BRIDGEWATER—State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine tonight announced the graduation of 26 recruits from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Program.
The members of Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #122 graduated at the Department of Fire Services’ Bridgewater campus. They represent the fire departments of Acushnet, Dartmouth Fire District 1, Dartmouth Fire District 2, Dartmouth Fire District 3, Dighton, Lakeville, Marion, Plympton, Rehoboth, Swansea, West Bridgewater, and Westport.
“Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s 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 Academy Director JP Seivane. “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 Martin H. McNamara Outstanding Student Award was presented to Firefighter Nicholas Sheehan of the Marion Fire Department. The award is named for Martin “Marty” McNamara V, a call firefighter with the Lancaster Fire Department who lost his life in the line of duty in 2003 while battling a fire in a multifamily home. It is presented to one recruit in each graduating call/volunteer training class and recognizes their academic and practical skills, testing, and evaluations over the course of the program.
Video of the ceremony will be posted tomorrow at the Department of Fire Services’ YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dfsosfm.
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 who work or go to school full-time. 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 Do Far More than Fight Fires
Today’s firefighters are all-hazards emergency responders. They are the first ones called to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to fentanyl overdoses to gas leaks. 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 properly 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 safety 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.
Rep. Kathy LaNatra Votes to Strengthen Early Literacy and Financial Education
BOSTON – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed three education bills that seek to improve reading outcomes among elementary school students, educate middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy, and to update the criteria for awarding a Seal of Biliteracy for bilingual graduating students.
“It is important that as the science and research surrounding literacy education continues to evolve, that our educators evolve how they teach our students,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). Over 50% of students in grade 10 are not meeting or exceeding ELA expectations. This legislation gives DESE the tools and framework to implement high-quality literacy education across the Commonwealth, to give every student the opportunity to succeed and that starts from an early age, with effective literacy education in grades K-3. The bills my colleagues and I passed today ensure that each and every student across the Commonwealth, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geography, receives top-tier, evidence-based literacy education, is given the best opportunity to succeed from an early age, and is given the necessary tools, such as financial literacy skills, to succeed when they leave our public school system.”
Early Literacy and Teacher Preparation
English Language Arts scores continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Almost 60 percent of all students in grades 3-8 are not meeting or exceeding expectations in English Language Arts (ELA), and 50 percent in grade 10 are not meeting or exceeding ELA expectations. Additionally, achievement gaps among all major racial and ethnic student groups, students with disabilities, low-income students, and English learners have widened when compared with 2019, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The early literacy bill passed by the House today defines evidence-based early literacy as grounded in scientific research methods, and demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. Many school districts in Massachusetts have switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, and some have been assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch program, administered by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and funded by the Legislature at $35 million. However, some school districts have yet to fully adopt proven literacy curricula, despite being the most effective ways to improve reading outcomes.
Rep. LaNatra Supports Enhanced Child Welfare Protections
BOSTON – Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – On Wednesday, Representative LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass comprehensive legislation to strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability within the Commonwealth’s child welfare system. An Act Enhancing Child Welfare Protections modernizes the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) statutory reporting, clarifies the independence of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA), improves educational stability for children in care, and updates the state’s child fatality review process.
“The Commonwealth has a tremendous responsibility to the children in their care. Each and every child in Massachusetts deserves the same opportunity at stability, safety and success.” said State Rep. Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “This bill strengthens our ability to look after every child in state care — making sure no one slips through the cracks and that our agencies can work hand in hand to give these children the stability and support they deserve. I’m deeply grateful to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Livingstone, and Chairman Michlewitz for their continued dedication to protecting and uplifting Massachusetts’ children.”
This legislation expands statutory reporting by DCF to include disability and disaggregated demographic data, breakdowns of 51A reports by reporter role, ADA accommodation and complaint metrics, and refined placement and permanency measures. It also adds reporting requirements on outcomes for youth aging out of DCF’s care, behavioral health boarding, and education metrics, such as individualized education program counts, attendance, and graduation rates.
The bill passed today allows for the creation of a DCF Education Unit, tasked with academic monitoring, support, and strengthening coordination with school districts. It also requires DCF and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to establish clear enrollment timelines and record transfer standards for children in DCF custody who change schools.
