On any given day in the summer on the South Shore, you can find some really wonderful things going on outdoors in your communities. You might find a group of volunteers helping to maintain a hiking trail at Halfway Pond, or a late-night firefly walk at Great River Preserve with Blake Dinius at the lead, or even a yoga class with Grace Junek at the Wildlands Trust farm in Plymouth. It is not hard to find the familiar green signs with a White Pine logo -a tree that is iconic and abundant in Southeastern Massachusetts, abutting the untouched, preserved land around you. Wherever you spot Wildlands Trust at work, you can be sure that they are having fun, but they also take their stewardship of our local environment and ecosystems very seriously.
On a busy Monday afternoon, Rachel Bruce, Chief of Staff for Wildlands Trust, has found a moment amidst a nature-full schedule to answer a few questions about this crucial organization -an organization that started back in 1973. “Wildlands Trust was founded in Plymouth in the early 70’s when there were a lot of big changes happening in the area -mainly the construction and opening of the power plant and the increased residential development that came with that. Citizens were concerned about the land around them disappearing and being ruined,” Bruce explains. In fact, Plymouth was not unique in this movement during the 1970’s. “That time period actually brought a lot of land trusts to the area,” says Bruce, “Now Massachusetts has more land trusts per capita than any other state in the country.”
Modeled after the Essex County Greenbelt Association, Wildlands Trust began with five volunteers. The first paid employee was in the 1990’s and even in 2014 there was only 3 full-time employees. “Now we have 11 full-time staff, 5 part-time staff, seasonal staff, and hundreds of volunteers,” says Bruce.
Bruce explains, “There are different levels of trusts. You have single town, regional, statewide, and even a few national and international trusts like The Nature Conservancy. Wildlands Trust is a regional, non-profit trust that purchases land, but keeps it open to the public and further enhances each preservation by providing accessibility and opportunities for the public to connect with and care for each site.” When asked how Wildlands Trust acquires their land, Bruce says there are many routes to secure sites. “We use lots of methods to acquire land -grants, deeded estates being left to our trust upon a death, fundraising events to purchase at-risk sites, land bargain sales, farmland sale with intent to preserve or maintain productivity, and any means by which we can legally own the land and then protect it.
Another way Wildlands Trust protects land on the South Shore is through conservation restriction. “This means that we do not own the land, but we are allowed to place restrictions on the land that are reviewed and enforced by the state and checked in on once a year. An example of this is Fieldstone Preserve in Avon. Wildlands Trust does not own the preserve, but we legally and permanently protect 30 acres of undeveloped land beside D.W. Field Park, a 700-acre natural oasis serving Brockton and Avon’s 115,000 residents.” The Massachusetts Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program incentivizes municipalities to allow conservation restriction through establishing reimbursement-based funding for acquiring, developing, or renovating parkland and outdoor recreation spaces.
Wildlands Trust is committed to the acquisition and conservation of land for a myriad of reasons, but at the heart, it is to preserve, protect, and promote the rare and precious environment in Southeastern Massachusetts. “We exist to preserve and protect several natural communities,” Bruce points out, “We live in a highly biodiverse area with endangered species of plants, trees, and animals. We live in a rare pine barren ecosystem -one of the only ones in the world. Pine barrens only exist here in Southeastern Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.”
In addition to preserving and conserving the more native, wild habitats and areas on the south shore, Wildlands Trust is also invested in preserving farmland. Bruce explains, “We team up with the Southeastern MA Farmland Protection Initiative to support municipal Chapter 61A farmland protection in Southeastern MA. We purchase farmland that has been decommissioned and no longer in use for farming, but we also work to keep active farms protected and in business. For example, Duxbury has many cranberry bogs that they not only want to protect from development, but they want to keep them active as working farms to also enhance the local economy.”
Efforts and legalities aside, what does Wildlands Trust actually do with all their purchased and protected land? “We are not gatekeeping on any of this,” says Bruce, “We invite and encourage community involvement and stewardship at every site and in many different ways.” A quick look at their online “events” calendar will show a range of classes, activities, events, workshops, and adventures taking place across the south shore. “We have a lot of themed hikes,” says Bruce, “We have mindfulness hikes, hikes and hops where we go for a hike and then to a local brewery, and even a firefly hike coming up with entomologist, Blake Dinius.”
Bruce assures there are hikes for all levels and ages. “Some of our hikes are definitely longer and for adults or experienced hikers, but we have ones that engage kids and families -like our upcoming Saturday Open Barn hikes. You can stop by the Long Pond farm and pick up a map, talk with a Wildlands Ambassador, pick up a trail brochure, refill your water, and enjoy your hike at Emery Preserve across the street, or Halfway Pond Conservation Area down the road. Tea and lemonade are provided as are different activities from week to week such as borrowing a “Barn Bag” equipped with magnifying glasses, a field guide, and a scavenger hunt.”
