On Tuesdays, the phone at Tuscany Tavern starts ringing shortly after 5 p.m. “Will she be there tonight?” the callers ask. They’re hoping to be seated in the tiny North Plymouth restaurant next to the star attraction: Betty Thornton, a vivacious, comical, effusive and highly entertaining “party girl,” who just turned 101. “For the regulars, […]
Author Archives: Dave Kindy - Independent Correspondent
Posted inCulture
A son’s quest to detail dad’s bravery
Growing up, David Jacobson knew his father was a hero – he just didn’t know how much of one. His dad, Russell, served in Vietnam but rarely spoke about what happened, though David could see it was significant. His father, who had been a U.S. Navy corpsman, or combat medic, with the Marine Corps in […]
Posted inCulture
Saying goodbye to the ‘Mayor of North Plymouth’
It was the news Enzo Monti hoped would never come: his friend of 90 years, Charlie Vandini, was dead at 95. Growing up in North Plymouth, the two had been close companions since Monti was 7 and Vandini was 5. “I was dreading that call,” Monti, 97, recalls. “Charlie had not been well for some […]
Posted inBusiness
At 95, Charlie Vandini remains the ‘Mayor of North Plymouth’
For years, Charlie Vandini held court regularly from a bench inside his North Plymouth store. Along with Gus, an exuberant golden retriever with the same upbeat personality as the shop’s owner, he greeted everyone who entered Charlies’ North Plymouth Ace Hardware with a big smile and hearty welcome. “We used to call him the Mayor […]
Posted inCulture
Making a case for the arts as essential
To be creative, artists need to reflect the truth as they see it. Autumn Wilson understood that concept when she performed a blues song she wrote in front of more than 100 people at last week’s Arts Summit, a program presented by the Plymouth Public Schools. To rousing applause and laughter, the 10-year-old Hedge Elementary […]
Posted inCulture
‘It may be cold, but a lot of warm hearts help out’
For many veterans, the year-end holidays can be a time of financial strain and emotional need. That’s why Michael Duggan helped to hand out free meals and heartfelt thanks yesterday to those who served. Upwards of 500 veterans and their families were registered to receive food and cheer today at the Plymouth Area Veterans Center. […]
Posted inEducation
‘A random person is funding my education’
In this season of giving, it is important to express appreciation for the kindness shown by others. But that can be difficult when you need to thank someone whose name you don’t know. Ruby Blackwell understands that conundrum – she owes a debt of gratitude to a person she has never met. This fall, the […]
Posted inSports
Plymouth high school football headed to Fenway
If you were saddened by the lack of a Fall Classic for the Red Sox at Fenway Park this year, take heart. Plymouth’s two high school football teams are readying to help fill the void. On the day before Thanksgiving, Plymouth North and South will continue a nearly 30-year rivalry with a game at Fenway. […]
Posted inBusiness
How a Plymouth-based nonprofit is changing lives in Haiti and Kenya
Until a few years ago, Benjamin Dominic’s employment prospects were bleak. Living in rural Saint Rock, Haiti, with no electricity or running water, the young high school graduate had few hopes of becoming anything other than an unskilled laborer. Today, Dominic is a trained cyber security specialist who helps companies in Plymouth create websites and […]
Posted inPolice & Fire
‘We have to be our best on everybody’s worst day’
A police officer’s day is not easy. Like other departments, Plymouth Police deal with fatal traffic accidents, domestic violence, suicide, children’s deaths and other traumatic events – any of which can make it difficult to be emotionally and mentally prepared for the next challenge. “We have to be our best on everybody’s worst day,” said […]