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Second graders’ art featured at Kingston Library

December 13, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

The featured artists for the month of December are the second graders at Kingston Elementary School. There are more than 60 gratitude feathers on display in our circulation area and art gallery.
The project was most recently completed by all of the second-grade classes as the students were inspired by the picture book, “A Children’s Book about Giving Thanks and Practicing Positivity,” by Alicia Ortega.
The classes began by using tempera paints to create two pieces of painted paper, allowing students to explore layering colors and texture through various scraping techniques. In subsequent classes, they examined bird feathers for reference, focusing on their shape, texture, and design. Each student had the artistic freedom to design their feather, utilizing oil pastels for distinctive effects.
Ortega’s book was read to each class, prompting students to compile lists of what they are grateful for in their lives, followed by discussions on the significance of gratitude. From their lists, each child selected one item to incorporate into their art.
“We are thrilled to present these gratitude feathers to our community, with the sincere hope that our artwork will inspire others to take a moment to practice positivity and appreciate the blessings in their lives,” said art teacher Jamie Rossi. Thank you for attending our exhibit! I am extremely proud of my students’ hard work and very grateful to be their art teacher!”
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The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The exhibit will be on view in the library’s gallery throughout the month of December. The library is open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

NESB among best places to work

December 13, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

EASTON – North Easton Savings Bank proudly announces that it is ranked one of the Top Places to Work for 2024 in the mid-size business category by The Boston Globe. This is the 3rd consecutive year the Bank has been recognized by The Boston Globe as a Top Places to Work.
This 2024 Top Places to Work award arrives at the end of an award-winning banner-year for the Bank: Previously winning USA Today’s Top Workplaces USA, Boston Business Journal’s Corporate Citizenship, and Financial Services Industry Top Workplaces Awards in 2024.
The annual study bases the awards solely on employee feedback and surveying and recognizes the most admired workplaces in the state. The survey measures employee opinions about their workplace’s direction, leadership, pay and benefits, commitment to employee well-being, and professional growth, among other criteria.
Rankings are broken into four size categories with North Easton Savings Bank in the mid-size business grouping. The Bank has achieved a top 50 rank each of the past three years.
“For the third year, we are honored to be included on this esteemed list,” said Rich Spencer, President & Chief Executive Officer of North Easton Savings Bank. “Our bank is known for valuing its employees and the diverse perspectives and backgrounds they bring to the team – all with the common goal of helping our customers thrive.”
Added Spencer, “Heartfelt gratitude to our incredible employees across the organization who every day, diligently support our customers and the communities we serve. I thank them for their camaraderie, mutual support of one another, and for creating an exceptional environment where building a career is truly rewarding.”
North Easton Savings Bank offers a full slate of comprehensive benefits, including tuition reimbursement and professional development, employee recognition programs, and an employee assistance program. The Bank has also instituted formal employee feedback loops, multiple annual employee events, and employee led social clubs.
About North Easton Savings Bank
Recognized as the leading alternative to using a big-bank, NESB is an award-winning local bank with over $1.6 billion in assets. Founded in 1864, North Easton Savings Bank has a proven track record of growing the community through fair banking practices, local reinvestments, and philanthropy. All deposits are insured in full at North Easton Savings Bank. North Easton Savings Bank is insured by the FDIC and the DIF and is also an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit NESB.com.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Plympton police staffing shortage woes

