thanksgiving

Jacobs School Students Participate in 10th Annual Turkey Trot

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Hull Public Schools
Michael F. Devine, Superintendent
180 Harborview Road
Hull, MA 02045

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Jacobs School Students Participate in 10th Annual Turkey Trot

HULL — To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Turkey Trot at Lillian M. Jacobs Elementary School, students, faculty and staff came together to participate in and reflect upon a number of annual traditions.

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade began their day by gathering in the gymnasium for a rally to show off their Pirate Pride. Then, fourth and fifth grade students set off on a 1.2 mile race, completing two laps around the streets surrounding the school while the other students cheered them on as they rounded the school.

The Turkey Trot first started in September 2009 — a brain child of Principal Christine Cappadona and Assistant Principal Kyle Shaw, which brought fifth grade students together for some friendly competition. The entry fee to participate was a donation of canned goods.

Over the years, the race has become a Thanksgiving custom for the elementary school that has seen numerous highlights and traditions born out of the event.

In 2010, the Jacobs School expanded the race to include fourth grade students, doubling the size of the event. Again, in order to help those in need, students collected canned goods.

Since its inception, students participating in the Turkey Trot have donated more than 15,000 canned goods to the local food pantry, Wellspring. This year alone, students collected 1,328 canned goods for the drive. Deborah McCarthy’s fifth grade homeroom won the drive, collecting the most cans and earning a dodge ball game for the class.

In 2012, fifth grade student Lauren Anastos won the Turkey Trot, setting a course record. To this day, she is the only female runner to win the Turkey Trot. The following year, her brother, Hayden Anastos, broke her record. 

Also in 2012, the “National Anthem” was sung by the entire school for the first time right before the race, as is customary before all major sporting events. It has been sung before each race since.

Every year, the Jacobs School also picks a song that serves as the theme of the rally and motivation for runners. This year students chose “Try Everything” by Shakira.

The event would not be complete without someone donning the famed Turkey costume, which various administrators and teachers have traded off wearing over the years. This year, Reading Specialist Jessica Buonagurio wore it, serving as the mascot for the day. 

In a festive version of pin the tail on the donkey, Secretary Katy Rae Abatuno pinned the feather on the turkey, winning every classroom an extra five minutes of recess.

“Many traditions have been established over the last 10 years that have made the Turkey Trot what it is today,” Assistant Principal Shaw said. “Some have evolved and others have changed, and that will continue over the next 10 years, but it’s the memories created in time that are most important.”

The winners of this year’s 1.2-mile race were:

Fifth grade boys:

  • First Place – Isaiah Green (overall winner among all students)
  • Second Place – Asher Hermann
  • Third Place – Matthew Thomas

Fifth grade girls:

  • First Place – Leah Frady
  • Second Place – Matti Driscoll
  • Third Place – Maggie Mullen

Fourth grade boys:

  • First Place – Nate Tiani
  • Second Place – Jack MacNeil
  • Third Place – Tegan Bellew

Fourth grade girls:

  • First Place – Meghan Duran
  • Second Place – Emma Lees
  • Third Place – Calista Wyman

“The fourth and fifth grade students worked really hard during their training for the Turkey Trot in PE and outside of school,” said Physical Education teacher Keryn Leonard. “All students did a great job and finished the 1.2 mile race. The entire Jacobs School is so proud of them for their hard work!”

Green, the overall winner, was awarded a first place ribbon and hat donated by SportTobin.

“I was happy and excited when I won the Turkey Trot,” he said.

Following the race, an awards celebration for all participants and their families was held in the gym. All students received a certificate of completion and a finisher’s medal.

Additionally, the top three boys and girls from each grade received a ribbon and a winter hat or headband. The hats and headbands were provided by SportTobin, and the medals and ribbons were donated by the Hull PTO.

