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Another side of Atwood

By

Jessica Zeoli

Express correspondent

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met Monday, Feb. 12 to continue the discussion regarding the parcel of land off Prospect Road known as the Atwood Property.  Ryan Vlaco of BRV I, Inc. in Middleborough, has signed a purchase and sale agreement in the amount of $1 million for the 75.3 or perhaps 113-acre parcel – acreage differs from the earth removal permit application and the plan of land submitted with the application.

Selectman Russo reminded the crowd that the meeting was not an official hearing and no official proceedings were to take place. The public will be notified when, in fact, legal measures will begin to take place on the purchase of the parcel.

After hearing concerns of many Prospect Road and Soule Street residents regarding issues such as unreasonable wear and tear on roads by the estimated 100 gravel trucks per day each hauling a full load of gravel, effect on nearby wells, the tearing up of pristine woodland and damage to the ecosystems of several protected species of birds, reptiles and plants, Beverly Atwood, longtime owner of the property now protected by the Atwood Family Irrevocable Trust, stood to be heard, citing the hypocricy of the group. 

“When your children were throwing rocks into our canals, that didn’t bother you and I think the person’s here whose sons were doing that.  When somebody else’s sons burned down our bog shed, that didn’t bother you.  When some other people put up signs for their horse trails – that didn’t bother you.  That’s our property.  Nobody ever has come to me and asked permission …  And we have never been confrontational about any of it.  And now all of you are here, all of a sudden  – something’s going to happen to your property … And you people all now are nature lovers!  You didn’t give a darn about my bogs when you people trail rode through.  Geese – I give them a free ride because they belong there – but you people don’t! None of the rest of you beautiful land people who love the land but have no respect for mine until I want to sell it because my husband is sick … and I have to get this property sold …  where were you last year asking me to buy it?  Where was anybody three years ago?  Nobody! …  All of a sudden your playground’s going – the place where you go and don’t ask permission.  And now it’s a nature preserve!”

Jennifer MacDonald, 44 Prospect St., spoke to the right of way which her property abuts, saying that it is no way capable of handling 100 trucks per day, and that the deeded right of way is for timber removal, and perhaps the occasional cranberry truck, but to make any changes to the right of way would require consent from the abutters.   She also noted that the gravel trucks cannot negotiate the sharp curve onto Prospect Road in either direction and would need to go forward onto Marie Elaine Drive and Tobey Lane, through thickly settled residential areas, to make the turn.  MacDonald continued to say that if she’d known the land was for sale, “I would have bought it!”

Gail Knight of Winnetuxet Road empathized with Mrs. Atwood, saying that she would feel the same if people were abusing her property.

Russo told Mrs. Atwood that the process (of coming out of Chapter 61) would take time.  “One of the consequences of putting land into Chapter is that you save on taxes, and you complicate the sale in the end,” Russo said. 

According to state law, land that has been protected and held under any of various “Chapter” titles, such as 60, 61, 61A must be offered back to the town before it can be sold.  The town may then exercise its option of first refusal.

This 75.3 to 113-acre parcel of has raised many questions for the residents of Prospect Road and surrounding areas in last week’s meeting.  Selectman Mark Russo attempted to address citizen concerns.

A list of priorities regarding the project were announced beginning with contacting town council to address a letter to the current owner of the land to establish communication. Next, the board discussed clarifying the boundaries of the project and verifying that the land for sale is entirely owned by the seller.

Plympton assessors are working to determine the boundaries of the project  Linda Leddy and Ami Dion of the Open Space Committee will begin volunteer research on agricultural bylaws and legal measures taken in similar towns when dealing with earth  removal applications. Following this research, the town may go forth with creating procedures for handling the sale of Chapterland and future applications regarding earth removal operations in the town.

Selectmen plan to “represent all the citizens involved in the project and remain fair,” as stated by Russo, all other board members agreeing.

Rocky Mountain

water concerns

Selectmen agreed to have Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy research a surveillance system to address concerns that water trucks are going onto the Brook Street property earlier than their agreement with the town allows.  One abutter noted violations Feb. 6, 7, and 12.  Selectman John Traynor suggested a camera system be set up to document these incidents.  Russo said he would call Mr. Rose again to let him know.  Traynor said that the town should have firm legal documentation of these violations.