December 13, 2024 By Kristy Zamagni-Twomey, Express Correspondent

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met Monday, Dec. 2. Chair John Traynor introduced Police Chief Matthew Ahl for a departmental update.
“We’re currently going through some issues with hiring and staffing,” Ahl said. He noted that several officers have been out for a month or more due to medical issues. He called the staffing shortage “taxing” and said they have been holding interviews over the recent weeks including a few whom he referred to as “promising.” “We’re trying to kind of work through what’s best and what is best-suited for our department,” Ahl explained. Ahl said that while payroll-wise they were doing fine, the officers have been becoming “burnt out” trying to compensate for the shortages.
Ahl also told Selectmen that the School Resource Officer is expecting a child soon. He said that Officer Tim Johnson had expressed interest in taking over the position. “He does a lot of community events and does shift work for us currently. He’s actually throwing his name in the hat and would love to be integrated down at the school; he’s been helping out at the school to kind of augment,” Ahl said. He further said that Dennett Elementary School Principal Peter Veneto had high praise for all officers that have been working at the school.
Ahl said that Sergeant John Simon, who has been out on active military duty, will be back working in the building as of late January. Ahl said that they were eagerly anticipating his return and noted that he was a recent recipient of a Bronze Star. Traynor noted that Representative Kathy LaNatra would also like to be involved in any type of recognition ceremony for Simon.
Ahl also provided an update on their fleet of vehicles referring to two of the cruisers as “bleeding out.” He said that they’ve taken out the internals of one of the cruisers to reappropriate into a new one. “I’ve been in talks with Hanson… they’re going to give us a deal on one of theirs that they just took offline; it’s a very nice cruiser, it’s a 2021, it’s got low low mileage on it,” Ahl explained.
Ahl said that Sgt, Nate Valente was heading up donations for coats and toiletries for people in need. “If anybody in the community is listening and has somebody that could benefit from that, please reach out to Sergeant Nate Valente,” Ahl told those listening. Traynor asked him to reach out to the Council on Aging as well to assess needs.
Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy addressed the unanticipated shortfall in the Dennett Elementary School budget. “As part of remedying that situation, the local School Committee has asked this Board to consider taking a vote to apply $50,000 from the Special Education Reserve Fund to help cover some of these unanticipated costs as most of them originated from special education needs,” Dennehy explained. Traynor said that himself and Selectman Mark Russo went to an extremely well-attended Finance Committee meeting to discuss the shortfall. Russo said, “The numbers at first glance are pretty scary… really my concern on a bigger level is what the heck is going to happen next year; things are going to be even worse,” Russo said. He did say that he was in favor of using the $50,000 this year. The Selectmen, including Selectman Dana Smith, voted unanimously to use the money from the reserve fund this year.
Dennehy told the Selectmen that there was a request from the Conservation Commission to vote on a conservation restriction for a section of property on 31 Parsonage Rd. “It’s not being held by a land trust; it will be held by the Conservation Commission and it’s enforceable for 99 years but as part of that formality or process, it requires a vote of the Board of Selectmen,” Dennehy said. Russo called it a good project and noted that it had been looked at extensively. The Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the restriction.
Traynor said that his rave was for the Dennett Elementary School Thanksgiving luncheon. He called it the “best event of the year.” Traynor thanked all the volunteers that come together to make it happen.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Halifax STM for MBTA special zoning Monday, Dec. 16

December 13, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Voters in the Town of Halifax will meet on Monday, Dec. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Halifax Elementary School, 464 Plymouth St. to see if the town will approve either of two articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant.
Article I, the most well publicized, is the MBTA Communities Act and Zoning Requirements. This article states that there shall be a minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, and is located not more than half a mile from a commuter rail station, substation, ferry terminal or bus station if applicable. It shall also have no age restrictions and be suitable for families with children.
The deadline for Halifax to achieve district compliance is Dec. 31, 2024.
All MBTA Communities must comply with the Law. Communities that do not currently have a compliant multi-family zoning district must take steps outlined in the DHCD guidelines to demonstrate interim compliance. Communities that fail to comply with the Law may be subject to civil enforcement action.
Non-compliant MBTA Communities are also subject to the administrative consequence of being rendered ineligible to receive certain forms of state funding. Importantly, MBTA Communities cannot avoid their obligations under the Law by foregoing this funding. The Law requires that MBTA Communities “shall have” a compliant zoning district and does not provide any mechanism by which a town or city may opt out of this requirement.
MBTA Communities that fail to comply with the Law’s requirements also risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws. The Massachusetts Antidiscrimination Law11 and federal Fair Housing Act12 prohibit towns and cities from using their zoning power for a discriminatory purpose or with discriminatory effect.
An MBTA Community may violate these laws if, for example, its zoning restrictions have the effect of unfairly limiting housing opportunities for families with children, individuals who receive housing subsidies, people of color, people with disabilities, or other protected groups.
ARTICLE 2
To see if the Town will vote to: Add the following clause to Halifax General Bylaw Chapter § 62-2-D. Personal watercraft operation.
The use of Personal Watercrafts (PWC), including jet-ski watercrafts, surf jet watercrafts, and wet bike watercrafts is prohibited on East and West Monponsett Pond without a resident PWC permit, which is to be displayed prominently on the PWC at all times.
The Board of Selectman will establish a reasonable annual fee to acquire such a permit, any appropriate regulations regarding the use of such PWC’s, and a fine of not less than $300 for violations of this by-law.
Resident PWC permits are to be issued by the Halifax Police Department Resident PWC with a permit, may only be launched from one of the two town-owned ramps located at 4the Ave. or Rte. 36. PWC are prohibited from launching from the Rte. 58 State boat ramp (Wamsutta Landing). No PWC are allowed on any town owned beaches other than for the immediate purposes of launching or taking out. No PWC operation shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Or take any other action relating thereto.
Proposed by Steven Goodman
and one hundred and fifteen (115) others

