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Rep. Geoff Diehl will oppose Warren in race for Senate

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Geoff Diehl for US Senate
Press Statement

In his hometown of Whitman, Representative Geoff Diehl (R-Whitman) officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

With his wife, KathyJo, and his two daughters, Kaylee and Emily, by his side, Diehl declared his candidacy in front of a large crowd at the Whitman VFW. Kaylee Diehl introduced her father to the large crowd.

“Tonight, I am making it official. I’m a candidate for the United States Senate.  Massachusetts is too great for a part-time Senator. We need a Senator who will focus on the citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Diehl. “From the time you wake up in the morning and until you go to bed in the evening you should be working to help the people of Massachusetts. I think people should come first ahead of oneself. Our Senator needs to do their job by putting you first!”

Diehl has a proven track record of putting people ahead of politics. Three years ago he led the successful ballot initiative to repeal automatic gas tax hikes –saving taxpayers $2 billion.

“When Beacon Hill tied the gas tax to inflation, I knew we had to stop taxation without representation. Despite the odds and being outspent 31 to 1, working with the people we were able to repeal this costly tax hike saving taxpayers billions. Already, we have avoided three gas tax increases,” said Diehl. “While other people have focused on putting money in their wallets, I have focused on putting money into your wallet.”

Diehl’s speech emphasized a positive vision of being a proactive Senator who will put Massachusetts first, work to secure our borders, lower the tax burden, and grow jobs.

“I will be a jobs Senator who focuses on doing my job and creating more jobs for Massachusetts,” said Diehl. “I will not ignore the needs of communities such as New Bedford. I will fight to keep fishing licenses in our state.”

Diehl also took the opportunity to outline the differences in this race. He has been disappointed with Senator Warren who is more focused on her national profile rather than working in the best interest of Massachusetts. One key example of this, Diehl pointed out was how she voted against the 21st Century Cures Act.

“If she cared about our state, she wouldn’t have voted against a bipartisan measure to promote medical innovation and the development of new treatments for cancer and other diseases. Massachusetts is a medical research leader and she still voted against the bill,” said Diehl.

The program included sports talk legend John Dennis as the master of ceremonies, Casey Scholl of Pembroke singing the national anthem, and former State Commander Brian Martin leading the crowd in the pledge of allegiance. Officials attending included: Representatives Shaunna O’Connell, Jim Lyons, Peter Durant, and David DeCoste, and former New England Patriot Fred Smerlas to name a few.

Critch is Silver Lake softball’s HR champ

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The record book at Silver Lake changed this past spring — for the better.

That is because Halifax native Emily Critch finished off her fourth and final season as a Silver Lake softball player strong. Midway through the season, she broke the home run record by blasting her 18th career home run. She surpassed the team record that was previously held by Shannon Grindle, a fellow Halifax native, who is a rising sophomore on the Bridgewater State softball team. Grindle hit .364 with a pair of home runs in 35 games as a freshman this past spring.

Even after she broke the record, Critch was not done hitting. She belted three more home runs after earning the crown outright, so the catcher finished her Lakers career with 21 home runs.

This past spring, Critch had yet again another impressive year offensively. She hit .419 with a .802 slugging percentage as she knocked in 37 runs and scored 39 runs in 25 games during the Lakers 25-1 season, a season in which they made it to the Division 1 South Final.

Thanks to her strong performance, Critch was named to every major All-Scholastic team: The Patriot Ledger, Boston Herald and Boston Globe. It was not the first time she was named to All-Scholastic teams for softball either.

During her Lakers career, Critch also played basketball and field hockey.

Critch is set to continue her softball career next spring as a member of Southern New Hampshire University’s softball team. There, she will be teammates with another former Laker and fellow Halifax native, Maddy Barone, who went 9-7 with a 2.85 ERA and 77 strikeouts over 115.1 innings in 24 outings, including 17 starts.

The two comprised a formidable battery during their Lakers career. Since SNHU lost both of their catchers due to graduation after this past spring, the Critch and Barone duo should have the opportunity to do the same in college.