Old Town House

Lease signed

The lease between the town and the Plympton Historical Society has been updated and signed by both parties, according to Selectman John Traynor, who asked that copies of the lease be emailed to Society President Jessica Kinsman and the members of her board.

One of the terms of the lease is to have a sign.  The current sign was damaged by snow removal equipment.  Town maintenance superintendent Sarro has said he will repair the sign and have it re-installed in the spring, after the ground thaws.

Recreation

Commission

Selectmen are seeking volunteers to serve on the Recreation Commission.  Anyone interested should contact the selectmen’s office at 781-585-2700.

In other busines

• The board ended the meeting by approving a Best Buddies Bike-A-Thon in June, pending approval by the fire and police departments.

• Selectmen will not meet next week because of the President’s Day holiday on Monday, but will resume their meeting schedule the following week, Monday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m.

• MRI Consultants, who are working on a review of the Plympton Fire Department, will have a draft of their report by the end of this week.

Deborah Anderson

contributed to this article.

Tensions high as gravel removal plans unveiled

By

Jessica Zeiol

Express correspondent

Plympton’s Prospect Road residents voiced their concerns over the proposed purchase of a parcel of land that is either 75.3 acres or 113  acres, even the proposed purchaser didn’t seem sure.   The Prospect Road parcel contains acres of cranberry bogs, a spring-fed pond that serves as reservoir for the bogs, hardwood forest, and pine forest.  The area was also pointed out as a known haven for at least two endangered species.

Rick Burnett, local farmer and member of the Agricultural Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Community Preservation Committee, and advisor to the Historical Commission, told the gathering that he was speaking only as a resident Monday night, introducing selectmen and others to the “magic” of the area known as the Atwood Land.  Burnet knows the land well as it borders Soule Farm where Burnet is active in farming activities.

Selectmen were made aware last fall that the property was coming out of Chapterland and the town was offered first refusal to purchase the land as is required by law.  Selectmen have now received a purchase and sale agreement that would sell to Ryan Vlaco, principal of BRV I, Inc., 607A Wareham St., PO Box 107, Middleboro, from Atwood Family Irrevocable Trust, represented by Sarah Atwood Preston, at a pricetag of $1 milion. 

The P&S, has several conditions to it, Selectman Mark Russo told the group, one of which is the granting of a gravel removal permit by the Town of Plympton.  Asked if it was proper to give a permit to anyone other than the actual owner of the property.  Russo answered that was a question they would put to Town Counsel.

Many residents expressed concern that removing so much gravel would affect the pond and the water table, thereby affecting nearby wells.  Emotions were high, with violence threatened and answered in one reparte.

Howard Randall, whose home is on Prospect Road, wanted to be sure that selectmen didn’t miss the deadline of 90 days to respond to the offer. 

The applicant spoke to the group, stating that he had completed perc tests on the four proposed house lots on Prospect Road, across the way from Toby Lane and Marie Elaine Drive.  The proceeds from the sale of these house lots, he said, would help finance the overall project. 

Asked whether he planned to remove the gravel from the property beyond what he would use to expand the cranberry bogs, he said he would.  His stated intent was to have a gravel removal operation in addition to the cranberry bogs.  The proposed operator estimated 100 gravel-laden trucks would pass down Prospect Road each day.  The application states that they would not operate beyond 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and would not operate on weekends and holidays. 

Chairman Christine Joy asked if he owned other cranberry bogs.  He said he did, in Middleboro on Pine Street.  She said she would like to see them, to see what kind of operation he had there.

Members of Marie Elaine Drive neighborhood expressed their worries regarding the operation of a gravel removal pit and the effects on the neighborhood’s water wells and the value of their homes. Rebecca Lipton, a resident of Prospect Road stated, “This will greatly change our water supply, which has already been affected by Middleboro’s waste management facility down the road.”   

Other Plympton citizens heavily debated the damage that would be done to the roads that are narrow with many curves and turns.  There were also expressions of concern for the children in the surrounding houses and the effect of operation on the value of neighborhood homes.