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

MBTA Law Uninspired and Ill Considered

December 6, 2024 By Kristy Zamagni-Twomey, Express Correspondent

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Town Administrator Cody Haddad spoke on the two articles that will be on the warrant during the Special Town Meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, the first of which is the MBTA multi-family overlay district. Haddad said that the map will be available at the Town Clerk’s office; it will also be available in the warrant. “We’ve heard the feedback from the community that they like as much information as possible in the warrant,” Haddad said.
Selectmen Chair John Bruno spoke on the first article saying, “I do not agree with the MBTA housing law. In my view, the MBTA housing law is an example of what is wrong with Massachusetts State government.” He continued, “this law is a heavy-handed, uninspired, ill considered, one-size-fits-all supposed solution to what has become a cause célèbre among state politicians.” He noted that he and the other Halifax Selectmen oppose the law and even reached out to Halifax’s representatives at the State House.
“I’ve come to understand recently though that there does not appear to be any interest in overturning the MBTA housing law and that, in fact, it is part of a progressive agenda to further causes that I simply do not believe are good for Massachusetts and certainly not good for Halifax,” Bruno said. “It appears to me that if Halifax makes the proposed zoning change this will be nothing more than a win for ever-increasing government mandates and bullying by those currently in power,” he added. He called out the Attorney General specifically for targeting communities that don’t come into compliance. Towns not in compliance are at risk of a loss of state grants. He said that he originally thought that the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee had done a wonderful job coming up with a solution that would be a compromise that would not put the town in jeopardy.
Selig said that he has been up nights debating what the right course of action is on this law. “It’s a no for me right now; I just hope that the folks can understand in this community that there could, and very well will be some consequences and we have to be okay with what those are,” Selig said. He thanked the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee for their work to come up with a plan. Selectman Thomas Pratt said, “I think this is just another example of a 40,000 ft. view that not every town fits into their box and is not created the same; I remain a no vote.”
Haddad told the Selectmen during his update that the Planning Board held their hearing regarding the MBTA zoning bylaw the previous week where they voted unanimously not to recommend the zoning bylaw.
The second article is a petition article from Steve Goodman and 115 other residents to ban the use of personal watercraft on East and West Monponsett Ponds without a resident personal watercraft permit displayed prominently on said vehicle. They are asking for a fine of “not less than $300” for any violations. “A lot of this is really not enforceable,” Haddad said. Selig clarified that according to the petition article, the watercraft would have to be launched from one of two boat ramps in town. He said that he would feel badly if a law abiding resident would suddenly be unable to launch their vehicle from their own property.
The Selectmen held a hearing, in Bruno’s words, “to determine whether a member of the Conservation Commission, Kimberley King, should be removed as a member of the Conservation Commission for the repeated failure to attend meetings of the Conservation Commission.” King was not in attendance. Bruno explained that repeated attempts to reach her went unacknowledged by King. King missed seven of the last ten meetings. “I know her heart is in the right place, but just based on attendance I think it’s in the best interest to remove Ms. King,” Selig said. The Selectmen voted to remove King.
The Selectmen approved an application to use the Town Green for Holidays in Halifax on December 14. There will be ice sculptures, food trucks at the Elementary School, music, and more.
Haddad spoke to the Selectmen about the appointment of an interim Town Accountant. The position has been posted since February of this year and the original intent was to get someone on board prior to Sandy Nolan leaving this past June. “Unfortunately, we have not been able to identify any viable candidates for the town,” Haddad said. Lindsay Martinelli, who is Halifax’s Assistant Town Accountant, has been doing the work to run the department. Haddad said she has been doing a wonderful job and noted that the intention would be to name her as an interim for one year and at the one-year mark, promote her to the permanent position. “It’s nice to promote from within,” Selig noted. The Selectmen agreed to the appointment and voted to approve the one-year contract with Martinelli.
The Plymouth County Commissioner Jared Valanzola presented the town with an oversized check for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Valanzola commended the town for their work on being in compliance in order to be eligible for the funds. He also said that the town had done a good job coming up with uses for the one-time funds. A representative from Senator Michael Brady’s office was also present. Valanzola explained, “Just for the edification of those at home, this program is sunsetting December 31 of this year so the County of Plymouth as well as your own funds that you receive directly from the Federal government need to be committed by Dec. 31 of this year then we have until December 31 of 2026 to get those funds out the door.” He said that to date over $70 million of the $100,000 awarded to Plymouth County has been delivered. “We’re not going to send a dime back to Washington D.C. either,” he said.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, News

