Massachusetts
Groups ring in 2024 with New Year’s Day guided hikes on Massachusetts trails
MILTON – A decades old tradition continues across Massachusetts as people kick off the New Year with a hike through local state parks. It’s called the First Day Hike.
“Blue Hills is the sight of the original First Day Hike about 33-years-ago, and that phenomenon has taken on a life of it’s own. Now most states have their own First Day Hikes, and it’s even gone international,” said Simon Schreier, a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) interpreter.
Hundreds of people came to a handful of state parks for guided walks with interpreters like Schreier.
His job is to connect people with the deeper stories and history of the areas that they are hiking, and to foster an understanding of how to keep these areas clean and healthy.
He said their job is also to bring equity and inclusion to the outdoors.
“The outdoors is a space for everyone, but historically it hasn’t always felt that way,” explained Schreier.
“It’s always incumbent on us to be thinking about who doesn’t feel invited? Who doesn’t feel this is their space, and what can we do to say, ‘Hey, we would love to have you here. This is your space.’ That’s not something you do in one day, or one week.”
These walks go a long way to getting new people into enjoying the outdoors.
Some hikers have been taking part in the tradition for decades, but some are doing it for the first time.
Hikers may be taking part in the day for personal or physical reasons.
“It’s kind of my way of saying I am still young enough,” laughed hiker Martine Carroll, “I always try to be hopeful and promising that it will be a good year.”
“I said why not get out of the bed, and bring in the New Year!” smiled Kanoi Hicks, another hiker on the trail.
“It’s a really easy, great way to get physical activity,” said Karen White as she walks along the trail, “I am out here by myself today, taking it all in, and hopefully walking away with a couple of new hiker friends to hike together with on hikes.”
“Every day is about Stanley,” joked Erin Cummings, looking down at her dog as they walk the trails of Blue Hills, “He has already been to Widow’s Walk in Scituate, and hung out with his dog friends. He went for the dog polar plunge, and now we are here. He did fabulous. You can’t keep a lab out of water.”
Schreier suggest new hikers have proper footwear, and that they tell people where they are going if they head out alone.
“Take it small chunks at a time. You don’t have to climb a huge peak right off the bat, and take into account elevation,” urged Schreier.
“Wear appropriate clothing, which means layers, because I bet you feel yourself getting toasty even on a day like today,” Schreier fniished.
Life Care Center of Raynham has received a deficiency‑free inspection result from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, a distinction awarded to a small share of the state’s licensed nursing homes, according to a community announcement.
The inspection was conducted as part of the state’s routine, unannounced nursing home survey process overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These comprehensive, multi‑day inspections evaluate multiple aspects of facility operations, including staffing levels, quality of care, medication management, cleanliness, food service and resident rights.
State survey records show that Life Care Center of Raynham met required standards during its most recent standard survey, with no deficiencies cited, based on publicly available state data.
The announcement states that fewer than 8% of Massachusetts nursing homes achieve deficiency‑free survey results. That figure could not be independently verified through state or federal data and is attributed to the announcement.
In addition to the state survey outcome, the facility is listed as a five‑star provider for quality measures on the federal Medicare Care Compare website. The five‑star quality measure rating reflects above‑average performance compared with other nursing homes nationwide, according to federal rating methodology.
Officials said the inspection results reflect ongoing compliance with state and federal standards designed to protect resident health and safety. According to the announcement, the outcome is attributed to staff performance and internal quality practices.
This story was created by Dave DeMille, ddemille@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
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Massachusetts residents love their beach towns.
And Condé Nast Magazine loves two particular beach towns in the Bay State, but surprisingly didn’t pick a beach on Cape Cod.
That’s why the towns were included on the magazine’s 2025 list of the 17 best beach towns on the East Coast.
“Whether you’re looking to lay out on the sand in summer or prefer walking along the water spotting wildlife and collecting rocks, the shores of the East Coast have a little something for everyone,” Condé Nast stated on its website.
Here’s more about the magazine’s favorite beach towns in Massachusetts.
Oak Bluffs ranked No. 5 on the list
Coming in at number 5 is one of the most popular spots on Martha’s Vineyard – Oak Bluffs.
What they said: “The colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival.”
Rockport ranked No. 4 on the list
Rockport is a town on the North Shore of the Bay State.
What they said: “The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s ‘Shutter Island’ and Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Manchester-by-the-Sea.’
“Forty miles north of Boston, (Rockport) has a can’t-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative ‘the most-often painted building in America.’ It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character.”
What other regions of New England are on the list?
According to Condé Nast, they include:
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Kennebunkport, Maine
- Newport, Rhode Island
- Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
- Madison, Connecticut
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