If you want to call a turkey, just talk to Randy Sullivan. He can give you a lot of choices that he creates in his Plympton workshop: slate calls, wing-bone calls, box calls, scratch box calls, trough calls, long paddle box calls that make a higher pitch, each designed to catch the ear of an ambitious Tom looking for a hen. Or you can work a crow caller. Why would you want to make sounds like a crow? To wake up the turkeys early in the morning so you can take your shot. Or owl calls, so turkeys think there are owls nearby and flush, or leave their cover.
The workmanship is beautiful, but Randy doesn’t take all the credit for that – the choice of the wood gives a lot to the appearance. A favorite is flame elm, a pale beauty with a streak or two of rose pink running through it.
Each handcrafted turkey call makes a distinctive sound. Randy demonstrated how a piece of wood used in the long paddle box caller is shaped to a specific curve to help give the call its voice. He told of his friendship with Dick Kirby, founder of Quaker Boy Game Calls, a legendary turkey call maker who gave Randy the formula for that curve, and Randy uses it to this day. The friend has since passed but the art of the turkey call continues through the friends like Randy he mentored.
While once you could just look up a Sullivan turkey call on eBay; these days he is more selective. He now has a following, people he makes calls for every year. “I just started making calls for the kids,” Sullivan continued. “Probably 70% of the calls I make go to the kids or for fundraisers all over the country, and that’s all right.” He said he donates a fair number of calls to the Carver Sportsmen’s Club for their youth hunts and gets a lot of satisfaction when a young hunter sends him a picture of their first turkey.
Once plentiful in colonial Massachusetts, the last known wild turkey was killed in 1851, according to the Mass.gov website. Native turkeys had been driven out of their habitat and hunted to extinction. The Mass Wildlife naturalists undertook re-introducing the wild turkey to the Massachusetts landscape in the western part of the state in the 1970s. Biologists relocated 37 wild turkeys from flocks in New York state. Those birds thrived and by 1978 the count was estimated at about 1,000. The turkey relocation and re-introduction was a success. Turkeys were introduced to areas east of the Connecticut River and throughout the northeastern, and southeastern areas of the state until the mid 1990s when the count for these birds was more than 25,000. In 1991 the wild turkey was named the official Massachusetts Game Bird.
If you’d like to talk turkey with Randy Sullivan just email him at randysullivan11@gmail.com
Local students will perform in Nutcracker ballet
Sixty-five dancers from 19 South Shore communities take to the ballet stage for a beloved holiday entertainment tradition.
Celebrating the magic of the holidays through the joy of dance, South Shore Ballet Theatre will present the seasonal classic “The Nutcracker,” on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., at Thayer Academy Center for Performing Arts, 745 Washington Str., Braintree.
For more than 14 years, South Shore Ballet Theatre’s full-length production of “The Nutcracker” has celebrated the magic of the holidays on Boston’s South Shore. Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s tale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” and set to Tchaikovsky’s treasured musical score, “The Nutcracker” is the dance classic that offers quintessential enchantment for holiday season entertainment. Become entranced by Clara as she explores a charmed world from her family’s living room on Christmas Eve, adventures through an enchanted forest of dancing snowflakes, into the magical Land of The Sweets led by the Sugar Plum Fairy.
“This year is very special as we welcome back two South Shore Ballet Theatre graduates to perform the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Dew Drop,” shares SSBT Founding Artistic Director Marthavan McKeon. “We are also thrilled to welcome back Leslie Woodies as part of our production team, who is sharing her expertise with the dancers as well as working with me to update this year’s production with quite a few surprises for the audience.” McKeon notes that Woodies previously served on SSBT’s senior faculty for many years, and now serves as a projection designer with Harbor Media’s Kristina Yannotta.
Known for its spectacular professional-quality productions, SSBT engages guest artists in The Nutcracker’s leading roles, including Olivia Hansen of Cohasset as Sugar Plum Fairy, a SSBT graduate, appearing courtesy of The Dallas Conservatory’s Classical Training Program, Wyatt Payne as the Cavalier of American Midwest Ballet in Omaha, Nebraska, Lila Jacobs as Dew Drop, a current National Ballet of Canada student, as well as a SSBT graduate and Hingham native, and Harry Yamakawa-Moser as Drosselmeyer, SSBT Faculty member. The production also engages 65 student dancers from SSBT’s ballet training programs, residing in 19 South Shore communities.
Founded in 2008, South Shore Ballet Theatre is the South Shore region’s pre-professional ballet school featuring world class faculty, training tomorrow’s dancers today! SSBT’s mission is to provide students and their families with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of ballet and related dance disciplines in a safe and nurturing environment, encouraging students to strive to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of course of study.
