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Postal Service honors first responders

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Mike Saccone
Special to The Express
Thursday, July 18, the US Postal Service hosted a dedication ceremony honoring the first responders of the Plympton Fire and Police departments.
First introduced in 2018, the Honoring First Responders Forever stamp recognized the vital role of firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical service professionals, and other emergency personnel in safeguarding our communities. This stamp stands as a lasting testament to their bravery, commitment, and sacrifice.
The ceremony, hosted at the Plympton Fire Department, began with Denise Meurch, a US Postal Service employee, singing the national anthem. Sarah Etro, Plympton’s Postmaster, delivered remarks highlighting the importance of this national symbol in honoring our first responders. Additional remarks were given by Plympton Fire Chief Cheryl Duddy and Plympton Police Lieutenant Daniel Hoffman.
“We take great pride in dedicating this stamp to the Plympton Fire and Police departments, whose members embody the highest ideals of public service and community dedication,” said Etro. “Their courage and selflessness serve as an inspiration to us all, and it is only fitting that we commemorate their contributions with this stamp.”
Chief Duddy added, “The Honoring First Responders Forever stamp stands as a powerful tribute to the bravery and tireless efforts of our firefighters and all first responders. This stamp symbolizes the trust and gratitude our community places in us every day and we are deeply honored by this recognition.”
Plympton Police Chief Matthew Ahl expressed his appreciation, saying, “This recognition holds significant meaning for our officers, reminding us that our work is valued and respected by the community we serve. We stand together with our fellow first responders in celebrating this honor.”
Rep. Kathy LaNatra sent her remarks for the occasion through her aide Christopher Jean, saying “Our first responders are the cornerstone of our community, always prepared to act in times of crisis. This stamp beautifully acknowledges their unwavering dedication and countless sacrifices. I am proud to join the US Postal Service and our local heroes in this celebration.”
The Honoring First Responders Forever stamp is available for purchase at the Postal Store (usps.com/shop), by phone (80-STAMP24) and at Post Office locations nationwide, including Plympton. Philatelic enthusiasts can order special products such as first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers for this stamp through USA Philatelic at usps.com/collectors.

Rescues come in all sizes …

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The Plympton Fire Dept. answers calls for all kinds of dire emergencies and in this case it was to rescue two Carolina Wrens that had become trapped between the walls of a horse stall in town.
Firefighters used their tools to remove the plywood wall and move the birds to the area of their nest, a little shaken up by the experience but unharmed.
Thank you to responding firefighter/EMTs William Austin and Brent Eaton, with Captain John Sjostedt for your big-hearted rescue.

Hollywood comes calling

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Sleepy little Plympton has seen an influx of Hollywood as filming has begun for a new major motion picture, “At the Sea” starring A-lister Amy Adams and Australian actor Murray Bartlett of White Lotus fame, who plays her husband.
While this is her third movie in Massachusetts, we haven’t seen Adams in Halifax or Plympton before. Her Boston-based performances in The Fighter and American Hustle each won her Oscar nominations. Our small-town vibe must be quite an experience for the cosmopolitan entourage.
The film, written by Kata We’ber and directed by husband Kornel Mundruczo’, has many familiar faces in the cast, including Brett Goldstein, (Ted Lasso); Chloe East, (The Fabelmans); Dan Levy, (Good Grief); Jenny Slate, (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On); and Rainn Wilson, (The Office); according to IMDb.
The story line, as reported in Deadline, follows the life of Laura, played by Adams, after a long rehabilitation, as she returns to her family at their beach holiday home where she must readjust to the complicated life she left behind. Now she is forced to face the following next chapter of her life without the career that gave her fame, fortune, and her identity.
Adams has been nominated for an Academy Award six times, for her performances in American Hustle, Junebug, The Master, Doubt, The Fighter, and Vice.
Readers will likely remember her break-through performance in Enchanted, where her dance and singing abilities shone as she came to life as a real Disney-style princess; and Arrival, as a linguist tasked to translate language from creatures from another world.
Seeing the familiar location transformed to into a seaside set is quite a shock at first, but then what is film but a glimpse into what’s possible with a bit of sleight of hand? It’s really a magical experience.
Adams is busy with several projects either in the works, just finished, or coming soon.
The film has brought a nice bump to the local economy as it hires locals for police details, parking area rental, food for the cast and crew, actors and stand-ins, and more. Residents should welcome more film-making to the area.

