by Fred Corrigan
Special to the Express
The Halifax Farmers’ Market Fall Festival was a wonderful family event Saturday Oct. 26, 2024.
The beautiful fall day, along with the many activities for the children, brought out a very large crowd.
Roxy the Comfort Dog, the Touch-a-Truck and Tractors, antique trucks, children’s games, the happy dinosaur, Lizzie the witch scarecrow, all had a part in making this a fun- filled day in Halifax.
A “BIG THANK YOU”, goes out to Steve and Donna King and family for all of the effort they put in to make the farmers’ market a success! Their efforts and the vendors are a great help to the Halifax Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Congratulations to all.
Adams Center will host Marianne Leone to discuss new release, “Five-Dog Epiphany”
Local author and Kingston resident Marianne Leone will talk about her new release, “Five-Dog Epiphany,” at the Adams Center, 33 Summer Street, Kingston, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
In her third memoir, “Five-Dog Epiphany: How a Quintet of Badass Bichons Retrieved Our Joy,” Leone writes a moving and sometimes funny exploration of grief and the mutual healing that can occur between rescue dogs and people, who have experienced soul-crushing loss. Leone and her husband, actor Chris Cooper, lost their only child suddenly in 2005. Jesse was seventeen, a straight-A student, and a brilliant poet, who was also a quadriplegic and nonverbal except with the assistance of a computer.
After six-year old Jesse miraculously blurted “dog” to Santa, Goody appeared on his bed on Christmas morning. Goody was followed by Lucky, Frenchy, Titi, and Sugar, all rescues adopted after Jesse’s passing. After Jesse’s death, Leone grew a tumor the size of her premature son at birth, her husband disappeared into dark acting roles, and Leone fainted during the filming of a scene in “The Sopranos,” where she was standing in front of her television son’s coffin. The novel is the story of a bereaved couple and a pack of rescue dogs finding their way to a new life, everyone licking their wounds, both corporal and spiritual, and rediscovering joy.
Leone is an actress, screenwriter, and essayist. Her other memoir, “Ma Speaks Up,” was published by Beacon Press in 2017. She had a recurring role on HBO’s, “The Sopranos,” and has appeared in films by David O. Russell, Larry David, John Sayles, and Martin Scorsese. Her essays have appeared in the Boston Globe, WBUR, and other publications. Her two other memoirs are titled, “Jesse: A Mother’s Story,” and “Ma speaks up: A first generation daughter talks back.”
You can learn more about Leone at marianneleonecooper.com. Books will be on sale following the author talk.
To register for this event, please contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at [email protected].
Perfection Ballot Box retires at 100 years old
Town Clerk Tara Shaw met Plympton residents Saturday morning to officially retire the 100 year old “Perfection” ballot box, to be replaced by the Imagecast Precinct® beginning with the Nov. 5 presidential election.
While about 40 residents came to hear the presentation Saturday, Shaw is sure that voters will need a bit of instruction the first time voting. To help residents become accustomed to the new tabulator, a brief instructional video will be available on the Town of Plympton website and it will also be showing at the Town House during the hours voting is going on.
With the new vote tabulator, results will be available almost instantly when the polls close. The teams of ballot counters will no longer be needed; just a couple of counters to read the write-ins. The tabulator will count all votes on the ballot except the write-in votes which are put aside for a human count.
This is the end of an era for the town of Plympton and residents tipped a cup of coffee and enjoyed a slice of cake in Perfection’s honor.
Dirty Water Distillery named Manufacturer of the Year
State Representative Kathy LaNatra is honored to announce that Dirty Water Distillery of Plymouth is a 2024 recipient of the “Making it in Massachusetts” Manufacturing Award presented by the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership skills in the manufacturing industry. The company was presented with this award at the 9th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, September 25th at the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA.
“It is such an honor to be able to nominate one of the many impressive manufacturers that the 12th Plymouth district has to offer, and I was thrilled to be able to choose Dirty Water Distillery as this year’s Manufacturer of the Year, said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Dirty Water Distillery is one of those businesses that make Plymouth and the South Shore special and unique. From pivoting to making hand sanitizer during the COVID pandemic as one of the first to do so in the Commonwealth, to hosting many great community events in their taproom, Dirty Water is truly a steward of their community, and I was thrilled to be able to present them with this honor.”
