The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities, recently hosted a Resource Fair designed specifically for families of teens and young adults ages 15 to 26.
The September 27th event featured 78 registrants and 18 vendors, including The Arc of Massachusetts, Assistive Tech, Comfort Dogs, Commonwealth Financial Group (Child ID Program), Department of Developmental Services, Drew’s Tips, Evoke Change Center, Financial Guide, House of Possibilities, May Center, Norfolk Center Sheriff’s Department, Planned Lifetime Assistive Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Reimagine Recreation, Rewarding Work, South Shore Supports, Special Olympics, Supported Decision Making, and Work Inc., Deaf Outreach.
The Resource Fair provided valuable tools, services, and support to help navigate the transition into adulthood. The event also featured break-out sessions hosted by Assistive Technology, PLAN of MA and RI, and Supported Decision-Making.
“We were thrilled to see so many people attend our Resource Fair, and even more buoyed by the amount of vendor interest in demonstrating ways they can provide support as our individuals transition into adulthood, which can be an incredibly challenging and uncertain time,” said Elizabeth Sandblom, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore.  “We continue to work to find ways to provide the knowledge and connections needed to feel empowered and supported for individuals, families, and caregivers, and we look forward to future Resource Fairs as one more way to achieve this.”

In the Fall of 1963, our Mom received a call from her Father and stepmother, Nellie, inviting us all to their home in Vermont for Thanksgiving. Mom was overjoyed as she hadn’t seen them in over a year and had been especially missing her dad. My sister Penny was thirteen that year and I was sixteen. Neither one of us were too happy about having to go to Vermont. Penny had always wanted a horse and now that she had one she didn’t want to leave him. I had a boyfriend and I wanted to spend time with him. Our brother Dave was ten and he didn’t care one way or another about going anywhere. Our little sister Barb was seven and she was all excited about going; she loved traveling from a very early age. Grampa Spud, who lived next door to us, assured Penny he would take good care of her horse while she was gone and would put him in his barn with the cows and Mike the sheep. Several days before Thanksgiving we headed to Underhill, Vermont.
When we arrived, Grandpa had dad park in the garage in case it snowed. As the four of us kids tumbled out of the car, Grandpa’s arms were open wide and there was a big smile on his face. When he saw mom, his face lit up as he folded her into his arms. Penny and I stole a glance at one another, both of us now very aware of how much this meant to both Mom and Grandpa. Nellie came out to greet us as well and between all of us we were able to get our luggage into the house. Nellie had an upstairs room for Penny and I with a bathroom nearby, a downstairs room off the living room for Mom and Dad and a small room near them for David and Barb. The house wasn’t too big or small, just cozy with picturesque views from each lovely window.
The mood was jovial as we sat around the supper table listening to the adults. All four of us were quiet, taking in the conversation while eating some of the tenderest chicken we ever had. Mom was telling us that when she was growing up, Grandpa was a clock maker and when she and her sister, our Aunt Phyllis, went to bed at night, the sound of the clocks lulled them to sleep. I could tell from the looks my siblings gave me they didn’t want clocks lulling them to sleep.
When I woke the next morning, I wanted to be the first one in the shower near the room Penny and I were sleeping in. At our house there was only one bathroom and shower and it seemed I was always last and sometimes didn’t get a shower at all. So, before Penny or brother Dave could occupy the room, I grabbed my clothes and locked myself in the bathroom. The next thing I heard was a whole lot of yelling coming from downstairs. Then it sounded like dad yelling up the stairs. I ignored it all so I could get into the shower before anyone else. The yelling didn’t stop but neither did I. I jumped in the shower, lathered my hair with shampoo and turned on the water. I screamed! It was freezing; there was no hot water! The next thing I heard was laughing. I started laughing at myself. What else could I do but step into that freezing cold water to get the shampoo out of my hair and that’s what I did. It’s not like they didn’t try to warn me; the next time I hear yelling, I’ll pay attention.
Everyone was in the kitchen when I came downstairs. I was well-teased about the shower while I helped myself to some breakfast. At seven years old, Barb was already bored and asked if we were going to do something fun. Grandpa smiled and asked her what she’d like to do. Barb asked him if he had a mountain in his town. He smiled and said he did and he’d take whoever wanted to see it when he went to the store for Gramma Nellie. Mom spoke up, suggesting we all help clean up the kitchen and we’ll all go. We made short work of it and piled into their station wagon.
There was enough room in the car for Barb and Dave to sit in the front seat with Grandpa and Dad while Mom, Nellie, Penny and I sat in the back seat. Vermont is a beautiful State and in 1963, Underhill was a sparsely populated rural community. When we got to a place where there was an excellent view of Mt. Mansfield, Barb was so excited she wanted to get out of the car; we all followed. We were in awe of it where our grandparents and parents had seen it many times before we were born; mom, dad and grandpa being avid skiers when they were younger. Barb pointed to it saying, “Look, it goes all the way up to heaven!” We all chuckled a bit at that but from where we were standing, it did look like that. Grandpa told us it was the highest summit within the State, the peak elevation being four thousand, three hundred and ninety-three feet. We piled back into the car and went to the market to get the food we’d need for the next few days and for Thanksgiving.
That afternoon after lunch, Mom, Nellie and us girls helped with baking pies, breads and other desserts. Nellie put a big tray of chocolate chip cookies on the table to keep us away from the other desserts, especially the men who kept coming back into the kitchen. Nellie and mom made a beef stew and set it on the stove to simmer for supper. Grandpa, Dad, and Dave came back into the kitchen and asked if anyone would like to go for a walk with them before sunset. We all headed for the coat rack. We followed our parents and grandparents through the Vermont woods that I thought were as beautiful as our woods back home. The sun shone through the trees and I enjoyed listening to the four adults talking and having a good time. When the sun got low in the sky it lit up the woods in the most beautiful colors. As we turned around to go back to the house, I heard mom and grandpa talking about his new hobby. I got curious enough to ask him if he still made clocks. He smiled and said when he had made enough money he didn’t have to make anymore clocks, he was able to retire and enjoy hobbies like oil painting. I asked him what his new hobby was and he said he would show me when we got back to the house.
When supper was over and dishes were done, Grandpa announced he made a promise, as he smiled at me, and asked if everyone would follow him. At the very back of the house he opened a door and turned on the lights that revealed a good-sized room with a big picture window that looked out onto the spacious backyard. In front of us was an oversized wooden desk with deep drawers on either side, a long workbench that was built into the desk and a big long shelf across the top of the desk that contained beautifully sculptured birds of all kinds including herons and cranes. He announced that this was his new hobby. Nellie stood behind him, smiling. We were all in awe and so impressed with his flawless and beautiful work, words of praise came out of us all. Nellie also told us that a woman who is the editor of a local paper asked if she could come to interview him and she brought a photographer with her who took pictures of Grandpa and the birds, all in color, that were in the paper. We were all so proud and very happy for Grandpa.
The next morning Mom and Nellie were up early to get the turkey stuffed and in the oven. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with them and Mom and Grandpa stayed in touch more often and we got together with them yearly, sometimes in summer instead of fall.
Both Harold (Grandpa) and Nellie Austin were creative people. Nellie made doll furniture out of Quaker Oats containers, couches and chairs for our dolls when we were growing up and covered them in pretty material. When we were grown with kids of our own, she made us Santa and Mrs. Claus standing figurines using dish soap containers as the Ivory liquid bottles back in the 50’s had a better shape. She filled them with something that gave them weight and made Santa and Mrs. Santa outfits for them. If I learned nothing else, I learned more about both sets of grandparents by spending time with them and getting to know them better; a precious gift I’m totally thankful for.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.