Plympton has scheduled its fall Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Dennett Elementary School, 80 Crescent St.
There is only one article on the Special Town Meeting Warrant: To see if the town will vote to adopt the amended Silver Lake District Agreement, a copy of which is on file and available for viewing in the Town Clerk’s office and on the Town’s website at: town.plympton.ma.us.

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met Monday, Aug. 28, at the Plympton Town House, 5 Palmer Rd.
Chairman Christine Joy called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. to recognize “some lifesaving acknowledgements”. She then turned the meeting over to the Public Safety Dept., and Fire Chief Cheryl Davis spoke of the teamwork between the members of the fire and police departments that allowed the positive outcome of saving a life.
She then turned the podium over to Police Chief Matt Ahl, who in addition spoke to the support the departments receive from the town.
The specific incident began Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11:34 a.m. Sgt. John Simonds, Officer Cam Broderick, and Officer Robert Orr were dispatched to 118 Mayflower Rd. for a report of cardiac arrest with CPR in progress. The officers arrived on scene within 52 seconds of being dispatched. As Officer Orr rushed inside the residence to assess the situation, Officer Broderick removed the automated external defibrillator known as an AED from the medical kit in the police cruiser. Upon entering the residence the officer noted an unconscious male lying on the floor and not breathing. Officer Broderick was not able to obtain a pulse. Officer Orr opened the AED and placed the defibrillator pads on the patient. The AED then performed an automated check and determined that a shock was needed to regain rhythm in the heart. The shock was administered, followed by continued CPR. Officer Broderick then placed a bag bottle mask on the patient and began rescue breaths as the patient’s son continued chest compressions. Plympton fire personnel arrived on the scene and began using an automated CPR device called the Lucas Machine. A second shock with the AED was advised and administered and a pulse was restored, and the patient began breathing again. All police and fire personnel assisted to get the patient prepared for transport to Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth. As a result of a quick response, the teamwork and life-saving actions of the police officers and fire personnel involved, the life of the individual was saved and he made a full recovery. Chief Ahl congratulated the departments saying, “Officers, your actions in this incident reflect your continued dedication to this agency, the town it serves, and the people who live here. Please keep up the great work. Thank you.”
Chief Ahl then asked Lt. Dan Hoffman present the life-saving awards to his officers, Sgt. John Simon, Officer Cameron Broderick, and Officer Robert Orr. Chief Ahl then turned the podium over to Fire Capt. John Sjostedt who reflected on the day. “As the shift commander that was on duty that day, we’re gifted with skills that help us perform these duties – thankfully we don’t have to do it every day – it’s a blessing that we can do what we have to do when we’re called upon to do it but while their response time was 52 seconds, mine was 52 and a half because I recall pulling into the driveway and seeing Officer Broderick and Officer Orr flying right across in front of me with the defibrillator in hand so I already knew they were one step ahead of the game going into the house. We got there and the patient’s son was performing CPR already for us. It’s the first time in 25 years that I let a bystander continue doing CPR. He was doing an amazing job and it allowed me to work with the police officers to do what we had to do. Nothing short of perfect is the best way I can describe how this went. We had dispatchers take a call – I listened to the call afterwards – nice and calm, professional, they gave the instructions. … that’s what leads us to what I wanted to share with you today which is called “The Chain of Survival”. It’s something that we often teach. The first link, if you haven’t seen it, is calling 9-1-1. Dispatch then provides instructions to start CPR as fast as possible. We apply an AED and used an AED. Then you have response from the EMS personnel to provide the Advanced Care: medication, electricity, whatever it is that’s needed for that particular patient. We transport them to the hospital and then we’ll leave them in the hands of the hospital, and thankfully we have some of the best medical care on the South Shore… These professionals are taking what we bring to them and doing the best that they can working together. We’re in a town works so well together – I remember pulling into the driveway and seeing Cam and Rob and I’m so thankful that they were there. I was immediately relieved I had two capable people that I was working with, and then coming right behind them were firefighter Sharenka, Chief Davis, Firefighter Galombos, and all the other responders that came along with us. There was Joe Wright, another great paramedic Gary Samaro, Zach Russini and Clayton Marshall, all professionals in this community, for a small community, we’re so lucky to have who we have responding to make such a difference to this situation. So again, I bring attention to this Chain of Survival: Call 9-1-1. Our ROCC dispatcher will give the pre- arrival instructions: staying calm, walking the family through what they were dealing with, they began CPR – it was in progress when we got there. That’s truly what saves the life – early CPR is what allowed us to bring the tools that we bring to make this work. The use of the AED delivering the shocks – I think we delivered two shocks before the paramedics started their assessment and their work and then our EMS professionals, some of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure working with in 25 years – and then I transport to the hospital and in this case, thankfully a recovery. So congratulations to everybody involved. Thank you for everything you guys did and it’s a pleasure to work side-by-side with you. At this time I’d like to have Chief Davis present our crew with a citation for the uniforms.
