stayed through the night while the laser light show carried on over their heads.

This year’s centerpiece was a full-sized 1890s steam locomotive built out of rough sawn wood, plywood, and salvaged metal wheels, resting on a 60’ section of wooden train track.  The sculpture was constructed by CJ Quinn and Tom Johnson, and was built on a custom wooden foundation laid over two truckloads of river silt spread & graded by Dave Alberti & John Deere. Tom Johnson played a key role in design and construction following CJ’s lead as Chief Engineer. The two worked together for months leading up to the event.  People admired the construction all afternoon, posing with it for many photos.  As darkness descended, and the last notes were played from the main stage, the entire crowd descended around the burn structure in anticipation of the climax of the event.  “The Burn”.

 

A professional Taiko Drum troupe called “Odaiko New England” began the ceremony with 15 minutes of thunderous rhythmic perfection. Dozens of people in period costumes spilled off of the train and a vintage town scene quickly morphed into a compelling choreographed dance led by Alana Quinn and Kyra Grattan.  As the theme music hit a climax, flames consumed the train as the AHG crowd celebrated having collectively created another unforgettable experience. By morning, all that was left was ash and coals, and a few metal pieces.

Plympton Fire volunteers were on hand to take care of site safety issues. They sent an engine, brusher, two ATV’s with five fire fighters/EMTs to stand watch.  The AHG crowd is a network of friends, and there is a uniquely positive and respectful energy in the air.

AHG is a grassroots collective of people that has evolved since 1997.  Every year, a few new people find their way to the event, and every year there is a new theme to welcome them.  In 2015 the theme was “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a Japanese-style pagoda as the centerpiece.  Dave and Vicki Alberti were married under the pagoda with all of their Hurdy Gurdy friends and family in attendance.  And once the vows were spoken and the rings exchanged, the bridegroom kissed the bride, the torches came out and the pagoda was burned. 

Each AHG since the beginning has its own T-shirt designed by one of the many AHG artists, a theme poster, and bumper stickers.  Shirts from past events have become collectors’ items.  Many artists over the years have captured the party theme; this year’s poster design was done by well-known local artist Jessie Fries.  The t-shirt and bumper sticker design was done by Greg Myette.

Greg Crossland was the grill chef for the party with lots of help from Dave and Trish Detterman, grilling 90 pounds of chicken, two bushels of corn, and cooking 100 pounds of potatoes, making the best fries. 

Guests are asked to bring enough food to feed their families plus a little more, then Greg cooks and serves it. 

Sunday morning, Jimbo Williamson makes breakfast to send everyone on their way with a full stomach.

So what began 21 years ago as a graduation party, with a wood-fired portable hot tub, a keg of beer, and a band, has grown into finely orchestrated summer event whose guests are treated to a weekend to remember.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Little fish on bicycle is quite a catch!

August 2, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Wanted in Connecticut for murder charges issued last December

Through many hours of surveillance and investigation, Halifax Police Chief Ted Broderick and Sgt. Tom Benner, arrested Jamir Johnson at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 31.  Jake Burns of the Pembroke Police Dept. also assisted in the arrest.

Once Johnson was brought back to the police station and processed for booking, police learned that the little fish caught while riding a bicycle through the Brandeis Circle neighborhood was in fact quite a catch, as he was wanted on a murder charge in New London, CT.

It is alleged that last Dec. 9.  Johnson shot the victim, Quvant Gray, who was pronounced dead of gunshot wounds in a basement apartment at 4 Orchard St.  Johnson was charged in Connecticut with murder, possession of a pistol without a permit and unlawful discharge of a firearm .A bench warrant was issued for his apprehension tagged with a $1,500,000 bail according to New London, CT Police Captain Brian Wright.

Halifax Police Chief Ted Broderick charged Johnson with 54 break-ins to automobiles, and several house breaks in the Brandeis Circle area of town over the past several weeks.  

Johnson was arraigned in Plymouth District Court, charged with breaking and entering, possession of burglarious tools, failure to identify, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property and fugitive from justice.

He will be held until Connecticut authorities come get him, according to Sgt. Patrick Sterling, communications officer of the Halifax Police Department, where he will answer to the Connecticut charges.

Chief Broderick said that early Tuesday morning Johnson was seen riding a bicycle through the Brandeis Circle neighborhood wearing clothing similar to that seen in a surveillance video at one of this victim’s homes, including rubber gloves.  He was eventually stopped by the officers, and after a brief foot chase, was placed in police custody.

