Sox fans forever

Customers of the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home can now take their passion for the Red Sox with them to the grave. The Union Street parlor recently began offering a Red Sox line of caskets. "We took delivery of these caskets on Oct. 27, and we've already had one family preplan their father's funeral with a Red Sox casket," said funeral home co-owner Bob Biggins. "It's creating quite a bit of conversation." Biggins said the national company Eternal Image began negotiating with Major League Baseball three years ago to offer caskets with team logos. "It's been a labor of love for that company and it finally came through," he said. "Funerals now have really become about celebrating life." He said his Red Sox caskets are priced in line with similar caskets. "It's not beyond the realm of possibility that you could one day see a Patriots or Bruins logo on a casket," he said. - Robert Carroll

PROPERTY TAX HEARING - For the first time since Braintree established a mayoral and council form of government, the Town Council will hold a hearing to set a tax rate for the current fiscal year. The hearing, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Town Hall, will be held with the Board of Assessors. It will determine how much of the tax burden will fall to homeowners and how much to commercial and industrial property owners. Currently the town has a split tax rate. According to Braintree's website, residential property owners currently pay $8.67 per $1,000 of value, and commercial and industrial property owners pay $18.97 per $1,000. Taxpayers interested in offering input may submit written comments or speak at the hearing. - Christine Legere

TRACKING TAGGERS - Braintree officials, upset at an increase in graffiti on town property, are offering a $100 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the taggers involved. The most recent incident was on the Route 3 overpass near the Liberty Street rotary. "It is frustrating to see a newly painted wall defaced by graffiti, particularly at a time when the town has embarked on a beautification program," said Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan in a statement. - Matt Carroll

WIND HEARING POSTPONED - The Planning Board hearing on a proposed wind farm off Route 3A has been postponed to Dec. 1 to give the developer more time to address technical questions. CCI Energy of Plymouth wants to build two towers, each reaching 460 feet high counting the blades, on land next to the old town landfill. The project has numerous advocates in town but some neighbors have objected, claiming the wind turbines would be noisy and disruptive. The developer has asked for more time to provide information about the noise and light issues. The rescheduled meeting will be held at Town Hall at 7 p.m. - Johanna Seltz

NEW BUS SERVICE - Bus companies are being sought to operate a new line in Duxbury, carrying passengers through town to points in Kingston and Marshfield on an hourly schedule. Town officials and the director of the Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority agreed on details of the new service at a meeting last week. The fee will be $1 per trip, 50 cents for seniors, with free transfers to other GATRA buses on connecting routes. Council on Aging director Joanne Moore said the new service will provide independence for residents young and old who currently lack transportation, bringing commuters to MBTA train service in Kingston and young people to after-school jobs at Independence Mall. Stops also will include shopping plazas in Pembroke and Marshfield. GATRA director Frank Gay told officials he expects to have the buses running by the end of the month. - Robert Knox

McCAIN CARRIES THE VOTE - "Don't blame us, we voted for Stuffy" could become a popular bumper sticker in town if the Obama administration fails. Hanover voters went against the state's largely Democratic current by favoring Senator John McCain in the Nov. 4 presidential election. Of the state's 351 communities, only 48 sided with the Republican candidate. Hanover backed McCain over Democratic Senator Barack Obama by a 4,401 to 3,591 count. Among registered voters casting ballots, Hanover showed the fifth highest percentage of McCain backers at 54 percent. East Brookfield led the way statewide at 56 percent. - Robert Carroll

SERVICE FOR SERVICEMEN - First Baptist Church is holding a special service next Sunday to honor local servicemen and servicewomen and their families. The event will also recognize the church's care package ministry, which has sent more than 4,500 pounds of supplies to military men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to church spokeswoman Joy Thomson. She said everyone attending the 6 p.m. service will be given candles, which will be lit at the end as a soloist sings a patriotic hymn. The public is invited and welcome to bring donations for the care packages. First Baptist is located at 85 Main St. in Hingham Square. - Johanna Seltz

LIBRARY TRUSTEE NAMED - An active Holbrook Public Library patron has been appointed to serve as the third member on the Board of Library Trustees. Renee Walker, a registered nurse and mother of five who lives in Holbrook, was appointed earlier this month. She was one of two candidates who applied for the post. The other was Pauline Walter, another Holbrook resident. Walker will fill the vacant seat left by James Burke, who resigned several weeks ago. The board will spend much of its time trying to raise money to match a grant it received for renovations and additions. - Franci Richardson Ellement

CALENDARS FOR KITTIES - The Kittendales are back. For the second year, Hull's Seaside Animal Rescue is selling calendars featuring muscled men with fluffy shelter kittens. The cover photo, for example, has a bare-chested man with a faux-hawk standing near a pier and holding a tabby in one hand. Last year's calendar sold out - at 700 copies - and raised $10,000, according to Joanne Berman, the shelter's operation manager. She said all proceeds benefit the shelter, and all the cats in the 2008 calendar were adopted. "This year we're at it again with all new guys and, of course, new kitties," she said. The $20 2009 calendar is available on the shelter's website, www.hsar.org, as well as at the shelter at 50 L St.; TOAST Restaurant, 121 Nantasket Ave.; and Sunshine Pet Parlor, 813 Nantasket Ave. - Johanna Seltz