The Clam Hut on the shores of the Monponsett

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Jim Duffy

Special to the Express

It is hard to imagine today, with 24 hour fast food restaurants, just how limited your options concerning “fast-food” were during the late 1940’s. I remember sometime during the summer of 1947, the “Pizza-Pie” truck came through Monponsett about twice a week around 7:00 on summer nights.  Just as we had the “Ice Cream Man” with his musical jingle truck, so too did the adults or “grown-ups” wait for the “Pizza Pie” truck.

One of our neighbors who served in World War II, told us of the wonderful “cheese-tomato pie” which he had sampled in Italy during the war. 

My father therefore bought one of the anticipated pies and I, who always equated “pie” with something sweet, nearly gagged on my first ever slice!

Therefore, during the spring of 1948, a small white frame building about the size of a small house, was constructed a few feet aside the Lake Theater. 

I believe that the Gentile family, who owned the local supermarket, owned the land and building, but Al and Rose Cintrella took a long term lease on the building, and in the early summer of 1948, the Clam Hut opened for business. 

Because the lakes drew a large “summer-crowd”, business in Monponsett was geared to the summer season.  Therefore, both the Clam Hut and Lake Theater were seasonal businesses, and operated from early May to the end of October.

I remember the evening the Clam Hut opened.  The first customer was Frank Purpura, and Al Cintrella proudly had the first dollar, which Mr. Purpura paid for a box of clams, framed under glass, and it stayed on the wall behind the counter for years.  I remember my father buying me an ice cream cone (first time I tasted butter crunch ice cream), and to this day remember the creamy consistency.

The Clam Hut, as the name implied, specialized in seafood.  Eventually the fried clams became a local legend.  French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and the rich, creamy frappes, which nowadays would cause the Cardiologists to quake in their boots, were the staples of the times.  BUT, it was Al’s Pizza, the taste of which could not be equaled to this day, that was the special treat…They came in large and small sizes; the large was $1.25 and the small was $.75. 

Because the ovens had to reach the correct temperature, the pizzas could only be ordered between 7:00 and 10:00 at night.  Al worked as a cook at one of the Brockton restaurants during the day, so Rose ran the business until Al came in at 6:00 to fire up the ovens. 

As it was generally very crowded at night, on a first come, first served basis, the wait could be, and often was, up to two hours before your pizza order was ready. 

If you knew in advance, you could order the pizzas during the day to be ready at a certain time that night (paid-in-full, of course).

Then, as now, Friday night was the traditional pizza night.  Friday was generally “payday”, so parents were always ready to “spring” for this wonderful treat.  Many a summer Friday night I waited the counter, the juke box wailing the latest Hank Williams or Lefty Frizzell tune, eyes half closed as I nodded off to sleep. 

Because of this extra crowd, Al & Rose hired a local summer resident, June Hudgins, to wait on the counter.  I can always remember June kindly ensuring me, as I was half asleep, that it would not be “too much longer”.  Finally, the pizza was ready.  Served between two cardboard pie plates and inserted into a paper bag (no Papa Gino’s style lidded boxes back then!).  It was worth the wait.  Al’s Pizza had a special taste all its own.  I have recently discovered that the Lynwood in Randolph makes a very similar tasting pizza-perhaps they use Al’s recipe.

The weekends were always busy, and to most of the older teenagers and young adults, a movie at the Lake Theater and pizza afterwards at the Clam Hut was the “height” of a 1950’s date night.

How content we were back then with so little.

As the summer drew to a close, and the “summer-crowd” went back to their homes, the day after Labor Day signaled the end of movies and pizza for another year. 

What was a crowded active scene dwindled down and the Clam Hut and Lake Theater were open on weekends only, until the end of October. 

After moving away in 1954, I lost track and during a visit in 1969 found Al & Rose Cintrella operating what was then called “Indian Head Restaurant” on Route 27 in Hanson.  Since it was during the day,  Al had not fired up the ovens so I made due with a hamburger.  But to this day, I still have trouble believing that you can order a pizza 24/7, any day of the year!