Silver Lake Warriors D7B OCYFL Super Bowl champs

December 6, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Marc R. McGarry
Special to The Express
The 2024 Silver Lake Warrior D2 Peewee’s football team is compiled both of fifth and sixth graders. Due to the amount of skilled fifth graders, we decided to also volunteer for a D7 team within Old Colony Youth Football. This allowed these talented athletes to also play to potentially win their own Super Bowl.
On Nov. 17, the D7B Silver Lake Warriors made it to play in the 2024 D7B Super Bowl against the Scituate/Cohasset Sharks.
The game was a straight defensive battle right from opening kick off. During the first quarter, neither offense teams could get the ball going. Also, both defense teams were playing a straight “Smash Mouth Football” game.
In the second quarter, Beckham Rondeau (#37) caught a running back screen pass from quarterback Jack Kelley (#7). Rondeau’s catch made an outstanding run up the sideline defeating tacklers to reach a forty-six yard touchdown. This would be the only touchdown in the game!
A special shout-out goes to Warriors  quarterback, Jack Kelley. Kelley’s “18 keeper” has been his trademark play throughout the season. Kelley’s skill allowed him to consistently run two-point conversations, without the help of head coach, Marc McGarry.
Coach McGarry considers the unsung heroes of the offense team is not just a skilled position, but he also considers it the “meat of the line”. These five hard-hitting players consistently complete their blocks, and it is the reason the team scored a touchdown.
For the remainder of the game, the Warriors continuously faced a defensive battle. The defensive line held strong keeping the SciCho Sharks from the red zone all game! Every tackle was a team effort, and there was never just one Warrior on a tackle. Every time SciCho got the ball, they saw a “sea of red”. Coach McGarry said it was hard to pick out just one defensive player that made a game-changing play. The Warriors on defense made the game.
Throughout the entire game, the Warrior fans were on their feet, eyes glued on the game. The supportive cheering encouraged every athlete making it a truly amazing game.
Coach McGarry would like to send a special thank you to all of the parents for their hard work and dedication for the past three months. This season has had it challenges, but winning the 2024 D7B Super Bowl was a true representation of everyone’s hard work!

 

Cutlines
Silver Lake Warriors D7B super bowl champions
Head coach Marc McGarry receiving Super bowl trophy from OCYFL president Bob Long
Offensive line unsung heroes
Team Mom Erin Mota congratulating her son 93 Kayden Mota after victory.
The Sea of Red DEFENSE
7 Jack Kelley two-point conversion
37 Beckham Rondeau 46 yd touchdown
Captains walking out to the coin toss Head coach Marc McGarry