In addition to hikes, Wildlands Trust offers plenty of hands-on opportunities to get outside and connect with our ecosystem while learning and helping preserve and protect. “We have so many ways to get involved like our VolunTuesdays where you can sign up to help out at one of our sites -whether it is helping to clear and maintain a trail after a storm, or weed a garden at a community building that we keep the gardens for, or even working to weed, water, and tend the garden and ground on the Wildlands Trust working farm in Plymouth, there are continuous offerings for anyone looking to get in some volunteer hours.
With so many ways to work, Wildlands Trust also offers plenty of fun with involvement in local fairs and festivals. “We have a really popular event coming up,” says Bruce, “the Plymouth Public Library’s 4th Annual Garden Tour. We have a table there and it is a great way to explore the amazing gardens in Plymouth.” You can also hone in on your nature and landscape photography skills with the upcoming “Outdoor Photography Essentials” class taught by local renowned photographer, Drew Ledermen. “Drew Ledermen is one of the best photographers in the state and it is a really neat opportunity to have him teaching this class. If you have any interest in this kind of photography, this class is a must,” says Bruce.
Outdoor adventure requires experts to ensure safety and the best experience for visitors and patrons. Wildlands Trust offers the training necessary to provide that. “We offer stewardship training courses at our Stewardship Training Center on Mast Rd. for things like chainsaw use, first aid, trail maintenance, tick and pest prevention, and any other skills needed for our Wildlands Trust Ambassadors to lead and teach the public,” says Bruce. “We also offer accommodation for other groups and organizations to use our facilities for their own training as we have overnight lodging.”
With so many opportunities to learn and get involved, the most important factor in keeping Wildlands Trust in tact and thriving is community involvement. “We have a wonderful donor and membership program, and our volunteers are who really keep things moving for Wildlands Trust,” assures Bruce, “We want to see our fellow community members become passionate and protective over our local environment and we will continue to provide the spaces and methods to make those connections and experiences as long as we can.”
This summer is the perfect time to get outside and be a part of the community and environment in a way that will provide far more personal benefit than another afternoon parked in front of the AC looking at a screen. You won’t want to miss out on what could be your first Lady Slipper sighting on the Lady Slipper Hike, or the chance to nurture something delicious in the gardens at Long Pond, or the clout of being able to identify to your friends and family the plants and trees around us from attending an “Exploring on the Trail” presentation. Summer in New England is temporary, but its fleeting nature means it is a cherished way of life. What better time and way to celebrate the unmatched beauty of the land and community we call home, than to include Wildlands Trust in your next summer adventure?
Kingston to Roll Out New K-5 Reading Curriculum
Kingston Schools will adopt McGraw-Hill’s Wonders as their new K-5 English language arts curriculum this fall, paired with a foundational phonics program, capping a year-long overhaul of district materials that administrators credited for measurable gains in early reading. The School Committee received the news June 1 alongside an end-of-year data presentation showing students made steady progress in literacy and math across the year.
Assistant Superintendent Tricia Clifford told the committee that the district’s K-5 Curriculum Council had selected McGraw-Hill Wonders as the new ELA program, to be used alongside OG+, also called OG Classroom, a structured phonics program from Orton-Gillingham. The selections were the product of what Clifford described as a year-long review driven by teachers rather than administrators.
“It really was a choice by the Curriculum Council, by the teachers,” Clifford said, thanking the staff who took part in what she called a year-long endeavor to examine and select curriculum.
The new programs extend beyond the elementary grades. Clifford said the middle school will adopt a program called EL Education, and the preschool selected a curriculum called Open Up. The ELA and preschool purchases are partially funded through the district’s PRISM grant, money that must be spent by June 30. Clifford said the district is already arranging professional development for teachers in the coming weeks and is building an activity timeline mapping out training dates, locations and facilitators for the year ahead. She said she expected the new ELA program to “start running in September,” with preparation work continuing through June and July.
The curriculum changes build on a math program, HMH Into Math, that the district implemented this year across kindergarten through sixth grade. Brian DeSantes, the K-6 Curriculum Coordinator, who presented the year-end assessment data said the consistent rollout had paid off and credited school leaders with holding teachers to a single, shared plan. He said the district’s priority moving forward was “fidelity” with high-quality instructional materials so that all students have equal access to them.
The data presentation traced a year of gains. On early-literacy screening for students in kindergarten through grade three, which measures phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency and decoding, Kingston students rose from 66 percent at the start of the year to 71 percent at midyear and 79 percent by spring. DeSantes noted that kindergarten through grade two scored in the low 80s, while third grade lagged at 72 percent. He attributed the third-grade gap to students who still need foundational fluency instruction and said several teachers will be trained over the summer in a phonics-intervention approach to close it. The district’s goal on that measure was 80 percent; the superintendent noted that all three district schools exceeded it.
