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Halifax 18th annual Summer Smash

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This past weekend saw some gruesome heat but young softball players laced up their cleats and oiled their gloves and took the field for some challenging competition.  It was the three-day Halifax Softball Summer Smash – the largest ever for this 18th annual event.

Three divisions brought teams together from throughout the South Shore: 10U, 12U, and 14U girls demonstrated that softball is in good hands with plenty of talent making its way through the grades.  The Halifax Hurricanes took top place in the U12 Red category.

Pete Barone, founder and president of the HGSL, began the Halifax Summer Smash in 2005 so his daughter Alex, then 8-years-old, and her teammates could play in their own tournament.   She is now 26 and runs the concessions and raffles with his other daughter Maddy.

“It started as 11 teams and quickly grew each year,” Barone said.  “We use all five fields at Halifax Elementary and both fields at Vaughan, next to the police station.  All the fields are full on Friday evening and from 7:30 a.m. to  7:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. “  This year’s Summer Smash hosted 45 teams from throughout the area and it has become the largest “Town-Al-Stars” team tournament anywhere.

Barone credits the number of Halifax parents who volunteer their time each tourney to work on the fields, cover the snack shacks, set everything up and break it all down at the end with the continued success of the event.

Morse Bros. withdraws application

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Tuesday night’s Halifax selectmen’s meeting saw as much thunder inside the Town Hall as outside.

The item on the agenda that has been the talk of the town for weeks was the application from Morse Bros. Cranberries for a major earth removal project to redesign their bogs off Lingan Street.  When that application was withdrawn after the meeting and its agenda were posted, people came to Tuesday’s meeting wanting to be heard.

Selectmen were set to meet  in their first floor meeting room.  That quickly became overwhelmed and the meeting reconvened to the Great Hall upstairs.  Video recording capabilities had to be re-set for the new location and, as with the storms outside, the storms inside were also taking their toll.

Chairman Ashley DeSesa told the group that where the application was withdrawn there was no need for conversation.  But the people wanted to be heard.

What happens next?  We’ll have to wait and see.

A life saved on East Monponsett Pond; citizen receives award

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On Tuesday, July 12, a water rescue took place in Halifax in the area of Ridge Road and Lantern Lane. Retired priest and Halifax resident Father Bill Williams had taken his kayak out on East Monponsett Pond and ended up capsizing due to the extremely windy conditions. His cries were heard by local resident Alexandria Davis who wasted no time jumping in her kayak despite her broken oar. Davis was able to reach Williams and hold him until further help could arrive. Luckily for Williams and Davis, Amanda and John Moe also heard the cries for help and were able to get in their kayak and assist them ashore.

The Halifax Police and Fire Departments were called and responded to the reports of a person in the water, not breathing. The Fire Department was already involved in another medical emergency in town which led to an “all call” for all available responders to report to the scene. A backup ambulance as well as a boat were dispatched and were able to locate the victim after traveling to several local addresses trying to find him. The victim was being pulled ashore just as emergency services arrived at the scene. After receiving treatment on the scene by emergency responders, Father Williams regained full consciousness and was brought to Beth Israel in Plymouth.

Interim Fire Chief Jeffrey Cuozzo attended the Halifax Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday, July 26 along with Father Williams and Davis and some of her family members. Cuozzo told the Selectmen, “There’s a lot of stories in Halifax, but this one in particular is kind of nice and unfortunately in this day and age it’s always nice to have a really good story and this is it.”

He continued, “It’s a windy day but Father Williams being retired, he’s like, I want to go out on the lake in the kayak, so he goes out on the lake by himself… just picture him on the lake in the kayak enjoying himself with a paddle saying this is great, this is God’s work, right. Well, the waves were getting worse, getting bigger and Father Williams goes overboard.” Cuozzo said that Williams, who was without a life jacket, was about 20 feet from shore at the time. Cuozzo said that Williams asked himself in that moment, “I wonder if this is how it ends.” Cuozzo and Davis jokingly ribbed Williams for yelling “Hello!” rather than the traditional “Help!” This admission was met with laughter from those in the Selectmen’s meeting including Williams himself.

Cuozzo said that Davis had luckily taken that day off from work and lived close enough to hear Williams’ cries. “She rushed down and sees him pretty much bobbing in the water. She gets her kayak, goes out, grabs him… and is literally holding him up – it’s just her on the kayak by herself and I think one of her paddles breaks,” Cuozzo said. “That’s where Amanda and John Moe… I think came to the rescue. They went out on their kayaks, grabbed Allie and the Father, who was pretty much unresponsive now. He was pale blue,” he continued. Cuozzo turned to Williams and said, “What did you say in the ambulance?” Williams said, “I was trying to learn to walk on water.” This was met with more laughter.

