The Silver Lake Boys varsity soccer team celebrated its 11 seniors on Senior Night with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Scituate under the lights at Sirrico Field. Honored were goalkeeper Josh Peck; Captains Ryan McAuliffe, Kyle Ross, and Jack Lynch; along with Conor Burns, Max Stewart, Cam Lydon, Tyler Ruisi, Josh Howell, Jack Kelly, and Jose Fernandes. The Lakers closed out their season with a 7-8-3 record, highlighted by competitive wins over Patriot League rivals Quincy, Marshfield, Whitman-Hanson, Plymouth South, and North Quincy. The tie against Scituate capped off a season marked by grit, teamwork, and steady play across the pitch.
Letting Heaven and Nature Sing
The inimitable Ebenezer Scrooge said, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” It is a worthy effort for anyone, but few are able to keep this resolution as steadfastly and earnestly as Matt and Kimberly Campbell of The Farm at Raven Brook in Halifax. Though long-time residents of Halifax (Matt, a lifetime resident) the Campbell’s are relatively new to the world of farming, but you would never know it when visiting their picturesque 30 acres of Christmas tree heaven.
Matt and Kimberly’s journey started when they met in junior high at Silver Lake Regional Middle School and blossomed when they began dating in college. Matt attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy and became a Marine Engineer. Often having to spend months apart while Matt was at sea, the Campbell’s endeavored to make the most of family time and provide their boys, Evan and Nathan, with the quintessential farm-kid life. “We wanted a new adventure,” Kimberly Campbell says, “The boys were young, we love Christmas, and we wanted to be outdoors as a family all the time.” When the historic 1800’s tree farm became available, the Campbell’s jumped, without hesitation, at the chance of a lifetime.
Though idyllic, the property hardly came perfectly packaged and the Campbell’s realized their farm was going to require a group effort to restore and revitalize. “It was not a one-man job,” Kimberly recalls, “We have had many friends and family volunteer their time to help us bring the farm to where it is now. My mom and dad live with us now, too, and are jokingly referred to as our ‘full time volunteers’.” The real gift, however, has not been in seeing the fruits of their labor now that the farm is looking and working better than ever, but it was found in the process of being able to raise their boys at Raven Brook. “The boys have been able to connect to nature, to ride tractors, raise animals, work hard, and work with their family and community. It has been everything we wanted for them,” Kimberly reflects.
Coming up on their seventh year as the proprietors of The Farm at Raven Brook, the Campbell’s, though lacking any prior farming experience, have already acquired extensive knowledge about cultivating and harvesting evergreen trees. Not an easy or quick turn-around crop, evergreen tree farming requires as much wisdom as it does patience. Luckily, the Campbell’s found a fast and friendly community with the Massachusetts Christmas Tree Association. With an annual meeting and various seminars, the Campbell’s have been able to connect with and learn from experienced evergreen tree farmers in the area.
About 1,000 evergreen trees are planted each year at Raven Brook. Consisting mainly of Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir and Scotch Pine, the evergreen trees at Raven Brook range from 6ft to 25ft. Each tree grows approximately 12in a year and takes about 7-8 years to reach an appropriate size to harvest. Though the average desired tree size at other farms is around 6ft, it is the big trees that Raven Brook is best known for. “The size we sell the most of are the 12ft trees,” Kimberly explains, “so much larger than I can even fit inside my house!” After the tree harvest, the leftover stumps are removed from the field to make mowing easier in the summer. Each new tree is planted as a sapling in the spring and then plantings are done again in the fall to supplement any lost to disease or damage.
With a crop that takes so long to reach harvest stage, it takes a combination of logic and instinct to keep the field from being picked bare. “We have to keep an eye on the field in terms of what is being cut down,” Kimberly explains, “I am at a point where I can go out and survey the trees and if I start to feel a bit of panic about a certain size or type of tree looking picked over, I know it’s time to stop that harvest and I’ll call it. With a crop that takes seven years to replenish whatever is taken, you have to be careful not to over-harvest.”
