Canopy Solar Planned for Makepeace Canal

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PLYMOUTH – The A.D. Makepeace Company and Renewable Energy Development Partners LLC are proposing a plan for solar panel canopies installed over some two miles of agricultural canal in a remote section of Plymouth.

The proposal, which is subject to review and approval by the Plymouth Inspectional Services Department, is part of a multifaceted renewable energy initiative which also includes floating solar on an agricultural reservoir, ground-mounted solar arrays and additional canal canopy arrays.

The project is proposed under the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. The SMART program encourages the development of new photovoltaic energy sources in a manner that is compatible with current and future agricultural practices. The canals are used for irrigation and bog flooding for harvest and pest management purposes, and will continue to be used as such after the solar canopies are installed.

“This is part of our ongoing effort to site innovative solar projects in areas with minimal impact on wildlife and our neighbors,” said James F. Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. “In so doing, we are helping the Commonwealth make meaningful progress towards greenhouse gas reduction goals.”

Renewable Energy Development Partners submitted a proposal for the canal solar to the Town of Plymouth last week. The project will be the second canal canopy solar array that the A.D. Makepeace Company and REDP have partnered to construct.  The first project, roughly half the size of the proposed new project, is located nearby on a cranberry farm in Carver, MA and is expected to be operational by the end of the year.

“This project is an innovative approach to solar energy production that requires minimal land disturbance, creates an additional beneficial use of land already in agricultural use, and is fully compatible with the ongoing agricultural activities.   We hope it will be a model for similar types of projects done in partnership with other agricultural producers,” said Hank Ouimet, a managing partner at REDP.

The canopies require no tree cutting. The land is zoned for residential and agricultural uses.

Mr. Kane noted that the project site is zoned for residential development and Plymouth officials have long feared the prospect of having to provide municipal services to an area separated from the rest of the town by Myles Standish State Forest. In response, the company has explored options with minimal impact on services, such as agricultural and renewable energy uses.

The sites for the projects are in the area where the boundaries of Plymouth, Carver, and Wareham meet, all a mile or more from any publicly accessible roadway. The A.D. Makepeace Company has been growing cranberries there since the early 1900s.

Renewable Energy Development Partners is a boutique Massachusetts-based renewable energy project development firm specializing in innovative solar solutions. Visit redpllc.com for more information.

The 169-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. Visit admakepeace.com for more information.

Redbrook Hosts Second Wind Brewing Beer Garden

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Kenny Semcken, a Second Wind owner and the brewery’s general manager

PLYMOUTH, Massachusetts – Looking for a beautiful outdoor venue to enjoy one of Plymouth’s top new local breweries? Second Wind Brewing has introduced a beer garden on the Village Green at Redbrook on Friday evenings.

The Second Wind-Redbrook partnership was a match made not in heaven, but on Facebook.

Alerted that Second Wind was looking for a new location for an outdoor beer garden and that numerous Facebook users had recommended Redbrook as a new site, the Redbrook team worked quickly to make it happen. The town’s Select Board approved licensing on June 20, and the first beer garden was open just 10 days later, on a Green packed with residents from Redbrook and beyond.

“This is a great amenity for the whole region, but it’s extra special for Redbrook residents, who can walk here from their homes,” said Dan Gorczyca, vice president and Redbrook project executive for the A.D. Makepeace Company.  “For us, it’s like a neighborhood get-together.”

The beer garden attracts everyone from families with young children, to couples on date night, senior citizens, and plenty of well-behaved dogs. Jennifer Maynard, Redbrook’s director of resident services, arranges for a DJ, lawn games, and food trucks to augment offerings from the locals: TrailsEnd Bistro, Black Lantern Tavern, and Cranberry Coffee Corner.

And the beer? Top quality, with something for everyone, even people who don’t care for beer.

“We never wanted to be monochromatic,” said Kenny Semcken, a Second Wind owner and the brewery’s general manager, of the company’s wide variety.

At the Howland Street taproom as well as the beer garden, Second Wind employees are not shy about guiding customers to a beer they’ll love. Like Blue Moon? Then check out “Howland at the Moon,” a nod to both the Molson-Coors product at Second Wind’s downtown Plymouth address.

The Second Wind team even takes into consideration that you might prefer another brewer’s offerings or a hard cider, both of which were on “guest taps” at the Redbrook beer garden.

Semcken envisions Plymouth as a “beer town,” and cheerfully greeted other brewers at the beer garden. “We want all of us to be successful,” he said.

