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Now it Begins!

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The Friday evening, June 3 graduation celebration of Silver Lake Regional High School saw a class full of determination and resilience stride across the stage to accept their diplomas.

The resounding theme of speeches by Class President and Salutatorian Hailey E. Beatrice, Valedictorian Delaney R. Arendt, Vice-president Will P. Canniff, Class Secretary Colleen M. Gabriel, Treasurer Caroline S. Dean, and Historian Stephanie K. Murphy was the obstacles they had overcome and come through stronger and more capable than they ever would have thought.

Class President Beatrice chose resilience, constantly interrupted, and unpredictable, as the words to mark her high school career.  Being able to get through a gas leak, school shutting down, a remote year – these  made her class stronger.  Having met those obstacles, she proclaimed her classmates are “ready for great things.”

Anthony Weber, history teacher and invited faculty member, said through it all the class of 2022 “demonstrated a maturity far beyond your years … setting an example for those who follow.”

Class Valedictorian Delaney R. Arendt, whose brother Lt. Logan Arendt attended graduation through Facetime from his military posting, said, “we have a wealth of high school knowledge to build on… Time, failure, and experience…   I learn nothing from an A; failure keeps us humble, motivates you to try harder.  And with all the lessons learned at Silver Lake, “I think we’ll be all right.”

Michaela Gill, principal of Silver Lake Regional High School told the class, “Had you asked four years ago I never could have imagined a global pandemic, a worldwide shutdown, an unprecedented national school closing…there is no greater honor than to know that your students are leaving your school as thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”

Dr. Jill Proulx, Superintendent of Schools, told about her heroes, and being a part of something much bigger than yourselves.  She told the class of 2022 to dream big dreams.  You can make mistakes and get up.  Rejoice in the possibility of a better tomorrow.  “In the end we are all stories… make it a good one.”

Plympton Police Blotter

MONDAY, MAY 30

1:48 a.m.  Burglar alarm investigated at the Dennett on Crescent Street.

8:19 a.m.  Outside fire extinguished on Brook Street.

7:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of Plympton ambulance to Fuller Street in Middleboro.

7:50 p.m.  Outside fire extinguished on Brook Street.

8:24 p.m.  Medical services rendered on Sheffield Park.

9:37 p.m.  Transport/escort services completed on Upland Road.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

11:54 a.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity at PD on Palmer Road.

4:33 p.m.  Services rendered at inside investigation on Grove Street.

5:36 p.m.  Erratic motor vehicle investigated on Montello Street.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

6:30 a.m.  Animal control services rendered on Brook Street.

7:56 a.m.  Services rendered at detector issue on Ring Road.

3:51 p.m.  Hospital transport of Plympton ambulance to Wapping Road in Kingston.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

9:06 p.m.  Report taken of threats at PD on Palmer Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

11:27 a.m.  Investigation at follow-up on Spring Street.

3:13 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency on Thomas Blanchard Drive.

5:19 p.m.  Services rendered at lost/recovered property on Pleasant Street.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

1:34 a.m.  Citation issued at motor vehicle stop on Palmer Road.

8:56 a.m.  Burglar alarm investigated on Upland Road.

3:12 p.m.  Report taken of disturbance on County Road.

4:38 p.m.  Hospital transport of suspicious activity on County Road.

Halifax Police Blotter

MONDAY, MAY 30

12:43 a.m.  Suspicious activity investigated on Beechwood Road.

12:11 p.m.  Services rendered at lost/recovered property on Plymouth Street.

4:09 p.m.  911 call confirmed on Ferndale Drive.

5:10 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Third Avenue.

6:11 p.m.  Citation issued at parking complaint at beach on Fourth Avenue.

7:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Parsons Lane.

TUESDAY, MAY 31

6:31 a.m.  911 call investigated on Thompson Street.

12:29 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical alarm on Oak Street.

1:47 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity at HES on Plymouth Street.

4:20 p.m.  Report taken at medical emergency on Monponsett Street.

5:10 p.m.  Report taken of fraud on Oak Street.

10:06 p.m.  Services rendered at inside investigation on Plymouth Street.

11:24 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 call on Twin Lakes Drive.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

6:37 a.m.  Services rendered at animal control on Beechwood Road.

11:18 a.m.  Written warning issued at motor vehicle stop on Walnut Street.

1:58 p.m.  Report taken at investigation on Hickory Road.

2:20 p.m.  Investigation by animal control on Bow Street.

7:03 p.m.  Report taken at suspicious activity on Plymouth Street.

