By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to the Express
When I was in the fourth grade at Indian Head School in Hanson, I joined the school band. I played the clarinet and kept on with it through Junior High. Every Memorial Day our band marched into the Fern Hill Cemetery in Hanson. We all wore royal blue capes with satin gold colored lining and hats to match with black patent leather visors. Growing up with parents who had served our Country, including some of our mothers, we had heard many stories and were very proud to be part of the Memorial Day ceremony, which we took very seriously. Every year there were three boys chosen to play TAPS on their trumpets, each one placed on a specific hill to be the echo for one another. In spite of the large crowd, it was always a solemn occasion. Our music teachers, Mr. and Mrs. Hewitt, were always there to lead us in. ‘Abide With Me’ , one of the songs we played. It took on a whole new meaning when we played it on Memorial Day and I thought about so many people who had lost their lives in the War. The very first time I was in the band and part of the ceremonies when those three young boys played TAPS and it echoed through the cemetery on that beautiful day in May, it struck me that there were young men not much older than some of us who never got to live out their lives. Some years later, I thought about some of my own classmates who never made it home from Vietnam.
In later years as an adult, every parade I went to that Vietnam Vets were in, I applauded and even stepped forward one time to shake the hand of one in the parade who was in a wheel chair. His grasp and the look in his eyes as he thanked me, I will never forget. Even though Vietnam has been labeled as an unpopular War, it’s not the fault of those who served and it angers me that they are not applauded in some of the parades. I was also told by a school mate who had served in Vietnam and still attended Memorial Day ceremonies at Fern Hill, that the gun salute brings back a variety of emotional responses, depending on their experiences. We truly owe so much to so many who fought and sacrificed so much for our Country and our Freedom. It should never be taken for granted. To all who served who are still here, my deepest thanks and gratitude for your service.
When I was in school and we started learning about the Presidents, I was taken with Abraham Lincoln, the Civil War, and learned all I could about him and that War. One early Spring day in 1983 I was looking out my window. March had given way to April and the crocus were pushing up through the ground in my backyard. I found myself thinking about The Civil War and that it may have started on a Spring day like this. A Free Verse poem came to me so quickly that I picked up my pen, writing fast to keep up with the words and visions I saw. Several years later I found out my Grandfather’s Grandfather, Corporal Edwin W. Pratt had volunteered for the 18th MASS Infantry in August 1861. He was one of only seven members to re-enlist and was moved to the 32nd Infantry and went home to Hanson when the War ended at Appomattox in 1865. There is a famous copyrighted Painting that is also a print by Mort Kunstler (who recently passed away) that is shown on his site called, ’The Salute of Honor’, It shows the Blue and the Grey lined up facing each other the day the War ended; one of the most important moments in American History.
Sen. Fernandes secures $75,000 for Silver Lake schools
Jason Fraser
Special to the Express
In a year marked by tight budgets, Senator Dylan Fernandes has stepped forward as a champion for our community. At a time when every dollar counts, the Senator and his dedicated staff secured an earmark for $75,000 in the FY26 state budget for Silver Lake Regional Schools to address safety and accessibility issues on campus.
Since his election in the fall of 2024, Senator Fernandes has been meeting with constituents and community leaders across his district, including members of the Silver Lake Regional School Committee. His collaborative leadership has bridged the gap between legislative action and educational needs. His proactive engagement underscores his commitment to the well-being of students, staff, and community members, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly. This partnership has yielded tangible outcomes, demonstrating that when policymakers and educational leaders unite, practical, real-world improvements follow.
Jason Fraser, the Legislative Agent for the Silver Lake Regional School Committee, commented, “We extend our deepest gratitude to Senator Dylan Fernandes and his team for their pivotal role in this process. Their foresight, dedication, and willingness to collaborate have transformed fiscal challenges into opportunities for a safer, more accessible campus at the Silver Lake Regional Schools. This collaboration not only reflects the Senator’s commitment to public service but also serves as an inspiration for further partnerships that prioritize community welfare and the future of our educational environment here in Silver Lake and beyond.”
Fire Station moves forward with $14M price tag
Justin Evans
Express correspondent
The Town of Plympton is advancing plans for a new fire station, with construction bids coming in at $11.1 million, nearly $2 million under the estimated cost. The total project, including equipment and other expenses, is expected to cost $14,285,000.
Jon Wilhelmsen, chair of the building committee, presented the project details and costs during a recent information session, emphasizing the need to replace the current 50-year-old station.