“In all seriousness,” Cuozzo said, “If Allie didn’t initiate that save, he would have died.” Cuozzo then went on to thank his staff as well. He then presented Davis with a Citizen Hero Award. Cuozzo said that he had the same award to give to both Amanda and John Moe as well though they weren’t present at the Selectmen’s meeting.

“Great job, awesome story,” Selectman Jonathan Selig said.

Old Colony Elder Services hosts annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards ceremony

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More than 150 volunteers recently attended Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) Annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Ceremony held at Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston. Eight volunteers received special awards.

OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, honored their volunteers, who generously donate their time to help others, with a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.

Armindo Rocha, Volunteer Programs Manager and Cidalia America, Volunteer Program Assistant hosted the event and presented President’s Volunteer Service – Lifetime Achievement and Annual Gold awards along with OCES’ Make A Difference awards to the eight volunteers.

OCES is a National President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) Certifying Organization. The PVSA honors outstanding volunteers and recognizes the impact they make. The PVSA’s highest honor, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing 4000+ volunteer hours in a lifetime, was presented to two volunteers. Joseph Tyler Jr., a resident of Halifax, MA, has impacted others with his smile and sense of humor for many years as a volunteer; and Bill Raymond, a resident of Middleboro, MA, who volunteers by transporting seniors to their medical appointments regardless of location and will volunteer 8 hours a day driving if needed.

The PVSA’s Annual Gold Award, marking 500+ volunteer hours for the year, was presented to four volunteers: Steve Sundell of Easton, MA, a SHINE Counselor for 12 years; Fred Ciliberto of Hanover, MA, a volunteer for many years at the Hanover COA; Walter Hempel of Duxbury, MA, a long-time volunteer of both the Duxbury COA as well as the Project Gurnet & Bug Lights, Inc.; and John Ruthkowski of Duxbury, MA who has been involved with AARP tax preparation for several years, devoting well over 700 hours each year to the Kingston and Duxbury COAs to prepare taxes for more than 250 clients.

The Make a Difference Award is given by OCES and the RSVP-PC to recognize exceptional volunteers for their dedication to helping others making a big impact on the community. This award was presented to: John Durnan of Duxbury who has been traveling to Brockton to deliver meals since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020; and G. Mike Pauley of Brockton who is a longtime volunteer at the Caffrey Towers and Campello High Rise buildings in Brockton and was instrumental in delivering meals during the pandemic.

“We truly appreciate all of our volunteers for their dedication to helping others, assisting those in need in our communities, and making the world a better place,” said Armindo Rocha, OCES’ Volunteer Manager.

More about the PVSA
In 2003, the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action too. Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.

As an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee, OCES receives funds through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for volunteers age 55+. RSVP of Plymouth County (RSVP-PC) volunteers help OCES and other local agencies that are OCES Community Service Partners.

Volunteering for OCES
Our Volunteer Program supports OCES and other Community Service Partners. With the help of Nutrition Program volunteers, OCES serves 1,800 meals each weekday as part of its MOW Program. Money Management Program (MMP) volunteers assist older adults and individuals with disabilities with bill paying, reconciling bank statements, balancing checkbooks, and in special cases, negotiating debt with creditors. Volunteers also serve on the OCES Board of Directors, MMP and RSVP Community Advisory councils and contribute with many other important efforts.

To learn more about becoming an OCES volunteer contact Armindo Rocha at 508-584-1561 x355 or visit ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 24 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living.

Two more officers for Halifax

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen met in-person on Tuesday, July 26 with new Town Administrator Marty Golightly at the helm.

Police Chief Joao Chaves attended the meeting. “Right now, our current staffing levels, we have 11 full-time officers for the town of Halifax, and we have one part-time officer; we lost three officers on June 30, and we had lost another three before that for retirements. We had at one point, the beginning of last year, 7 special officers, we now have just one,” Chaves explained. He told the Selectmen that if they brought in an outside consultant to evaluate the Department, they would say that the town should have 18 officers. He continued, “the ratio that they use is 2.4 per 1,000 residents.” Chaves said he wasn’t asking for 18 officers but rather one or two regular officers and one or two part-time officers. “The budget would be able to sustain it right now; the last four years I have given back considerable money to the town in wages,” he told the Selectmen. Chaves said that since July 1 the Department has had 13 unfilled shifts. The Selectmen voted to authorize the Chief to hire two additional full-time officers.

