PEMBROKE – May 28, 2026 – State Representative Kathy LaNatra proudly honored Kathleen Keegan of Pembroke at the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber.
“It was my honor and pleasure to recognize Kathleen Keegan during this special celebration of the contributions of the military community across the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “From her years of service in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, to her many community-building endeavors, as well as her involvement with the local American Legion chapter, helping veterans in her town, Kathleen truly understands what it means to serve her neighbors, her community and her country. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
“What a lovely honor it is to be recognized at your Military Appreciation Day. My 28 years in the MA Army National Guard shaped who I am and taught me so many lessons, including one of my favorite philosophies: many hands make light work,” said Kathleen Keegan, local realtor and 12th Plymouth Nominee at Military Appreciation Day. “Nothing I do is accomplished alone. Whether in my real estate career, community events, or volunteer work, I have been very blessed to work alongside incredible and dedicated volunteers and residents who generously give their time to make Pembroke a better place. I appreciate this recognition. Hooah!”
Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts. The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.
The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, MA National Guard. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.
Military Appreciation Month observances conclude on Monday, May 25, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon.

STOW—State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine announced the graduation of 40 recruits from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program tonight. Video of the ceremony will be posted to the Department of Fire Services’ YouTube channel tomorrow.
The members of Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #125 graduated at Bridgewater State University. They represent the fire departments of Acushnet, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Dighton, Fairhaven, Freetown, Halifax, Marion, Mattapoisett, Norwell, Onset, Rehoboth, Swansea, Wareham, and West Barnstable.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and these graduates are needed now more than ever,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received on nights and weekends will provide them with the physical, mental, and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.”
“Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said MFA Recruit Program Coordinator Dean Babineau. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, tonight’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to protect themselves, their communities, and each other.”
The Call/Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training Program is unique in that it delivers a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of firefighters in suburban and rural areas. Making the training more accessible means more firefighters can participate and allows them more time to practice training skills with instructors.
The MFA, a division of the Department of Fire Services, has offered the program since 2003. More than 3,000 call and volunteer recruits have graduated since then.
Today’s firefighters train for all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to Fentanyl overdoses or a gas leak. They may be called to rescue children who have fallen through the ice or locked themselves in a bathroom. They rescue people from stalled elevators and crashed vehicles. They must test, maintain, and utilize equipment such as self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, they learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple room structural fires.
Graduates have completed 240 hours of training on nights and weekends. Upon successful completion of this program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications. In addition, they may seek certification to the level of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder.

The Plympton Historical Society seeks to honor the service, strength, and resilience of women in our community and created the Deborah Sampson Award to acknowledge one of these special women through a community nomination and voting process. In honor of Deborah Sampson’s service to our country, the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, and the United States Postal Service recognizing Deborah Sampson as one of the individuals whose ideas, leadership and sacrifices were vital to achieving American independence, the Plympton Historical Society believes it is a fitting time to recognize a Plympton woman who exemplifies Deborah Sampson through exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to our community.
We are pleased to announce Chief Cheryl Duddy as the first recipient of the Deborah Sampson Award.
Please join us Saturday, May 23, 2026 9:00 a.m. at the Old Town House, 189 Main St., Community Room (upstairs) for the reading of a Proclamation from Governor Healey and a joint Resolution sponsored by Senator Fernandez and Representative LaNatra declaring May 23, 2026 Deborah Sampson Day and commending recognition of Deborah Sampson Day. Immediately following, Chief Duddy will be presented with the Deborah Sampson Award and citations from Senator Fernandez and Representative LaNatra to honor her leadership and outstanding contribution to our Town. Refreshments provided and a chair lift is available for anyone with difficulties climbing stairs.