The Redbrook Beer Garden is free and open to the public on Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m. through fall. Parking is available behind the Redbrook YMCA and behind the Beth Israel-Deaconess Plymouth building, both a short stroll from the Green. In the event of inclement weather, rescheduling is posted on the Redbrook Plymouth and Second Wind Facebook pages. Wine, non-alcoholic and a gluten free option are available.

About that Facebook matchmaking: Semcken posted on “All Things Plymouth” that the brewery had outgrown its Bramhall garden and was looking for a new site. After the first Redbrook event on June 30, he wrote, “Quick note of gratitude to the ATP community. In between anonymous posts about beach stickers and foggy fireworks, we’ve created something awesome on Friday nights stemming from member feedback here. The vibe on the Green has been great and we are excited for the weeks ahead.”

 Upcoming Redbrook Events

Saturday, August 19th – 5-9pm – Live Music with John and Amanda of Date Nite

Friday, August 25th – Movie Night on The Green: Turning Red

Friday, September 22nd – Redbrook’s Block Party Kicks Off with Movie Night on The Green: Rudy

Saturday, September 23rd – Fresh Cranberry Picking (residents only)

Sunday, September 24th – Fall Frolic 5K and Fun Run (visit redbrookplymouth.com to register)

Sunday, September 24th – Redbrook Motor Cruisers (RMC) car show, 9am – noon

Sunday, September 24th – Chili Fest

Saturday, October 7th – Redbrook’s Annual Yard Sale

Friday, October 27th – Trunk or Treat with the YMCA

Friday, October 27th – Halloween Movie Night on The Green: Hotel Transylvania

 

Community Farm Planned

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PLYMOUTH/WAREHAM LINE – The A.D. Makepeace Company (ADM) is partnering with the Marion Institute to develop a Farm to Food Relief program to grow food for those in need.

Known as The Neighborhood Farm at Frogfoot, the six-acre farm will be located on ADM property in a remote area on the Plymouth-Wareham town line. On the site, the Marion Institute will grow food for those in need and make more local food available to food relief programs.

Members of the two organizations’ boards of directors and staffs celebrated the start of the project with a private reception and groundbreaking on site last week.

“This is a little bit of a dream come true for me,” said Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. He told of his grandmother and her family needing food assistance in the 1920s following the death of her father in a car accident. “How in 2023 there can still be people going to bed hungry is just beyond me.”

Liz Wiley, executive director of The Marion Institute, agreed that the project is the fulfillment of years of effort. “We are grateful to the A.D. Makepeace Company for their support and partnership in bringing this vision to life,” she said.

Both Mr. Kane and Ms. Wiley credited Chris Makepeace, a descendent of ADM founder Abel Makepeace, former company president, and current board member, for championing the project.

In the Marion Institute’s recently published Food System Assessment for Southeastern MA, a consumer survey indicated that the hardest to get food items are affordable meat and seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Being able to address this issue by increasing access to fresh, healthy, culturally relevant foods and prepared meals at low-to-no cost will not only address the high rates of food insecurity we have in our region, but will do it in a nutritionally secure way.

“Our nation’s broken food system is characterized by an abundance of cheap, inflammatory, nutrient-depleted, immune suppressing, ultra-processed foods,” Ms. Wiley said. “Unfortunately, our current food relief system relies heavily on these shelf-stable products which ultimately negatively impact public health.”

Mr. Kane noted that his wife, State Rep. Hannah Kane, is a member of the Massachusetts Food Policy Council and a strong advocate for food and nutrition programs.

Through a multi-year, no-cost lease agreement, the Marion Institute will create, develop, and manage a Farm to Food Relief Program on ADM property. The shared purpose of the Neighborhood Farm at Frogfoot is to increase the availability of local food to area food relief programs in Southeastern MA by growing fresh produce directly for food relief.

The initiative will also allow the Marion Institute to launch a regional Gleaning Program that will increase the amount of local food available to area food relief programs. A gleaning program is based on the notion that every year, thousands of pounds of food goes to waste in the field because farmers either do not have the labor to harvest a crop or the market to sell it too. The Marion Institute’s trained gleaning volunteers will “rescue” this food before the crop is lost, delivering it to a local food pantry or processing center for food insecure individuals and families.

Both activities will be developed on a foundation of social justice, regenerative farming practices, education, and equitable access to fresh, local, culturally-relevant foods.

The Marion Institute’s Southcoast Food Policy Council connects and advocates for local food producers, consumers, and community leaders who seek policy and systems that strengthen our regional food system, improve community health, and eliminate food insecurity. The Council is one of several health-related initiatives for the nationally known nonprofit organization, whose vision holds that “optimal health is a basic human right, not a privilege.” Visit marioninstitute.org for more information.

The 169-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.

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.

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.