On a separate reading-comprehension and vocabulary assessment for grades one through six, Kingston rose from 54 percent in the fall to 57 percent at midyear and 60 percent in the spring, a six-point year-over-year gain, with first grade finishing at 82 percent. Over three years, the same measure climbed from 53 to 55 to 60 percent. DeSantes said he hoped the figures would track close to the district’s most recent state MCAS reading result and acknowledged the scores are “not where we want to be totally” but “heading in the right direction.” He offered the same assessment of the new math program’s early trend line.
School Committee members welcomed a milestone tied to the district’s co-teaching model, which the elementary school has used for about five years. KES Principal Jake Galewski reported that, for the first time, a co-taught first-grade classroom finished the year with no students needing intensive intervention on early-literacy screening. Most students landed in the program’s two highest tiers, with three in the “yellow”, a result he attributed to co-teaching and to teachers’ classroom relationships.
Both schools presented their improvement plans for the coming year. The elementary plan centers on safety and operations, family engagement, and equity, access and inclusion. New initiatives include a Career Day to introduce students to local professions, an expansion of the school’s first SEL Night, and continued development of an outdoor classroom that parent volunteers have helped build. Galewski floated opening the garden to the community over the summer as an informal farmers market. He also described a new “sensory-friendly window” at evening events for neurodivergent students and their families, which debuted at the school’s art show.
The Kingston Intermediate School plan responded to a parent survey conducted in January and February that flagged communication, discipline, safety and facilities. Principal Kerri Whipple outlined continued use of the Raptor visitor-screening system, upcoming ALICE safety training with Kingston police, more organized arrival and dismissal procedures, and camera upgrades being coordinated with the district’s IT staff to close coverage gaps. The plan also calls for a monthly newsletter with teacher contributions, family math and literacy nights, a revamped schoolwide behavior system, and a revised master schedule that adds co-teachers for reading and special education at each grade level.
In other business, the committee finished the reorganization it had begun by electing Megan Cannon Chair at its previous meeting, electing Jesse Keith as Vice Chair and Sheila Vaughn as Secretary by voice vote and assigning members to subcommittees and liaison roles. The committee then voted to enter executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with non-union personnel and for collective bargaining, and to approve prior executive session minutes, before returning to open session. Members noted that contract negotiations with the Kingston Teachers Association and the district’s support-staff union remain ongoing.
Superintendent Jill Proulx reported that Plympton and Halifax have both approved the Silver Lake Regional budget, along with their own school budgets, and said the district awaited the outcome of Kingston’s Town Meeting that weekend, which did subsequently approve the budget June 6. Vaughn, reporting from the Pilgrim Area Collaborative, said that body had approved its FY27 budget. The committee also briefly noted that the Silver Lake regionalization study group has not met as a full body recently and had no new updates, with members still gathering data across the district.
Plight of Immigrants, Refugees Recognized in June
June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, and Saturday, June 20 is World Refugee Day. As Bearing Witness @ ICE in Burlington holds its 61st consecutive week of standouts, we continue to honor all immigrants who live in Massachusetts and the country at large.
Jeff Thielman, Bearing Witness guest speaker at the standout on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 and an Arlington resident, knows a thing or two about immigrants and the issues they face. Thielman is president and CEO of the International Institute of New England (IINE), and will speak to the resilience of refugees, especially in this political climate, and how much they have helped shape our state and country.
According to the IINE website, Thielman’s organization creates “…opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. Over the past three years, the number of refugees and immigrants that take part in our family reunification, education, skills training, job placement, and legal services programs offered in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire has more than doubled.”
National Immigrant Heritage Month was first recognized in June 2014 by the I Stand With Immigrants/I Am An Immigrant campaign funded by the FW.us Education Fund.
World Refugee Day launched in June 2001 as an initiative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (aka the UN Refugee Agency).
The speaking portion of Bearing Witness @ ICE Burlington runs from approximately 11:30 a.m. to noon.
The weekly Bearing Witness @ ICE Burlington standout schedule is as follows (schedules are subject to change without notice):
● The standouts, which include crowds of people of all ages who hold signs in support of immigrants, take place every Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the ICE field office at 1000 District Ave. in Burlington, MA.
● The guest speaker(s) portion of the program runs from approximately 11:30 a.m. to noon. ● From noon-12:30 p.m., the loudspeakers are turned toward the ICE building and those gathered are offered a chance to step up to the mic and read amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
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● At approximately 12:30 p.m., those gathered hold signs and march along District Avenue to the intersection of Mall Rd., the main thoroughfare leading to nearby Burlington Mall. The large visible procession alerts motorists and other passersby about abuses taking place daily at ICE in Burlington, in an otherwise nondescript building in an office park near shops and restaurants.