The bill passed today also clarifies the role of the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) as an independent state agency. It further expends the OCA’s authority to examine disproportionality, partner with agencies while safeguarding oversight, maintain a public mandated reporter website, and conduct systemwide reviews of DCF.
Additionally, the bill strengthens the Child Fatality Review System by establishing joint leadership between the OCA and the Department of Public Health (DPH). It further updates the membership to include the Department of Early Education & Care (EEC) and codifies the structure of local review teams.
Lastly, the bill improves timely notifications to children’s counsel following placement changes, hospitalizations, 51A reports or school disciplinary events. It also requires reporting on children who remain in psychiatric care beyond medical necessity, including length of stay and licensure/training requirements for DCF social workers.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 159-1. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Senator Fernandes’ statement on the Trump Administration’s threat to withhold bridge funding for Cape Cod
“It is deeply concerning that this lawless Trump Administration, which has cut healthcare and food benefits for three hundred thousand Massachusetts residents to pay for tax cuts for the rich, is now attempting to steal funds dedicated to the Cape Bridge project. Trump and Congressional Republicans couldn’t care less about the lives of Cape and Islanders, and this cut could do irreparable damage to our region. This action by the Trump Administration threatens to close the Cape bridges, and we are going to fight back to ensure Cape and Islanders have safe and reliable transportation access.”
Stay Sharp with TRIADS Friends
Betsy Hodge, Chair of the Friends of the Holmes Public Library, led a hands-on meeting at last week’s TRIAD meeting. She shared several “Stay Sharp Kits” which are available through the Library of Things at the library. Stay Sharp Kits are a specially designed collection of activities for people experiencing memory loss or cognitive difficulties. Five themed kits were provided to be explored by TRIAD participants: Movies, Baseball, On the Move, Americana and Trivia. Photos by Linda Redding. We hope that you’ll join us at the next TRIAD meeting on Nov. 4th when we’ll learn about the MOLST form from Ellen DiPaolo of the state’s “Honoring Choices” group.
Halloween Surprise
I met my husband Dave several years after I’d been divorced. We were both taking Psychology classes at Massasoit Community College. He had two children, a daughter Donna who was eight, the same age as my son Brian and a son Davey who was five, the same age as my daughter Heidi. Donna and Brian were also in the same class in the Halifax school system and knew each other, although they weren’t particularly friendly with one another. Dave lived in an apartment in Whitman and his children lived with their mother, Dottie, in Halifax. I admired the way Dave was close to and involved with his children and what excellent parents he and Dottie always were.
As we got to know one another we slowly introduced the kids to each other. We took them swimming in summer and on walks with us in the fall. They seemed to have fun with one another as they got used to each other, until they realized that Dave and I really liked each other; then things became a little tedious. My kids, especially Heidi, took to Dave and was happy to have a father image. Times when my ex-husband did take my kids to his house, I spent time alone with Donna. She liked going to Friendly’s for ice cream and I enjoyed her company.
When things got very serious with Dave and me, he invited me to supper at his apartment on Valentine’s Day. That night he got down on one knee and I wondered what he was doing until he slipped a diamond ring on my finger and asked me to marry him. I said yes. We were married that Fall. All four of our kids were in our wedding, well behaved and so darn cute. My parents hosted our Wedding Reception at their home in Hanson. Everything went beautifully and we had a memorable time. Our Honeymoon consisted of coming home to our house in Halifax to enjoy the peace and quiet before my kids came home that Sunday.
Divorce can be hard on some adults and even more so on children. Once Dave and I were married, the reality for his kids was hard for them to accept. There were times they didn’t want to come over and times they wanted to be alone with their father and other times they wanted to be at their house with both their parents. I have to give my stepchildren credit; I admired some of the ways the two of them worked together to do everything they could to get their parents back together. They were so clever -they would’ve fit right into a Walt Disney movie. When Halloween came around that year, they didn’t come to our house. We did get to see them briefly at Christmas.
The New Year didn’t start off very well. All four kids were upset for different reasons and Dave and I were upset with ourselves because of mistakes we made in dealing with our kids. We had to change things for the better. Dave started by making it clear to his kids that even though things weren’t going to be as they used to be, he and their mother would always be there for them. I told them I realized I wasn’t their mother but I’d like to be their friend and they could call me Linda. Dave told my kids they could call him Dave or whatever felt comfortable to them. About six months later, Heidi started calling him Dad, which never changed.
