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Silver Lake girls soccer wins state semi-final, falls to Whitman-Hanson in state title game

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The two teams faced off twice in the regular season. This was the opportunity to see which was truly the better team. The Silver Lake High girls’ soccer team faced a Patriot League rival, the Plymouth North Eagles, in the state semifinal game on Tuesday, November 16. It was a neutral site game that took place at Whitman-Hanson. The Lakers played a strong and complete game, winning 2-1 to advance to the Division 2 state title match.

There was no score for most of the first half, but the Lakers took the lead right before it ended. Shea Kelleher put one in the back of the net at the 38-minute mark. A few minutes before that, she had another strong shot. However, the ball went off the crossbar that time.

Plymouth North would tie the match in the second half. At the 57 minute mark, Plymouth North capitalized on a free kick from midfield, setting up a goal for the team.

McKenna Sylvester put up the go-ahead goal with about 10 minutes left in the match. She put the Lakers up 2-1. In the final stretch of the game, goalie Emma Hudson made a couple of saves as she picked up the win with a strong performance in net.

When the two teams faced off earlier in the season, Plymouth North won the first time — and the Lakers won the second one. First, Plymouth North beat them 1-0 on October 6. Then, the Lakers won a 2-1 match on October 25 to even the series on the season.

With the win, the Lakers advanced to the state championship game where they faced Whitman-Hanson.

Silver Lake girls’ soccer falls in state title game

It was familiar territory for the Silver Lake High girls’ soccer team.

At the biggest stage of the season, the Lakers faced a familiar challenge: the Whitman-Hanson Panthers. Both sides competed hard, but the Lakers came up short. Whitman-Hanson beat the Lakers 3-1 in the Division 2 state title game at Hingham High School on Saturday, November 20.

Much of the first half was a scoreless contest, but the Lakers struck first in this one. Shea Kelleher got the team on the board with six minutes remaining, giving the Lakers the 1-0 lead. It’s a lead the Lakers would protect going into the half. Lakers goalie Emma Hudson made a save on a Whitman-Hanson shot later in the half to preserve the lead.

While the Lakers kept the lead for most of the second half, Whitman-Hanson surged late. Whitman-Hanson scored three unanswered goals in the final 12 minutes of the match to win it. The first one came following a scrum out in front of the net with 11:28 remaining to tie things at one apiece.

Whitman-Hanson then took the lead three minute later on a penalty kick. The goal was scored on the left side of the net. And Whitman-Hanson added an insurance goal in stoppage time, giving the team a 3-1 lead.

It was the third time this season that the two sides met up. The Lakers won the two regular season matchups: 1-0 on September 24 and 2-0 on October 19.

The Lakers will lose a deep senior class now that their season is over; there were 12 seniors on the varsity roster this fall.

Plympton’s anonymous donor

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The Plympton School Committee met on Monday, Nov. 1. The committee briefly discussed the ongoing issue of dog excrement being left on the playing fields at the Dennett. While Principal Peter Veneto said that he had not received any new complaints, Committee member Amy Hempel said that she was still seeing dog droppings left on the fields despite bags being available. Committee Chair Jon Wilhelmsen said that they would need to come up with a plan going forward before the spring sports season begins.

Regarding the new playground, Director of Business Services Christine Healy asked, “who could imagine a pandemic and 100 mph winds while we are trying to build a playground?” Healy said they were at the phase where they need to order concrete for the footings that couldn’t happen until that morning as the companies had been shut down. Healy also said that once the equipment is in place, a determination will have to be made as to whether the rubberized surface will be able to be placed as it is weather dependent. Wood surfacing will be used until the spring if the rubberized surface cannot be placed. “We’re closer to the completion than we are to the beginning,” Healy said remaining optimistic.

Veneto said that someone, who wished to remain nameless, came to see him and offered a check for $20,000 to be used toward the construction of the playground. “Well, I think that is incredibly generous,” Wilhelmsen said. He further said that he hoped it could be used toward the rubberized surfacing as more of that surface makes the playground more accessible to all users. The committee voted to accept the donation.

