ADM Donates Land to Plymouth

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Dan Gorczyca with Fire Station officials

Plymouth Fire Chief Neil Foley, Redbrook Project Executive Dan Gorczyca, Planning Board Chair Tim Grandy, Building Committee Chair David Peck.

The Town of Plymouth is pleased to announce that the A.D. Makepeace Company/Redbrook has generously donated two acres of land on Bourne Road to the Town.

The A.D. Makepeace Company/Redbrook (ADM) has offered to donate two acres on Bourne Road to the Town of Plymouth for the construction of a future fire station to replace the existing Station 4. The two acres donated to the Plymouth Fire Department are north of the Redbrook development on Bourne Road, near the South Elementary School.

“We are delighted to be able to support the Town in this way,” said Dan Gorczyca, Redbrook project executive and vice president of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “Redbrook has been a collaborative effort since 2005, when the Planning Board and Town Meeting worked with us to develop the zoning needed to create a new village. This is yet another example of our true public-private partnership.”

The land donated by A.D. Makepeace Company/Redbrook will allow the department to pursue constructing a new Station 4 in the area slightly north of the current Bourne Road location.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Plymouth Fire Department, I would like to thank the A.D. Makepeace Company/Redbrook for this extremely generous donation of land,” Chief Neil Foley said. “Their donation will ensure that the Plymouth Fire Department has the resources needed for us to continue to best serve our community. I would like to thank everyone who was a part of this process, especially James Kane and Dan Gorczyca of A.D. Makepeace.”

Added Town Manager Derek Brindisi, “The Town of Plymouth has had a long-standing relationship with the A.D. Makepeace Company/Redbrook since 2005. Throughout the years this partnership has supported residential growth within the town, and now with their generous donation of land they are yet again supporting that growth by allowing us to improve the vital fire services required of this area. We thank them for their continued support and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership.”

The 169-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is the developer of the award-winning Redbrook, North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

ADM Recognized for Carver Elementary School Donation

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CARVER – Members of the school community recognized the A.D. Makepeace Company and its Read Custom Soils division Monday for contributing special engineered soil valued at more than $50,000 for walking trails around the new Carver Elementary School.

The remarks were made to the School Committee by five very articulate students at Carver Elementary: first graders William Caron, Nolan Farquharson, and Ellie Beaulieu, Hazel Butterworth, Nia Blackwell, who are in the fourth grade.

The students shared their enthusiasm for the new walking/running path and shared their love for running including time with family, following their passions, and gaining a sense of achievement.  The three girls in 4th grade participated in the Thanksgiving race in Plymouth and took three of the top four spots for their age group.  Will and Nolan said the path was also good for bike riding and how it was fun to race and beat their parents.

The path winds nearly half a mile around fields that are used by town soccer for youth games and practices, said School Superintendent Scott Knief.  During the school day, physical education classes will use the path. It will also be used by the Elementary School’s walking/running club, with about 100 students participating, that meets before school two days a week in the fall and spring, and the space is open to the community after the school day is over.

During a brief slide presentation, Superintendent Knief said the walking/running trail was “value engineered” out of the school building plans as a cost savings measure, and the estimate for construction was more than $90,000.

Physical Education Teacher Renee DeMarsh spearheaded efforts to get the walking/running path completed using donations.

According to Chris Ierardi, ADM vice president and general manager of the Read division, the company brought in just under 400 tons of stabilized stone dust to create a surface that is ADA compliant and easy to maintain.

The 169-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

ADM Issues $10,000 Challenge Match to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth

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CARVER AND PLYMOUTH, ISSUED DECEMBER 14, 2022 … Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth is pleased to announce that the A.D. Makepeace Company has issued a $10,000 Challenge Match to benefit the Greater Plymouth affiliate’s upcoming build in Carver. The project entails a complete rehabilitation of the interior of an existing single-family house located at 11 Green Street. The finished product will be a three-bedroom affordable home to be sold to an income-qualified first-time homeowner, giving preference to a military Veteran.

To help fund the project, ADM has pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations received by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth from December 14th through January 31st, 2023. “A.D. Makepeace’s commitment to the community is truly admirable and we are extremely grateful for their support” said Amy Belmore, Director of Development & Outreach for HFHGP. “With the real estate market skyrocketing in recent years, the void of affordable housing in our area is massive. We are excited to get to work on this project and hope members of the community will take this opportunity to have their donation doubled, thanks to A.D. Makepeace’s generosity with this Challenge Match.”

“Habitat does such a wonderful job supporting those in need in our communities, and we are pleased to see that military veterans will get preference for this home,” said James F. Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “We’re happy to be able to help financially, and we are hopeful that members of our staff can assist with the construction as well.”

