First day of school is always exciting, but doubly so with these two cousins, climbing onto Bus 26, the same number bus that their fathers rode to school a couple of decades ago.
Wednesday the kindergardeners got to ride the big bus and begin their school careers. Grades one through six started school last week.
This day, as parents and friends congregated to see their little ones off, they were treated to backup chimes and trucks preparing the road for resurfacing. The younger siblings of these two were delighted of course to see the big trucks dumping hot Macadam and a steam roller packing it all down. The school bus driver, not so much…
What could have been a sad story with late bus arrival and parents late to work was turned into a fun experience when the big trucks pulled over to let the school bus go by and gave the little ones on the bus a great view of the work being done.

The number of black bear sightings this season is like nothing we’ve seen before in Southeastern Massachusetts. Steve Wright, Southeastern District Wildlife Biologist for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, said there are “at least a few” black bears in our neighborhood, young male bears out looking for a new area to call home.
It looks like bears will be among us for the foreseeable future and we should equip ourselves with the knowledge of what to do and how to discourage them for setting up housekeeping near our homes.
Check out the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife at https://www.mass.gov/doc/living-with-black-bears-fact-sheet/download to get the facts and what to do and not to do with black bears nearby.
The most important item is to make sure all food is put securely away. All trash should be secured. Bird feeders should be taken in. Perhaps only feed them when bears are sleeping – December through March.
Black bears are large – males weigh in at between 130 to 600 pounds. Females from 100 to 400 pounds. They have good eyesight and hearing, and an extraordinary sense of smell to locate food and sense danger. They have good memories and can remember where was. If you have corn growing in your garden, it is a favorite of bears, too.

Photos and text by
Mary Schiess
Express correspondent
Nick Cotoulas wants to share his passion for history. As Kingston’s archivist/librarian, his job offers that opportunity. Nick has curated an exhibit titled “A History of Kingston Schools” that will occur at the Adams Center from August 16 to August 31, 2023. Kingston’s archives, housed at the Adams Center, are rich with materials tracing educational initiatives. The exhibit will span the period dating from the 1700’s to 1990. Publications, photographs, objects, and personal documents will reinforce Education’s importance to Kingston.
Nick’s preoccupation with history began with his family. His grandfather was a collector and dealer in antique postcards. His father, a picture framer, continued the exploration of historic art works. As a child Nick was a collector (coins, a Lincoln piggy bank) His first childhood exhibit was a display case of presidential coins. His college career included volunteering as an assistant archivist, working in the Clark University Book Conservatory Lab, and interning at the American Antiquarian Society. He earned a Master’s Degree from San Jose State. Each step advanced his learning of and love for history.
A wealth of archival materials related to the Kingston schools inspired the current presentation. A traveling schoolmaster from the 1700’s, teachers and educational activists, and timing at the end of the library summer reading program and at the rapidly approaching school year combined to add this exhibit to the calendar.
Historical stand outs included in the exhibit are Walter Faunce (1844-1924), Catherine Drew Russell, educator and school committee woman, and Hannah Thomas Brewster Adams (1796-1858). The exhibit will introduce each of these and more educational leaders.
Nick’s goal is to create exhibits and events for as wide and diverse an audience as possible. Visitors will see original school books, a report card, and photographs of students and educators. Nick hopes to inspire residents who are not aware of the archival collection. Displays can pique interest and encourage further studies. Out-of-towners may find connections to their own histories. Viewing a 200-year-old letter can create a respect for history and an inspiration to preserve family artifacts. An object, a photo, a personal writing can lead to a more in-depth look.
A comparison of dated text books with today’s computerized learning tells its own story. A desk and chair bolted to the floor relate a previous style of learning.
Nick will be lecturing on the History of Kingston Schools on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Adams Center.