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Why is the Flag at Half-Staff?

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Events in Boulder, CO – Until March 27, 2021

Please be advised that as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on March 22, 2021 in Boulder, Colorado, and in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag shall be flown at half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately until sunset on Saturday, March 27, 2021.

This gubernatorial order applies to:

1.  The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls

2.  Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings

3.  All state military installations

LaNatra votes for small business aid

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Representative Kathy LaNatra Votes in Favor of Legislation Providing Relief to Small Businesses, Workers and Job-seekers affected by COVID-19

Boston (March 15, 2021) – State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D-Kingston) joined her colleagues in support of legislation that will provide much needed relief to small businesses, workers and those looking for work.

 The legislation, titled H.89 – An Act financing a program for improvements to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and providing relief to employers and workers in the Commonwealth was passed by the House on March 11 by a unanimous vote of 155-0. House Bill 89 builds upon a bill filed by Governor Baker that would protect employers from the scheduled unemployment insurance rate increase set for April.

 “Constituents asking for assistance navigating the unemployment system were the most frequent request sent into my office this past year,” said Rep. LaNatra. She added, “The legislation passed last week shores up the finances of the unemployment trust fund, protecting people who have lost their job because of this devastating pandemic. The bill also provides much-needed relief to employers and small businesses throughout the Commonwealth.”

 Key provisions of the bill include forgiveness of paycheck protection program (PPP) loans in line with the federal tax code. Currently, many small business owners would have to pay personal income tax on their forgiven PPP loans. The legislation freezes the unemployment insurance rate paid by employers at its 2020 level for the next two years, staving off a scheduled increase that would have gone into effect in April of this year.

 The bill also provides many protections for workers who have lost their job due to the pandemic. The bill creates a tax credit for people who received unemployment compensation and whose household income was 200% or less than the federal poverty line. The legislation also allows for borrowing to replenish the Unemployment Trust Fund.

 The legislation provides many other protections for workers throughout the Commonwealth including a COVID-19 Emergency paid sick leave, which fills in gaps of the Federal COVID paid sick leave program. House Bill 89 waives the tax penalty for those who fail to remit income taxes on unemployment compensation for the 2020 tax year.

 The bill now heads to the Senate.

Protecting our valued and unique cranberry industry

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By Kathleen LaNatra

The cranberry industry is one of the true gems of our Massachusetts economy, and has been for over 200 years. The cranberry is our state’s leading agricultural product, and Massachusetts is home to more than 30% of the total cranberry-growing acreage in the entire United States. Much of that acreage is right here in our district. In good times, the crop value of cranberries has reached $100 million annually. Without question the cranberry industry is a significant business for us all.

Yet, it’s an industry facing very serious challenges. I have had the opportunity to get to know many of the cranberry farmers and industry leaders throughout the region and have learned firsthand of the struggles they face.

Several of their biggest challenges have included a significant price drop over the last decade, coupled with fallout from trade wars.

In 2008, a barrel of cranberries was worth about $58 a barrel. Ten years later, though, the price had dropped to $25. The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association estimates the cost of producing one barrel of cranberries at approximately $35.

Industry leaders attribute the price drop to crop surpluses, along with a decline in demand for some of the industry’s most important products, including cranberry juice.

Then there are the recent trade wars. Over the last few years, for example, Chinese tariffs on dried cranberries increased from 15% to 40%.

The American cranberry industry had been working to open a Chinese market for cranberries, and had enjoyed some success. Between 2013 and 2018, American exports of cranberries had increased by 1,000%. But in the first half of 2019, after an increase in tariffs, sales were 45% lower than the previous year.

For this particular struggle, we hope to work closely with our federal legislators and the Biden Administration  to improve the export market for our cranberry growers.

Closer to home, cranberry farmers continue to seek solutions to their challenges. Some have considered leasing portions of their bogs to solar companies; others contemplate dumping a significant part of their supply and turning it into fertilizer or compost. Some hope that in so doing the decrease in supply could lead to driving up the prices.

Certainly everyone will be better off if the industry can continue to produce robust quantities of cranberries and find a receptive market.

There has been some effort to address the challenges the industry faces. A few years ago, the Massachusetts Cranberry Revitalization Task Force identified strategies to support the state’s cranberry industry, including funds to renovate and upgrade local grower bogs, implementing additional conservation efforts, and considering incentives to preserve retired bogs as open and protected space.

It’s unlikely that any single solution will be the remedy for all the issues that the farmers and industry leaders face. But we all need to try. As consumers, we should be proud of this unique industry and we can support it at the grassroots level by buying their products. Legislatively, in my role as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Export Development, it will be my priority to do everything I can to support our cranberry farmers and help them promote their product on a national and international stage.

The cranberry industry is an important part of our past, and present. I will do everything I can to assure that it remains that way in the future.

Regional committee ready to go back

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The Silver Lake Regional School Committee met Thursday, March 11, and unanimously voted an operating budget of $27,246,375 as the amount deemed necessary for the operation of the Silver Lake Regional School District for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.   The debt budget covering the construction of the Silver Lake Regional High School,  $1,469,030.90 for the 2021-2022 school year, which is part of the towns’ assessments – also passed unanimously.  Superintendent Dr. Jill Proulx pointed out that the budget reflects more than $160,000 in budget cuts that were requested by the committee.