RECYCLING URGED - Selectmen have unanimously voted to join the Mass Recycles Paper campaign, a public-private program to reduce the amount of paper that is currently being thrown away and save the town money. Town Administrator Kevin Donovan said Kingston paid $149,000 last year to dispose of its trash and estimated the town could save $22,000 by increasing its recycling rate. Paper and cardboard comprise at least 20 percent of the town's total of 5,010 tons of trash, Donovan said. The campaign seeks to increase recycling rates by educating people on the need to recycle paper. It also offers containers for recycled paper that can be placed in public sites such as schools and other town buildings.

- Robert Knox

CANTWELL WINS SEAT - Former selectman James M. Cantwell was chosen to become the next state representative from Marshfield. Cantwell beat challenger John Valianti for the open seat, which covers the town of Marshfield and precincts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 in Scituate. Cantwell, a Democrat, will succeed longtime state Representative Frank M. Hynes, who did not run for reelection. In other election news, Marshfield resident John Riordan was easily reelected to the Plymouth County Commission, topping the ticket in the four-way race for two available seats; and incumbent Thomas J. O'Brien of Kingston beat Marshfield Republican Edward J. O'Connell in the race for county treasurer. - Emily Sweeney

JUST IN CASE - Town officials are contemplating 2 percent budget cuts for departments as suggested by the Warrant Committee as a way of protecting the town financially if state aid does not come in as expected, said Kathryn A. Fagan, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen. So far, the state money looks to be on track, according to local legislators, said Fagan, but everyone is waiting to see how hard corporate earnings are hit. Town officials are gathering information on possible cuts and selectmen will consider the question again on Thursday. - Matt Carroll

CHARITY RUN - Area residents can get some exercise today while helping people in need. The Norwell Women's Club is holding its third annual Norwell Turkey Trot, a 5-kilometer road race or walk at 10 a.m. at Norwell High School. Proceeds from entry fees will benefit the charitable efforts of the 50-year-old club, which supports organizations and activities that enhance the quality of life in town. Participants are asked to bring a can or box of food to be donated to the Norwell Food Pantry. For more information, go to www.norwellwomensclub.org. - John Laidler

SCHOOLS HELP WITH HEATING COSTS - Pembroke schools are doing their part to help residents in need keep their homes heated this winter. Through a school department initiative, each of the town's schools is holding a fund-raiser to benefit the town's fuel assistance fund. So far, the high school raised money from its homecoming dance in October, while the Bryantville Elementary School held a family night Nov. 6. Established about four years ago and funded with private donations, the fuel assistance fund is used to help town residents who face an emergency situation due to inability to pay their heating bills, according to Council on Aging director Mary Willis, whose office administers the fund. She said the fund started with $5,000 but had no money in it the last several years. Anyone who would like to donate is asked to call the council office at 781-294-8220.

- John Laidler

WEEKEND DETOURS - Drivers, take note: Several roads in America's Hometown will be closed on Saturday for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Water Street will be closed from Union Street to Brewster Street from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.; and a portion of Route 3A - from Nelson Street to the intersection of Water Street and Main Street Extension - will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Emily Sweeney

CENTRALIZING FINANCES - Treasurer-collector Warren Sproul has been promoted to run the newly created Municipal Finance Department, according to Mayor Thomas Koch's office. Deborah Coughlin, a manager for Gillette, was hired to replace Sproul. Both are longtime city residents. The new Municipal Finance Department will create a "centralized nerve department" for the city's fiscal operations, which had been spread among several departments. Sproul, who has been an analyst with the city for 22 years, will be in charge of managing budgets, tracking revenues, and reviewing contracts, according to the city. - Matt Carroll

NEW DEAL WITH COMCAST - The Cable Advisory Committee has reached a new license deal with Comcast and the Board of Selectmen will vote on the contract at tomorrow night's meeting. The license is for 10 years and calls for Comcast to pay the town 4.3 percent of its local annual gross revenue, said Executive Secretary David Murphy. All of the money is going directly to Randolph Community Television, the town's 10-year-old public-access corporation. Milton recently approved a similar contract with Comcast. Murphy said Randolph's last 10-year contract called for a flat payment of $125,000 per year. "They have made out significantly from the last license - I would say Randolph had one of the lowest revenue percentage agreements in the Commonwealth. Now, RCTV can begin investing in the corporation," he said. Although Comcast recently announced rate hikes, Murphy said the local programming license should not be blamed for the rate increases. - Wendy Chow

