My sister Penny was my first sibling and the second child my parents had. She was named Lucia Straight Ibbitson. Lucia was pronounced: Lewsha. Straight was my grandmother Edrice’s maiden name. Our dad adored his grandfather and wanted the Straight name in our family. The rest of us kids were really glad we didn’t get it. Our mom came up with the nickname Penny and that’s what stuck, thank goodness.
Off and on throughout her life, Penny had premonitions, some very unsettling. When she was going to have her first daughter, she told me I would raise her, and when she was going to have her second daughter, she told me our mom and dad would raise her. Another time, she was going to enter a prestigious event with her horse and our parents told her to wait. She told them it would be too late if she waited, she’d never have another chance. All of these things came true; my parents and I did take in Pauline and Roberta, her daughters. She got married when she was 19. Her husband eventually walked out on them, and she sold her horse to a woman who took excellent care of her. Penny passed away at age 35 of Juvenile Leukemia. My sister Barb, our brother Dave, his wife, our sister-in-law Laura who Barb and I think of as our sister, all miss her. Her daughters live out of state with their families and they miss her too. This prompts me to share this story about Penny as a tribute to her, someone I admired and am so glad she lived her life determined to make her dreams come true. She truly had a gift with horses, a remarkable horsewoman, a hard worker and a loving sister.
From a very early age, Penny showed a love for horses. Our grandpa Spud, who was our dad’s father, lived next door to us and had a gray horse named Harry. He was a big, tall, solidly built retired work horse who was very gentle. He was still strong and could carry four of us kids on his back at the same time. When Gramp gave rides, whether there were four of us riding at once, or less, he secured a lead rope around Harry’s neck and held it as we rode him slowly around the spacious yard and field. Harry took to Penny right away, was always happy to see her, and the only one of us kids that he let brush him after the rides. He did seem to like the pats and hugs he got from the rest of us kids. I heard gramp tell mom and dad that Penny was a natural and one day would be an excellent horsewoman.
As Penny grew up, everything centered around animals, especially horses. She joined a 4- H Group in Hanson and also started saving money for a horse. One day, a big glass jug appeared in our dining room. Mom announced it was a pony bank; she and dad were helping Penny save for a horse. Whenever any of our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, even friends, came over, the money grew. A few years later, after endless searching for the right horse at an affordable price, mom and dad were contacted by friends of theirs in Hanson who knew of a mare for sale. Mom and dad didn’t tell Penny or any of us. Penny turned 12 that year on her birthday, which was on June 12. Mom planned an outdoor party with family around the big picnic table in our back yard because of the nice weather. After the birthday feast, it was time for gifts. I noticed mom and dad disappeared. I saw a few of my uncles and aunts get out their cameras while Penny opened her gifts. Uncle John walked up behind Penny as she sat on the picnic table bench and I saw him point in the direction of Gramp’s driveway and ask her in a low voice if she saw anything. She seemed puzzled and so did us kids. We all looked towards where he was pointing and saw mom and dad walking a horse into the backyard. All at once, all the adults were singing happy birthday to Penny. She burst into tears and ran towards mom and dad and the horse. She hugged the horse, whose name was Lady and then threw her arms around mom and dad. My brother Dave and I and our little sister Barb were excited and happy for Penny.
Lady was the perfect horse for Penny at that time, and she could still run at a good gallop. Dad fixed up an old shed which was the perfect size for Lady, making it into a small barn with a nice stall. He painted it cottage red with white trim that matched our house. It was big enough to hold all the tack needed for a horse. Penny had Lady for a few years until she became too old to ride. Not wanting to part with her, she didn’t know what to do. Friends of hers that lived in Hanson had a retirement farm for older horses and offered to take Lady free of charge if Penny would work for them at least once a week without wages. Penny happily accepted the offer so she could spend time with Lady.
Penny’s dream was to have an Arabian horse. She started babysitting to earn money and and also took jobs helping with, and taking care of, animals. As her reputation grew, so did her savings. She was well liked and respected, took her jobs seriously, and without meaning to, got the attention of some important people who realized how serious she was about attaining her goal. She won prizes at several horse shows with a pretty little filly named Misty she bought from a friend of our family.
