Man About Canton: Outstanding Memorial Day

Did you know …

Canton’s Memorial Day celebration was another outstanding affair sponsored by the Canton American Legion Post 24 and led by Legion Commander John Carrington and Canton Veterans Agent Tony Andreotti. Fortunately, the rain held off, and MAC was happy to see both the Canton High School band and the popular Canton American Legion band, and both did a wonderful job. MAC was also pleased to see such a large contingent of Canton firefighters and Canton police in this year’s parade along with many Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The marshal of the parade was Army veteran John Jorgenson, who recently retired after working 45 years for the town of Canton and who has been a Legion member for 47 years. At the Veterans Memorial Park, keynote speaker Congressman Stephen Lynch gave an inspirational speech. The emcee of the day was retired Brigadier General Frank LaBollita, who also did an outstanding job.

At the recent annual town meeting, voters approved changing the number of Finance Committee members from 12 to nine. Only 207 residents attended the open session of this year’s town meeting. Less than 100 were in attendance to vote on the final town meeting article. It is important to note that over 16,400 registered voters were eligible to attend.

Donald and Theresa Hagerty are seeking local approvals to construct three single-family house lots on property located at 468 and 474 Neponset Street.

Most towns have taken steps towards prohibiting the sale of recreational marijuana in their town. The town of Canton has created a temporary moratorium until the state finalizes regulations concerning marijuana establishments. State voters approved a referendum question on the November 8, 2016 ballot to legalize the personal use of marijuana for nonmedical purposes. It seems like every town in Massachusetts has overwhelmingly supported a ban on recreational marijuana businesses when put before the voters. It certainly appears that people don’t mind if people smoke marijuana, just not in their backyards.

In the United States, 14 states have banned the use of handheld cell phones for drivers. Massachusetts may be next as the legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee voted 18-0 to approve a law that prohibits drivers in Massachusetts from holding a cell phone during a call. According to Robert Stubbs of Canton, a technology executive, studies show little or no difference in the response times of a driver engaged in a telephone conversation conducted hands-free and a telephone conversation conducted with a handheld device while driving.

Adidas has sold its golf brands, Taylor Made, Adams Golf, and Ashworth to KPS Capital Partners for $425 million. The world’s second largest sports apparel company is now focused on it namesake brand and Reebok.

The U.S. Postal Service is hoping it can soon raise stamp prices by a penny or more. The Postal Service reported a quarterly loss of $562 million.

HESSCO Elder Services needs drivers in Canton for its Meals on Wheels program, which delivers to homebound elders from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The program is looking for a commitment of only one day a week. If interested, contact Debbie Fradkin at 781-784-4944.

Smoking will be prohibited in public housing residences nationwide under a new federal rule that will go into effect early next year. The Department of Housing and Urban Development bans cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and water pipes in all living units, indoor common areas, administrative offices, and outdoor areas within 25 feet of housing and office buildings.

In the town of Cohasset, all 16 positions went unopposed in the recent town election. There was also no official candidate for a seat on the Board of Assessors, a paid position.

The federal per-gallon taxes of 18.4 cents on gasoline and 24.4 cents on diesel were last raised in 1993. President Trump is supporting a gas tax increase.

Selectmen recently voted 3-2 to support an extension of pay for Nick Pirelli as interim Parks and Recreation director until June 30, 2017. Pirelli and recreation secretary Audrey Cohen have been instrumental in running the day-to-day operation of the department while the new director, Elizabeth Francis, gets acquainted with her new position.

The cost of a scoop of vanilla ice cream may increase this year. The reason is that the tiny island of Madagascar had a cyclone hit in March, devastating the farms that supply more than 80 percent of the world’s vanilla beans.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

That is all for now folks. See you next week.

Joe DeFelice can be reached at manaboutcanton@aol.com.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=36386

Posted by Joe DeFelice on Jun 2 2017. Filed under Featured Content, Man About Canton, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.