7 Jack Kelley, 45 Marc McGarry Jr, 18 Declan Berte, 37 Beckham Rondeau, 5 Mason Carbone.

Filed Under: Featured Story, News

Dickensian Christmas celebration comes to Kingston

December 6, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

True Repertory Theatre will celebrate this holiday season with its original adaptation of A Christmas Carol, by locals James Sullivan of Braintree and Donald Sheehan of Hanover.  The production runs December 13 and 20 at 7:30PM, December 14, 15, & 22 at 3:00PM, and Dec. 21 at 2:00PM at the Beal House, 222 Main St. in Kingston.
This production takes a fresh look at the beloved character, Ebenezer Scrooge, in this hour long play with music.  In typical True Rep fashion, the focus of this production is on the storytelling.
“It is our tradition to reinterpret this Christmas classic every year.  Returning audiences find a reinvented version of A Christmas Carol that honors tradition, while keeping it new and exciting,” said Donald Sheehan, Artistic Director of True Rep.
James Sullivan, a playwright whose original, award-winning work, Ellen’s Boy’s, has delighted True Rep audiences, will be playing Ebenezer Scrooge.  “I am thrilled to be back on the stage with such a talented group who give life to a story that will ignite the holiday spirit in the most hard-hearted among us.”
“This isn’t just a production, it is an event for families to enjoy,” says Victoria Bond, Assoc. Artistic Director.  She added, “At all matinee performances Mrs. Claus will make cookies for the children to decorate before the show, and Santa will join us after the show, for a visit and a sing-along.  We will also be auctioning off some Christmas gift baskets.”
The show will perform at The Beal House, 222 Main St. in Kingston, on December 13 and 20 at 7:30PM, December 14, 15, & 22 at 3:00PM, and Dec. 21 at 2:00PM.   December 21 is also the date of the Luminaries, for those who would like to have a full day of holiday celebration in Kingston.
As True Rep does every year, the theatre group is collecting canned goods for the Vineyard Resource Center in Kingston, and working with the Kingston Fire Department collecting new, unwrapped toys for the charity, Toys for Tots. Please bring these items with you to the show, if possible.
Tickets are $25 for general admission, $22 for seniors and students, and $20 for groups larger than 10.  Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at www.truereptheatre.com.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