Regarding the solar project at the school, Wilhelmsen said they were still working on agreements. He said that one of the challenges is that the laws in the state have changed with respect to pilot agreements for solar projects. He said that the agreement voted upon at town meeting would not be in compliance with the new rules. “So, we have to go back to town meeting,” Wilhelmsen explained. He said they have also joined a group called Power Options who are a consortium of which Select Energy is their chosen provider for solar. As a result, it is not necessary to go out to bid for the solar panels on the roof. Wilhelmsen said the best option would be to go to town meeting in May and approve a new plan.

Committee member Jason Fraser began his legislative update by saying, “The State has more money than it has ever had in its entire history.” He said that the American Rescue Plan Act funds total $6 billion, representing about 15 percent of the State’s annual budget. He said that some of that money has been allocated toward education though Fraser said he didn’t yet know how it would affect them at the local level. He cautioned against the fiscal cliff saying, “we’re working with our delegation up at the State House urging them to use caution, to use patience in the spending of these funds.” He urged that the money be used toward school infrastructure and programs as opposed to hiring new personnel.

A CASA update was provided and it was said that the Halloween dance and the Harvest Festival in October were both successful. They also just finished selling Dennett merchandise. A thankful luncheon will take place this month and the Holiday Bazaar will be back in December.

Principal Veneto provided a school update saying that enrollment was holding fast at 243 students. He said he has received multiple letters of resignation including the school nurse, the music teacher, and a long-term substitute. Additionally, an aide will be out on maternity leave shortly. He said he is scrambling to fill the open positions.

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch also presented to the Committee. He provided information regarding the MCAS testing including what was different in 2021. He said that some students were able to take the test remotely. Across the state, over 90 percent of students took the test and at the Dennett the percentage was closer to 99. Lynch said that students tended to struggle with math in 2021 compared with 2019, the last time the test was administered. Fraser acknowledged that there was a push in 2021 not to administer the MCAS but said that the argument in favor of holding the tests was that there was data to be gleaned from it. Fraser also said, “I just need to acknowledge… the incredible job that our kids in the fifth grade did last year and their third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers teaching them that curriculum to get them ready for it… very satisfied with their ELA results.” He said that his concern is with the mathematics scores but said that tools are being added to help bring those scores up.

Regarding the ESSER funds, Lynch said that they still have about 90 percent of ESSER II remaining to be allocated. “We’re continuing the work with ESSER,” he said. Regarding the 20 percent of funds to be used for social and emotional learning, Fraser said, “If kids are still dealing with social and emotional issues then they are not available for learning.” He also said that he wanted to make sure that they were getting teachers the best quality professional development available. Lynch said that the SEL (social and emotional learning) task force has met with Panorama Education, a research-based company out of Boston for assistance in figuring out where student needs lay. “I’m looking forward to getting this information into teacher’s hands so they can figure out what our students need,” Lynch explained.

Superintendent Jill Proulx presented to the committee regarding the core values for the school. “We aspire to create a community where everyone belongs and students and staff encourage one another to grow, learn, achieve, and dream without limit,” Proulx said. She further discussed steps to be taken to achieve those goals. Proulx called the five-year plan, “a pretty ambitious plan.” She discussed the proposed steps to be taken for the coming year. Strategic objectives include building relationships, emphasizing high expectations for all students, and creating and implementing an aligned and engaging curriculum for PK-12. “While we want to align to the state standards – we don’t want to teach to the test,” Proulx said. Yet another strategic objective is to improve structures and processes to focus on learning, efficiency, and outcomes.

Proulx also provided an update on enrollment. She said the October 2020 enrollment at the Dennett was 209 compared to the October 2021 enrollment of 241 students. Regarding assessment percentage changes for Silver Lake, the Plympton assessment decreased compared to Halifax and Kingston who both increased. For Union 31, the Plympton assessment has increased. “So that will have an impact on our budget as we begin that process as well,” Proulx said. Fraser said he would be interested in pursuing an increase in Chapter 70 funds as the Dennett enrollment has increased by 15 percent.