Firefighter Paul Sarinka, Firefighter Steve Almos, then Sjostedt asked for Mike Mahoney to come up to the podium to say a few words – Sjostedt said we’d also like to give the same firefighter award to the dispatchers who are an extension of our Police and Fire Departments .
Deputy Tucker received the Firefighter’s award on behalf of Samantha Gomes, Dispatcher Matthew Miller, Dispatcher – another dispatcher, and then recognized two of the ROCC supervisors, Matt Riggins and another fellow who wasn’t named. But came up and got his award.
Sjostedt then thanked the families and members of the community who came out to support the first responders.
Chairman Joy said she speaks for the board in saying what a great team, we realize it, we appreciate the hard work you do and we are here to support you and go through the chief, you know whatever we can We’re here for you guys and appreciate everything you do for us and our residents and we couldn’t be more proud. “I feel like proud parents, so thank you everyone.
At the close of the ceremony, the gentleman who was the recipient of all this lifesaving attention spoke up to say, “and here he is – the proof in the pudding – right here”. He got a standing ovation from all in attendance.
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The Plymouth Public Library Foundation is pleased to announce our 4th Annual Juried Arts & Crafts Festival. The Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 9 and Sunday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library.
Held on the Library’s expansive front lawn and inside the library, thousands of visitors will enjoy a full day of music, food, and the opportunity to view and purchase artwork from more than 80 regional artisans, including painters, photographers, sculptors, custom jewelry makers, woodworkers, metalworkers, and illustrators.
Festival admission is free and activities include face-painting, sand art for kids, Child’s Play Alpaca for the whole family to enjoy, plus “Craft and Chill” where families can create their own masterpiece inside the library. We will also be holding a silent auction and an artisan raffle during the festival.
New this year, sponsored by Modern Metal Design, is “Art under Creation,” an interactive exhibit that offers visitors the opportunity to witness artists bring their visions to life.
Auxiliary parking with shuttle service is available at the Center for Active Living on Nook Road (just around the block from the Library). While at the festival, Plymouth residents can register for a library card and anyone can register for the Reading Rivals contest.
Festival proceeds assist the Plymouth Public Library Foundation in providing the Library with technology and landscaping improvements, support the Library’s Literacy Program of Greater Plymouth and also fund its many cultural, artistic and educational programs.
The Festival is funded in part by the Town of Plymouth Promotions Fund and is sponsored by area businesses and organizations including: Tech Etch, Bridgewater Credit Union, Modern Metal Design,Tiny and Sons Glass, Alvin Hollis & Co. Inc, Allen & Majors Associates Inc, COBRA, Dimarzio Insurance, Members Plus Credit Union, One Stop Painting, Plymouth-Carver Primary Care, Plymouth Ears, Nose & Throat, Renewal by Andersen, and Vinny’s Vehicles.
For additional information, on all auxiliary parking sites and participating artists, please visit our website at https://pplfdn.org/4th-annual-arts-crafts-festival-2023/ which will provide all the information needed regarding the 4th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival.

Longtime newspaper columnist Nancy Crochiere will discuss her fiction debut novel, “Graceland,” on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St.
Hope Robinson can’t seem to please anyone lately, especially not her mother, the flamboyant soap star Olivia Grant. Olivia loves Elvis more than Jesus and, convinced she’s dying, insists on a final visit to Graceland. Unfortunately, that’s the one place Hope can’t take her. Hope fled Memphis years ago with a shameful secret and a vow never to return. Olivia, though, doesn’t understand the word no. Instead, she wrangles Hope’s pink-haired daughter, Dylan, to drive her to Memphis by promising to reveal the mystery of her long-lost father. Hope must stop them before they expose the truth and all hell breaks loose.
As the women race from Boston to Memphis, encountering jealous soap actors, free-range ferrets, and a trio of Elvis-impersonating frat boys, everyone’s secrets begin to unravel. In order to become the family they long to be, Hope, Olivia, and Dylan must face hard truths about themselves and one another on the bumpy road to acceptance, forgiveness, and ultimately, grace.