Bearing Witness @ ICE Burlington was started by one couple in April 2025 and has grown weekly to a record 930 at a recent standout. Those gathered stand outside the ICE field office, where immigrants have been detained illegally, to express their shame and outrage at egregious, illegal, and cruel ICE behavior. They bear witness to the lack of due process afforded immigrants and the unconstitutional actions of the U.S. government.
Learn more about Bearing Witness @ ICE Burlington and upcoming events at BearingWitnessNE.org.
Halifax Traditions Need YOU!
Each year during the second week in December, the streets of Halifax come alive with the warm glow and joyful spirit of the holiday season. Families, friends, neighbors, and visitors gather as the town shines bright with festive lights lining the streets, community cheer, and meaningful moments that celebrate the magic of this special time of year.
During the last weekend in June, Halifax is filled with lights once again – this time in the sky as Halifax Fireworks helps the community celebrate the start of summer and the Fourth of July with a cherished hometown tradition.
This year, the Holidays in Halifax and Halifax Fireworks committees are excited to announce a new collaboration designed to bring even more holiday fun, seasonal activities, and memorable experiences to residents and visitors throughout the year.
Together, the committees are working to create additional festive activities that bring people of all ages together, strengthen hometown traditions, and make Halifax an even brighter place to celebrate every season. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to community spirit, family-friendly programming, and the traditions that make Halifax special.
More details about upcoming events, activities, volunteer opportunities, and ways for local residents and businesses to get involved will be shared as plans are finalized.
These community events and added activities would not be possible without fundraising and the generous support of residents, visitors, local businesses, and community partners. One of the committees’ larger fundraisers this year is the Classic Car Show at the Halifax Walmart, held May through October from 4 p.m. to dusk. Attendees and participants are invited to enjoy the cars while purchasing a hot dog meal from the committee, with a donation jar also available for anyone who would like to further support fundraising efforts.
The committees are also pleased to invite the community to an upcoming event on June 27 at the Halifax Town Green. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where residents and visitors can enjoy a Community Fair featuring antique tractors, children’s activities, and vendors. In addition, the community is warmly invited to join the Halifax Fireworks BBQ Fundraiser Lunch with Sarcastic Swine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This will be a wonderful time to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the hometown we live in while helping raise money for Halifax Fireworks. Proceeds from the fundraiser will help keep our beloved hometown traditions, which have brought the community together for more than three decades, going strong for years to come. The committees hope everyone will stop by, enjoy great barbecue, and support a tradition that means so much to Halifax.
Our celebration will continue at Halifax Elementary School beginning at 5 p.m., with children’s activities, music, and food trucks for the community to enjoy. Guests can look forward to delicious offerings from Jools Fried Dough, Loco Larry’s Tacos, Lobsta Love, Jolly Lolly Waffles, Smiles By The Miles Ice Cream, Sweet Sugar Swirl, and South Shore Smokehouse. The main attraction – the fireworks – will light off after dark. A special thank you goes to this year’s sponsor, Flower and Soul, for helping make the celebration possible.
Those interested in becoming a vendor at the Community Fair can find applications at https://www.halifaxma.gov/FireworksVendorPermit. If anyone is interested in bringing their Antique Tractor, please contact Janice Hayward or Kimberly Campbell directly. Community members are also encouraged to keep up to date by following the Halifax Fireworks and Holidays in Halifax Facebook pages. The committees look forward to a day of community fun and celebration.
The committees look forward to welcoming the community to celebrate Halifax’s traditions, enjoy new experiences, and help make the town shine brighter than ever.
Contact:
Janice Hayward, Halifax Fireworks Committee
Janice.Hayward@halifaxma.gov
Kimberly Campbell, Holidays in Halifax Committee
Kimberly.Campbell@halifaxma.gov
“Courage is the Root of Change”
On Friday evening, May 29, Silver Lake Regional High School held graduation for the Class of 2026. Overseeing the ceremony was Superintendent, Dr. Jill Proulx and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Tricia Clifford, as well as Silver Lake Regional High School Principal, Michaela Gill.
Class of 2026 Student Body Vice President, Paul Beauchesne, opened the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Select Choir Singers sang the National Anthem. Following the National Anthem the choir sang, “I Shall be Released” by Bob Dylan and “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carole King and James Taylor.
Following the beautiful music numbers, Class of 2026 Student Body Treasurer, Elora Coffey introduced Class of 2026 Student Body President, Makaia Rekord. Coffey noted Rekord’s outstanding student career as the secretary of the National Honor Society, an advocate for public services such as organizing food drives, and volunteering at animal shelters, as an exceptional athlete as captain of the girls volleyball team, and as a dedicated employee at Cancun Restaurant in Kingston. In addition to her involvement and many accomplishments, Coffey spoke of Rekord’s natural ability to connect with the student body and be a true friend.
