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Plympton selectmen introduced to new Area 58 Media System

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Plympton selectmen were treated Monday night to an introduction to the workings of the new recording equipment which will be installed in both Plympton and Halifax meeting rooms for HD broadcast either through the Area 58 web site or on local channels through Comcast subscriptions.

Area 58 general manager Richard Goulart showed the board where the main “brains” of the operation would be set up, and how one person would be able to operate three robotic cameras, for wide shots and closer for head and shoulders type shots, and also man the microphones.  The installation would take place in the main assembly room.

Goulart said other meetings which need to be held in other Town House rooms would be served just as they always have.

“This is one of the things they promised to do for the towns of Halifax and Plympton and we will be able to better control the sound as well.”

“We are really excited about it. … Installation is scheduled for Monday Nov. 21st and Nov. 22nd, with a carryover day of the 23rd,” Goulart told the board.

Area58.net or area58.tv web site was displayed, and is “very user friendly,” he said.  “We got that done at about half the cost that we budgeted.”

Goulart invited all to come to the Open House at the studio which has been constructed in the plaza right next to Cornerstone’s Pizza, 96 Main St., Rte. 58, Carver.  Area 58 Community Access Media is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Silver Lake    negotiations

The Silver Lake negotiations representative was going to be the chairman of the Kingston Finance Committee.  Now it appears, according to Chairman Colleen Thompson, that the representative will be a member of the Kingston Board of Selectmen.  Selectperson Christine Joy said that she would like to propose that the negotiations person be a member of one of the smaller towns, Halifax or Plympton, and would volunteer that her name “be put into the hat” for consideration of that position.

Legislation change

Thompson also asked Town Co-ordinator Dale Pleau to draft a letter to Rep. Thomas Calter and request that the legislature consider a change to the language of the legislation to sell the land in Kingston owned by the Silver Lake Regional School District, to amend the language to include town meeting votes by the towns as necessary to the sale approval.

Selectman John Traynor told the board that he had met with Calter at his Village Coffee Shop coffee hour last Saturday at which time Calter told him that no legislation of any contentious nature is being considered until after the first of the year.  “So we have time,” Traynor said.  Thompson said that she would like to contact Charlie Seelig, Halifax Town Administrator, to discuss the letter with him and to begin the process so that the smaller towns of Halifax and Plympton will have their voices heard.

Halifax has expressed its displeasure at seemingly being left out of the process and has said it would support such a measure.

Carver Urban      Renewal

A copy of the most recent plan for the access roads and how they might mitigate heavy truck traffic will be sent to Plympton Town Counsel Ilana Quirk of Koppelman & Paige as well as to Plympton Highway Superintendent Jim Mulcahy for their input.

Aggregation Plan

Selectmen voted to go forward with the Aggregation Plan for energy cost reduction.  Pleau will get back to the selectmen with details about how to now proceed.

License renewals

Selectmen will review license renewal applications and make site visits to confirm that the businesses are within their stated parameters and will be prepared to issue their recommendations for the January 1, 2017 date.

Chairman Thompson noted that there is one gravel removal permit which needs to be renewed by the end of October and despite several emails and mailings from the Board of Selectmen, they have had no response from the permit holder.

Planning Board

member needed

Thompson also noted the immediate need for a person to fill one position on the Planning Board that would finish out a term until election in May, 2017.

It is an ideal situation for someone to serve and see how they like it for a little more than six months.  Anyone interested should contact the Board of Selectmen’s secretary, at the Town House, 781-585-2700.

Thanks, LiteControl

Selectmen read a letter  into the minutes from Fire Chief Warren Borsari thanking LiteControl on Spring Street for their generous donation of $1500 in light fixtures and equipment and that their electrician replaced all the broken fixtures in the Fire Station.

Selectmen will draft a letter of thanks to LiteControl.