The plan is unclear as to the amount of land this parcel includes and one taxpayer said he has been paying taxes for decades on a parcel that he thinks is located within the bounds of the property under consideration, and questioning the legality of the purchase and sale agreement. Assistant Assessor Wendy Hughes said she would look up the maps in question and report back to selectmen.

The board of selectmen is planning to gather information and answer the questions presented by the public before deciding whether or not and how the town will continue with the project.

Selectman John Traynor  told the group that there would be many opportunities to be heard on this application and proposal, as many hearings would be needed before several boards before it could be done. 

Russo said that he and his board would also investigate the possibility of acquiring the property for the town, much as the town had acquired the Churchill Park property.

The next Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26.

~ Deborah Anderson contributed to this story.

Marijuana grow facility: Host Community Agreement considered by Selectmen

By

Four Daughters Compassionate Care, LLC, has submitted to Halifax selectmen a Host Community Agreement (HCA) as one of the first steps toward the construction of a marijuana cultivation and/or manufacturing facility on River Street.

Halifax selectmen are accepting comments, questions, and concerns about the HCA in time for the Board’s discussion at its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to the process Four Daughters Compassionate Care will follow, the HCA outlines the Community Impact payments of 3% of the gross wholesales of marijuana cultivated at the premises and 3% of the marijuana infused products.  The first of these payments would be made within three months following the first date of sale of marijuana, and continue on an annual basis.

Up to a 60,000 square foot commercial space is planned for the 45-acre parcel for the purpose of operating a cultivation and/or product manufacturing facility under a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) Certificate of Registration as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Medical Marijuana Program.

The entire HCA can be viewed online at  http://www.town.halifax.ma.us/…/fourdaughtersHCA20180108.pdf)

While the Host Community Agreement covers several subjects, it is not a zoning permit. Any proposed facility would have to obtain a “special permit” from the Zoning Board of Appeals (a public hearing is required with notice to abutters) and approval of a site plan from the Planning Board. A proposal has not been submitted to either Board. Both steps will be publicized here and in other venues

Town administrator Charlie Seelig assures Halifax residents that while there may be concerns regarding noise, lighting, and odors, these matters will not be addressed as part of the HCA; they would properly be part of any discussion of the possible approval of a special permit and site plan for this facility.  The signing of the HCA is just one step in the process.  Four Daughters will need to obtain various zoning permits in Halifax, along with whichever permits the State requires.

November 28, 2017, Halifax hosted an informational meeting in the Town Hall where residents were invited to hear about the Four Daughters Compassionate Care proposal and ask questions at that time.

The presentation was recorded and can be watched on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyirPfa7lYA (forum begins at 26:23 into the selectmen’s meeting).

If selectmen do sign an HCA with Four Daughters and Four Daughters moves forward with this project, then a public hearing will be held as required under state regulations.  Abutters will be notified and the hearing will be publicized.

Halifax readies for town elections in May

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Town Clerk Barbara Gaynor has announced the following positions will be on the ballot at the Halifax Town Election on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the Halifax Elementary School, Rte. 106, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Board of Assessors, seat currently vacant.  Term of office three years.  Holly Merry has drawn nomination papers for this position.

• Board of Health, seat currently held by Alan J. Dias.  Term of office three years.

•  Town Clerk, seat currently held by Barbara Gaynor.   Term of office: three years.  Barbara Gaynor will seek re-election.

•   Town Treasurer-Collector, seat currently held by Pamela Adduci.   Term of office: three years.  Pamela Adduci will seek re-election.

• Holmes Library Board of Trustees, seat currently held by  Ava Grimason who is not seeking re-election.   Term of office: three years.

• Holmes Library Board of Trustees, seat currently held by Maureen C. Thayer who is not seeking re-election.   Term of office: three years.

•  Housing Authority*, seat currently held by Lee Mulready.   Term of office: five years. *Contingent on State approval.

•   Town Moderator, seat currently held by John Bruno.   Term of office: three years.

•  Park Commission, seat currently held by Gerard Elliott.   Term of office: three years.

•   Planning Board, seat currently held by Mark T. Millias.   Term of office: five years.

