Seniors need new chief

The town is looking for a Council on Aging director to replace Lupe Cruikshank, who has retired, said Town Administrator Michael McCue. The director is responsible for developing and managing programs and services for the town's seniors. Tasks include budget writing and planning, grant writing, supervising staff, and managing daily operations. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree, four years of managerial experience at a senior center or related human services position, or comparable education or experience. The application deadline is Oct. 20 at 4 p.m. Resumes and cover letters should be sent to Michael McCue, 65 East Main St., Avon 02322.

- Joan Wilder

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS HELP - The town's emergency food pantry, overseen by the Board of Health, is low on supplies and seeking donations of nonperishable items. Those include foods such as peanut butter, canned or boxed spaghetti, or canned tuna or chicken. The pantry also needs cleaning supplies, paper goods, and baby items including wipes and diapers. Items can be dropped off in the lobby of the old Academy Building during business hours. The Board of Health is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Call 508-697-0903. - Christine Legere

FUNDS TO ADDRESS BLIGHT - Tough times just got a little easier for Brockton with the city awarded $2.15 million by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to rescue neighborhoods blighted by foreclosures. The city will purchase, repair, and resell foreclosed homes. Some vacant properties will be torn down. The city, Brockton Housing Authority, and local banks must submit a plan for federal approval by Dec. 1. Boston, Springfield, and Worcester also received HUD money. Mayor James E. Harrington said the city had applied for the money so it could target particularly hard-hit sections, spending the money "where it will have the most impact."

- Steve Hatch

TREATMENT PLANT COMPROMISE SOUGHT - A proposal for a new water treatment plant is on its third revision in an attempt to satisfy residents who don't want it constructed close to their homes in the area of Riverview Road and Neponset Street. "The majority of the neighbors are no longer concerned," said selectmen chairman John J. Connolly, after the third proposal was presented recently. At earlier meetings, about 20 residents had turned out with questions and objections to the plant. Town Meeting voters in 2007 approved $11 million for two water treatment plants to filter out manganese and iron from water taken from town wells and reduce reliance on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. "The whole idea is so we can save residents money in the long run," said Connolly. Superintendent of Public Works Michael Trotta said one plant is under construction on Pecunit Street and will be operational in about a year. The proposed location of the second plant has been more difficult, however, as the 115- by 85-foot metal building would be located in a wooded area bordered by wetlands on one side and several homes on the other. "It would be a major change for the area," Trotta said adding that at least a dozen other sites were ruled out first. Trotta said the town is trying to provide a buffer of trees. "We're trying to work things out. We want to be a good neighbor," he said. The revised plan still needs approval from both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board.

- Elaine Cushman Carroll

TIMELY PANEL DISCUSSION - Carver residents are invited to a panel discussion on "Surviving the Financial Crisis" Wednesday at 7 p.m. in Town Hall's meeting room 1, with local experts. Participants on the panel will include Jim Grimes of Matchmaker Mortgage; Lucille Dallaire of Old Colony Elderly Services, credit counselor; Energy Star homes builder Michael Berry; Stephen Dubuque of South Shore Housing, a regional nonprofit organization; Normand Grenier of Neighborhood Housing Services, also a nonprofit; Carver veterans agent Ken Morrison; and Lisa Spencer of South Shore Community Action Council, which serves low-income households. For further information about the forum contact the Carver Planning Department at 508-866-3450.

- Robert Knox

BJ'S LIQUOR LICENSE VOTE - After having heard the store make its case, selectmen will vote Thursday on whether to allow BJ's Wholesale Club on Route 1 to sell liquor, according to Town Administrator William Keegan. Dedham has already distributed five permits to package stores, five beer and wine licenses, and five common victualer licenses, with another six licenses distributed to establishments at Legacy Place, officials said. Because state law only allows a store to sell alcohol in three locations, BJ's is expected to stop selling liquor in its Danvers store so it can sell it in Dedham, if approved. - Michele Morgan Bolton

REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCT. 15 - Voters will consider a $1.25 million permanent increase to their taxes Nov. 4, the same day they vote for president. And if they plan to vote, they must register by Oct. 15. The town clerk's office will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day. Those who wish to register prior may do so during regular office hours. Call 508-378-1606.

