New novel set in Taunton; Berkley Fire Dept. turns 75; prom dress giveaway: Top stories
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.
Our top story of the past week was the latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a potential "family compound" that sold for almost one million dollars.
Other top stories included: a new novel by a local author that takes readers back to the days of colonial settlement in Taunton, and one young woman's struggles within the strict confines of that society; another sign of spring as Taunton returns to softball practice; and a look back at the history of the Berkley Fire Department, as it marks its 75th anniversary.
Rounding out our Top 5 was a story about Miss Taunton Brooklyn Toli and how she's helping others' prom dreams come true.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Greater Taunton real estate report
Our top story this past week was the latest real estate report, logging the top-selling homes in our area.
The biggest seller this time was a 4,300-square-foot sprawler of a home, located on Alfred Lord Boulevard. The multi-level Colonial sold for $880,000 on March 1, according to real estate and mortgage data company The Warren Group.
Sitting on two acres and boasting the possibility for in-law apartments, it has the potential to be a real "family compound" of a home.
Real estate report: Potential 'family compound' in Taunton sells for nearly $1 million
New novel transports readers to 17th century Taunton
From local author Kerrin Willis, of Taunton, comes “Iron & Fire,” out April 5, a novel exploring the Taunton of the 17th century, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Verity Parker, who is ahead of her time in many ways.
It's a story of romance, family drama, and trying to find stability and understanding in a world that feels like it is increasingly being turned upside down.
Check out the book, and see how you can get a signed copy at several events, right here.
Coming soon to your local bookshop: Local author's new novel, 'Iron & Fire,' transports readers to 17th-century Taunton
Spring is here and softball is back
With the return of spring, Greater Taunton baseball and softball teams are returning to the practice field.
The defending Division I state champion Taunton High School softball team has returned to the field for the first time since July, and Kyle Prudhomme was there to capture practice as it got underway.
Photos: Taunton softball returns to the diamond for spring practices
Berkley Fire Department marks 75th anniversary
Formally established in 1947, the Berkley Fire Department is celebrating its 75th anniversary. It's also marking its growth from a small town community volunteer effort to a modern yet still community-small fire and rescue department.
Michael J. DeCicco recently spoke with Fire Chief Scott Fournier, who has a long family record with the department, about Berkley Fire Department's history, and some of the more memorable blazes that the department has fought.
Through the years: Memorable blazes in Berkley history recounted as fire department turns 75
Miss Taunton helps make prom dreams come true
Prom is one of the biggest events of any student's time in high school, a night to get all decked out and enjoy dinner and dancing with friends.
It can also be very expensive.
To that end, Miss Taunton Brooklyn Toli is offering some help.
“When I was a junior and senior in high school I was blown away by the cost of prom,” said Toli, a 2016 Taunton High School graduate.
Recently, Toli, who had some pageant dresses she wanted to put to good future use, hosted the first-ever THS Prom Pop-Up Shop, where students could choose their prom attire for free.
A night out for everyone: Miss Taunton makes prom dreams come true with pageant dress giveaway
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5 real estate Iron & Fire Berkley Fire Dept prom