•Elementary School Committee, seat currently held by Alexander Mead.   Term of office: one year.

•Elementary School Committee, seat currently held by Summer Schmaling .   Term of office: three years.

•Elementary School Committee, seat currently held by Linda Twiss Gioscia.   Term of office: three years.  Linda Twiss Gioscia is not seeking re-election.

•Silver Lake School Committee, seat currently held by Mark J. Aubrey.   Term of office: three years.  Mark Aubrey is not seeking re-election.

• Board of Selectmen, seat currently held by Thomas Millias.   Term of office: three years.  Thomas Millias will seek re-election

• Water Commission, seat currently held by Daniel O. Bosworth, Jr.   Term of office: three years.

Nomination papers are now available and can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office during regular office hours through Wednesday, March 28, 2018.  All completed papers must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30, 2018.

This list may be revised due to resignations or other changes.

Rte. 44 highway mishap kills one

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State police are continuing their investigation into the accident that ultimately killed Daniel A. Newcomb, a 31-year-old East Taunton man, Friday night, Jan. 12, on Route 44 in Carver.   Newcomb is the son of Michael and Melissa Newcomb of Halifax.

A 23-year-old Monponsett man was traveling westbound in a 2001 Mitsubishi Gallant on Route 44 when he struck a 1998 Saturn SL2,  that was stationary in the breakdown lane.  Newcomb was believed to have been outside of his vehicle at the time of the crash, according to preliminary reports by State Trooper Justin Greene who is investigating the crash.

Newcomb was transported to South Shore Hospital in South Weymouth where he later died.

The crash remains under investigation with assistance from the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, Crime Scene Services Section, and troopers assigned to the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

No charges had been filed as of press time Thursday.

State Police Nicole Morrell, when asked by the Express the identity of the other driver, said it is not the policy of the State Police to identify parties involved unless they face charges.

State Police were assisted on scene by the Carver Fire and EMS and MassDOT.

She hopes one of her customers will “win big” in the lottery …

By

Meet Suzy Youssef, new owner of Plympton Gas and Convenience, 280 Main St., Rte. 58, Plympton. 

After working 16 years for IBM in distributive software, Suzy said, ”I told myself it’s time for me to own my own business – time for a new adventure.”

She took her time to find just the right situation, and after two years, found Plympton!  Suzy and her husband have two gas stations, but none with a convenience store.  The Stoneham and Medford businesses are fairly close to home, but she really likes the hour-long commute which brings her to another world – out of the city and into the country – where horses and trees are common elements, and the city sights and sounds are left behind.

Right in the heart of historic Plympton Village, Plympton Gas and Convenience serves its customers 7 days a week, from early until late enough, with competitive gas prices and the convenience of beer, wine, groceries, and of course, lottery.

“I’d love to see one of our customers hit it big,” Suzy said.  “Not for us; for the fun of seeing the lottery won here.” 

Suzy says she feels lucky to have found Plympton Gas and Convenience.  “We have a good team here.  Well organized, a really clean place.”  She credits former owner Kelly Craig for giving her the time to show her how the Craigs had run the business.  “Most people, you buy the place and that’s it.  Kelly really helped us from the beginning.”

“I hope to stay here for a long time.”

Suzy Youssef, new owner of Plympton Gas and Convenience, hopes one of her customers hits it big in the lottery.

Three honored at Tuesday’s Halifax meeting

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Halifax selectmen agreed Tuesday night that the best part of their job is to help recognize outstanding work by Halifax residents.

John and Patrick McCarthy, twin Eagle Scouts, were each awarded certificates by the selectmen for their projects in service to the town.  John helped build a shed for the Halifax Historical Society to house an antique horse-drawn carriage at the town’s blacksmith shop on South Street.  His brother Patrick refurbished trails and water crossings on the Striar Conservancy off Thompson Street.

While Halifax has one of the smallest Boy Scout groups in the country, it has one of the highest percentages of scouts who go all the way to earn the designation of Eagle Scout, selectman Kim Roy told the group.

