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Local TRIAD group hosts state legislators in informative Q&A

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Linda Redding
Special to the Express

The Halifax TRIAD held the first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the Halifax Police Station.  TRIAD is a partnership between local and regional groups to help inform and educate seniors.

State Representative Kathy LaNatra was the guest speaker.  Representative LaNatra shared  information on happenings at the State House,  explained the duties of a state representative, and answered questions from constituents.

The next Halifax TRIAD meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1.  At that meeting the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office will host a mock trial offering insight on how the criminal justice system works.

Halifax TRIAD meetings take place the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. and usually take place at the Halifax Police Station.  The March meeting will be held in the Great Room of the Halifax Town Hall to accommodate the mock trial.

We Welcome 2022!

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Halifax welcomed the New Year with an outstanding display of the ice sculpture work of Bob Botto who has created his works of art in Halifax for the past 24 years.  This past December, when Holidays in Halifax were cancelled due to storms, threatened to be the first time in decades the ice sculptures wouldn’t be created and displayed. 

See Page 7 for more photos by Linda Redding.

NESB limits access to bank lobbies

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Due to the increase in Covid-19 cases and staffing challenges, North Easton Savings will be providing access to all branch lobbies by appointment only, effective immediately.

Drive-up at all locations will remain open and available during regular hours.  For a full listing of branch locations and hours please go to the website, northeastonsavings.com.

NESB encourages customers to limit their in-person visits to any services or transactions that cannot be done at our drive-up windows, online/mobile channels, telephone banking, or via ATM or ITM. Please know there are Interactive Teller Machines available during regular business hours to service transactions live with a banker.  Go to the website to find the nearest ITM location.

Customers who need to visit any of the branch lobbies are asked to make an appointment using the online scheduling tool at the website.

“We are committed to keeping both our customers and our employees safe during this time. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we continue to operate within the State and Local Covid-19 Guidelines,”

As always, please contact the bank directly if there is anything we can do for customers or your family at 508-238-2007 or by email  info@northeastonsavingsbank.com.

Thank you for choosing to bank local.

Is your cloth mask enough?

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With the rise of the highly contagious Omicron variant of Covid-19, there has been an increased call for better quality masks. With so many options to choose from it can be hard to know what to look for in a mask. The following is a breakdown of the various types and the benefits and disadvantages of each.

NIOSH Approved Respirators

Respirators that are approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) meet rigorous US standards. The most common of these is the N95, but others include N99, N100, P99, P100, R95, R99, and R100. Some of those listed may offer even better protection than an N95. When in short supply, as was the case at the start of the pandemic, it is recommended that these types of respirators be prioritized for healthcare workers. N95s are, however, widely available as of the start of 2022.

Note that true NIOSH approved masks will include an approval label that can be found either on the box or in the instructions. There will also be an abbreviated approval marking on the mask.

Fit and filtration are of the utmost importance when selecting a mask or respirator. When fitting properly, N95s filter up to 95 percent of particles in the air. A video demonstrating how to ensure a proper fit can be found at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzpz5fko-fg. While one of the safest options available, they are not meant to be reused and can be costly. Some experts recommend that for those wishing to reuse their N95, they place it in an open paper bag and allow it to air out for at least a week before reusing.

It should be noted that respirators of this nature can generally not be found in children’s sizes as they were created for adult-use in specific fields.

Internationally Approved Respirators

The most common form of an internationally approved respirator is a KN95. While both N95 and KN95 masks purport to filter up to 95 percent of particles from the air, the biggest difference is how they are certified. The N95 is the US standard and the KN95 is the Chinese one. Like their KN95 counterpart, a KF94 respirator meets South Korean standards and an FFP2 Europe’s.

The CDC estimates that approximately 60 percent of KN95 masks on the market are counterfeit. The following link allows users to see if the manufacturer of their KN95 is registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfrl/rl.cfm. There are helpful lists on the FDA website as well including which manufacturers were granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use in a healthcare setting.

There are a number of KN95 masks available in children’s sizes through retailers such as Amazon though it would be wise for consumers to do their due diligence in ensuring that they aren’t spending their money on counterfeit ones.

Surgical Masks

While not as effective as authentic N95s or KN95s, disposable or surgical masks, which are made from multiple non-woven layers, still offer protection. Like all masks or respirators, the fit is vital. The mask should fit snugly and should cover both the nose and the mouth completely. Masks with nose wires allow the users to customize them for a better fit. The CDC also recommends that wearers fold and tuck in unnecessary material under the edges. Videos on how to do so can be found online.

