Choose Granite Countertops Near Me Hingham, MA for Elegance and Durability

HINGHAM, Mass. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM), New England’s largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate, has appointed Joshua Krumholz, of Hingham, to the agency’s Board of Directors. Krumholz, a partner at Holland & Knight, brings decades of experience to the Board and a passion for mentorship.

“The transformative power of youth mentorship is real. I’m excited to join the Board of such a passionate and impactful organization, one that is making a real difference in the lives of thousands of youths across the region through mentoring relationships,” says Krumholz.

“Josh will help move our mission forward to help as many youth as possible,” says BBBSEM President & CEO Mark O’Donnell. “His leadership and commitment to advocate for children and families will help us support more youth across the region with a caring adult mentor in their corner.”

BBBSEM Board of Directors commit to serving the organization over the course of two years. As a member, Krumholz will help to advance the agency’s mission: serving children and impacting their lives for the better. As a group, the Board establishes agency policy and sets strategic goals, as well as providing leadership and counsel to staff for strategic initiatives. Board members serve as enthusiastic goodwill ambassadors and actively advocate on behalf of the nonprofit and the BBBSEM community.

In its 75th year, the state’s leading one-to-one mentoring program for youth has created and served more than 25,000 matches and will serve nearly 4,000 matches this year. For more information, to become a volunteer, or to register your children, visit: www.emassbigs.org.

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About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MassachusettsBig Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is an innovative, energetic organization that is making a real difference in the lives of nearly 4,000 youth annually by providing them with an invested, caring adult mentor in long-term, professionally supported relationships. With research and proven outcomes at its core, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts is working to defend the potential of children facing adversity and ensure every child has the support from caring adults that they need for healthy development and success in life. The organization’s vision is to inspire, engage and transform communities in Eastern Massachusetts by helping youth achieve their full potential, contributing to healthier families, better schools, more confident futures and stronger communities. Throughout its 75 years, the largest Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate in New England has created and served more than 25,000 youth. For more information about the agency and its mission, visit www.emassbigs.org.

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Massachusetts is steeped in American history, coastal charm, and New England character, yet many of its most captivating towns are quietly tucked away, often overshadowed by larger cities like Boston or popular vacation spots like Cape Cod. These small towns are rich with personality, offering scenic landscapes, unique attractions, tight-knit communities, and cultural depth. This list highlights eight of the most underrated towns in Massachusetts in 2025—perfect for travelers and prospective residents seeking authenticity without the crowds.

Rockport

Rockport, located on the tip of Cape Ann, is often bypassed by visitors heading for nearby Gloucester or the outer Cape. Yet this seaside town offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and small-town tranquility. The town’s signature red fishing shack, Motif No. 1, is said to be one of the most painted buildings in the United States and is the focus of an annual community festival held in mid-May. Art galleries line Bearskin Neck, and the Shalin Liu Performance Center offers concerts with panoramic ocean views. Sandy beaches, coastal hikes at Halibut Point State Park, and lobster shacks round out the charm of one of the North Shore’s most rewarding destinations.

Great Barrington

Nestled in the Berkshires, Great Barrington is often eclipsed by neighboring towns like Stockbridge and Lenox. However, it possesses a dynamic blend of artistic flair, natural beauty, and community spirit. Downtown is filled with independent bookstores, local cafes, art galleries, and boutique shops. The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center offers a year-round schedule of film, music, and theater. Outdoor enthusiasts can ski at Butternut Basin in winter or hike Monument Mountain in the warmer months. Its status as a vibrant yet low-key cultural hub makes it a gem for travelers seeking something a little more offbeat.

Shelburne Falls

This enchanting village in western Massachusetts is best known for its Flower Bridge—a decommissioned trolley bridge now overflowing with colorful blooms. Despite this beauty, it can be overlooked by tourists who are more focused on Pioneer Valley or the Berkshires. Shelburne Falls boasts a thriving arts scene, with artisan galleries, glassblowing studios, and a series of mosaic murals along the Riverwalk. The glacial potholes along the Deerfield River are a natural wonder, particularly stunning in spring and fall. The community is warm and welcoming, frequently hosting events such as the Heath Fair agricultural festival, held annually in August.

