MARSHFIELD, MA, Save the date for Thursday, October 8th, when Road to Responsibility (RTR; http://roadtoresponsibility.org), one of the region’s largest and most successful nonprofit organizations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will host its 38th Annual Making Lives Better Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy.
The Making Lives Better Gala is Road to Responsibility’s signature fundraising event, bringing together community leaders, partners, families, and supporters who share a belief in opportunity, dignity, and lifelong care.
The annual mission-driven event will feature a cocktail reception, formal seated dinner, live and silent auction, mission-driven storytelling, entertainment, and more. Once again, the evening will be hosted by acclaimed journalists Jackie Bruno and Liam Martin, former television news professionals who now lead Newsmaker Marketing.  Additional information will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
Last year, the event raised a record-breaking $550,000 in support of RTR’s mission to create opportunity, independence, and meaningful lives for the individuals served by the nonprofit.
As RTR’s largest annual fundraiser, the Gala plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding the programs and services that support individuals across a wide range of needs.
“Our 38th Making Lives Better Gala may not be until fall is in the air but the excitement is already building,” said Christopher T. White, Ed.D., president and CEO of Road to Responsibility. “Please join us on October 8th as we celebrate the friendships, connections, and shared experiences that make the RTR community so special.”
For ticket and sponsorship information, please visit: Making Lives Better Gala — Road to Responsibility

WEYMOUTH, MA, The Weymouth Food Pantry, working to address food equity in Weymouth and make fresh options more readily available to families relying on the pantry to meet their needs, recently celebrated the newly renovated Weymouth Food Pantry Garden at a ribbon-cutting held on Monday, June 22, at Old South Union Church in Weymouth’s Columbian Square.
The Weymouth Food Pantry Garden was first established in 2019, in partnership with Old South Union Church, South Shore Bank, and Weymouth Food Pantry to reimagine fresh food access for community members.  With the vision of the Weymouth Food Pantry and an additional investment from South Shore Bank, the garden has been renewed with accessibility at its heart – raised beds now make it possible for community members who use wheelchairs or who live with limited mobility to garden, harvest, and enjoy the space.
“This garden is a representation of what communities look like when people come together and say, ‘what more can we do?’” said Pam Denholm, executive director of the Weymouth Food Pantry.  “It has become something magical for this community,”
The garden has also been expanded and now features 26 beds, all filled with fruits, vegetables, and herbs – including tomatoes, jilo eggplant, kale, okra, and a mix of sweet and hot peppers – that are reflective of the Weymouth community.  In previous summers, the garden has produced as much as 2,000 pounds of fresh food.
Many members of the Weymouth community came together to contribute to the project.  Garden Leads Len Bicknell and Todd Breitenstein spent hours digging out the old garden beds and positioning the new ones; Bicknell also built a custom shed for the garden.  Jim Carr of JDC Home Services custom-crafted the new raised garden beds.  Dave Bristol of JF Price donated compost and wood chips and also supplied a front end loader and filled the beds.
“This renovation reflects the Weymouth Food Pantry’s belief that fresh, culturally meaningful food should be available to everyone; it’s a garden built for community, shaped by care, and open to all who call Weymouth home,” added Denholm.
Weymouth Mayor Mike Molisee, South Shore Bank CEO Jim Dunphy, and Reverend Jennie Barrett Siegal, the Senior Pastor of the Old South Union Church, were also all on hand for the celebration.
“We know there is a need for more access to fresh, healthy food, and we’re so grateful to the Weymouth Food Pantry for working to meet this need,” said Mayor Molisse.
“We’re proud to support the Weymouth Food Pantry Garden, as it exemplifies our purpose of helping neighborhoods build shared success,” added Dunphy.
Rev. Siegal concluded, “We have been delighted to host the Weymouth Food Pantry Garden, as it allows us to be part of a ministry that grows good food, creates meaningful connections, and cares for our neighbors.”