9:21 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle lockout on Holmes Street.

10:36 p.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Monponsett Street.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

12:51 p.m.  Hazmat spill investigated on Plymouth Street.

7:29 p.m.  Hospital transport of 911 call on Palmer Mill Road.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

11:44 a.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle lockout on Plymouth Street.

2:12 p.m.  Report taken of erratic motor vehicle at HES on Plymouth Street.

2:46 p.m.  Services rendered at investigation at PD on Plymouth Street.

6:19 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chestnut Road.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

8:43 a.m.  Arrest at suspicious activity on Marjorie Drive.

10:24 a.m.  Services rendered at noise complaint on Annawon Drive.

10:50 a.m.  911 call investigated on Walnut Street.

11:17 a.m.  Report taken of larceny on Plymouth Street.

3:12 p.m.  Report taken of disturbance on County Road in Plympton.

6:24 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle crash/other at library on Plymouth Street.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

2:25 p.m.  Report taken of threats on Beechwood Road.

2:27 p.m.  Services rendered at threats on Hayward Street.

5:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of suspicious activity on Plymouth Street.

7:51 p.m.  Vandalism investigated on Plymouth Street.

10:57 p.m.  Hospital transport at fire alarm on Palmer Mill Road.

Kingston Police Blotter

SUNDAY, MAY 22

8:55 a.m.  Served in hand at assist of FD on Foster Lane.

10:12 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

10:41 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

11:28 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

12:46 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:47 p.m.  Legal document served in hand on Summer Street.

5:45 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Kingston Collection Way.

6:09 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Tremont Street & Dillingham Way.

7:36 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

MONDAY, MAY 23

7:57 a.m.  Hospital transport at police officer request on Brook Street.

9:46 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Crimson Harvest Drive.

10:57 a.m.  Hospital transport of well-being check on Oldfield Drive.

12:26 p.m.  Report taken at serving of legal document at PD on Main Street.

12:43 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Summer Street & Duxbury Road.

1:02 p.m.  Services rendered at follow-up investigation at PD on Main Street.

1:08 p.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Pembroke Street.

1:42 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

2:22 p.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle query on Main Street.

3:26 p.m.  Report taken of identity theft on Wapping Road.

4:04 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Duxbury Road & Bay Path.

4:41 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Rocky Nook Avenue.

4:53 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Pilgrim Street.

5:21 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Grove Street.

5:39 p.m.  Services rendered at unwanted guest on Grove Street.

5:50 p.m.  Report taken at follow-up investigation on Lake Street.

5:53 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash on Wapping Road.

8:21 p.m.  Report taken at follow-up investigation on Ring Road.

TUESDAY, MAY 24

6:04 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Green Street.

8:49 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

9:08 a.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Elm Street.

10:36 a.m.  Report taken of missing/lost property on Smiths Lane.

12:05 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Pottle Street.

12:49 p.m.  Report taken at found/seized property on Gallen Road.

1:21 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Riverside Drive.

4:57 p.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Pottle Street.

5:01 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

5:12 p.m.  Arrest made of 43 y.o. Kingston male at warrant service on Main Street.

5:29 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Main Street.

6:05 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Main Street.

7:12 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency at PD on Main Street.

9:53 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency on Indian Pond Road.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

6:18 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Riverside Drive.

7:02 a.m.  Services rendered at building/property check at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

8:02 a.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Summer Street.

8:49 a.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Pembroke Street.

10:18 a.m.  Report taken of motor vehicle complaint at Brookdale & Winter streets.

10:22 a.m.  Services rendered at found/seized property on Captain Jones Way.

10:36 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

11:49 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:03 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request at Pilgrims Hope on Bishops Highway.

1:12 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

1:49 p.m.  Services rendered at building/property check at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

2:04 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

3:45 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Duxbury Road & Route 3 SB.

4:35 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Main Street.

4:39 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

4:43 p.m.  Animal services rendered on Landing Road.

5:06 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash at Main Street & Center Hill Road.

5:44 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

6:25 p.m.  Report taken at motor vehicle crash on Main Street.

8:32 p.m.  Services rendered at road hazard on Wapping Road.

8:47 p.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Brook Street.

THURSDAY, MAY 26

7:58 a.m.  Arrest made of 27 y.o. Kingston male at warrant service on Silver Lake Drive.

8:00 a.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRHS on Pembroke Street.

8:05 a.m.  Report taken of damage/vandalism on Prospect Street.

9:30 a.m.  Report taken at police officer request at SLRMS on Pembroke Street.