Rekord took the podium following Coffey’s remarks. She reflected on her grade school days when she could not imagine being in sixth grade, but when she finally got to sixth grade, it was more challenging than she imagined. Her middle school years were also a struggle. “When you are younger, time feels endless and we are always waiting,” said Rekord, “We think we will be happy later, but always chasing the next thing means we are missing out on what is right in front of us now.” Rekord quoted Muhammad Ali who said, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.” In her final remarks, Rekord urged her fellow graduates to not let the fear of failure or the comfort of procrastination make you settle for less than what you really want.
Following these remarks, Class of 2026 Student Body Secretary, Maeve Hamilton, introduced the guest speaker for the ceremony, English teacher, Mrs. Heather Bates. Hamilton praised Bates for being an enthusiastic teacher who has a unique ability to find common ground to and connect with students through literature and media. Hamilton described Bates as composed, passionate, quick thinking, and as someone who fosters a sense of belonging to everyone. In addition to teaching English and Literature, Bates serves at the choreographer for the drama club musicals and the coach for unified basketball.
Bates followed this introduction with a quote by Cassius to Julius Caesar, “The fate lies not in the stars, but in ourselves.” She praised that everyone there was there because of their efforts and they should feel proud of that. She then urged the graduates to choose shared experiences in life over isolating ones. Bates gave many poignant examples of times in class where deep meaning and connection was felt when group discussions took place about literary works and movies -no phones or Google needed. “We live in a world where most things can be experienced alone. We scroll alone, react alone, watch movies and shows alone, but in the classroom we have authentic, shared experiences -phone free. Choose to make the connection, because stories are better shared, laughter is better shared, growth is better shared, lessons are better shared, and life is better shared.” She then gave many touching examples of the human experience being recognized, related to, understood, and investigated by reading books and watching films. Bates assured the graduates that life is meant to be experienced together -not alone, and that everyone deserves a place to feel that connection safely. Bates closed with a quote from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: “It is not our abilities that show us what we truly are. It is our choices.”
Upon the conclusion of Bates remarks, Class of 2026 Student Body Historian, Sophie Gebler introduced Class of 2026 Silver Lake Salutatorian, Sarah Curtin. Praised as an especially intelligent student with quiet confidence and devotion to her peers, Curtin was described as highly regarded by her peers. While serving on the Executive Board for the National Honor Society and on student council, Curtin is also an award-winning artist, and on the school soccer and lacross teams. She will be attending the University of Virginia in the Arts and Sciences Department.
Curtin began her speech assuring graduates that it is okay to not have everything mapped out for the future. “Being undecided means being curious and open minded,” Curtin pointed out. She noted that confidence does not come from always knowing what is next, it comes from trusting in your own ability and being strong enough to face whatever comes next. Curtin related her thoughts to Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, “What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Curtin noted that life situations will require substance over standing. “Life will not ask what your test scores were. It will ask who you are when things go wrong.” In closing, Curtin reminded her fellow graduates, “Success is not where we are going, but what we take within us when we go there.”
Class of 2026 Student Body Vice President, Paul Beauchesne then introduced the Class of 2026 Silver Lake Valedictorian, Hayden Mathias. Beauchesne described Mathias as someone who realizes that service and integrity go hand in hand. His personal experiences with Mathias as a fellow track teammate showed her as not only an outstanding athlete who used every day opportunities to grow, but as an accomplished student who already acquired her CNA license to further pursue a career in the medical field.
Mathais began her remarks talking about her struggles with school and the fear of failure from a young age. She decided the best solution was to not go to school. Luckily, her father helped her overcome these difficulties by spending a great deal of time and energy finding ways to make learning fun and not anxiety-inducing. Through patience, persistence, and a father’s love for his daughter, Mathias began to understand material and her anxiety and fear lessened. On Oct. 1, 2015, her beloved father was lost at sea after a hurricane sank his ship off the coast of Puerto Rico. Mathias described her immense difficulty in life and school following the loss of her mentor and father. Eventually, Mathias found herself comforted in academic devotion and success and found it a way to connect with and honor her father. “His death became a source of strength for me. I wanted to make him proud. His memory and spirit motivated me and gave me a new purpose. Being valedictorian is a tribute to my father.” Closing her speech Mathias quoted Confucious: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
Class of 2026 Student Body President, Makaia Rekord then introduced Silver Lake Regional High School Principal, Michaela Gill. Rekord thanked Gill for being the foundation of support and encouragement for students and noted that her genuine care for the students made a difference to them. “She shows up to every game and match. Everything she touches isn’t just good, it’s the best that it can be.”
Gill took to the podium and thanked the attending district and school administration and staff and local selectmen from district towns. Gill then highlighted retiring teachers, World Language Coordinator, Spanish teacher, and coach, Señora Buffy Hines, and math teacher, Dawn White. Following the appreciation of these two outstanding teachers, all veterans in the audience and graduated who were newly enlisted in the armed forces were invited to stand up to a round of applause. Gill went over some of the remarkable accomplishments of the Class of 2026 such as organizing successful food drives with the Plymouth Area Coalition, Toys for Tots, and many other charities and organizations. Gill praised the athletes for a historic year in which Silver Lake took home the state championships in soccer, wrestling, track, softball, and also the founding of a boy’s volleyball team.
