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

Gingerbread architecture tells Plympton’s stories

January 10, 2025 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

It’s been 30 years – 30 gingerbread constructions – that Jon Wilhelmsen and his wife Ann Sobelewski have been replicating houses of note in Plympton to be unveiled, as it were, at their holiday Christmas party.
Ann says, “We started with our own house and then branched out to our neighbors and then to friends or people in the community who volunteer to do things for the town.
“One year we did the library – which was a lot of fun and a special gift for all they do for the community.” In 2020, COVID brought its own set of challenges and the couple wanted to give heartfelt thanks to the First Responders and built both the fire station and the police station. Jon delivered them to their respective destinations to give them a bit of gingerbread fun for the holidays.
The houses are entirely edible, though most people don’t end up eating them, Ann says. It is always a surprise; the recipient never knows that their house is the one being done. This requires subterfuge, which becomes more difficult as more people have ring doorbell cameras, because Jon needs to take photographs of the house that he can use to draw the plans.
“All in all, it’s just something nice to do at the holiday season and it’s even more special if the recipient has children or grandchildern,” Ann continued.
Jon adds that it takes between 12 to 18 hours, depending on the house, to draw the plans, make and bake the gingerbread and the windows, assemble and decorate.
A few other notable antique houses they have done include the double Cape at the corner of Ring and Main, the white Victorian in the center of town, the Mayflower Mercantile in the center on Mayflower, the Black Walnut Tree House on Ring Road, Just Wright Farm on Palmer Road and the Craftsman bungalow on Center Street.  Not only are these architectural treasures in town, but as Ann notes, it is our thanks for all these folks do to make Plympton the town that it is.  And we always deliver the building(s) to the owner the day after the reveal for them to enjoy – and for some to desperately figure out how to keep it indefinitely (it has not been figured out yet).

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Former Rep. Josh Cutler pens new book about State House

January 3, 2025 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Boston is a city known to be rich in history, so it is only fitting that the Massachusetts State House has served as the backdrop to events ranging from the creation of the gerrymander to the crusade against the “Red Menace” and the theft of the Sacred Cod.  Former State Representative and author Josh Cutler dives into these stories and more, connecting them in his latest offering, Under the Golden Dome:  Historic Talks and Tales from the Massachusetts State House, which was published by Clipper Press and released last month.
From the stirring oratory of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the inspiring words of Helen Keller, to the fiery rhetoric of Theodore Roosevelt and the fearless advocacy of Angela Grimké and Dorothea Dix, Cutler offers a vivid portrait of historic personalities as well as moments, spanning two centuries within the historic walls of the Massachusetts State House.  Even the unexpected appearance of Jackie Gleason, the daring flights of Amelia Earhart, and the machinations of Richard Nixon find their place in the rich tapestry of history, politics, and human drama that has unfolded Under the Golden Dome.
Under the Golden Dome is the third book authored by Cutler.  Previously, he examined the role of a young Federalist editor in the War of 1812 in Mobtown Massacre:  Alexander Hanson and the Baltimore Newspaper War of 1812, published by The History Press in 2019 and winner of the 2020 Baltimore History Prize.  Cutler also wrote about the abolitionist movement in Boston in the 1830s in The Boston Gentlemen’s Mob:  Maria Chapman and the Abolition Riot of 1835, also published by The History Press in 2021.
“From my time serving under the golden dome, I’ve been intrigued by all that has transpired in the Massachusetts State House,” said Cutler.  “Researching its history and sharing its stories has been a true labor of love.”
Before being elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he represented the sixth Plymouth district for 11 years, Cutler was a publisher and editor of the Duxbury Clipper.
Under the Golden Dome is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.  For more information, please visit https://joshscutler.com.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