Of course it is hardly just the adults learning the land. Evan and Nathan Campbell are growing right alongside the evergreens. The boys not only help with the holiday harvest-season, they raise various farm animals, maintain farm equipment, and collect tractors. “They raise chickens, goats, and pigs. Nathan helped deliver two litters of piglets. He was out there drying them off and making sure they were all alive and well -it’s an amazing experience,” says Kimberly. Before leaving to train as a merchant marine like his father, Evan was the resident beekeeper and sold the honey from their hives at the Shoppe on the farm. Nathan also has a passion for tractors -both the restoration and maintenance of them as well as using them on the farm.
The lessons of the farm are not confined to animals and equipment. Daily life enriching experiences are aplenty while working to keep the farm thriving. Kimberly particularly loves that the lessons her boys learn are not the kind available at school. “They learn to see things like the cost of running the farm -the cost of a 1,000 trees each year and the process of planting them. They learn marketing and management of the property, and about customer service. They also learn to innovate and come up with great ideas like events and offerings on the farm. This is all stuff you don’t learn in a classroom.” The boy’s good fortune is passed on to their friends as well. Kimberly explains, “The boy’s friends are always here coming up with ideas and giving their input. This was where all the kids wanted to be and hang out and I love it.”
Come Christmas tree season, the farm requires everyone on the farm to be involved. While the boys and their friends help with the baling station and hauling trees from the field, Kimberly’s mother runs and stocks the cozy Shoppe on the farm. Full of beautiful wreaths, arrangements, greenery, and pieces from local artists, the Shoppe offers seasonal, bespoke treasures that go hand-in-hand with Christmas magic.
One thing is certain, when The Farm at Raven Brook comes to life after Thanksgiving, it is a merry gathering of locals and visitors from afar. Collaborations with local businesses also enrich the experience at Raven Brook. “We have a lot going on at the farm during the Christmas season,” says Kimberly, “We have a snack trailer with treats, hot chocolate, and cider. Sarcastic Swine, Brewery 44, and Little Cookie Shed are on site. The Silver Lake High School Select Choir Carolers will be joining us at The Farm during Christmas Tree Season as well.”
In addition to drink, food, song, and tree cutting, the Farm at Raven Brook is also a haven for local photographers and photography opportunities. While photography opportunities are available year-round at Raven Brook, September to December is the busiest time of year with over 70 local photographers using the farm for their backdrop and setting. Photographers are also on site for visitors to get their pictures taken with nostalgic holiday props like the classic red pick up truck and rows of bushy evergreens in the background. If you are looking to get crafty this holiday season Raven Brook offers wreath making workshops and plenty of natural materials to cozy-up home and hearth.
Christmas is not the only season celebration can be found at The Farm at Raven Brook. Fall on the Farm offers boundless autumn beauty, food, entertainment, music, local businesses, and events that bring the community together on the weekends. Events featuring countryside delights such as antique tractors and local bands await visitors during the autumn. One particularly enchanting feature at Raven Brook to be used in any season is The Hollow. Once a clump of evergreen trees that were not harvested before reaching too large a size, The Hollow is now an outdoor room with live evergreen walls. Tucked inside is a long, high-top table, cable spool tables, stage, and a bar. At night The Hollow is illuminated like a fairy land with warm, white lights and overlooks The Pond and thousands of Christmas Trees.
The Farm at Raven Brook has grown to be a place of gathering and celebration for the community. With so may activities and natural beauty to be immersed in, it is not a surprise that many visitors become familiar faces. “Some weekends we see our neighbors every day at the farm enjoying the season. People drive from all over and many are returning and have made our farm part of their traditions,” says Kimbery, “Agrotourism can be tricky for sure, but it is a great way to teach people about the land and to appreciate the work that goes into a farm.”
Though the tremendous undertaking to provide hundreds of perfect Christmas trees and seasonal fun through fall and winter may sound daunting, the Campbell’s would not have it any other way. “One of my favorite moments lately was taking a little breather on a fall weekend and sitting at a picnic table and just watching people enjoy the farm. To know that our hard work and love for this place provides people with the quintessential New England experience for fall and Christmas is everything. This is our slice of heaven. We are so fortunate to be here.” In true Christmas spirit, the Campbell’s surely have found the perfect place where heaven and nature sing in unison and it’s a song that enriches anyone who stops to listen.
MacPherson Appointed to Plympton School Committee
Ross MacPherson, a 14-year Plympton resident with two children at Dennett School, was unanimously appointed to the Plympton School Committee on Nov. 5, filling a vacancy that arose when a member joined the Finance Committee. MacPherson will serve until the May 2026 town election.