Tickets to “The Nutcracker” range between $20 to $30, are now available for purchase at 29965.danceticketing.com/r/events. The event is family-friendly and performs in approximately 90 minutes. To donate to support South Shore Ballet Theatre Foundation’s scholarship program, or for more information about SSBT’s programs, tuition, and performances, visit southshoreballettheatre.com, call 781-312-7224, or follow South Shore Ballet Theatre on social media.
About South Shore Ballet Theatre
Founded in 2008, South Shore Ballet Theatre (SSBT) is the South Shore region’s pre-professional ballet school featuring world class faculty, training tomorrow’s dancers today! SSBT’s mission is to provide students and their families with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of ballet and related dance disciplines in a safe and nurturing environment, encouraging students to strive to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of course of study.
SSBT students frequently take the performance stage including the beloved full-length production of “The Nutcracker”, their annual Spring Gala and throughout the year collaboratively with local schools and arts programs, sharing the appreciation of dance with the local community.
SSBT staff are committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. All students are welcome regardless of appearance, gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or disability. SSBT maintains an open-door policy so that all individuals may join the SSBT community and share this art form.
SSBT’s programs include American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT®) National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
For more information about South Shore Ballet Theatre, its programs, tuition, scholarships, and performances, visit SouthShoreBalletTheatre.com, call 781-312-7224, or follow South Shore Ballet Theatre on social media.
Special Town Meeting Nov. 30
Residents of Plympton will convene Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Dennett Elementary School, 80 Crescent St., to consider seven articles on the warrant that include the following:
Article 1 asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, gift, or eminent domain the lands off Palmer Road, Maple Street and Main Street, such acreage known as “Turkey Swamp”, including any buildings and improvements thereon, and any interests in abutting lands that may be convenient to provide access, for open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes. The lands will be held in the custody and control of and managed by the Conservation Commission. Any and all related costs, deposits to secure purchase agreement, attorneys’ fees will be appropriated from the Community Preservation fund and expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Article 1 also asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen and/or such other Town boards or commissions as the Selectmen may designate, to apply for, accept and expend any sums, including grants and/or reimbursements, that may be provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under Chapter 132A, Section 11, including the Massachusetts Municipality Vulnerability Preparedness Program, or by any other public or private source, to defray all or a portion of the costs of said acquisition, and to enter into all agreements, execute any and all instruments, and take any and all actions as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the foregoing purposes; or take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 2 asks the Town will vote to amend the Town’s General Bylaws to add a new section to authorize the Treasurer establish payment agreements, or Tax Title Payment Plans for parcels of land in tax title to allow delinquent taxpayers to pay off their tax liens over time – up to five years – for both commercial and residential property, industrial, and open space. There are specific conditions under which a tax title payment plan may be drawn and may include a waiver of up to 25% of the interest due, provided payments are made in a timely basis according to the agreement.
Town Treasurer Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 3 asks the Town to vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $21,000.00 to the Unemployment Line (Budget Line 30) in the FY 2023 budget as voted in Article 4 at the May 18, 2022 Annual Town Meeting.
Town Treasurer Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 4 asks the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the Massachusetts General Court for special legislation, to allow Stephen Silva to continue his appointment to the position of Fire Chief until age 70. Provided he is mentally and physically capable of performing the duties of his office.
Board of Selectmen Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 5 asks the town will vote to amend the Wage and Personnel Bylaw, Section 11, Sick Leave, by striking subsection (c) in its entirety and by editing subsection (g) to read as follows: (g) Unused sick leave shall be credited and shall accumulate from year to year without limit. Unused sick leave is not eligible for payout in the event of an employee’s separation from the Town for any reason, or take any other action relative thereto.
Board of Selectmen/Wage Advisory Committee Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 6 asks the Town to transfer from available Overlay Surplus funds the sum of $100,000.00 for the purpose of reducing the Fiscal 2023 Interim tax rate.
Board of Assessors Recommended by BOS (3-0)
ARTICLE 7 asks the Town to vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money for the repair and/or replacement of the roof on the Old Town House, including all necessary work and improvements related thereto, or take any other action relative thereto.
Town Properties Committee Recommended by BOS (3-0)
Silver Lake Girls Soccer State Champions!!!
Photos and text by Steve Gilbert
The 2022 Division 2 MIAA Champions for Girls Soccer are the Silver Lake Lakers. With playoff wins over West Springfield, Holliston, number 2 ranked Masconomet Regional and finally top ranked Oliver Ames, Silver Lake secured their first Girls State Soccer Championship on Saturday at Walpole High.
Warrior Mites win Super Bowl!
The Silver Lake Warriors gathered around their trophy for their victory over East Bridgewater Sunday, Nov. 13, winning the Super Bowl for their 10-0 season.