11:01 a.m.  Services rendered at well-being check on Grandview Avenue.

12:39 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on South Street.

1:33 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Kingston Collection Way.

5:15 p.m.  Legal document served in hand on Elm Street.

6:42 p.m.  Report taken of larceny on Brook Street.

7:58 p.m.  Services rendered at found/seized property at Summer & Green streets.

9:09 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request on Round Hill Road.

11:06 p.m.  Party spoken to at suspicious activity on Millgate Road.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

1:55 a.m.  Services rendered at motor vehicle query on Main Street.

6:47 a.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Chipman Way.

11:20 a.m.  Services rendered at suspicious activity on Wolf Pond Road.

12:39 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:06 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Chipman Way.

1:24 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Evergreen Street.

2:14 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Pembroke Street.

2:33 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Kingston Collection Way.

2:51 p.m.  Services rendered to assist other agency at Smiths Lane & Crescent Street.

3:20 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on West Street.

3:34 p.m.  Services rendered at medical emergency on Main Street.

4:01 p.m.  Vehicle towed at motor vehicle crash on Pembroke Street.

7:16 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Arbor Hills Drive.

7:45 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 hang-up call on Silver Lake Drive.

8:55 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Kingston Collection Way.

SATURDAY, MAY 28

12:20 a.m.  Party spoken to at noise complaint on Wharf Lane.

1:04 a.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Brentwood Road.

2:03 a.m.  Party spoken to at suspicious activity at beach on Grays Beach Road.

9:30 a.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Summer Street.

11:05 a.m.  Animal services rendered on Kingston Collection Way.

11:57 a.m.  Written warning issued at motor vehicle stop on Winter Street.

12:15 p.m.  Services rendered at 911 hang-up call on East Avenue.

12:59 p.m.  Party spoken to at police officer request on Chipman Way.

1:56 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Orchard Avenue.

3:14 p.m.  Report taken at police officer request on Oldfield Drive.

3:57 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Summer Street.

4:11 p.m.  Hospital transport of medical emergency on Kingston Collection Way.

4:48 p.m.  Services rendered to assist FD on Summer Street.

5:50 p.m.  Services rendered at larceny on Kingston Collection Way.

  6:19 p.m.  Report taken of larceny on Kingston Collection Way.

7:51 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Pembroke Street.

10:13 p.m.  Services rendered at police officer request on Blair Drive.

10:37 p.m.  Vehicle towed at motor vehicle crash on Seaver Avenue.

What’s happening at Halifax Elementary?

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On Thursday, June 2, Halifax Seniors from Silver Lake High School came to Halifax Elementary School and paraded through the hallways in their caps and gowns.  Current HES students made signs and clapped and wished them well.   We wish all the Silver Lake High School seniors the best for their futures.   We know they will do great things!

Cuozzo named interim Chief

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Jason Viveiros resigned as Halifax Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director and began a new position as Fire Chief in Pembroke on June 1.

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to serve this great community for the last eight years. I couldn’t be prouder of what this Department has accomplished during this time. I will forever be grateful to the men and women of the Halifax Fire Department for their support and commitment to public safety. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance during the transition process,” Viveiros’ letter of resignation read.

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met with Viveiros on Wednesday, May 25 to discuss the possible appointment of an interim Fire Chief as well as the recruitment process for a new Chief. Viveiros, who had written a letter of recommendation, said he was recommending that the Board name Captain Jeff Cuozzo as the interim, pending contract negotiation. Viveiros said that Cuozzo had assumed that role in the past for over 6 months.

“He is the senior officer in the Department. Jeff is highly educated – has a master’s degree, multiple bachelor’s degrees, many fire service certifications. He is more than capable to serve in the interim role,” Viveiros said. Selectman Ashley DiSesa asked Cuozzo if it was something that he wanted to take on and he responded, “Yes, in the interim, yes.” DiSesa also asked him if he had a timeline for how long he was willing to act in the role. “Nope, no, I’m available… I really am flexible with the town. Whatever the town needs,” Cuozzo said. He did make it clear that the permanent role was not something he was interested in at this time in his life and career.

Regarding recruitment, Viveiros said that a lot of towns spend a lot of money on advertising and large searches. He told the Board, “My opinion, there is going to be a lot of local candidates that are highly qualified that would be best suited for the position.” Viveiros read a bit from a sample listing that he created. He said, “the ideal candidate would have a bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field, 15 years of professional experience in an EMS/Fire Department, and at least five years as a company officer or higher.” Viveiros also offered a recommended salary which was disclosed only to the Selectmen.