Crochiere wrote a humor column about family life for Massachusetts newspapers for 13 years. Her collection of those columns titled, The Mother Load, was a finalist for Foreword Reviews’ Book of the Year in humor and the Independent Publishers of New England 2014 Book Award. Crochiere’s essays have appeared in The Boston Globe, Writer’s Digest, and WBUR’s Cognoscenti blog. She lives north of Boston with her husband.
You can learn more about Nancy Crochiere on her website at nancycrochiere.com.
To register for this event, please visit – https://kingstonpubliclibrary.org.

KINGSTON — Massachusetts writers Nicole Asselin, Louisa Clerici, Kate Flora, and Sarah Smith will visit the Faunce School, 16 Green St., on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 6 p.m. for a Sisters in Crime: Mystery Making Panel.
In this interactive workshop, four mystery authors representing different sub-genres, including cozy/traditional and thriller/suspense, will brainstorm on their feet to create a brand-new mystery using suggestions provided by the audience. This fun, fast-paced, and fascinating improv game offers important insights into mystery writers’ minds and the conventions of the genre.
Asselin, who spent her formative high-school years in Pennsylvania, always identified with her New England roots. Her family is originally from Connecticut as her grandfather introduced her to the Boston Red Sox and her grandmother got her interested in mystery novels. These two loves are combined into her Ballpark Mystery series. Asselin presently works just outside of Boston as a Technical Writer, and lives on the South Shore with her three cats.
Clerici’s stories have been published in literary anthologies and magazines, including Carolina Woman Magazine, Istanbul Literary Review, and Best New England Crime Stories anthologies 2016, 2015, and 2012. Her latest publication is Capers, Crooks, & Kitchens, a Fest of Mystery and Magic, a collection of her stories paired with recipes, published in 2022. Clerici is a writer for The Plymouth Cookbook, a fiction editor of Pink Panther Magazine, and she works as a therapist at Clear Mind Systems in Plymouth.
Flora’s fascination with people’s criminal tendencies began in the Maine Attorney General’s office. As the author of 24-books spanning many genre’s including crime fiction, true crime, memoir, non-fiction, and many short stories. She has been a finalist for the Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, and Derringer awards while she won the Public Safety Writers Association award for non-fiction in 2015, and the Maine Literary Award for crime fiction in 2013 and 2015. Flora has taught writing for numerous organizations and institutions as she is a former international president of Sisters in Crime. She divides her time between Massachusetts and Maine.
Smith is an Agatha Award winner and Massachusetts Book Award winner for her 2010 young adult novel, The Other Side of Dark. She has studied at Harvard, where she hung out in the library reading mysteries, and film in London. As the writer of a bestselling adult mystery series set in the Edwardian period, two of those books were named New York Times Notable Books of the Year. The first of these books, The Vanished Child, is being made into a musical and her stand-alone novel, Chasing Shakespeares is being made into a play. Her most recent book is about a multicultural Titanic mystery, Crimes and Survivors, was published in 2020.
Patrons will be able to meet all four authors following the event.
Sisters in Crime is an international organization dedicated to the professional development and advancement of women crime writers. With sixty chapters worldwide, the organization welcomes anyone who loves crime fiction. Their New England chapter hosts in-person and virtual events throughout the year, from craft workshops, to author showcases, to business and marketing advice for authors at every stage of their careers.
To register for this event, please visit – https://kingstonpubliclibrary.org. For more information, you can contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at smiller@kingstonma.gov.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, July 25. They continued their on the road summer series, highlighting different departments at their meetings. Chair John Bruno explained that due to difficulties with holding the meeting in the actual Council on Aging (COA), they elected to move it to the Great Hall in the Town Hall. Bruno said that due to the size of the crowd as well as the lack of handicap access, the meeting would have needed to be held outside and since it was raining, it was moved. He turned things over to COA Director Darlene Regan. Regan, who has been the Director since 2021, spoke of the need for a new COA building. “As a community if we band together, bring your thoughts together, I think we can build a senior center and a community center that is conducive to the needs here in Halifax,” she said. Regan said she was hoping to be able to have a feasibility study completed.
“Right now, we serve about 2,033 seniors in the senior center… the majority of our services are in transportation,” Regan explained. She noted that Halifax is unique because they have three dedicated drivers that serve seniors and the disabled. She said that the COA assists with finding adult daycare as well as providing questions regarding MassHealth and Medicare. “Thank you for all that you do; it’s marvelous work that you do over there – we like to have the opportunity to highlight it tonight; even though it’s a quiet organization to a lot of us, it’s very active and busy,” Bruno said.