The Plympton School Committee also met on Monday, Nov. 15 to decide whether to advocate for a half day for parent-teacher conferences. Wilhelmsen explained that it took a vote by all four school committees to make a change to the district calendar, but that Plympton would be voting in favor or against it that night. President of the Teacher’s Association Ann Walker spoke on behalf of the teachers. “We really feel it would be valuable to us so that we can get parents into the building and get to communicate with parents,” Walker explained. She noted that the remote option would also be available. The Committee voted to approve a half day during the first three weeks of December pending the approval of the other committees.

Plymouth Philharmonic to perform season’s favorites in Holiday Pops event

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A wide variety of seasonal favorites and new musical experiences are the features of this year’s Holiday Pops with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Steven Karidoyanes.

“We are thrilled to again present our joy-filled Holiday Pops in person to our friends and family!” exclaimed Karidoyanes. “To make this season’s program extra special, we’ve invited back guest performers who have entertained and charmed us in previous holiday concerts. I can’t wait until we’re all together!”

The Phil performs Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, famously from the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes’ annual Christmas Spectacular, music from the 1994 remake of the classic holiday film, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Rockin’ Christmas, a medley featuring Have a Holly Jolly Christmas, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Jingle Bell Rock.

Soprano Kristen Watson and tenor Matthew Anderson, who each have been featured separately to great acclaim in previous Holiday Pops, join forces this season as duo artists. They’ll perform with the orchestra selections from Irving Berlin’s Broadway musical White Christmas, inspired by the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.

Also rejoining the orchestra are the talented young choristers from the Plymouth Community Intermediate School (PCIS) 6th Grade Chorus and their director, Jessica Fuller. They add their own spin on music from stage and screen when they sing Somewhere In My Memory by John Williams from the film score to Home Alone, and We Need a Little Christmas from the Broadway musical Mame.

As in previous seasons of Holiday Pops concerts, all are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to contribute. Collection bins will be located outside Memorial Hall for patrons to deposit on their way into the concert hall. Collected toys will be distributed to deserving families by the Children’s Holiday Fund, sponsored by the Old Colony Memorial and administered by the Plymouth Area Coalition.

There are two performances on Saturday, December 11th at 3 PM and 7:30 PM, and a 3 PM concert on Sunday afternoon, December 12th. All three weekend performances are in Plymouth’s Memorial Hall and include the PCIS 6th Grade Chorus, Ms. Watson, Mr. Anderson, and the orchestra.

Newfield House is the Pops series sponsor. The media sponsors are the Wicked Local, Old Colony Memorial, and WATD 95.9 FM. The Phil’s 106th season is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which received support from the State of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets are now on sale. Memorial Hall is fully accessible. Individual ticket prices are $25, $50, $60. Limited cabaret-style table seating is still available for $100 per ticket. Advance tickets may be purchased online at plymouthphil.org or calling the Phil office at 508-746-8008.

Memorial Hall is located on 83 Court Street/Route 3A, Plymouth, MA.

For more information about the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s 106th Season, visit www.plymouthphil.org

Pay per bag for Plympton trash?

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Selectmen Chair Christine Joy said that they would be discussing the transfer sticker policy and examination of pay per bag options. Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte and Highway Department Administrative Assistant Colleen Morin were both on the call as was Todd Koep, a Municipal Assistance Coordinator with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

“I was actually seriously impressed with it,” Koep said of Plympton’s transfer station that he also called “user-friendly.” “It’s set up really well in the event that you want to use a pay as you throw program,” he continued. He said that pay as you throw is part of a larger waste reduction plan across the state. He said that implementing a pay as you throw program reduces disposal costs for towns by 40 percent nearly immediately. “Another benefit of pay as you throw is it evens the playing field for everybody,” Koep explained. He pointed out that under the current system, a person that throws away one bag of trash per week versus someone that throws away a truckload per day, pay the same. He said these programs have been highly successful across the State.

Koep said that Plympton sold 836 stickers this past year. Koep said that a technical assistance grant would be the first step in setting up a pay as you throw program. This would allow Koep to do the research necessary to implement the program. He said the timeline would be between 12-18 months. He said the total cost of the rollout would be $7,500. He said DEP would cover much of that cost. Koep said that entering into the technical assistance grant does not mean committing to the program. Selectman Mark Russo asked if there were any towns that entered into the program and then backed out due to public upset. Koep said that he did not know of any such towns and none in the 31 municipalities he represents. Selectman John Traynor said that he would want to ensure that the residents’ feedback would be taken into account before implementing any such program. Koep said he was happy to hold Zoom chats or events at the library to allow for residents to attend and ask questions.