The Dennett Elementary 6th grade class is excited to host a special Art Auction Fundraiser featuring local art by Plympton parent and resident, Shawn Trice to help support the students during their final year of elementary school.  Proceeds from the auction will go directly towards the funding of field trips, class events, transportation, graduation celebrations and much more to make this year memorable for the children.
The funds raised will help ensure that every student can participate in these special moments throughout the year and as they celebrate their 6th grade graduation from Dennett Elementary.  We are so grateful for the support of our wonderful community. Thank you for helping make this a meaningful and fun year for our 6th graders!
The silent auction will take place at the Plympton Public Library from March 14 to April 4.  Stop by the library on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. on the last day to bid and to meet the artist and learn more about the fundraising program for Dennett 6th graders.

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA – Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) honored 24 staff members, including their Chief Executive Officer Nicole Long, with milestone awards during their annual staff meeting in January.
OCES is the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts. With locations in Brockton and Plymouth, the organization employs 270 full- and part-time staff members.
Awards for 20 years of service were presented to Nicole Long of Plymouth, Rochelle Sugarman of Canton, and Jean Sibley of Hanson.
Awards for 10 years of service went to Zonya Williams of Rhode Island; Ines Veira of Taunton; Kori Pickett of Plymouth; Ken Gomes of Fall River; Elga Miranda, Sosha Michel, Stacy Vaughn, Maryanne Whalen and Shirley Smith of Brockton; Carolyn Brown of Easton; Ariola Sina of Hanover; Christine Thompkins of Halifax; Colleen Joyce of Stoughton; and Carol Cedrone of Randolph.
Awards for 5 years of service were presented to Jessica Mahoney of Brant Rock; Rosemary Gordon and Christine Kent of Taunton; Ifeanyi Oli, Kamal Alleye, Lisa Lopes Patterson, and Theresa Martyr-Johnson of Brockton.
“It is a great pleasure to recognize employees for their dedication to our organization and the community. We appreciate the efforts of all our employees, their contributions and commitment to our mission,” said Rob Buckel-Gillis, Human Resources Director.
OCES aspires to be a culturally diverse and inclusive agency that removes barriers, creating equity for all by empowering individuals and communities to thrive, age in place, and reach their highest potential.

Bridgewater, MA — As part of its annual Student Repertory Theater Festival, Bridgewater State University’s Department of Theater presents Late, A Cowboy Song by Sarah Ruhl. Mary, always late and always married, meets Red, a lady cowboy who teaches her how to ride. Red exudes a taste of freedom that Mary didn’t even know she lacked and is suddenly desperate to find. Late, a Cowboy Song is the story of one woman’s education and her search to find true love outside the box.
Late, a Cowboy Song performs Thursday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. All performances are held on the BSU campus in the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium at 19 Park Ave in Bridgewater. Tickets are available online at www.BSUtix.com and at the door while supplies last. Contact the BSU box office at boxoffice@bridgew.edu for further information.
The cast and crew of Late, a Cowboy Song consist of students from all corners of the Commonwealth and beyond, featuring actors Reece Lorenzo (Franklin, MA), Yahaira Torres (Dedham, MA), and Olivia Webb (Melrose, MA). Featured behind the scenes are set & prop designer Emily Jones (New Bedford, MA), costume designer Meera Watkins (Quincy, MA), lighting designer Emmett Buhmann (Raynham, MA), and sound designer Joseph Sebby (Fairhaven, MA) The cast is led by director Dakota Boucher (Paxton, MA), stage manager Connor Francis (Harwich, MA), and faculty mentors tech director AL Forgione (Braintree, MA) costume supervisor Rachael Linker (Brockton, MA), tech supervisor Emmett Buhmann (Raynham, MA), and directing supervisor Sarah Ploskina (Boston, MA).
BSU Theater gives students the opportunity to create their own work as directors, designers, and artists with the Student Repertory Theater Festival. Each year students collaborate with each other and faculty to create an original piece or bring to life a show of their choosing. In just four short weeks, students work together to rehearse and mount productions performed as part of the five-day student festival. There are two student shows planned, as Late, a Cowboy Song is presented on alternating nights with boom as the RSU stage overflows with the incredible talent and creativity the Theater Department has to offer.