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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Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
07:17PM / Sunday, October 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields.

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds.

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said.

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields.

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027.

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well.

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction.

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said.

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