Cloth Masks

Two years into the pandemic, the variety of options for cloth masks seems infinite. Things to look for in a cloth mask include multiple layers of tightly woven breathable fabric, a nose wire, and a proper fit. Things to avoid in a cloth mask include a single layer fabric that does not block light, exhalation valves or vents, and an ill fit.

In general, the percentage of particles filtered by both surgical and cloth masks differ depending what source you look at though they are always significantly less than both KN95 and N95 respirators. While the quality of cloth masks also varies greatly, it is generally presumed that surgical masks offer better protection. It is sometimes recommended that those without access to KN95 or N95 masks layer a cloth mask over the top of a surgical mask for a better fit.

While many users prefer the comfort and cost savings of a cloth mask, some experts warn that cloth masks alone offer little protection against variants such as Omicron. CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen said recently on CNN Newsroom, “Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There’s no place for them in light of Omicron.” Many hospitals require that patients and visitors swap out their masks for surgical ones.

With all of that said, any mask is preferable to none at all.

Plympton wins court decision on Title V

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The town of Plympton was vindicated by a recent Superior Court decision to uphold the Town’s bylaws restricting mounded septic systems to house lots of five acres or more.

Plaintiffs Arlene O’Donnell, trustee of the Anderson Family Revocable Trust, Ernest M. Stevens, Trustee of the S&T Realty Trust, and Richard Springer, a local builder, brought suit against the town for “arbitrary and capricious” enforcement of Plympton’s Title V regulations.

Plympton requires a house lot of five acres or more to accommodate a “mounded system”.  The lot under review was in fact three parcels, two that were not contiguous, that is they do not share a common border, and the total of both did not equal five acres.  The third parcel was a strip of land across the backs of the two lots in between the lots under consideration, thereby connecting the two.   With that 20-foot strip, the area of the “lot” could then total five acres.

Plympton’s Board of Health, Arthur Morin, Chairman, did not allow the permit for the system, citing regulations that “exceed the minimum requirements for subsurface disposal of sanitary sewage … provided by the state environmental code referred to as supplements to Title V of the State Environmental Code,” as the  board is allowed to do.

Because Plympton has no public water or sewer system, all agricultural and industrial wastewaters are deposited into the same aquifer used for the Town’s drinking supply.  The Court allowed that the Board of Health acted properly to protect the Town’s environmental resources and its drinking water supply by not allowing a lot configuration that would not support proper leaching of a septic system.

Nov. 1, 2021, Superior Court Justice William M White, Jr., issued the order.  The Plaintiffs had 60 days to appeal the decision, and did not.  The ruling stands in favor of Plympton.

New town seal for Plympton?

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Tax Classification Hearing

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met remotely Dec. 20, beginning their meeting with a tax classification hearing in conjunction with the Board of Assessors. Chair of the Assessors Ethan Stiles led the hearing. Mass General Law requires that all municipalities hold a hearing to decide how to tax all real properties from the following four categories – residential, open space, commercial, and industrial. The Selectmen will vote whether to charge a minimum residential factor determining a tax rate shift or single tax rate. Stiles said the Board of Assessors was recommending that the Selectmen select a factor of “1” thereby adopting a single tax rate for all classes of properties for Fiscal Year 2022, as was done in previous years. No members of the public wished to speak during the hearing.  Selectmen voted the single tax class as recommended by the Assessors.

Town Seal Contest

Nathaniel Sides spoke on behalf of the Cultural Council about a design contest for a town seal. “Cultural Council has funds that are available to us to use for a community initiative for promotion of arts and culture in the town. One of the ideas that we had bounced around… was the possibility of sponsoring a contest for the purpose of coming up with some suggestions for a town seal,” Sides explained. He said that residents have expressed discontent with the town’s lack of a seal. Sides noted that there wouldn’t be any expense to the town as they would be utilizing State funds. The contest would be open to professionals and amateurs alike. Selectman Mark Russo said his only concern was who or what would be the deciding authority. Sides said the authority to decide whether to use the winning design would ultimately rest with the Selectmen.

A waiver would likely need to accompany each design submission acknowledging that the designer would not have a monetary claim to the design. “I’m excited about this project,” Russo said.

Joy said her only request would be that they include the original in the options as there may be people who prefer that over the submissions. The Selectmen gave Sides their approval to move forward with the contest.

OBRA Plan

Treasurer/Collector Christine Kelly appeared before the Selectmen to ask them to vote to adopt the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) plan to replace social security for part-time, temporary, and on-call employees. Kelly said it would be a cost savings for the town. Kelly said it was likely to affect 36 employees though she acknowledged that the number is likely to fluctuate. Town Administrator Liz Dennehy and Chair of the Finance Committee Nathaniel Sides both gave their support for the measure. The Selectmen voted unanimously to approve the OBRA plan which would take effect on January 26, 2022.