“Our current station is 50 years old. It’s done a great job, and I think it’s done another great job yet again because it’s done so much more than it was ever designed for,” Wilhelmsen says.
The existing station, originally designed for a call-fire department without EMS services, now struggles to accommodate modern equipment and safety requirements.
“The space and facilities properly cleaned and decontaminated are severely lacking in the building,” Wilhelmsen explains, noting that the current layout fails to separate contaminated gear from administrative and public areas.
The proposed 18-month construction project would begin this summer if approved at the annual town meeting on May 14 and in a subsequent debt exclusion vote on May 17.
For the average Plympton homeowner with a property valued at approximately $8,500 in annual taxes, the project would add about $468 annually, or $117 quarterly, to their tax bill. This amounts to 88 cents per $1,000 of property valuation. This assumes a 30-year bond at 4.5%, however borrowing will be at market rate sometime this summer if the project is approved.
The town plans to offset some costs by supplementing $100,000 annually from capital stabilization funds. Additionally, existing debt that will be paid off in the next two years, the Dennett and Silver Lake debt, will help mitigate the impact on taxpayers.
Dan Pallotta, the owner’s project manager from P3, emphasizes the competitive pricing secured for the project.
“If you look at the cost of fire stations and Google it, all throughout the Commonwealth, you might find a substation, which is subsidiary to a headquarters. You might find one that’s a little less than this, but you’re not going to find a headquarters less than the cost of this project,” Pallotta says.
The building committee received eight bids from pre-qualified contractors, with the lowest responsible bid coming in at $11.145 million. The selected contractor has experience building fire and police stations and has previously worked with the project’s architecture firm.
The new station will be located behind the police station on the town complex. The design includes an apparatus bay large enough for all department vehicles, dedicated decontamination areas, administrative space, living quarters, and a training room that can double as a community space.
“This allows for them to come in from a fire, be able to take their gear off, be able to utilize it with gear washers and dryers, be able to decontaminate in the showers that are in here before they ever get back into the other space,” Wilhelmsen explains about the decontamination area.
The project also includes a new septic system for the entire town complex, estimated to cost about $100,000. A separate project funded by American Rescue Plan Act money will provide a new public water supply for the complex.
Committee members stress that renovation of the existing station was considered but rejected as impractical and potentially more expensive. Renovation would require a temporary station costing $2 to $3 million and would still not address all the space limitations.
“From a cost-efficiency standpoint, renovation is not an option to continue to use this as a fire facility for the next 50 years,” Wilhelmsen says.
The committee suggests the current fire station could potentially be repurposed as a community center or senior center after the new station is completed.
During the information session, one resident, Nancy Butler, emphasized that the project is about more than just a building.
“My concern is the safety of these men back here. I have firefighters in my family, and I know what they go through. And I think we need to seriously consider their safety,”Butler sid. “These are our friends. These are our neighbors. They live on our street. They live in our town. We need to protect them as much as we need a new building.”
The proposed debt exclusion would remain on tax rolls for the 30-year bond period and then drop off, rather than permanently raising the tax levy.
Wilhelmsen urges residents to attend the next information session or reach out to committee members with questions before the May votes.
“If we don’t do it this year, next year it’s going to cost more. It’s the only thing I can promise you,” Wilhelmsen says, noting that construction costs have been increasing at 7 to 8 percent annually, well above the 2.5 percent annual tax increase limit under Proposition 2.5.
Celebrating Cinco De Mayo
It’s 60 degrees out; the thermometer doesn’t lie.
I can feel the energy changing as the Spring weather ebbs and summer approaches. And, as if that wasn’t enough reason to celebrate, the opportunity to welcome in the month of May is upon which means Cinco De Mayo.
If you are anything like me, good food and good drink go hand in hand, especially Margaritas. The multitude of different ways a Margarita can be crafted could fill a book, never mind this small paper, and that story will have to wait.
Today I want to ask a larger question: what is Cinco De Mayo? The short answer, Cinco De Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, not Mexican Independence. Though it is not a national holiday in Mexico the event is celebrated with parades, parties and traditional foods like Mole Poblano. How did it come to the United States you ask? We can give thanks to Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), who though best known for the “New Deal”, was instrumental in bringing the holiday to the United States. America was just beginning to rise back out of the ashes of the Great Depression and FDR was looking to build bridges with our neighbors to the south, Central and South America. Roosevelt wanted to emphasize cooperation and trade rather than military force to maintain stability in the hemisphere, so in his inaugural address on March 4, 1933, Roosevelt stated “In the field of world policy I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the good neighbor – the neighbor who resolutely respects himself and, because he does so, respects the rights of others.” The history of this idea and the desire to continue it in our modern world makes this writer smile, because I am free to be a good neighbor and sit down and enjoy a margarita with any and all of my neighbors; that is a beautiful… and delicious thing.