The Warriors are the 3rd and 4th grade players for the Old Colony Youth Football League, or OCYFL, all from Halifax, Plympton, and Kingston.
Coming from a poor showing last year, this team pulled it all together and showed the world and themselves what good players they could be. They are
Bechkam Rondeau, #32; Bobby Bodel, #80; Brady Cleman, #65; Brendan Barrette, #28; Bryan Ledwell, #48; Caleb Hession, #56; Camden Calter, #26; Colby Coleman, #71; Cole Ryan, #3; Declan Barry, #51; Declan Fay, #4; Deegan Rondeau, #16; Delilah Deaton, #8; DJ Barrett, #6; Drew Cyrus, #24; Faolan Mahoney, #85; Georgio Berkachi, #76; Jack Kelley, #17; Jack Calter, #12; Jacob Short, #14; Jake Tassinari, #35; Jameson Dansky, #47; Jaxton Litwinsky, #39; Joey DeWilde, #63; John Fontes, #31; John Paul Kennedy, #62; Kaden Mota, #93; Kayson Berrio, #2; Lucas Astuto, #34; Marc McGarry, Jr., #45; Mason Carbone, #5; Mason Ramsdell, #25; Nicholas Diodato, Jr., #58; Preston Berry, #11; Robert DeWilde, #74; Roland Toulopoulos,#77; and Seth Johnson, #68.
Coaching their team to victory were Erik Barrette, Chris Hession, Marc McGarry, Robby Cahill, John -Michael Fontes, Doug Carbone, Brandon Barry and Bobby Cyrus.
Historic foundation unearthed
Just 50 feet from Winnetuxet Road, Plympton, near the bank of the Winnetuxet River, this huge foundation was excavated to reveal the size of the building project. The barn was part of a complex that included Blanchard’s Sawmill, a poultry shed, and dairy barn, built in 1897. Also unearthed was this cast iron cylinder with an opening at each end. Do you know what it is? Email deb@whphexpress.com. See page 6 for more about the old barn through the words of Eugene Wright.. Photos by Sandi Neumeister
Halifax Board back to three
The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Wednesday, Nov. 9 with a full board for the first time in 76 days. The abrupt resignations of Alex Meade and Ashley DiSesa in August had left just Jonathan Selig as the sole remaining selectman.
John Bruno and Naja Nessralla were elected to the Board following the special town election earlier this month. Selig began with the reorganization of the Board, nominating Bruno to serve as Chair. Bruno said that he wanted to start with his gratitude for what Selig has done the last few months. He also thanked Sandra Nolan saying that she had “provided service that is just well beyond whatever we could have expected from any town employee… she’s done a wonderful job for us.” He also thanked Selectmen Assistant Pam McSherry and Selectmen Secretary Irma Vasel. He then led the packed room in a standing ovation for Selig, Nolan, McSherry, and Vasel before nominating Selig to serve as Vice Chair.
Selig read from a prepared statement saying, “Sometimes trials and tribulations bring out the best in people and I’m happy to say that was the situation here in Halifax. While everyone leaned in to help, there were a few that went above and beyond the call of duty the past 11 weeks and I think they deserve some special recognition.” He called McSherry the “great and powerful Oz.” He also thanked Nolan saying that she took on the role of Town Administrator despite having no interest in doing so because she felt it was in the best interest of the town. He thanked Town Clerk Sue Lawless and her assistant Tara Wakefield commending them for holding both a local and State election on the same day. Selig also thanked his family saying, “I want them to know their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.” Finally, he thanked the people of Halifax for their understanding.
The Selectmen met with Sue Lawless who has been chairing the Search Committee for a new Town Administrator. Lawless said that the Committee had selected three finalists to appear before the Selectmen for interviews. The interviews are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 18.
Police Chief Joao Chaves said that he was bringing forth to the Board two candidates for Patrol Officers. He asked that the Board consider offering a full-time position to William Feltrup with a probationary period of one year. Bruno asked Feltrup to tell them a little bit about himself. “I’ve been in law enforcement for over 10 years now, it’s mostly been with colleges, with five years as a part-timer in Whitman. In college there is a heavy stress on community policing creating an environment where the students, or the town in this case, come to you with their issues so they can be solved either by us or we can point you in a direction where someone else could help you. I believe that is the proper way to police; it’s worked for me for 10 years. It builds a strong community, I feel along with some transparency,” he explained.
The second candidate for a full-time patrolman position was Paul Campbell. Campbell, who is currently an officer at Massasoit Community College, said he oversees the Community Engagement Unit at the school. “I strongly believe that it’s essential to really reach out to your community and really get to know your community,” he explained. “One of the things that I try to do everyday is meet new people and start a conversation about whatever the person wants to talk about… I feel like 75 to 80 percent of policing is relationships,” he continued. The Board voted to hire both officers starting at a Step 3 pay grade.
