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Town Manager Weekly Update
Weekly Update 05/26/2023
A few things to note as we wrap up the last full week of May:
- Cohasset’s Memorial Day events begin on Saturday, May 27, 2023 with the dedication of the Healing Field of Flags at 1 p.m. across from the George H. Mealy American Legion Post on Summer Street by the Harbor. A reception for Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney USMC will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 28th at the American Legion. The Legion will host a breakfast on Sunday, May 29th followed by the start of the first phase of the Memorial Day parade at 8 a.m., with stops at the Green Gate Cemetery and West Corner Memorial, Woodside Cemetery and Gold Star Mothers Memorial, and the Beechwood Cemetery. The full parade will form up at the South Shore Music Circus at 10 a.m., then proceed through the Village with stops at Central Cemetery and POW/MIA square. The parade will conclude at the Veteran’s Memorial Park along Cohasset Cove, immediately followed by a Noon ceremony including remarks by Lt. General Mahoney. Please see the Town’s website for additional information: 2023 Memorial Day Weekend Events
- Cohasset students had an out-of-this-world experience this past week when Cohasset native Astronaut Stephen Bowen took part in a learning commons live from the International Space Station. Astronaut Bowen, currently commanding the ISS, answered student questions ranging from what types of experiments are being done to what its like to sleep and eat in space. Bowen, a 1982 graduate of Cohasset High School, even brought a Cohasset 250 flag to the ISS which he displayed during the event. To watch a recording of the event visit Cohasset’s Facebook page (the progam begins at about the one hour mark) at www.facebook.com/cohassetlivestreaming . The attached photos show Astronaut Bowen with the Cohasset flag, and answering a student’s question (Photos courtesy of Chris Senior). Thanks to the Town’s IT staff and to Communications Specialist Justin Shrair for all their work in making the event possible.
- The Select Board approved one-day liquor licenses for St Anthonys and Holly Hill Farm at its meeting this past week. The Board also: approved an updated Employee Handbook; authorized bond anticipation notes for several projects; and discussed infrastructure planning, long-term financial planning, and the Board’s FY24 goals setting meeting.
- Cohasset Safe Harbor is sponsoring a “Guiding Good Choices” two-session workshop on June 7th and June 14th. The program is designed for those involved in the upbringing and education of children aged 9-15 years old and is facilitated by LICSW Linda Nathan (former Adjustment Counselor for Scituate Public Schools). Registration is required – get your seat today. See the attached flyer for more information.
- Think you know all about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Join students from grades 6 thru 12 at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 31st for a Harry Potter Trivia contest. Registration is required for all muggles – prizes will be awarded to the winners. Register now at Harry Potter Trivia | Paul Pratt Memorial Library
Town offices, including the Paul Pratt Memorial Library, will be closed on Monday, May 29th in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Please take a moment this weekend to remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation. Have a safe and healthy weekend.
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager
05/05/2023
A few things to note as we wrap up the week:
- Many thanks to all who participated in Annual Town Meeting. Town Clerk Leisa Legge reports that 368 voters across the Town’s three precincts took part in the Meeting, which tackled the twenty-five article Warrant in about three-and-a-half hours. Voters approved the annual operating and capital budgets, six zoning amendments, the adoption of the Veteran’s Valor Act, and a number of other fiscal and operational matters. The Meeting did not approve the proposed renovation and reconstruction of Town Hall. The draft minutes of the meeting are can be viewed on the town's website: www.cohassetma.org. Photos of the event are attached (Courtesy of Justin Shrair)
- The Annual Town Election will take place on Saturday, May 13th in the Town Hall Auditorium from 8:00am to 6:00pm. A sample ballot is attached.
- Cohasset employees took part in CPR and QPR training this week, both sponsored by the Cohasset Health Department. The CPR training was led by Captain Randy Belanger of the Cohasset Fire Department. The QPR (Question, Persuade and Respond) suicide prevention training was led by the Plymouth County Samaritans. Some forty-five employees took part in the trainings.
The Health Department would also like all residents to know that two social workers – Stephanie Saunders and Patricia Faletra - are available for short-term counseling relating to a variety of mental health and psychosocial needs, including grief and bereavement, life transitions, domestic violence, substance use, hoarding/clutter, assistance with resources like housing, heat and energy assistance, veteran’s support and much more. Residents 60 years of age and older can call Cohasset Elder Affairs Outreach for assistance at 781-383-9112 and those who are under 60 years of age can call Stephanie at the number on the attached flyer. Both positions are funded through regional grants.
- The Cohasset Water Commission reminds everyone that next week is National Drinking Water Week. To learn more about all the work that Cohasset Water is doing to provide safe, clean drinking water, and how you can help with that effort, please see the attached release.