In making his announcement, Chief Broderick apologized to Halifax residents who were anxious to hear the latest in the ongoing investigations of the many robberies.  “I hope the people understand our silence when trying to apprehend these criminals, but mostly I want everyone to know the diligence and work ethic of your police officers.  If it wasn’t for their commitment to the town and its citizens, this alleged murderer would still be roaming our streets while we sleep.  It was a job well done by all.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

MEPA site visit to be Wednesday

July 19, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Alex Strysky of  MEPA, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office, has alerted residents of Plympton to a MEPA site visit to the proposed Rickets Pond Business Park site at the Carver/Plympton line on Wednesday, July 25, at 10 a.m., meeting at the entrance to the site off Spring St.

The EEA project number is 15883.  Project Description: An Environmental Notification Form (ENF) has been filed with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs by RPBP, LLC to construct mixed-use office/storage buildings and self-storage buildings totaling 114,318 square feet on 4 lots on a 43.7-acre site.

The project includes construction of a road, utilities, a stormwater management system and 144 parking spaces.

The project will generate 608 average daily trips, according to a release from MEPA.

The project meets the ENF threshold at 301 CMR 11.03(1)(b)(2), creation of five or more acres of impervious area. The project requires an Access Permit and a Land Transfer from MassDOT.

The public is welcome to attend.

 

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Fire Dept. will stand: BOS gives approval for stand-alone fire department

July 5, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

In an announcement from Elizabeth Dennehy, Town Administrator for Plympton, the Board of Selectmen recommitted their support for a stand-alone fire department.

Recent talks with Halifax exploring the possibility of shared services or some shared services, never really got off the ground.  Following the joint meeting of Plympton and Halifax, and the recommendations of Plympton’s Fire Consultant, Middleboro Fire Chief Lance Benjamino, measures have already been taken toward resolving some long-standing issues that had resulted in a poorly functioning department.

Benjamino’s recommendations to selectmen at their last meeting encouraged the board.  He also issued a caution, however, that the work needs to be continued to see continued results.  Benjamino told the board that his group, the Fire Chiefs Association of Plymouth County, could help in the selection of qualified candidates for the position of Fire Chief, if the board would like.

Dennehy’s statement follows:

“As many citizens are aware, local officials and a Fire Technical Advisory Committee that was appointed by the Board of Selectmen have been evaluating the Town’s Fire/EMS operations over the last several months in order to better position the Plympton Fire Department to provide professional public service in a fiscally responsible manner.

Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI) conducted an in-depth study of the Town’s Fire/EMS operations and prepared an extensive report for the Town’s consideration. MRI’s report, along with the presentation they made to the Town, are available for viewing on the Town’s website: https://www.town.plympton.ma.us/

Accordingly, the Town of Plympton is pleased to announce that we have committed to continuing forward with efforts to stabilize and restructure the Plympton Fire Department, in order to remain a viable stand-alone Department, under the capable oversight of our Fire Management Consultant, Chief Lance Benjamino, and through the daily operations management of Captain Cheryl Davis. Additionally, we will be working with Chief Benjamino on developing the criteria for selection of the Town’s next Fire Chief.

Since early April 2018, the Town was engaging in communications with the Town of Halifax to explore the potential for a shared services model. In light of the financials associated with such a model, along with consideration of the significant progress that has been made at the Plympton Fire Department over the last several weeks and the renewed sense of pride that the dedicated men and women of the Department have demonstrated, we believe we need to focus our efforts on the continued stabilization of the Department and establishing a framework for future success as a stand-alone Department.

We will, however, continue conversations with Halifax and other neighboring communities into the future regarding other options for sharing services and resources, specifically including training opportunities that would benefit multiple Fire Departments.

Over the last few weeks, tremendous progress has been made with respect to stabilizing and examining how to best restructure the Plympton Fire Department in order to provide effective, efficient and responsive service to our residents. Additionally, through the expertise of Chief Benjamino, the Department has been able to implement numerous recommendations contained within the MRI Report.

The Town of Plympton would like to thank the Town of Halifax and their Fire Chief, Jason Viveiros, for all of the effort they put into the process and for being a great neighbor to the Town of Plympton. We look forward to seeing how both communities may benefit from shared training exercises and opportunities in the future.”

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Whitman man charged with MV homicide in Halifax crash

June 28, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

A Whitman man has been indicted on charges that he was operating under the influence of alcohol when he caused a crash that killed a Carver man, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz announced June 22.

A Plymouth County Grand Jury returned indictments against Alec Dowie (DOB: 09/15/66) of Whitman, charging him with one count each of Manslaughter by Motor Vehicle and Operating Under the Influence, third offense. He will be arraigned in Brockton Superior Court on the charges at a later date.