Town Accountant Sandra Nolan attended the meeting to ask for clarification on town employees eligible for the second round of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) bonuses. She said that originally anyone that was working for the town on September 17, 2021, would be eligible for the bonuses. It was to be pro-rated for anyone working less than 30 hours. “My question is, now that we’ve lost some of those employees, and there was no allotment for that in the original decision, do we give it to employees who have left?” Nolan asked. The bonuses were split into two installments of $1,500 rather than a lump sum $3,000. Nolan wanted to know if she should give bonuses not only to those who no longer work for the town but for those who are new since September. Selectman Alex Meade said, “my thought on it is, if on September 17, we said you are getting a bonus, then you have a bonus.” Selectman Ashley DiSesa said that she felt that only those on the payroll on the day the bonuses are issued, should receive them. Meade said the previous Chair said that to be eligible for the bonus, employees would still have to be on the payroll to receive the bonus and anyone who came on after September 17, would not be eligible. The Selectmen decided to honor the previous Chair’s decision.

The Selectmen also considered the retaining of Lighthouse Legal Counsel, LLC for union specific counsel for a one-year time period at a cost of $20,000. “I think this is probably more important now than it has been in the past with our economic changes and the addition of the body cam for the Police Officers’ Union to have specific assistance with HR and union negotiations,” Golightly told the Selectmen. He continued, “It’s significantly cheaper than our current counsel for negotiations and HR stuff. My hope is to pay for this with some ARPA funds.” Meade expressed some hesitation at hiring additional counsel beyond the town counsel. DiSesa said, “To have an HR person who is going to help our new Town Administrator be successful, who is also a previous town administrator, makes sense to try and set us up for success.” Selectman Jonathan Selig said, “I know our legal bills are skyrocketing but I think this might actually be a good thing in the long run; we’re going to get training that will lead to fewer complaints and incidents down the road.” The Selectmen voted to use Lighthouse Legal Counsel as the town’s labor attorney.

The Selectmen had an appointment with resident John Mirotta regarding dog license fees. He said that he moved several times recently and missed the licensing fees that were being sent to his parents’ home. He said that the missed notices, late fees, and court fees totaled $170. He said that he would have to have a court arraignment and as a medical professional, that could reflect badly on him despite it only being about dog licensing. “I want to pay it today; I was hoping maybe if you guys could waive the court fees, I could make the $120 payment,” Mirotta told the Selectmen. “I can’t sit here and set a precedent like that. You’re going to take on two dogs and be a dog owner, you got to license the dogs, man,” Meade said to Mirotta. Meade recommended that he go to the Town Clerk’s office in the morning and pay the $170. Both Selig and DiSesa said they agreed and that they couldn’t set a precedent of forgiving late fees.

Furry friends strut their stuff at the Holmes

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It was an epidemic of cuteness at the Holmes  Public Library Annual Pet Show Monday night.  Dogs, a rabbit, guinea pigs, a baby turtle, and a couple of snails, the show went on and on with each entrant winning an appropriate certificate.

Emceed by Plympton Library Director Mike Slawson, with Holmes Children’s Librarian Holly Ianucci, wife to Mr. Mike, the children and their furry, fuzzy, and slimy friends took center stage.

They were called to the stage and each told of their pets’ special features.

Nate, three years old, brought his dog Teddy who Nate said likes to chase balls.  Teddy won “Most Playful.”

Ed brought his dog Pandora, a Cardigan Corgie who protects their chickens from marauding hawks and helps round up the chickens when it’s time to go in.  Pandora was deemed “Best Behaved.”

While Luke was busy at the nearby playground, Mom introduced his two guinea pigs, George and Allie.  Miss Holly held Allie and learned that she likes to chew on hair.  They were awarded “Cutest Duo.”

Nathan brought his Golden Retriever Hudson up to the stage and for the dark stripe in his fur was deemed “Most Unique.”  He was named after Doc Hudson.

Next came Emma and her pet dog Callie, who plays fetch and speaks on command.  Emma was named “Most Talkative.”

Stevie and Holden brought their American Staffordshire terrier named Bluey, who was awarded the certificate for “Happiest Friend.”