Susan Basile, Halifax Town Historian, asks if anyone has a photograph of the old Clam Hut they would be willing to share, the Historical Society would love to make a copy of it, as they have none. Just contact her through the Halifax Historical Society.

PFD wins grant

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The Plympton Fire Department received a grant award of $16,079.74 from Kathy Crosby Bell, the founder of the Last Call Foundation. The grant was presented at the Plympton Selectmen’s meeting on Monday, July 31, 2017.

This grant gives the fire department the ability to purchase air compressors, as well as extractors for cleaning gear. According to Fire Chief Warren Borsari, the new compressors replace a 40-year-old piece of equipment. He said “It’s the oldest in Plymouth County.”

In addition to equipment, the grant Plympton received funds a pilot program that promotes safety and proper use of equipment. There’s a small cost after the pilot is up if the town would like to continue with it.

Kathy Crosby Bell founded the Last Call Foundation three years ago after her son, Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost his life when a Beacon Street brownstone caught fire in Boston. Kennedy was only 33-years-old.

Since this tragedy, Bell said she’s channeled her grief in ways that make a positive difference for firefighters. She’s used her organization to improve safety conditions for firefighters and works to pass legislation to help fund the needed equipment. Crosby said, “I want to know if there’s a firefighter without gear.”

Katy Crosby Bell spoke of some of the dire safety situations firefighters are often put in when trying to extinguish flames and save lives. “Fires burn at 1,200 degrees,” said Crosby, “Some hoses burn at 900 degrees. That’s not acceptable.”

Besides on-site hazards, Crosby said firefighters face more health risks than the average person. According to Kathy, “63 percent of firefighters have a cancer diagnosis in their life.”

“When we need the support is when firefighters are alive,” said Crosby “Every fire fighter is a hero every day.”

Most of the fire department attended the grant presentation and were moved by Crosby’s efforts. Chief Borsari said, “She’s a very courageous woman.”

Selectmen all said that this is great news for the Fire Department and praised Chief Borsari for his efforts working within a tight budget.

Selectman John Traynor said Borsari is actively hiring and working hard. He’s been able to keep the town’s advanced life support status because of his efforts. Traynor added that the results from the Fire Department study that was approved at Town meeting should add some clarity.

Town Employment Update

According to Traynor, the opening for a part time clerical position to the Fire Department has been narrowed down to two candidates.

There are also five applicants for the open administrative assistant position in the Assessor’s office.

Board of Health Update on Vendors

Board of Health Chairman Art Morin informed the Board of Selectmen about a horse show at Wilfrock Farm on Center St. without the proper food permits needed to serve at the event.

Morin told the Board the owner of the property appeared before the Board of Health on Tuesday, July 25, and was told she needed to get the proper permit. If she does not get the permit, The Board of Health said it has the right to remove the vendor from the property at the event.

There are also other permits needed if alcohol is served or if more than 200 people are attending an event. Morin said, “People can’t just flaunt the law and do what they want in the town.”

Morin and the Board of Selectmen also discussed the possibility of raising permit fees. The two boards want to explore this since their fees are much lower when compared to other towns.

Other News

There is a Bylaw Review Meeting on Wednesday, August 9. A memo is being sent out to all departments with details.

The Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) is holding an essay contest for 8th graders and a picture contest for 3rd graders with the theme, “If I lead my community, I would (blank).” The Board of Selectmen approved allowing MMA to contact the schools.

The next selectmen’s meeting is Monday, August 7, 2017. Open session starts at 6 p.m.

Halifax Energy program can save $80,000 in electricity costs

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Halifax residents and business owners will save nearly $80,000 annually thanks to the newly created Halifax Community Choice Power Supply program.

The Town of Halifax and Colonial Power Group, Inc. are pleased to announce they have entered into a three-year agreement to bring energy cost-savings to the town’s residents and small businesses through this initiative.

The Town and representatives of Colonial Power Group will hold an informational session on Monday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall on the 2nd floor of Town Hall to discuss the Halifax Community Choice Power Supply program.