And the accolades didn’t stop there.  David Walsh, commander of Halifax Post 6258, and David Warmsley, quartermaster, came before selectmen to present their nomination for Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, Police Chief Edward “Ted” Broderick, in a competition sponsored by the VFW.  “It’s quite something for him to be nominated,” Walsh told selectmen. “We consider him an outstanding first responder of our community.  Chief Broderick has served the town with the utmost compassion and professionalism, throughout his career.”

Broderick began his career as a police officer in Plympton, then went to Halifax to work as a police officer, and earned his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming Halifax Police Chief.

“He has been a friend of the veterans for years,” Walsh told selectmen, “and has assisted whenever needed … he was chosen on the basis of what he has done for our community,” Walsh said.   “As a first responder, he has been fantastic.  He has served our community well.”

Broderick’s nomination now proceeds to Boston where it will compete against others at the state level. If lucky enough to win there, the competition continues nationally.

In other business, selectmen signed a contract with Winslow Architects to commence work on the Pope’s Tavern Senior Center.

Selectmen received notice that 280 South St., a Chapter 61A parcel, will be put up for sale.  As part of the agreement for so-called “Chapter Land”, the town has first refusal on the sale of the property.  After a considering the parcel, selectmen agreed that they would “pass” on the offer.  They did not think that the parcel would benefit the town of Halifax.

Joseph Murray, of Gen II, asked selectmen to consider his application for a Common Victualler’s License for the new Dunkin Donuts, a restaurant in the early stages of construction on Route 106, next to the 7-11 (formerly Tedeschi’s), which will seat 20, as well as have room for the usual take-out trade.

Murray brought architect’s renderings of the proposed building, a single story construction with about 1500 square feet for the Dunkin Donuts operation, leaving room for possibly two tenants in the back.

He said he also owns franchises in Bridgewater and Middleboro, among others.

Selectman Troy Garron asked when they expected to complete construction, Murray answered “By May 1,” and invited selectmen to attend the ribbon cutting.

Selectmen considered the list of show dates for Fieldstone Farm, noting that they would advise the owner he cannot use the Gazebo built on the property as it was built without being signed off on by an architect.

Selectmen affirmed an agreement with the Lakeville Animal Shelter to house dogs for Halifax.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig advised selectmen that the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has asked Halifax to purchase some 10 acres of land near the back of Burgess Pond, or purchase the conservation restriction.

The third option, Seelig told selectmen, was to purchase the entire parcel for $250,000.  He advised a public forum to discuss and explain the proposal in detail to the town to get a sense of what the town wants before bringing it to Town Meeting for a vote.

Selectmen will consider the plan to construct a large solar array on the proposed marijuana grow property, which will cover 200+ acres.  Seelig suggested another informational meeting to make the public aware – perhaps sometime in February.

Meet Elizabeth Dennehy at Library coffee hour

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Plympton Library Director Debbie Batson invites townspeople to visit the library on Saturday morning, Jan. 6, from 10:30 to noon, to greet Plympton’s first Town Administrator, Elizabeth Dennehy at First Saturday Coffee Time.

Stop in, enjoy a cup of hot coffee and a goodie, meet your friends, and say hello to Ms. Dennehy who began her position in Plympton in early December.

Ms. Dennehy has more than 10 years of experience in municipal government, including serving as the Community Development Director in Walpole and as Planning Director and Environmental Affairs Officer in Fall River.

“We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Dennehy as Plympton’s first Town Administrator,” said Christine Joy, Chairman of the Plympton Board of Selectmen. “Her skills, experience, and local knowledge will prove beneficial to the Plympton municipal team and will help us to achieve continued success for the community.”

Ms. Dennehy, of Raynham, was one of two finalists for the position.

“We were highly impressed with the qualifications of both finalists,” Chairman Joy said.  “It was a difficult decision for the board.”

There were a total of 38 applicants for the position. The Board of Selectmen were supported in the search by a seven-member Town Administrator Screening Committee and by Community Paradigm Associates.

In Walpole, Ms. Dennehy was responsible for all aspects of the town’s Community and Economic Development Department, including preparation of the annual budget, attracting and negotiating with new businesses, hiring and supervising personnel, providing technical assistance to various boards and commissions, and updating zoning bylaws. Her work in Fall River involved managing all aspects of the city’s Planning Department.