Halifax’s Town Administrator, Charlie Seelig, spoke to the board at the beginning of their meeting, asking them to consider carefully.  “Things are tight, tighter than they have been in a number of years.”  Seelig said that Halifax right now does not have the revenue needed to cover the increases proposed by Halifax’s departments ….”

At this point, he said, the finance committee is putting in numbers that are level funded from last year.  From there, they will add in the contractual obligations that have to be paid like health insurance and retirement, and salaries.  If there is money available, the next thing they will put in is step increases, no matter what department they are in, per the various contracts or through the Halifax Wage and Personnel by-law.   Only after that, will the Finance Committee start considering increasing wage accounts.

Seelig brought up the article submitted by the school committee to the Town Meeting warrant to fund restoring tennis courts at the High School for $130,000.  He said this is in addition to the towns’ local assessments.   It should be considered, but taxpayers should make a decision as to what is more important, tennis courts or other parts of the budget.  “Money is money,” Seelig said, “and it’s going to be the same dollar from the same sources that are going from Halifax to Silver Lake.” In terms of the total assessment.   Seelig said that everything is in flux because there is no state budget yet so state reimbursements aren’t available yet.

Chairman Paula Hatch opened the meeting to the public and heard from Madelyn Dooner who sent the results of a petition she started asking that students not go back to school for the remainder of this school year.  She told the board that many parents and students do not feel comfortable going back for this fragment of a school year, citing scheduling conflicts and that while remote learning will still be there for those who have chosen it, it will now be done through a third party, “so it doesn’t seem like it is going to be the same experience for everybody.  It’s not going to be like a fair experience.”

Hatch responded by saying that the state has now stepped in and they are making the rules and the Silver Lake School District is mandated to follow them.  Hatch assured her that the committee is taking all of the concerns of parents and students very seriously and the remote option is not being taken away.

Michelle Taylor, a parent of a soon to graduate senior, asked the board to support letting the senior class remain as they are.   Taylor told the board that she works for the state as a school licenser, so she’s  well aware of COVID regulations and have been helping schools since last March a year ago with re-opening and health and safety plans …  “so I know the intricate details that you all have to manage … that  having been said, putting my parent hat on, I do feel  that these students that have been brave enough, and I applaud them, through petitions and speaking tonight, and in the past, I’ve heard from my own child and other students in particular the senior class, ‘Why change it in the fourth quarter?’  There are only six weeks left until the end of school, and although a hybrid schedule is certainly not ideal, by anyone’s stretch of imagination, it is consistent at least.“

Chairman Hatch thanked her and said she is sensitive to the seniors in particular  and “we do understand what’s happening, what they’ve been deprived of, and are trying to make it as easy a time for the next couple of months and to have it be enjoyable for the time they have left.”

Michaela Gill, principal of Silver Lake High School, gave the board the latest iteration of her plan to have students return to full time classes in the high school, a plan that has had to change several times based on changes in the requirements from the state.  Currently, however, there is no date from the state when high school students must return to full in-person learning.  “We are ready and eager to welcome all students back to school,” Gill told the board.

Middle School Principal Jim Dupille told the board that as of March 9, DESE has mandated that all middle school students must return by April 28.  He has constructed a plan for full in-person return to school, in fact several plans, as they have needed to be reconfigured to meet the ever-changing guidance from the State Department of Education.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Proulx responded to committee member Summer Schmaling’s question of asking the Department of Education for a waiver to return to full in-person schooling, pointing out that the Silver Lake High School does not meet any of the criteria listed in the guidance from the Dept. of Education.  “I want to reiterate, especially for families and students who may be listening, that the reality is that the Department of Education has mandated that we are required to return to full in-person schooling by May 4.  That’s what we’ve done.  This is remarkable work in a very short period of time on behalf of students.  There are bound to be issues, so I ask the community to be patient.  This is a very tall order to be done in a very short period of time. …   Students will experience this differently, but as a community we will be supporting our students as well as we can.”

Dupille said it is his plan to return students to full in-person schooling when they come back from April vacation, April 26.  He said that in summary, students will get new schedules, teacher schedules will change, some electives will not run in the remote learning environment, remote electives will shift to in-person, and some electives may not be able to be run.   Term III will end April 16; term IV begins April 26.

Dupille said he may need to rent three tents to take advantage of outdoor spaces for band, chorus, and wellness.   The tents can be put into use in many ways, at a cost of $2200 for each tent for six weeks.

Crone said that  separating the two schools, middle and high, seems like a much easier way to address the problem.   “It seems like the middle school is much easier to return to school.  The high school, I still don’t think it is.”   Recognizing  that we don’t have a choice.  If the commissioner comes back in April and doesn’t  have  a return date for high schools, if he comes back and puts it back to the local systems to choose, I would choose to leave it as is for the  four to six weeks that we have left.

Committeeman Gordon Andrews asked the committee to authorize Eric to write a letter of unappreciation for all of the shifts of changes.   We think we’re near the deadline and they shift again.  The number of meetings, the hours of work trying to implement their changes, “I think we need to speak up and let them know that it’s not okay.”

Leslie Ann McGee applauded everyone, staff and administrators, for the work that has been done.   “I want to make sure that the public understands that as we make these plans, not only does the Dept. of Education change the goal posts, they change what they look like.  Plans that worked no longer are acceptable and there is no guarantee that the plans in place now won’t become obsolete at the DESE’s whim.”