Holmes Library Book Sale

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The Friends of the Holmes Public Library finished their June fundraising Book Sale taking in a total of $1.464.50. Some books will stay behind for the Friends ongoing book sale.
The Library has two bookshelves located in the entrance lobby that offer books throughout the year for the “ongoing book sale.” Hardcover books, CDs and DVDs are $1 and paperback books are $.50.
If people want to become involved, or get more information, they can contact the group through the Freinds email: [email protected]. Meetings are open to all and are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the Holmes Public Library. There are no meetings in July or December.
The Friends also have a Facebook page: Friends of the Holmes Public LibraryHalifax MA.

A shower from the Tower

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Halifax kids were treated to a shower from the tower – Halifax’s Tower 1 truck – last Thursday, in the midst of the area’s first heat wave. Tower 1 was at the Halifax Elementary School Thursday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, providing a misting water station for the kids to play in and get wet.

Plympton veteran wins first place

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By Bob Lessard, Historian
American Legion Post 64,
Middleboro
Jeffrey Montelo of Main Street Plympton was awarded a first-place gold medal in Denver, Colorado at the National Veteran’s Creative Arts Festival.
His winning artwork of a bearded veteran, which was titled “Through the eyes of a Veteran” captured the top prize.
Montelo, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, had earned a spot in Denver, when his artwork placed first in the creative art contest held at the Brockton VA Medical Center.
Commenting on his winning creation, Montelo stated, “He’s probably homeless and looking into his future and it looks a little brighter.”
Montelo is an active member of Middleboro’s Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 American Legion. He was Commander in 2014 and currently holds office as Senior Vice Commander of District 10, where he is the Commander-elect. He also is a member of Middleboro’s Veterans Honor Guard, which provides a contingent of flag holders and a firing squad for funerals of Middleboro veterans. In Plympton, he is an active member of the Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team…CERT.