Traynor said that anecdotally he has heard that the program increases trash that ends up in the woods. Koep said that studies show that the kind of items involved in illegal dumping are generally not the kind of things placed into bags. He said that there are several different ways that municipalities can curb illegal dumping including the use of Facebook and increased police patrol in areas of high illegal dumping.

Board of Health member Art Morin said that under the new contract with Waste Management the cost of disposal went up considerably. He also said that at least once a week, a truckload of waste is brought to the transfer station and the other residents are paying for it.

The Board also discussed potentially using some of the town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help fund an HVAC system at the Silver Lake Regional schools. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy said the estimated cost for Plympton as of right now is $187,000 or 12.1 percent of the cost. “I think it is kind of a no brainer,” said Dennehy regarding using the funds. She pointed out that there would be considerable county funding available for other purposes. Chair of the Plympton School Committee Jon Wilhelmsen said, “We have an opportunity to fund what is a really large capital project with federal funds.” Dennehy pointed out that the uses for the ARPA funds are fairly limited in scope. The Selectmen voted in favor of the project subject to final numbers.

Dennehy told the Board that she and the Fire Chief had met with Howard Wright from Wright Technology Group. Dennehy said the group came highly recommended. For $3,500 the company will do a complete IT assessment for the town’s entire network. They would then put together a plan for moving forward including cost estimates and how to build that into the budget. Joy said they worked with Wright when COVID started and said, “he’s a very straight shooter; he’s not pie in the sky; he’ll make recommendations based on the town’s needs… I think it would be in our best interest to get him on board.” The Board voted to enter into an agreement with the group. Dennehy said a big part of the plan would be getting rid of the physical servers in the building.

Dennehy told the Board that there was a moisture issue at the Old Townhouse and said that longer term there will need to be a plan put in place for that building. Dennehy said they were going to get some prices to have someone assess the building and identify potential issues. Wilhelmsen said that the winter and the resulting drier air will give the town a little bit of time to address any problems.

Traynor said that his rave was for the many good things going on around town including the Veterans Luncheon that the Council on Aging puts on. He said they have a young police officer who is a veteran who attends. Russo said his rave was for local government especially given the “downright paralysis” at the federal level. Joy said her rave was along the same lines. “It really brings the message home how important the local elections are… we really are so lucky here in town to have so many good people so thank you to everyone who is serving.”

Frustration as Halifax Selectmen meet just four minutes then adjourn

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The Halifax Board of Selectmen met on Wednesday, Nov. 10 for just over four minutes. Though it was a very brief meeting, things did turn contentious between members of the audience and some of the Selectmen as they did during a meeting the week before. The issue causing the controversy was the appointment of Steven Solari as Building Commissioner/Inspector of Buildings for occupancy permits. Solari needed to be appointed as current Building Inspector as James Perry does not have the necessary qualifications to serve as such. During their last meeting, former Selectman Tom Millias asked the Selectmen, “We’re paying somebody $70,000 a year that can’t do that job, correct?” The Selectmen refused to engage in the conversation.

Over the summer, former Building Inspector Robert Piccirilli was not reappointed to serve during what could be considered sweeping changes taking place across the town. Other changes included longtime Selectman Millias being voted out of office in favor of newest Selectman Ashley DiSesa. Selectmen Chair Gordon Andrews recused himself from the hiring process for the Building Inspector due to a conflict of interest. This led to a stalemate between long-serving Selectman Troy Garron and DiSesa. During a meeting in late July, DiSesa nominated Perry to serve as Building Inspector and Garron reluctantly agreed. Garron had made his feelings clear on the matter saying, “I still feel very strongly that Rob Piccirilli is the choice for Building Inspector but unfortunately, that’s not happening.”