Area 58 Discussion

The Selectmen next discussed Area 58. “I’ve been critical of the operation of Area 58 in the sense of it seems that things that we have wanted to take forward, haven’t happened,” Selectman John Traynor said. Traynor listed the TV channel being broadcast with sound but no picture as well as the meetings not getting posted to the Area 58 website citing problems with their service. Traynor said he looked into other providers including PAC TV who service Pembroke, Kingston, Duxbury, and Plymouth. “Duxbury, as I understand it, currently have all three. They broadcast it on a channel live, they have Zoom conferencing availability, and they have the public available to come to the meeting,” Traynor said. Russo commented on the recent glitches including some meetings that were not posted in a timely manner calling it “incredibly frustrating.” Russo said after speaking with Area 58, a new procedure will be in place that should aid in ensuring that meetings are posted within 48 hours. He said that plans to broadcast live are also in the works. He further said that in general, the Selectmen of the three towns are in favor of continuing with Area 58. The Selectmen agreed to have Area 58 come speak with them about some of the changes that they wish to see.

License Renewals and Appointments

The Selectmen voted through a number of various licenses including liquor and scrap metal. They also voted on several appointments. They included Tom Millias and Kathleen Cannizzo as Co- Zoning Enforcement Officers through June 30, 2022, John Canizzo Jr. as Special Police Officer through June 30, 2022, Geraldine Cellini to the Council on Aging through June 30, 2022, and Eliana Mullens and Patricia Gillespie to the Cultural Council both through December 20, 2024.

Town Administrator’s Update

Dennehy provided Selectmen with a Town Administrator’s update. Dennehy said that they were holding steady at over 12 percent for COVID cases. “So that’s not the best news,” Dennehy said. She also provided an update on the remediation work that needs to be completed at the Old Townhouse due to a mold problem. The estimate is $7,808. The Selectmen voted to authorize the work. Dennehy also acknowledged Sunrise Gardens who generously donated the wreaths for the holiday festivities in town including the Santa run.

Selectmen Raves

Traynor led off the raves. He said his wife worked with Cathy Drinan at the school and spoke very highly of her as have so many others. “She was certainly a force and obviously well loved,” he said of Drinan who passed away as a result of a house fire in December. “I do have a couple of people who have come forward and said they would like me to give a rave,” Traynor told his fellow Selectmen. He said that Jim Mustacaros wanted to acknowledge former Council on Aging member Michelle Llanes who worked diligently to find an electric wheelchair for a resident in need. The resident has since passed away and the chair is now being offered back to the town. Colleen Thompson said she had a request from a resident in town who was looking to have the town supply a truck to take away their spoiled food and other debris following a recent power outage. Highway Superintendent Rob Firlotte said that it wouldn’t be possible but he and Ben Sarro went down with their own trucks and brought it all down to the transfer station. He also thanked Ken Thompson who recently resigned from his role as Zoning Enforcement Officer.

Russo said, “Cathy Drinan was unbelievably special.” He also agreed about Thompson. “My main rave is kind of the opportunity of the holiday season. Obviously, a time to count blessings and a time of sharing and also a time to kind of slow down and rest a little bit and using that opportunity to reconnect and soften a little,” Russo explained.

Of Drinan, Joy said, “I just found her to be really just a kind soul and really dedicated to the town.” She also wished for people to have some peace and joy this holiday season.

Santa rode in a Plympton fire truck

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Sunday, Dec. 19, Santa and Mrs. Claus were treated to a fire-truck tour of Plympton to meet good little girls and boys who were all excited about Christmas.

Beginning at the Plympton Historical Society at noon, the E2 truck went to Rebecca Way, The Woodlands, Cranberry Knoll, Popes Farm cul-de-sac, Thomas Blanchard Drive and Marie Elaine Drive, Buttonwood Drive at Deborah Sampson, then to Brackett Terrace, Granville Baker Way, then finishing up at the Dennett Elementary School at 2:30.

Thanks go to Plympton Fire Capt. Cheryl Davis and her merry band of firefighter elves and the Plympton Police Department for giving up their Sunday to turn a cold, damp December day into a cheerful Christmas memory.

Silver Lake Girls’ Hockey Co-Op wins opener

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The Silver Lake girls’ hockey co-op with Whitman-Hanson got off to a later start than most teams did this winter season, but they enjoyed positive results in their opener.

The team, often referred to as WH/SL, faced off against Old Rochester on Sunday, Dec. 19 — and had a big showing on the attack. In a night game down at Gallo Arena in Bourne, many WH/SL players got in on the scoring action. The team beat Old Rochester 9-2, improving to 1-0 on the season.