South St. Halifax crash claims 25-year-old East Bridgewater man, formerly of Halifax

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Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 24, for Kevin Michael Reed, Jr., 25, of East Bridgewater formerly of Halifax, who died in a tragic automobile accident Sunday, Oct. 16, on South St., Halifax. The passenger in Reed’s vehicle, Michael Ambrose, was transported to South Shore Hospital.  The driver of the other vehicle was Daniel Norvish of Halifax.  He was transported to Brockton Hospital.

The  two-car accident remains under investigation, according to Chief Ted Broderick.

Born in Brockton in 1991, Kevin was the first son of Kevin Reed, Sr. and Karen (Reid) Reed of Halifax, and graduated from Silver Lake High School with the Class of 2009.

Kevin spent the next seven years working at the Reed HVAC business with his father and brothers.

Kevin was the fiance for eight years to Violet Vargas and the future brother-in-law of Vinny Vargas of Halifax. Kevin and Violet together lived in East Bridgewater. They enjoyed concerts and trips together, with their favorite destination being Maine with family. Kevin also enjoyed watching endless Bruins and Cowboys games with his father and brothers and had many heartfelt moments fishing with his Mom, Karen. These are just some examples of the things that made Kevin the “Giant Teddy Bear” that everyone loved.

In addition to his parents Kevin and Karen and his fiancé Violet, he is survived by his siblings Austin and Kyle Reed of Halifax and Paul Francis Hart, Jr., of Holbrook; his maternal grandparents, Janet Reid of East Bridgewater and the late Harry Reid; his paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Barbara Jones “love you squeaks” of East Bridgewater; his aunts and uncles, Harry and Sharon Reid of Palm Coast, FL, Kim Ferranti of Holbrook, Robert Reid of Randolph, Kristen Reid Pauze (KeKe) of Carver, Kerry Reid of East Bridgewater, John Pauze of Hanson, Brenda Ambrose of West Bridgewater, Kenneth and Susan Reed of East Bridgewater, Brent and Susan Bratti of East Bridgewater, Kenneth and Ann Jones of Abington, and Michael J. (Mikey) Forni, Jr of Halifax; his cousins, Daniel Ambrose, Jr., Michael Ambrose, Allyson Arseneau, Meghan Bratti, Emma Bratti, Haleigh Reed, Sherry Cotnoir, Harry Vangelist, Daniel Bushi, Cody Pauze, Kayla Ferranti, Macy Reid, McKenzie Pauze, Samantha Reid and Brent VonMagnus. He is also survived by many loving friends, including the “Four Quarters,” Vinny Vargas, Danny Ambrose, Paul Hart and Chief.

His funeral service will be held Monday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth St., Rte. 58 at the rotary circle, Whitman. Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery, Whitman. Visitation will be held Sunday Oct. 23, from 2 -6 p.m.

Lawsuit filed against Halifax : ZBA cited for not properly notifying Tarawood Kennel abutters

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The Town of Halifax Zoning Board of Appeals members and Jennifer R. Harmon, also known as Jennifer R. Choate, have been named in a lawsuit brought by neighbor Scott M. Clawson citing improper notification regarding special permit changes and increases, at the dog breeding kennel operated by Harmon, Tarawood Kennels, 7 Plymouth St., Halifax.

ZBA members Robert Gaynor, Kozhaya Nessralla, Peter Parcellin, Robert Durgin, and Gerald Joy were named in the suit, not personally, but as members of the Board of Appeals. Also named is Jennifer R. Harmon, who is also known as Jennifer Choate, Tarawood Kennel owner.

According to Clawson’s suit, on the many occasions since mid-2010 up to this year, the ZBA did not notify parties in interest about hearings that were scheduled to change or substantially modify the terms of the kennel license and neighbors were denied their chance to appeal or to be heard on the permit renewal. 