During Wednesday’s meeting, before the vote on Solari took place, Millias interjected, “Mr. Chair?” Andrews, however, said, “I’m not taking public comment.” Millias then responded, “I knew it.” There was then considerable chatter amongst those gathered in the audience with someone saying, “why not?” and others asking about transparency. Former Chair of the Planning Board Alan Dias said, “It wasn’t posted on the agenda. For the record, this Steve Solari was not posted on the agenda.” Andrews repeated that he was not taking public comment before telling Dias, “You’re out of order.” Millias then said, “and you’re in violation of Chapter 143. You might want to read it.” Chapter 143 of Massachusetts General Laws is the inspection and regulation of, and licenses for, buildings, elevators and cinematographs. Getting in one last word, Millias said, “I’m good, we’ll see what the Attorney General says.”

Regarding Dias’ claim that the appointment of Solari was not noted on the agenda, it does appear from the Halifax Town Website that there was an original agenda posted that did not include the appointment and another revised one that did.

The Selectmen also discussed their plan for the recruitment of a new Town Administrator as current Town Administrator Charlie Seelig will be resigning effective November 20. The Selectmen voted to approve a contract with Community Paradigm Associates, LLC to aid in the search. Seelig said, “they are a very highly regarded firm.”

Seelig also said that after speaking with Community Paradigm founder Bernie Lynch, he was told that they have a slate of retired Town Administrators who would be able to fill in as an interim Town Administrator. It was decided that the Board would meet with the company to discuss the hiring of an interim.

The Selectmen also voted to appoint Susan Lawless as interim Public Records Access Officer until the new interim Town Administrator appointment.

Plympton Police Dept. Open House this weekend

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The Plympton Police Department has rescheduled its Open House to  Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. after the ravages of last week’s storm forced cancellation of the event.

Plympton people and friends are all invited to stop by to meet the new interim Chief Scott Benton and the new officers on the force, including Acting Sgt. Dan Hoffman and Acting Sgt. Matt Ahl.

Benton was selected to fill in as Plympton Police Chief after Chief Matthew Clancy accepted a position in Maine.

Refreshments and donuts will be served.

New Town Administrator for Halifax

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Town Administrator Charlie Seelig told the Selectmen that he had submitted his resignation effective November 20. “I will be working during the next few weeks cleaning out and organizing the office so that whoever is coming in has a less burdensome walk than they would after 26 years,” he said. The Board discussed a process for hiring a new town administrator. Selectman Gordon Andrews said a committee could be formed to do the interview process. He said they could reach out to a firm to find an interim town administrator. Selectman Troy Garron recommended that Selectmen Assistant Pam McSherry, Town Clerk Susan Lawless, Town Accountant Sandra Nolan, and a citizen at large be included on such a committee.

Seelig said that Green Earth Cannabis had asked that the Board suspend any action concerning the town’s Host Community Agreement (HCA) due to the outreach forum needing to occur within 6 months of their application to the state. “They would like to make sure they don’t have any legal problems with the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC),” Seelig explained. He further said that the plan moving forward would be to hold another community outreach forum at a future date.

Regarding legislative re-districting, Seelig said that Representative Kathy LaNatra responded to the town’s wish not to be split between two districts saying that she felt that the townspeople would have more support at the State House if the town were split between two representatives. “The legislature went with a plan that did split,” Seelig said.

A meeting was held under Facilities Manager Matt Durkee’s direction to review the possibility of putting in air conditioner units in all the classrooms at the Halifax Elementary School. Andrews, who also serves on the Halifax Elementary School Committee, explained that there would be a meeting to address the question of whether ARPA funds could be used for that purpose.

The Selectmen had an appointment with the Chair of the Halifax Elementary School Committee Summer Schmaling. Schmaling addressed the Committee saying, “I come to you… requesting that you consider a stipend for the employees in the school department; it has come to our understanding that there was a stipend granted to some of the town employees who worked through COVID using ARPA funds, I believe.” Andrews said that he felt differently saying, “The school basically shut down – the town didn’t. The town continued to work.” Selectman Ashley DiSesa said that she felt that using ARPA funds for the air conditioning at the school was a way of contributing funds to the school. Andrews pointed out the many ways in which the town’s CARES Act funds were used to aid the school including laptops for the teachers. “I think the town stepped up for the school system,” he explained. Schmaling said she understood the Board’s perspective and thanked them for allocating so much of the CARES Act funding toward the school.