Mike Antoine said that he agreed with Eric Crone; if Commissioner Riley sends the high school decisions back to the local level, “Let’s stay the course… if that’s an option.”

Crone made a motion to ask the committee to authorize him to write a letter stating that SLRHS would like to make their own decisions regarding high school return to all in-person learning.  “We can write the letter, but we don’t have to do it.”   Eric Crone will draft a letter for Hatch’s approval, and the vote was unanimously in favor.

Until they hear from DESE, Principal Gill has her plan to bring students back fully May 3.

Mayflower Church selects new pastor

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KINGSTON – Mayflower Church, located at 207 Main Street, Kingston and which has served Kingston and surrounding communities since 1828, has selected Reverend Anton Brown to serve as the church’s new Pastor.

Pastor Brown comes to Mayflower from Kentucky, where he has been studying at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, pursuing a PhD in Systematic Theology. He holds a Masters’ Degree from the same institution and is on track to have his doctorate completed in 2023. His area of study is theological anthropology.

The Millinocket, Maine native has served as Pastor at several churches prior to joining the Mayflower family. He was pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Haledon, NJ, a multi-ethnic church in Metropolitan New York City.

Pastor Brown also was a “church planter,” having started Pathway Community Church in Newport, Maine, 20 miles west of Bangor. He had been attending First Baptist Church in Pittsfield, Maine, when he was recruited to start the new church. He recalls, “We reached out to neighbors and evangelized in communities around Newport to build the church.” Pastor Brown led the church for five years. During its history, the church grew to a membership of 110.

Pastor Brown recalls the conditions that existed in Maine in 2008 and 2009 when this happened. “The economy was still reeling from the financial crisis. In my last years there, we saw families move from the area. The positive, though, was that the church made a real impact on the local area. We in fact had three pastors in the congregation at one point. There were a lot of strong connections made there.”

Pastor Brown made a strong commitment to Christianity at age 18. “I was pretty much set on studying to be a doctor,” he said. But in May of his senior year, he changed direction from studying biology and enrolled at Gordon College, where he majored in Bible studies. The middle ground for him for a number of years was to continue studies at the University of Maine to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and Nursing. He worked as a nurse until he was called to serve in a full time ministry in 2006.

 He met his wife, Amy, in high school. Amy is a career teacher and teaches English to Chinese students. They are parents to five children: Micah, Ethan, Noah, Seth, and John. Amy is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Biblical counseling and plans to build a Biblical counseling ministry.

 Pastor Brown’s interests include piano and photography. As a younger man, he was trained in jazz piano and later learned classical music. Of photography he says that he loves taking pictures of street and landscape architecture, and candid/random photos of people and things happening.

 He says of Mayflower, “There is a tight and strong sense of family here at Mayflower, and I am very pleased to be here and looking to build those connections and work with the community so that we all grow in our faith.”

 About Mayflower Church

Mayflower Church is located at 207 Main Street, Kingston, MA 02364. The church has a number of community outreach programs and services. Mayflower Church serves people on Cape Cod, as well as Carver, Duxbury, Halifax, Kingston, Marshfield, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, and surrounding communities. Reverend Anton Brown serves as Pastor. For additional information, please call 781-585-3167 or visit www.mayflowerkingston.org.

It’s back to school for Halifax

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On a motion by Summer Schmaling, the Halifax School Committee voted unanimously to send elementary school students back to school five full days a week, beginning March 22, the first day of the school’s third term.

At their meeting Monday night, March 1, close to 200 parents, teachers, and more were logged in remotely to hear the plan that Principal Kayne Beaudry and his staff put together to bring students back.

Working from a survey for each student, Beaudry asked what parents wanted: full time back to school or hybrid (no change).    The response was 2 to 1 overwhelmingly in favor of bringing students back full time.  There were 88 who did not respond.

Beaudry presented the timeline for full return to school that he and his staff developed, beginning with mailing the survey to families from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26.  The week of March 15 will see teacher assignments, transportation and communication to families.  March 22 will return students to full time.

Beaudry told the board the response rate to his survey was 84%.  “Incredible!  Thank you to all who completed the survey.”  Of those who returned the survey, 69% preferred full in-person return, while 31% chose the hybrid, or no change.

Currently there are 567 students at Halifax Elementary School.  At this time, there are 290 students on the bus, and another 200 for drop-off and pickup.  There are 10 buses, and the routes will need to be revised. Beaudry said they will be working with the bus companies as quickly as possible to implement the changes.

The pickup will likely be staggered to avoid congestion.  Drop off seems to  flow a little quicker so it will remain the same.  The Holmes Library will continue to allow kindergarten students and siblings to use the library parking lot.

Schmaling, asked if Beaudry anticipated needing a police detail for the first few days.  He said a police detail, would be helpful in the beginning to get things going, “but I’m confident the staff can get it done pretty quickly.”

As for lunches, both the cafeteria and the all-purpose spaces will be used to seat students.  “We can easily accommodate 88 students at 6 feet distance in the cafeteria and the all purpose room,” he told the assembly.  Schmaling asked if he had enough seating for lunch and the answer was yes.  He said they might be looking for a number of desks to accommodate, but they have some tables that can also be used.  Dr. Proulx commented that if the remaining surveys come in, we might have to find another 45 extra desks.   There might be a minor cost to accommodate that.”