Bruno read a letter from Dennis Carman who ran for Selectman in the special town election. It said, “To my neighbors and all of my neighbors in this beloved town of Halifax, though I am disappointed that I was not successful in my run for Selectmen in yesterday’s special election, I am heartened that 3,131 people, 57.65 percent of our registered voters, took time out to vote. I congratulate Naja Nessralla and John Bruno for their impressive wins to become Selectmen.” He thanked all the other candidates as well for running positive campaigns. He thanked Selig for his service during unprecedented times and thanked all town employees and volunteers in the town. “Make no mistake, we have significant problems in our cherished hometown; having any doubt of that means you may need to become more engaged in what is happening locally, but please do not add to these problems. Rather, get engaged and become part of the solution. We’re not always going to agree but we must always respect each other and connect with each other as caring human beings who are dedicated to compromise and progress,” Carman’s letter continued.
The Board also went through several recycling abatements as well as scheduling on-site inspections for a number of liquor licenses including Country Club of Halifax, Happy Dragon, Grille 58, Harmony Two Liquors, and others.
Before adjourning, Bruno suggested that the Board consider having regular office hours perhaps monthly. Bruno explained that he believes that residents sometimes attend Selectmen’s meetings in the hopes of discussing a particular issue, but that issue isn’t on the agenda and therefore doesn’t get discussed. He said that the office hours would be intended to allow residents a chance to talk with a Selectman about whatever they feel might be a pressing matter.
Corrigan tells Traffic and Safety Committee about local concerns
Fred Corrigan, a resident of Halifax Estates, has taken on the project of making the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Corrigan told the Halifax Traffic and Safety Committee, chaired by Police Chief Joao Chaves, about speed limits that are just too fast for the area, and blocked vision at intersections and exiting traffic.
Corrigan gave the board the example of exiting Dunkin Donuts onto Plymouth St., where shrubbery has overgrown and limits visibility for drivers trying to exit onto Route 106. Corrigan used a laser pointer to emphasize his photos demonstrating blocked vision and lack of signage to make clear just what the regulations are.
Chief Chaves brought data for several area roads including the intersection of Holmes and Plymouth streets, where Route 36 meets Route 106. Chaves told the assembly that over a period of 7-10 days, major streets in town see 32,000 vehicles using the streets, and while the average speeds are within reason, only a few mph above the posted limit, there are exceptions, up to 107 mph for one vehicle.
Corrigan asked the committee to consider the examples he has delineated and see what can be done. Chaves said that he has hired two new patrolmen this week who will help with traffic enforcement.
A Victorian Christmas musical celebration at Kingston Public Library
The Kingston Public Library will mark the beginning of the holiday season with a special Victorian Christmas celebration featuring musical guest Diane Taraz on Saturday, December 3 at 2 p.m. at the Adams Center, 33 Summer St., Kingston.
Taraz brings a captivating program of Christmas music from the Victorian era, when many of today’s familiar carols were written or revived. She presents these carols, together with fascinating stories about their origins. Taraz will come dressed in an 1850s style hoop-skirted gown, accompanying herself on guitar and dulcimer. There will be many opportunities for the audience to sing along to many well-known favorites.
For years, Taraz has been writing her own songs and breathing life into traditional ones. She brings a dry wit and light touch to explain the intricacies of her music. Taraz has 19 solo CDs, 6 CDs with groups, and four singles to her credit. Taraz has performed at festivals, senior centers, museums, libraries, and other locales all over New England and the Northeast. You can learn more about Diane Taraz on her website – https://dianetaraz.com.
To register for this event, please visit – https://kingstonpubliclibrary.org. For more information, you can contact Steven Miller, Reference Librarian at (781) 585-0517 x6272 or at smiller@kingstonma.gov.
Halifax now has a full board
The seat at the table now won’t be quite so lonely in Halifax as voters chose two selectmen in Tuesday’s special election to join Jonathan Selig in conducting the business of the town.
The special town election was held on the same date as the state’s mid-term election.
John Bruno, former selectman and town moderator, among others, will join Selig, as will Naja Nessralla, who will fill the unexpired term of Ashley Disesa, until May 18, 2024. Bruno, who ran unopposed, will fill the unexpired term of Alexander Meade until May 17, 2025. Nessralla won by a substantial margin, with 1035 votes. His closest opposition came from Dennis Carman who garnered 731 votes. Mary Gravinese won 579 votes, David M. Mascio got 529 votes, and William Smith 228 votes. 467 voters chose not to choose and left their ballots blank. Six voters chose someone else not on the ballot.
In all, 3,180 of Halifax’s 6,241 registered voters cast ballots in Tuesday’s election, just over half, or 50.95%.
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