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Rockland Veterans Receive Thanksgiving Food Gift Bags

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Town of Rockland
Interim Town Administrator Marcia Birmingham
242 Union St.,
Rockland, MA 02370

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Rockland Veterans Receive Thanksgiving Food Gift Bags

Bags Donated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

ROCKLAND — Rockland Director of Veterans’ Services Vincent Fountaine is pleased to announce that several Rockland veterans in need will be receiving tote bags full of Thanksgiving food supplies that were donated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Local representatives from the insurance company dropped off 45 tote bags full of items, including canned hams, applesauce, canned veggies, stuffing and macaroni and cheese to the Rockland Veterans’ Services office at Town Hall this afternoon.

The bags will be given out by Director Fountaine to some of Rockland’s veterans today and tomorrow.

“We want to thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for their generous donations,” Director Fountaine said. “This food will go to some of our residents who otherwise might not be able to afford a full Thanksgiving meal this week. Sometimes our veterans can get lost in the shuffle and it’s great to see people coming together to help those who served our country this holiday season.”

In addition to providing food for local veterans, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has also collected clothes and hygiene products that will be distributed throughout the state in the coming days.

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Attleboro Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

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Attleboro Fire Department
Chief Scott T. Lachance
100 Union St.,
Attleboro, MA 02703

For Immediate Release

Friday, Nov. 16, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: [email protected]

Attleboro Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

ATTLEBORO — As residents prepare for Thanksgiving festivities next week, Fire Chief Scott T. Lachance and the Attleboro Fire Department would like to provide several important cooking safety tips.

“Thanksgiving should be a joyous time for loved ones to gather and celebrate, and we hope residents will be alert when cooking,” Chief Lachance said. “Please consider these tips, and double-check that all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly so that you will be notified in the event of an emergency.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, cooking was the leading cause of residential fire injuries in 2015, resulting in four civilian deaths, 80 civilian injuries, 30 firefighter injuries and an estimated $10 million in property damage.

To avoid potentially dangerous situations this season, Chief Lachance recommends that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, or broiling food.
  • Use a timer when baking or roasting and never leave the house while the oven is on.
  • Move anything that can catch fire — pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags — away from your stove top.
  • In the event that a fire occurs on a stove top, put a lid on the burner and turn off the heat. Keep doors closed and the appliance off if a fire happens in an oven, broiler or microwave. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
  • If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Run cool water on burns or call 911 if the injury is serious.
  • If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call the fire department.
  • Keep children and pets 3 feet away from the stove to prevent burns.
  • Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Attleboro Fire Department at 508-222-2325.

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Stoneham Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

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Stoneham Fire Department
Chief Matthew Grafton
25 Central Street
Stoneham, MA 02180-2044

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: [email protected]

Stoneham Fire Department Offers Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

STONEHAM — As residents prepare to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving next week, Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to provide several important cooking safety tips.

“Our goal is for everyone to have a safe and happy holiday,” Chief Grafton said. “Always be mindful of your surroundings while in the kitchen, and if a fire does occur, immediately call 911.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, cooking was the leading cause of residential fire injuries in 2015, resulting in four civilian deaths, 80 civilian injuries, 30 firefighter injuries and an estimated $10 million in property damage.

To avoid tragedy this season, Chief Grafton recommends that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services:

  • Stay in the kitchen when boiling, frying, or broiling food.
  • Use a timer when baking or roasting and never leave the house while the oven is on.
  • Move anything that can catch fire — pot holders, towels, paper or plastic bags — away from your stove top.
  • In the event that a fire occurs on a stove top, put a lid on the burner and turn off the heat. Keep doors closed and the appliance off if a fire happens in an oven, broiler or microwave. Never throw water or use a fire extinguisher on a grease fire. Water will only spread the fire and the force of the extinguisher can splash flaming grease out of the pan.
  • If your clothing catches fire, STOP, DROP and ROLL to put out the flames. Run cool water on burns or call 911 if the injury is serious.
  • If the fire is not quickly snuffed out, leave the house and call the fire department.
  • Keep children and pets 3 feet away from the stove to prevent burns.
  • Make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working prior to the holiday.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of turkey fryers, as the amount and high temperature of the oil used can cause serious burns and injuries, and result in the destruction of property.

Residents who would like more information on holiday cooking safety should contact the Stoneham Fire Department at 781-438-0127.

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