Sophia brought her large, lop-eared white bunny named Marshmallow.  She likes to play with balls, according to her friend.  Marshmallow was awarded the prize for “Most Athletic.”

Nelda, Kayla and Joel introduced Coral, a four-months old Giant Snoodle who likes belly rubs!   Coral was judged “Fluffiest Friend.”

Jayden brought Shadow, a rescue dog who, according to her owners, “likes to sit on your lap and lick you ‘til you can’t stand it anymore!”  Shadow was named “Friendliest.”

Mattie brought in Minnie the Guinea Pig whose favorite thing is  to eat pepper hearts.  Minnie was named “Life of the Party!”

Ryan brought his dogs Sierra and Bella, announcing, “They don’t get along.”  Mom stepped in to help and settled everyone down with a treat or two.  Bella knew she had to sit for a treat and so she did.  Sierra was awarded the certificate for “Most Beautiful” while Bella got the “Best Trick” designation.

PJ brought his pet Bubbles, a baby painted turtle he had found in his yard.  Bubbles won the prize as “Most Polite”.

Harper and Nick introduced their snails to the audience.  Harper said that it isn’t easy to tell them apart except for Lucky, so named because when Harper dropped him accidentally she broke his shell.  “Mom fixed it with a Band-Aid and Lucky survived.”  The snails won the certificate for “Most Chilled.”

Mattie brought her dog Charlie onto the stage to display his talent.  He howls very easily, Mattie said.  Dad came up and howled at Charlie to start the chorus.  Charlie was awarded “Best Howler.”

People from a number of surrounding towns came to see the Holmes Public Library Pet Show in Halifax and kids of all ages enjoyed the performance.

BOS debates in-person meetings

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely on Monday, July 25.”

Selectmen Chair Christine Joy told the Board that legislation recently passed that extended the remote meeting provision through March 31, 2023. Selectman John Traynor said, “I would like to see us in person as long as we can broadcast it and have Zoom.” Selectman Mark Russo said, “I think ultimately a hybrid model is going to be great; I don’t think we are ready. I don’t think we have the technology. I don’t think we have the staffing yet to do it – very strongly in favor of continuing with Zoom for the time being. I think it offers the most opportunity for participation.” He further said that he felt it best to continue with the current model for the convenience of residents, volunteers, and town officials. Joy said that while she is also in favor of the hybrid model eventually, she also doesn’t feel that the town has the technology to run it correctly. “We need some more time to figure out how to make this work for Plympton,” she said.

Traynor stressed that he believed the town did have the technology to make a hybrid model work now. “I’m disappointed,” Traynor said of Joy and Russo’s reluctance to move forward. Joy proposed revisiting the idea on the first of the year. Traynor, instead, proposed that they revisit it when Area 58 confirms that they have the technology in place to properly run a hybrid style meeting. Russo said, “I think there are other issues including staffing issues. Lots of towns are doing this and they have a staff member who is just taking care of the audio/visual, the presentation – it’s what we don’t have.” Traynor countered, “We do have, that’s part of Area 58. You keep saying that, but they are the staff.” “John, that is absolutely incorrect,” Russo said. He continued, “There isn’t enough manpower/womanpower here right now to do those things and do them well.” Traynor got in the final word saying, “I hear you and I think you are overstating the case and I don’t agree with you.” Joy said that the Board would not be taking a vote, but they would be revisiting it in the near future.

The Selectmen also discussed their priorities for FY2023. Joy said that the Selectmen agreed that one of those priorities would be age qualified affordable housing. Russo said that one of his goals would be, “attaining some kind of land so Plymptonians can stay in town.” Russo also highlighted the importance of bettering their technology including making sure the town website is a source of information. He also said he was interested in “a continuing evolution of the budget process.” Traynor agreed about the importance of technology. He also said that the Firehouse and overall town center infrastructure is one of his priorities for the coming year. “When we talk about the Firehouse, we find that, in fact, what we’re talking about is the town campus infrastructure or town center infrastructure,” Traynor explained. “The parking at the Townhouse is atrocious as we know; we do want to put in the ball fields,” he continued.

The Board also discussed having department heads once again begin attending their Selectmen meetings to provide updates. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy shared with the Selectmen a document she developed that would be shared with the department head prior to their appointment. The hope is to provide more structure to these meetings than what was previously had during such meetings the last year. This would allow the Selectmen to have specific questions and concerns ready ahead of the meeting. Traynor suggested that they begin with the library. “I am just totally blown away by the energy that he is putting into this; a lot going on over there,” Traynor said of the Library Director.