There were a myriad of offensive contributors who pitched in to help the team win the game. Shea Kelleher led the way with a hat trick; her three goals were a team-high. The other player who scored multiple goals was Chloe Duff; she had two. Duff’s first goal of the game was the first of her varsity career. Additionally, WH/SL also got goals from Abbey Powers, Bridget Cardarelli, Lily Ulvila, and Kendyl Peterson.

Three days later, WH/SL played again. The team faced its first Patriot League opponent of the season: Hingham. WH/SL lost that one 4-1, falling to 1-1-0 on the season. Kelleher had the lone goal for the team in the loss and Peterson had the assist.

The next game for WH/SL will take place at home this Saturday, Jan. 1 at The Bog in Kingston against the Hanover Indians (5:40 p.m. start time).

Plympton BoH votes to limit Town House access

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On Dec. 14, 2021, at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Plympton Board of Health the following Guidance Order was approved by a vote of 3-0.

Plympton Town House COVID Guidance

14-Dec-2021

As the rate of positive Covid-19 cases has risen in Plympton to over 12%, there is concern about the health and safety of those working in and making visits to the Plympton Town House. The Plympton Board of Health provides the following guidance in regards to use of the building:

• 1. Activities in the Town House will be limited to those necessary for conducting town business. Any non-essential activities or gatherings will be suspended until further notice.

• 2. Only one visitor from the public will be able to access each individual department at a time. Signs will be provided with this guidance.

• 3. The Emergency Management Director will provide lobby personnel to reinforce this guidance and manage access in accordance with #2 above.

• 4. Town Boards and Committees will be encouraged to conduct remote meetings when possible.

Our hope is that visitors will take advantage of the procedures in place to take care of their business remotely. If in person visits are required, visitors will be encouraged to conduct their business according to this Order to protect the health and safety of visitors and town employees.

This guidance will be reevaluated after January 15, 2022 or as appropriate due to new information or changes in State or CDC requirements.

The first priority of all Boards of Health in the Commonwealth is protecting the health and safety of their citizens during this difficult time and the Board of Health will continue to recommend best practices and protocol around social distancing and gathering guidelines, and appreciates your cooperation in adhering to this guidance.

So Ordered Plympton Board of Health

Bags and totes for homeless women

By

Mary Schiess
Express correspondent

For Cindy Murray and her daughter Amy the holidays start in Halifax and extend far beyond. Each year Cindy and Amy identify an organization or cause to share their Christmas spirit. This year a Facebook entry, a volunteer from Marshfield, and extensive news about “Mass and Cass” inspired Christmas project 2021.

Cindy had seen a post about kindness bags collected by a local youth group. These are one gallon plastic bags for the homeless. They may include wet wipes, tooth brushes and toothpaste, small bottles of water, socks, snacks, mittens, tissues, chapsticks, and whatever sundries might be in need by people whose home is the street.

Cindy also saw a Facebook post about Bill Selvitelle of Marshfield. After retirement Bill studied and taught yoga. That lead to an initial request for gently worn winter coats from his students. These he delivered to a Plymouth home for Veterans. Bill’s career took him throughout the Boston area where he developed an acute awareness of the homeless. After spreading the word on social media, Bill began collecting and delivering multiple donations to the needy. When Cindy needed advice for this year’s project, she contacted Bill.

Bill had observed that homeless women never have ladies’ handbags, a defining item for many women. He suggested that collecting handbags might be a good idea. Cindy knew that most women have handbags stored and unused. This year’s project would consist of collecting women’s handbags and filling them with women’s necessities. Bill would deliver the collection to Rosie’s Place.

Cindy established a drop off spot on her porch with a goal of twenty bags. She used the Halifax Facebook page to spread the word. Twenty bags became forty and eventually sixty. Monetary donations paid for Dunkin’ gift cards and supplemented toiletry donations with more from the Dollar Store.

The project reinforced Cindy’s respect for her neighbors and townspeople. She said, “In an age of skepticism, no one questioned.” They simply contributed.

The road to Boston meandered through Bill’s town of Marshfield and on to Boston.

Cindy and Bill both note the importance of adding a personal message to the gifts. Cindy assured that each handbag included Christmas cards or messages.  When delivering packages, Bill emphasizes the need to establish a personal connection with the homeless. He reflects on the meaningfulness of a five minute conversation.

While Cindy praised the cooperation of Halifax residents, Bill’s world is a little wider. He is similarly in awe of the generosity throughout the South Shore. Both of them experienced an emotional moment when discussing the mission.

“This is the first time in a long time I feel like I am making a small difference,” Cindy said. She is already planning a February project, perhaps backpacks for the gentlemen.