The appointment followed a two-step process across two town boards. On Oct. 27, the School Committee unanimously voted to recommend MacPherson to the Board of Selectmen, which formally approved the appointment nine days later.
School Committee Chair Jason Fraser explained that the vacancy arose when a member joined the Finance Committee. According to Fraser state law prohibits anyone from serving simultaneously on the Finance Committee and another committee subject to its budgetary oversight.
“The Board of Selectmen had asked me to strongly consider appointing someone for the remainder of the term, which would end in May,” Fraser said. “If said candidate wants to continue after that point, they would have to pull papers and run as a normal election.”
After the committee advertised the opening, MacPherson was the only resident to step forward. He brings extensive community service experience, including nine and a half years on the Public Safety Building Committee and a recent stint on the Town Properties Committee. He has run Plympton’s Cub Scout program for four years and now oversees both Cub Scouts and the Boy Scout troop.
“Service is a big part of my kind of core ethos, and my wife has said I get two things, and since I left Town Properties, I have an opening for one more thing,” MacPherson told the committee. “So, I’m happy to fill this as long as needed.”
Fraser praised the family support behind MacPherson’s candidacy, noting the importance of balancing volunteer service with work and family commitments.
The appointment comes as the district faces significant budget pressures. During the same Oct. 27 meeting, Fraser delivered a stark warning about insufficient federal and state funding forcing difficult local decisions.
“There’s not a single house in Plympton that has not seen cost go up year over year at two and a half percent, and I’m sorry to say it to the voters of Plympton, two and a half percent is not going to be able to provide enough dollars for the school to maintain the level services,” he said. “So we’re going to have a very local decision to make in May.”
Fraser criticized federal officials for allowing nutritional assistance to potentially expire, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” that vulnerable residents might struggle to put food on the table. He noted uncertainty around Title funding and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act funding, which he said remains historically underfunded at 14% despite a statutory requirement of 40%.
He expressed frustration with state-level progress on the Chapter 70 school funding formula, noting that more than 220 Massachusetts communities received only minimal aid last year—up to $150 per student—insufficient to meet inflationary pressures.
“This is going to be a locally controlled situation where we will present options to the voters of Plympton, and Plympton is going to have to decide where its values lie,” Fraser said. “Do the values lie in funding [and] providing a high quality education experience to our students, or are we going to have to face what cuts may have to be made here?”
In other business, the School Committee approved a memorandum of understanding with the Plympton Police Department for the school resource officer program and discussed a $12,000 capital request for phone system replacement needed by Jan. 2027. Superintendent Jill Proulx reported the regionalization study with Collins Center is underway, with a final report expected in 18 months.
At the Nov. 5 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Administrator Liz Dennehy reported progress exploring Office 365 and Microsoft Copilot as a potential alternative to expensive permitting software.
The solution, suggested by a Town Properties Committee member, could eliminate the need for permitting software estimated at $60,000. Rehoboth pays $25 per user per month—$300 annually—for Office 365 with Copilot. With fewer than 200 potential users, Plympton’s annual cost would be substantially less than the permitting software option.
Dennehy is investigating whether board and committee members with town email addresses would count as users, which would affect total costs. She’s also checking for municipal discounts and exploring whether the town’s Community Compact grant could be repurposed for the solution.
Carver declined to implement the system due to cost, Dennehy said. She’s also seeking quotes from smaller-scale permitting software companies for comparison.
Dennehy also reported expanded community support for residents facing food insecurity following SNAP benefit cuts.
The Council on Aging expanded food pantry hours at the townhouse to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with evening hours planned. Library Director Mike Slawson created a miniature food pantry at the library with pantry staples and will assist with fundraising and donations.
The Congregational Church announced a free spaghetti supper for the entire community on Friday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m., initiated in response to SNAP benefit cuts affecting 182 Plympton residents.
“The original reason we started the whole process was because of the SNAP benefits being cut short,” Arthur Bloomquist said. “Unfortunately, there’s no way for us to find out who those recipients are… So what we did instead is to have it available to the whole town.”
The church is seeking volunteers and will evaluate whether to make the dinner recurring based on turnout.
26 Local Firefighters Graduate from State Fire Academy
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.