Gill continued reflecting on the contributions of the students through choir, award-winning art shows, and drama and theater productions that she claimed “rival any of the professional companies”. To the CTE students she praised, “You built actual houses, you fixed cars -and the computer science tech students were designing prototypes, designing software and solving incredibly complex problems with technology.” Gill pointed out that the Class of 2026 over $300K in scholarships had been awarded to more than half the student body. Lastly, Gill recognized the students who struggled though school -who found that showing up was their greatest battle. “High school is not a race or a competition, it is measured in your bravery. You were so brave and you belong here on this stage and in our community.” She thanked the class advisors, Tony Pina and Carrie Mathias for working with the seniors to secure their graduation and plans afterward.
Honoring the annual tradition Gill set for each graduating class, she picks a book that represents that year’s graduating class for her and she picks a quote from the book to summarize the theme. This year’s book was, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus. The book deals with breaking molds and the nature of human growth and development. Gill chose the quote, “Courage is the root of change, and change is what we are chemically designed to do.” She closed, “True transformation requires a catalyst, and that catalyst is courage.”
Following Gill’s remarks, Dr. Jill Proulx deferred her remarks due to the rainy weather as she did not want the rain to ruin the handing out of diplomas. Her remarks can be found on the school website. Concluding the speeches, diplomas were presented and hats thrown by the new graduates from Silver Lake Regional High School. We want to express our sincere congratulations to all the graduates of 2026. We are inspired by who you are now and look forward to seeing where your hard work, ambition, and heart take you in the future. The kids are alright.
A Tribute to Penny
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.
Kingston Voters Narrowly Table Street Acceptance After Speed Hump Dispute
Kingston residents at the Annual Town Meeting on Saturday approved a $63.7 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027, authorized borrowing $700,000 for a new ambulance, and passed sweeping land conservation measures — before closing with a narrow 52-49 recorded vote to indefinitely postpone acceptance of a subdivision roadway entangled in a dispute over a speed hump the town said it could not legally compel residents to remove.
The centerpiece of the meeting, Article 7, appropriated $63,674,830 to fund the town’s general fund operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The budget was presented by Finance Committee member Derek Billnitzer and passed unanimously on a voice vote with minimal discussion.
When a voter asked whether the budget represented wants or needs, Billnitzer was direct: “This is not a budget where we are asking for more than is needed for this town to maintain level services.” He added that the school district cut services to meet its number. When pressed on whether FY28 would be sustainable, Billnitzer offered a sobering assessment. “That is the $63 million question,” he said. “Expenses are rising across the board, as we all are personally aware. The town is no different in incurring those costs.”
Billnitzer also noted that the Finance Committee is currently operating with only three of its seven authorized members — a consequence of Cowett’s election as moderator — and urged residents to volunteer to join. Without a quorum of four, the committee cannot take official votes.
Article 6, which drew brief but pointed questioning, transferred $500,000 from the Stabilization Fund and $318,113.89 from Free Cash to cover the FY2026 snow and ice removal deficit. Town Administrator Scott Lambiase confirmed that the Stabilization Fund balance stands at $3.6 million and certified Free Cash for the year was $3.1 million. The article required a two-thirds vote and passed unanimously.
Article 28 contained six separate Community Preservation Committee appropriations totaling $894,956, generating the most extended discussion of any single article.
The first motion transferred $43,120 in CPA affordable housing funds to the Kingston Affordable Housing Trust, which holds approximately $1 million. Finance Committee members who opposed the transfer argued the trust has no active projects. Jean Landis-Naumann, chair of the Affordable Housing Trust, countered that the funds are being held to partner with developers on projects that would expand affordable units — noting the town currently sits at about 5% affordable housing against the state’s 10% goal and has at least one 40B project pending. The motion passed with minimal opposition.
The second motion, appropriating $119,670 to purchase approximately half of a 10.35-acre parcel at 20 Maple Street for conservation purposes, drew considerable debate over both its language and its substance. Conservation Agent Matt Penella acknowledged the warrant description contained errors — references to “8 Maple Street” and “approximately one acre” were misprints — and clarified the article concerned only the dam, wetlands, riverfront, and buffer zone east of the existing development at 20 Maple Street. The purpose is to allow the Conservation Commission to breach the Maple Street Dam, improve fish passage up Stony Brook into Blackwater Pond, and improve stormwater resiliency on Route 3A.