Ipswich

Despite being one of the oldest towns in America and boasting a hard-to-match collection of 17th-century homes, Ipswich tends to receive less notice than the nearby towns of Salem and Newburyport. Located along the North Shore, Ipswich is rich in colonial and maritime history. It is home to the Crane Estate, a grand early 20th-century mansion overlooking miles of conservation land and beach, all of which are now open to the public. The Ipswich River offers kayaking and peaceful walks, while the aforementioned Crane Beach is one of the most pristine stretches of sand in the state. The town also has a growing food and beer scene, another factor that makes Ipswich’s relative lack of crowds a pleasant surprise.

Deerfield

Historic Deerfield is a beautifully preserved colonial village that provides a living history experience unlike anywhere else in New England. Despite this, it is not a tourist-heavy destination on the level of Concord or Plymouth. The town features restored 18th- and 19th-century homes and museums showcasing early American life, all nestled among maple trees and stone walls. The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association curates one of the best regional history museums in the area. Beyond history, the surrounding Pioneer Valley offers four seasons of outdoor adventure in the form of hiking, river rafting, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and more.

Orleans

Although it sits on Cape Cod, Orleans often gets passed over for flashier destinations like Chatham or Provincetown. That makes it an ideal place for those seeking natural beauty and serenity without the tourist crush. Orleans is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay, offering easy access to Nauset Beach and Skaket Beach. The town’s compact downtown is home to bookstores, art galleries, and locally owned restaurants, and hosts annual events like Arts Week in April and the Cherry Blossom Festival in May. Orleans also offers access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which winds for 25 miles through forests and salt marshes.

North Adams

Situated in the northern Berkshires, North Adams has a rugged post-industrial beauty and a thriving arts scene, anchored by MASS MoCA—one of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S. North Adams has also revitalized its downtown, which hosts an annual community celebration in August, with cafes, galleries, and creative workspaces. The surrounding hills offer hiking and skiing, especially on Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. The town’s transition from mill town to creative outpost is impressive, yet its gritty aesthetic and industrial past mean it is still a hidden gem for those outside the immediate area, who are not aware of its transformation.

Hingham

Located south of Boston on the South Shore, Hingham is a coastal gem that often gets bypassed for the more well-known Cape Cod towns. However, the town’s quiet charm and refined character offer visitors a perfect blend of history and nature. With a walkable harbor, historic Main Street, and colonial architecture, Hingham feels like a movie set. It is home to the Derby Academy (founded in 1784), and several of the oldest churches and homes in the state. The town also boasts World’s End, a stunning Trustees of Reservations park with coastal trails and sweeping waterfront views.

Massachusetts is full of well-known destinations, but its lesser-known towns are often the places where the real magic happens. These eight underrated gems offer a deeper, quieter, and more meaningful experience of the Bay State. Whether you are looking for nature, history, art, or local flavor, each of these towns offers something unique without the crowds. As 2025 unfolds, consider stepping off the main road to discover what these remarkable small towns have to offer. You may just find your new favorite place!

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Linden Ponds' resident-run tutoring program offered to all staff members

Hingham, MA - Betty McIntyre and Mimi FitzGerald, residents of Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass., recently helped make a staff member's dream come true.

For nearly a year, they worked with Sandra Brandao, a member of the housekeeping staff, as she studied for her U.S. citizenship test.

"Betty and Mimi are wonderful," Brandao says. "They did a very, very good job, preparing me well for the exam."

Their meetings were part of Linden Ponds' highly respected resident-run tutoring program, offered to all staff members. The program ranges from English language skills, like literacy and reading, to U.S. citizenship applications and test preparation.

Powerful partnership

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A native of Cape Verde in Africa, Brandao has been working at Linden Ponds for two years.