Noise Complaints at 122 Monponsett
The Great Hall was filled with residents, most of whom were there to discuss noise complaints at 122 Monponsett St. The property is owned by Angel Castro. Castro had someone present to translate for him in Spanish. “He wants to start off by saying that he wants to apologize to the neighbors and to the city for all of the noise and complaints that he has caused, and he hopes today that they can resolve this,” the translator said. Bruno clarified that while you can play a radio, if you amplify it or have live music, you need a permit by the Board of Selectmen. The translator said that Castro believed that the permit he received in March could be used for future parties/events. Bruno asked if it was clear to him now that each individual event would need a separate permit. Castro asked if there was a permit that could be applied for that would cover multiple events. Bruno noted that he was in a residential property and was not a business and therefore would need to apply for individual permits for each event.
“The permits will be issued for that type of entertainment, but they have restrictions on them,” Bruno said referring to start and end times as well as other restrictions. He continued, “He has to understand that he can’t hold large parties and gatherings with amplified music or disc jockeys unless he gets permission to do it.” Castro said through his translator that the events he was holding were for family and friends. Bruno brought up the claim that Castro was charging admission for events. Castro claimed that he was unaware that his friend would be charging admission for the event held in February.
Some residents in the audience disputed this stating their belief that he was aware. Castro assured those present, through the translator, that he was clear that he would need a permit for each event and that he was not allowed to charge admission. Bruno said that he wanted it to be clear that if he doesn’t follow the proper procedures, the Police may become involved. Selectman Jonathan Selig asked for clarification regarding whether the only time a party was advertised for was the one in February. Castro said that he believed two parties were advertised – one in June and one in February. A resident asked if the permit stipulates how many people are allowed to attend a party. Bruno said that the permit process goes through both the Fire and Police Chiefs. Town Administrator Cody Haddad said that the Chiefs had no concerns over the number of people allowed under the permit. Another resident complained about the lights coming in through his windows from cars, etc. in addition to the noise. “I don’t want people in my neighborhood; I don’t know who they are; I pay a lot of money in taxes in this town and I don’t want people I don’t know walking down my street,” another resident complained. Castro pointed out that he also pays taxes. The discussion ended with Bruno saying he hoped that it would be the last time that the issue would have to be dealt with.
Committee and Board Changes
Jonathan Schmaling resigned from the Finance Committee. Haddad said that it would leave the Committee with two vacancies but noted that they had interviewed a candidate recently.
Bruno brought up the composition of the Zoning By-Law Review Committee. He said that Haddad did some research and the Committee had been together a long time and had not met in quite a while. “We tried about a week ago to get the Committee together to get things moving and we couldn’t get a quorum so that tells me that we need to revise it,” Bruno told the other Selectmen. “My recommendation is that we revise… the Zoning By-Law Review Committee… and that what I would do is make the composition five members… one of whom has to be from the Board of Selectmen and that Selectman would be the Chair,” Bruno continued. Bruno suggested four additional members-at-large though Selig recommended giving “strong consideration” to members of boards such as the Planning Board. The Selectmen voted unanimously to reappoint or appoint members to the Zoning By-Law Review Committee to align with Bruno’s recommendations.
Town Administrator Updates
Regarding the MBTA Action Plan, Haddad said, “We have been in contact with our local delegation who has been great in getting us in contact with the Department of Housing and Community Development… Mr. Selig and I actually have a meeting with them on Thursday.”
Haddad said that the town signed a contract with a company to conduct a compensation classification study as requested by the Wage and Personnel Committee. The results will be brought before the Selectmen and Wage and Personnel and any needed changes can be voted on during the fall Town Meeting. Haddad told the Selectmen that they have hired someone to the new position of Zoning and Planning Admin. He said that while they are almost at full staff, they are still looking for a new Building Commissioner. Haddad also said that they are moving forward with receiving bids on the replacement of the roof at the Highway Barn.
Haddad also provided an update on the new trash and recycling program. He specified that it is an opt-in program with an annual fee of $400 that will be billed in two installments of $200. Residents can opt-in by either mailing in the card that was mailed out to residents or dropping it off at Town Hall. There is also an online form available. “We’re really doing everything that we can to get the word out on this,” Haddad said.
The town is hoping to have the cards in by August 16 with the switch to totes being effective on September 4. “You will put the trash in the totes, you wheel your totes to the curb, trash truck comes along and picks it up,” Haddad explained. Haddad said that they will be issuing a frequently asked questions document.
He noted that they have been asked if residents can share totes and emphatically answered that they cannot.