WELL DONE: By all accounts, Olly DeMacedo did a great job heading up the Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade. It’s about time that our next door neighbors finally realized that they have a destiny to claim Thanksgiving as their own special event. For years Plymouth never seemed to put themselves together with Thanksgiving…and worse yet, never capitalized on the revenue potential that tourism would provide once the summer is over. The universally accepted success of this year’s event should provide the impetus for a win-win situation next year and individuals, groups, and organizations should be lining up to be a part of it. One blot on the event was the absence of Plymouth Firefighters participating in the special 911 tribute. Seems some union issue took priority over pride.

POTTLE STREET activity has been pretty light. There is little that can be done with the fields until spring. The only activity we have observed is some additional fence work which should be pretty well wrapped up. The main gate has been locked on numerous occasions which should be a cause for complaint from the commercial paintball operation operating out of the abutting property at the far end of the fields. Pottle Street is their only access and there is a right-of-way which should be unimpeded. We still have to wonder how much the maintenance of the fields will cost on a seasonal basis, and who will do it. Word is that it will be a private maintenance company, but who knows. The Town will deal with that when they deal with the layout of Pottle Street and actually begin the process of easement takings; something that should have been dealt with a long time ago.

ABATE THIS! David Fitzgerald had an interesting tale to tell the Ringside Staffers…kinda nightmarish if you ask us. He owned a 1981 Olds which he sold in January of this year. After receiving an excise bill he went to the Assessor’s Office at the end of May and received an abatement slip. Two weeks ago he went to the Registry to renew the registration on his existing car and learned he could not conduct the transaction because he was in default on the ’81 Olds. He had no alternative but to go upstairs at the Registry to the offices of Hoban and Hoban and pay out $74.49. This was the accrued amount, with penalties, interest, demands and probably a request for his first born…you know how these things escalate. Fitz started to write a check but Hoban won’t take checks. Fitz had to run to a local bank and present a money order, all this to register his current vehicle. After making a stink (as well he should) at the Collector’s Office, he finally succeeded in getting his uncashed original money order back. Tax Collector Priscilla Palombo (bless her), ran to Plymouth to retrieve it. Fitzgerald’s point is, why couldn’t this get squared away on the local level. Good question.

PRESTO! GONE! Remember all the hoopla about those dividing curbs between the new Weymouth Bank and Tura’s Pharmacy? The curbing is gone…just like that. We spoke with the bank brass and they informed us that the Planning Board said it was ok to remove them. It appears that their presence was of greater harm then good. Keep in mind, the Planning Board never required them…that honor goes to the Zoning Board. We have to wonder what their reaction will be. Our advice? Howl over more important issues and say… next.

POLITICAL MUSINGS: Still a very quiet time on the political landscape. We are still eyeing the Selectman’s race as a possible five candidate field. They would be Paul Barry, Brian Caseau, Olly DeMacedo, Mark Beaton (Maybe), and Jean Landis Naumann (Also maybe). The number could jump to six if Marjorie Cadenhead begins to do some numbers crunching and realizes that 700 votes could steal the race. One other sleeper issue could involve the Sewer Commission. There is talk on the street that Brian Donahoe (current chair), may opt to step down. You know, amid the usual "I have achieved my goals and can now step down knowing that the Commission…" You get the drift. That would be a shame. Brian is a very knowledgeable guy with deep commitments to sewerage (why doesn’t that sound right?). Beyong this, there is very little happening…but once the holidays are over and we emerge into a new year…anything goes. Certainly the picture will begin to get into focus. Hold on to your seats.

LIGHTS, ACTION! A rook Street resident doesn't think that she and her neighbors should have to live with the intensity of the lights that radiate from the access road to the Golf course and function center at Indian Pond Estates. In a letter to the Planning Board she states: "The level of lighting seems extreme and is adversely impacting all of us in the neighborhood." About two dozen neighbors signed the letter and Long says she'll picket if necessary to get some results. We called Fred Tonsberg and he said he was unaware of a problem but would be receptive to a meeting with Long and others. Although he feels that the lights serve as a safety issue, he said he would be willing to seek solutions in the interests of harmony. Goodness knows Tonsberg doesn't want to awaken the sleeping King (Ed that is), who also sits on the Planning Board. Their battles are the stuff that legends are made of. Pat Long is a petite, seemingly peace-loving woman, but she also doesn't strike us as a pushover. We'll be following this one.

DEAR KEVIN: How was lunch in Boston last Tuesday?

NICKERSON LEAVING: After more then 30 years in business at the same site on the corner of Evergreen and Summer Streets, John Nickerson of Nickerson Auto Body is calling it a career. John has been in the business for over 41 years and has earned an excellent reputation. He is honest and well liked and respected. John was simply gifted at what he did best, body work. He is quick to credit Roy and Bobby, his long-time, faithful employees. They will remain on when the new ownership steps in on January 1. The new guy on the block is Peter Crociati of Plymouth whom we wish all the best. To John Nickerson…you are a true gentleman who will be missed.

FOGG FROG: Police Chief Gordon Fogg returned from a week’s vacation in Florida and spent three days home sick. Seems Red Tide decided to select the same beach as the Foggs. Aside from feeling miserable, the worst visible malady of his illness was a horrible frog in his throat. There’s got to be some witty sentence here…

NOTTA DIME: Pottle Street landscaping contractor Kevin Leone said he wouldn’t pay a dime in liquidated damages assesses against him by the Ballfield Committee. The notion is apparently showing some support from Town Administrator Kevin Donovan (which means Town Council ok’d it). Leone said, "There’s a lot that’s going to come out if they begin to hold back money I’m due." Leone indicated that anonymous calls are cropping up in Weymouth where he is involved in another contract. "We’ve run into some problems in Weymouth but they are being resolved. That’s the difference when you are working with a competent person instead of a committee where everyone’s a chief." Leone said he has assigned his lawyers to assist him with matters in both towns.