Following the traditional Habitat model, nearly all aspects of the build will be accomplished by volunteers to fully rehabilitate the interior of the home and restore the exterior and surrounding grounds. The selected homeowner will pay a zero-interest, 30-year affordable mortgage and will also work alongside the volunteers to build his/her own home through “sweat equity hours”. Volunteer work is expected to begin in early 2023 and anyone interested in signing up should visit www.hfhplymouth.org.

This project will be the latest in the affiliate’s drive to provide affordable homeownership opportunities to low-income families and, specifically in this case, to military veterans. The homeowner application is a multi-step process and will be opened in the near future and will be announced on the organization’s website, www.hfhplymouth.org/own-a-home. Veterans are encouraged to review the eligibility guidelines and apply when available.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, Inc.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, Inc. is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission of providing decent affordable housing in the region. Their office, along with its ReStore, is located at 160 N. Main Street in Carver and the service area includes Plymouth, Kingston, Carver, Middleboro, Plympton and Lakeville. In addition to complete home builds, they also make repairs on existing homes that are essential for health and safety. An application process is required for those interested in becoming a Habitat homeowner. HFHGP is continuously seeking volunteers, financial support, and furniture/appliance donations to the ReStore. More information and volunteer sign-up can be found at www.hfhplymouth.org, and readers are encouraged to follow HFHGP and HFHGP ReStore on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Questions can be directed to info@hfhplymouth.org or 508-866-4188.

About the A.D. Makepeace Company

The 168-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

ADM Supports Old Colony YMCA

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PLYMOUTH – The A.D. Makepeace Company has contributed $137,000 to the Old Colony YMCA to kickstart “Giving Tuesday.”

The contribution, composed of several donations over the course of 2022, includes a leadership gift to fund the new swimming pool at Redbrook, the village in South Plymouth being developed by the A.D. Makepeace Company.

“Our partnership with the Old Colony Y dates back many years and includes support for their innovative programming throughout the South Shore,” said Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “This Y has stepped up to help address some of society’s most complicated problems and to make the South Shore region a better place to live and work.”

Mr. Kane, who also serves on the Old Colony Y’s Board of Directors, specifically mentioned the organization’s mentoring programs, mental health services, and food insecurity help as important programs in the community.

“A.D. Makepeace has made significant investments to bring our YMCA to Redbrook, and we cannot thank them enough for believing in our mission and valuing our presence here in this community,” said Vincent Marturano, President & CEO of Old Colony YMCA. “Without their support, much of the work we do here in Plymouth simply wouldn’t be possible.”

The Y’s “Giving Tuesday” focus is supporting kids and families through the holidays. Individuals and companies are asked to sponsor children or families to help with presents, food, warm clothes, or simply financial support. More information is available at www.oldcolonyymca.org/give-back/joyful-impact.

Presenting a ceremonial check on Mr. Kane’s behalf was Daniel Gorczyca, vice president of the A.D. Makepeace Company.

“Since the early planning stages at Redbrook, ADM has viewed the Old Colony YMCA as an important partner,” said Mr. Gorczyca. “This was the first building constructed here, and remains the heart of the community.”

The Y offers affordable child care and camp to families, anti-gang programs for at-risk youth, health and fitness programs for families, workforce development, mental health and substance abuse services through our licensed clinic, and numerous other services and programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body.  Founded in 1887, the Old Colony YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization serving more than 130,000 people annually in communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts through 11 branches located in Brockton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Middleboro, Plymouth, Stoughton, and Taunton.

The 166-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is developer of the award-winning Redbrook, North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

New Dental Office at Rosebrook

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WAREHAM – Local officials, the A.D. Makepeace Company, and the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of a new full-service dental practice at Rosebrook Place Thursday.

Southcoast Dental, office of Dr. James Kiehl, brings state-of-the-art dental care to Wareham.

“At Southcoast Dental, same-day dental procedures that once required multiple visits are now common practice,” said Dr. Kiehl, a Marion resident. “Our combination of technology and efficiency means less time in the dental chair and more time enjoying the results.”

Southcoast Dental has several specialized pieces of equipment that improve efficiency and comfort. A CEREC dental milling machine makes one-visit crowns possible, and you can even watch Netflix while your crown is being made. 3D X-ray equipment provides higher quality imaging that can better diagnosis conditions and support preventative efforts.

“We welcome Dr. Kiehl to the Southcoast region and see him as a great fit here,” said James Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company, developer of Rosebrook. “Creating a state-of-the-art dental office required a complex buildout, and we are particularly grateful to the Wareham inspectional services professionals for their work on this project.”