On February 6, 2018 at 6:45 p.m., Halifax Police and Fire responded to the area of 38 Monponsett Street for a report of a two-car crash. Upon arrival, police found a 2018 Dodge Challenger operated by Dowie, had crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2005 Honda CRV operated by Richard March (DOB: 08/08/39) of Carver. Both operators were transported from the crash scene for treatment of their injuries. March was taken to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston where he succumbed to his injuries just after 9 p.m. that same night.

Halifax Police contacted State Police Detectives with the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office and an investigation commenced with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department BCI and State Police CARS Unit. The investigation found that Dowie had a Blood Alcohol Content Level of 0.084 and Dowie tested positive for Fentanyl, Heroin, Cocaine and Opiates in his system. Dowie told investigators that he took a Percocet prior to the crash.

Assistant District Attorney Russell Eonas is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, Halifax Police, the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department BCI and State Police CARS Unit.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Fire Consultant Benjamino reports …

June 21, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Plympton selectmen heard Monday night from their fire consultant Lance Benjamino, Chief of the Middleboro Fire Dept., who is working with Plympton to bring the Plympton Fire Dept. up to state mandated standards for training, reporting, housing, equipment, and the fire station building itself.

Benjamino noted many issues, beginning with the fire station, noting first that there is no alarm system at the fire station.  The kitchen is in disrepair, new appliances are needed.  The equipment floor needs to be resurfaced, the cement apron in front of the equipment bays needs repair or replacement.

Benjamino enumerated dozens of items that need to be addressed to bring the building up to the code when it was built in 1974, as well as a cost to the town to get them done, totaling $61,500.  He told the board that he didn’t include labor in many of these items and will be working with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Dept. for labor for several of the projects.

He then went on to say there is too much equipment, as was stated in the MRI report, so that the fire station can’t house it all, nor is it used.

In addition to returning the Red Cross trailer to the Red Cross, and returning the Water Buffalo, Engine 3 is out for repair.  Benjamino suggested surplussing Engine 3, which is seldom used and has only 11,000 miles on it, and told selectmen that as it stands a company which brokers fire trucks will give the town $60,000 cash for the Engine 3.  Those funds could be used to offset the costs of the station’s repairs.

Benjamino also recommended that the town look into adding another bay to the left side (Library side) of the fire station and make it a two-story structure, so that offices and bunk rooms can be housed on the second floor, and the trailer in the parking lot can be sold or returned from whence it came.

He did strongly recommend that selectmen contact a structural engineer to confirm that the building is in good enough condition to allow a two-story addition.  He said he thought it was, but would need it confirmed by a professional. 

Benjamino said that there are three generator trailers that have never been fully utilized.

“Where are we now?” Benjamino asked.  As for the fire department personnel, each member had to re-apply for his/her position and pass a CORI and SORI background check.  “Those who passed remain on staff.  Those who didn’t aren’t,” he told the board.

“We have created a mission statement, a Plympton Fire Department Social Media policy.  We’ve also addressed sexual harassment issues.” he said.

In all Benjamino reported that he expects the department to run by established standards with personnel protection, accountability, and leadership.

He detailed firefighter F1-2 training, and said that each member of the department needed to be trained.   If there is training money to be had, it costs $600 each for Plympton’s 11 firefighters who need the training.  If shared services with Halifax will help with the expense, that makes sense.  Otherwise, he said, the town will have to look for other funding sources or simply pay for it.

Benjamino said that the training is absolutely necessary for the safety of the team.

“If they get into trouble, they need to know what to do.”  They also need to know how to communicate with one another.  He noted that the radio frequency in use had expired in 2015.  A new frequency is being installed and needs to be programmed into the radios and mutual aid towns.

He is also developing pre-fire plans for businesses in town.  “Not inspections,” but plans so that when a call comes in, a firefighter can grab the binder with that building’s fire plan and gain valuable information about what they might be heading into.

Benjamino said these inspections and plans should be updated every six months or at least yearly.

He said he has a 25-page book of rules and regulations, operating procedures.  We need them to know how to operate.

As to whether or not a combined fire department with Halifax or another town was a viable course, Benjamino told  Selectman Mark Russo that he thought Plympton can indeed have a stand alone fire department.  Can it benefit from some shared services?  Yes.  “There’s a price for everything,” he noted. 

The planned joint meeting with Halifax selectmen June 20 has been pushed out past July, and Selectman Christine Joy said that if Halifax comes  back to us with a proposal in the next two weeks, we will evaluate it.

Selectman Chairman John Traynor told the board that he would like to work toward a stand-alone department. 