ARTISTS UNITED - After a yearlong diaspora, the 4th Floor Artists, a band of 50 area artists, will show off their new digs along with their creations at the group's 17th annual Open Studios next weekend. The group formed in 1990 when space became available on the fourth floor of a former Rockland shoe factory, the F.L. & J.C. Codman building on Plain Street. Eventually they numbered more than 100 and occupied the entire building, but in 2006 a developer bought it. The artists dispersed, with some finding space in two other former factories in Rockland, the E.T. Wright building, 379 Liberty St., and the American Sandpaper factory, 83 East Water St. Others followed, and the new 4th Floor Artists are fully settled at their two new digs. On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., they will show off both locations, display their art and crafts, demonstrate their work, provide refreshments, and sell some items. The artists include painters, printmakers, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, graphic designers, interior designers, architects, fiber artists, woodworkers, potters, and performing artists. Parking is free. For information, call 781-792-1705, visit www.4thfloorartists.org, or email patisaac@verizon.net.

- Steve Hatch

HARBOR PLAN FORUM - Residents have a chance to offer their input on the future of the town's waterways. Harbormaster Mark Patterson and the Waterways Committee, who are developing a harbor management plan, will hold a public meeting at 6:45 p.m. tomorrow at the public library. Participants will be invited to offer their thoughts about existing use of the harbor and the development of a framework for the plan.

- John Laidler

PANTRY NEEDS MORE - The Weymouth Food Pantry already has spent the $12,000 gift it received last month from a New York law firm. "I ordered $12,000 worth of gift cards for the holidays," said pantry director Pat Adams. "Easy in, easy out." Adams said the pantry, which is located in the Immaculate Conception Church School Building in East Weymouth, chose to provide gift cards this season because it didn't have enough room for the needed 500 turkeys and fixings. The donation came from a class action suit that a judge settled on the condition that money go to nonprofit organizations. The winning law firm does pro bono work for the Norfolk County retirement system and contacted county Treasurer Joseph Connolly, who recommended donating to the food pantry in his hometown. Adams said more donations would be welcome and should be sent to the Weymouth Food Pantry, PO Box 890009, Weymouth 02189-0001.

- Johanna Seltz

SEWER RATES RISING - Water rates went up 60 percent earlier this year, and now sewer rates are following. The City Council approved a 10 to 40 percent increase in sewer rates last week after Mayor James E. Harrington said the boost was needed to cover a $2 million shortfall. The shortfall was blamed on a decline in revenue because of the large number of vacant homes in the city. A family of four will see an estimated 28 percent annual increase, or $94.90. - Steve Hatch

BOND RATING RISES - After years of working to get on stronger financial footing, Dedham recently received a Standard & Poor's bond rating increase from AA to AA+, the second-highest rating possible. Among the reasons, according to the agency, was Dedham's location between Boston and Route 128, its "moderate" debt burden, and increasing tax base. - Michele Morgan Bolton

SELLING TO MINORS - Two restaurants and a convenience store that sold alchohol to underage patrons during a sting conducted by the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission in September face disciplinary action from that state agency. Hawaii Garden Restaurant and the All Seasons Restaurant received four-day suspensions of their liquor licenses. Both will have the option of requesting a fine rather than the four-day suspension. The Halifax Mobil station received a three-day suspension, which will not have to be served if the store passes compliance checks for the next two years. - Christine Legere

HELP WANTED - The Soule Homestead Education Center is looking for volunteers who can come to the farm on a regular basis to help with a long list of jobs, from evening animal feeding and stall cleaning, to collating the homestead's newsletter. Donations are also needed. To check out ways to help, go to www.soulehomestead.org or call 508-947-6744. - Christine Legere

PARKING BAN STARTS - A ban that prohibits parking on streets and in municipal parking lots between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m. went into effect yesterday and runs until April 1. Its purpose is to keep streets clear of vehicles when snow removal operations are necessary. Anyone who violates the ban will be subjected to a $20 fine for each violation. - Michele Morgan Bolton

BEAT GOES ON FOR SOLEM - Stoughton High School senior drummer Andrew Solem, 17, has been selected to perform with the US Army All-American Marching Band during a nationally televised football game in Texas in January. He will join 96 other high school musicians selected from around the country to perform during halftime of the US Army All- American Bowl, Jan. 3 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

- Robert Carroll

COMPLAINANT DIES IN CRASH - Paul Andrade, a 52-year-old Wareham resident who accused local police of racial profiling, was killed in a car crash Oct. 21. Andrade was driving south on Route 28 just after 10 a.m. when he drifted across the road and crashed into a truck in the northbound lane, according to police. Andrade was flown by MedFlight to Boston Medical Center, where he died, police said. Andrade made local newspaper headlines in September when he claimed during a public meeting that he had been a victim of racial profiling when an officer pulled him over on Sept. 6 and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. The Wareham police chief denied any wrongdoing and defended the officer. - Emily Sweeney