Office of Veterans Services Launches Yearlong Acts of Service Campaign

08:00AM / Sunday, January 26, 2025Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Veterans Services launched the "2025 Acts of Service" campaign, a statewide initiative to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and promote impactful support for veterans in need across Massachusetts.

This yearlong campaign, which features digital and in-person service opportunities, will unite communities through projects that directly benefit veterans and their families, while emphasizing equity, inclusion, and unity.

"Dr. King's vision for equity and service continues to inspire us all," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "At the Executive Office of Veterans Services, we regularly hear stories about incredible individuals and organizations performing community service. This campaign shines a light on these unsung heroes and fosters a spirit of unity across Massachusetts."

The campaign kicked off during Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20. The office will leverage partnerships with Massachusetts-based agencies, nonprofits, and veteran service organizations to maximize outreach and engagement, culminating in a statewide day of service during its annual Veterans Week celebration in November. A dedicated campaign website will allow individuals to submit acts of service, share inspiring stories, and celebrate achievements.

"This campaign gives us a chance to show our gratitude to veterans while embodying the principles of equity and service championed by Dr. King," said Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett. "It's a powerful way to strengthen communities and ensure that every act of service makes a difference."

The office invites all Massachusetts residents, organizations, and communities to participate. Those who know someone making a significant impact in the veteran community, submit their story through the campaign website. Outstanding contributions will be celebrated during a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony during Veterans Week (November 10-14, 2025).

For more information and how to participate, visit 2025 Acts of Service Campaign | Mass.gov.

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Fenton: Governor's Council Must Deliver for the Berkshires

Community submissionGuest Column
10:22AM / Friday, August 28, 2026

I am a Springfield lawyer running for Governor's Council and I am asking for Berkshire County residents to support me over an incumbent from North Adams.

Here's why: Last year I learned about staffing issues in our regional courts that I could not ignore. In 2025, it was reported that four of Western Massachusetts' 11 Superior Court judgeships were vacant, all at the same time. A few weeks later, that grew to five vacancies. This meant there were only six Superior Court judges serving all of Western Mass at a time when Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden counties had more than 100 pending homicide cases.

Those numbers were alarming to me, so I started to engage with leaders in the community who work most closely with the court system and I came to learn that these vacancies were only the tip of the iceberg here in Berkshire County.

I learned that no Superior Court or District Court judge had been appointed from the Berkshires since the current incumbent took office. As a result, there is not a single Superior Court judge who lives in the Berkshires today, and several of the District Court judges drive in from other counties to support Berkshire courts in Pittsfield, Great Barrington, and North Adams. Court staff also informed me about severe staffing shortages at the Berkshire Clerk of Courts office resulting in other counties needing to loan staff to the Berkshires just so hardworking employees can take a brief and planned summer vacation. This is not normal. These issues are a reflection of genuine problems with the Berkshire County court system and show a lack of proactive attention from our Governor's Councilor.

Instead of focusing on regional equity, I watched as the current incumbent celebrated that she has voted against the governor's nominees more than any other councilor, without much explanation as to why. Most recently, she voted against two extremely qualified former prosecutors for the Parole Board. This was despite an in-person plea from the governor and a letter of support from all the three of the district attorney's from Western Mass. Those votes do not show independence or standing up for principles, they demonstrate naivete, and an unwillingness to work with the key stakeholders.

I had seen and heard enough. I decided to jump in the race and challenge the incumbent to address these problems head-on.

I am a partner of a regional law firm. I understand our courts and the importance of having qualified, fair and hardworking judges. And I know how important it is to have judges from the Berkshires serving the Berkshires. To achieve that, you need strong relationships with the legal community and local stakeholders. You need to know how to use the power of the Governor's Council to fight forcefully for our region. And you need to be laser focused on identifying vacancies before they occur so that they can be filled quickly with local candidates.

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