Seelig said there was a public records request by Thomas Millias for records from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the Planning Board, the Building Inspector, and the Board of Selectmen. Former longtime Selectmen Millias was in attendance during the meeting. There was also a public records request from Amy L. Troupe that included 800 pages of material.

Seelig told the Board that the Mass Office of Public Safety notified him that the town is required to have an Inspector of Buildings and not just a Building Inspector. “Jim Perry is currently the Building Inspector but does not have the necessary certifications to be an Inspector of Buildings,” Seelig explained. The current alternate Building Inspector does have those credentials Seelig further explained. Seelig said the Board could appoint him that night or refer the matter to town counsel for further guidance. Andrews recused himself from the matter. Regarding Perry, Millias, who was in the audience asked, “Didn’t we advertise for an Inspector of Buildings/Buildings Commissioner and aren’t we paying somebody $70,000 a year for that position and now you’re saying that that person cannot perform the duties; is that what I’m hearing; I just want to be clear? We’re paying somebody $70,000 a year that can’t do that job, correct? Am I wrong?” DiSesa said Perry only needed one more certification. Earlier this year the Board of Selectmen elected not to reinstate Robert Piccirilli as Building Inspector and opened the position to applicants. Garron was adamant about wanting to rehire Piccirilli but failed to convince DiSesa. The conversation got heated during Tuesday’s meeting and DiSesa said, “We’re going to stop the conversation, thank you.” Millias said sarcastically, “Change is good, thank you. Change is good; we just don’t listen to anybody anymore, that’s the change. Nicely done.”

A community outreach forum was held with Elevated Roots who are proposing a retail marijuana store at 319 Monponsett Street. A representative talked about being a good corporate citizen that is responsive to community feedback. “We think one of our biggest benefits to the town is our ability to open a business quickly which really just means quicker tax and revenue generation,” he explained. He also explained that one of the two owners is a Kingston resident. The representative also spoke about security plans to assuage any concerns pertaining to that. The company currently has a retail store in Kingston. There were no questions from members of the audience.

There was another community outreach forum also held for CannaBud who is proposing a marijuana retail store at Lot 10 on Monponsett St. Owner Phillip Tringali has lived in Halifax since 1984. The company said that not only are they locally owned but they would look to hire locally as well for their anticipated 25 job openings. Tringali said he has owned a multitude of businesses since 1988. “Phil has a longtime track record of owning and operating successful businesses,” his lawyer explained. His lawyer also said that in addition to being a senior citizen, Tringali is also a Vietnam veteran. She shared with the Selectmen that the largest growing demographic of cannabis usage is the over 55 population.

The proposed location is 7.5 acres within a 400-acre land lot. According to CannaBud the location is compliant with all applicable zoning bylaws in an industrial zone, however, a special permit would be required from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The location is on the outskirts of the town. CannaBud plans to build a state-of-the-art establishment specifically for this purpose as opposed to reconfiguring an existing establishment. DiSesa said that currently the lot is considered undevelopable. Tringali seemed to imply that only applied to a portion of the lot in question. Like Elevated Roots before them, they also spoke at length about a number of security measures saying that they would not only meet but exceed the CCC’s requirements.

Tringali spoke about financial projections. He said, “We’re willing to commit, which we, quite frankly don’t have to, five percent of profits of the store back to the town in a town fund; now I don’t know anyone that has done this… but I feel it’s very important as part of our contribution back to the town.” Regarding numbers he said he anticipates roughly 300 tickets a day at $120 a ticket. “In the second full year of operation of this store, we’ll be doing $22 to $26 million dollars in revenue,” he explained. Tringali said that it would translate to $1,500,000 to $2,000,000 back to the town. There were no questions for CannaBud from anyone present during Tuesday’s meeting.