Local man’s film makes Netflix debut

December 6, 2024 By Tracy Seelye Express Editor

Who was the Virgin Mary before she became the mother of Christ, revered in the Catholic Church? What was her life like as a girl and young woman? How well do we know her and, after the passage of millennia, is it possible to know her now?
“There’s not a lot in the Scriptures on Mary,” screenwriter and Whitman native Timothy Michael Hayes said in an interview Friday, Nov. 26 about the film, “Mary,” making its debut on Netflix tomorrow – Friday, Dec. 6. “When I was asked to do it – my producer approached me and asked me, ‘Would you be interested in writing an original telling of Mary’s story?’ I just saw all the obstacles in that. [But] I said, ‘That’s a challenge. That’s something different, I haven’t heard of that [being done before],’” he recalled. “That idea of that challenge, was like, ‘Yeah, let me take it on. Let me try it. Let me do it.”
One challenge was that they wanted the film to appeal to all denominations and all dogmas. It is also a different kind of genre, which Hayes calls a Biblical thriller, one that’s theologically solid, if that’s what one is looking for – and the film is an attempt to appeal across borders. IMDb cross references the film on its site as a political thriller, an action film and just plain thriller.
A bipartisan approach, if you will.
The call to write this script came in 2018, with the changes that often happen in pre-production.
“It’s a journey, and you go on to other things,” he said. That the film world stutter-start was not unusual and when it was on again, he had rewrites and revisions to do with changing visions of new directors. Hayes pointed to his next project on the life of Milton Hershey is going though that because a new director just came on board.
Lead Producer Mary Aloe of Aloe Entertainment, with whom Hayes has worked before, was the first person to ask him to write the screenplay.
“Mary,” like most films these days, it seems, has generated a bit of controversy, too, mainly centering on the casting of mostly unknown Israeli and Arab actors from the Middle East, especially Israeli actress Noa Cohen, who had been wrongfully identified as a Palestinian. Only Sir Anthony Hopkins, who portrays King Herod, is a “big name” Hollywood actor.
“If we’re honest about that, to a certain point, controversy is a good thing,” Hayes said. “It generates interest. Netflix’s interest in acquiring it also brought the idea that a lot of people will watch this.”
The production schedule was a rushed one, as filming in Ouarzazate, Morocco only wrapped up in March. “But we knew all along that the goal was holiday 2024.”
If it missed that deadline, it wouldn’t debut until February 2025, with no guarantee it would get the same audience numbers.
The original “Miracle on 34th Street,” hit theaters on June 4, 1947, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” came close, opening on Jan. 7, 1947, and “The Bishop’s Wife,” didn’t hit theaters until Feb. 14, 1948.
“Spoiler alert,” he said. “At the end, the baby Jesus is born, so it’s kind of a Christmas thing. [The Dec. 6 Netflix debut] kind of gives it a three-week run up to Christmas.”
Hayes said he and the producers had always wanted a theatrical release for “Mary.”
“It would have been riskier,” he said. “With Netflix, you have a lot locked in, and the biggest global audience in the world. The key there is global. … Mary’s story appeals across the globe.”
At core, Hayes and his producers set out to explore the notion of doubt in the film, an intention at the root of some of the online “controversy.”
“Certain factions of religion, or religious mindsets, say Mary never doubted,” he said. “That’s just not interesting, nor is it very human. I feel that the more human someone is, the stronger they are in the end – to acknowledge the humanity, what it means to be alive, and come out on the other side, only makes them stronger.”
Confirmed as a Roman Catholic, Hayes said he grew up with a foundational understanding of the “religious” aspects of Mary’s story, including the non-biblical doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
“But because so little of Mary’s early life is found in the canonical Scriptures — beyond key mentions of her in Matthew and Luke — more was needed to tell her fuller human story,” he said, stressing that he has many conversations with faith leaders of all stripes, discussing nuances of belief, interpretation and language.
Hayes, who is the father of four daughters among his five children, said his script emphasizes that Mary was a human being, after all.
“The idea that she’s a pregnant teenager, unwed and didn’t understand why … and she wasn’t scared? That just doesn’t speak to any kind of reality that you or I would know,” he said. “Of course you’re going to be terrified. Of course you’re going to have doubts to work through. It’s a larger metaphor for what we all go through. Doubt is inherent … every day we wake up doubting ourselves.”
He maintains it does not step away from the Devine – it reinforces it.
Hayes said he has also instilled some subtle humor in the film. The early buzz about the film has been great, despite the controversies.
“My job is to write something that other artists will read, actors, directors – keep going, costume designers, set builders, and they will see an opening for their own creativity,” he said. “There’s a way to do it that that script is an open door to other artists. To see all of us come together from across the globe …”
He hints there just might be a sequel if the film is a big enough hit and there is a theme that they see as a good one to explore.
MEET THE
SCREENWRITER
So, one might ask, who is Timothy Michael Hayes?
Valedictorian at W-H in 1988, Hayes then went on to New York University’s film school, where he graduated in 1992. He’s raised his five children in Scituate.
“I could have probably gone anywhere, but I didn’t apply anywhere else,” he said of NYU. “I applied early admission. I was always interested in everything. I love to write. I love music and grew to love photography – and where can you do all three of those things in one place?”
An early influence was the Cohen brothers, [“Blood Simple,” “Raising Arizona”] whose editor was the elder brother of Hayes’ roommate and filmmaking partner. Thatconnection helped bring theCohen Brothers to his senior thesis bay to view their senior film and offer comments.
His “big, happy detour” was meeting someone from the Massachusetts South Shore and returning to get married. His wife was a dancer, and the couple opened a dance studio in Scituate.
He also goes into Scituate High each year to help teach a Literature to Film class.
“I kind of stopped doing film for a little bit,” he says as he kept the books and did customer service for the studio. “Life has these interesting journeys.”
His writing process, now that he’s back in film, is different for each film, Hayes said, but most are historically based.
“I’m a lover of history,” he said. “At W-H, that was my passion.”
He is typically hired to either adapt a book or historical incidents that have no specific book for reference, and you do your own reference work. Films like “Mary.”
When adapting a book, he thoroughly notates it with three pens – black, red and blue. The black ink tracks reflections of the original idea; blue notes if there is a running theme at work and red is for the “big highlight” moments.
“I notate everything I read,” he said. That includes performance programs.
Everyone’s life is a story, Hayes believes.
“To me, stories are the essence of what it means to be human,” he said. “We do it every day. … and you’ve got to hook them, which is so prevalent now, in the streaming age on TV.”
He said it has always been true in cinema, especially in the past 20 to 30 years, when scripts outlining the first act of the film has to be done in 22 pages instead of 25, as action has been key.
His main professional goal right now is moving more into controlling his own properties.
“I’ve been a gun-for-hire since I got back into this,” he said. “It’s more than a full-time job. It’s really seven days a week, 24 hours a day, because I love it. I always have pages [to revise].”
His college roommate has helped with that – he wrote a little film called “Elf.”
And, what’s next after “Mary?”
Hayes is also in the midst of an adaptation of Norman Rockwell’s autobiography into a five-season series.
“For me, his story is the story of the 20th century,” he said of Rockwell’s work. “When you’re living it, which is why I love what I do, I’m living it. You’re balancing so many things at one time.”
He’s also working on a “fantastical biopic” on the life of chocolate king Milton Hershey for Dandelion Media, and most recently began work on “Box of Light,” a feature adaptation of Evan I. Schwartz’s biography of Philo T. Farnsworth, the true inventor of television.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Kingston votes MBTA Zoning to save grant eligibility