The Selectmen took up the granting of the solar easement on the Dennett Elementary School roof. Dennehy explained, “what we’re looking for this evening is a motion… to grant the solar easement for the solar project to Dennett Elementary School and this would run concurrently with the lease and power agreement, and it would also terminate when both of those are concluded.” She further explained that the agreement included the assurance that the town won’t do anything on the town-owned land around the school that could cast a shadow on the solar panels. It will likely be a 20-year agreement. Selectmen voted unanimously to grant the solar easement.

Dennehy provided the Selectmen with a Town Administrator’s Update. “The Route 58 bridge that was in need of some repairs… bids are coming in tomorrow for that work,” Dennehy said. She said that it is a State, not a town project. She also told the Selectmen that work is beginning on the Townhouse roof project. “The gutters were being taken care of today at the Old Townhouse,” she added.

The Selectmen ended their night with their raves for the past few weeks. “My rave would be for the Plympton School Committee and how they frugally managed the budget throughout all of the challenges that they experienced this year, and they are returning over $100,000 to the town,” Joy said. “My rave tonight is for the Board of Selectmen. We had some somewhat challenging issues tonight,” Russo said. “Saluting ourselves and particularly saluting John and Christine tonight,” he added. Traynor said, “My rave would be for the Townhouse team and when I say that I mean the Townhouse center, the campus if you will… it’s really enjoyable the way you can see them working together… looking back to six years ago, you can see we made a lot of progress.”

Halifax election is Saturday

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The Town Collector and Treasurer position in Halifax is currently vacant. A special election will be held on Saturday, July 30 at the Halifax Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to fill the position.

One of the candidates for the open seat is the current Assistant Collector Linda McCarthy. McCarthy describes herself as a lifelong resident of Halifax where she was raised by her parents alongside her four siblings. She attended Silver Lake Regional High School and is now married with two children. McCarthy said that she stayed home with her children while they were young. “When it came time for my youngest to start school, it was the first year that kindergarten was a full day. Part-time paraprofessionals were needed, and I thought what a better time to reenter the workforce. That paraprofessional job started my journey working for the town,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy earned an Associates Degree in Science with Certification of Completion specializing in Clerical Skills from Massasoit Community College. “I worked for many years for two different real estate attorneys specializing in foreclosures and real estate closings,” McCarthy explained. She continued, “I have knowledge of many aspects of the foreclosure process such as the preparation and recording of pertinent documentation in a timely manner. I have prepared documents for closings whether it be for a sale, a purchase, or a refinance of a home or property. Most importantly, the disclosure statement which consists of all the figures involved in the individual closing. I also have experience in reading title examinations.”

McCarthy said that following her seven years of experience as a paraprofessional in the school, she took on the role of administrative assistant at the Collector’s Office in Town Hall. “When I was offered the position, it was an easy transition. I worked my way up to Assistant Collector and have held that position for nine years,” she said. McCarthy said that her myriad of responsibilities include printing and mailing out all bills and taking in and processing the bills, abatements, and refunds as needed. “I work closely with many different departments, the Assessors, the Accountants, Water and Fire Department, Building Department… as well as the Deputy Collector,” McCarthy explained. Since holding the position, she attended necessary classes to become a certified collector.

“I also have knowledge in many aspects of the Treasurer’s Department including departmental turnovers, payroll, entering new employees; with the vast amount of experience and knowledge I’ve acquired being the assistant tax collector, I feel I am the most qualified candidate for this position, and I am ready to assume any and all new responsibilities,” McCarthy said.

The other candidate for the seat is Karen Fava. Fava has been a resident of Halifax for the last 28 years where she raised her two daughters with her husband Joseph. Fava now has five grandchildren, two of whom attend Halifax Elementary School and are active in town sports. “My 40 years’ experience includes working in the real estate, finance, and mortgage lending industry,” she explained. Fava continued, “While working in the private sector I held various positions that allowed me to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to advance as a successful leader; positions that I’ve held include real estate broker, senior mortgage processor, mortgage underwriter, loan originator, real estate escrow analyst, mortgage servicing specialist, national training manager, and national processing manager.”