Volunteers Needed for Traffic Safety Committe and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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The Town of Halifax is seeking volunteers to serve on the Traffic Safety Committee and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Committee. Residents interested in serving on these and other committees and boards can complete a “Talent Bank Form” (available in the Selectmen’s Office in Town Hall or on-line at https://www.halifax-ma.org/board-selectmen/files/talent-bank-form-0) and send to the Halifax Board of Selectmen, 499 Plymouth Street, Halifax, MA 02338 or pamela.mcsherry@halifax-ma.org – For more information, call 781-294-1316.

Letter: Halifax is in the ICU; medical staff is locked out!

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Letter to the Editor and the Residents of Halifax

The Halifax Town Website calls Halifax “the Heart of Plymouth County” – in part due to its geographic shape and location within the county, but also for the friendliness of the community. Yet this “heart” has had a debilitating stroke, an erosion of sorts that has been taking place caused by the substitution of rage over rationality, and self-interest over public service. The exchange of ideas has seemingly become unwelcome or non-existent. Just as a stroke often inhibits speech, attempts to discuss or compromise matters raised by those considered to be the “opposition” are silenced, often dismissed before the question is asked or the statement made, and no effort is made to reconcile differences.

The incantation leading up to the last election was one of “if in vote out” and that “change” was the answer. However, when “change” leads to chaos, and even mistrust, it is not the answer, especially when used to disguise revenge for a perceived wrong.

The Board of Selectman has three members, the Chairman is Gordon C. Andrews, the Vice Chairman is long-time public servant for the town Troy E. Garron, and the newest member is Ashley DiSesa as Clerk, and a protégé it would seem of Mr. Andrews. A review of the YouTube videos (via Area 58)  of the various meetings of the Board of Selectman that involve  the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Building Inspectors Office reveal several instances of Chairman Andrews having to recuse himself from participating in the decision or discussion of town business due to a conflict of interest, leaving the vote on many motions to the remaining two members, which may be polar opposite in their views. Often the result is no decision. On other occasions the Chairman has suppressed any discussion from the audience. A review of the Annual Town Meeting for the last couple of years exposes the reason for Mr. Andrews’ recusals – his lawsuit against the town and the necessity for monies to be allocated to the law budget for the Towns’ defense. It is untenable that those elected to fulfill the duties of their positions of public service cannot do so because of their private interests and personal agendas or allegiances.

Traditionally, Selectman are scheduled to meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the evening. While COVID did alter in-person engagement, the public had some expectation to rely on somewhat “same time, same station” if their participation was desired or required. However, with the new “change”, Selectman meetings take place several times a month at varying days and times. Without some kind of discipline, it is basically impossible for the working public to keep up with and participate in so many meetings in real time.

The new “change” has created chaos as well as a tense and sometimes hostile environment in its quest to replace dedicated, knowledgeable and qualified personnel with less knowledgeable and unqualified and/or un-certified personnel.  Most recently, and of deep concern is that Charlie Seelig, Town Administrator for more than 25 years, has decided to leave Halifax and serve another town. This is a tremendous loss for the residents of Halifax, and it is questionable that an honest search based on qualifications and not on “connections” will be made for his replacement. What is evident of the “change” is the subversion of the Town’s government and smothering of any esprit de corps.

Halifax is in the Intensive Care Unit and the medical staff are locked out of the room.

Sharon Tavares,

Halifax

Mayflower Church to host 14th Annual Crafts Fair

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Mayflower Church will host its 14th Annual Crafts Fair Saturday, November 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Briggs Building at 207 Main Street.

 The public is invited to come and join in for a fun day of shopping, treasure-hunting and dining.

 The event is being sponsored by the Mayflower Women›s Club. The Fair features a number of talented crafters, as well as several tables that are sponsored by the Mayflower Women’s Club.

 Crafters will offer a wide variety of beautiful wares. Also there will be a bake sale.

 Fairgoers will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items; and, the Club is also looking for anyone with a product or gift certificate who might wish to donate it to the cause.

 Lunch is available, including hot dogs, chili, corn chowder, chips and beverages.

 The public is invited to attend to see the work of crafters from throughout the region, and purchase any items of interest.

 There is no admission charge to attend the fair.  Proceeds from the fair benefit local, state and global charities.

 Mayflower Church is located at 207 Main Street, Kingston, MA 02364. Reverend Anton Brown serves as Pastor. For additional information, please call 781-585-3167.