- The grand opening of the new Parker Avenue Boat Ramp will take place on Thursday, May 11th at 10:00am. All are invited to the event, which will celebrate the completion of work funded through an $800,000 grant from the Seaport Economic Council. The ceremony will feature the launch of a local boat as the “first official” user of the new ramp (the facility formally opened to everyone on May 1st). Please park at the lot at the Lightkeepers Cottage on Government Island.
While a dog may be our best friend, a Cohasset dog’s best friend may well be UPS Driver Tom Cummings who has delivered packages and parcels – and extra-large dog treats – to the community for more than 30 years. In honor of Tom’s retirement, local dogs (and their owners) gathered on the Town Common to wish Tom well, and true to form, Tom had biscuits for all the dogs who came out to thank him. Best of luck on your retirement, Tom! You will be missed by all your local fans. Photos of the event, courtesy of Communications Specialist Justin Shrair and Assistant Town Planner Cassandra Thayer, are attached.
Town Hall hours will change on May 22nd to better serve residents. The building will open each day at 8am (a half-hour earlier than previously) and close at 4:30pm Monday-Thursday and Noon on Fridays (one hour earlier than previously).
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager
04/28/2023
A few things to note as we wrap up the month of April,
- Annual Town Meeting will take place on Monday, May 1st beginning at 7pm at the Sullivan Gym at the Cohasset Middle/High School. The Twenty-Five-Article Warrant includes the annual operating and capital budgets, adoption of the Valor Act which would provide a tax work-off program for qualifying veterans, bonding for a proposed renovation and reconstruction of Town Hall, six zoning bylaw updates and much more. Child care is available. More information on the warrant can be found on the Town website at 2023 Annual Town Meeting.
- Those who were unable to attend the Town Hall Building Committee’s public forum on April 27, 2023 inside Cohasset Town Hall Auditorium can watch by clicking here: Town Hall Project Public Forum . For more information on the work of the Committee and the project itself, which will make critical improvements to the historic Town Hall and the replace the annex with a modern, architecturally appropriate addition, including videos and drawings of the proposed work please visit the Town Hall Project Website. A photo of the group at the public forum is attached.
- The Cohasset Parent School Organization sponsored a Color Run at the Cohasset Middle/High School this week to raise funds for their work. Students ran a course staffed by volunteers who covered the runners with colored powder. The PSO plans to use 100% of the donations for curriculum enrichment programs and teacher grants at the Cohasset Public Schools. Photos are provided by Communications Specialist Justin Shrair.
- Real Estate Taxes are due on May 1st, 2023. Cohasset Treasurer/Collector Linda Cole reminds residents that there are multiple ways to pay your bill: on-line - Cohasset Online Payments ; in the drop box outside of Town Hall; or in the Treasurer/Collector’s office during regular business hours. Payments must be received by May 1st - USPS postmarks do not count if a payment arrives late. For an informative video on how to pay your taxes from Communications Specialist Justin Shrair click here: How to Pay Your Taxes
- The Parker Avenue Boat Ramp will officially open to residents on Monday, May 1st. The project, funded in large measure by a grant from the Seaport Economic Council, was under construction over the winter. A formal ribbon-cutting is planned for later in May. A shot of the old ramp, which was in serious need of repairs, is attached.
Look for the South Shore Habitat for Humanity table on your way into Town Meeting and learn more about the duplex being planned for 808 Jerusalem Road. For more information on the project visit https://sshabitat.org/
Town Hall hours will change on May 22nd to better serve residents. The building will open each day at 8am (a half-hour earlier than previously) and close at 4:30pm Monday-Thursday and Noon on Fridays (one hour earlier than previously).
Paving work on Route 3A between Pond Street and Stop&Shop will begin on Monday, May 1st. Work is expected to take several days.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager
Here is your weekly update for April 21, 2023:
UPDATE - BEECHWOOD ST. WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT: Next week Monday, April 24th through Wednesday, April 26th the contractor, KJS, will be connecting the individual homes in the construction area to the above ground bypass. When the connection is being made it will be necessary to shut down the individual home for approximately 20 minutes. Tuesday, April 25th – Water will be shut down to Ox Pasture Lane from 8:30 am – 11:30 am to tie in the water main to the above ground bypass. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience while we make these critical improvements to your water system. Should you have any questions please contact the Water Department at (781) 383-0057.
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Information about 2023 Annual Town Meeting can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.cohassetma.org/726/2023-Annual-Town-Meeting
Here is your weekly update for 4-14-2023!