At one of the horse shows, an older couple from Georgetown noticed Penny’s horse, Misty, and approached her. They had a stallion they wanted to breed who was part Arabian. When the experienced breeders got together with Penny, both horses, and our parents, the end result was that the stallion and Misty complimented each other in every way, especially the structural correctness between the two which was physically balanced. The foal would inherit the correct athletic build and be in perfect proportion. Penny was thrilled, but worried about the cost. The couple told her and our parents there would be no charge, she was doing them a favor and would get to keep the foal. Dad asked if there would be a contract regarding future expenses and what would happen if Penny gave the horse away or sold it. The couple smiled at them, asking them to please let them do this, there were no strings attached; they’d been in this business for most of their adult lives and every once in a while a young person came along, like Penny, and they wanted to do everything they could to help and were in a position to do so. It was a miracle to Penny, dad was stunned beyond words and mom cried. Arrangements were made for breeding, which was a success and Misty came home to Hanson and the barn dad had made, where we all waited anxiously for the next eleven months to pass.
Penny was still in high school when Misty was in-foal. On a beautiful spring day, my three-year-old son, Brian and I, went to visit my mom. When I pulled into the driveway, mom was out in front of the little barn and the door was open. She seemed upset and I asked her if everything was okay. She told me Misty was in labor and would I go to the high school and get Penny and she’d keep Brian with her. Penny’s teachers knew about her horse and were very understanding. When I ran into the school that day to get Penny, there was no problem; Leo Lane, the Administrative Assistant, got on the intercom and called her to the front office and wished her good luck as we ran out the door. When we got back to mom’s, she had called a man who was also a friend of hers and Penny’s, who was an experienced equine assistant. Misty did well and delivered a beautiful foal. Penny named her Serendipity and called her Seran for short. It was a wonderful Summer that year watching Misty with her foal as she grew. Seran was stunning. Even though she was only part Arabian, she was dark with a shimmering coat, fine, silky hair, and a tail that was like a banner in the wind; she carried her tail highly arched and elegantly curved.
Penny had graduated from high school and was doing quite well at competitions she entered with Seran. They were making a name for themselves and were also asked to ride in the Memorial Day and Fourth of July Parades. Penny was happy and continued to gain confidence in a quiet, self-assured way, trusting her own abilities while still being respectful of others. She also began thinking about entering the Eastern States Exposition, home of the BIG E Fair in West Springfield Massachusetts. My parents tried to talk her out of it but she stood her ground, telling them this would be her only chance to go and win a Blue Ribbon. She also reminded them she had money saved for it and it wouldn’t cost them anything. Penny went to Eastern States. The competition was fierce but Penny never wavered, she was quiet, calm, focused and had an aura about her. Seran was just as calm. When the riders rode their Half-Arabian horses into the Arena, everyone was applauding. When spectators caught site of Penny riding Seran among them, the applause and cheering were deafening.
Serendipity and Penny were famous that day and won the blue ribbon. We were all thrilled. Her youngest daughter has Penny’s trunk full of horse pictures and memorabilia. The picture of Penny with this story is of her on a horse named Mike that my mom and sister Barb had for a while. Penny was trying to break him, but he had issues, was too high-strung and was given to someone who knew how to handle him. One of the last things Penny said to me was, make your dreams come true. She was an excellent power of example which has stayed with me and helped me make many of mine come true.

HINGHAM, MA – The Arc of the South Shore, a family-oriented, community-based non-profit providing information, referrals, and community programs for individuals with disabilities now celebrating its 75th year, is pleased to announce Rachel Leone as Secretary of its Board of Directors.
In this capacity, Leone plays an essential role on the board, with a focus on documentation and communication. Along with other members, she provides direction, governance, oversight, and fiduciary responsibility for the non-profit that has helped more than 100,000 people throughout its 75-year history.
Leone, who has served on the board for the past three years, is the founder and president of Leone Marketing Solutions, Inc. in Hingham, a promotional products and apparel firm. Prior to launching the company in 2004, she served as director of marketing and sales at RCN, a telecommunications provider.
Leone earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Suffolk University’s Sawyer School of Management and her undergraduate degree in Communications from Boston University’s College of Communication. Committed to lifelong learning, she regularly attends continuing education seminars.
Leone was raised in Norwell and has lived in Hingham for the past 20 years. She shares her home with her husband Roy, their two sons Nicholas and Thomas, and Bella, their beloved family dog.
“Rachel brings deep professional expertise and genuine commitment to our mission,” said Elizabeth Sandblom, CEO of The Arc of the South Shore. “Her insight will be invaluable as we continue expanding our programs and strengthening our impact across the South Shore.”