The new program will help residents and business owners achieve stability and substantial savings on electricity costs. Participating residents and businesses in Halifax will see an annual savings of close to 3 percent in their monthly energy bills and the program will provide a combined savings of approximately $6,530 per month for the town’s homes and businesses.

“The Halifax Community Choice program provides price stability, local control, and competition while also lowering the burden of energy costs for Halifax’s residents and business community,” said Mark Cappadona, President of Colonial Power Group, Inc. “We commend Halifax’s Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator Seelig for their forward-thinking approach to energy purchasing. By taking this action, they are helping to save residents and business owners money on their electricity costs.”

Under the Halifax Community Choice Power Supply program, residents will not notice any change in their electricity service. The only discernable difference will be that NextEra Energy Services of Houston, Texas, the selected electricity supplier for the Community Choice program, will be printed under the “Supplier Services” of monthly bills. Residents and small business owners will continue to receive one bill from National Grid and to send payments to National Grid for processing. There will be no interruption in billing, power, or customer service.

Colonial Power Group is the leading aggregation consulting firm in Massachusetts. Municipal electricity aggregation allows cities and towns to pool the electrical consumption of all ratepayers in their jurisdictions and competitively procure lower cost electricity supply on behalf of the participants. The aggregation allows the municipality to obtain better pricing than individual residents and business owners could due to economies of scale. Colonial Power works with state officials, utility executives, and energy industry leaders to facilitate the purchase of electricity at a rate lower than basic service rates. Since July 2013, Colonial Power has saved households and businesses across New England a total of nearly $11 million on their electric bills.

Colonial Power Group, which serves more than 60 municipalities in Massachusetts, was chosen to design, implement, and administer the program on behalf of Halifax. NextEra Energy Services was selected through a competitive process. The cost savings for Halifax residents and businesses will begin with the September 2017 meter reads (October 2017 billings).

No action is required by ratepayers to participate in this cost-saving program. The program will be operated on an opt-out basis, meaning that all Halifax residential and business customers currently on National Grid’s basic service will be automatically enrolled into the program unless they choose to opt out.

Soule Homestead brings in two very different song stylists

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Singers Danielle Miraglia and Caroline Cotter bring their diverse talents to Soule Homestead’s Concert Series, 46 Soule Street, Middleboro  on July 29 starting at 6 p.m.

The two women have markedly different styles. Miraglia is a hard driving, bluesy performer, Prince fused with Janis Joplin. Cotter is a mellow, sweet-voiced internationalist, comfortable singing in several languages.

Accompanying herself on an old Gibson guitar, Miraglia has a voice made for the grittier songs in the folk canon. Her own compositions earned her a nomination at the 2015 Boston Music Awards as singer-songwriter of the year. Miraglia has appeared on stage with world-class performers including Johnny Winter and Robert Cray at venues like the New York State Blues Festival.

The Revere, MA. native was weaned on her parents’ Motown collection, and found the classic rock of The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin on her own. She graduated from Emerson with a degree in creative writing and found herself adrift. Then she went to an open mic night at a local club. “I found my tribe,” says on her web page. “I dropped everything and pursued that.”

Caroline Cotter quit her day job in 2015 after achieving national recognition with her debut album Dreaming As I Do. The album reached number five on the national folk DJ charts. Her tune Bella Blue was the second most played folk song on the charts.

A passionate world traveler, Cotter performs more than 200 shows a year in the U.S. and Europe. She’s been to 28 countries in 15 years, and her repertoire includes tunes she sings in Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian. She also sings in Sanskrit, not surprising because she studied yoga in India.

Cotter’s sweet soprano voice and comfortable, international folk style give her a wide range of stories to tell the listener.

Danielle Miraglia with Caroline Cotter outdoors at Soule Homestead, 46 Soule Street, Middeboro, July 29. Concert starts at 6 p.m. and is held rain or shine with indoor venue available. Admission $10 per person, under 16 free. Snacks available for purchase. No dogs or alcohol allowed. Family-friendly. Ample parking.