The first license application approved by the ZBA on or about July 20, 2010, was for a special permit for a kennel for the breeding or boarding of dogs at 7 Plymouth St., Halifax with conditions, according to the filing.  The special permit was granted to allow “a kennel for the breeding or boarding of dogs.”  The permit cited nine conditions in addition to all the rules and regulations and codes of the Town of Halifax.  These conditions included no boarding of outside animals.  The dogs must all be licensed to Jennifer R. Harmon. No breeding of outside animals allowed on the premises.  The special permit is not transferrable.  Puppies not sold within six months must be removed from the property.  Only two (2) litters allowed per year per breed. Only 15 adult dogs on the property.  Applicant must provide and maintain soundproofing, and dogs must stay within the property line.  The applicant must license all adult dogs.

The special permit in 2010 was granted based on the presentation and plans presented at the hearing.  Any changes from what was presented and approved must be brought back before the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The special permit also required that once the decision has been without appeal for 20 days, it be recorded with the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds, or with the Assistant Registrar of the Land Court for Plymouth County, and a certified copy indicating such registry recording has been done be filed with the board.

Feb. 15, 2012, Harmon (Choate) met with the Zoning Board of Appeals at Harmon’s request to revisit conditions, asking that the number of dogs be increased to 23 adult dogs and the number of litters allowed be increased to three per year per breed, in addition to the original conditions set forth  in 2010.  That permit will not take effect until it is registered with the Plymouth County Registry of  Deeds and a  receipt for that filing is at the Registry is filed with the Zoning Board of Appeals.

In April, 2013, Harmon (Choate) was back before the ZBA requesting that her special permit be amended to allow up to a maximum of 50 dogs, and 26 litters of puppies, 20 litters for the German Shepherds and six litters for the Pomeranian breed.  This amendment was granted May 1, 2013.

In May 2014, the permit was amended to allow a maximum of 26 litters of puppies among three breeds: German shepherd, Pomeranian, and Jack Russell terrier, keeping to a maximum of 50 adult dogs on the premises.

In the 2015 permit renewal application, the total number of adult dogs was still 50, and litters of puppies still at 26, although now spread between only two breeds, German shepherd and the Pomeranian.

In short, in five years, the number of dogs allowed at Harmon’s (Choate’s) Tarawood kennel has grown from 15 adult dogs and two litters of puppies per year to 50 adult dogs and 26 litters of puppies.   In September of this year, there was before the ZBA a revision which would allow 100 adult dogs and unlimited litters of puppies.  That application has since been withdrawn, it was announced at last week’s Halifax Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

Clawson alleges in his filing that concerned parties were not notified by the Zoning Board of Appeals or by Tarawood Kennels about the special permit applications or their modifications allowing as many as 50 adult dogs and 26 litters of puppies. 

Clawson contends that the ZBA granted Harmon’s special permits and revisions without notice to parties-in-interest and seeks to have the special permit annulled and if not annulled, to ask the court to order further relief deemed just and proper.

Clawson has been before selectmen and the ZBA on many occasions with concerns of dogs barking at all hours of the day and night, seeking relief from the noise.  Selectman Kim Roy has investigated the charges on behalf of the board and found noise to be substantial.

At the Sept. 27 selectmen’s hearing, Choate was ordered to reduce the number of dogs in her kennel to 25 in order to help keep the noise to a minimum.  Roy also found that soundproofing which has been one of the conditions of her permit since the first permit given in 2010 has not been done. 

Clawson, who was a member of the audience Sept. 27, appeared dissatisfied at the ruling, saying that he (and others in the area) have been waiting for something to be done for years and expected something more substantial to solve the problem.   

Two undefeated Patriot League teams. One winner.

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Facing the No. 1 ranked team in the state, the Duxbury Dragons, the Silver Lake High School football team had an opportunity to prove themselves as the top team on the South Shore. And while it was tightly contested for much of the first half, the Lakers unraveled late and fell, 55-14. With the loss, they fall to 4-1 while the Dragons improve to 5-0.

After fumbling, the Lakers surrendered the first score of the game. But they responded quickly. Quarterback Alex Snell’s 5-yard touchdown rush lit the scoreboard on the Lakers side, making it a 7-6 game (the Lakers’ extra point attempt was blocked).

With 4:51 remaining in the first half, a 7-yard touchdown run by Phil Lashley  put the Lakers a field goal away from taking the lead. They trailed, 14-12 at the time.

