ABOUT TOWN: Stoughton Fire Department's Memorial Day (And More...)

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY to: Christina McKay, a Group Fitness Instructor for the Striar Old Colony Y in Stoughton, who celebrated yesterday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY to Christy Mihos, a successful businessman, and unsuccessful Gubernatorial candidate, who appeared on Snyder's Stoughton TV Show a few times, and spoke at the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce; Happy Birthday to Kiara Yaitanes, 4 year old daughter of Phil Yaitanes, proprietor of Yaitanes Landscaping, who recently kicked the smoking habit; and Happy Birthday to Stoughton native Joanne Giannini, owner and head trainer at Body Solutions, Personal Training Services.

SIX MONTH ANNIVERSARY: It was six months ago today, , that media giant America Online brought its local web news service called Patch to Stoughton. In that time, editor Jeffrey Pickette and his staff have become part of the fabric of the community. Happy Six Month Anniversary to Stoughton Patch!

FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL DAY:  A special service was held Sunday morning at the , a moving tribute to all who have worn the uniform of the Stoughton Fire Department. Fire Department Union President Jim Curtin read the names of all deceased firefighters and on-call firefighters, while a bell was rung in their memory. 

Dozens of friends and family of current and past fire department employees gathered at the fire station, and remembered those who were lost. Selectmen John Stagnone, John Anderson and Cynthia Walsh attended this year's ceremony.

Deputy Fire Chief Scott Breen acted as Emcee of the event, while Acting Fire Chief Mark Dolloff also took part. Breen's daughter, Mallory, sang the national anthem.

The night before (Saturday), the 1st Annual Dinner to salute retired firefighters took place. Jim Curtin and Mike Schifone did all the cooking. Fourteen or so retirees enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner. "It will only grow," said Breen, "It's the first time." 

And, after Sunday's Memorial Ceremony, a re-dedication ceremony was held for the two firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.  Edward Kelleher Drive (off Plain Street) and Ave (off Summer Street) got new signs (pictured in our gallery) that specify when they paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the safety of their town.

These signs were the late  idea, which were also insitututed at where gave their lives. It came to fruition for theee two firefighters, as well.  

Retired Fire Chief Paul Roach put it succinctly at the Memorial Service: "We cannot and will not forget their sacrifice."  Former Fire Chiefs Ed Carroll and David Jardin were also on hand.

ANIMAL MAGNETISM: Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill Wildlife Gallery is pleased to announce its summer exhibit featuring the whimsical and engaging work of two outstanding artists, photographer Scott Goetz and painter Caryn King. Expressive and imaginative, both artists share the amazing ability to convey the inner character and spirit of animals that live among us. Simple yet powerful, these capricious creatures will long be remembered by the viewer.

Join them for the Opening Reception with the artists, Thursday, June 23, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy the unique “good time” string music of the The String Benders. The exhibit will run June 16 – September 5. The Gallery is open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Moose Hill Sanctuary is located at 293 Moose Hill Street in Sharon. For more information, visit their website www.massaudubon.org. or call 781-784-5691.

Check back later today for the Afternoon Edition of About Town with Mark Snyder.