When she expressed a desire to work with resident tutors to improve her English language skills and prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, the program's leadership team--led by Jane Wagner and Denise Yess--paired her with Betty and Mimi.

"Our tutors are open to help any employee that comes forward with a desire to learn," says Jane. "We work to match them with the tutor that is best for their individual needs."

The trio met for an hour every week to help her prepare for the test and interview. Brandao also received a citizenship preparation study book and financial support, funded by donations from residents, to help cover the naturalization fees.

"I wanted to become a citizen so that I could vote. I'm very excited to do that," Brandao says.

Training the tutors

New tutors receive an orientation, training, materials, and mentoring from more experienced tutors before being paired up with an employee.

"Although many of our tutors are former educators, teaching adults--especially those who may have limited English--is usually something new," notes Jane. "Or, teaching may be a new experience to them entirely. We try to provide support for all of our volunteers."

She adds, "Often, our tutors will mention that they get as much, or more, out of participating in the tutoring program than their students. It's a wonderful learning experience for both parties."

For Betty, a former middle and high school English teacher, working with Brandao was her first program pairing. Mimi quickly became an integral part of the trio.

A rewarding experience

"It's a rewarding experience to work with someone becoming a U.S. citizen," says Mimi. "Our Linden Ponds tutoring program is very unique. It's one of the most rewarding things we can do, volunteering our time and helping someone in such a meaningful way. Everyone comes out a winner."

Betty, who attended Brandao's citizenship ceremony, agrees.

"Both of my parents were immigrants and my father became a citizen before I was born," says Betty.

"This was the first time that I'd been to a citizenship ceremony, and it is quite a celebration."

She continues, "Working with Sandra was a wonderful experience. I'm so happy and proud of her. It's remarkable to witness what she has accomplished in just under a year. She is a special person, warm and loving. In addition to working, she cares for three little children, along with her husband, at home."

Continued achievements

Since her naturalization ceremony, Brandao has continued to meet weekly with Betty and Mimi to work on improving her English vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.

"Our sessions are always fun. One of my favorite things is getting Sandra to laugh," says Betty.

"I am very thankful for all the help. I am learning so much," says Brandao.

"One of the things I appreciate most about the tutoring program is the impact on community building," says Jane. "By working together, residents and staff are developing a special, different kind of relationship--one that helps them understand each other better."

"It's powerful to see the impact tutoring has on a person's life," adds Mimi. "Sandra appreciates the education she's received. She has ambitions not only for herself, but a dream for all three of her children to go to college."

As Brandao continues her studies as a new U.S. citizen, the sky's the limit for what she can achieve in her life--and her career at Linden Ponds.

"It is not unusual for employees in the tutoring program to experience a positive career change or promotion at Linden Ponds. Some have even moved up to supervisory levels. That's gratifying to all of us," says Jane.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

The toys and games are used to teach the children important skills

DGB, Community Contributor

|Updated Mon, Apr 28, 2025 at 9:07 am ET

Hingham, MA - Residents in the woodshop at Linden Ponds, an Erickson Senior Living community in Hingham, Mass have been busy volunteering their time building wooden toys and games for preschoolers who attend Head Start in Brockton and surrounding communities. The toys and games are used to teach the children important skills such as counting, spelling, shape recognition, and sharing.

“The Linden Ponds woodshop attracts a diverse array of artisans, crafters, hobbyists, wood workers along with a stained glass artisan and silver smith,” said Linden Ponds resident Tom Zarle. “It’s also used by residents who like to tinker with wood, repair a picture frame or just need a screw or hook to hang a picture. Members also assist in building sets for theatre productions here at Linden Ponds. We are thrilled we can make toys and games for children who attend Head Start.”

There are two display windows at the Linden Ponds woodshop so other residents can see what they are all creating. Residents display their work in the windows so residents and team members can see their projects. In addition to making wooden toys, they also build bookcases, bowl turning, lathe work, model ship building, wood carving, repair work for their fellow residents, and much more.

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

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