After Lashley’s touchdown, the Dragons began pulling away. Their potent air raiding offense clicked as they threw 45-yard and 70-yard touchdown passes before the end of the half, going into the locker room with a 16-point lead.

The Dragons played stout defense in the second half, preventing the Lakers offense from scoring again. The Lakers only second half score came on special teams — a blocked PAT attempt returned for two points, cutting the Dragons lead to 34-14.

Towards the end of the second half, both teams got their second units on the field.

With the win, it appears as though the Dragons will likely win the league title, although both sides do have two league games remaining. To win the league title, the Lakers would need the Dragons to lose both of their next two league games. This includes one against a winless Quincy Presidents squad next Friday night, who has allowed over 40 points per game this season and has scored just two touchdowns in five games — and zero against opposing team’s first units. The Lakers beat the Presidents, 40-7, earlier this season.

While a league title now appears unlikely, the Lakers are still in position for a high playoff seeding — which would likely result in home playoff games.

Their next game, a home game, is this Saturday at 3:00 p.m. against Plymouth North, a team who has yet to win a league game this season.

And the following Friday, the Lakers close out their league action at home against the Whitman-Hanson Panthers (7:00 p.m. start time). Like the Lakers, the Panthers lone defeat this season came against Duxbury.

Getting ready for the 4th Annual Ryan Benjamin Nicotri fundraiser

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Ticket sales are brisk, but there are still some left for the Fourth Annual Ryan Benjamin Nicotri Memorial Comedy Night Fundraiser to be held at the Upland Sportsman Club, Upland Road, Plympton.

Last year’s fundraiser was a huge success and this year’s promises to be even better. Comedian Jessica Casiano will be performing to keep the night filled with laughter and good memories.

A buffet dinner is included and there will be a cash bar. The Olive Garden will provide salads and bread sticks and Grill 58/Lyonville Tavern will provide the main meal.

Tickets are by advance sales only,  as they sold out quickly last year. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Sarah Nicotri through a Facebook private message, via email at             sarahnicotri@yahoo.com or by cell phone 339-832-0799.

Those who are unable to attend but would like to make a donation, can mail it to: Ryan Benjamin Nicotri Memorial Fund @ Santander Bank 157 Summer St., Kingston MA 02364

Donations of any kind will help us continue to move forward and grow. Businesses are encouraged to donate gift certificates for services or products.  All of the donating businesses names and logos will be displayed for attending guests to see. In addition, there will be a list of participating businesses on each guest table for all to view. We can’t do our work without your support. A follow up email or letter will be sent to all attendees and supporting businesses to give an update on the how the funds are used.

The following is a summary of last year’s event:

The 2015 Fundraiser raised approximately $9,300 after expenses, which was used as follows:

• For the Christmas holiday, we purchased 75 gift cards from Target, each worth $50.00 (total cost = $3,750). These were distributed to Plympton families in need through the Silver Lake School system, including the Elementary School, Junior High and High School. Each family receives one card for the family and one for each of their school age children. The schools work together to provide us the number of cards required as all family names are kept strictly confidential. The schools distributed the cards to these recipients so they had them before Christmas.

• In June, we presented three – $1,000 scholarships through the Silver Lake Regional High School to deserving students. The baseball scholarship is available to a varsity player from any of the three towns, and the two remaining awards are for a boy and a girl from Plympton. The baseball scholarship was awarded to Jason Johndrow from Halifax, and the other two scholarships went to Sarah Cook and Peter Lavigne from Plympton.

• The food drive allowed us to fill 8 boxes with nonperishable items that were donated to the food pantry at St Joseph’s Church in Kingston prior to Thanksgiving.

We are very happy to provide these to the local community in Ryan’s name. This fundraiser is a place to focus our positive energy. We aim to make it a success and have it grow in the coming years in an effort to help others and keep Ryan’s memory alive.

Wingbusters take Drone Racing competitively

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Most people don’t use drones for spying.

