More Solar at Rosebrook

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.

Summer on the Bogs

The summer months see a wide variety of activity on the cranberry bogs. In the middle of July, the cranberry blossoms have been pollinated, fruit has set, and we see the bees disappear as quickly as they arrived in mid-June. The tiny cranberry flowers have dropped their petals and green cranberries have begun to grow.

At this stage, our top priority is to keep the crop healthy and growing. It is essential to feed, weed, water, protect, and support the growing fruit.

As the berries begin to grow, they need nourishment. We fertilize with precision to encourage fruit growth over vine growth.

Weeds that are deemed detrimental to a crop’s progress are typically hand weeded. Weeds that are not disturbing the crop’s progress are often left alone.

The traditional rule of thumb is that cranberries need an average of one inch of water per week during the growing season. Our pumps are equipped with auto-start technology that make it easy to set a watering schedule that ensures sufficient irrigation without waste.

Consistent with industry best management practices, we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques as an ecological approach to pest control. IPM includes a combination of biological, cultural, or chemical control methods. Pesticides are only used when necessary and are applied by state-certified applicators.

With our constant support and Mother Nature’s help, our summertime efforts will result in a bountiful fall harvest!

Southeastern Massachusetts
Summer, 2022

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

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.

 

Give Blood

In recent years, the A.D. Makepeace Company has hosted numerous blood drives at Rosebrook, our mixed-use campus in Wareham.

Following our 12 drives in 2021, our contact at the American Red Cross wrote, “I know you know how important blood is, but the effort that you always put in to ensure we are successful is truly amazing!!” Our drives collected 305 pints of blood, which made a difference to potentially 915 patients.

We’re happy to be able to continue that effort, with monthly blood drives scheduled through 2022.

Click here to learn more about the dire need for blood donations, and to schedule your appointment.

Wareham, Massachusetts
February, 2022

ADM Donates Specialized Vehicle to WFD

WAREHAM – The A.D. Makepeace Company has purchased a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) for the Wareham Fire Department. The vehicle will be used for transportation to and from the district’s many remote wooded areas.

The UTV, custom built by Polaris, is especially designed to transport injured patients following incidents such as hunting or off-road vehicle accidents. Special added accessories mean the vehicle can be used in all weather conditions. It is scheduled for delivery in about six months.

“The Wareham Fire Department is thankful to the A.D. Makepeace for such a vital piece of equipment, which will allow us to respond better equipped to calls to include missing person, medical emergencies as well as ATV/dirt bike accidents in the extreme remote areas of Wareham,” said incoming Chief John Kelley. “While extrication of these patients, can be very time consuming with the current vehicles, the UTV equipped with the medical transport device will aid us in our core mission of preserving life and property within the Wareham Fire District. “

“We’re extremely familiar with some of the challenges that Wareham Fire faces, in part because we’ve frequently provided them with space or facilities for some of the specialized training they do,” said James F. Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company. Mr. Kane noted that the Fire Department completed an ice training drill on the company’s Tihonet Pond recently, and praised the department for its extensive training protocols.

More than 10 percent of the district’s forested area is owned by ADM. In total, nearly three-quarters of the town’s 23,000 acres are designated for agriculture, recreation, open space, or other similar uses, according to figures compiled by the Wareham Land Trust and included in the 2017-2024 Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The 166-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. Visit admakepeace.com for more information.

Cheers for Wareham Cheerleaders!

The Wareham Tigers Cheer Athletics team have received a $5,000 challenge grant from the A.D. Makepeace Company.

The grant will match dollar-for-dollar all donations for the teams’ quest to attend the Recreational Championship in Disney World through February 5, Wareham Tigers Athletic Association’s Cheer Coordinator, Damon Solomon, announced today.

Flights, passes, and accommodations for the team and coaches are expected to total $35,000.

“We are pleased to be able to support this great organization and recognize the talent of these young ladies,” said Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company.

Click here to learn more, and click here to donate.

Wareham, Massachusetts
January, 2022

Wareham Tigers Receive Grant from A.D. Makepeace Company

WAREHAM – The Wareham Tigers Cheer Athletics team have received a $5,000 challenge grant from the A.D. Makepeace Company.

The grant will match dollar-for-dollar all donations for the teams’ quest to attend the Recreational Championship in Disney World through February 5, Wareham Tigers Athletic Association’s Cheer Coordinator, Damon Solomon, announced today.

Flights, passes, and accommodations for the team and coaches are expected to total $35,000.

“We are pleased to be able to support this great organization and recognize the talent of these young ladies,” said Jim Kane, president and chief executive officer of the A.D. Makepeace Company.

The Tigers’ 18U Performance Recreation Affiliated Competition Cheer Team (PRIDE) team, consisting of 16 athletes from Wareham, earned their bid to the national competition in Florida by taking first place and Grand Champion status at a local qualifying event. The 18U team and six staff members are now seeking the community’s help to raise the necessary funds to attend the prestigious competition.