November 29, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Alan Ingram
Express correspondent
Kingston residents narrowly approved a controversial zoning change Nov.19, creating a district of potential multi-family housing development near the town’s MBTA station. The article passed 192-167 at a special town meeting, with supporters arguing it was necessary to maintain access to crucial state grants.
The new MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District (MCMOD) allows for higher-density residential development in two areas: near existing businesses along Marion Drive and at the struggling Kingston Collection mall. The bylaw change complies with a 2021 state law requiring MBTA-adjacent communities to zone for multi-family housing or risk losing eligibility for certain state funding programs.
Town Planner Valerie Massard presented the proposed district, emphasizing that Kingston negotiated a unique arrangement with state officials to focus development at the mall rather than within a half-mile of the train station as typically required.
“We know that our mall is failing. We know that Macy’s is going to close soon,” Massard said. “We asked the state, is there a possibility that we could waive that requirement and move some of this zoning so that it would be over top of the mall to help incentivize redevelopment of the mall? And they said yes.”
The plan allows for up to 15 dwelling units per acre in one subdistrict and 16 units per acre at the mall site. It also counts 282 existing apartments toward the town’s required total of 805 units.
Debate centered on balancing economic benefits against concerns about rapid growth and strain on town services. Selectman Tyler Bouchard, who initially opposed the concept, urged passage to maintain local control and capitalize on state grants.
“If they go 40B, we are in deep trouble,” Bouchard said, referring to the state’s affordable housing law that can override local zoning. “ And on top of that, there’s going to be a bunch of towns that don’t go for this thing. So why don’t we go and get every single grant we can over the next two or three years while the doors open to the Bank of Massachusetts. Let’s bum rush it.”
Opponents raised concerns about school overcrowding, traffic congestion and loss of community character. Selectman Kim Emberg spoke against the measure, arguing it represents an unacceptable loss of local control.
“At the end of the day, I’m opposed to this article because I refuse to support the loss of local control. We, the voters of Kingston, establish our zoning bylaws based on how we want to grow sustainably and how we want to build our community,” Emberg said. “I say no to state overreach. I say yes to Kingston.”
The zoning change opens the door for future development proposals but does not approve any specific projects. Any multi-family or mixed-use developments would still require site plan review by the Planning Board.
Massard noted the town recently lost access to some grant programs due to outdated zoning language and stressed the importance of maintaining eligibility for infrastructure funding.
“We rely heavily on it here in Kingston,” she said. “We received $8.28 million in the last 10 years in order to do our sewer and water infrastructure to support Lowe’s, Amazon, Elevated Roots, and the apartments at the Kingston Collection.”
Town Administrator Keith Hickey emphasized the potential financial benefits of mall redevelopment. He said property tax revenue from the site has plummeted from $98 million in 2009 to just $9 million today.
“When you add the taxable revenue that we’ll receive from the redevelopment of the mall along with the apartments that will be constructed, we aren’t in a revenue deficit. We’re a revenue surplus, and we need to look at this in the bigger picture. “ Hickey said.

Filed Under: More News Left, News

Investigators seek public’s help in Kingston fire

November 29, 2024 By Deborah Anderson, Express Staff

Structure fire led to nearby brush fires
KINGSTON—A fire early Sunday morning in a building under construction led to a complete structural collapse and spread to nearby brush, said Kingston Fire Chief Mark R. Douglass, Kingston Police Chief Brian Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
Local and state officials are asking for the public’s help as they investigate the fire at 123 Wapping Rd., which was first reported just after 1:30 am on Sunday, Nov. 17.
The Kingston Fire Department responded to find the two-story, wood-framed structure fully involved with nearby brush burning as well. The building, which was under construction for commercial use, sustained catastrophic damage and began to collapse shortly after firefighters arrived. The blaze sent large embers into the surrounding area, sparking brush fires around the building and across the street. Firefighters battled the fires for about three hours successfully containing the fires and keeping them from spreading to the surrounding wooded areas.
The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Kingston Fire Department, Kingston Police Department, and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office.
“This was a difficult and dangerous fire with the potential for much greater spread due to the ongoing drought conditions,” said Chief Douglass, Chief Holmes, and State Fire Marshal Davine. “We’re asking anyone with information on the cause to share it with investigators. You can remain anonymous if you prefer.”
The Arson Watch Reward Program offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that detects or prevents arson crimes. The toll-free hotline can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-682-9229. Arson Watch is coordinated by the Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association.
Mutual aid companies from Plympton, Plymouth, and Pembroke supported the effort at the scene and provided station coverage.

Filed Under: More News Right, News

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