Ms. Dennehy holds both a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth/Environmental Science from Bridgewater State University. She is a Notary Public, and served on the Freetown Cultural Council from 2008 to 2014 and the Freetown Emergency Management Agency from 2005 to 2013.

Bell ringers in Halifax bring $6,557

By

Photos by

Chris Thompkins

Chris Thompkins has just completed her 7th year as Salvation Army Kettle Coordinator for the Town of Halifax and is delighted to announce that they have raised $6,557.33 for the 2017 holiday season!

She sends out thanks to all of her volunteers, those who donated, to Twin Lakes Liquors and the Rockland Trust for their patience, and a special thank you to Stop & Shop for graciously allowing their bell ringers and kettles to be inside, out of the cold, this year!

The Halifax Council on Aging will host a volunteer luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Pope’s Tavern Senior Center to say Thank You to the volunteers who made the contributions such a success.  Please call the Senior Center at 781-293-7313 to let them know how many are coming.

In no particular order, Thompkins would like to thank the following: Lynne Towne, Dot and Tom Pease, Pat Farrah, Sharlene Capaccioli and Dylan Capaccioli, Pauline Hughes, Carol Keegan, Carl Faith, Sally Fontaine-Burke, Suzie Fontaine Hopps, Dot Matthews, Cheryl and Jason McCullough, Tanya Little, Diedre Yelverton, Colleen Fiumara, Ashley Seggelin, Jackie Joubert, Susan MacDonald, Sherri Conte, and Jen Olivera.

Also:  Deb Scioscia, Ketti Martin, Gerry Durban, Martin Tuohey,  Tommy Schindler, Kevin Rogers,  Marianne Leighton Moore, Phyl Silenzi, Sue Wilson, Jessica Whalen, Dot Martel, Jo Schofield, Avis Arsenault,  Mary Ann Davis, Jonathan Selig, Stacey Rancourt,  Brenda Pettingill, Ken Vinton, Kerstin Santos, Alicia Salvation, Harley Ann Naphen, Adrienne McDougall, Susan Laidlaw, Kim King, Ashley Bearce and Cheryl Bearce, Brief Margiotta,  Amanda Ransom, Cheryl Balerna and girls and  Gerri Lambert!

Chris says this is a 100% volunteer operation, in conjunction with the Halifax Council on Aging, and helps seniors get out of the house and be involved in the community.

She is now ready for a well-deserved nap!

 

Jonathan Selig of Halifax, well-known to fund-raising, leant his hand to ring a bell to help bring in donations for the Savation Army’s Good Neighbor drive.

 

One of Santa’s hardest-working elves, Chris Thompkins, chairman of the Halifax Kettle Drive for the seventh year, got into the holiday spirit with St. Nick himself!

 

Sue Wilson & Phyl Silenzi team up to collect donations for the Salvation Army.

Miniature Halifax model train village has new constructor

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Over the past two decades, a magical snowy village has grown, changed, and morphed into the beautiful community in a train layout on display in the Great Room on the second floor of the Halifax Town Hall.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig remembers when he first began his job in Halifax in 1997, he thought of a train setup as something for little kids to enjoy  – and geared the guage to be eye-level with a 3 or 4 year-old.  The train is  “G” gauge, or garden gauge, bigger than the usual livingroom sets.  “It began with a single loop of railroad track and a single building so the train would have someplace to go,” Seelig recalls.  “Every year, to a large extent, we’ve kept adding to it… To see the look on that 3 or 4 year old’s face as they see the magic of it, makes all the effort worth it.”

Over the years Seelig has had a lot of help with the project, which is set up each December as a focal point in the Halifax Holidays in Lights celebration.  “I’ve been very lucky,” he said.

John Nolan, son of the town’s accountant, with Guy Bosworth, both friends and classmates at Silver Lake, took over setting up the village, and helped out for many years, through high school, college, and beyond. 

Last year Nolan “retired” from the position, giving it over to another helpful model train enthusiast Griffin Kelly, 13, a student at Silver Lake Middle School.  Griffin, with help from his dad Bill, has set up the village and its train last year and this year, and hopefully for many years to come.