Dirty Water Distillery, a micro-distillery in Plymouth’s Cordage Park, has been crafting unique artisanal spirits since its founding in 2014. As the first distillery to open in Plymouth and only the 12th in Massachusetts at the time, it has become a local favorite. Owner Pepi Avizonis, who holds a Ph.D. in physics, leads the operation alongside a head brewer, Andrew Hill, who balances his passion for distilling with his career as a high school English teacher. Together, they bring creativity and expertise to their craft, producing a distinctive range of artisanal liquors.
“We were surprised, thrilled, and honored to be State Rep. Kathy LaNatra’s nominee,” said Pepi Avizonis, Owner of Dirty Water Distillery. “We are proud and humbled to be considered among the state’s best, and we love doing what we can to support our community.”
Each year, the Massachusetts Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hosts the Manufacturing Awards Ceremony to highlight many of the Commonwealth’s most noteworthy manufacturers and celebrate their successes as leading manufacturers in the industry. This recognition is reserved for Commonwealth manufacturers that exemplify what it means to “make it in Massachusetts” and propel their industry towards continued growth and innovation. This year, over 50 diverse manufacturers were selected by legislators from across the Commonwealth to be recognized at the awards ceremony.
Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees, encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors. The Caucus is chaired by Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) and Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough).
Kingston Public Library to host Gravestone Girls “Past the Cemetery Gate” talk Thursday, Oct. 10
Join us for a talk on interpreting and researching historic cemeteries and gravestones, presented by Brenda Sullivan of the Gravestone Girls at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St., Kingston, Oct. 10 at 6 p.m.
“Past the Cemetery Gate” is a 90-minute presentation where attendees will learn to ‘read’ the cemetery for clues and information. Using both direct observation and deductive reasoning from objects such as the writing, art, geology and the cemetery landscape, much new insight can be revealed that can answer questions, create new inquiries and open doors for further detective work. For more information visit their website here: https://www.gravestonegirls.com/#/
Three graduate Firefighting Academy
BRIDGEWATER— State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine announced last Friday the graduation of 13 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, three of whom were from the Kingston Fire Dept.: Firefighters Mark Leary, Caroline Reed, and Daniel Shannon.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”
The graduating firefighters of Class #BW31 represent the fire departments of Canton, Franklin, Hull, Kingston, Mansfield, Norton, Norwell, Seekonk, West Bridgewater, and Wrentham.
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack.
Muratore wins endorsement from former Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito
PLYMOUTH—Monday, Sept. 16, State Representative Matt Muratore’s campaign for State Senate announced that it has been endorsed by former Governor Charlie Baker and former Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We can’t think of a better candidate for State Senate than our friend Rep. Matt Muratore. Matt has the public and private sector experience that makes him ready to work in the State Senate on day one,” Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito said in a joint statement. “Whether it’s advocating for local aid for schools, bridges and roads; working to end the migrant shelter crisis; or providing superb constituent services, Matt was one of our favorite legislators to work with during our time in office—and a successful one, at that! We enthusiastically endorse his candidacy to bring his public service to the next level. He’ll bring an important, balanced voice to the State Senate, and he’ll deliver for his district just as he always has,” they added.
For much of his two terms as Governor, Baker consistently ranked as one of the most—or the most—popular Governors in the United States. His collaborative, bipartisan approach is sorely missed in the Commonwealth today.
“I’m very honored to have the support of Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Polito,” Rep. Muratore, candidate for State Senate, said. “I look forward to bringing their same brand of competent, bipartisan, and balanced leadership with me to the State Senate. While national politics can seem so negative and divisive, our campaign will continue to focus on the issues that matter in our communities. It’s time that we come together and work for the betterment of all 8 communities in the Plymouth & Barnstable district.”
The Muratore for State Senate campaign has also been endorsed by the State Police Association of Massachusetts; the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association of Massachusetts (Mass Retirees); and the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union.