- Christine Legere

OPINION ON SCRAPPING SELECTMEN? - The public is invited to attend the first in a series of hearings on a possible new town government structure. The hearing, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Easton Middle School, is designed to gauge opinion on the subject of replacing the current system - a Board of Selectmen, town administrator, and open town meetings - with a town administrator/town council form of government. The change, recommended by a government study committee two years ago, requires approval by town voters and the Legislature. After the hearing, at which the Charter Committee will detail its research, the three-member committee will take several months to write a draft proposal to present at a second hearing. - Steve Hatch

A FRESH LOOK AT ANIMAL CARE - The Board of Health has formed a committee to study the issues surrounding the owning of animals (aside from domestic pets) to aid the board in creating new regulations about their care, handling, and shelter. The current regulations, which are largely about horses, haven't been changed since the '80s, when there was a horse track on Route 1. The committee was formed after about 50 residents attended a recent board meeting and found proposed changes to be lacking, said Pauline Clifford, board spokeswoman. Among the issues the rewritten regulations will need to address are pest control around animals, manure disposal, and compliance with zoning setback regulations for barns, huts, and other habitats. "People have everything now - horses, chickens, rabbits, roosters," said Clifford. The $10 license required to own an animal is expected to remain the same.

- Joan Wilder

HEALTH FAIR FOR SENIORS - The Halifax and Hanson public safety departments and councils on aging, along with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Department and district attorney's office, will host the TRIAD Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the Halifax Country Club on Route 106. Seniors can obtain information about health and welfare programs in the area, all free of charge. For more information, contact the Halifax senior center at 781-293-7313. - Christine Legere

TOWN MEETING TOMORROW - Voters will consider several spending requests at the fall Town Meeting tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the Middle School. Included are funding requests by the Department of Public Works for a new dump truck and a new truck body and by the Fire Department for a new roof for its station. The meeting will also take up proposals by the Planning Board that the town accept two private streets as public ways. The streets are all part of new subdivisions. - John Laidler

DEADLINE FOR ARTS GRANTS - Organizations, school groups, and individuals have until Oct. 15 to apply for grants from the Lakeville Arts Council, said Joanne Corrieri-Upham. Grants support artistic projects and include exhibits, artist residencies, and workshops. This year, the Lakeville Arts Council has $4,100 in grants to distribute, provided via the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Call 508-763-3008, write jlcu08@hotmail.com, or visit mass-culture.org/lcc_public.asp

- Paul E. Kandarian

CHILDHOOD COUNCIL MEETING - The Tri-Town Early Childhood Council has scheduled its annual meeting Tuesday in the community room at Sippican School on Spring Street from 6 to 8 p.m. ) Election of cochairs and new members will be held, officials said. Parents, residents, and educators make up the council, which serves Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester. Anyone interested is invited. To register for child care for the meeting or for more information, call 508-748-1863.

- Paul E. Kandarian

WATCH FOR NEW TREES - Fall plantings of trees by the Mattapoisett Tree Committee is planned for late October. Over the past year, the committee has planted new trees at the town's Police Station, Center School, and a park near the town library. In conjunction with the town's tree warden, Roland Cote, the committee is finalizing planting sites. Tree purchases, which average $400 to $500 per tree, are funded by donations. Call 508-758-3008 or visit trees-for-mattapoisett.org.

- Paul E. Kandarian

VETERANS TO BE HONORED - The Middleborough Veterans Council will hold its Veterans Day breakfast at 9 a.m. Nov. 5, at the Middleborough VFW Post on Station St. Veterans may bring one guest, but must call and reserve a place ahead of time. Call 508-415-8501 or 508-397-7567. The Oak Point Veterans Association will hold its annual American Flag retirement ceremony at noon Nov. 15. Flags that need to be retired may be dropped off in the box outside the Veterans Services office on the third floor of the Town Hall Annex. The public is invited to the flag retirement ceremony, which will be held at Oak Point.

- Christine Legere

NEW TOWN ACCOUNTANT CHOSEN - Rockland's town accountant, Eric Hart, has been selected to be Mansfield's new town accountant. He will replace Bea Kearney, who is set to retire at the end of this month. Hart, who lives in Marshfield, holds a bachelor's degree from Bridgewater State College, as well as a number of certifications. Mansfield selectmen voted unanimously at a recent meeting to offer Hart the job. According to the selectmen's office, Hart has accepted and terms of employment are being worked out. - Christine Legere

STATE OK'S LARGER SCHOOL - The town has picked up another approximately 23,000 square feet in the design for its new high school. Last week, the Massachusetts School Building Authority agreed to allow Norwood to use a 227,500-square-foot footprint for the building that will be based on the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School. Originally, Norwood was approved for a 203,000-square-foot plan, but the range was broadened after it was received into the MSBA's Model Schools Program. Officials hope to secure a final design in the coming months and take the plan to a March Town Meeting and, subsequently, an April debt-exclusion override vote. Construction could begin in the spring.