Viveiros said that his template could be posted to the Mass Municipal Jobs website. He also recommended forwarding it the Fire Chiefs Association of MA (FCAM). He said it would reach all firefighters in Massachusetts and even some out of state firefighters who may be searching for a job.

Viveiros told the Selectmen that some towns hire a consultant. He recommended the current Secretary/Treasurer of FCAM and said that he asked him to offer a quote to the Board. He said that he could run an assessment center that would involve bringing in retired chiefs to act as evaluators. That group would do initial interviews, pick four finalists that they would run through the assessment center, and then offer a final recommendation to the Board. Viveiros said that the consultant he conferred with recommended possibly forming a Committee consisting of a Selectman, Town Administrator, Police Chief, and possibly a citizen at large to assist in the interview process.

DiSesa initially recommended trying to search without the consultant first to see how it goes. Selectman Jonathan Selig felt that it would be better to go with a consultant. “It’s pretty reasonable to have someone assess the candidates and have someone that is totally unbiased that can structure those interview questions,” Viveiros said of the consultant fee and services. “I, for one, know I’m not qualified to read a resume for fire chief,” Selectman Alex Meade said. After the discussion, DiSesa agreed. They agreed to form a search committee consisting of Selig, Interim Town Administrator Ed Thorne, Cuozzo, Police Chief Joao Chaves pending his agreement, and a citizen at large. Talent bank forms will need to be submitted for residents interested in serving on the Committee.

The Selectmen voted to form the Search Committee and have Viveiros post the job description the very next day. They also voted to have Selig take the lead in working with the consultant. Cuozzo was named as the Interim Fire Chief. “I just want to have on the record, just to thank you for all you’ve done – going above and beyond and doing more than the average fire chief does,” Selig said to Viveiros. Cuozzo said he was happy that Viveiros would still be nearby.

TRIAD group hears Halifax history

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History buff Marc Valentine spoke at the last TRIAD meeting bringing answers to questions you might not have known to ask, such as “Did Buffalo Bill ever come to Halifax?”

He did.  The famous frontiersman and showman visited the area on several occasions and the stories were written in The Brockton Enterprise.  Buffalo Bill was interested in the Native American artifacts and vistied Sachem Rock.

What is the connection between famous Charles “Lucky” Lindberg and the Town of Halifax?

According to the front page of the Brockton Enterprise dated May 20, 1927, the “Lone Wolf” in his monoplane “The Spirit of St. Louis”was sighted in Halifax, flying a mere 100 feet of the ground, skimming treetops and coming dangerously close  to the steeple of the Congregational Church, one of the highest points in Plymouth County at the time.

Residents were looking skyward hoping to catch sight of the plane on its solo flight across the Atlantic to Paris.  They weren’t disappointed.  In fact many said they could read the tail numbers NX-211.  Their cheers and waves of encouragement were rewarded when “Lindy” sent a telegram to the town from Paris thanking them for their spirit.

Valentine, who is also known in the area as the keeper of the huge American flag, is quite a history buff and tells his stories, all documented, to willing listeners.

TRIAD meets in the meeting room of the Halifax Police Station, Route 106, on the first Tuesday of each month, offering speakers with topics of interest.   This month’s meeting, June 7, at 10 a.m. will feature the Sheriff of  Plymouth Coumty who will tell his audience about the history of the country’s oldest Sheriff’s department and share stories and anecdotes about some of the famous people who have been in custody there, as well as other historical items about the area.

Memorial Day post pandemic

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After two years inside it was obviously time to get out and celebrate.  Families lined the parade routes, veterans, kids, and adults marched, and solemn words were spoken to honor the fallen and those who served.

When the parade concluded and all the words were said, in Plympton, people went on to a cookout and a Touch A Truck display, both put on by the Plympton Fire Department.

Kingston rolled out the welcome mat and invited all to come celebrate at their post-parade cookout with some of Kingston’s best chefs preparing the food, alongside some well-known Town Hall persons..

Everyone was ready – and the weather couldn’t have been better.

Halifax Select Board reorganizes

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The new iteration of the Halifax Board of Selectmen met in-person on Tuesday, May 24. Ashley DiSesa, who is now the longest serving selectmen, was nominated and voted in as Chair. DiSesa nominated Alex Meade as Vice-chair saying, “just because he has sat on a board before.” This left Jonathan Selig to serve as Clerk. Meade defeated previous Chair of the Board of Selectmen Gordon Andrews for a three-year term during the latest town election. Selig won a one-year term that was left vacant after the resignation of longtime Selectman Troy Garron.