“Our board has created an amazing fundraising committee that has diligently reached out to several local businesses and individuals for donations,” Solomon said. “The A.D. Makepeace Company has really stepped up to support our organization with this challenge grant and we couldn’t be more excited.”

“We are so proud of the work the athletes, their coaches, and their families have put in, we just hope we can get them to Florida in March,” Solomon added.

In addition to the challenge grant, several other fundraising events are taking place in the area. A portion of every shake purchased at Good Life Nutrition, 170 Main Street, Wareham will be donated directly to WTCA on January 15 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Also, the team will receive proceeds of the meat raffle at Parrot Bar & Grille, 1356 MA-28A, Cataumet on February 6 starting at 3 p.m.

On February 19, Stone Path Malt, 11 Kendrick Road, Wareham will host a Cornhole Tournament and Raffle starting at 12:30 p.m. And bottle and can drives will continue on dates to be determined.

You can also find WTCA athletes and volunteers canning in front of the Wareham Fire Station on Main Street and the Wareham Walmart on January 22, February 5, February 26, and March 6 from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Watch the Tiger’s Facebook page and website for more details and event updates.

Make a donation by February 5 and have it count double! Donations may be made by visiting the team’s Go Fund Me Page, or by mailing a check to WTCA, P.O. Box 538, West Wareham, MA 02576.

It’s Cranberry Harvest Season!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – the cranberry harvest season is upon us!

Interested in learning more about this photogenic, iconic display throughout Southeastern Massachusetts? We recommend starting with our friends at the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association. Their website offers information on how cranberries grow, where to catch a bog tour, and more.

Want to include a little shopping in your visit? Stop by Makepeace Farms for souvenirs of Cranberry Country, including fresh cranberries when available. The shop also offers some of the most delicious sandwiches and fresh baked treats!

For those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach and want to explore the area on their own, the CCCGA offers a map which will help you plan a self-guided tour. Our region’s harvest typically runs from mid-September through early November, and most growers don’t mind you watching the activity if you can park safely off the road and out of the way of truck traffic.

Plymouth County, Massachusetts
September, 2021

Soil Solutions for Urban Heat Islands

As temperatures throughout the Northeast reached dangerously high levels already this summer, our Read Custom Soils division is delivering record amounts of Cornell University’s proprietary blend of custom soils designed specifically to protect urban trees.

RCS is a licensed supplier of this special blend of crushed stone, clay loam, and a material that promotes nutrient and water retention. The result is trees that thrive in an urban setting where soil compaction is required to support sidewalks, parking lots, or permeable pavers.

In recent days, the Boston Globe has reported extensively on the problem of urban “heat islands,” a phenomenon that disproportionately affects lower-income neighborhoods.

We encourage urban developers to consider specifying CU Structural Soil in their landscape plan to help reduce this inequity. Learn more here.

Plymouth County, Massachusetts
July, 2021

Gorczyca Receives “40 Under 40” Award

Daniel Gorczyca, the vice president of development at the award-winning Redbrook, has received a Cape and Plymouth Media “40 Under 40” award.
The awards spotlight the region’s top young business leaders who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership. This program, now in its 12th year, honors distinguished businesspeople under the age of 40 who have made a mark in the region at a young age.
“With more than 150 nominations, it was extremely difficult to choose only 40 of our amazing, talented honorees, who came from such diverse backgrounds,” said Cape & Plymouth Business Media Publisher and CEO Dale Shadbegian. “Our congratulations to the winners, who not only excel professionally but who are also involved in giving back to their communities.”
In nominating Dan for the award, his colleagues at the A.D. Makepeace Company wrote, “Dan’s commitment to his job, his community, and his family is an inspiration to all who know him. He has the ability to balance numerous volunteer roles while directing the development of the highly successful and complex Redbrook village in South Plymouth and raising four young children with his wife, Erin.”
The family lives in Plymouth.
“Dan’s leadership style is to subtly exude competence and confidence,” the nomination continued. “With his self-effacing sense of humor, he has the ability to negotiate complicated permitting arrangements. He makes frequent appearances before the Plymouth Planning Board and other public forums, always giving permitting authorities reason to trust his judgment and his word. He is both cheerful and thoughtful, with strong understanding of complex development concepts and the ability to think outside the box.”
In addition to his leadership role with ADM Agawam Development LLC, Dan is vice president of the Plymouth Education Foundation, a non-profit charity raising money for education at all age levels in the town. He has been a member of the organization’s Board of Directors since 2016.
He has served as an elected Town Meeting member since 2018.
He has served on the Town of Plymouth Water Conservation Committee since being appointed in 2020.
In 2017, he volunteered and coordinated efforts to build a new playground for the Plymouth Preschool. Under his leadership, all labor was volunteered – the school only had to pay for materials.
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. Visit admakepeace.com for more information, and redbrookplymouth.com for more information about Redbrook.