For the best local margaritas and authentic traditional Mexican food please try Cancun – A Family Mexican Restaurant at 145 Main St., Kingston, or Fiesta Charra, at 66 Main St. in Carver.
Halifax Police support Autism Awareness Patch Fundraiser
With the April 30 deadline fast approaching, Massachusetts residents still have time to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – a critical resource that helps eligible households pay for winter heating costs.
This free statewide program provides grants (that do not need to be repaid) directly to heating providers, helping renters and homeowners keep their homes safe and warm. Households do not need to be on public assistance or have unpaid bills to qualify.
Residents can explore eligibility and apply online at: https://toapply.org/MassHEAP or connect with their local administering agency for support.
The Halifax Police Department is announcing its third year partnering with the Flutie Foundation, a leading non-profit in the autism community, by selling Halifax Police collectible autism awareness patches throughout the month of April. All proceeds go towards the Flutie Foundation and their efforts to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Autism.
Autism awareness patches will be sold for $10 and can be purchased online using the link below or in-person at the Police Station, 540 Plymouth St. during normal business hours; Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patches ordered online will mailed to the address provided on the order form.
Over its twenty (20) year history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $15 million to schools and organizations that provide clinical therapies, respite services, recreational programs, social skills training, job supports, and more for people affected by autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support services through its partnerships and special initiatives.
Rep. LaNatra supports FY25 surtax, supplemental budget
Fair Share surplus funds transportation and education investments
Monday, April 14, 2025 – Representative Kathy LaNatra joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing $1.3 billion supplemental budget that consists of surplus funds generated from the Fair Share surtax. This supplemental budget includes $353 million for education related investments, and $828 million for transportation related investments.
“This supplemental budget affirms the House of Representatives commitment to providing the highest quality educational system for our students and the highest quality transportation system for our residents,” said Kathleen LaNatra (D – Kingston). “Strong investments into both of these critical areas will have ripple effects throughout the Commonwealth, strengthening our economy and building a Massachusetts that works for everyone for years to come. I look forward to continuing these investments as we move into the FY26 budget later this month, and I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership on this bill.”
The supplemental budget passed today includes revenues generated from the Fair Share ballot initiative voters approved in November 2022, which established a new surtax of four percent on annual income above $1 million and invests these new public dollars to improve the state’s education and transportation sectors.
Key investments include:
Education
$190 million for Circuit Breaker reimbursements, which provide financial assistance to public school districts to offset the cost of delivering high-cost special education services to students.
• $50 million for capital improvements at vocational schools
• $40 million for early education and care (EEC) workforce, affordability, and quality improvement supports
• $10 million for universal school meals for every public-school student in the Commonwealth
• $10 million for DHE Endowment Match
• $10 million for University of Massachusetts Endowment Match
• $10 million for Green SchoolWorks to decarbonize and increase efficiency in our schools through green energy projects
• $8.5 million for ESOL services waitlist
Transportation
•$400 million for MBTA Workforce and Safety Reserve
• $300 million for MBTA Deficiency Fund
• $60 million for MBTA physical infrastructure
• $25 million for MTTF Transfer RTA Workforce Development
• $20 million for reduced MBTA fares for riders with low incomes
• $13 million for MBTA Sumner Tunnel reimbursement
• $10 million for unpaved roads
Additional Investments
• $58 million from the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) Investment Fund for payment of additional reimbursements in FY25
• $5 million for the Holocaust Museum Boston
This supplemental budget also tasks the Inspector General with publishing a report on best practices for providing transportation services, including the procurement of those services, to help contain ever-increasing costs to cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 140-14. It now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Halifax Notify – community communications
The town of Halifax is excited to announce the launch of its new community notification system, Halifax Notify, designed to enhance the town’s communication capabilities by ensuring that important information is disseminated quickly and efficiently to all Halifax residents and its guests.
Key Features
• Real-Time Alerts: Receive instant notifications about critical updates, emergencies, and important announcements related to town government services and operations.
• Multi-Channel Communication: Notifications can be sent via e-mail, SMS (text message), phone call, and push notification (via smartphone app).
• Customizable Notifications: Tailor your notification preferences to receive updates relevant to your interests and needs, and which contact methods to use.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easily manage and view notifications through an intuitive and accessible platform.