PLYMOUTH, MA, Honey Bear, a Golden Retriever, was crowned as this year’s America’s Hometown Hound earlier this month at America’s Hometown Hound Festival, rising to the top of 101 entries.
Hosted by Just Around the Corner (JAC), the Plymouth area’s premiere pet-sitting and dog-walking business, America’s Hometown Hound Contest is a local competition for dogs in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.  After nominations were accepted, more than 16,000 votes were cast over three rounds, narrowing the field to the top three finalists – Honey Bear, Mick, and Elsa.
Judges Deb Iaquinto (chair of the Plymouth Select Board), Amber Bartlett (owner of the Barker House in Plympton), and Dr. Heather Geddes (lead veterinarian at Veterinary Urgent Care in Plymouth) met the finalists at America’s Hometown Hound Festival, held June 13 at Nelson Park in Plymouth, and listened to why they wanted to be America’s Hometown Hound.  Honey Bear was declared the winner and signed the Winner’s Oath; Elsa came in runner-up and also signed an oath that she will step in if Honey Bear cannot fulfill his duties for any reason.
Although the festival was new this year, the America’s Hometown Hound contest debuted in 2020 and has crowned six previous winners:  Charlie Brown, a German Shepherd; Otis, a Golden Retriever; Tim, a tiny mixed-breed, Daphne, a Basset Hound; Flynn, a Newfoundland; and Samson, a Pit Bull.
The community event also featured over 15 local pet-friendly business vendors, craft tables, a police department Comfort Dog, entertainment, a Blessing of the Animals, and a host of other family-friendly activities.
In partnership with Plymouth Helping Hands for Animals, Just Around the Corner also donated $1,300 – 100% of all vendor fees – to this charitable organization which is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners by raising funds to help pet owners in need.
Many community members stepped up to support the event, including Platinum Paw Sponsors Veterinary Urgent Care of Plymouth. Ghost Scoopers, Cape & Plymouth Marketing, Riordan & Associates, Dapper Dog Grooming Pawlor, and GPub; Gold Paw Sponsors Brabo, Harborwalk Apartments and Tiny & Sons; Red Paw Sponsors Bamp’s Toy Vault and The Black Dog; and Blue Paw Sponsors Premier Notary & Advisory Services and Cartmell-Davis Funeral & Cremation.
“Congratulations to Honey Bear, and to all the wonderful pups who entered America’s Hometown Hound Contest,” said Pamela Ranheim, founder of Just Around the Corner and originator of America’s Hometown Hound Contest.  “America’s Hometown Hound Festival was a wonderful day of celebration and happy pups and people, and we look forward to expanding the festival in the years ahead!”
Honey Bear’s first act as America’s Hometown Hound will be representing the town in this year’s 4th of July Parade. Honey Bear will also represent America’s Hometown at various events and appearances throughout the year, demonstrating local support at charity fundraisers, small business shopping events, and other community festivities.