“One of the trickiest pieces we had to work with were specialists,” Beaudry continued.  He told the board that returning to a full in person schooling that music will look a little different, and the instruments will look a little different, for a safe class.

A parent asked about snacks and mask breaks.  Beaudry answered, “if the weather is nice, we will utilize that.   There are tents that can be used.  If we’re not able to go outdoors, we were talking about having mask breaks in the hallway or even larger areas in the building. “

“With 88 no responses, I have to reach out to those families to see where they stand,“ Beaudry said.

Another concern voiced by a parent is “What happens to the remote kids when the school goes back in full?”  Beaudry said that it is their hope to disrupt those students as little as possible, understanding the relationships formed between the teacher and their students.  Some disruption can’t be avoided.

Safe classroom setup will accommodate up to 24 students with desks, seat to seat, 3 feet apart.  It will look much like a traditional classroom from the 80s, desks and chairs in a row, but that will allow for a staging area for the teacher to work and the maximum number of students safely in a room.

To answer concerns that a return to full five-day school schedule will increase COVID-19 transmission, Schmalling said that the school nurse had reported  there was not one single case of the virus transmitted in the Halifax Elementary School.

Superintendent Proulx told the assembly ”It’s very important that everyone understands that he’s (Beaudry) going to do his best not to disrupt student placements for teachers but that needs to happen.   I think everyone needs to understand that classrooms will be at three feet.   I can’t control, to what extent, nor can Mr. Beaudry, what impact that will have on the consistency of our mode.   Less distancing means more potential close contacts.   I feel confident in the fact that Mr. Beaudry and Mr. DeSantis have worked very hard in two days to put together a presentation for you based upon the survey data that just closed, and the governor has encouraged the full in-person return by the first week of April.”

Superintendent Proulx noted that she expects that there has been some learning loss over the past year, but she has some funds are available to implement summer programming, with more information to follow.

Bracts & Pistils, LLc tells BOS of plan to open marijuana retail and home delivery shop

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Halifax selectmen heard from Taunton entrepreneurs Rhonda and Roy LaFlamme at their Tuesday, Feb. 23 meeting, about their plans for a cannabis retail operation coupled with home delivery of their product.

Representing Bracts & Pistils LLc,  the pair told Halifax selectmen they are considering running the business out  of 849 Plymouth St.   Currently there are four industrial condominiums, about 900 square feet each at that location.  “We’d like to take the two middle units, and operate a retail store out of one and a delivery system out of the other condo,” Roy LaFlamme told the board.  The two currently have a marijuana courier license in Taunton.   “We’ve been in the cannabis business since 2018.”  Woman-owned, and Roy is a veteran.

Seelig told the LaFlammes, that before they go too far down the road, they should get confirmation from the building inspector that the distance between buildings and the proximity to the preschool won’t prevent a license from being issued.

Town Administrator Charlie Seelig wanted to know more about the delivery.  Roy LaFlamme answered that there are several types of delivery licenses:  the courier license is where a courier picks up a package from a store and delivers it. The driver operator will be selling its own product.  Delivery courier is delivering other people’s product.   “The one we are proposing for Halifax is a driver-operator business.  It’s like a little warehouse on wheels.“

Andrews asked what fee they were proposing for the town. “That’s negotiable,” Roy LaFlamme answered.  The 3% is a negotiated sum, and at the end of the period, quarter, fiscal year, the percentage is paid to the town.  Our business model is not to accept cash.   Everything is done electronically.

Chris Winiewicz of Circuit St. wanted to point out that there is more frontage on the side street, than on Route 106.  “I think it is something to keep in consideration.   Children congregate on that road.”

Seelig reminded Winiewicz that there are several steps to opening a marijuana business in Halifax:  First is the Host Community Agreement, second is the license, and third is bringing the project through zoning.

Halifax now zoned Yellow for COVID

Seelig told the Board of Selectmen that as of Feb. 18, Halifax is now classed as Yellow designation, rather than red.  “Halifax had been red since the beginning of December.   Seelig said he was notified by the state that there was a tenth death on Feb 18, an elderly resident in their 80s who was hospitalized with other underlying medical issues in addition to COVID.

Seelig also reported that the very local vaccine clinics won’t be happening.  Fire Chief Jason Viveiros is investigating the possibility of Halifax joining with Bridgewater State University as they put together a regional effort for COVID vaccinations.  Seelig said that they still need to set up a “Last Mile” program for people of any age who can’t or won’t leave the town for their vaccine, but the information for that probably wouldn’t be available for at least a couple of weeks from the state.

Housing Authority members named

As part of the state legislation approved last month, Halifax did finally get the procedures in place for appointment of members to the Housing Authority, for the tenant seat as well as the other seats on the board.    “What we’ll have now is a five- member housing authority:  Three members are elected by the voters, one tenant member appointed by the board of selectmen, either from names from the local tenant organization or volunteers, and one member appointed by the state.

“As of right now, Seelig told selectmen, we have Richard Clark, an elected member whose term ends  in May of 2025; Beatrice McCarthy, whose term ends in 2024, Christine Tomkins,  whose term ends in 2023, and a vacant seat, that would be the tenant’s seat, whose term would end in 2022.    Martha Smith is the State appointee for an indefinite term.   Seelig suggested to leave the tenant’s seat vacant at this time and it will be filled either at the town election or afterward.

