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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.

Soule Homestead hosts Kerri Powers and Tom Smith

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By Elizabeth Moura

Special to Express

MIDDLEBORO- Safe to say acoustic guitarist and singer Kerri Powers was born to perform.

A shy, creative kid, she started composing her own songs at age nine, encouraged by her visual artist mother and an equally supportive father. The family musical legacy couldn’t have been more conducive to her dreams: her father’s family is distantly related to Bing Crosby, and her paternal grandmother played piano accompaniment to silent film screenings.

After marriage, a divorce and raising her son, she returned to performing at many venues, including the Boston Folk Festival and Philadelphia Folk Festival, and touring Europe as the opening act for Canadian Fred Eaglesmith.

Listening to her play and sing “Tallulah Send a Car for Me” shows off her rich, low voice, with a little Joplin gravel mixed in. Her folk music stories are Americana everyone will relate to, particularly women who have experienced similar life lessons.

07-21-17 Soule Homestead - Kerri Powers

Longtime folk singer and self-described “humdinger,” Tom Smith has been writing songs and performing since the 1960’s, but he’s a 21st century man. “The Kitchen Musician,” his blog, is filled with musings about his songs and recordings. They are, he writes, “intended to recreate the feeling of sharing self-made music with friends around the kitchen table.”

Smith says the songs often “change and mature even after I share them.” His blog is popular, with 140 videos viewed 145,000 times.

Smith’s performing style is as friendly as his blog, and in his 2007 video “A Prayer for Peace,” the audience joins in the refrain as he asks for a shared peace and a willingness to walk away from violence.

All these years, Smith has written and shared songs full of his experiences and many of them are our experiences. He’s a kindly, gentle sage with a gift for reaching as deep into his listeners as he reaches into himself.

Kerri Powers and Tom Smith at Soule Homestead, 46 Soule Street, Middleboro. July 22, 6 p.m. Admission $10 per person, under 16 admitted free. Ample parking. Concert performed rain or shine, moving indoors if necessary.

Plympton Selectmen projector proposals hearhelookproposalsPellowe and discuss plan for interactive projector in the meeting room

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The Board of Selectmen met with Silver Lake Regional School District Technology Director Steve Pellowe to discuss the potential installation of a projector in the meeting room. Selectmen, at their meeting on Monday, July 17, said this will make presentations easier and allow those watching at home on television the ability to see any presentations made before the Board.

Pellowe presented two different options for projectors to the Board of Selectmen and said he has good plans for proceeding with either. The choice presented to the Board was whether to use an interactive smartboard or a non-interactive projector. In addition, another interactive option was discussed which uses a LCD television screen.

The interactive system has pens that allow you to take notes with dry erase markers. Pellowe said you can save these notes, annotate them, highlight certain points in a slide show, and even post the annotated versions to the town website. According to Pellowe, the interactive television allows this sort of note-taking, but uses electronic pens rather than dry erase markers.

The Board of Selectmen asked how much more an interactive system would cost. Pellowe didn’t have an exact number, but gave a “ballpark estimate” of about $600 more for the interactive system. Selectmen John Traynor said they will need to get a quote on the interactive system.

Board of Selectmen Chair Christine Joy asked if the projections would show up well for television viewers at home. Pellowe said, “Projectors tape pretty well and are used at School Committee meetings.” The cameraman from Area 58 TV also added his input saying he can get a shot of the wall for the proposed projector location without issues.

One potential part of the proposal the Board of Selectmen wanted to stay away from was using a carted mobile projector. Selectmen Clerk Mark Russo listed four problems with mobile: “Time, money, placement, and responsibility.” All members of the Board mentioned responsibility and had worries about the mobile cart not being put back in the same location.

After the Board receives a quote from Pellowe, they plan to decide on which type of projector to get.

Dog Complaint Update

The Board of Selectmen received the full report of the dog bite incident on 73 Mayflower Road from Animal Control Officer Frank Bush. The incident was first addressed at the Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday, July 10, 2017.

Selectman Mark Russo said that allegedly the victim was on the dog owner’s property for real estate purposes and was taking pictures. When first brought up at the July 10 meeting, what happened was not entirely conclusive.

Frank Bush’s report said the three dogs’ quarantines are now over and all three dogs are in healthy condition. However, it’s still unclear which dog or if any of the three was the one that bit the victim, making it difficult to conduct a dog hearing.

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she doesn’t want to just let the incident go because there are children who live in the area and wants to be positive that no one, especially children, are at risk. According to the Board Selectmen, the Board of Health was also involved with the proceedings because there was a quarantine to prevent any potential spread of rabies. The Board of Selectmen will ask the Board of Health their course of action before the Selectmen make any proceedings.

Assistant Assessor Deb Stuart met with the Board of Selectmen to discuss the ongoing Solar project and how the assessors recommend going forth with a valuation approach. Stuart said she recommends going with the income approach rather than basing it on property value.

Stuart said, “I don’t know any town using it (the personal property valuation approach).”She also told the Board that there’s more recourse the town can take if needed, using the income approach. Stuart also said that this is what the Board of Assessors recommends.

Selectman Chair Joy reminded anyone who was newly voted, appointed, or volunteered to a board or committee must be sworn in before they can vote on their respective board/committee. This can be done by seeing Town Clerk Tara Shaw in her office.

Joy also announced she emailed former Selectmen Chair Colleen Thompson’s contact, Mina Heidi. Heidi is a professor at Northeastern University who teaches grant writing. The Board wants to explore the possibility of having Heidi’s students work on town grants as projects for the students.