In fact, many who fly them competitively prefer the term multirotor because of the negative connotation attached to the word “drone”. And in Halifax, the Wingbusters Rotor Racers, are establishing themselves as a go-to spot for competitive “drone racing”, as some may call it.

They are members of the MultiGP (Grand Prix) and they keep standings on a points system dependent on how many laps one finishes in any given meet. They wrapped up their regular season this past Sunday at their home field off River Street in Halifax.

Originally though, the group started out with remote control airplanes. But when the opportunity for a first-person experience came about, they could not pass it up.

“I would say the biggest appeal of what we’re doing now is it feels like you’re sitting in the aircraft flying around,” race coordinator Adam Proulx said.

“You put the goggles on your face and it seals off the outside world. Some of the drones even have microphones; you could even have the sounds of it. It’s a completely immersive experience. It’s about as close to flying an aerobatic aircraft as you can get.”

Their average event this year had around 15 to 20 competitors. But an event to qualify for regionals had 27. And the top four finishers from the event advanced.

While the racers tend to be local, not all of them hail from the South Shore.

“Pilots come from all over,” Proulx said. “We get a guy who comes from Uxbridge. Pretty much from Western Mass, up north and down to the Cape. We even get guys from Connecticut coming in.”Proulx said they have even had people join who had no experience flying remote control aircrafts.

“They see these things flying around on YouTube, on ESPN even and they want to do it,” he said. “And they can start doing it. There’s a lot of resources to help people get started.”

“It’s still in its infancy right now,” Proulx added of multirotor racing.

“But it’s growing very quickly. And I’m very excited to see where it goes. I mean, ESPN has picked this stuff up. Who knows who else will come on board.

“They’ve got some big sponsors like Mountain Dew and Red Bull,” he added. “It’s a real rush when you’re going back and forth with somebody. It’s a lot of fun.”

For more information on the Wingbusters including upcoming events, contact information and event locations, visit Wingbusters.org.

Page 1 photo credit: Steve Grenon

Halifax in the dog house again

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Tuesday night’s meeting of the Halifax Board of Selectmen went to the dogs once again, even though chief dog bark investigator Kim Roy was at a conflicting event.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig told the board that he had received another barking dog complaint from a neighbor of Tarawood Kennel on Plymouth Street.  Selectmen chairman Troy Garron said the statute is clear and they would have to investigate and would have Kim Roy put on her investigative hat once again to check into the complaint.

Seelig also told the board that he had received notice that a lawsuit is pending: Scott Clawson v Town of Halifax and Jennifer Choate, owner of Tarawood Kennel.  Details of the filing were not available at press time, but should be innext week’s Express edition.

Continuing in the doghouse, selectmen held a hearing for a dog attack on another dog.  The attacking dog’s owners, Lisa and Chris Watson, and Halifax Animal Control Officer Noreen Callahan were present.  The injured dog was being walked past the Watsons’ Summit Street home while leashed and the Watson’s dog, outside in its own yard with its owners, ran through the electric “invisible” fence because the battery had evidently failed.  The Watsons were able to get their dog back under control.  The injured dog was bleeding from a wound on its tongue; it had evidently bitten its own tongue, according to ACO Callahan.  No other injuries were evident on either dog.

This is the first incident with this dog, Chris Watson told selectmen.

ACO Callahan told the board that her concern was making sure that the 65 pound dog was kept under control at all times when outside so that a situation such as this could not happen again.  The Watsons assured the board that they would see to it.  Selectmen Chairman Troy Garron told the owners that the board would send them an official letter putting them on notice that the Town of Halifax does have a leash law and enforces it.

“Another failure is a concern,” ACO Callahan said.  She also noted that she quarantined both dogs as a precaution, even though all shots were up to date.

Resignations

From COA

Seelig told the board he had received two resignations: Sharon Hartz and Joy Marble, chairman and vice-chairman of the Council on Aging.  Garron instructed the secretary to the board, Pam McSherry, to send a letter from the Board of Selectmen thanking them for their service to the town.