Halifax vs. Peck was a bylaw violation that came up two or three years ago regarding an earth removal complaint, Seelig told Selectmen.   There was a hearing before the clerk magistrate scheduled but COVID shutdowns prevented it from happening.  Now the courts are re-starting their hearings schedule and this is still on their docket.  Seelig said that according to his recollection, the board had written to the court saying the matter had been settled.  Seelig asked the board if they would like him to send the letter again to the District Court advising the Court that the matter has been settled.   Selectman Troy Garron agreed.

Selectmen unanimously approved the request of Thomas Schindler for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act for a period ending March 20, 2021.

Seelig told the board that two additional town meeting articles were submitted from the Silver Lake School District: one for tennis court reconstruction with a total cost of approximately $340,000. Halifax’s cost would be based on their pro-rated share.  The second warrant article would add to the stabilization fund for the District.  Seelig told the board that the town has consistently voted against this, but he suggested that both articles appear on the town meeting warrant for voters to decide.

Seelig told selectmen that recent testing showing the amount of phosphorous in Monponsett Ponds and two other Halifax ponds show elevated levels of phosphorous, a nutrient that is the primary contributor to algae growth, requiring further aluminum sulfate treatments.  Seelig said that he would look at the town’s stormwater runoff program, another contributing factor, as is the runoff from fertilizer applied to upstream cranberry bogs.    Seelig said there are grant possibilities to help pay for the pond treatments and the pumps used to dispense aluminum sulfate.

The state has grouped ten different grants under the one umbrella called Community One Stop for Growth, and asks for communities to submit an “Expression of Interest”.   Seelig said they are looking for big projects not specific to town government, but  “more community based”.  He suggested considering redevelopment of the properties at or near the intersection of Routes 58 and 106, extending the sidewalk network so it is not a “piecemeal”  effort.  Other possibilities include: Setting up a plan for replacement or reconstruction of several municipal buildings including but not limited to fire, police, water, and the water building, Council on Aging; a municipal broadband network for better internet service throughout Halifax; and also a large scale repaving of roads throughout the town.  Garron and Selectman Gordon Andrews  asked if a bridge project combining the several bridges in Halifax in need of repair could be considered.  Seelig will get back to Selectmen in a couple of weeks to see if there are other areas of interest for the town.

The Fire Dept. has been awarded two grants, a Student Awareness of Fire Education  grant for $4,692 and a Senior SAFE grant award for $2,480.

Selectmen also discussed amendments to the Wage & Personnel by-law.  Seelig said he hasn’t been able to collect much data from the 10 towns for comparisons on grades 7 and 6, they will have zoom joint committee meetings. “I did review the changes proposed by the Fire Chief and I can recommend them to the Finance Committee.“

David Walsh, Commander of Halifax VFW Post 6258, has asked selectmen to consider making August 7 Purple Heart Day in Halifax.  Walsh will attend the next meeting of selectmen March 9 to present the proposal to selectmen.

Seelig told the board that there is a proposed Nursing Service Agreement between the town and Tammy Lorizio that would replace the previous VNA agreement.  Lorizio would work as a contractor, not an employee, with pay negotiated at $2,332 for FY21 and $7,000 for FY22.  Selectmen voted to approve, contingent on Town Council’s approval.

Selectmen interviewed Joseph Vetrano and Debra Pasquale  who are interested in filling the vacant positions on the Finance Committee.   Vetrano has lived in Halifax for six years and works as a senior purchasing agent dealing with numbers and budgets all day long.

 Debra Pasquale has lived in Halifax for 12 years and now works as a photographer.  She also noted she is taking the exam to apply for a real estate license.   She has been active in the Monponsett Watershed Assn. and advocates strongly for the health of the ponds.  She said she wants to serve the town, “…because I want to live in Halifax for the rest of my life.”

 Fred McGovern of the Finance Committee said he looks forward to getting back to a full board with these two candidates, noting it will be a very busy time preparing the town budget for the Spring Town Meeting.  He said that the Finance Committee voted unanimously to accept both candidates.

Andrews said Pasquale and Vetrano would serve through June 15, 1922, both filling unexpired terms.  Garron said “it gives you an opportunity to get your feet wet.”  Garron moved to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee.  Seelig told them to contact the Town Clerk to get sworn in.

Susan Johnston, administrative assistant at the Recycling Center and Sandra Nolan came before the board to discuss recycling in Halifax.  They gave selectmen a report showing the cash breakdown of the department, pointing out a large line item for town dumpsters – $21,000.  The biggest expenses are for town dumpsters and Hazardous Waste Day open to all residents and the needle sharps return.   If those could be paid for out of the general fund, then they think the solid waste bags would be able to continue with the fee schedule as is.

Selectmen told the duo that recycling rebates are a perennial problem and they would appreciate a protocol for residents with private haulers to document their recycling for rebate applications.

Answering Andrews’ question, “Should we be continuing the abatement system,”  Johnston said, “In 2007 we signed an agreement – people have to show that they are recycling in order for us to continue getting a $3000 grant each year… As long as a recycling charge is shown on the bill from private trash haulers, and people can produce the invoice showing the charge, we know the recycling charge has been paid.  The town can then rebate Halifax’s recycling charge to those residents with private trash haulers.