South Shore Equine Clinic Welcomes Dr. Owen

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South Shore Equine Clinic and Diagnostic Center of Plympton is welcoming Dr. Caitlin Owen, the newest member of the clinic’s veterinary team.

Dr. Owen is an equine veterinarian with dual certifications.

She attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she obtained a bachelors degree in animal science. 

While at UMass, she studied abroad in the west of Ireland where she rode a variety of different horse breeds and fell in love with the country.    

When it came time to choose a veterinary school, Europe was calling.  Dr. Owen completed her veterinary degree at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in beautiful Edinburgh, Scotland.  As a veterinary student, she was able to travel and learn from equine clinicians all over the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark. 

South Shore Equine Clinic was one of the places visited as an extern and that experience clearly left a good impression!  After graduation she was again drawn across the Atlantic to Ireland, where she completed an equine hospital internship in the heart of Thoroughbred racing country.

Growing up in Groton, Dr. Owen is excited to be working back home in Massachusetts at South Shore Equine Clinic. 

Dr. Owen treats a wide scope of conditions including foals, imaging, colic, and a range of other emergency and critical care situations.

Selectmen choose Community Paradigm to help hire new TA

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Plympton Selectmen chose Community Paradigm Associates as the firm to help the town hire its first town administrator. After interviewing three different firms since getting the funds appropriated for the position at May’s Annual Town Meeting, the Board settled on a firm at its meeting Monday, July 10, 2017.

Community Paradigm Associates is Bernard Lynch’s private practice for hiring consulting. The Board interviewed him at their meeting Monday, June 26, 2017.

Lynch, whose practice has only existed for three years, sold himself to the Board by citing his 30 years of experience in municipal government, most notably as the city manager for Lowell, eight years as well as Chelmsford for 20 years.

Selectmen were impressed by this experience, and all three members cited this as a reason for choosing his firm. Selectmen Clerk Mark Russo checked all the references for Community Paradigm, as well as the Collins’ Center and Municipal Resources and came away impressed with all three, but the enthusiasm surrounding Community Paradigm was particularly impressive to him.

Russo said that Community Paradigm’s references referred to Bernard Lynch as “a match-maker who knows the state so well.”  Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she gravitated towards Community Paradigm because of his experience, approach, and low cost.

Originally, Selectman John Traynor named Municipal Resources as his first choice. Traynor said, “We need to professionalize how we go forward and they can help with that.” Russo said that Municipal Resources’ references cited the organization’s professionalism as a strength.

Traynor also liked Community Paradigm and said he was convinced by the opinions of Russo and Joy to make it a unanimous vote. Former Selectman Colleen Thompson, who was still a board member for the interview with the Collin’s group and sat in on the meetings with Municipal Resources and Community Paradigm,  also preferred Community Paradigm because of how much they wanted to involve the community. Thompson said, “That’s important to us.” Selectmen unanimously voted to begin negotiations with Community Paradigm Associates.

Potholes and dust    on Montello Street

Selectmen scheduled an appointment with Highway Surveyor Jim Mulcahy to discuss the ongoing issues with potholes and dust on Montello Street. Discussions about potentially paving the road were discussed in a preliminary way.

A group of citizens who live on and around Montello Street were led by Kristin Fichtenmayer to discuss the road conditions at the open meeting. Fitchenmayer said the potholes are a major concern and that on average, there are 56 potholes at a time. She described the ones at 6 and 15 Montello Street as completely unavoidable.

Other concerns of hers was the amount of dust picking up since Montello is a dirt road. She said she had environmental concerns over the larger pickups. She also said the width of the road is problematic because cars cannot get by if a school bus is on the street.

Fitchenmayer said she’s understanding of Plympton’s being a small rural town, but wanted to know how the town will go forward. She said, “We want to know what’s the plan?” Fitchenmayer said that her husband Eric, also in attendance, is an EMS for Carver, and all of these factors make getting out on calls difficult.

Highway Surveyor Jim Mulcahy said he’s aware of Fitchenmayer’s concerns and agrees the Highway Department can spray the road more often in order to limit some of the dust pickup. Right now the department, is grading the road three times per year.

Mulcahy said they can grade the road five to seven times per year without stretching thin a small crew. He said, “We’re very aware and trying to stay on track of what’s happening in Carver. The town does want to eventually pave the road he said, but that discussion was agreed to be tabled until the Carver Urban Renewal Plan finishes its permitting process.

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said she will try to reach out to Carver for more information for Fitchenmayer and the other residents. Joy said traffic studies are currently being done and the area of the study has been expanded. She said, “The Old Colony Planning Council has been very active.”

Potential dog      hearing soon

A recent complaint surfaced about a German Sheppard biting an individual at 73 Mayflower Road. According to Christine Joy, the bite looks serious and warrants a dog hearing.

Selectman Mark Russo said that allegedly the victim was on the dog owner’s property for real estate purposes and was taking pictures. However, the report is still inconclusive. The owner has three dogs and its unclear which dog bit the victim.

Selectmen John Traynor said the owner is claiming none of his dogs were the one who bit the victim and right now, there isn’t any evidence at this time. Findings and recommendations are needed from the Animal Control Officer before the Board of Selectmen will proceed.

Other News

An employment section has been added to the town website. The Fire Department plans to post their open clerical help position here as well as around the Town House.

The next Board of Selectmen’s meeting is Monday, July 17. Open session starts at 6 p.m.