Selectmen Liaisons

The Board also worked out who would be the liaison to various town departments and committees. Selig jokingly referred to it as a “fantasy draft.” Selig was elected to be the liaison to the schools as well as the Fire Department. Meade became the liaison to the Highway Department, Cemetery, Capital Planning, and the Finance Committee. DiSesa is the liaison to the Chief Procurement Officer, the Police Department, and Holidays in Holidays. Other assignments were made as well. Later in the meeting, DiSesa was appointed as the Representative for Halifax to the Old Colony Elder Services.

Liquor License Transfer

There was a continuation of the hearing to transfer an alcohol beverage license from Lily Café II to Dragon Lake Village Inc. The owner of Lily Café called it a “bittersweet moment” but said “it is time to move on.” “Thank you for being so great to our town,” DiSesa said. Selig asked, “are the scorpion bowls going to be as good?” The Selectmen approved the transfer of the liquor license.

Talent Bank Forms

DiSesa said they had talent bank forms for Colby Silva, Elizabeth Colling, and Matthew Smith for the Beautification Committee. DiSesa recommended holding interviews with the applicants and the other Selectmen agreed. Amy L. Troup interjected from the audience that Colby Silva had already been appointed and noted her work in cleaning up litter from the town.

Waste Management Contract

The Selectmen met with Todd Koep from DEP and Town Accountant Sandy Nolan regarding the solid waste contract. Nolan said that when the town went to Waste Management to seek a two-year extension of their contract, the price came back quite high. She said that as a result, they went out to bid and the sole bidder had an even higher price. “We are running into an issue because the town of Halifax uses the bags. Most of the trash companies do not want to pick up the trash anymore; they want to use the toters because the truck has the mechanical lift,” Nolan explained. She said that Waste Management has agreed to extend the contract for a year and work with the town on moving toward toters.

“You guys [Halifax] have the lowest pounds per household,” Koep said of the 31 towns he represents. Koep said he would hate to see the trash increase noting that he was in favor of holding off on the transition for a year. “I would like to keep flexibility as far as sizing goes; I know you say other towns can pick up the 35s and I’ve seen trucks pick up the 35s before. Whatever plan we would like to do… we have to make sure that the single person in Halifax Estates with a 35 is not paying the same price as myself, with a family of five, with a larger one; I would ask that we consider a plan that is a sliding scale,” Selig said. Koep called that method a “difficult option” for several reasons. Town Administrator Ed Thorne recommended that the town go with the one-year deal and then form a committee to review all the options. The Selectmen voted to approve the one-year contract.

Paper Streets

Highway Surveyor Steve Hayward met with the Board to discuss the rules and regulations for the cremation garden in Halifax. Hayward discussed when and how he would attach flags to veterans’ sites. The Board approved the rules and regulations as laid out by Hayward. They also approved an increase in headstone foundations.

Hayward also showed the Selectmen pictures of Fayette St. from 2nd Ave. “As you can see from the picture, Fayette just stops and 2nd Ave goes from along the trees… they are called paper streets for a reason because only from the map you can see it,” Hayward explained. Hayward said that people in town were starting to complain, and Selig said, “they would like a street.” Hayward said the area in question would never be wide enough to pave or become an accepted road. He said that most towns don’t do anything with paper streets but noted that Halifax does take care of some of them. “How do you want to handle it?” Hayward asked the Selectmen. He showed them a house on the area and said that every winter they get calls from them asking them to plow.

Hayward said that the town has a lot of paper streets and that he was seeking a uniform answer to provide residents on these streets. “It’s usually a court case, that’s how they handle it,” Hayward said. “I think we need some legal guidance on this,” DiSesa said. They agreed to talk to town counsel and move further discussion on the issue to their next meeting. They also briefly discussed the paving of the ends of driveways that are damaged by town plows. Hayward said that in neighboring Plympton, residents must get a permit before paving their driveway. They agreed to move that to the following meeting as well after seeking advice from town counsel.

Pride Day Update

Lori Costa-Cline met with the Board to provide a Pride Day update. She said that they were able to secure a disc jockey “after a lot of effort.” As a result, she was seeking a live entertainment permit. She also said that they have 25 vendors and said they are anticipating a crowd. They will likely need a police detail at the event as well. She said that some vendors have requested electricity and asked if they could use the Town Hall’s electricity. The Selectmen approved the live entertainment permit and use of electricity presuming all necessary paperwork was filled out. “I would welcome all to come, it’s going to be a really fun, family-friendly event,” Costa-Cline said.