 They all agreed this would take much more discussion at another time.

Residents, students, and teachers at war over PEACE flag

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Halifax has seen discussion and dissent regarding PEACE flags being displayed in several Halifax Elementary School classrooms.  After concerns were brought to the attention of the administration and the school committee, the flags were taken down.

At Monday night’s meeting of the Halifax School Committee, Steve Ruisi, representing the Halifax Teachers Assn.,  spoke to the group of almost 200 logged into the remote meeting, defending those teachers who displayed the flags saying their intent was to  create a learning environment to  welcome diversity, tolerance, and inclusion.

Ruisi introduced Lisa Whitney, a sixth grade teacher at Halifax Elementary School who told the committee and those in virtual attendance that “these flags were intended to display unity, kindness, and inclusion.  This banner was hung as a visual representation that all students regardless of race, orientation or abilities are welcome and celebrated in our classroom.  This message is also supported by the HES mission statement.

Alexander Meade, speaking as a parent, not as a school committee member at this time, said he wants a safe, welcoming learning environment for every student who walks through the doors at HES.  “The personal attacks, the slander, name calling and the general disrespect I’ve seen online in recent public gatherings as a result of this dispute seems to be in complete opposition to this project’s intended purpose. “   Meade went on to say that one of the most common lessons that our student body has been taught has to do with the act of bullying.   The definition of bullying reads “seeking to intimidate, harm or coerce someone perceived as vulnerable.”  I am most appalled at the recent classroom discussion that devolved from the ongoing issues at hand.  Despite the ParentSquare letter posted by ‘the great 16’ that reads “we had extremely productive, respectful and positive conversations with our classes this week regarding the PEACE banner that was previously hung on our classroom walls, reports have been made that not only repeatedly but as recently as last week, there was singling out of students based on their beliefs regarding the PEACE flag that didn’t align with the staff views that doesn’t seem productive, respectful or positive.  As a matter of fact, the teachers seem to have taken their platform and views to turn their discussion into an opportunity to pick on certain pupils and become the bullies themselves.“ … “Unfortunately, the only thing that has been accomplished in this dialogue is showing our youth that as long as you agree, you will be lauded and praised, however if you express dissent, the golden rule is waived and your opinion is dismissed as invalid.” …“We’re all attending this meeting tonight because we care about our children.  And they deserve better.”

Mr. Smith, spoke as a concerned town resident and not as an attorney and as a father of a 21 year-old gay son who was at times the target of anti gay behavior at HES while he was growing up.  “While we consider the issue it is important to know that the flags had been hanging for several weeks already without causing any disruption before they were removed.  In an email, Dr. Proulx has said that the teachers violated proper protocol for displaying PEACE banners and that an IMB policy which addresses the teaching of controversial topics was not followed.”  Smith furthered that Dr. Proulx had said in an email that some parents felt politically marginalized by other flags not being allowed and that the removal of PEACE flags was a matter of allowing equal access for different points of view.”   Smith said that he had reviewed the IMB policy and said it was clear to him that because the PEACE flag message was 100% consistent with the emotional learning aspects of the curriculum, hanging the flag was not a violation of the school’s policy.  “The PEACE flag represents all humanity, not just any group and they were hung by individual teachers, not by an organization.  With the stated purpose of the PEACE flag being love and respect for all, I think it is sad that anyone ever suggested that a differing point of view to this message was needed in class.  And it is ironic that a flag that symbolizes support for police has been suggested to represent a message that is the opposite of peace.  No one who supports the PEACE banner being in class has suggested that support for our police is a bad thing.   To the contrary we’re grateful for the heroic service the police officers render in trying to maintain and preserve peace which is why it is a ridiculous misapplication of law to state equal access is the mission here.” …

Saying the issue appears to be a Halifax matter, not a Silver Lake District issue as Peace flags have been displayed for months without incident, Smith asked that each member of the the school committee state their position.

Miss Carroll was recognized by the chairman who told the assembly, “I feel that the American flag stands for all diversity, all inclusion, all genders, all races, all religion backgrounds, no matter who you are.  That’s what the American flag stands for.   I feel we that we have now wasted almost two months of this.  What we’re not talking about is a lack of education that our children aren’t getting by  not being in school five full days.  We need to come to a peaceful resolution regarding this issue and it needs to be done immediately because we are coming up on one full year of our kids not being in school …”

Superintendent Proulx responded, “The flag issue has many dimensions and there is a central point that we want to emphasize in all of this.   Halifax Elementary School encourages and expects the teachers to teach about equality and nondiscrimination.  Our classrooms are special spaces where students learn about being a community member and a citizen.  The school committee and our administrative team recognize that this must be done in a way that creates a safe environment for all students to share and expand their views.  That is also why it is important to assure the classroom environment remains a place where students can feel safe to express their views. Spaces for reasonable rational dialogue are becoming fewer and we owe it to our students to keep classrooms for every member to feel that they belong and are valued.  Our administrators are currently working with our teachers to foster this environment in all classrooms.  This is not work that can be done in a single lesson, and we have confidence in the skills of our teachers to promote values of belonging and community.  We want to assure our community that our administrators will continue to work with our teaching staff to create and teach lessons that prevent bullying  and promote a respect and kindness for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and political affiliation.  Halifax Elementary staff know their students and their needs.“  …

“We appreciate the work that has been done and will continue to be done to achieve our collective goals.  A true community classroom for all our values is not created by putting up a single flag, decorating a bulletin board, or even  following a curriculum. This is an issue that must be resolved through the ongoing and daily efforts of a caring, supportive community of adults that model kindness, respect. and a willingness to work together to resolve complicated issues.”