- Michele Morgan Bolton

GETTING LOST IN THE CORN - The popular Sauchuk Farm corn maze is back, said Eliza Sauchuk, a co-owner of the farm with her husband, Scott. Scott, a geophysicist turned vegetable farmer, started the maze last year as part of the town's 300th-anniversary celebration and received such a huge response he brought it back this year. "This year, no maps," said Eliza Sauchuk, adding that clues are handed out to those entering the 8-acre expanse. There also are helpers in yellow shirts, called corn cobs, to guide lost visitors. The maze is designed by an out-of-state company, and the paths are cut into the design - three pumpkins - in early July when the corn is only about two feet high. The maze is open weekends through Oct. 26 and by appointment. The Sauchuks cultivate about 65 acres and sell much of the produce at their farm stand on Route 58. Visit sauchukfarm.net/default.htm.

- Elaine Cushman Carroll

ANDRE TIPPETT DAY CONSIDERED - Selectmen are considering whether to designate April 26 as Andre Tippett Day in Sharon. Tippett, a five-time All-Pro linebacker who helped lead the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl in 1985, will be inducted into the National Jewish Sports hall of Fame and Museum on April 26, 2009. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Tippett, who also has coached Sharon Pop Warner, retired in 1993 after an injury. His career included 100 sacks and 17 recovered fumbles, team bests at the time.

- Franci Richardson Ellement

LOCAL LINK TO EMMY - Last month's Emmy Awards show may have been held in Los Angeles, but it carried a distinctive Stoughton connection. Greg Yaitanes, the son of Stoughton real estate agent Fred Yaitanes and the grandson of former Stoughton selectman Charles Yaitanes, picked up the 2008 Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. "We're very proud of Greg," Anne Yaitanes said of her grandson. Greg Yaitanes, a graduate of the University of Southern California Film School, won for an episode of Fox's medical drama "House," titled "House's Head."

- Robert Carroll

ARMED MAN ROBS CREDIT UNION - A man carrying a black revolver robbed the Sharon Credit Union in East Walpole at about 2 p.m. Monday, said Walpole Deputy Police Chief Scott Bushway. Upon entering the bank, the man demanded that tellers get down on the floor. He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and fled in a black car. Bushway declined to reveal how much money had been stolen. The man masked his face with a handkerchief and wore a round white cloth on his head, a dark nylon jacket, and white rubber or cloth gloves. Anyone with information on the robbery should contact Walpole Detective James O'Connell, who is heading the investigation.

- Joan Wilder

FAUCETS MAY PRODUCE DIRTY WATER - The Wareham Fire District Water Department will be flushing the district's water mains to remove sediment that may have accumulated in the pipes, and that may temporarily cause discolored water to flow from faucets, according to district officials. The flushing begins tomorrow and continues every weekday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., throughout October. Officials are urging residents who reside in the affected district to check their water before using it. If it looks cloudy, officials said to wait for a little while and it should clear up. Anyone who has questions should contact the Water Department at 508-295-0450.

- Emily Sweeney

NEW DEPARTMENT, NEW JOB - The town is accepting applications through Oct. 16 for the new part-time position of conservation/preservation/recreation agent. The position replaces that of conservation agent, which has been vacant for about two years. Selectmen decided to establish the new job in conjunction with its creation of a new Department of Conservation, Preservation, and Recreation. The department, overseen by selectmen, will encompass the Conservation Commission and other environment-related town boards, all of which will receive assistance from the agent. Selectmen are expected to make an appointment within a few weeks of receiving the applications. - John Laidler

SCHOOL SURVEY SAYS - Westwood Superintendent John Antonucci is seeking advice to help school officials identify overall goals and strategies. An e-mail with a link to the survey was sent to residents last week. It is also available on the district's website at westwood.k12.ma.us. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire, Antonucci said, but the results will be long-lasting. "It is important for me that the community is involved in this process, as we are all partners in our effort to create a first-class public school system." Responses are due by Oct. 17. - Michele Morgan Bolton

TOWN MEETING TO ADDRESS BUILDING ISSUES - At the urging of the town's Building Committee, selectmen have scheduled a Special Town Meeting Nov. 17, to consider a $10 million request to build a new police station and repair the Town Hall and Fire Station. Selectmen had voted some months ago to delay a Town Meeting vote on the projects until next spring, but members of the Building Committee argued the items are desperately needed. The new police station is expected to cost about $7.2 million. The repairs to the two other buildings, including a new roof for the Town Hall, will take the remainder of the $10 million. Officials are expected to ask voters to authorize a debt exclusion, or temporary tax increase, to cover at least part of the total. Such a request will also require a ballot vote.

- Christine Legere