“The Arc’s mission resonates deeply with me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this leadership role on the board and help advance the organization’s vital programs,” said Leone.

PLYMOUTH, MA, 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, is proud to announce that Senior Staff Accountant Brittany Keith of Plymouth has been named a 2026 “40 Under 40” award winner by Cape & Plymouth Business.
The “40 Under 40” awards celebrate the region’s brightest young leaders who are making a significant impact in their industries and communities. These awards recognize individuals who are trailblazers, innovators, and changemakers—those who go above and beyond in their careers and through volunteer work, community engagement, and leadership.
Keith, who joined RTR in 2016 has consistently demonstrated strong initiative, taking on responsibilities critical to the organization and volunteering her personal time. While she serves in an administrative role and not directly with the individuals served by RTR, she seeks out opportunities to spend time with those served to better understand their needs and experiences.
Recently obtaining a master’s degree to further her knowledge of nonprofit accounting, Keith has taken it upon herself to earn additional industry certifications, that, while not required, enhance her performance and the organization overall. She has also been a regular participant in the Falmouth Road Race, helping RTR meet their fundraising goals.
“Brittany demonstrates compassion, accountability, an ability to foster collaboration and trust, and to comfortably navigate change within the organization,” said Christopher T. White, Ed.D., president and CEO of Road to Responsibility.  “In everything she does, Brittany exhibits selflessness, supporting us in ways that quietly but powerfully moves our mission forward.”
Keith and fellow 40 Under 40 honorees will be celebrated on June 11 at Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod in Hyannis.

ROCKLAND, PLYMOUTH, MA, – Acella Construction Corporation, a leader in construction management throughout greater Boston, is proud to have served as general contractor for the new Emergency Assistance Shelter Program for the Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless. The 26-family shelter is located at 54 Industrial Park Road in Plymouth.
The $7 million, 11,230-square-foot new shelter includes 26 bedrooms, a kitchen, dining spaces, laundry facilities, meeting rooms, and reception areas.
The project involved renovation of a vacant industrial park office building; as such Acella’s scope of work encompassed selective demolition, site improvements, new concrete foundations, masonry, structural steel, and complete rough and finish carpentry.
The building envelope was constructed with new insulation, siding, roofing, windows, doors, storefront, and glazing. This was followed by a complete interior buildout, including drywall, flooring, painting, millwork, specialties, and furnishings. New plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire protection, fire alarm, and generator system were installed, along with a KONE passenger elevator, resulting in a fully code-compliant and operational facility delivered in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.
The Acella team completed the project within a 46-week construction schedule. Architectural design was performed by R2 Architects of Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Open as of February 12, the 26-family shelter provides safe, temporary housing for families along with professional case management and support services, including school enrollment, coordinated services, child care, and children’s programming.
“We could not have been more happy partnering with the team at Acella,” said Suzanne R. Giovanetti, CEO of Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless.  “Their professionalism, flexibility, and continued communication, combined with their quality construction practices, helped to make this dream of ours become a reality that will help so many.”
“Being part of a project that directly supports families in need was deeply meaningful to our team,” said Ryan LaVangie, vice president of sales and marketing at Acella Construction Corporation. “The Plymouth Area Coalition for the Homeless does extraordinary work and we’re proud to deliver a safe, welcoming facility that meets the highest standards of quality and care.”

STOW—State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership today announced the graduation of 45 firefighters in western and southeastern Massachusetts from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.
“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 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, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.”
Two recruit classes graduated today. The 24 members of Career Recruit Class #BW38 trained in Bridgewater and were expected to graduate last week – but the ceremony was postponed after the Blizzard of 2026 dropped more than 30” of snow on the campus. They represent the fire departments of Bourne, Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Fall River, Hanover, Harwich, Kingston, Milton, North Attleboro, Provincetown, Rockland, and Scituate.
Career Recruit Class #S44 trained in Springfield. Its 21 members represent the fire departments of Agawam, Holden, Marlborough, Monterey, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, Springfield, Stockbridge, and Turners Falls.
The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class.  The award is named for a longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and reflects the recruit’s academic and practical skills, testing, and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program. The award for Class #BW38 was presented to Firefighter Jacob Warmington of the Duxbury Fire Department, and the award for Class #S44 was presented to Firefighter Maurice Jarmman, Jr, of the Marlborough Fire Department.
Basic Firefighter Skills
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. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Today’s Firefighters Do Much More than Fight Fires
Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus.
At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits 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, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice.
The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.