A response from the school committee was read.  “The school committee has been reviewing policies, correspondence, and conversations from both sides of the PEACE flag argument.  Most recently on Friday the school committee was given a detailed timeline of events that preceded tonight’s meeting.  After having a chance to investigate the different complexities of the issue, the school committee would like to issue the following statement: ‘Over the past few months there have been false accusations made and name  calling directed at school committee members and administration including their families.  As an elected board, we are a group of people who do not always see eye to eye, nor do we have the same beliefs and opinions.  One thing we do all agree on is making the best decisions for all our children at Halifax Elementary School, no matter how difficult that may be at times.  Procedures have been put in place by both the town and the school which need to be adhered to in the interest of providing the best learning environment for all our students.  After meeting with the district’s counsel it has become clear that the policies were not followed by the teachers and staff regarding the hanging of the PEACE flag.  As a result, an unintentional divide has been created not only in our town but amongst our student body.  The divide has taken away from the safety of the classroom and in turn, the ability of our children to feel comfortable and welcome.  In addition, it has taken precious time away from their limited in-person learning environment. It is our job to hear the facts and make the best decision for all children in our school.  It is the teachers’ job to foster a safe place for each and every student and to educate them on the curriculum as set forth by the District and the Commonwealth.  We as a committee will continue to support the students, the administration, and the teachers in creating a safe learning environment that accepts and celebrates the differences of our students regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or political stance.  We hope the town will come together to support all of our children and truly be the village it takes to raise  the young people we know grow from our school system.”

Discussion ensued from parents, school committee members, and school administrators, all meeting with the same goal in mind – the education of the students at Halifax Elementary School and providing a safe, loving environment for all concerned.

Plympton BOS hears marijuana plan

By

The Plympton Board of Selectmen met virtually on Monday, Feb. 22. Much of the meeting was spent on an appointment with Nick Rizzo to informally discuss steps to acquire a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with Plympton to establish a cannabis business in town. Rizzo, who is originally from Kingston, is a veteran who will be retiring from the military in May. Rizzo said his partner John White, who is also originally from Kingston, has been in the cannabis industry for eight years running a cultivation facility in Maine. “We feel that these businesses can be a really positive part of a community… we want to build a local, sustainable business that is energy conscious and is pretty small in scale,” he explained.

Rizzo explained a bit about his specific proposal saying they were hoping to run a cultivation facility consisting of several greenhouses to start. The facility would not be public facing and Rizzo said they would sell their product to other establishments in the State. Rizzo said he had investigated the Plympton bylaws and had spoken with several property owners in the industrial zone regarding potential locations. The preferred location is one on Spring St. right off the highway.

Rizzo said that he had a previous proposal for a retail establishment in Kingston a year and a half ago that fell through. “If this is something that you all really don’t want in Plympton, I’ll respect that; I don’t want to waste your time or mine,” he explained.

Russo asked about impact in terms of noise and odor. Rizzo said that noise should not be an issue as they won’t be operating any heavy equipment with the exception of the initial construction. He also said that the specific greenhouse they would like to use has an odor mitigation system. Selectman John Traynor asked about size and Rizzo said he was hoping to start with a 5,000 sq. ft. greenhouse and eventually expand to 10,000. He also said he was expecting to initially employ 5 full time employees.

Selectman Christine Joy asked about the concern over the amount of water needed to run the facility. Rizzo said that they had considered that but told the selectmen that his partner, who was unable to attend the meeting, was the true horticulturist. Regarding electricity, Rizzo said he feels that most people getting into the cultivation business are sinking money into unsustainable buildings. He noted that the wholesale price of marijuana was likely to decrease as it moves closer to federal legalization and said that businesses with high operating costs won’t be able to survive. “From a business perspective we would love to get into solar,” Rizzo explained.

Town Treasurer Colleen Morin asked Rizzo what the anticipated profit to the town would be, but Rizzo said he was not yet prepared to discuss revenue numbers. He said that in other towns they had negotiated three percent of gross annual sales.

Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Ken Thompson, who was on the call, said he had the opportunity to talk at length with Rizzo and was impressed with his breadth of knowledge. Thompson said that he was aware of the 2-acre property Rizzo was interested in and noted that it was between other industrial businesses. He shared his opinion that it would have little impact on neighbors.

“For me personally, I’m not a big fan of marijuana but I’m here with an open mind to listen and I appreciate your proposal and your very frank answer to our questions,” Joy said. “I appreciate you being honest with me too,” Rizzo said. Russo said that several years ago another grow facility was proposed but was met with considerable resistance from residents. “It was pretty controversial, and it was a bit of a struggle,” Russo explained. “I, at least personally, could imagine being excited about this,” Russo said of Rizzo’s proposal. Traynor told Rizzo that he felt that the selectmen owed it to Rizzo to let him know exactly what information they need from him in order to move forward. Russo told Rizzo that they would be in touch with him.