Halifax mulls MBTA zoning consequences

January 3, 2025 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
The Halifax Select Board, at their Tuesday, Dec. 17 meeting, discussed the recent Dec. 16 special town meeting, which saw a record-breaking 722 registered voters attending. Town Administrator Cody Haddad commended the Town Clerk’s office and facilities team for their efforts in managing the large turnout.
Haddad also reported that the Attorney General’s office had already contacted the town inquiring about the vote’s outcome that overwhelmingly rejected creating the state’s mandated MBTA multi-family zoning district in Halifax.
“We’ll wait and see,” he said. “I don’t anticipate legal action until the Supreme Judicial Court case comes down with Milton.”
The decision has immediate financial implications for Halifax. Haddad revealed that a recently awarded $125,000 grant for a regionalization study with Kingston now includes a caveat requiring compliance with all state laws, including the MBTA zoning law.
“We were able to pivot and actually give that grant to Kingston because Kingston will be in compliance,” Haddad explained. “The good news there is we’re not going to lose out on that because it was a regional grant approach.”
However, other ongoing grants could be in jeopardy. Haddad mentioned potential “clawbacks” for previously approved grants, prompting efforts to expedite projects and submit invoices quickly.
The town is particularly focused on completing energy projects, with heat pumps already installed at town hall.
In response to the vote, Board of Selectmen Chair John Bruno proposed including a resolution on the spring town meeting warrant instructing local representatives to work towards overturning the MBTA zoning law.
“I think it doesn’t have any legal effect, but at least it makes it clear where we stand,” Bruno said.
The Board also addressed concerns about the Pine Street intersection project. The town had previously allocated $40,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for an engineering study of the intersection, but the highway department has been unable to secure an engineer for the project.
Due to the deadline for obligating ARPA funds, the Board voted to reallocate the $40,000 to cover an overage in the highway barn roof project. However, Board members expressed frustration with the lack of progress on the Pine Street intersection improvements.
“I really do feel like we need some sort of update on what we’re doing with Pine Street,” Selig said. “I don’t want to lose this ARPA money to get back to the original point. That’s silly to give that money back to the state.”
The Board agreed to make the Pine Street intersection a priority for 2025 and requested a written plan from the highway department within 90 days.
As the meeting concluded, The Chair praised the professionalism of the town staff and the progress made in recent years.
“The professionalism that you guys have brought to this, and Cody and Pam and Irma, is just so far beyond expectations,” Bruno said. “It’s wonderful. Congratulations to you guys, and I think the town is really well served.”
Looking ahead, the Board discussed potential changes to future town meeting procedures, including earlier check-in times and clearer communication about start times on meeting warrants.
Halifax is considering a partnership with neighboring Hanson to provide veteran services after Hanson’s Veterans’ Service Officer (VSO) recently resigned. The potential collaboration could ensure continued access to veteran services for residents of both communities.
Town Administrator Cody Haddad informed Selectmen that Halifax is in communication with Hanson regarding the possibility of regionalizing veteran services.
“We’re in communication with Hanson on the Veterans position, doing some potential regionalization there,” Haddad said. “At the very least, we’re going to help our neighbors out in the meantime so that Hanson residents still have access to Veteran Services.”
The Board also learned that Halifax is extending support to Hanson by providing temporary Building Commissioner services. Hanson is currently without a building commissioner, and Halifax has stepped in to assist.
“We are working to assist them in the meantime,” Haddad explained. “I would anticipate probably at your January meeting some sort of agreement with Hanson just saying that we’re going to provide assistance to them. They’ll have to compensate us.”
Board member Jonathan Selig praised the town’s ability to offer assistance to neighboring communities. “It’s great that we are now able to offer other towns assistance and not be on the other end of that situation,” Selig said. “Kudos to Cody and the town to be in this spot.”
Haddad emphasized that while Halifax will be compensated for its services, the willingness of town staff to help neighboring communities speaks to their character.
“It shows that we have a team here that other towns want to look to for assistance,” Haddad said. “But also, we have the individuals in place who want to do it. Ed Bayly, our Building Commissioner, is all for it. Steve Littlefield is all for it. And that speaks to, I think, the character of the people we have.”
The Town Administrator noted that helping neighboring communities will be beneficial in the long run. “It’s always good to help out our neighbors because we never know when we’re going to need their assistance,” he said.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Author James Parr to visit Adams Center

January 3, 2025 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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 smiller@kingstonma.gov.

 

Filed Under: More News Left, News

New York man charged in Walmart theft

December 27, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

New life for Plympton Almshouse

December 27, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

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

December 27, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Kingston Luminaries Saturday, Dec. 21

December 20, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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)

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Halifax STM votes huge NO on zoning

December 20, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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.

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Jingles the cat versus the Christmas tree

December 20, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

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.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

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