Town Green Request

There was a request by the Council on Aging (COA) for use of the town green on July 15. COA Director Darlene Regan told the Board that they were using a Mass Cultural Council grant to pay for a guitarist. She said they may also have an ice cream truck or some other type of food vendor. The Selectmen voted to approve the use of the town green.

Correspondence from Regional School Committee

Selig read correspondence from the Regional School Committee Chair Paula Hatch that said, “The Silver Lake Regional School Committee has been contacted by Jim Hickey, Selectman from Hanson and Chairman of their De-regionalization Feasibility Study Committee, the town of Hanson is considering terminating their existing regionalization agreement with the town of Whitman and is exploring alternatives for their schools. Jim has requested a meeting with the appropriate parties to have a high-level discussion about the possibility of Hanson joining our regional school district.” The letter said the issue is in it’s “infancy.” DiSesa said that they would reach out to Hatch and let her know that they would be willing to entertain a meeting on the matter.

ARPA Funds

Nolan told the Selectmen that Plymouth County Treasurer Tom O’Brien said that the second half of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are being held up, but it should be temporary, and the funds should be received in June. DiSesa asked that the issue be moved to the next meeting.

Search for New Town Administrator

DiSesa told the other Selectmen that there are three if not four potential candidates who will be interviewed on June 1. “Hopefully we will have a new TA soon,” DiSesa said. “No offense Ed, we love you; I know you don’t want to stay forever,” she said to Thorne.

Comcast Discussion

DiSesa said that Plympton is getting Fios. She said that Halifax isn’t happy with Comcast, and she wanted to find out how other towns are getting Fios. IT Director Cesar Calouro was in attendance for the discussion. Thorne said that he would set up a meeting with Calouro and the attorney handling negotiations for the town. “If he has a pros and cons and reasons why we shouldn’t I would like to hear it…I think it is important that we are looking at all options because I know that the community as a whole wasn’t really happy with Comcast and they were being told it was the only option,” DiSesa said.

Town Administrator’s Update

Thorne said that a letter from the Governor said that the town would be receiving $250,000 to support local economic recovery. He said he had a call in to Representative Josh Cutler’s office to find out more about it. He said there were other earmarks that he said, “were normal for the legislature.” One is $20,000 for the replacement of water fountains with water bottle refill stations in town buildings.

Thorne also told the Selectmen about a Department of Transportation (DOT) letter regarding a winter recovery assistance program. “This is part of, I believe, the COVID program… the town is going to get… $174,524,” Thorne explained. He said it was based on the town’s 52 miles.

Selectmen eye Carver progress

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The Plympton Board of Selectmen met virtually on Monday, May 23. They began with a reorganization of the Board. Christine Joy was once again elected as the Chair while John Traynor was voted in as Vice-Chair and Mark Russo as the Clerk.

Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy provided an update on the North Carver Redevelopment Project. She said that they had received some correspondence from residents who live in the affected area regarding heavy truck traffic around Montello St. Dennehy said that a meeting was being arranged between the highway directors of both towns.

“I think they’ve already done some things that they shouldn’t have done, and I don’t think they’ve been very neighborly,” Joy said of Carver. She said that the town needs to take advantage of whatever room is available legally to make sure affected residents are taken care of properly. Russo suggested that a committee might potentially be put together to provide regular updates on the project to both Selectmen and citizens.

Traynor said that he would like to be somewhat aggressive in the town’s approach. He said that if Carver does not respond positively to their requests, they should block the road and make it open to local traffic only and enforce it with a police detail as needed. Russo said he agreed but did not feel that Plympton should have to foot the bill for that police detail. The Selectmen voted to have Dennehy see if there is counsel that can be secured to ensure the best interest of the town.

The Selectmen also discussed the consideration of amendment to the agreement for judgment and settlement with Borrego regarding 61 Upland Rd. (Crescent Moon Cranberry. LLC). Russo said, “there are some strong reasons not to pursue – a long history for a difficult situation, but I have been thinking hard about some of the reasons to proceed and they are tending in my mind to outweigh the reasons not to… this seems like very easy money with little cost to the town.” He went on to say that if the solar project doesn’t go through, the land would be at risk for development. He said that while he does feel Plympton could use more development, he would like it to be done well and with strong input from town government. “In truth, Borrego’s been a good partner,” Russo said adding that both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board have signed off on the project unanimously.