To learn more about Rep. Matt Muratore and his campaign, please visit www.MattMuratore.com.
Halifax’s Holmes Library to host Author Series
Linda Redding
Special to the Express
The Holmes Public Library will be kicking off Authors at the Holmes on Monday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.. The featured author will be Anthony Sammarco highlighting his book The History of Howard Johnson’s.
Many of us can recall the days of visiting a Howard Johnson’s and enjoying one of the 28 flavors of ice cream, the ‘tendersweet” clams, or the Howard Johnson’s Frankforter.
Future authors include John F. Gallagher on October 21st discussing A Monument to Her Grief offering details on the Sturtevant murders in Halifax. Chronicle reporter Ted Reinstein will talk about his book New England Notebook on November 18th. He will reflect on some of the stories he has covered all over the New England area.
The Friends of the Holmes Public Library is sponsoring the author series. All author talks will begin at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase.
How we voted in Tuesday’s primary
The first Tuesday in September marks the State Primary Election for state and some federal positions. Sept. 3 saw towns throughout Massachusetts cast ballots. Though turnout was predictably low, 17.53 percent in Plympton, and few contests on the ballot, 443 people came out to mark their choices.
PLYMPTON
Plympton’s populace put Democrats Sen. Elizabeth Warren, uncontested, on the November ballot with 195; Rep. Bill Keating with 197 votes; Joseph C. Ferreira got 182 votes for Councillor; Dylan Fernandes won 188 votes for Senator in General Court; Representative in General Court: Kathleen R. LaNatra – 191; Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon- 196; Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 187. The only contest on the Democratic ballot was for County Commissioner, where the best two out of three will advance to the November Election: Scott Vecchi – 117, Rhonda, Nyman – 106 and Greg Hanley – 104.
The Republican ballot had two contests: Senator in Congress: John Deaton – 152, Robert Antonellis – 47, and Ian Cain – 18; Senator in General Court: Mathew J Muratore got 119, Kari MacRae – 92, Dan Sullivan -178 votes for Representative in Congress, and Eric J. Meschino won 188 votes for Representative in General Court. The two positions of County Commissioner saw Jared Valanzola win 128 votes and Anthony O’Brien Sr 133 votes. Clerk of Courts and Register of Deeds had no candidates.
The Libertarian Party had a ballot but no candidates. There were two Libertarian ballots in Plympton.
KINGSTON
There were 4,058 ballots drawn in Kingston, 2310 Democrats, 1740 Republicans, and 8 Libertarians.
Democratic ballot
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 1069
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 1092
Councillor First District: Joseph C. Ferreira – 1012
Senator in General Court Dylan Fernandes – 1023
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 1084
Clerk of Courts: Robert Creedon Jr – 1015
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 1040
County Commissioners, choose two: G. M. Hanley -609, R.L. Nyman – 648, S.M. Vecchi – 535; Write-ins – 114
Republican ballot
Senator in Congress: R. Antonellis – 195, I. Cain – 84, J. Deaton – 563, and 4 write-ins.
Representative in Congress: D. Sullivan – 751, Write-ins 26
Senator in General Court: K. MacRae – 302, M. Muratore – 542
Representative in General Court: Eric J. Meschino – 702
County Commissioners, choose two: Jared L. Valanzola – 486, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 490, Write-ins 6
There were no candidates put forward for the positions of Councillor, Clerk of Courts, or Register of Deeds.
Libertarian ballot
There were 8 Libertarian ballots voted, with no candidates printed on the ballot. For any write-ins to be counted, there would need to be at least five of the same person to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
HALIFAX
Democratic ballot
There were 562 Democratic ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Elizabeth Warren – 512, Others – 10
Representative in Congress: Bill Keating – 563, Others – 1
Senator in General Court: Michael Brady – 503, Others -1
Representative in General Court: Kathleen R LaNatra – 265, Rebecca W. Coletta – 246
Register of Deeds: John R. Buckley, Jr. – 503
County Commissioners, choose two: Gregory M. Hanley – 319, Rhonda L. Nyman 292, Scott M. Vecchi, 201
Councillor: Tamisha L. Civil – 128, Muriel Elaine Kramer – 61, Sean Murphy – 278, David S. Reservitz, 39
Clerk of Courts: Robert S. Creedon Jr -491, Others – 1
Republican ballot
There were 550 Republican ballots taken in Halifax.