Silver Lake graduates 230 Friday

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Friday evening, May 31, Silver Lake Regional High School graduated 230 seniors. Among those was a special presentation, a surprise, when US Marine Corporal Patrick Andrew Ganley appeared to present diplomas to his sisters Caitlin Marjorie Ganley and Eileen Shannon Ganley. Cpl. Ganley has been stationed in Okinawa, Japan since 2021 and his sisters had no idea their oldest brother was going to be able to make it home to help celebrate their accomplishment.
The touching reunion brought many to tears, including Principal Michaela Gill.
Erin Christina Flaherty, CTE Student of the Year, led the audience in the Salute to the flag. The Silver Lake Select Choir, conducted by Choral Director Kelley DePasqua, sang the National Anthem, followed by “Measure Me, Sky” by Elaine Hagenberg, Conducted by Department chairperson and Choral Director Kelley DePasqua, accompanied by Ms. Shu-Hui Chen, pianist.
The Select Choir Seniors performed “Only We Know” by Keane/Lojeski. Soloists were Ella Cox, Paige Bachyrycz, Alison O’Connor, Alana Borges, Sami Areski, Pyper Goguen, Julia Cartright, Emma Christensen, Madison Brown, Rebecca White. Modern Band performed, with Dylan Cicone on Guitar, Benjamin Webby on Bass, and Benjamin Gulinello on Drums.
Nikhil Harish, class vice-president introduced Grace Patricia Faherty, President of the Class of 2024 who gave opening remarks in a welcome address. Harish spoke of Faherty’s volunteering with Best Buddies, and her work at Silver Lake to make it an inclusive atmosphere, praising her abilities to bring people together. She was also the service project coordinator for the National Honor Society. Coordinating food drives and charity events, “giving back”.
Faherty thanked her family and friends, saying, “no matter where I end up in the future, we will always have each other.” She spoke about being at the edge of the known and the unknown, ready to step into a world that is as unpredictable as it is exciting.”
Invited faculty speaker, Anthony Weber was introduced by Ella Ruth Crotty, Class Treasurer, who praised Weber’s dedication to his students and promoting a sense of inclusion, thanked him for “believing in us even as we struggled to believe in ourselves.”
Weber took the podium and spoke of navigating the highs and lows of the post-COVID school year, the teamwork, in scholastics and athletics. He ended his remarks with a favorite quote from Calvin Coolidge, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts.” Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent,” he said.
Class president Grace Faherty introduced Honor Essayist Kristen Marilyn Arieta, her longtime friend and Class Salutatorian. Arieta told of the many things her class has to be proud of. She said one of the best analogies was to think of ourselves as an iceberg. The very tip of the iceberg is all that’s visible. “… what’s shown to the rest of the world is just a small fraction of who we are. .. Now we have an opportunity to show even more of who we are.”
Alexander James Risio, Valedictorian, was introduced by Ella Elizabeth Cox, Class Secretary, telling of his accomplishments including captain of the Silver Lake Track and Field, and serving on the student council’s executive board. One of the most humble and genuine people I know… and he will be attending Harvard University in the fall, majoring in computer science and biomedical engineering. Risio spoke of the cycles of life in nature, adapting, changing, As author John Shedd said, “ A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are for.” Our next step is difficult but just like in nature, we can find our footing among the shifting tides. He recalled his first day as a freshman trying out for track and field, failing miserably. His parents said he could quit but urged him to give it one more day. It was a simple act of kindness from a senior who took time to explain how the system worked, set him on a path to success in long-distance running. “Simple acts of kindness can completely change one’s life.”
Mrs. Michaela Gill, Principal, was introduced by Class Historian Matthew Daniel Meal, who described her as someone who embodies excellence and leadership, perseverance and unwavering commitment to our education. Her ability to lead our school reflects the success we have seen in our clubs, organizations, record-setting sports teams and vocational-technical programs. Her personability is what makes her a great leader…. She fosters a sense of belonging and inspires us to strive for excellence.
Principal Michalea Gill recalled that the Class of ’24 had a unique entry into high school learning, with hybrid learning, desks 6 feet apart, challenging for all, learning names with faces hidden behind a mask for a year and a half. These challenges ultimately helped foster their resilience with each setback. “I’ve witnessed them bounce back stronger and more capable than ever before.”
Class Vice-president Mikhil Harish introduced Silver Lake Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx. “Since Feb. 2020, Dr. Proulx has provided in-service training to support inclusive practices including social, emotional learning, and effective technology integration as well.”
Superintendent Jill Proulx accepted the Class, saying that the hard work and dedication they have put into their education is shown by this accomplishment. “They have all spent days and nights, working both in and out of the classroom to reach this point. They should be proud of themselves for being here today and for putting in all that effort. … I know that every one of you is more than adequately prepared to face what comes next. … Class of 2024, you are the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and creators for this country, the best country in the world.”
Diplomas were presented to 230 students by Principal Michaela Gill, assisted by Paula Hatch, Chair of Silver Lake Regional District School Committee, Assistant Principals Catherine Pratt and Steven Blette.

Dog walking in the cemetery?