1. Next Saturday, April 22, 2023 is Earth Day! Members of the Open Space and Recreation Committee invite the public out for a day of cleanup around Cohasset on Saturday to celebrate Earth Day 2023. Members are asking citizens to meet at town hall starting at 9 a.m. and to please bring your own gloves. From there groups will head out around town to help clean up Cohasset. A flyer is attached. On a similar note, please keep your eye out on Facebook for “Earth Day Ideas” from the Alternative Energy Committee. AEC will be posting an idea every day on Facebook starting tomorrow leading up to Earth Day 2023!
2. Congratulations to one of Cohasset’s newest businesses who recently opened their doors and held a “Ribbon Chewing” ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of 143 Veterinary Services. Local officials and community members gathered last Wednesday to celebrate the opening. Two photos of the event are attached. The first photo from L to R: School Committee Chair Lance Dial and his dog, Boomer, Town Manager Chris Senior and his dog Cadhla, Select Board Vice-Chair Jean Healey Dippold with her dog Precious, Police Chief William Quigley with his dogs Taz and Kayden, Natural Resource Officer Josh Kimball and Sergeant Patrick Reardon with K-9 Officer Einstein. The second photo from L to R: Jennifer Dial, wife of School Committee Chair, Lance Dial, School Committee Chair Lance Dial with their dog Boomer and Town Manager Chris Senior with Cadhla. Photos are courtesy of Dan Leahy.
3. A big thank you goes out to everyone over at South Shore Support Services Launch Vocational Day Program after “The Launch Eats Crew” cooked up some amazing hot dogs and hamburgers during an appreciation lunch at Cohasset Town Hall. We thank them for the great work they do every day to help us here in town hall! The first photo features members of the Cohasset Department of Public Works along with some of our Facilities Department and Carol Rowe, the Administrative Assistant to the Public Works Director.
4. A reminder that the Cohasset Water Department will continue their spring hydrant flushing program on Monday, April 17th and Tuesday, April 18th. Hydrants will be flushed from 9:00am-3:00pm, in the following areas:
Clay Spring Rd. Reservoir Rd.
Arrowwood St. Juniper Rise
Tupelo Rd. Pond St.
Bayberry Ln. Woodland Dr.
Evergreen Ln. Holly Ln.
Old Pasture Rd. Pleasant St.
During this time, the Water Department reports that you may experience discolored water, we would suggest holding off on doing laundry until flushing is done for the day. If you experience discolored water run your outside faucet till it runs clear. For any questions please contact the Water Department at (781) 383-0057.
5. Recently a new RADAR speed sign was installed along King Street. There are others installed throughout town. Please remember to observe all posted speed limit signs.
Have a great weekend and good luck to anyone running in the Boston Marathon on Monday!
Weekly Update 3/31/2023
- Spring is here and so is the latest edition of the Cohasset Recreation Program Guide. Full of programs and activities for all ages, the Brochure will be hitting Cohasset mailboxes this weekend. Among the many offerings: Running clubs for kids K-2nd and 3rd- 5th grades; Super Soccer Stars for kids 2-3 yrs old, 3-4 yrs old, and 4-5 yrs old; Ultimate Frisbee for middle and high school age kids; Gentle and Ashtanga yoga classes for adults; boating safety; babysitter training; summer basketball and wiffleball; and much, much more. To register for Cohasset Recreation programs please visit: Cohasset Recreation Commission: Online Registration
- Cohasset Safe Harbor Youth Ambassadors traveled to Beacon Hill to take part in the 84th annual “Kick Butts Day.” Malone Yemini, Dominique Vecchiolla, Sari Reyes, Madeline Schultz and Keira Lynch joined youth from across Massachusetts to educate legislators about programs to reduce the use of tobacco and vaping products. The attached photos show the Ambassadors with Senator Patrick O’Connor, Rep. Joan Meschino, and as a group in front of the State House. (photos courtesy of Safe Harbor Cohasset)
- Meet New York Times bestselling author and cartoonist Kate Beaton at an online author talk on Tuesday, April 4th at 7pm. A native of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Kate is the author of “Hark! A Vagrant!” and “Ducks: Two years in the Oil Sands.” Beaton’s natural cartooning prowess is on full display in “Ducks” as she draws colossal machinery and mammoth vehicles set against a sublime Albertan backdrop of wildlife, Northern Lights, and Rocky Mountains. To register for this free event please visit the Paul Pratt Memorial Library at: Author Talk Registration: Kate Beaton
- The South Shore Regional Emergency Communications Center received the “Team of the Year” award from the Massachusetts Communications Supervisor Association. The award recognizes the nine members of the SSRECC staff who took part in the response to the November 21, 2022, mass casualty incident at the Apple Store in Hingham. The SSRECC provides Cohasset, Hull, Hingham and Norwell with 24/7 911 services. Congratulations to the Center and the awardees for all their hard work to keep our community safe.