Fatal Fire in Halifax Under Investigation
HALIFAX—A late night house fire on Holmes St. has claimed one person’s life, said Halifax Fire Chief Michael Witham, Halifax Police Chief Joao A. Chaves, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz.
The Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Police Department, and mutual aid firefighters responded to 138 Holmes Street after a neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly before 12:30 a.m. On arrival, firefighters observed smoke and flames coming from the rear of the single-family home.
Firefighters made entry to locate any occupants and found one man, the sole resident, unresponsive inside. They removed him from the building and immediately began lifesaving efforts before a Plympton ambulance transported him to an area hospital.
The man passed away later this morning. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of his death.
“On behalf of the Halifax Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and loved ones,” said Chief Witham. “I also want to remind all our residents that working smoke alarms are vital home safety tools. Please take a few minutes today to be sure you have them on every level of your home.”
The fire spread quickly throughout the structure and went to a second alarm. Firefighters were able to knock it down in about half an hour. Two dogs were also located deceased inside.
The origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the Halifax Fire Department, Halifax Police Department, State Police Fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police Detectives assigned to the Plymouth County DA’s office. They are assisted by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit. Investigators found no smoke alarms at the scene.
The fire departments of Hanson, Pembroke, Duxbury, Kingston, Plympton, and Bridgewater provided mutual aid.
Lost and Found
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”- Mahatma Gandhi
Among the numerous concerning headline subjects at the moment, one that is particularly relevant to many Americans addresses the recent cut to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. As of Nov. 1st, the USDA announced that they could not issue SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown, resulting in insufficient funding. This decision has left approximately 42 million Americans to face insecurity and uncertainty about where and how they are going to purchase food.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal initiative that provides monthly benefits to low-income people to help them afford groceries. SNAP is the nation’s most important and effective anti-hunger program. It plays a critical role in reducing the hardships of poverty, improving health and economic outcomes for the most vulnerable in our community, supporting people who are paid low wages or between jobs, providing assistance for those who are unable to work due to disability and illness, and serving as the first line of defense against hunger during economic hardships.
As the government shutdown reached the four-week mark, SNAP benefits became a point of contention. While a newly added note on the USDA website points a finger at Senate Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown, the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which distributes these federal funds, blames the current administration. The government shut down in the early hours of Oct. 1, and since then, more than 700,000 federal workers have been furloughed, and almost 700,000 are working without pay. Several government services have had to close or downsize. During past government shutdowns, SNAP benefits were still provided to Americans in need. This was previously done by the government tapping into a reserve of contingency funds.
SNAP benefits are distributed among various groups of people with roughly 20% of recipients being elderly, approximately 10% disabled, and an increasing 39% of SNAP benefits go to children. According to USDA and U.S. Census Bureau data about 1,076,187 out of the 7,029,917 people who live in Massachusetts are SNAP participants. Governor Maura Healey said that 32% of Massachusetts SNAP recipients are children, 26% are older adults, and 31% are people with disabilities. In May 2025, the most recent month with available data, these recipients were given more than $232 million in food assistance. In fiscal year 2025, the average monthly benefit per person in the SNAP program was $190.59, per USDA data. For households, the national average monthly benefit was $356.41. In Massachusetts households SNAP benefits average $323 per month. So far in 2025, SNAP benefits have gone to an average of 1.1 million people in Massachusetts each month, including 665,000 families, 342,000 children and 261,500 elderly people, according to Attorney General Andrea Campbell. Healey said Campbell is in court Thursday trying to force the federal release of SNAP benefits.
The DTA called the SNAP lapse an “unprecedented challenge.” Gov. Maura Healey announced that a $4 million advance from the state would be given to local food pantries to brace for the influx of state wide food insecurity, but she said that state funding cannot match what the federal government usually provides for SNAP recipients. “As a state we’re going to advance $4 million to our food banks, which support over 800 community organizations around the state. This is from our existing program, which is the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program that already provides $4 million to our community partners every month. So given the expected spike in demand, we are going to be doubling that,” Healey said during a State House press conference. She directed those anticipating need or currently in need to local charities.
Marty Martinez with United Way also announced Thursday that the relief fund Healey set up with United Way last week seeking and accepting private donations has topped $1 million. The United Way, a social services organization, will assist in providing resources to those struggling in each of the 351 Massachusetts communities. Massachusetts receives $240 million monthly for SNAP benefits. Healey and top lawmakers have consistently said over the past week that the state cannot backfill that amount usually provided by the federal government.