Pine DuBois of the Jones River Watershed Association, which has been working since 2004 toward the dam breach, urged voters to act now rather than defer. “Having ownership of this land would make it so much easier,” she said. Resident and lifelong Kingston native Dot MacFarlane, 83, drew applause with a plainspoken case for fish passage: “Those fish are feeder fish. When they get out into the water, they become food for the bigger fish that we eat.” Opponents argued against these conservation articles, saying the town has sufficient conservation land and that removing parcels from the potential tax base is a recurring cost. The motion passed with minimal opposition.
The third motion, $387,166 to purchase a 3.82-acre parcel at 83 Wapping Road to improve access to Hathaway Preserve, also drew debate. Resident Ken Moalli argued the $375,000 purchase price was excessive for what he characterized as a degraded bog, and that the existing access easement was already adequate. Penella offered a detailed rebuttal, explaining the parcel allows the town to convert a rough, unseen two-track entry into a visible, fenced parking area off Wapping Road, extending the trail system and improving safety for visitors. He also walked through a cost-benefit analysis: a single-family house on the lot would generate roughly $8,000 in annual taxes, but a family with one child would cost the town more than $15,000 in school expenses per year. The motion passed with minimal opposition.
Motion four appropriated $75,000 for professional restoration of 70 to 100 of the most deteriorated gravestones in the Old Burying Ground. Historical Commission Chair Craig Dalton explained that the commission is addressing the worst stones first, noting the cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and contains the graves of Major General John Thomas, Hannah Thomas (the first female lighthouse keeper in the United States), and Commodore Jane Seaver, who christened the USS Constitution. Finance Committee members voted against the expenditure; Billnitzer said stone aging is natural. The motion passed with minimal opposition.
Motion five appropriated $20,000 to rehabilitate six rotted windowsills and exterior paint on the Stephen Drew Heritage House, and motion six appropriated $250,000 to rehabilitate the tennis and basketball courts at Gray’s Beach Park. Both passed with minimal opposition.
Article 40, accepting Timber Ridge Lane and Sequoia Drive in the 34-home Tall Timber Estates development, passed with minimal opposition despite the Planning Board’s stated opposition to accepting new private roads given the town’s strained maintenance budget. Highway Superintendent Shawn Turner told voters the roads are in good condition and present no significant cost concerns. The article passed.
Article 41, seeking acceptance of Captain Jones Way and Barrows Brook Circle in the Jones River Estates subdivision, became the meeting’s most charged moment and ultimately produced its only recorded vote. A resident of the subdivision delivered an extended presentation arguing the roads function as a de facto public connector between Routes 27 and 106, are used by emergency vehicles, school buses, and roughly 240 vehicles on a typical morning, and were kept open at the town’s own request years ago to address fire apparatus access issues.
The complication: a non-standard speed hump in the subdivision needs to be replaced with proper speed tables before the highway department would consider the road up to town standards. Subdivision residents said they had signed notarized agreements and engaged an engineer, with estimated removal and replacement costs of $27,000. But Town Counsel Kate Feodoroff advised that once town meeting accepts a road, it accepts it as-is, and there is no legally enforceable mechanism to compel residents to complete the improvement afterward.
Select Board Chair Kimberley Emberg offered an amendment conditioning acceptance on the speed hump issue being resolved at no cost to the town. The amendment passed, but Feodoroff reiterated the amendment was not legally binding. Billnitzer moved to indefinitely postpone the article. In the closest vote of the day, indefinite postponement carried 52-49, sending the article to a Special Town Meeting currently scheduled for Oct. 21.
One resident’s parting words as the meeting adjourned captured the stakes from the subdivision’s perspective: “The road is being closed. It’s closed. We’re done.”
Halifax Celebrates Grand Opening of Pickleball Courts
HALIFAX, MA — The Town of Halifax officially cut the ribbon today on its highly anticipated public pickleball courts, celebrating an innovative public-private partnership with Thorndike Development that delivers extensive recreational and economic benefits to the entire community.
The state of the art facility is located off Monponsett Street adjacent to the new Featherwinds age-restricted residential condominium community. Under the terms of the town’s master development agreement, Thorndike donated the land and fully constructed the courts, handing a premier recreational asset over to the town at no cost to local taxpayers.
The formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony brought together municipal leadership and development executives. In attendance from the Town of Halifax were Select Board Clerk Jonathan Selig and Town Administrator Steve Solbo. Representing Thorndike were Dave Eastridge, Michael Devin, and Erik Groezinger.
“This is a great day for the Town of Halifax and a fantastic example of what can happen when local government and private developers collaborate effectively. We’re thrilled to add this beautiful facility to our town at no added cost to the taxpayer. And the benefits of this partnership go far beyond pickleball. The ongoing revenue generated from home closings are helping to fund the town’s new proposed senior center – a project Halifax has waited generations to become a reality. Not to mention, the new homes mean new tax revenue at a time when every dollar counts for communities all across the state. It’s been a win-win for the residents of Halifax.“ – Jonathan Selig, Halifax Select Board
The structural framework of the partnership creates an ongoing financial engine for the municipal treasury. Beyond gifting the completed courts, Thorndike provides a dedicated mitigation payment to the Town of Halifax upon the closing of every individual home sale at Featherwinds. These incoming funds directly offset the town’s municipal costs to design and construct its upcoming senior center.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with the Town of Halifax to open these beautiful new courts today,” said Dave Eastridge, Partner, Thorndike Development. “This project showcases how public-private partnerships can creatively solve local infrastructure and recreational needs. The development of Featherwinds facilitates the creation of amenities for this rapidly growing community and all of Halifax. Pickleball is an accessible sport that is currently unmatched at bringing people together. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space.”