To find a qualified fire chief, Benjamino said that the Plymouth County Fire Chief’s Association can help.  Plympton would bring the resumes and applications to the Chiefs and they will evaluate and make recommendations.

Selectmen were all delighted with the findings, and the recommendations that Chief Benjamino proposed.  While pointing out problems he also showed solutions, giving selectmen hope.

Traynor asked if the town should do an operational review, either annually or semiannually.  Bertino answered that yes, it needs to be done, and also suggested to ask the neighboring towns what they think of your department.  “They’ll tell you!”

Amy Cronin, a member of the audience, suggested that the operational reviews be done by a third party, to be sure that it is unbiased and accurate..

In other business selectmen:

• will begin interviewing the two candidates for highway superintendent next week.

• declared July 16 to be the date for the public hearing on the Atwood property,

• received a letter from Plympton Fire Dept. member Gary Somero indicating he would like to be considered for the position of Plympton Fire Chief.

• received a letter from Arthur Morin stating he did not want to be considered for re-appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

Cyclist hit by Plympton auto

June 21, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Plympton Fire and Police departments responded to Lake Street in the area of Cranberry Knoll Tuesday at approximately 6:20 p.m., when a bicyclist was struck by a motor vehicle driven by Elizabeth Hanson of Plympton.

The 47-year old Whitman man was Medflighted from the Silver Lake football field to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.  His injuries did not appear to be life threatening.

While the accident remains under investigation, Hansonmay be cited for negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

Kingston Fire Department also assisted with the incident.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Flag Day in Halifax

June 18, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Jessica Zeoli

Express correspondent

It was a joyous event, Thursday, June 14 –  Flag Day – when hundreds of area residents came to Halifax to be part of history. People gathered at the Pope’s Tavern Senior Center in Halifax to unfurl a huge 45 by 90-foot American flag owned by Marc Valentine of Halifax

Express photographer Stephanie Spyropoulos towered 78 feet over the crowd in the bucket of the new Halifax Tower fire engine to officially document this historic moment.

Valentine, curator of the American Flag Project, emceed the event telling of some of the history of this flag and the places it has been throughout the world.  He said this giant flag has been “touched by more Americans than any other flag in history” and that he hopes it will renew appreciation for our flag.

Valentine introduced the Halifax town officials, and invited Selectman Troy Garron to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Among the throng  needed to hold the hem of Old Glory, the sixth grade class of Halifax Elementary School also helped by walking under the flag to be sure it didn’t touch the ground.  After the flag was rolled back up, the sixth grade class was surprised with their very own official photograph with the Giant Flag.

Holding the flag was not an easy job!  Gusts of wind took the flag, threatening to whip it off into the wild blue yonder!  It took a lot of combined strength to hold it steady.

The event, which lasted only about 15 minutes total, consisted of unfurling the flag as “You’re a Grand Old Flag” resonated through the green in front of the Senior Center. People of all ages, including town officials, were dressed in red, white, and blue, and smiled wide as they held the edges of the massive flag.

Valentine has been traveling the globe for the past 30 years with his giant flag-painted truck, to bring his giant American flag to more than 1,000 official ceremonies. One of the Flag’s greatest appearances was when it flew next to Lincoln at Mount Rushmore’s 50th rededication celebration. An award-winning photograph of this moment was captured, and went on to be featured in Life Magazine.

. The flag has been in all 50 states, as well as 34 countries.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Vacancies still to be filled

June 12, 2018 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Selectmen Monday night showed concern regarding the number of vacant seats in Plympton’s town government, both elected and appointed.

May’s annual election saw only 6% of its 2,234 registered voters turn out to cast a ballot, leaving several seats without a candidate to fill them.

Marilyn Browne was encouraged to volunteer once again to accept the position and serve on the Finance Committee for the available two-year term after several people wrote her in.

The Board of Library Trustees submitted Linda Lawson to selectmen for their approval Monday night. She was a write-in candidate who lost to Jim Lundgren 15 to 9, as there was apparently some confusion as to which of the two positions she was interested in.  Her vote was divided between the two.  Selectmen voted unanimously to name her to the available three-year position, while Lundgren chose the two-year term.

The Planning Board will meet Monday, June 11, and will vote their choice to present to Selectmen at their meeting down the hall.

Any residents who are interested in serving in a position on the Planning Board are encouraged to stop in at 6 p.m. to let the board know of their interest.

Selectmen asked Town Clerk Tara J. Shaw to prepare a list of the appointments they name annually and whose terms finish June 30, 2018.

Shaw said she would have the information for their meeting June 11.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

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