Halifax Notify will help residents stay informed, streamline the flow of official town notifications, and create operational efficiencies in the dissemination of information.
The system will be fully operational starting on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025. Additional details will be posted on the town’s website when the system is officially launched.
For questions, please contact the IT & Communications office by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (781) 293-1739.
Plympton Townwide Clean-up April 12
On April 12th, 2025, Plympton families will have an opportunity to pitch in and help clean up the considerable amount of litter that has accumulated along the town’s roadsides. The Plympton Garden Club and the Historical Society are announcing that the annual Townwide Clean- up will be held on Saturday, April 12, with a rain date of Sunday, April 13. The hours of the cleanup are 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
To participate, residents are asked to stop by and speak to the volunteers at a table set up on the parking lot in front of the Town House on Palmer Road the day of the event. There they will be provided with trash bags and other tools and receive a street assignment. Other important facts for volunteers to know include:
The Plympton Highway Department will be picking up full trash bags and transporting them to the transfer station.
The orange “pay as you throw” bags will not be required for this project. Instead, residents can use the bags provided at the volunteers table.
Once trash bags are filled, they can be left by the side of the road, and the Highway Department vehicles will pick them up.
Given that it has been two years since the last cleanup, Plympton’s picturesque roads are really needing help! We hope that there will be a strong turnout for this important effort. See you on Saturday, April 12!
BSU presents “Spring Dance 2025”
Bridgewater State University’s Department of Dance proudly presents a celebration of life, art, and movement in concert – Spring Dance. The concert performs Thursday, April 3; Friday, April 4; and Saturday, April 5 – all at 7:30 p.m. in the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium at 19 Park Ave in Bridgewater. For more information and tickets, please visit www.BSUtix.com.
Spring Dance is an established tradition at Bridgewater State University, entertaining audiences for decades.
In this year’s production, BSU Dance models its principle, “Dance is for every body” by featuring choreography from several accomplished students and professors. Small groups, solo, and large ensembles inspire movement amongst the stage in a specular celebration. The concert features a wide variety of contemporary themes including identity loss, others perception of you, as well as love and trust.
This year’s group of choreographers is a melting pot of BSU faculty and advanced student choreographers: Dr. Danielle Bazinet, Kristy Kuhn Donnelly, Jazmyn Vautour, Jaclynn Ahl, Ellie Cochran, James Farrell, Meghan Stanton, and Maggie Zawalick.
Performances of Spring Dance will be held on Thursday, April 3; Friday, April 4; and Saturday, April 5, all at 7:30 p.m., in the Rondileau Student Union Auditorium.
Tickets are available at the door and online at www.BSUtix.com, while supplies last.
North Easton Savings named to Newsweek list
North Easton Savings Bank is honored to be named to Newsweek’s 2025 list of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions.
The award acknowledges North Easton Savings Bank’s proven track record of growing the community through fair banking practices, financial advising, and local philanthropy.
Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized top regional banks and credit unions in the United States, by conducting a large-scale study based on the analysis of over 9,000 institutions, more than 70,000 customer surveys, and millions of social media reviews.
This most recent award comes following several other national and regional honors. North Easton Savings Bank was named to the USA Today Top Work Place for 2024, The Boston Globe Top Place to Work in 2024, and received the Boston Business Journal 2024 Corporate Citizenship Award.
“We are grateful to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for 2025,” said Rich Spencer, President & Chief Executive Officer of North Easton Savings Bank.
“This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our community and customers. It is an acknowledgement that motivates us to continue our mission of supporting and uplifting our community, ensuring we remain a trusted financial partner for many years to come.”
“Regional banks and credit unions are the financial backbone of communities nationwide as they support small businesses, fund local projects and ensure easy access to essential banking services,” said Nancy Cooper, Newsweek’s Global Editor in Chief. “We are proud to highlight companies that utilize a community- and customer-centric approach to make a big financial impact in their neighborhoods.”
North Easton Savings Bank is an award-winning financial institution with over $1.6 billion in assets, North Easton Savings Bank is uniquely situated to provide personal and business banking solutions to southeastern Massachusetts.
Founded in 1864, NESB has a proven track record of growing the community through fair banking practices, financial advising, and local philanthropy.
Looking forward, the Bank is well-positioned as the preferred area banking partner with a powerful combination of convenient features like mobile and online banking and the personal, hometown touch of a local bank. North Easton Savings Bank is fully insured by the FDIC and the DIF and is an Equal Housing Lender. For more information, please visit NorthEastonSavingsBank.com.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 49
- Next Page »