Joy asked if it would be possible to ask Borrego to purchase the entirety of the land and donate some of it back to the town for conservation to stop development. Jonathan Eichman of KP Law was on the call and was asked to please draft language asking Borrego if they would consider amending the settlement agreement as proposed. The Selectmen agreed to discuss further and make a decision during their June 6 meeting.

Dennehy brought to the Selectmen’s attention a historic outstanding balance in the ambulance fund. She said the auditor suggested having the Selectmen acknowledge the balance and write it off. The outstanding balance from the previous provider, COMSTAR, was just over $307,000. Dennehy described the accrued amount as “years and years of uncollected remnants of charges.” “I’m totally content to clear the books and it doesn’t seem to be a problem to periodically do this,” Russo said. The Selectmen voted to close out the account with COMSTAR.

The Selectmen also voted Monday to establish a policy regarding what flags can be flown on municipally owned flag poles. Town Counsel recommended two options, one of which was to prohibit the practice entirely outside of the U.S. flag, the State flag, and perhaps Plympton’s flag. The second option allowed more discernment on the part of the town’s government. Traynor said “I don’t want to be in the role of whose flag can go on the pole and who’s can’t. we have a lot of other things to do.” Joy and Russo agreed opting for the first option.

Dennehy provided a Town Administrator’s update. She said that they were moving along with the Townhouse roof project. She also told the Selectmen that they are working with the Highway Department on another grant funding source that is becoming available. It will provide $115,000 for roadway type projects. Dennehy said they are also looking to secure pricing for several projects so that the Selectmen can look at some potential ARPA projects during their next meeting. She also said that $25,000 has been earmarked for conservation/recreation. She said the funds will help the Town Properties Committee in assessing the sports fields. She also said that it would be used for updates to boardwalks and signage at some of the town’s parks.

Dennehy told the Selectmen that she had correspondence from Finance Committee Chair Nathaniel Sides announcing his resignation from the Committee. Dennehy said she was hopeful he would reconsider. “It would be a shame to have him step down,” she said. Traynor said that he was aware that Sides was unhappy with how certain votes went at town meeting. He said that Sides felt that the town, with the Selectmen’s backing, went against the recommendation of the Finance Committee on certain articles. Russo recognized that working on the Finance Committee is often a thankless job and said that he also hopes that Sides would reconsider. “I absolutely admire Nate’s work along the way,” Russo said.

The Selectmen ended their meeting with their rants and raves. Traynor said that his rave was for town meeting. “The voters who turned out, the stellar job that our moderator does – he sets the bar very high, that’s for sure,” Traynor said. He did, however, have a rant for the small percentage of registered voters that turned out for the town election. “The town voting was 327 people… only 13.8 percent… it takes 15 minutes to go in and vote… people should at least go in and take the time to support; we basically work for nothing… I always feel validated when I see a higher percentage of the town voting than the towns around us and that wasn’t the case this time,” Traynor lamented. Russo also said that his rave was for town meeting. He also gave a rave for the Plympton Board of Selectmen and the work that is accomplished by the three of them. Joy agreed about town meeting saying, “mine would be town meeting as well – all of the work that goes into it.”

Getting ready for Memorial Day

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Getting the Plympton Town Green ready for Memorial Day was a job made much easier by the volunteered hours of Plympton’s Boy Scout Troop 53 and Kingston’s Troop 4480, under the leadership of Scout Master Mike Domey.

The Scouts cleaned and raked and mulched around the Plympton Public Library as well, putting down mulch and placing flags on veterans’ graves on Friday.  Vicki Alberti and Briggette Martins planted the flowers.

The Memorial Day Parade forms at the Old Town House at the intersection of Main and Center streets and steps off at 10 a.m. Monday morning, Memorial Day, The parade  will march to the Town Green where the benediction will be said, and the poems recited, and “What Memorial Day means to me,” read by a Dennett Elementary School student..

Plympton election sees low turnout – only 13.8 percent voted

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Only 13.8 percent of Plympton’s 2,368 registered voters made it to the Town House in Saturday’s sticky heat – over 90 degrees with 98 percent humidity – to cast their vote.  A dismal showing…

There were only two contests: political newcomer Jared A. Anderson, garnered 187 votes to incumbent Art Morin’s 110 for the three-year Board of Health position. There were also 29 blanks.  Paul D’Angelo, Jr.  retained his position for a three-year term on the Planning Board after being challenged by newcomer Jackson Long.  D’Angelo won with 198 votes to Long’s 78 votes.  There were five blanks.