PLYMPTON, MA You can be a mom, and ambitious too! You do not need to pick one over the other.
That is the message of Dr. Amber Bartlett’s new book, “Balance is a Scam”. As the owner of two businesses, and single mom to four-year old son Asher, she understands the challenges and the doubts that mothers in the business world face when feeling pulled in two directions. “This book, based on my life experiences and my research and extensive conversations with many ‘Mom-preneurs,’ reaffirms to readers that you don’t have to pick between motherhood and having ambition – that you can have both,” the author says.
Dr. Bartlett, who holds a Doctorate of Psychology, wears several different “business hats.” She coaches and advises business owners on how to grow their businesses and work through issues that may be holding them back; she also helps businesses with organizational and operational issues. She is additionally the owner of The Barker House, a premier dog care business, providing day programs, overnight boarding, and grooming. This entrepreneur thrives in both businesses, while raising her four-year-old son, Asher, and finding the time to write this latest book.
As for “balance,” she does a deep dive into what that means, and what it does not.
“Balance is a Scam” is a candid, psychology-based, “laugh-so-you-don’t-cry” account of what it actually means to be an ambitious mother in a culture obsessed with the myth of balance. Dr. Bartlett recalls that she did everything “right”. She worked hard, chased big goals, poured herself into her family, and still wondered how that standard she was trying so hard to meet could possibly be the one she was expected to live by. That moment was the genesis for the book.
“My goal in writing this book is to share the message of ambition and motherhood because it just isn’t talked about,” she said. “So many moms are sitting with the same emotions and same struggles that I discovered after becoming a mom late in life after multiple careers,” Dr. Bartlett added. “It is shocking that, in the century we are in, there is still an underlying standard that you cannot be ambitious and a mom. Do not believe it!”
With candor, humor, and a knack for storytelling, Dr. Bartlett addresses the impossible expectations that are placed on modern mothers: be present but also financially stable; be nurturing but not too ambitious; be ambitious but not so ambitious that someone questions your love for your kids. She explores why mothers are drowning in guilt that was never theirs to carry.
“Balance is a Scam” explains:
· Why “mom guilt” is neurological, not a moral failing.
· How chronic stress rewires the body and why breakdowns often precede breakthroughs.
· Why kids don’t need perfect mothers; they need emotionally present ones.
· How ambition and motherhood are not opposites but partners.
· Why balance is a trap built on the wrong scorecard.
· How resilience is built in ordinary, messy micro-moments.
· Why connection, not isolation, is the real medicine for an overwhelmed mother
“Balance is a Scam” dismantles the toxic idea that women must split themselves in half to be successful at home and at work. Instead, the author offers a new and different lens: prioritizing over balancing, wholeness over perfection, and presence over performance.
One reader of the book describes it this way: “This isn’t a productivity manual or a motivational pep talk―it’s a manifesto for women who refuse to shrink, women who want to build, mother, lead, laugh, grieve, rebuild again, and live a life big enough for all of it.”
The lack of research on the topic is in part what prompted Dr. Bartlett to write this book, which is now available on  Amazon and in selected bookstores. “There is a lot of information about both ambition and motherhood, but not how they intersect. I believe that moms can excel at both. Some days work will be a priority, and other days motherhood takes center stage. It is about defining and understanding priorities.”

The author will be speaking at a number of events in the coming months to help promote the book. Anyone who would like to learn more about the book or would like Dr. Bartlett to address any group of women business owners, please visit www.dramberbartlett.com or contact Dr. Bartlett by email, amber@barkerhouseconsulting.com

HALIFAX, MA — The Town of Halifax officially cut the ribbon today on its highly anticipated public pickleball courts, celebrating an innovative public-private partnership with Thorndike Development that delivers extensive recreational and economic benefits to the entire community.
The state of the art facility is located off Monponsett Street adjacent to the new Featherwinds age-restricted residential condominium community. Under the terms of the town’s master development agreement, Thorndike donated the land and fully constructed the courts, handing a premier recreational asset over to the town at no cost to local taxpayers.
The formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony brought together municipal leadership and development executives. In attendance from the Town of Halifax were Select Board Clerk Jonathan Selig and Town Administrator Steve Solbo. Representing Thorndike were Dave Eastridge, Michael Devin, and Erik Groezinger.
“This is a great day for the Town of Halifax and a fantastic example of what can happen when local government and private developers collaborate effectively. We’re thrilled to add this beautiful facility to our town at no added cost to the taxpayer. And the benefits of this partnership go far beyond pickleball. The ongoing revenue generated from home closings are helping to fund the town’s new proposed senior center – a project Halifax has waited generations to become a reality. Not to mention, the new homes mean new tax revenue at a time when every dollar counts for communities all across the state. It’s been a win-win for the residents of Halifax.“ – Jonathan Selig, Halifax Select Board
The structural framework of the partnership creates an ongoing financial engine for the municipal treasury. Beyond gifting the completed courts, Thorndike provides a dedicated mitigation payment to the Town of Halifax upon the closing of every individual home sale at Featherwinds. These incoming funds directly offset the town’s municipal costs to design and construct its upcoming senior center.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Town of Halifax to open these beautiful new courts today,” said Dave Eastridge, Partner, Thorndike Development. “This project showcases how public-private partnerships can creatively solve local infrastructure and recreational needs. The development of Featherwinds facilitates the creation of amenities for this rapidly growing community and all of Halifax. Pickleball is an accessible sport that is currently unmatched at bringing people together.  We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space.”
The public courts are fully complete and officially open for public play from dawn to dusk effective immediately. Prospective homebuyers interested in the active adult community can tour the site and view available homes by visiting the Featherwinds sales center or online at https://thorndikedevelopment.com/community/featherwinds.

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.