- The Cohasset Select Board approved permits for the Three Beach Minimum half-marathon set for September 30th and the Memorial Day weekend events and parade from May 27th-29th at its meeting this week. The Board also approved a project to add a turtle ramp to improve the habitat in the skating pond in Wheelwright Park; and reviewed and approved articles for the Annual Town Meeting in May.
This week’s coffee pop-up featuring Seabird Coffee was a big hit at the Paul Pratt Memorial Library. Patrons consumed more than 70 free cups of coffee, donated by the Friends of the Library. The attached photos show some of those who caught the buzz. (photos courtesy of the Library)
Work on the Beechwood water main replacement has begun. Expect delays during the week and leave more time to get to your destination.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager
Weekly Update 03/24/2023
- The Cohasset Recreation Fair will take place this Sunday, on March 26, 2023 at Deer Hill School from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Mark your calendars now! The Fair will feature opportunities to learn more about and register for local summer programs, community groups and organizations, and to shop at an indoor farmers market. More than 50 vendors will be in attendance! If you are looking to purchase your All Facilities Sticker, the Town Clerk’s Office will have a table. If you are looking to learn more about possible changes to Cohasset’s Zoning bylaws, the Zoning Bylaw Committee will be in attendance as well. All are invited to come out to the Rec Fair!
- The Select Board continued its review of proposed articles for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. The Board voted to recommend to Town Meeting both the proposed Veteran’s Valor Act and the proposed amendments to the South Shore Vocational School regional agreement. The Board will continue its review of the Warrant at its meeting next week.
- Both Lily Pond and the Aaron River Reservoir are at 100% capacity as of the end of February, the Cohasset Water Department reports. Water use was up in February over the same period in 2022, the fourth straight month of increased water usage. Replacement of a major section of the Beechwood Street water main begins next week.
- South Shore Habitat for Humanity invites Cohasset to learn about how it builds homes with local volunteers in advance of the 808 Jerusalem Road project slated for construction later this year. Residents can join a public session with SSH staff and volunteers on Monday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the Willcutt Commons Chart room. See the attached release for more information.
- Annual water main flushing begins on Monday, March 27th and Tuesday, March 28th, 9:00am-3:00pm, in the following areas: Avalon Drive, Timber View Lane, Bay View Drive, Sky View Way, 1-240 King Street, Sanctuary Pond Road, Rose Hill Lane, 1-400 C J Cushing Highway, Crocker Lane and Whitney Woods Lane. During this time, you may experience discolored water, we would suggest holding off on doing laundry until flushing is done for the day. If you experience discolored water run your outside faucet till it runs clear. Thank you for your patience. For any questions, please contact the Water Department at (781) 383-0057.
Work on the Beechwood water main replacement has begun. The attached photo shows work on the temporary water main that will be in place during the construction. Expect delays during the week when construction in the roadway begins and leave more time to get to you destination.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Weekly Update 3/17/2023
A few things to note as we wrap up the week:
- It’s time to purchase your 2023 All Facilities Sticker which grants access to Sandy Beach parking and the RTF. If your car was registered in Cohasset as of 1/1/2023, you may order your sticker online starting on Monday, March 20th on the Town’s website by clicking here. The Clerk’s office will work to mail out your new sticker within 24 hours. Residents aged 65 and older can purchase their stickers in-person at Town Hall on Friday, March 24th between 9 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Those of all ages looking to purchase a sticker in-person can do so on March 26th at the Recreation Fair. More information can be found in the attached flyer.
- The Cohasset Recreation Fair will take place on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at Deer Hill School from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. The Fair will feature opportunities to learn more about and register for local summer programs, community groups and organizations, and to shop at an indoor farmers market. See the attached flyer for more information.
- The Cohasset Select Board discussed major capital projects and how to fund them at its meeting this past week. That conversation will continue on Tuesday, March 21st at their next meeting. The Board also: agreed to participate in another round of opioid settlements, which will bring Cohasset additional funds to combat addiction; amended the charge of the Sidewalk Committee; reviewed the proposed FY24 Water Department budget; and heard a presentation on proposed updates to the Town’s Stormwater Bylaw.