Seelig also noted he had received a talent bank form from Corrie Merritt which he will pass along to the appropriate parties.

Daniel Borsari came before selectmen to be sworn in as an Associate Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  Borsari told the board that he now has the time to invest in the position and is looking forward to it.  Borsari said he holds a real estate license.  Garron joked that Borsari is a detail–oriented guy and has probably read the bylaws from cover to cover already.  Borsari nodded and affirmed that he had.

New Town Hall

fragrance policy

Seelig told the board that he is ready to implement the new “Fragrance Policy” for the Town Hall, asking those coming into the Town Hall to refrain from wearing strong fragrances as some people working there are sensitive to them.   

Seelig assured the board that there would be no “fragrance police;” it is a voluntary program and those working in Town Hall would like to make the public aware.

In other business, selectmen

• approved 16 additional recycling abatements, although Selectman Thomas Milias told the board that he would like a little more information about these private haulers and to be sure that they are doing what is required.  Susan Johnson, Recycling Coordinator, is looking to get stronger regulations for private haulers to be sure they are doing what they should by way of recycling.

• signed an addendum for Howland Disposal Service which would see a 1 1/2% increase.  Millias told the board he understood that there should be a net decrease in the total.  Seelig told him that while there was probably a decrease in tipping fees, there was likely an increase in other areas such as labor.

• noted that the Fire Department has opened an EZPass account which would be useful in cases where FD personnel were attending seminars outside of Boston.  Seelig told the board that there is no charge for the transponders and that the Town of Halifax should have transponders for several of the town’s vehicles that would go into one account for the Town.

• noted that the next meetings of the Board of Selectmen will be Oct. 25 and Nov. 1.

• adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Lakers 4-0 after Hingham shutout; will meet Duxbury Dragons Friday

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You’d have to look back to last year to find the last time the Silver Lake High School football team lost.

The Lakers have started this year off at 4-0. In their most recent bout, they shutout a Patriot League foe, Hingham, 39-0, at home last Friday night.

“It was a great win against a very good team,” Lakers second year head coach Chris DiGiacomo said. “Some things went our way. We had a really good game plan and all the kids bought into it. They went out there and executed.”

Of course, DiGiacomo was pleased with his team’s defensive play as they prevented Hingham’s high-speed no-huddle offense from finding the end zone.

And he noted defensive lineman Matt Cook, linebackers Matt Powell and Liam Kelliher as well as defensive backs Max LaFerrara and Carson Snell had particularly strong days defensively. LaFerrara had an interception and two receiving touchdowns on offense.

Phil Lashley led the team’s effort on the ground. He had 13 carries for 99 yards. And cumulatively, the Lakers rushed for 208 yards on 33 carries. Under center, Alex Snell led the way as he completed five of his 12 passes for 158 yards. Three of his five completions were touchdown passes. And wide receiver Drew Neal, who played strong two-way football, had one of those grabs.

Snell also had nine carries for 37 yards.

Josh Chapman had a 49-yard punt return for a touchdown in the win. In their past two contests, the Lakers have outscored their opponents, 79-7.

Their offense is clicking and their defense is clicking, but they face their biggest challenge yet this season this upcoming Friday.

They face the Duxbury Dragons, who are ranked No. 1 in the state by ESPN Boston — a team who has averaged 46.5 points per game this season. 

“It will be a challenge,” DiGiacomo said. “But we’re definitely excited to compete. We’re going to give it our all and fight for each other.”

DiGiacomo was quick to compliment the Dragons talent — specifically quarterback Bobby Maimaron and their running back Devin DeMeritt

But he also said he is not focused on the possibility of an “upset” win and that his team will take it one play at a time on game day.

The game is set for Friday, Oct. 7 at Duxbury High School. Kickoff is at 7:00. p.m.

Halifax-Plympton Senior job-seekers

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For job-seekers aged 50 and older, job fairs today can be noisy and intimidating.

“It’s scary,” said Halifax Council on Aging Director Barbara Brenton.