Question 1 on the ballot saw signs throughout town asking voters to Defend Democracy and Vote No! to making the Town Clerk’s position an appointed, rather than elected position.   The majority of those voting agreed, with 219 voting NO and 101 voting YES.  Seven were blank.

Here’s how the rest of the ballot was voted:

Selectman for three years – John A. Traynor, Jr., 245, Blanks, 76, and various write-ins from Donald Trump to Mickey Mouse, 6.

Assessor for three years – Dean Jafferian won the position with six write-in votes.  There were also 219 blanks and two other write-ins.

The two Finance Committee five-year terms were won by Steven R. Lewis, candidate for re-election, and Michael Lemieux, who garnered nine write-in votes.  Blanks were 258 and others were 11.

Two three-year terms for Library Trustee got 644 votes blank and 10 others write-ins.

The Library Trustee term for two years saw Mark Eubanks win with five write-in votes.  There were 321 blanks and three other write-ins.

Barry DeCristofano will remain Town Moderator for the next three years winning re-election with 260 votes.  There were 67 blanks.

John Schmidt won his bid for re-election with 244 votes.  There were also 83 blanks.

Caitlin Johnson and Suzanne Jafferian are the new Dennett School Committee members with Johnson getting 27 write-in votes and Jafferian getting 16.   There were also 270 blanks and 5 other write-ins.

Jason W. Fraser won 249 votes in his bid for re-election to the Silver Lake Regional School Committee.  There were 74 blanks and four others.

New Halifax select board settles in

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen met in-person on Monday, May 16 ahead of the continuation of town meeting. It was the first meeting for newly appointed Selectmen Alexander Meade who unseated Gordon Andrews for a three-year term, and Jonathan Seelig who was elected to the one-year term that was previously filled by Troy Garron. Ashley DiSesa was the only remaining Selectman from the previous iteration of the Board. The Selectmen were meeting with Town Counsel, the Town Moderator, and the interim Town Administrator to review who would be presenting the various articles left to be discussed and voted on later that evening.

Seelig said he was hoping for a change in the way in which the articles are presented. In the past, the Selectmen would typically present on a given article, but Seelig said he would like to see the appropriate department head speak to them instead. “In the past, our Selectmen would say the narrative. We were hoping maybe, if it’s okay, to do what we used to do in years past to have the actual department head speak the narrative so that way if there is any sort of issue or they want to get to any underlying details that the very knowledgeable person who put the article together will be able to answer,” Seelig explained.

Town Counsel Paul R. DeRensis, who has served as a Selectmen himself for more than three decades including a Selectmen Chair for seven, told both Meade and Seelig that he has an orientation for new Selectmen that he would like to review with each of them individually. DeRensis said he reviews things such as open meeting laws to ensure that there won’t be any violations. He said that he would also cover any disclosures that they may need to make to the Town Clerk regarding their businesses, etc. “It needs to be private because I am looking for information that you may not want anybody else to know – attorney/client privilege. So, if you are planning on suing the town, this is the time to tell me… you know, so I can do a disclosure form for you before you sue the town,” DeRensis explained. Regarding his own time as a Selectmen, he said, “It’s not just a legal presentation, it’s also a practical presentation… I’ve been sued and all this kind of stuff; I can help you learn how to do this.”

There was also a discussion regarding whether the issues brought forth should be based on the wishes of the current Select Board or the previous one. DiSesa, as the vice chair, was told by Counsel that she would be acting as the Chair in the absence of a Chair. The specific article that came into question was Article 42 that sought to make the Board of Selectmen a five-person rather than a three-person Board. Seelig said he didn’t agree with the article but noted, “I would like to give the people the chance to weigh in on it though.” Meade agreed saying he disagreed with the article but wanted to see the town vote on it. They eventually decided to pass over the article that evening and see how the new three-person Board functions before deciding whether to put the article on the warrant for the special town meeting in the fall.

Town Administrator Ed Thorne said that the solid waste contract for the town of Halifax would be expiring at the end of June. “Companies are getting out of getting their people out of the truck, picking up bags, picking up trash, and they are all going to the mechanized system,” Thorne explained. He said that the town would likely need to accept whatever increase comes with a one-year deal with Waste Management to give the town time to figure out a long-term plan. He said the long-term plan would likely be a three-to-five-year deal with a curbside, mechanized company. Thorne said that recycling brings in about $145,000 to the town each year. An additional $300,000 is generated annually by the bags that people buy. No decision was made during the meeting.