Things got better after that. When Fall came that year and it was time to decorate for Halloween, Brian, Heidi and Davey helped. Davey’s favorite Halloween treat was candy corn, so I made sure we had some. I had a big cardboard skeleton that I called Alley after the song “Alley-Oop”, that was popular in the 1960’s. Brian was the tallest out of the three kids so he hung Alley up and positioned his movable head, arms, hands and legs. We had two cloth pumpkin faces with little orange lights on them that lit up their eyes and mouth that Heidi hung in both the dining room and kitchen door windows. Brian put my cackling witch with the green eyes that glowed outside on the step railing where she could be heard. After Davey helped Brian and Heidi fill our big bowl with candy that was to be given out, his mother and sister came to pick him up. We wished him a good time Trick ’n Treating with his cousins.
Brian went to work carving his pumpkin, helped Heidi with hers and they set them outside with candles in them while I made grilled cheese sandwiches. Dave came home just as the kids and I were leaving to walk through the neighborhood. He said he’d take care of passing out candy while we were gone. Brian dressed as a cowboy and Heidi wore a cute little clown costume. The moonlight helped us find our way as we went from house to house in the clear, cool night, greeting friends and neighbors in all their various costumes. Candles flickered in each yard showing the creative carvings of Jack-O-Lanterns that glowed in the dark. Strobe lights showed ghosts and skeletons swaying in the night along with spiders and bats which caused Heidi to grab onto the long black cape I had on. As we turned a corner, a gust of wind came up and a streetlight went out. The kids looked up at me; I knew they wanted to go home.
Dave was happy to see us and there was still some candy in the bowl if more kids came. Brian and Heidi got ready for bed and asked for candy. I let them each pick two pieces out of their bags which they ate while they watched television. Dave and I were in the kitchen talking when we heard a knock at the door. I grabbed the bowl of candy and went to the door. The outside light had gone out and it was so dark out I could hardly see through the kitchen door window. I pressed my forehead up against the window and saw two little faces peering in at me, one with a mask on. I wanted to get them inside as it was getting cold out, so I opened the door to let them in. The three of us stood looking at each other as I was trying to figure out who they were. The taller one was grinning and the smaller of the two pulled off a mask and yelled “Trick or Treat!” Dave, Brian and Heidi came out to the kitchen. Brian and Heidi started grinning when they saw them. Dave did a double take and scooped them into his arms.
It was the best Halloween surprise we could have gotten. Davey’s costume depicted a superhero (I forget who) and Donna made a mustache she stuck on that looked very real and was dressed in Dave’s Sailor hat and shirt he had worn in the Navy. Seeing Davey and Donna in Dave’s arms and the smile on his face said it all. I’m also very happy to say that the Halloween nights after this one brought us many good memories. Donna and Davey are now grown with families of their own. Including my own two kids, Donna and Dave are also two of the best friends I have.
Kingston’s Lucas Campbell awarded $4,000 scholarship
Kingston— Kingston’s Lucas Campbell was recently among 36 high school seniors and college students awarded more than $178,000 in scholarships by Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, a division of the SMART Northeast Regional Council (SMART NERC).
The scholarships, fully funded by Local 17 membership, range from a one-time $1,500 award to four-year scholarships totaling up to $16,000. Since 1983, the union has contributed over $2.3 million to the futures of local students.
SMART Northeast Regional Council President Bob Butler said the scholarship program reflects the union’s commitment to giving back to the communities where members live and work.
“Higher education is expensive. These scholarships help put students on the path to success,” said SMART Northeast Regional Council President Bob Butler. “We’re proud to have such dedicated members who believe in giving back and investing in the next generation.”
SMART NERC Financial Secretary-Treasurer Russell Bartash extended thanks to the Hayward family—Bob, Scott, and Sean—for leading the scholarship committee for three generations. He noted that their dedication has helped the program grow and adapt to meet students’ diverse academic paths.
“Whether scholarship recipients are enrolled in a four-year college, community or technical college, we’re thrilled to continue to lift up students as they strive for success,” said SMART NERC Financial Secretary-Treasurer Russell Bartash. “It’s one of the many ways we give back and support the next generation. We want to thank all Local 17 members who contributed to this meaningful fund.”