- It was a St. Patrick’s Day feast at Willcutt Commons this week. More than seventy seniors enjoyed a meal of home-cooked corned beef, colcannon, carrots, Irish soda bread, and bread pudding. Many thanks to the volunteer team who made the event possible, seen in the attached photo from left to right: front row, Linda Genovese, Kathy Whitney, Lynn Monaco; back row (L-R) Joe Coggins, Dan Volungis (chef), Jim Murphy (chef) Liz Murphy, Peter Whitney, Ruth Nedrow, Elaine Coyne, Elaine curran, Elinore Barrett, Patty Smith, Peggy Gibbons, Jo White,, Greg & Tim (Launch). Staff members also got into the spirit, as seen in the attached photo, from left to right: Dorothy McCormack, Nancy Lafauce, Diane Picot, Liza Salerno, Richard Gibbons. (Photo’s courtesy of Elder Affairs) Many thanks to who took part!
- The Recreation Commission recently recognized outstanding work by Cohasset students from the National Honor Society and Cohasset Scouts. (photos courtesy of Cohasset Recreation)
- From the National Honor Society: Charlie Lankow (used sports equipment sale to benefit the Social Service League); Jack McSweeney (RISE volunteer); Nick Lantosca and Sam Grech (Rec Center volunteers). The four are shown in the attached photo with Recreation Commission Chair Tim Burnieika.
- For Eagle Scout Projects: Dimitri Peters (benches at 100 Sohier Street; Aydin Tiryaki (solar benches at Milliken and 100 Sohier Street to charge phones; Rex Schiffman (replacing Bancroft Way staircase to Milliken Field); and Haley Cody (painting the dugouts and baseball shed at Milliken Field). The four are seen in the attached photo with Recreation Commission Chair Tim Burnieika. Congratulations to all for their outstanding work!
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! Erin go Bragh!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager
Weekly Update 03/10/2023
A few things to note as we wrap up the first full week of March:
- Daylight Saving Time resumes on Sunday, March 12th, and Cohasset Fire Chief John Dockray and the Cohasset Fire Department are reminding residents to check their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when setting their clocks ahead. Daylight saving time begins at 2 am on Sunday, March 12. For more information, please check out an article on the Cohasset News Blog by clicking here.
- Work crews will begin replacing the 110-year-old water main on Beechwood Street starting Wednesday, March 15, 2023. The work, which will take place between King Street and Bound Brook Lane, is expected to take 3-4 months. This work zone will affect approximately 35 homes that have frontage on this stretch of Beechwood Street, and traffic flow along the street. Please drive slowly, expect delays, and allow for more time when driving through the affected area. Water service will not be affected. For more information, please see the attached release.
- Two exciting opportunities to help the local environment from Cohasset Resiliency Coordinator Montanna Cassel:
- Transform your single use plastic bags into a bench with the Bags to Benches. Bag collection sites are being set up at the Cohasset Middle/High School (front lobby and cafeteria), Town Hall, and at spring sports games. Help clean up the local environment and create something useful for the community – a flyer is attached.
- Cohasset businesses can receive free assistance to develop their own plans to reduce waste on April 19th, when staff from the Center for Eco-Technology will on-site. The program will develop a free waste reduction analysis for each participating business. Local businesses can sign up for a time between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on April 19th. See the attached flyer for more information, or contact Montanna Cassel at mcassel@cohassetma.org
- The Cohasset Select Board approved a series of events at their March 7th meeting, including: the annual Cohasset Youth Baseball/Softball Association Annual Parade on April 29th; the annual MS Society walk on May 6th; the Eco-Fest on May 20th; the Carriage House Nursery School Fundraiser on April 28th; the South Shore Arts Center’s Annual Arts Festival from June 16th – 18th, including a preview party on June 10th; and the Cohasset Historical Society Clambake on September 9th. The Board also: completed interviews and finalized appointments to the Sidewalk Committee; approved an Eagle Scout project by Haley Cody to improve the Milliken Field dugouts and storage shed; received an update from the School Facilities Committee; approved an update to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan; and reviewed articles for the Annual Town Meeting warrant.
- Two big achievements in Cohasset sports:
- Congratulations to Cohasset 11th grader Sarah Chennette for scoring her 1,000th career point in a basketball game against Monument Mountain. She is only the second female in Cohasset history to reach the 1,000-point plateau, and now has the all-time Cohasset Girls’ Basketball scoring record in sight. Sarah is seen in the attached photo with her family celebrating the achievement (photo courtesy of Dan Leahy). Congrats Sarah!
- Congratulations to Cohasset 9th grader Robbie Blanchard for winning the individual state title in the Boy’s Giant Slalom. Robbie topped a field of 146 qualifiers at Berkshire East. The attached photo shows Robbie (center in the blue sweatshirt) with his family at a recent recognition event (photo courtesy of Dan Leahy). Way to go Robbie!
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
Chris
Christopher Senior
Town Manager