Barking dogs to cease Aug 10

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Noise complaints from dog barking will end, as Tarawood Kennel owner Jennifer Choate is closing down the facility on August 10, 2017 and relocating to New Hampshire. Choate confirmed the closing of the kennel at 7 Plymouth Street in Halifax at a dog hearing at the Halifax Selectmen’s meeting Tuesday, July 26, 2017.

A dog hearing occurred last year for the kennel’s dogs’ barking and being outside at night and as early as 5 and 6 a.m.  Resident Shawn Clarkson expressed that he doesn’t think the problem has improved since last year.

Clarkson said, “Dogs are still barking and there’s no end to it. They’re still barking early in the morning, 5 or 6 o’clock in the morning.”

With this most recent complaint, both Animal Control Officer Noreen Callahan and Selectmen Vice Chair Kim Roy paid separate visits to the kennel. Callahan came for an annual inspection, while Roy was assessing the noise from complaints.

Callahan said she didn’t hear any barking during this particular visit. Roy said she visited and there was barking. She didn’t think it was as bad as the year before, but there was still barking. Roy did note she’s not living there though.

Jennifer Choate disagreed that the dogs are barking excessively and disagreed with them being a nuisance. Choate said she wishes it wasn’t still coming to this a year later and confirmed that it won’t be an issue after she relocates. Choate said, “The property is sold and closing on August 10, 2017.” She said the plan is to vacate the property with the dogs.

On Thursday, July 20, ACO Callahan completed her inspection of Tarawood Kennels. She confirmed the dog numbers were correct, but not all paperwork was presented until this selectmen’s meeting. The Board believes Choate did not fully cooperate with the nature of a random inspection due to failed attempts by Callahan to inspect the property and Choate’s voice mail box being full.

Choate said she never refused Callahan entry to her property, to which Roy answered, she “respectfully disagreed”.  Selectman Clerk Troy Garron said that whether intentional or not an inspection agreement was broken here.

Choate reiterated her position saying, “She’s (ACO Callahan) welcome anytime, and the times she wasn’t able to enter I wasn’t there or was on her way out back loading multiple things.” Choate said she’s in the middle of relocating a 30 horse facility along with the kennel.

Selectmen chose to let the complaint come to a natural close since Choate is moving in a few weeks. The Board did say it’s ordering the dogs vacate the property by August 11, 2017.

Sealer of Weights and Measures interviews

The Halifax Board of Selectmen scheduled three interviews for the town’s open sealer of weights and measures position. The Board had interviews with Charles Norvish, David Moore, and Robert O’Rourke.

Charles Norvish was the first candidate interviewed by the board. When Chairman Tom Millias asked Norvish to talk about his experience, Norvish joked, “We don’t have that much time tonight.”

Norvish has been the sealer of weights and measures for Middleboro since 1986. According to Norvish, Middleboro has 17 gas pumps and more than 150 scales. Halifax has much less in comparison.

Selectman Garron asked Norvish why he’s interested in the job because he seems very busy. Norvish said, “The good thing is these jobs are part-time; the bad thing is they’re part time.” Charles also cited an “old school attitude” and that he’s done multiple jobs for a while. Norvish said, “I have no regrets.”

The next candidate, David Moore, said he’s been involved with town government for over 40 years starting in Bridgewater and Carver. He owns his own sealing equipment, which, according to Moore, can cost a town $3,000-4,000, so he said there’s a saving benefit here.

The board told Moore they liked that he says he sets his scales according to the fiscal year as well as the calendar year. Moore said this is useful for towns when planning their budget.

Moore said he’ll provide selectmen with a database of the spots (pumps, etc.) he tests. Selectmen plan to make a decision when they meet August 8.

The last candidate, Robert O’Rourke withdrew his application at the interview. He said the board is in good hands with either Norvish or Moore and is welcome to help down the line.