For every hour a member works, seven cents goes into the Local 17 Scholarship Fund. These contributions, small in scale but large in impact, have helped hundreds of local students afford tuition, books, and other academic fees. Scholarships are awarded based on state Labor History Exam performance or through a lottery drawing.
About Sheet Metal Workers Local 17: Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 is a building trade union representing more than 2,700 skilled and licensed workers throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. We stand together as the most highly trained professionals in the industry, bringing top safety standards and quality to every project. Local 17 was formed in 1896 so that men and women working in the sheet metal industry could bargain collectively for better work standards. Today, our members enjoy dignified contracts, industry-leading wages and healthcare, and a sound pension plan they can count on after retirement.
Take a Walk Through Nature
Halifax is fortunate to have the bucolic 70 acre Peterson Swamp Wildlife Management Area. Public access is along the southern side of Aldana Road. Parts of the swamp extend to Route 36 and a tiny sliver reaches Route 106. Plenty of parking can be found about a ¼ of a mile away at the Town of Halifax parking lot at the corner of Oak Street and Aldana Road.
On Sept. 14, the Halifax Beautification Committee led its 2nd walk through Peterson Wildlife Management Area this year. The first walk was on Jan. 1, 2025 with about 30 people and 2 canines. The two walks contrasted mostly due to mild drought conditions that the area is currently experiencing. For much of the year, a large portion of the swamp is underwater.
On the September walk, seven Halifax residents walked along a portion of the aqueduct that extends from East Monponsett to Silver Lake. The aqueduct was built during the 1960’s to divert water from West Monponsett to Silver Lake for the purpose of supplying some of the water needs of the City of Brockton. The aqueduct runs from near the boat ramp on East Monponsett through Peterson Swamp and comes out on Silver Lake in Plympton not far from the border of Halifax.
Hunting is allowed at Peterson Swamp WMA so hikers should wear bright clothes during hunting season. Ticks and mosquitoes may be present.
The Halifax Beautification Committee plans to hold a 2nd annual First Day Hike on Jan. 1. Details are yet to be planned.
The Halifax Beautification Committee will hold its Fall Clean-Up Oct. 4 from 9-4 and Oct. 5 from 1-4. Litter -busting supplies will be available during those times by the front steps of the Halifax Town Hall. Come try out a new litter grabber donated to HBC by Jill Ripley of eXp Realty or grab a slice of yummy pizza at noon on the 4th donated by Cape Cod Cafe.
For further information on Halifax Beautification Committee’s activities please e-mail beautification@halifax-ma.org or attend a meeting which are on the 2nd Wednesdays of the month at 5:15 p.m. in the 2nd floor kitchen of the Halifax Town Hall.
OCES to Honor Caregivers During National Caregivers Month Nominate a Caregiver!
During National Caregivers Month, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the largest provider of in-home and community-based services for older adults and people living with disabilities in Southeastern Massachusetts, will celebrate dedicated caregivers who make a positive impact in others’ lives.
The number of caregivers in the U.S. has risen significantly. According to data from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP’s Caregiving in the US 2025, the number of family caregivers has grown to 63 million – or one in four – American adults.
OCES is honoring the selfless dedication of caregivers who make a real difference in the lives of others and is inviting individuals and companies to nominate a family member, friend, or associate who has gone above and beyond to care for someone in the community.
From now through October 6, 2025, OCES is accepting nominations of local caregivers (within OCES’ service area) to be highlighted during National Caregivers Month in November.
“We look forward to celebrating our community’s caregivers, sharing their stories and honoring their commitment to caregiving during National Family Caregivers Month,” said Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, and CEO of OCES.
Throughout November, OCES will spotlight each nominated caregiver, sharing their story in a special Caregiver Edition newsletter and across our social media channels.
To nominate a caregiver, please visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/3dG5Aos/caregiver
Nominated caregivers will be notified. To view a map of OCES’ service area, visit https://ocesma.org/about-old-colony-elder-services.
Providing Support & Resources for Caregivers
OCES’ Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides caregiver support and resources to individuals in OCES’ service area. For more information about caregiver support visit ocesma.org/programs-services/caregiver-support or call 508-584-1561.