Fava spent several years as a member of the Halifax Finance Committee. “I had the pleasure to work closely with all departments, department heads, and was the liaison to the Board of Selectmen, Police, Fire, Capital Planning, and Wage and Personnel,” she explained. Fava continued, “As a member of the Finance Committee, I had the opportunity to gain extensive knowledge of the complexities in preparing a balanced budget for Town Meeting. I’m creative, focused, driven, detail oriented, organized, have great time management skills, and understand the importance of meeting deadlines and can successfully manage a team.” Fava said that her experience includes understanding of the foreclosure process, tax liens, accounts payable and receivable, finance, audit, and research. “I’ve been instrumental in bringing new ideas to improve current processes for companies and excel at problem solving,” Fava said.

Fava, who said her passion is to help people and stay active in the community, has completed several management training courses, and is certified as a life coach. Additionally, she has passed the nationwide multi-state licensing exam for loan originators. Fava also volunteered for the H.U.G.S. Organization out of East Bridgewater which assists victims of domestic violence.

Asked why she is running, Fava said, “The experience I’ve gained over the years has prepared me with the knowledge and judgment necessary to successfully handle the complex financial responsibilities as Treasurer/Collector.” Fava said, “During this campaign, I did a little research and I discovered as of June 22, 2022, there were 71 Halifax properties in tax title totaling $635,868; another $153,169 that were delinquent for 2021 taxes. We need a solution for this issue because the non-delinquent taxpayers, pay more to offset delinquency not being paid by others.” Fava said that she will “always put the taxpayers of Halifax first.” She also asked that residents “vote for change you can count on.”

Leigh & Friends Puppet Show at Kingston Library

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Through Me To You Puppetry invites everyone to join Newton and the gang on Friday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. for some storytime fun!

Newton and his puppet friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids.At the end of the show, the kids are invited to say hi to Newton and give him a high-five. They can even play with some of Newton’s puppets during a hands-on Puppet Free Play session! This program is recommended for ages 0-5 and will be held in the Library Tent.

If it rains this program will be held in the children›s room.

No registration required.

Southeast Mass in Level 2 Critical Drought

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared the eastern half of Massachusetts to be in a Level 2 Significant Drought with severe consequences to local agriculture and private wells.   

Bill Lindsay, Halifax Water Superintendent, said Tuesday that the town is in reasonably good shape as far as water is concerned.  Over the weekend, he told The Express, the town pumped three quarters of a million gallons of water from the town’s wells, but residents seem to be following the water restrictions to safeguard the town’s supply.

To get from the town’s wells into a Halifax faucet, Lindsay explained, the water is pumped up into the big blue water tank that makes the water pressure necessary to flow throughout the town.  The wells pump into the system until it reaches 34 feet in the tank and then they shut off.  As long as people keep adhering to the restrictions, Lindsay doesn’t foresee any problems.

Just to review – The following Halifax water restrictions were revised due to the declaration of a Level 2 – Significant Drought in the Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth.

As of July 14, 2022, the following outside water restrictions are in place.

SUNDAY: No Watering

MONDAY: No Watering

TUESDAY:

ODD NUMBEREDdHOUSES before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: No Watering

THURSDAY: EVEN NUMBERED HOUSES before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.

FRIDAY: No Watering

SATURDAY: No Watering

Sprinklers are allowed during the above-specified hours. Washing cars, boats, or equipment is no longer allowed.

As the drought conditions worsen across parts of the Commonwealth, MEMA reminds residents to exercise caution when using charcoal grills, backyard fire pits, and other open flame outdoor activities to prevent outdoor fires,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “Residents can also assist during the drought by minimizing water usage and following any local water restrictions for their area.”

Please refer to the Water Department page, on the Town of Halifax website for full description of restrictions and enforcement policies.

The Board of Water Commissioners appreciates your cooperation and will continue to modify and/or relax restrictions as we navigate this season.

If these restrictions are not adhered to the following fines will be enforced:

   1st Offense –  Verbal Warning

       2nd Offense –  $50 fine

       3rd Offense –  $100 fine

       4th Offense – TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE AND $250.00 TURN ON FEE.

If you have a well, please go to the Board of Health and obtain a well or irrigation well number.  This number must be posted on the front lawn to avoid the Water Department or Police from stopping at your house to enforce this policy.

WATER RESTRICTIONS in KINGSTON

As part of the Town of Kingston’s water withdrawal permit, the Board of Water Commissioners has issued the following water restriction to be effective immediately: Even numbered houses may water on even numbered days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Odd numbered houses may water on odd numbered days before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Top state officials are urging water conservation and fire vigilance.