Brenton said she feels empathy for older job-seekers. She said she remembers seeing fright on some job-seekers’ faces during a career fair held back in June at Halifax Town Hall.

It can be hard to know how to negotiate a job fair.

“Where do you go? What do you say? How do you do this?” she said.

Fortunately, there is a proven path to success for older job applicants.

The councils on aging in Halifax and Marshfield are working together to co-host and offer a “50+ Job Seekers Networking Group” program to support and assist people ages 50 and older who are looking for a new job, career direction or encore career. The program is funded and supported by the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging, and is open to all Massachusetts residents aged 50 and older.

The group will meet every first and third Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m., with the first meeting to take place on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Halifax Town Hall, and the second meeting to take place on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the Marshfield Council on Aging, 230 Webster St., in Marshfield.

Meetings are run by a certified career coach and include presentations and workshops on topics relevant to career transitions and job searches, such as developing a resume, creating an elevator speech, creating a LinkedIn profile, and working a career fair.

The meetings also offer ample opportunity to network with peers and one-to-one coaching guidance.

The Halifax Council on Aging ran a similar 50+ networking group from February to June, and drew more than 175 participants to the June career fair, Brenton said.

“We get a little bit of everything, someone looking for a part-time job, or a bread-winner,” she said.

“It’s growing. There is such a huge need,” she said. “People got jobs. They were successful.”

Brenton said it can be difficult for seniors to deal with telephone calls with voice prompts and using computers and social media. Some people aged 50 and older do not own computers or have an e-mail account.

A desire to learn how to use the computer is good, and seniors can turn to their children and grandchildren for help.

Seniors can also get computer help at the library and senior center, Brenton said. 

“There’s a lot of challenges,” she said.

For more information on the 50+ Job Seekers Group, call the Council on Aging at 781-293-7313.

50+ Job Seekers Networking Group Meetings

1.) Marshfield Council on Aging, Oct. 20. Topic: Developing a resume.

2.) Halifax Town Hall, Nov. 3. Topic: Creating STARS/PARS.

3.) Marshfield Council on Aging, Nov. 17. Topic: Creating an elevator speech using STARS/PARS.

4.) Halifax Town Hall, Dec. 1. Topic: Creating a LinkedIn profile. 

5.) Marshfield Council on Aging, Dec. 15. Topic: Using LinkedIn as a networking and job search tool.

6.) Halifax Town Hall, Jan. 5, 2017. Topic: Networking 101.

7.) Marshfield Council on Aging, Jan. 19, 2017. Topic: Developing a marketing plan for job search.

8.) Halifax Town Hall, Feb. 2, 2017. Topic: Job search portfolio/tools.

9.) Marshfield Council on Aging, Feb. 16, 2017. Topic: Interview preparation and strategy.

10.) Halifax Town Hall, March 2. Topic: Boot Camp: How to work a career fair or other networking event.

Halifax heroes make save in auto inferno

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HALIFAX – Brian Jenkinson met his guardian angel last Wednesday night when the vehicle he was operating hit a tree on Thompson Street in Halifax.  The vehicle erupted into flames with Brian trapped inside.

Matt Savastano saw the vehicle in flames, grabbed his fire extinguisher, called 911 and went into action, dousing the flames and helping Jenkinson from the inferno, bringing him to safety.

Capt. William Palma of the Halifax Fire Department, said, “It was a severe accident and his actions were truly heroic.”

The Halifax Fire Department  credits Savastano with likely saving Jenkinson’s life. Jenkinson was treated at a Boston trauma center.

On Thursday, Captain Palma brought some t-shirts from the Halifax Fire Department to show the department’s appreciation to them for their bravery.  He also brought  the thanks of his department to Savastano who helped save a life.

Jenkinson told his grandfater that he thought surely with his injuries and being trapped inside his truck that he would die there.

But it seems that what goes around comes around and this time Savastano was able to help

Two years before, Jenkinson had saved a man from drowning. This time it was his turn to be saved.  Perhaps there is some cosmic justice.