Fourth Annual Plympton Flower Show: A Bright Spot on a Rainy Day
Stephani Teran
Express staff
The Fourth Annual Plympton Flower Show took place on Sunday, Sept. 7 on the Plympton Town Green. It was a wonderful day -even with the much needed rain, and many gardeners, green thumbs, and floral lovers showed up with stunning entries! From show-stopping specimen Dahlias to carefully crafted terrariums complete with tiny figurines and scenes made entirely of woodland materials, the Plympton Flower Show was full to the brim with beautiful creations made by contestants from surrounding towns.
In addition to floral, produce, and craft entries on display, Plympton Old Time Jams provided the perfect music for the afternoon, Just the Dip food truck kept everyone fed with delicious food, and Detterman Farm offered stunning flowers and floral creations for sale -all made with harvests grown just down the street on their magical farm. A special thanks to our three judges and experts in their fields, George Stanchfield, Jane Schulze, and Mike Jardin for offering their time, consideration, and wisdom to the show. We are also grateful to Mike Slawson of the Plympton Public Library for hosting the dried floral art workshop for our younger contestants to work on their entries. In addition, we are immensely grateful for our fellow Plympton Garden Club members and family and friends who show up every year and work hard to make sure the event runs smoothly.
I would also like to personally thank Gabby Falconieri and her husband, Tim. Gabby has been the driving force behind this flower show the last four years and it would not be what it is today without her freely offered time, efforts, ideas, guidance, and support. Lastly, we would like to thank all of our contestants for entering and for taking the time to nurture things all growing season long and then arrange and showcase them for the community at our show. We truly could not have a show without you! Until next year, best wishes for the last weeks of the growing season and we look forward to starting things up again in the spring!
Congratulations to the winners for the 2025 Plympton Flower Show!
WINNERS 2025
Single Variety Arrangement
1st: Meg McSweeney Martin
2nd: Heidi Creighton
3rd: Rebecca Hudson
360 arrangement
1st:Emily Sharland
2nd: Rebecca Hudson
3rd: Rose
One Faced Arrangement
1st: Rebecca Hudson
2nd: Meaghan Weymouth
3rd: David Alberti
Natives Arrangement
1st: Brian McGinn
2nd: Rebecca Hudson
3rd: Patricia Pflaumer
Herbs Arrangement
1st: Meg McSweeney Martin
Dahlia:
Decorative Informal
1st: Rebecca Hudson
2nd: Justine Muir
3rd: Heidi Creightin
Decorative Formal
1st: Justine Muir
2nd: Meaghan Weymouth
3rd: Gabby Falconieri
Dinner Plates
1st: Justine Muir
2nd: Kelly Macdonald Weeks
3rd: Heidi Creighton
PomPom:
1st: Gabby Falconieri
Cactus
1st: Ed McSweeney
2nd: Meaghan Weymouth
3rd: Justine Muir
Ball
1st: Meaghan Weymouth
2nd: Kelly Macdonald Weeks
3rd: Becky Hane
Zinnia
1st: Holly Swain
2nd: Adriana Lafave
3rd: Gina Richmond
Rose
1st: Leslie Gomes
2nd: Holly Swain
Sunflowers
1st: Kelly McDonald Weeks
2nd: Dave Alberti
3rd: Vicki Alberti
Cosmo
1st: Little Rivers Flower Farm
2nd: Leslie Gomes
Natives
1st: Meg McSweeney Martin
2nd: Vicki Alberti
Produce:
Garlic
1st: Dave Alberti
2nd: Ed McSweeney
Pepper
1st: Heather Sandra
Squash
1st: Lesie Gomes
2nd: Holly Swain
Pumpkin
1st: Tracy Delpozzo
Herbs
1st: Meg Mcsweeney Martin
2nd: Leslie Gomes
3rd: Vicki Alberti
Future Gardeners:
Floral Arrangement
1st: Charlotte Weymouth
2nd: Josie Brickley
3rd: Max Noberts
Terrarium
1st: Charlotte Weymouth
2nd: Jaxson Weymouth
Sunflower
1st: Ellis Gilmore
2nd:Thad Gilmore
Gourds
1st: TJ Delpozzo
2nd: Lizzie Delpozzo
3rd: Ellis Gilmore
Pepper
1st: TJ Delpozzo
Dried Flower Art
1st: Ronan Teran
2nd: Hazel Falconieri
3rd: Alice
Best in Shows
Overwhelmingly the Judges favorites were both terrariums by
Charlotte and Jaxson Weymouth
People’s Choice:
Meg McSweeney Martin, Single Variety Arrangement
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