Rizzo ended his time before the selectmen with a short story about how he became involved in the industry. He told the selectmen that almost 20 years ago his brother was killed. He said that his mother tried many things “to learn to live with her new reality.” “I’m not going to tell you that cannabis fixed her problems but I will say that when it came to nightmares and things that pharmaceuticals couldn’t seem to fix, we saw some glimmers of hope in cannabis and it turned a lightbulb on in my head where I thought okay, what will all of this look like in twenty years when perhaps people are able to be more open about how it might help especially in a more controlled setting,” Rizzo explained.

Dave Alberti who serves on the ZBA and the Bylaw Review Committee and Vicki Alberti who serves on the Open Space Committee asked to share their opinion with the Selectmen. “I would just like to say as residents of Plympton and a user of medical cannabis that I would welcome a grow in Plympton; I think it would be really good for the town and I just want the Board of Selectmen to understand that I think the majority of the town would probably feel the same way,” Vicki explained.

The Board also took care of several appointments and reappointments in town. Judy Dudley was reappointed to the Community Preservation Committee through June 30, 2023. Russo said, “She’s been a loyal and active member of the Community Preservation Committee.” Dave Bugbee was appointed to the Wage and Personnel Board through 2023. Art Morin was appointed as the coordinator of Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) through June 30, 2023.

Town Administrator Liz Dennehy said there is a workshop on March 10 for the Hazard Mitigation Grant. Dennehy said she is working with Area 58 to have them provide a Zoom link as well as having it broadcast on TV. “People can watch the workshop and learn about what we are trying to put into the plan,” Dennehy explained.

“As far as COVID goes, our numbers are coming down a little bit,” Dennehy told the Board. She said that a smaller surge was anticipated following February vacation.

The selectmen shared their raves for the past few weeks before adjourning. Joy said her rave was for Nick Rizzo. “Him coming in with his presentation… when he told the story at the end, I definitely know what he is talking about; I’m glad that his mother was able to find some peace because that was just a horrible thing and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy,” Joy said. Russo said that his rave was for the same. “However we decide… about a marijuana grow facility, I salute the youthful, energetic, forward looking, well spoken, just kind of a refreshing approach,” Russo said. Traynor said his rave was for getting his vaccine at the Marshfield Fair grounds.

“It is the most professional way of doing it; they just have it well mapped out and I’m very supportive. If anyone is thinking about getting a shot and they can get to Marshfield, that’s the place to go,” Traynor said.

Two charged, one will be charged, in Tractor Supply disturbance

By

Benjamin Paulin

Email: ben@jgpr.net

Special to The Express

PLYMPTON — Chief Matthew Clancy reports that the Plympton Police Department will charge a man with making threats at a business in town over the weekend.

Two additional men were subsequently arrested by Carver Police, who seized two handguns, a large knife and multiple pills during a motor vehicle stop with all three men inside.

The unnamed male suspect will be issued a summons to appear in court at a later date and will be charged by Plympton Police with Threats to Commit a Crime: To Wit Murder. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a criminal complaint has not yet been filed by the court, so the identity of this suspect is being withheld at this time.

Additionally, Adam Laurenco, age 32, of Taunton was also charged by Carver Police with:

• Carrying a Firearm Without a License

• Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card

• Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm

• Possession of a Class B Substance (Oxycodone)

• Possession of a Class B Substance (Xanax)

Nicholas Bellefeuile, age 31, of Middleborough was also charged by Carver Police with:

• Carrying a Firearm Without a License

• Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card

• Carrying a Dangerous Weapon (Brass Knuckles)

• Possession of Class B Substance (Oxycodone)

• Possession of Class B Substance (Xanax)

Bellefeuille and Laurenco  were arraigned in Wareham District Court on Monday, Feb. 22, and were released on $1,000 bail.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21, Plympton police officers responded to the Tractor Supply Company, located at 406 Main St. in Plympton, after receiving a report of multiple customers who were behaving oddly and allegedly causing a disturbance inside the store.

Upon arrival, officers learned that the three men involved had left the store and were heading south into Carver. One of the men was reportedly armed with a large knife. Officers were given a description of the vehicle and suspects and the description was put out over the radio to neighboring police departments.

A short time later, Carver Police located a truck matching the description given traveling south on Main Street (Route 58) with three males inside. A traffic stop of the vehicle was conducted in the area of 32 Main St. and Plympton Police responded to assist.

Through the roadside investigation, officers determined that the three occupants of the truck had been at Tractor Supply Company a short time prior to being stopped by police. One of the men was armed with a large knife and the other two were armed with handguns. None of the suspects had a license to carry a firearm.

As a result of this investigation, Bellefeuille and Laurenco were placed under arrest by Carver Police and the third man was issued a summons to appear in court.

“This was great police work and cooperation by both departments to quickly locate and arrest these men and get two illegally possessed guns off the streets,” Chief Clancy said. “I want to thank the Carver Police for their assistance in the investigation and prompt response to the incident.”

Carver Police Chief Marc Duphily said, “This incident was able to  be resolved thanks to inter-agency support and the strong relationship we have with the Plympton Police Department. I want to commend our officers who were able to locate this truck and conducted the traffic stop leading to the arrests and seizure of weapons.”

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.