Other New England states are tapping reserve funds to cover the lack of federal funding. Vermont is fully covering SNAP benefits for the first 15 days of November for all 65,000 recipients in their state with $6.3 million in state emergency funds. Connecticut advancing $3 million to stretch across the first two weeks of the month. Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee declared a state of emergency and is using $6 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars to help offset SNAP costs. In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills announced Tuesday that she would draw $1.2 million from the state’s contingency account. Anti-hunger advocacy organizations have called for Healey and lawmakers to draw from the state’s $8 billion rainy day fund.
Healey pointed out that drawing from the states own contingency fund should not be required in the first place. “As we are here this morning, right now, the USDA is sitting on $23 billion in a contingency fund that could be used to pay these benefits out across the country. In fact, that’s what other presidents have done during a shutdown, but this President has made a decision to not provide those funds,” Healey said in a press conference last week. The Trump administration has said tapping into that contingency fund would be illegal and has blamed Democrats for the shutdown.
Meanwhile, as government official’s squabble and scramble to undo and fix things at a frustratingly equal rate, there are many members in our local communities who are wondering how they are going to secure food for themselves and their family members -now and in the future. What to do? Rather than despair and think only on a national level, a more constructive focus is always a local focus. In the coming months the strength and empathy of our communities will be put to the test to see how steeped in fellowship and humanity we really are. State officials have already been clear that where government responsibility falls short, it will be up to private citizens and charities to bolster our communities against hunger.
For those not facing things like the anxiety of stretching the last few cups of milk between two kids for a week, or wondering how long it will be before there is something for dinner other than applesauce, it is imperative to help in any way possible. If this means adding a few extra non-perishable food items to your shopping trip next week to drop off at the local food bank, purchasing grocery store gift cards and leaving them anonymously on the doorstep of a family or person you know is struggling, or volunteering at a local food bank to relieve the massive increased efforts there, then now is the time to do it.
In a recent Express story, readers were urged to “look for the helpers”. Now is the time to be the helpers. There are many people already moving and planning and preparing for the increased need on a local level. To demonstrate how dire that local level or need is, here are the numbers according to Mass.gov/SNAPfreeze. 1 in 6 people in Massachusetts are at immediate risk of hunger. 182 Plympton residents, 716 Halifax residents, and 1,066 Kingston residents rely on SNAP benefits for food security.
These percentages and numbers are our friends, family, and neighbors. They include the elderly, veterans, children, people between jobs, single parents, and people from all walks of life. In a self-proclaimed “developed” nation, food should never be used as a “life lesson” or a marker of deservedness or worthiness. It is unethical and inhumane to have an opinion on who should experience hunger or have access to food, or to form judgments (which are usually inaccurate) about why someone is not in a position to independently afford groceries. Often times those struggling have had to do so their whole lives, or they are newly managing anxieties and hardships and the last thing these people need right now is tough love -especially from their community.
It is impossible to know when our government will start working again for the people, but until then we can work for ourselves the best we can. We can dig just a little a little deeper into our own reserves -be they monetary or time and energy, and look beyond our own fridges and pantries. We can consider the battles we don’t know are being fought by those around us. We can lose ourselves a little in the cause of others and draw on that age-old, natural law and guarantee that in doing so we will find ourselves increasingly satiated in life and our only hunger will be to serve more.
Here is a list of resources for those facing food insecurity:
For more information, you can contact the Massachusetts DTA, which oversees SNAP benefits in the state, at 877-382-2363. You can also call the USDA Northeast Regional Office at 617-565-6370. https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance
Massachusetts residents facing immediate hunger due to the lapse in SNAP benefits can call or text Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 to learn about local food resources or speak with a counselor. The FoodSource Hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calling the helpline is free and confidential, according to Project Bread.
You can also visit the Massachusetts state website to find a list of local food banks. https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-local-food-bank
Feeding America. https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/hunger-relief-program
The Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program (WIC) in Massachusetts is not impacted by the federal government shutdown, as of Oct. 29. https://mass.gov/orgs/women-infants-children-nutrition-program.
Food Pantry – Plymouth Area Coalition, https://plymouthareacoalition.org 149 Bishops Hwy., Kingston.