Other News

The Board of Selectmen reappointed the following election workers:

Democrats

• Andrea Delaney  • Paul Delaney  • Carol Keene • Cathleen Miller • Amelia Mosley • Lee Mulready • Judith Wall

Republicans

•Marion Heath • Gayle Peck • Richard Roche

Unenrolled

• Robert Doherty • Kathryn Roche • Kenneth Vinton

Grant writing assistance for Plympton BOS from Northeastern University

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Selectmen Chair Christine Joy told her board Monday night she had heard back from Northeastern University Professor Mina Heidi about a potential partnership that would give the town assistance with writing grants. Professor Heidi is an acquaintance of former Selectmen Chair Colleen Thompson and passed the contact along to the current Board.

At the selectmen’s meeting on Monday, July 24, Joy told the Board that Heidi is willing to help the Board in one of two ways: either have a student work on a particular grant for the board as a class assignment or allow the Board of Selectmen to sit in on a class and get a better idea of the grant writing process.

Selectmen John Traynor said he’s more inclined to go with the assignment option, but would like to have Professor Heidi come to a meeting and talk to the board about its options. The board plans to reach out to Professor Heidi to see if she would be willing to come to a meeting.

Upcoming Changes to Meeting Notification Process

Town Clerk Tara Shaw briefly announced upcoming changes to the way the town notifies people about meetings at the Town House. The town will adopt the alternative method of posting which involves the notification of meetings online rather than in print. This means the posting box outside will be removed and no paper copies of meeting notifications will be made unless requested.

At most, Shaw said request will be granted within 48 hours if outside of town clerk office hours. She said she can do them within 24 hours though if it’s within regular hours.

Shaw said, “This was voted on at Town Meeting.” She wanted to notify the board that this will be going into effect soon.

Town Administrator Search Update

Bernard Lynch from the consulting practice Community Paradigm, will talk to certain members of the Community in order to get an idea of what they believe Plympton needs in a town administrator. Selectmen said they are deciding on those individuals and will reach out to them.

Some of the individuals mentioned included former Selectmen Chair Colleen Thompson and former Finance Committee member Susan Ossoff. Selectmen John Traynor said board heads and other members of the community will also be invited.

Other News

The Board received four applications for the open clerical position in the Fire Department. The Board and Fire Chief Warren Borsari plan to create a screening committee to do the interviews for this position. John Traynor said he wants to be a member of this committee.

The Board of Selectmen followed up on some recent complaints about after hours operations at Rocky Harvest, LLC, on Brook Street.  Selectmen said they plan to send out follow-up letters to the abutters and owner, Ed Rose. The Board said this will be the second signed letter of complaint.

The next selectmen’s meeting is Monday, July 31, 2017. Open session starts at 6 P.M.

Halifax FD helps rescue Cohasset victim

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Courtesy of the

Halifax Fire Department

Halifax Fire Fighter Derek Coveney was one of the technicians called into action Tuesday, July 18, when the Cohasset Fire Department requested the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team for a confined space rescue.

Late Tuesday night a Cohasset man went out to look for his dog and fell 10 – 15 feet into an uncapped abandoned well on Ripley street.  When his cries for help were heard, and Cohasset emergency was alerted, the Cohasset Fire Dept. called for the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team that has specialized equipment and training for this kind of rescue.

The rescue took more than two hours.  The victim was flown to a Boston hospital for treatment of back and leg injuries.

Halifax Firefighter Derek Coveny, a member of the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team, throws his arms wide in the spirit of victory when they knew the rescue would end successfully.

Halifax Firefighter Derek Coveny, a member of the Plymouth County Technical Rescue Team, throws his arms wide in the spirit of victory when they knew the rescue would end successfully.

Halifax Firefighter Coveny was one of the technicians lowered into the hole to make the rescue.

Halifax Fire Chief Jason Vivieros said, “Nice job, Derek.  We are all proud of you!”

This type of tight space rescue, where technicians are harnessed and lowered into the space is one of the many rescue situations they have trained for.

This type of tight space rescue, where technicians are harnessed and lowered into the space is one of the many rescue situations they have trained for.