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met for the first time since the town election that saw former Selectmen Chair Christine Joy voted out in favor of newcomer Dana Smith. Following an election the Selectmen typically reorganize nominating the new Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. The Board voted unanimously to appoint John Traynor as Chair, Mark Russo as Vice Chair, and Smith as Clerk.
Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte spoke saying that a resident was found to be bringing dogs into the towns’ cemeteries. He said that the resident became frustrated when confronted. Firlotte recalled the owner saying “that rule is your opinion and it doesn’t matter to me and I will continue to walk my dogs here.” He also noted that the owner’s dog jumped up and scratched the door of his vehicle. Firlotte said that the “No Dogs” rule has been in place for the entire 19-year duration of his tenure working in Plympton. Traynor said that he looked into the rules regarding dogs in cemeteries in neighboring communities and noted that most do not allow dogs either. Traynor said that in the long-term they may need to look into having a pathway put in place at the cemetery specifically for dog walking. He noted an overall problem in town with a lack of spaces for dog walking and said that owners not picking up after their dogs is part of the problem.
Russo noted that there is a sign in the cemetery stating general policy and he said that number one on that list is that the responsibility for enforcing those rules lies with the Board of Selectmen and the Burial Agent. Russo said that rule number seven says that dogs and horses are prohibited from the cemetery. He proposed potentially changing the rule to allow dogs on the walkways in the cemetery rather than on the grass near the graves. Smith said, “I love dogs; I’ve got two of them… I would kind of second the idea of trying to develop a park that’s a little bit safer and dedicated to that; obviously in the interim you have to come up with some solutions toward this, but it does shift some burden on the Highway Department if they’re going through to clean and do their normal maintenance of that area as well.” He said that he would like to see the town explore the possibility of a dog park.
Russo stressed that a leash law as well as regulations around cleaning up after the dogs would need to be strictly enforced. Traynor said that he was uncomfortable with Russo’s suggestion. “We owe the town a solution to the issue of dogs walking, but I don’t think the cemetery is the right solution though except if we could have a walkway around it,” Traynor said. Firlotte did interject to say there wasn’t much room around it that didn’t include graves.
The resident Firlotte spoke about was in attendance. She handed out typed out notes on her proposed suggestion which she distributed. She said that while she appreciated the Board’s proposed solutions, she is 79 years old and likely wouldn’t see them come to fruition. “I choose my times carefully,” she said of when she goes into the cemetery to walk her dog. “The few people I’ve met have been fine. I’ve had a picnic with people. I just met some college students who are doing a paper on the cemetery. I’ve met a man who is actually archiving the artwork and sending it to Harvard. So there’s just a lot of stuff going on there. My feelings are I’m always up for a compromise,” she said. The resident also apologized for the scratch on Firlotte’s car. Traynor asked her her opinion on Harry Jason Park. The resident said that she does go there but noted that she has had issues with ticks there.
Town Administrator Liz Dennehy recommended pursuing pricing from a company such as Oh Deer for spraying for ticks and mosquitos. Even if only for the safety of the children using the fields at various parks.
Russo said that the authority over Harry Jason Park is the Recreation Department while the Selectmen and the Burial Agent have authority over the cemeteries. Still other areas in town including Churchill Park, Cato’s Ridge, and Two Brooks are under the authority of the Conservation Commission. Traynor questioned that and asked Dennehy to look into who has purview over what and confirm.
“Let’s find a solution that makes sense for the town,” Traynor said. Russo said, “On the other hand, the problem of dogs and the degree of freedom is endless and goes on everywhere; in the ten years I’ve been a Selectmen, it’s the subject I fear the most.” Smith suggested potentially having the containers that dispense dog waste bags. Firlotte did note that those containers tend to fill with water and become “nasty” bringing ticks and diseases.
Dennehy noted that several neighboring communities do have dog parks including Scituate. She said that she didn’t believe they were particularly expensive to construct. “I did sign up for a municipal account with the PETCO grant program so I want to see if we’re eligible maybe for some sort of donation. I’m trying to think outside the box and I did see that they have a feature where you could sign up as some sort of governmental agency so I can pursue that avenue a little more as well,” she said. Traynor recommended that they also see about reaching out to Kathy LaNatra as well.
Dennehy provided an update. She said they are waiting to hear back on the Green Communities Grant that was submitted. Dennehy told the Selectmen that they had to pull out the Highway Department work from the grant but noted that they were going full steam ahead with the necessary work to the heating system at the library. The work needed for the Highway Department would have to be rolled into a future grant cycle Dennehy explained.
The Selectmen turned their attention to their rants and raves of the last few weeks. Traynor said that his rant was that only 27.6 percent of residents turned out to the town election. “Which is pretty high compared to our history, but it frustrates me that the other 74 percent or whatever that percent is can’t take the 10 or 15 minutes it takes to come out here and vote,” he said. “I do think we need to work on getting more people here,” Traynor said. Russo said he agreed. “Also we tend to have boards and commissions and committees that are endlessly looking for more talent,” Russo said.
“I’m going to turn it from a rant to a rave on the fact that that many people did participate, and to go off on one of the things Mr. Russo said, I think you’re absolutely correct on it that people have to understand what those positions are and I think that one of the things that may be underutilized… most people now rely on social media… I think to a certain extent we’re expecting people to sort of search for things versus having information presented to them,” Smith said. He advocated for a social media campaign that would explain what each particular board does and what the open position entails.
Russo said his rave was for two Selectmen that he served with, the first being Joe Fratus. “Joe had plenty of flaws. Many, many flaws actually. As well, he and I could disagree about just about absolutely everything… I’m going to come to the rave; and the other rave is for Christine Joy who I served with for the last six years. I learned a lot from both of these people. Joe… when he was dying… we became sort of odd fellow friends along the way which I remember very fondly. But what I learned from both of them is that there are some fundamental things about how to be a good Selectman. But I also learned that it’s not very complicated… 1. Is to show up. 2. Is to do the work… by far, the most important thing I learned from them is regardless of ideology, the best interest of the town is always our first interest, so I’m really grateful to have spent time with those two people,” Russo said.
The Selectmen also discussed moving their meeting time. Smith recommended moving the meeting to an earlier time in the afternoon. Traynor said he would be willing to try and pilot an earlier time, but Russo said that he was hesitant due to transparency concerns. “When I first ran for Selectman, maybe 11 years ago, in large part it was a lack of civility on this Board and a lack of transparency. It wasn’t so long ago that on this Board, decisions were literally made in cigar-filled back rooms and selectmen making decisions that way. One of the many things I pride myself on and pride the Board of Selectmen on in how we have been the last decade, is how transparent we are and I’m pretty sensitive to complaints of citizenry that we aren’t available,” Russo explained. Selectmen agreed to move their meeting time to 2 p.m. on Mondays for the summer. Russo agreed as long as it was understood it was only a trial for the summer and would be reconsidered in September.