Plympton Town Hall COA Food Pantry, 5 Palmer Rd., Plympton. Open T/TH from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.
Halifax Helping Hands Pantry, 503 Plymouth St., Halifax. Phone: (781) 293-6393.
South Shore Community Action Council, https://www.sscac.org/food-resources
Meals on Wheels is a program that offers well-balanced meals to adults through home delivery or congregated dining sites. Meals on Wheels is run by senior nutrition agencies located throughout Massachusetts. To find the closest agency to you, visit https://mealsonwheels.org
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.
Kingston Student Demands Action on Dangerous Intersection
A Silver Lake Regional High School student appealed to the Kingston Board of Selectmen on Oct. 21 for urgent safety improvements at the intersection of Pembroke Street, Lake Street, and Station Street—just four days after a serious motor vehicle crash at the same location sent seven patients to the hospital. The student detailed a troubling history of accidents, malfunctioning pedestrian crossing signals, and ongoing dangers for students walking to school and nearby businesses.
Will, a Silver Lake student, appeared before the Board of Selectmen during the public comment period to bring attention to what he called an “ongoing safety concern” at the busy intersection adjacent to the regional high school. His appeal came just four days after the Friday, Oct.17 motor vehicle accident that resulted in seven patients requiring full transport for treatment—the latest in what he described as a long series of incidents that have plagued the location.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time there have been other car accidents at this location,” Will told the board. “And a few years ago, a student was struck in the same area.” The student went on to detail recurring problems with the pedestrian crossing lights in front of Silver Lake Regional High School, explaining that the signals sometimes stay illuminated continuously throughout the school day while at other times they fail to activate at all when students press the button to cross. Will also referenced a historical incident involving an empty Silver Lake school bus that crashed in the same area, underscoring the intersection’s longstanding safety problems.
“One of the buttons is faulty now,” Will explained, noting that the crossing signals near the SlackTide and Happy Jan’s businesses don’t activate properly. The malfunctioning equipment creates dangerous conditions for students crossing to and from school, as well as for those visiting nearby businesses like the ice cream shop.
The student’s concerns resonated with board members, who acknowledged the intersection has been a known problem area. Board Chair Eric Crone outlined several safety improvements the town has already implemented at the location, though he admitted the situation remains challenging. “That intersection was also identified in our safety report for potentially even making a roundabout there at some point, but that’s a many years long process and waiting for state and federal funding,” Crone said.
Among the improvements already made, Crone listed new signage and improved lane painting on Lake Street and Station Street, warning signs approaching from both directions on Route 27/Pembroke Street, school zone signs with flashing lights on Pembroke Street, and enhanced stop signs on Lake Street and Station Street that now include flashing elements. The upgraded stop signs were specifically installed after motorists repeatedly failed to stop at the intersection, with multiple crashes resulting in vehicles striking the ice cream shop and restaurant buildings at the corner—incidents Crone said have “happened quite a bit.”
Board Vice Chair Kim Emberg emphasized that installing a full traffic light at the intersection isn’t as simple as it might seem. “We can’t just put in a light, a traffic light. That actually is much more complicated than you would think,” Emberg explained. “So the rotary is the best, safest solution. The problem is, is those things take time and money.”
Emberg described the town’s strategy as implementing “as many temporary, short-term, cost-effective solutions that we can to make that area as safe as possible” while working toward longer-term infrastructure improvements. She also pointed Will to the “report a concern” link on the town’s homepage, which allows residents to notify the highway department directly about issues like malfunctioning crossing signals.
The board conducted a comprehensive safety study of the entire town that prioritized projects across Kingston, with the Pembroke-Lake-Station intersection making the list alongside Main Street improvements. However, funding and regulatory requirements mean significant changes like a rotary could take years to materialize.
Will asked the board to consider additional measures, specifically requesting that they work with the regional school committee to station a crossing guard at the intersection. “I think that might be helpful to keep all our kids safe as well,” he said. Crone indicated such a request would need to go through the Silver Lake Regional School Committee, as the school crossing guard program falls under their jurisdiction rather than the town’s.
The student’s appeal highlighted the personal stakes involved in the safety issue. “I just wanted to make sure all our students, all the Silver Lake students, including myself, when going to get ice cream, are safe,” Will said. “And I didn’t want to take the chance of anybody else getting hurt at that street.”