“We welcome Dr. Kiehl to the Southcoast region and see him as a great fit here,” said James Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company, developer of Rosebrook. We welcome Dr. Kiehl to the Southcoast region and see him as a great fit here,” said James Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company, developer of Rosebrook. “Creating a state-of-the-art dental office required a complex buildout, and we are particularly grateful to the Wareham inspectional services professionals for their work on this project.”

The mixed-use property includes a 67,000-square-foot office building housing Southcoast Health and Fresenius Medical, a 58-unit All American Assisted Living facility, 88-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott and Rosebrook Event Center, the first off-Cape branch of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, the 65 luxury apartments at 35 Rosebrook, three restaurants, and other offices.

ADM, North America’s largest cranberry grower and a founder of the Ocean Spray co-op, also continues to farm some 10 acres of cranberry bogs within Rosebrook.

ADM Donates ATVs to Carver PD

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CARVER – The A.D. Makepeace Company has purchased two all-terrain vehicles and a trailer to the Carver Police Department to assist in the development of an off-road patrol function in this rural community.

According to Police Chief Marc Duphily, officers would be provided with specialized training to make the best use of the vehicles. The vehicles will be used for such activities as responding to medical emergencies, complaints of vandalism, or proactive education of ATV and dirt bike riders in remote areas.

“We have a great relationship with the Town of Carver and its highly professional public safety departments,” said James F. Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “Following on the heels of a contribution earlier this year for communications equipment for the Carver Fire Department, this donation to the Police Department will expand their capabilities and make the town even safer for all of us. We are delighted to support the Carver Police Department with the purchase of equipment that may very well ultimately benefit all of us in the cranberry industry.”

“The Carver Police Department is very grateful for the donation of two ATVs and a trailer by the A.D. Makepeace Company to assist in providing police services to our community,” said Police Chief Marc Duphily. “We have long needed this equipment to enhance our ability conduct police operations but due to budgetary constraints have not been able to acquire them. Our officers will make good use of the new equipment both here in town and as part of the regional Search and Rescue team.”

Two Carver police officers are assigned to the regional Search and Rescue Team, which responds to requests from surrounding communities.

Chief Duphily noted that the large number of cranberry bogs in the area routinely result in requests from property owners for assistance with trespassing and illegal dirt bike riding.

The 168-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

Christine Beech Named Controller

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WAREHAM — The A..D. Makepeace Company has promoted Christine Beech to the position of Controller.

Ms Beech, 39, previously served as finance manager for the company, where her responsibilities included being the lead team member for financials relating to the company’s award-winning Redbrook community

, the new 1,200-unit mixed-use village in South Plymouth. She also drove the transformation in the company’s financial reporting, forecasting and budgeting processes.

“Christine is enormously

talented and we are fortunate to have her,” said Lori Flannery, ADM’s Chief Financial Officer.

In her new role, she is responsible for all accounting and tax, including production of financial statements, managing audits, and other accounting requirements while still leading the Redbrook accounting and finance efforts.

Ms Beech, who has been with the A.D. Makepeace Company for a total of five years, holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a masters of education from Endicott College – she taught secondary mathematics at the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton for five years. She is a resident of Lakeville.

The 168-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

Wareham Library Challenge Grant Sparks Successful Fundraising Campaign

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WAREHAM – The A.D. Makepeace Company Thursday presented the Wareham Library Foundation with a $10,000 check, its share of a challenge grant that ultimately raised more than $21,000 for library operations.

“This contribution continues the legacy of the A.D. Makepeace Company and the Makepeace family in supporting our local communities,” said Robert S. Karam, chair of the A.D. Makepeace Company Board of Directors. “This library provides so many important services to residents.”

“We’re delighted to have been able to support the Wareham Free Library in this way,” said Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “We were able to match all of the smaller donations received this past summer.”

This is the second year the A.D. Makepeace Company’s has issued a challenge grant in support of the library’s “Bridge the Gap” campaign. The town funds library operations at 80 percent through tax dollars, and the balance must be raised by the Wareham Library Foundation and Friends of the Wareham Free Library.

“On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to thank the A.D. Makepeace Company and the Wareham Community, who once again stepped up in big and small ways to show support for our second Bridge the Gap campaign,” said Eileen Scully, president of the Wareham Library Foundation. “Without the amazing support from our community at large, the Foundation would not be able to supply the funding support our library needs to continue to operate at full capacity.”

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Mr. Kane was joined at a ceremonial check presentation by Mr. Karam and Christopher Makepeace, a member of the A.D. Makepeace Company Board of Directors and a descendant of company founder Abel D. Makepeace. The company and the family have supported the Wareham Free Library for many years.

Information about the library and the groups supporting it is available here. There is also a link on this site to make a donation.