Senator in Congress: Rovert J Antonellis – 123, Ian Cain – 63, John Deaton – 358
Representative in Congress: Dan Sullivan – 474, Others – 2
Senator in General Court: No candidate. Others – 82
Representative in General Court: Jane L Cournan – 93, Kenneth P Sweezey – 165, Eric J. Meschino – 230
Register of Deeds: No candidate
County Commissioner: Jared L Valanzola – 488, Anthony T. O’Brien, Sr. – 347, Others – 1
Councillor: Francis T. Crimmins, Jr. – 455, Others – 3
Clerk of Courts: No Candidate. Others – 39.
LIBERTARIAN
There were 9 Libertarian ballots drawn. There were no candidates printed on the ballot and no write-ins to total five or more to be counted as other than miscellaneous.
Republican State Senate hopefuls debate over taxes, immigration
Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Republican State Senate candidates Kari MacRae and Mathew J. Muratore faced off in a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Plymouth area Thursday night, highlighting their differing approaches to key issues facing the district.
The candidates are vying for the Republican nomination in the Sept. 3 primary for the Plymouth and Barnstable District seat. The district includes Kingston, Pembroke, Plymouth and Plympton in Plymouth County. MacRae positioned herself as a political outsider focused on citizen involvement. “Well, my qualifications are simply I’m a citizen. I’m a citizen of the Commonwealth. I am passionate about making sure that everybody has opportunities. I’m on the school committee in the town of Bourne. I’ve served now two terms and was re-elected. And I think it’s important that everybody gets involved with local politics,” MacRae said, emphasizing her passion for ensuring opportunities for all.
Muratore touted his experience in government and the private sector. “I’ve been serving as a state legislator for ten years now. I think that coupled with my business experience as a small business owner, my community involvement, involved in all sorts of different community organizations such as the Economic Foundation, the Rotary Club, etc., plus,being a father of six daughters gives you a lot of life experience. And so, I think that’s what makes you the most qualified for this,” Muratore said. Both candidates identified affordability and the migrant crisis as top issues facing the district.”We have an affordability issue in this state,” Muratore said. “We are recently ranked as the number one place to live in Massachusetts. But one of the most expensive places to live.” MacRae agreed, linking affordability challenges to immigration: “Immigration, illegal immigration, is taking a lot of resources from our citizens. That is a big problem.” The candidates diverged on tax policy. MacRae advocated for eliminating the sales tax entirely, arguing for fiscal responsibility in state spending. “I say we should get rid of the sales tax and make sure that they’re being more fiscally responsible with the tax dollars that they’re taking from us up on Beacon Hill,” she said. Muratore supported more targeted tax cuts, including reducing the sales tax to 5% andproviding incentives for small businesses. He expressed concern about wealthy residentsleaving the state due to high taxes.
On housing affordability, MacRae emphasized prioritizing citizens, veterans, and seniors for housing resources. “We need to make sure that we are prioritizing the citizens, prioritizing the veterans, and prioritizing senior citizens,” she said.
Muratore focused on the need to increase housing supply, stating Massachusetts is about 200,000 units behind in housing. He supported the recent $5.4 billion housing bond bill to create incentives for housing development. The candidates also differed in their approach to working within the legislature. MacRae argued for electing more Republicans to push back against the Democratic majority. “I think the biggest thing that we need to do is we need to get more Republicans and Independents elected,” she said. Muratore emphasized his ability to work across the aisle, stating, “The more you actually can work with people, whether it’s in your own party or on the other side, you’re able to, you know, affect change.”
Both candidates expressed support for increasing transparency in the legislature, with MacRae promising to always disclose her votes and reasoning to constituents.
The primary election is scheduled for Sept. 3, with the winner advancing to face Dylan Fernandes, running unopposed in the Democratic Primary, in November.
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