The public courts are fully complete and officially open for public play from dawn to dusk effective immediately. Prospective homebuyers interested in the active adult community can tour the site and view available homes by visiting the Featherwinds sales center or online at https://thorndikedevelopment.com/community/featherwinds.
Kathleen Keegan Recognized During Military Appreciation Day
PEMBROKE – May 28, 2026 – State Representative Kathy LaNatra proudly honored Kathleen Keegan of Pembroke at the 2nd Annual Military Appreciation Day ceremony held in the Massachusetts State House’s historic House Chamber.
“It was my honor and pleasure to recognize Kathleen Keegan during this special celebration of the contributions of the military community across the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Kathy LaNatra (D – Kingston). “From her years of service in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, to her many community-building endeavors, as well as her involvement with the local American Legion chapter, helping veterans in her town, Kathleen truly understands what it means to serve her neighbors, her community and her country. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
“What a lovely honor it is to be recognized at your Military Appreciation Day. My 28 years in the MA Army National Guard shaped who I am and taught me so many lessons, including one of my favorite philosophies: many hands make light work,” said Kathleen Keegan, local realtor and 12th Plymouth Nominee at Military Appreciation Day. “Nothing I do is accomplished alone. Whether in my real estate career, community events, or volunteer work, I have been very blessed to work alongside incredible and dedicated volunteers and residents who generously give their time to make Pembroke a better place. I appreciate this recognition. Hooah!”
Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts. The ceremony featured remarks from Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, Veterans Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Senate President Karen Spilka, and a keynote address by Brig. Gen. George ‘Chris’ Hackler, Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) and Senior Commander of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration created Military Appreciation Day in May 2025 to honor those who proudly serve both our country and communities. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community to be honored during the ceremony. This year’s 138 honorees were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service.
The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by SGT Amy Fichera, 215th Army Band, MA National Guard. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen.
Military Appreciation Month observances conclude on Monday, May 25, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon.
Haymakers for Hope’s 13th Annual Belle of the Brawl Returns to Boston
Boston, MA – Haymakers for Hope (H4H) the nonprofit organization that empowers everyday women to train, compete, and raise funds for cancer research, is officially accepting applications for its 13th annual ‘Belles of the Brawl’ boxing charity event, taking place Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, at the MGM Music Hall in Fenway. Applications are now open through June 1, 2026, inviting female Boston-area residents to step into the ring, challenge themselves, and make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer.
Now entering its thirteenth year, “Belles of the Brawl” continues to empower everyday women across Greater Boston in support of Haymakers for Hope’s mission through charitable boxing events with everyday people. Participants will spend four months training with local boxing gyms and coaches, ultimately competing in sanctioned amateur bouts while raising critical funds and awareness for cancer research, survivorship, care, and support.
Since its initial event in 2011, Haymakers for Hope has raised more than $42 million for cancer research, awareness, survivorship, and care. The organization has transformed more than 1,500 ordinary participants into extraordinary amateur fighters. Last year’s Belles of the Brawl participants raised more than $231,000 in support of the organization’s mission, contributing to another record-breaking year for the Boston-based nonprofit.
Hosted once again at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, the event has become one of Boston’s most inspiring and anticipated annual charity sporting events, bringing together participants, survivors, supporters, and spectators for an unforgettable evening centered around resilience, empowerment, and community impact.
“Every year, Belles of the Brawl introduces us to an incredible group of women willing to challenge themselves physically and mentally for a cause that touches so many lives,” said Founder, Julie Anne Kelly. “The dedication, camaraderie, and passion that comes out of this process is truly remarkable, and we’re excited to welcome the next class of fighters for 2026.”
Each participant will be matched with a USA Boxing registered gym and trainer for a four-month training program that combines intensive boxing workouts with structured fundraising. Participants not only learn the sport but also join a powerful community fighting for something bigger than themselves.
Orientation/training for the boxers will start in the middle of June, with tickets being on sale beginning on August 11, 2026. To learn more information about where to register and participate please visit the website. Sponsorship opportunities are also currently available.
About Haymakers for Hope:
Haymakers for Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, care, and survivorship through organized charitable boxing events. Founded in 2010, Haymakers for Hope, has helped raise nearly $42 million to knock out cancer. For more information, visit the Website, friend us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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