The 168-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

More Solar at Rosebrook

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WAREHAM, MA – The A.D. Makepeace Company has announced plans to install a series of solar power canopies above the parking lots at 100 Rosebrook Way.

Working in conjunction with Renewable Energy Development Partners, LLC, of Hingham, ADM will install nine to 12 canopies which will provide protection for parking lot users and generate more than 800 kilowatts of electricity.

The building is leased to Southcoast Health and Fresenius Medical. Hundreds of visitors use the medical services there daily.

“This is yet another example of our commitment to renewable energy, and we are confident it won’t be the last such installation,” said James F. Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “We see this project as a model in support of the Commonwealth’s climate change objectives, and as a farmer, we have a vested interest in protecting against climate change impacts.”

Rosebrook is already home to Wareham’s first large scale ground-mounted solar installation, a 0.5 megawatt facility which has been generating power since 2015. The company has 15 ground-mounted solar installations and three more under construction, generating a total of 122 megawatts of power. The company also uses solar panels to power irrigation pumps in cranberry bogs on its properties throughout Wareham, Carver, and Plymouth.

Southcoast Health is committed to clean energy as well, having pledged to cut emissions by 50 percent over 2008 levels by 2030.

“All of us at Southcoast Health understand that the health of our people is tied intrinsically to the health of our planet,” said Dr. Ray Kruger, president and chief executive officer of Southcoast Health. “The consequences of climate change are among the many factors that can diminish wellbeing and life expectancy. Southcoast, alongside strong partners like the A.D. Makepeace Company, continues to prioritize sustainability as a guiding goal in the projects our community health system undertakes.”

Each solar-generating canopy in the parking lot will be comprised of a number of 450-watt photovoltaic modules with a 7-degree tilt angle. They will shield cars in the lot from sun and precipitation.

The installation requires approval of the Wareham Planning Board. Final plans are being designed, and the company hopes construction can begin this fall.

In addition to the greenhouse gas reduction resulting from clean energy development, solar energy is an important element of the economic development landscape in Massachusetts. According to a recent report by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Massachusetts ranks third among states in the U.S. in solar-related jobs, and employment increased by 11 percent in 2021.

The 168-year-old A.D. Makepeace Company is North America’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship.

NACD New England Honors Boston Scientific, A.D. Makepeace, Rapid7 CEO Corey Thomas, Bennie Wiley, and Jack F. O’Brien at “Director of the Year” Gala May 4

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BOSTON – The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) New England Chapter honored the A.D. Makepeace Company Board of Directors at a festive ceremony in Boston on May 4.

“With a 160-year history in the cranberry business, the A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, Mass., is the largest private property owner in Eastern Massachusetts and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and land and water stewardship,” the NACD said in announcing the award. “John Makepeace was one of the three original founders of the Ocean Spray Co-Operative, in 1930. The board embraces a culture of responsible governance, with independent directors holding 40 to 50 percent of the board seats.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Chairman Robert Karam was Vice Chairman Eric Strand, with Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the company. Mr. Kane described the company’s advances in cranberry production.

“The company has thrived due to vertical integration and diversification,” Mr. Kane said. “Last century, the company manufactured its own scoops and wooden boxes. Today, we continue to fabricate our own harvesting equipment. An aggressive renovation program is increasing production, in some cases quadrupling the per-acre return. Abel Makepeace would be pleased with the progress we have made.”

Mr. Strand discussed its real estate development, notably the new village known as Redbrook in Plymouth, and the Rosebrook development in Wareham.

“What these two developments have in common is that they were constructed around cranberry bogs,” Mr. Strand said. “Jim mentioned that Abel Makepeace would be pleased with the progress we have made with cranberry cultivation. I like to believe that he and the other members of the Makepeace family are equally proud of this new element of the company, and how we have worked to celebrate our founder’s legacy.”

Also honored at the event were:

  • Public Company Board of the Year: Boston Scientific Corporation
  • Leadership in Corporate Governance Award: Corey E. Thomas
  • Myra H. Kraft Award for Non-Profit Leadership: Benaree Pratt Wiley
  • Lifetime Achievement Award: Jack F. O’Brien

The NACD New England Chapter is part of the larger National Association of Corporate Directors network, the only not-for-profit membership organization founded by and for corporate directors. NACD empowers more than 23,000 directors to lead with confidence in the boardroom. As the recognized authority on leading boardroom practices, NACD helps boards strengthen investor trust and public confidence by ensuring that today’s directors are well prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. World-class boards join NACD to elevate performance, gain foresight and instill confidence. Fostering collaboration among directors, investors, and corporate governance stakeholders, NACD has been setting the standard for responsible board leadership for 40 years.