Plant sale shines on drizzly day

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The Plympton Garden Club Plant Sale is an annual rite of Spring, when members dig into their own gardens and pot up extras for sale to share.
In addition to perennials, herbs, hanging plants, and patio pots, shoppers were tempted by a plethora of baked goods, including special flower cupcakes, to celebrate the occasion as well as brownies, squares, muffins, scones, and cookies.
These beautiful photos were taken by Express photographer Sandi Neumeister.

‘Rosie the Riveter’ honored

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Kingston resident Margaret Spalluzzi, believed to be the last living “Rosie the Riveter” in Massachusetts, was honored at a State House ceremony on May 2 where she was presented the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Ms. Spalluzzi, who is 102 years old, worked as a welder in the Hingham Shipyard during World War II. The women who performed this work did so to fill the jobs left vacant by men who were deployed during the war. Their doing so led to the term and cultural icon “Rosie the Riveter,” which was used to help recruit women to work in the factories and shipyards during that time.
Ms. Spalluzzi had been invited to a Washington D.C. ceremony on April 10 to honor other women from across the country in recognition of the importance of the “Rosie the Riveter” movement, but she was unable to attend. State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston) then arranged to have the Congressional Medal of Honor delivered to Boston; Representative LaNatra then organized the presentation that took place at the State House.
Margaret made the trip from Kingston to the State House via chartered bus, along with more than 40 of her friends. The Friends of the Kingston Council on Aging, together with the Kingston Business Association, worked to raise funds to charter the bus for round-trip transportation for the event.
Margaret, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Kingston Council on Aging, was joined on the trip by fellow board members and numerous other friends who wanted to be on hand for the special moment.
In organizing the event, Representative LaNatra said, “We were thrilled to honor Margaret. I have known her for more than 15 years.  She is a wonderful, bright, independent person who truly exemplifies the virtues of the Greatest Generation.”
She continued, “We’re all proud of her contributions to our country and our town, and I’m proud to call her my friend.”
Representative LaNatra thanked the Friends of the Council on Aging in Kingston, who worked with the Kingston Business Association to raise the necessary funds to charter the bus from Kingston into Boston for the ceremony.
Representative LaNatra presented the Medal of Honor along with Secretary of Veterans Affairs John Santiago and representatives of the U.S. Military. The group was treated to lunch at the State House following the ceremony.
Ms. Spalluzzi has been honored for her contributions several other times, which can be seen in the video links below.
Video (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Honoring Margaret Spalluzzi | Harbor Honor (youtube.com) .
Photo: Margaret Spalluzzi (center) is presented the Congressional Medal of Honor by State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston), pictured at right. Shown at left is MA Secretary of Veterans Affairs John Santiago.