In other business, the Kingston Board of Selectmen voted 3-1-1 to authorize Police Chief Brian Holmes to promote an additional full-time sergeant effective Jan.1, 2026, to supervise the development and implementation of a new Family Services Unit that will serve Kingston, Plympton, and Halifax. The initiative represents a significant expansion of mental health and social services support within the police department, with Chief Holmes describing it as something that “will have a meaningful impact on not just Kingston, but three communities, if all goes as planned.”
Chief Holmes explained that the department has been working with a group funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health that provides free facilitation services to police agencies establishing clinician programs. The facilitators, who are licensed mental health clinicians with experience at the Framingham Police Department, will help Kingston develop a job description, select the right candidate—either a licensed mental health clinician or a certified licensed social worker—and conduct integration training for patrol staff who will work alongside the new position. The Family Services Unit will be physically housed in Kingston but will provide services to residents of all three communities. Next steps include seeking approval from the Capital Planning Committee for approximately $60,000 in office space, with funding potentially coming from opiate settlement funds. Chief Holmes indicated he plans to solicit Halifax and Plympton for financial contributions through their opiate settlement funds, though he acknowledged both communities face fiscal constraints.
The sergeant position will be funded by reallocating resources from an existing open patrolman vacancy, made possible in part by a retirement notice Chief Holmes received. The funding covers the half-year period from Jan. through June 30, 2026. Board member Carl Pike voted in favor while noting that his support for foregoing the patrolman position now does not necessarily mean he will support requesting a replacement patrolman in next year’s budget. Vice Chair Kim Emberg voted against the measure, stating she could not support creating new positions given current fiscal constraints, while board member Missy Bateman abstained. Board members acknowledged that Chief Holmes, brought to Kingston as “an agent of change,” has the discretion to allocate his department’s budget as he sees fit, though any request to restore the patrolman position would be subject to future budget discussions.
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.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth accepting applications
CARVER, KINGSTON, PLYMOUTH, MIDDLEBORO, LAKEVILLE, and PLYMPTON, MA, ISSUED OCTOBER 24, 2025… Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth (HFHGP; www.hfhplymouth.org), a nonprofit organization with a mission of providing decent affordable housing for low income households in the region, is now accepting applications from income-qualified local residents who wish to own an affordable 3-bedroom home, with mortgage, in Carver. Selection for this opportunity will be made by lottery, with a first preference for U.S. military Veterans with honorable discharge.
Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership for households earning 30 – 60% of the area median income (AMI). Applicants should either work or live in one of the affiliate’s service area towns—Carver, Plymouth, Kingston, Plympton, Middleboro, and Lakeville—and must meet income guidelines required to be a Habitat for Humanity homeowner. Household size should suit the size of this modest 3-bedroom home without overcrowding. Applicants must also agree to Habitat’s model of putting in ‘sweat equity’ hours helping to build their own home alongside volunteers and/or helping the organization in other ways.
This is a partnership project between HFHGP and the Town of Carver, with a goal of providing housing to a military Veteran and family. All qualified applicants will be placed in a lottery drawing. Habitat homes are not gifted; once finished, HFHGP will sell the home to the selected homeowner, who will hold a mortgage for $242,848. The property will be deed restricted as an affordable unit in perpetuity. Important details about eligibility, requirements, income limits and the application process can be found at www.hfhplymouth.org/own-a-home.
Anyone interested in learning more are strongly encouraged to attend one of the two upcoming public information sessions: Saturday, October 25 at 4 pm at the Habitat ReStore, 160 N. Main Street, Carver; and Wednesday, October 29 at 5:30pm at the Carver Public Library, 2 Meadowbrook Way, Carver. There is no advance registration for Info Sessions; attendance is not required to apply but it is highly encouraged to learn about the many details involved in Habitat homeownership.
The deadline to submit completed applications is December 4, 2025 at 5 PM; applications can be dropped off at the Habitat office or ReStore located at 160 N. Main St., Carver, or mailed to HFHGP, PO Box 346, Carver, MA 02330; email is not permitted. Applications are available for pick up at the Habitat ReStore (160 N. Main St., Carver) and at any of the public libraries or Veteran Service Officer offices in HFHGP’s service area (above); or by downloading from www.hfhplymouth.org/own-a-home. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth is an Equal Housing Lender.
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